Selected quad for the lemma: faith_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n rule_n scripture_n tradition_n 12,255 5 9.8749 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o paganism_n the_o turck_n their_o alcoran_n the_o jew_n their_o talmud_n the_o papist_n their_o catechism_n counsel_n custom_n and_o tradition_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o this_o this_o will_v show_v they_o all_o to_o be_v stark_o counterfeit_v very_a dross_n and_o filth_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v once_o look_v after_o much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o precious_a golden_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o last_o yet_o mistake_v not_o as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o salvation_n be_v express_o in_o the_o word_n same_o that_o be_v by_o name_n and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n as_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o to_o be_v deduct_v by_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a reason_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v those_o thing_n that_o concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o miracle_n or_o discipline_n either_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n as_o it_o contain_v altogether_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o do_v miracle_n matth._n 10.1_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o &c_n &c_n and_o mark_v 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.9.10_o to_o another_o be_v give_v the_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n that_o plant_v it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n their_o doctrine_n and_o write_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o power_n be_v restrain_v and_o what_o church_n soever_o challenge_v this_o power_n therein_o may_v just_o be_v censure_v for_o anti-christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o second_o or_o discipline_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o second_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o ceremony_n we_o understand_v the_o time_n place_n and_o gesture_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n we_o will_v contrive_v the_o whole_a business_n into_o this_o observation_n every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n within_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o note_n doct._n first_o i_o say_v every_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o invisible_a not_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o one_o settle_v outward_a state_n can_v have_v no_o such_o order_n second_o i_o say_v particular_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o general_a visible_a church_n can_v so_o be_v proper_o assign_v to_o a_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o common_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o outward_a rite_n three_o i_o say_v have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v ceretaine_n rite_n four_o i_o say_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o church_n business_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n five_o i_o say_v they_o must_v be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o one_o church_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v another_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v except_o their_o case_n be_v very_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o note_n be_v clear_a we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n act_n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o touch_v circumcision_n a_o outward_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v withal_o about_o it_o and_o according_o they_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o 23._o verse_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o show_v their_o power_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n be_v perpetual_a the_o course_n must_v be_v perpetual_a too_o and_o they_o show_v their_o power_n both_o in_o disannul_v some_o ceremony_n as_o circumcision_n vers_fw-la 10._o as_o abstaming_a from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n verse_n 20._o which_o be_v certain_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o the_o apostle_n show_v of_o meat_n 1_o corinth_n 8.8_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o only_a in_o thing_n needful_a as_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o already_o which_o be_v general_o understand_v of_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o plain_a enough_o for_o after_o verse_n 3_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v they_o other_o ordinance_n keep_v which_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v they_o before_o concern_v the_o uncover_v of_o the_o man_n head_n and_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o woman_n head_n which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o comeliness_n sake_n he_o do_v there_o enjoin_v they_o and_o verse_n 20_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v certain_a other_o ordinance_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o their_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
esa_n 9.21_o and_o so_o the_o papist_n be_v against_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o both_o against_o our_o church_n of_o england_n each_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o open_a mouth_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o stand_v therein_o and_o the_o papist_n think_v we_o can_v justify_v our_o self_n against_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n boast_v that_o we_o can_v acquit_v ourselves_o of_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o popery_n here_o than_o be_v our_o present_a task_n how_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o adversary_n that_o we_o may_v fall_v foul_a on_o neither_o they_o do_v not_o assault_v we_o both_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o several_a quarrel_n and_o each_o do_v manage_v a_o several_a fight_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v frame_v our_o several_a defence_n according_o against_o they_o the_o papist_n he_o strike_v main_o against_o our_o religion_n the_o very_a life_n of_o our_o church_n the_o separatist_n strike_v special_o at_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n the_o exception_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o yet_o altogether_o unjust_a and_o untrue_a us._n that_o of_o the_o separatist_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o more_o colour_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n but_o be_v much_o less_o dangerous_a first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o papist_n as_o be_v the_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o the_o two_o and_o his_o quarrel_n the_o great_a and_o because_o he_o except_v against_o our_o religion_n we_o will_v balance_v their_o religion_n and_o we_o together_o and_o so_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o trial_n and_o join_v in_o this_o issue_n whether_o their_o religion_n be_v better_a than_o we_o or_o our_o religion_n better_o than_o they_o and_o because_o false_a balance_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v disclaim_v they_o carnal_a reason_n outward_a pomp_n plausible_a show_n and_o probability_n be_v deceitful_a weight_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o use_n let_v we_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o scale_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o equal_a and_o true_a weight_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o be_v by_o such_o spiritual_a and_o sound_a consideration_n as_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o try_v by_o it_o be_v tedious_a if_o not_o infinite_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o i_o will_v therefore_o cull_v out_o six_o or_o seven_o of_o the_o principal_a for_o instance_n and_o thereby_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o will_v weigh_v they_o in_o four_o exceptionlesse_a balance_n and_o make_v it_o plain_a god_n willing_a in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o six_o or_o seven_o instance_n by_o every_o of_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o our_o religion_n will_v hold_v weight_n full_a weight_n down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o that_o they_o be_v too_o light_a not_o worthy_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o beam_n balance_n the_o four_o balance_n that_o we_o will_v weigh_v these_o instance_n in_o be_v first_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n second_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n three_o the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n four_o the_o balance_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n the_o instance_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o which_o we_o will_v weigh_v in_o these_o balance_n be_v these_o be_v the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n it_o have_v above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n the_o second_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n against_o man_n freewill_n the_o three_o be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n of_o merit_n the_o four_o be_v of_o christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n the_o five_o be_v of_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n the_o six_o be_v of_o our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n the_o last_o instance_n be_v of_o our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n and_o plain_a deal_n that_o all_o may_v look_v into_o they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n and_o huckurmucker_n of_o these_o in_o order_n and_o first_o let_v we_o weigh_v these_o seven_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o balance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n for_o that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o tend_v most_o direct_o and_o entire_o to_o god_n glory_n all_o that_o we_o do_v must_v be_v frame_v and_o refer_v to_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o special_o our_o religion_n col._n 3.16.17_o and_o if_o man_n shall_v devise_v a_o religion_n for_o any_o god_n true_a or_o false_a they_o will_v resolve_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n whereby_o that_o god_n to_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v may_v be_v most_o glorify_v yea_o our_o very_a religion_n itself_o what_o be_v it_o but_o our_o worship_v of_o believe_v in_o call_v upon_o and_o obey_v god_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o very_a glorify_v of_o god_n but_o the_o religion_n profess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v most_o direct_o and_o entire_o tend_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o but_o contrary_o it_o tend_v to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o these_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n glory_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n thereof_o above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n put_v this_o into_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o admit_v as_o we_o do_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a in_o itself_o and_o have_v absolute_a authority_n above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n and_o see_v how_o god_n glory_n be_v thereby_o advance_a for_o thereby_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v provide_v most_o bountiful_o and_o sufficient_o for_o his_o church_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o need_v no_o addition_n and_o thereby_o god_n shall_v rule_v by_o his_o own_o will_n and_o law_n and_o be_v worship_v by_o his_o own_o ordinance_n only_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n great_a honour_n but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o prefer_v or_o equal_v the_o church_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o mingle_v tradition_n with_o god_n word_n and_o all_o this_o glory_n shall_v be_v much_o eclipse_v the_o second_o instance_n be_v of_o god_n freegrace_n balance_n against_o man_n freewill_n admit_v that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v or_o have_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o any_o will_n or_o towardliness_n to_o good_a in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v thereby_o right_o and_o true_o glorify_v if_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n of_o ourselves_o no_o not_o to_o think_v well_o but_o that_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n be_v both_o from_o god_n grace_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o abilty_a or_o desire_n or_o endeavour_n but_o as_o we_o be_v effectual_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o our_o work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v here_o do_v to_o god_n be_v whole_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n alone_o but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o avouch_v that_o there_o be_v some_o freedom_n in_o our_o own_o will_n to_o good_a than_o god_n do_v the_o less_o for_o we_o and_o so_o do_v the_o less_o glorify_v himself_o on_o we_o extol_v man_n in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n and_o dishonour_n god_n but_o dishonour_n man_n herein_o and_o extol_v god_n the_o three_o instance_n be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n balance_n if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o we_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n and_o we_o yield_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o glory_n and_o prerogative_n of_o our_o alone_a and_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n and_o we_o magnify_v his_o righteousness_n as_o be_v of_o that_o infinite_a worth_n and_o power_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o as_o to_o make_v we_o true_o and_o perfect_o righteous_a that_o believe_v it_o which_o as_o his_o proper_a due_n be_v direct_o assign_v of_o his_o father_n and_o just_o challenge_v by_o himself_o and_o worthy_o obtain_v by_o his_o do_n suffering_n and_o victory_n but_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o we_o do_v merit_v some_o favour_n with_o god_n by_o our_o own_o good_a work_n and_o then_o we_o detract_v from_o christ_n glory_n and_o make_v man_n compartner_n together_o with_o christ_n in_o this_o glorious_a work_n
messiah_n because_o he_o be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o mean_a in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v so_o blind_v that_o see_v they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o the_o four_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v scripture_n be_v this_o we_o must_v bring_v humility_n with_o we_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n lay_v down_o our_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fashion_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o to_o such_o the_o promise_n of_o teach_v be_v make_v psal_n 25.9_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n empty_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n deny_v thyself_o that_o god_n may_v teach_v thou_o and_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a five_o we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o after_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n without_o which_o it_o will_v starve_v and_o die_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v matth._n 5.6_o six_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v a_o good_a mark_n to_o aim_v at_o when_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n namely_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n not_o to_o know_v it_o only_o but_o to_o live_v by_o it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v we_o must_v say_v lord_n it_o be_v thy_o face_n we_o seek_v and_o thy_o glory_n we_o aymeat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n that_o god_n himself_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o scripture_n to_o thou_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o set_v the_o same_o end_n before_o thou_o god_n will_v sure_o assist_v and_o bless_v thou_o according_o last_o before_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v look_v well_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o mark_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o ability_n and_o gift_n and_o attempt_v not_o high_o than_o thou_o can_v reach_v without_o strain_v too_o much_o for_o many_o strive_v to_o reach_v high_a than_o their_o strength_n and_o ability_n will_v reach_v unto_o have_v overreach_v themselves_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o rome_n 12.3.4_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v to_o understand_v above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v itself_o but_o that_o he_o understand_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n second_o in_o the_o business_n itself_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v first_o we_o must_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v it_o and_o consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o consistence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o word_n go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o and_o compare_v sense_n with_o sense_n and_o phrase_n with_o phrase_n and_o if_o thy_o skill_n can_v reach_v so_o far_o go_v to_o the_o original_n and_o thus_o do_v thou_o shall_v see_v the_o sense_n arise_v from_o the_o word_n sensible_o as_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fountain_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a and_o contain_v dark_a speech_n high_a matter_n and_o doubtful_a word_n how_o can_v the_o unlearned_a then_o expound_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o for_o fundamental_a point_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n they_o be_v most_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v or_o at_o least_o in_o other_o place_n as_o always_o we_o find_v it_o the_o lord_n still_o confirm_v every_o truth_n by_o the_o ●outh_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n other_o point_n also_o be_v plain_a enough_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o a_o proportionable_a capacity_n i_o say_v not_o to_o every_o capacity_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o matter_n concern_v salvation_n be_v plain_a enough_o in_o scripture_n that_o be_v enough_o but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o tie_v we_o to_o this_o rule_n to_o seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o scripture_n you_o do_v but_o as_o heretic_n use_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o have_v be_v their_o own_o fault_n the_o fault_n have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n many_o pray_v but_o they_o pray_v amiss_o as_o s._n james_n say_v spirit_n shall_v not_o we_o pray_v because_o of_o that_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o action_n be_v this_o we_o must_v go_v and_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n who_o understand_v they_o and_o best_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 16._o and_o therefore_o consult_v with_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n too_o this_o be_v true_a say_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o prayer_n and_o heavenly_a meditation_n the_o spirit_n be_v by_o name_n christ_n substitute_n on_o earth_n for_o this_o business_n john_n 14.25_o 26._o to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o look_v what_o our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n luke_n 24.32_o 45._o he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o disciple_n and_o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o may_v conceive_v they_o so_o do_v the_o spirit_n now_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o &_o our_o understand_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v they_o &_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o have_v you_o he_o spirit_n say_v the_o papist_n yea_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o to_o the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o learnede_a and_o therefore_o that_o be_v but_o a_o scoff_n of_o they_o to_o say_v you_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n have_v you_o the_o spirit_n three_o we_o must_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v to_o those_o know_a ground_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o not_o admit_v of_o any_o sense_n to_o cross_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o marrow_n of_o scripture_n in_o fundamental_a matter_n they_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o scripture_n itself_o only_o they_o differ_v in_o manner_n that_o which_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v there_o set_v down_o in_o a_o brief_a form_n that_o so_o our_o eye_n may_v the_o better_o be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 12.6_o to_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o portion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o that_o four_o we_o must_v use_v all_o industry_n diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o study_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n these_o help_n procure_v rare_a and_o excellent_a thing_n in_o carnal_a business_n and_o so_o will_v do_v much_o more_o in_o god_n business_n labour_n for_o the_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 6.27_o last_o make_v use_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o and_o of_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o scripture_n both_o old_a and_o new_a the_o papist_n bely_v we_o when_o they_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o scorn_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n no_o we_o harken_v to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o be_v much_o rule_v by_o her_o judgement_n yet_o not_o to_o build_v only_o or_o chief_o thereon_o but_o to_o be_v instruct_v thereby_o and_o to_o be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o dissent_v for_o who_o among_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o they_o of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o the_o three_o place_n after_o we_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v do_v after_o we_o have_v lay_v the_o book_n of_o god_n by_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v do_v then_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o fayling_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n on_o our_o labour_n for_o prayer_n must_v be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o last_o duty_n we_o must_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o it_o second_o meditation_n we_o must_v meditate_v of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o mary_n do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o
that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o true_a ordination_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v our_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n use_v 3_o three_o answer_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o that_o question_n which_o the_o papist_n ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n do_v he_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n no_o he_o erect_v no_o new_a church_n but_o by_o his_o ministry_n bring_v many_o faithful_a out_o of_o their_o impure_a and_o unsound_a church_n church_n into_o a_o more_o sound_a and_o pure_a church_n not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n for_o then_o he_o have_v be_v a_o schismatique_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o point_n well_o consider_v prevent_v a_o number_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o if_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o heat_n of_o zeal_n as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 4_o four_o this_o may_v comfort_v we_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o father_n that_o have_v live_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n church_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v in_o no_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v save_v far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o no_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o live_v in_o a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o where_o sound_a in_o those_o time_n and_o now_o save_v they_o attain_v not_o to_o that_o high_a strain_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o do_v that_o they_o do_v ignorant_o or_o whether_o they_o do_v challenge_v or_o disclaim_v their_o merit_n on_o their_o death_n bed_n many_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n disclaim_v their_o merit_n now_o though_o that_o point_n now_o be_v more_o stiff_o defend_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n then_o ever_o it_o be_v much_o more_o do_v they_o do_v it_o then_o now_o to_o disclaim_v all_o their_o own_o merit_n at_o their_o death_n be_v not_o that_o both_o repentance_n of_o former_a error_n if_o any_o in_o that_o kind_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o too_o if_o any_o believe_v in_o christ_n crucify_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n though_o he_o hold_v but_o by_o the_o hem_n of_o his_o garment_n shall_v he_o perish_v sure_o no._n use_v 5_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v charity_n towards_o they_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n in_o censure_v of_o their_o estate_n we_o be_v not_o rigorous_o and_o rash_o to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o disciple_n will_v have_v christ_n have_v do_v on_o the_o samaritan_n no_o you_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o say_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v not_o rash_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v unbeliever_n but_o rather_o misbeliever_n and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o point_n what_o in_o charity_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n maybe_o say_v for_o that_o church_n the_o seven_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o last_o point_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o the_o application_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o church_n that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n after_o we_o have_v divide_v they_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o language_n into_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o eastern_a and_o greek_a church_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o western_a and_o latin_a church_n and_o of_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n other_o have_v shake_v off_o that_o yoke_n and_o headshippe_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o she_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o her_o adherent_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n ●o_o be_v the_o daughter_n as_o i_o have_v say_v rome_n now_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o propound_v these_o two_o observation_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o first_o what_o may_v be-spoken_a in_o charity_n for_o she_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n too_o and_o of_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v second_o what_o in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n too_o may_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a iugement_n against_o she_o a_o point_n very_o needful_a to_o be_v well_o clear_v and_o right_o understand_v for_o whereas_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o former_a observation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v right_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n '_o every_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o except_v against_o it_o and_o say_v why_o then_o have_v ye●_n forsake_v it_o why_o do_v you_o not_o still_o hold_v communion_n with_o she_o what_o just_a exception_n can_v you_o allege_v for_o your_o separation_n from_o she_o for_o answer_n to_o which_o exception_n doct._n 2_o i_o will_v propound_v in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o observation_n namely_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v marvelous_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o corrupt_a with_o many_o foul_a abuse_n error_n and_o abomination_n yea_o so_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o she_o the_o observation_n you_o see_v consist_v of_o two_o branch_n the_o former_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o latter_a avouch_v that_o she_o be_v pollute_v with_o many_o foul_a abomination_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o inference_n from_o the_o former_a that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a nor_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o she_o the_o whole_a observation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o that_o church_n special_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o popish_a faction_n the_o pope_n and_o his_o darling_n for_o as_o when_o we_o speak_v in_o charity_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n it_o be_v intend_v of_o some_o that_o be_v of_o better_a spirit_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o some_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n as_o the_o rest_n so_o now_o that_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v in_o zeal_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v so_o foul_o pollute_v that_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o join_v with_o they_o factor_n it_o be_v intend_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o chief_a darling_n and_o factor_n call_v the_o popish_a faction_n neither_o be_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o the_o church_n that_o we_o so_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o general_a term_n because_o the_o church_n and_o faction_n be_v there_o mingle_v together_o in_o that_o body_n as_o when_o we_o come_v into_o a_o barn_n floor_n and_o see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o chaff_n in_o the_o same_o heap_n with_o good_a wheat_n we_o may_v speak_v favourable_o of_o the_o wheat_n and_o say_v there_o be_v good_a corn_n and_o we_o may_v speak_v disgraceful_o of_o it_o too_o and_o say_v it_o be_v but_o light_a stuff_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o condemn_v her_o corruption_n doctrine_n and_o we_o will_v reduce_v all_o her_o corruption_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n first_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n second_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o though_o these_o be_v much_o incident_a one_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o for_o playnnesse_n sake_n we_o will_v distinguish_v they_o god_n will_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v first_o for_o doctrine_n the_o point_n be_v this_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n understand_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n be_v very_o unsound_a and_o corrupt_a full_a of_o gross_a and_o abominable_a error_n they_o have_v change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n light_n into_o darkness_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n &_o the_o comfortable_a doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n into_o the_o eror_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o work_n and_o merit_n and_o of_o man_n tradition_n we_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v too_o much_o scripture_n only_o we_o will_v show_v it_o in_o some_o chief_a particular_n &_o that_o brief_o we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o be_v error_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v concern_v the_o direct_a
indirect_a allegation_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o god_n commandment_n bid_v we_o to_o do_v well_o and_o from_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o do_v well_o which_o rather_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o then_o imply_v any_o ability_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o in_o ourselves_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n we_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 3.20_o 28_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gal._n 2.16_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n &c_n &c_n and_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a james_n 2.24_o you_o see_v then_o how_o that_o of_o work_n a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o of_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o former_a except_o they_o will_v blaspheme_v and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v contradict_v himself_o but_o be_v plain_o speak_v of_o another_o say_v that_o be_v dead_a verse_n 90._o whereas_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o another_o justification_n that_o be_v before_o man_n as_o verse_n 18._o whereas_o this_o be_v before_o god_n ●ule_n the_o four_o instance_n christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n we_o hold_v and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o revel_v 8.3_o another_o angel_n come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n have_v a_o golden_a censor_n and_o much_o odour_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n who_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o law_n exod._n 28.38_o do_v appear_v before_o god_n make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o show_n of_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n neither_o for_o any_o one_o no_o nor_o for_o all_o the_o saint_n together_o to_o do_v the_o like_a rule_n the_o five_o instance_n the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n john_n 4.23.24_o that_o all_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n require_v even_o such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o exod._n 20.4_o 5._o thou_o shall_v make_v thou_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o &c_n &c_n this_o second_o commandment_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o this_o that_o the_o papist_n leave_v it_o out_o in_o some_o of_o their_o catechism_n and_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o commandment_n by_o divide_v the_o last_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tit●le_a of_o scripture_n for_o image_n neither_o precept_n dispensation_n exception_n or_o example_n approve_v ●rule_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v fearful_o threaten_v and_o strange_o punish_v the_o six_o instance_n our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n our_o communion_n be_v warrant_v by_o god_n word_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25_o &c_n &c_n whereas_o their_o mass_n have_v no_o warrant_n at_o all_o in_o the_o word_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o it_o find_v there_o nor_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n rule_n nor_o any_o intimation_n of_o repeat_v it_o but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v hebr._n 10.10_o 14._o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n once_o make_v with_o one_o offering_n &c_n &c_n the_o seven_o instance_n our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n our_o prayer_n make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n be_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o 15._o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o &c_n &c_n and_o so_o for_o the_o word_n to_o be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o have_v his_o warrant_n matth._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o prou._n 9.4_o 5._o who_o be_v simple_a let_v he_o come_v hither_o &c_n &c_n and_o esa_n 55.1.3_o loe_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n &c_n &c_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v so_o likewise_o have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n his_o warrant_n joh._n 9.35_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o our_o saviour_n require_v a_o explicit_a and_o particular_a faith_n in_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o &c_n &c_n that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 7.6_o give_v you_o not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n &c_n &c_n be_v a_o malicious_a pervert_v of_o christ_n word_n to_o his_o people_n destruction_n and_o their_o own_o ruin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o oar_n full_a weight_n in_o this_o second_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o try_v they_o in_o the_o three_o balance_n bal●_n the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o powerful_a to_o work_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o our_o call_n and_o the_o end_n of_o ●●_o what_o cold_a devotion_n will_v there_o be_v in_o we_o and_o what_o hourly_a prayer_n and_o little_a faith_n and_o less_o reverence_n as_o deal_v with_o man_n and_o not_o with_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o five_o instance_n rule_n if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n without_o image_n it_o work_v in_o we_o spiritualnesse_n and_o truth_n for_o we_o present_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o worship_n naked_o without_o any_o image_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o before_o a_o pure_a spirit_n we_o be_v stir_v up_o thereby_o and_o grow_v by_o use_n to_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o his_o own_o image_n to_o be_v spiritual_a man_n and_o spiritual_o mind_v &_o spiritual_o affect_v our_o understanding_n will_n thought_n desire_n meditation_n and_o course_n will_v be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a lift_v up_o to_o a_o high_a strain_n in_o affection_n and_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o to_o be_v true_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n against_o all_o carelessness_n and_o hypocrisy_n rule_n and_o formality_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n six_o our_o spiritual_a and_o true_a communion_n with_o christ_n against_o their_o mass_n by_o this_o communion_n christ_n spiritual_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o mystical_a body_n here_o faith_n do_v her_o right_a office_n in_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n sound_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n whereas_o in_o the_o mass_n there_o be_v but_o the_o flesh_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n profit_v nothing_o and_o the_o bodily_a eye_n and_o hand_n and_o mouth_n and_o belly_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o &_o faith_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o seven_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v carry_v open_o rule_n and_o not_o in_o a_o cloud_n then_o all_o be_v do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a will_n desire_n devotion_n affection_n and_o endevoure_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n as_o may_v best_o beseem_v he_o and_o
this_o as_o a_o general_a ground_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o not_o in_o this_o and_o their_o reach_n herein_o be_v to_o make_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o suspend_v themselves_o upon_o their_o church_n as_o that_o be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o to_o receive_v that_o religion_n and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o their_o church_n do_v teach_v for_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o we_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n you_o must_v find_v it_o out_o by_o our_o church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o gift_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o whereas_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o the_o scripture_n have_v another_o way_n and_o a_o better_a joh_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o church_n than_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v well_o assure_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n before_o he_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o judgement_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o whereas_o before_o his_o care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o thereupon_o resolve_v to_o search_v it_o out_o from_o the_o true_a church_n now_o his_o first_o and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o other_o company_n that_o be_v not_o may_v and_o do_v brag_v ofttimes_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n this_o doctrine_n tell_v we_o direct_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v where_o be_v it_o that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v profess_v there_o and_o no_o where_o else_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_a as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v be_v the_o only_a way_n or_o at_o least_o the_o chief_a way_n to_o find_v out_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o case_n be_v this_o we_o say_v the_o true_a religion_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o true_a church_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o that_o they_o say_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a in_o a_o better_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n show_v the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o cause_n show_v the_o effect_n but_o the_o church_n show_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o the_o effect_n show_v the_o cause_n as_o for_o example_n the_o sunshine_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o day_n prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v now_o one_o man_n may_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o say_v the_o sun_n shine_v therefore_o it_o be_v day_n another_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v day_n therefore_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o both_o say_v true_a but_o the_o first_o be_v the_o more_o forcible_a kind_n of_o reason_v when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n so_o when_o i_o reason_n thus_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o the_o true_a church_n here_o i_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o forcible_a and_o better_a reason_n then_o to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o true_a church_n therefore_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v but_o to_o reason_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n where_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n now_o what_o serve_v that_o for_o but_o only_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n then_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n now_o the_o candlestick_n be_v not_o see_v at_o all_o without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n though_o it_o be_v of_o gold_n so_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o candlestick_n if_o it_o hold_v not_o forth_o the_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n it_o can_v be_v see_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o make_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n make_v it_o visible_a then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n nor_o yet_o the_o best_a way_n but_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o papist_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n be_v it_o so_o that_o every_o congregation_n open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n then_o here_o be_v the_o straight_a and_o precise_a rule_n to_o measure_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n by_o the_o definition_n contain_v all_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o no_o more_o therefore_o look_v wheresoever_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o look_v where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v for_o these_o hold_n in_o reciprocal_a term_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o will_v prove_v any_o assembly_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o reprove_v and_o convince_v any_o for_o a_o false_a we_o must_v lay_v it_o to_o this_o rule_n so_o whether_o they_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o according_o esteem_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a church_n here_o certain_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o what_o 1._o do_v you_o say_v that_o a_o company_n profess_v the_o save_a truth_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n will_v profession_n only_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o it_o be_v require_v answ_n that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v among_o they_o indeed_o else_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n second_o that_o be_v among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v smother_v but_o profess_v three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o outward_o profess_v but_o inward_o embrace_v too_o at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o 2._o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o but_o what_o say_v you_o if_o they_o profess_v it_o with_o their_o lip_n and_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n be_v such_o a_o church_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n a_o fearful_a state_n be_v all_o such_o church_n in_o for_o god_n can_v be_v more_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n more_o grieve_v his_o gospel_n more_o reproach_v his_o child_n more_o offend_v satan_n and_o all_o god_n enemy_n more_o gratify_v and_o advantage_v then_o by_o this_o yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o fall_n away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o that_o some_o do_v live_v as_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o be_v not_o see_v to_o us._n and_o therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o not_o to_o be_v outward_o discern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a and_o impure_a one_o 3._o the_o three_o exception_n but_o what_o say_v you_o of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a faith_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o certain_a some_o cross_a opinion_n which_o overthrow_n it_o answ_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o manner_n of_o opinion_n these_o be_v which_o that_o church_n hold_v first_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n second_o whether_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n three_o whether_o they_o be_v persist_v in_o after_o they_o have_v be_v admonish_v by_o
and_o so_o they_o have_v these_o note_n and_o mark_n in_o some_o degree_n second_o consider_v in_o what_o state_n or_o sense_n these_o mark_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a church_n in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a degree_n there_o be_v the_o true_a word_n without_o tradition_n the_o true_a sacrament_n none_o but_o those_o that_o christ_n institute_v true_a obedience_n without_o resistance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o this_o true_a word_n must_v be_v true_o and_o sound_o preecht_v these_o sacrament_n only_o so_o administer_v as_o christ_n have_v command_v without_o any_o addition_n and_o this_o true_a obedience_n true_o profess_v without_o any_o sinister_a respect_n and_o this_o all_o church_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o and_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v general_o otherwise_o in_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o corruption_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a mark_n be_v find_v in_o any_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o right_o and_o sincere_o carry_v as_o they_o shall_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o some_o other_o if_o they_o have_v the_o true_a word_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o error_n so_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o more_o corrupt_a as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n embrace_v the_o true_a word_n but_o not_o true_o preach_v for_o they_o teach_v justification_n by_o work_n gal._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o be_v so_o call_v gal._n 1.2_o so_o second_o for_o the_o sacrament_n look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n they_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o deprave_a and_o not_o so_o sincere_o administer_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n last_o for_o profession_n of_o obedience_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3.3.1_o have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a 123._o they_o be_v general_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o church_n yet_o because_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o sincere_o and_o because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v true_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o 4._o ver_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o the_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v in_o but_o only_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o a_o uncharitable_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o not_o to_o esteem_v it_o for_o a_o true_a church_n because_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o true_o preach_v nor_o the_o sacrament_n so_o right_o administer_v nor_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o sincere_o yield_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o be_v not_o more_o except_o 2_o know_n than_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v disable_v by_o your_o own_o rule_n before_o give_v from_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n i_o answer_v they_o must_v be_v and_o be_v better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n for_o see_v that_o only_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v more_o know_v so_o they_o must_v be_v first_o know_v i_o know_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o by_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o church_n by_o their_o faith_n only_o and_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o i_o know_v a_o musician_n because_o of_o his_o music_n not_o the_o music_n by_o the_o musician_n and_o so_o much_o for_o reproof_n of_o these_o first_o sort_n of_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n exception_n second_o it_o reprove_v other_o that_o object_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o mark_n require_v as_o well_o as_o these_o as_o first_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o obedience_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o say_v they_o there_o except_o 1_o must_v be_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v presuppose_v and_o intend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a mark_n answ_n when_o we_o say_v except_o 2_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v answ_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o special_o discipline_n except_o 3_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a mark_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v a_o good_a mark_n answ_n but_o not_o essential_a the_o church_n have_v a_o be_v and_o a_o well-being_n discipline_n be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o necessary_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a i_o confess_v where_o that_o discipline_n want_v that_o god_n call_v for_o in_o his_o word_n that_o so_o far_o that_o church_n be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n but_o yet_o not_o a_o false_a church_n as_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n his_o sinew_n be_v weak_a his_o hand_n tremble_v his_o joint_n be_v not_o sound_o knit_v together_o this_o be_v a_o craze_a and_o disease_a man_n not_o a_o false_a man_n so_o that_o church_n that_o want_v discipline_n be_v not_o well_o and_o sound_o tie_v together_o in_o the_o joint_n and_o so_o be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n not_o a_o false_a church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o their_o corruption_n for_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v against_o they_o but_o yet_o let_v we_o judge_v charitable_o and_o not_o say_v such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o false_a church_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a church_n they_o three_o and_o last_o there_o be_v other_o adversary_n here_o reprove_v that_o object_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o they_o be_v the_o papist_n they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o mark_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a but_o other_o be_v more_o require_v than_o these_o and_o that_o as_o better_a mark_n they_o allege_v four_o first_o antiquity_n second_o succession_n three_o multitude_n last_o unity_n or_o consent_n these_o be_v strange_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n first_o for_o antiquity_n can_v that_o find_v i_o out_o the_o true_a church_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v ancient_a therefore_o it_o be_v antiquity_n of_o truth_n not_o of_o place_n or_o people_n look_v what_o church_n maintain_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n so_o that_o antiquity_n separate_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n cain_n and_o satan_n be_v ancient_a yet_o no_o true_a church_n but_o join_v this_o note_n with_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a word_n preach_v which_o be_v one_o of_o our_o note_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o true_a mark_n second_o for_o succession_n what_o succession_n of_o bishop_n or_o of_o man_n that_o sit_v in_o one_o chair_n be_v this_o a_o note_n without_o the_o word_n or_o with_o it_o if_o they_o say_v without_o the_o word_n that_o be_v fals●●f_a with_o the_o word_n than_o still_o they_o run_v upon_o our_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o say_v that_o succession_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v a_o special_a note_n of_o the_o church_n succession_n of_o itself_o be_v no_o note_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o horse_n because_o this_o be_v my_o bridle_n as_o if_o his_o bridle_n will_v not_o serve_v any_o other_o horse_n three_o for_o multitude_n they_o make_v that_o a_o note_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o general_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o few_o in_o number_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o great_a number_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o by_o this_o rule_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o jew_n be_v
that_o outward_a government_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o use_v 4_o four_o see_v there_o be_v a_o outward_a government_n necessary_a in_o god_n church_n for_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o then_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v content_a with_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v for_o though_o it_o concern_v not_o our_o life_n yet_o it_o concern_v our_o health_n though_o it_o concern_v not_o the_o be_v yet_o it_o concern_v the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o his_o place_n both_o those_o that_o govern_v that_o they_o govern_v according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o those_o that_o obey_v that_o they_o obey_v according_a to_o god_n word_n use_v 5_o last_o this_o reprove_v those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o not_o as_o man_n and_o minister_n to_o exercise_v this_o government_n but_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o against_o god_n word_n to_o devise_v a_o new_a government_n so_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v not_o only_o exercise_v the_o government_n as_o a_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o lord_n the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v direct_o against_o it_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o where_o he_o give_v all_o minister_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v be_v head_n and_o lord_n over_o all_o church_n on_o earth_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n though_o we_o say_v he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o mean_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o i_o have_v say_v heretofore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v harsh_a and_o dangerous_a yet_o this_o word_n ministerial_a qualify_v it_o well_o if_o it_o be_v sober_o understand_v it_o may_v agree_v to_o a_o particular_a but_o never_o to_o the_o general_a church_n over_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_v it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o fifteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o enter_v into_o the_o business_n concern_v church_n government_n in_o handle_v whereof_o we_o propound_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o discourse_v upon_o first_o of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasional_o bring_v forth_o in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o three_o former_a we_o have_v already_o hear_v now_o we_o be_v as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o word_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-governement_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o such_o a_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v behooveful_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o use_n to_o have_v a_o long_a desire_n after_o it_o he_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v where_o it_o be_v be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o he_o may_v come_v by_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v your_o pure_a mind_n in_o this_o case_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church-government_n you_o have_v see_v also_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o you_o will_v cast_v about_o to_o see_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o your_o desire_n i_o will_v propound_v it_o here_o by_o way_n of_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n in_o every_o particular_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o it_o be_v find_v any_o where_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o must_v have_v god_n own_o warrant_n and_o ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n but_o in_o his_o word_n second_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o church_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n it_o must_v be_v fashion_v to_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o who_o be_v to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o house_n but_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n and_o who_o shall_v prescribe_v order_n for_o this_o house_n the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o this_o house_n and_o we_o can_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n spirit_n reveal_v god_n mind_n only_o by_o god_n word_n therefore_o we_o must_v do_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o all_o other_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n in_o religion_n fly_v to_o the_o golden_a rule_n isai_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o god_n word_n must_v be_v consult_v withal_o and_o what_o that_o faith_n must_v be_v embrace_v if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n in_o it_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o no_o light_n be_v in_o we_o at_o all_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v second_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n they_o testify_v of_o i_o not_o only_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o or_o what_o he_o be_v but_o of_o his_o mind_n what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o all_o our_o course_n position_n now_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o what_o order_n it_o take_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v true_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o these_o two_o position_n first_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n as_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n how_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o second_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o set_v particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o two_o position_n be_v well_o understand_v do_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o point_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n the_o other_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o contradiction_n and_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v by_o this_o distinction_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o general_a another_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a the_o affirmative_a position_n say_v that_o it_o be_v whole_o set_v down_o there_o in_o the_o general_a and_o partly_o in_o the_o particular_a the_o negative_a say_v it_o be_v not_o there_o whole_o in_o every_o particular_a these_o position_n i_o purpose_v to_o deliver_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n that_o so_o i_o may_v speak_v the_o more_o plentiful_o upon_o they_o observation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o your_o understanding_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v this_o namely_o doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-goverment_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v this_o doctrine_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o god_n matth._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o first_o we_o must_v here_o presuppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o have_v teach_v before_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o have_v also_o before_o show_v and_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o they_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o even_o in_o their_o write_n at_o least_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v
shepherd_n and_o of_o christ_n luke_n 2.19_o 51._o she_o do_v ponder_v and_o keep_v these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v ripen_v our_o thought_n &_o digest_v our_o reading_n and_o conceit_n as_o chew_v the_o cud_n separate_v the_o refuse_n and_o turn_v the_o best_a into_o good_a nourishment_n the_o three_o duty_n be_v conference_n we_o must_v confer_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v as_o the_o two_o disciple_n do_v luke_n 24.4_o 32._o for_o this_o will_v revive_v our_o understanding_n and_o quicken_v our_o wit_n and_o whe●_n our_o reason_n and_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n and_o throw_v out_o the_o hide_a substance_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o husk_n and_o winnow_v away_o the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o four_a to_o these_o we_o must_v add_v patience_n wait_v the_o lord_n leisure_n and_o tarry_v till_o he_o give_v the_o succsse_n and_o till_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v god_n will_v reveal_v it_o phil._n 3.15_o all_o this_o while_n that_o thou_o have_v be_v toil_a and_o strive_v expect_v and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o success_n in_o god_n good_a time_n thou_o have_v use_v the_o mean_n &_o daily_o labour_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v sure_a it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o thou_o when_o it_o be_v best_o for_o thou_o and_o thou_o fit_a for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v reveal_v to_o thou_o yet_o thy_o former_a pain_n second_v with_o patience_n shall_v make_v thy_o state_n as_o good_a in_o god_n acceptance_n through_o christ_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v it_o five_o that_o which_o strike_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n be_v practice_v and_o experience_n a_o most_o certain_a guide_n in_o all_o point_v fundamental_a after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o the_o former_a rule_n we_o must_v add_v practice_n therefore_o practise_v religion_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n way_n in_o affliction_n in_o temptation_n in_o the_o court_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n in_o thy_o daily_a watch_n in_o the_o continual_a course_n and_o term_v of_o thy_o life_n john_n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o act._n 5.32_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o psal_n 119.100_o i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n god_n will_v not_o see_v we_o err_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o such_o necessary_a point_n as_o he_o see_v we_o desire_v as_o well_o to_o obey_v as_o to_o learn_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o use_n which_o teach_v we_o wariness_n and_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o scripture_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o we_o live_v in_o those_o time_n of_o light_n wherein_o we_o have_v so_o many_o good_a help_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n learning_n tongue_n science_n history_n wit_n all_o of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a and_o ripe_a now_o and_o many_o godly_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o yea_o many_o church_n have_v publish_v their_o judgement_n touch_v the_o sense_n of_o most_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v blind_a now_o let_v they_o be_v blind_a for_o ever_o let_v we_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o help_v thankful_o and_o sober_o and_o let_v we_o add_v to_o these_o the_o use_n of_o those_o seciall_a help_n before_o mention_v &_o then_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o in_o any_o truth_n doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v diverse_a exception_n make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n object_n 1_o first_o say_v some_o all_o this_o while_n this_o be_v but_o private_a interpretation_n flat_o forbid_v 2_o peter_n 1.20_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v private_a which_o be_v of_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n so_o that_o our_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o former_a rule_n be_v frame_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v false_o call_v private_a that_o same_o spirit_n teach_v we_o which_o teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a second_o it_o be_v except_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o detraction_n from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o any_o private_a man_n that_o believe_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o church_n must_v try_v the_o spirit_n so_o must_v every_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o and_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o have_v every_o believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n the_o spirit_n do_v infallible_o teach_v every_o one_o of_o god_n choose_v first_o or_o last_v every_o thing_n needful_a for_o his_o salvation_n he_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v philip_n 3.15_o it_o be_v so_o in_o manner_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o in_o doctrine_n each_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o into_o psal_n 25.5_o lead_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o psal_n 143.10_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o spirit_n to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o distress_n to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o holiness_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o to_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o truth_n ob._n 3_o three_o it_o be_v except_v how_o do_v you_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v from_o god_n spirit_n or_o from_o your_o own_o fancy_n for_o any_o heretic_n can_v and_o will_v say_v as_o much_o as_o you_o answ_n 1_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n john_n 16.13_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n second_o have_v thou_o seek_v and_o attain_v that_o interpretation_n by_o prayer_n then_o out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o give_v thou_o scorpion_n and_o poison_n when_o thou_o ask_v fish_n error_n when_o thou_o ask_v the_o truth_n three_o do_v it_o concur_v with_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n not_o doubt_v of_o than_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n object_n 4_o four_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a that_o a_o whole_a church_n special_o the_o doctor_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o be_v so_o guide_v than_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o he_o answ_n answer_v yes_o if_o they_o follow_v the_o former_a rule_n and_o yet_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v the_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o rule_n sometime_o one_o particular_a man_n or_o two_o follow_v these_o rule_n but_o the_o present_a church_n do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wicklife_n husse_o and_o luther_n one_o or_o few_o then_o deliver_v the_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n because_o they_o observe_v these_o rule_n sometime_o the_o church_n do_v observe_v these_o rule_n and_o particular_a man_n do_v so_o too_o &_o then_o either_o they_o concur_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v direct_o deliver_v &_o receive_v or_o else_o they_o dissente_n and_o then_o rather_o follow_v the_o stream_n than_o one_o or_o two_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o sometime_o even_o in_o this_o case_n too_o one_o man_n may_v see_v more_o than_o many_o as_o paphnutius_fw-la in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a again_o sometime_o the_o church_n observe_v these_o rule_n and_o some_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n particular_a man_n be_v right_a heretic_n and_o the_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o all_o rest_n on_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o so_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n answ_n i_o answer_v our_o judgement_n in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o letter_n &_o sense_n of_o scripture_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o our_o own_o judgement_n indeed_o but_o god_n our_o frailty_n wherewith_o we_o be_v accompany_v be_v we_o only_a but_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o our_o judgement_n from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o rest_v on_o god_n judgement_n now_o and_o not_o our_o own_o every_o man_n must_v have_v faith_n of_o his_o own_o that_o be_v though_o not_o of_o his_o own_o by_o work_v
proportion_n in_o like_a case_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v salvation_n speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o father_n john_n 12.49_o 50._o and_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n john_n 16.13_o if_o christ_n do_v tie_v himself_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n and_o nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n have_v not_o great_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n therefore_o as_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o beside_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n so_o by_o proportion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a the_o church_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o herein_o but_o by_o direction_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v horrible_a presumption_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a so_o the_o papist_n themselves_o sometime_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o testimony_n o●_n the_o truth_n consist_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ●_o and_o the_o prelate_n joint_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n alone_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o do_v the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o revelation_n no_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v before_o if_o you_o compare_v john_n 14.26_o with_o john_n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o christ_n promise_v to_o send_v shall_v teach_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o decree_v nothing_o beside_o the_o scripture_n because_o she_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o spirit_n last_o when_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o the_o church_n be_v reas_n 7_o we_o to_o receive_v they_o hand_n over_o head_n or_o upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o you_o say_v ha●d_a ou●r_n head_n without_o examination_n that_o be_v a_o graceless_a speech_n and_o utter_o unlawful_a be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o try_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o then_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n how_o must_v they_o be_v try_v and_o by_o what_o rule_n either_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o say_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o make_v her_o judge_n in_o she_o own_o cause_n than_o it_o must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n do_v paul_n doctrine_n act_n 17.11_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o he_o teach_v so_o the_o thing_n the_o church_n decree_n must_v be_v try_v by_o scripture_n and_o if_o that_o can_v approve_v they_o as_o be_v not_o there_o find_v they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o impose_v they_o to_o be_v disclaim_v so_o we_o see_v in_o reason_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o authority_n to_o decree_v anything_o or_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n ●yth_v 〈◊〉_d faith_n o●_n for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o scrip●●●_n the_o ●irst_n us●_n 〈…〉_z of_o reproof_n of_o sundry_a popish_a practice_n and_o position_n not_o to_o name_v all_o for_o indeed_o if_o this_o point_n be_v well_o understand_v it_o raze_v and_o over_o throw_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o popery_n here_o than_o we_o see_v first_o that_o the_o church_n can_v coin_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n why_o be_v any_o man_n so_o graceless_a to_o do_v so_o yes_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o and_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o their_o practice_n make_v they_o guilty_a of_o it_o faith_n pope_n pius_n the_o four_o propound_v a_o creed_n and_o tie_v his_o child_n the_o papist_n to_o it_o wherein_z after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n he_o add_v twelve_o more_o of_o his_o own_o concern_v tradition_n &_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n ob._n but_o say_v they_o why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o you_o that_o have_v your_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n have_v their_o several_a confession_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beside_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n and_o yet_o profess_v and_o believe_v answ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o like_a comparison_n for_o we_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creed_n yet_o we_o believe_v nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_o prove_v by_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n but_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o show_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o be_v matter_n beside_o scripture_n which_o they_o obtrude_v on_o the_o people_n mere_o or_o at_o least_o principal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o church_n than_o no_o authority_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n new_o to_o be_v make_v faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o only_o as_o thus_o if_o any_o article_n have_v be_v neglect_v obscure_a and_o lie_v hide_v in_o former_a time_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v not_o well_o understand_v then_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v it_o upon_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o such_o place_n 54._o as_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o revive_v and_o renew_v those_o that_o be_v before_o and_o that_o not_o beside_o the_o word_n but_o with_o and_o by_o the_o word_n this_o may_v be_v clear_v by_o a_o instance_n the_o article_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v for_o many_o year_n before_o christ_n come_v but_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n come_v they_o revive_v it_o and_o yet_o make_v no_o new_a article_n of_o it_o but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v near_a home_n after_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v again_o obscure_v &_o lie_v hide_v for_o many_o year_n till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o luther_n and_o other_o which_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o that_o clear_a light_n that_o it_o be_v in_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o be_v this_o to_o make_v new_a article_n no_o but_o to_o revive_v and_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v that_o which_o have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v a_o long_a time_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n may_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o second_o position_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v to_o ordain_v and_o decree_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n beside_o scripture_n but_o do_v the_o papist_n do_v this_o yes_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v here_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o it_o as_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n be_v certain_a as_o themselves_o confess_v and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v admit_v more_o second_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v book_n that_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a then_o also_o she_o have_v power_n aswell_o to_o reject_v some_o that_o be_v canonical_a for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o build_v have_v also_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o maim_n and_o mangle_v the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o she_o list_v herself_o what_o a_o horrible_a wrong_n be_v this_o to_o god_n three_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n hear_v his_o voice_n they_o do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v it_o last_o as_o a_o gold_n smith_n take_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o try_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o the_o touch_n stone_n and_o before_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a gold_n he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a gold_n for_o if_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v counterfeit_a all_o the_o gold_n smith_n that_o be_v can_v make_v it_o true_a so_o must_v the_o church_n cry_v which_o be_v canonical_a
they_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o graceless_a devotion_n in_o th●t_a mind_n where_o knowledge_n have_v not_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o balance_n conscience_n and_o therein_o try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o bring_v sound_a comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a gospel_n that_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o agree_v direct_o with_o christ_n spiritual_a office_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n anoint_v i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a &c_n &c_n and_o matth._n 11.28_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n bring_v sound_a comfort_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o so_o but_o rather_o purposely_o afflict_v man_n conscience_n then_o comfort_v they_o terrify_v they_o with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n nourish_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o law_n again_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v the_o false_a rule_n see_v this_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n as_o have_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v set_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o god_n book_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wander_v after_o uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o must_v trust_v unto_o and_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o scripture_n convince_v the_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o both_o together_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_n true_o to_o frame_v himself_o thereunto_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o certain_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n second_o if_o all_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n rule_n and_o not_o of_o man_n free_a will_n than_o we_o be_v singular_o comfort_v in_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n desire_n and_o work_n be_v not_o our_o own_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a but_o they_o be_v god_n own_o do_n and_o they_o be_v the_o action_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o three_o rule_n if_o justification_n be_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o and_o then_o we_o have_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o on_o the_o sand_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o on_o the_o immovable_a rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n rule_n we_o have_v assurance_n to_o be_v hear_v john_n 16.23_o and_o 1_o john_n 5.14_o 15._o and_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n deny_v his_o own_o son_n or_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n whereas_o if_o we_o have_v other_o advocat_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v we_o yea_o of_o many_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v saint_n or_o no_o or_o if_o they_o do_v hear_v we_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o can_v help_v we_o yea_o we_o have_v no_o sound_a warrant_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o such_o a_o unwarrantable_a course_n &_o so_o fare_v the_o worse_a for_o sodo_v among_o man_n rule_n five_o if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o image_n than_o we_o have_v assurance_n that_o we_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o after_o the_o true_a and_o right_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o god_n religion_n from_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whereas_o if_o we_o worship_v in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n we_o do_v still_o suspect_v whether_o we_o do_v well_o or_o no_o for_o even_o nature_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v abhor_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v repute_v a_o material_a substance_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v god_n be_v please_v rule_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o resemble_v six_o if_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n in_o our_o communion_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v effectual_o settle_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o wine_n in_o our_o stomach_n work_v a_o answerable_a correspondency_n by_o the_o thing_n signify_v rule_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o last_o if_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n plain_o deliver_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v see_v into_o they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o dark_o as_o they_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n than_o we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v john_n 4._o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n whereas_o they_o poor_a soul_n go_v on_o in_o the_o dark_a not_o know_v whither_o they_o go_v so_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o we_o be_v down_o weight_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v just_o reprove_v for_o censure_v our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o false_a religion_n whereas_o they_o be_v the_o false_a and_o we_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n second_o it_o be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o separatist_n signify_v they_o be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o but_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a brief_o to_o answer_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o exception_n and_o to_o let_v all_o their_o bitter_a clamour_n alone_o their_o first_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v it_o have_v a_o false_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o false_a church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n and_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o frog_n and_o mouse_n and_o other_o creature_n generate_v of_o putrefaction_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a frog_n though_o they_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o natural_a generation_n and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n can_v raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o true_a constitution_n so_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a and_o the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o for_o our_o constitution_n through_o god_n mercy_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a constitution_n signify_v sometime_o the_o state_n which_o a_o thing_n be_v frame_v unto_o as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o state_n condition_n or_o dispensation_n which_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v endue_v with_o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o body_n in_o a_o borrow_a sense_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o we_o be_v true_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o have_v the_o word_n sacrament_n ministry_n and_o government_n and_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o what_o need_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o act_n whereby_o we_o be_v so_o constitute_v as_o thereby_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o example_n when_o i_o come_v into_o a_o strange_a place_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n and_o there_o i_o see_v people_n corporation_n civil_a assembly_n law_n and_o order_n and_o a_o general_a profession_n of_o obedience_n thereunto_o shall_v not_o i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a city_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v found_v and_o gather_v but_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o that_o sense_n also_o man_n be_v true_o call_v and_o gather_v among_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n but_o say_v they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o gather_v at_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o now_o
the_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v heretic_n last_o for_o unity_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v no_o note_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o still_o all_o their_o note_n run_v upon_o this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v our_o note_n for_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o so_o that_o their_o note_n of_o antiquity_n succession_n multitude_n and_o unity_n or_o consent_n come_v in_o but_o to_o second_v that_o prove_v by_o these_o that_o therefore_o she_o be_v so_o still_o because_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o that_o she_o can_v err_v do_v they_o not_o labour_v by_o all_o might_n and_o main_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o church_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v catholic_a so_o that_o still_o they_o justify_v their_o church_n by_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v as_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a witness_n to_o justify_v any_o church_n by_o also_o if_o a_o heresy_n arise_v how_o do_v they_o disprove_v it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n principal_o so_o that_o still_o the_o word_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o shift_n and_o for_o contention-sake_n they_o profess_v be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a of_o a_o catholic_a or_o heretical_a church_n yea_o they_o themselves_o put_v these_o very_a thing_n into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v 188._o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n and_o that_o chief_o as_o bellarmine_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n we_o that_o have_v these_o mark_n be_v more_o certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o they_o that_o have_v any_o other_o mark_n whatsoever_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o these_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confirmation_n to_o we_o that_o our_o stand_n be_v good_a in_o this_o church_n because_o we_o have_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n as_o true_o and_o sincere_o preach_v in_o our_o church_n as_o in_o any_o church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v miscarry_v by_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o it_o hurt_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o so_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o do_v not_o profess_v obedience_n but_o rather_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v profess_v true_o and_o sincere_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o stand_n but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o these_o good_a mean_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o they_o lest_o god_n take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o give_v they_o to_o other_o that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_v whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v the_o fourteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a first_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o memher_n of_o it_o four_a of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o five_o place_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o it_o follow_v orderly_o government_n for_o when_o we_o have_v see_v what_o this_o church_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v and_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o it_o be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o company_n than_o it_o follow_v orderly_o to_o know_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o government_n this_o church_n have_v first_o whether_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o second_o if_o it_o have_v any_o to_o know_v what_o government_n this_o be_v that_o be_v the_o point_n than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o 459._o church_n government_n a_o point_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o exact_o look_v into_o and_o precise_o stand_v upon_o now_o as_o heretofore_o but_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o many_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v rise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o be_v clamorous_a humourous_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o state_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n as_o some_o have_v many_o fayling_n and_o sore_a blemish_n in_o their_o government_n yet_o all_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v in_o these_o respect_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o point_n of_o religion_n not_o fundamental_a so_o necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o seek_v into_o and_o advise_o and_o due_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o handle_v that_o which_o i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v concern_v this_o point_n i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n first_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o that_o have_v happen_v by_o this_o question_n of_o church-government_n second_o i_o will_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n three_o i_o will_v show_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o precise_a rule_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o government_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o resolve_v i_o in_o these_o point_n resolve_v i_o of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v speak_v concern_v church-government_n church-government_n we_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o god_n church_n hereby_o infinite_a be_v the_o evil_n which_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o breed_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v occasional_o not_o of_o itself_o for_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o natural_o can_v yield_v no_o such_o bad_a fruit_n but_o occasional_o as_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o bring_v forth_o such_o bad_a effect_n the_o fault_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o governor_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o govern_v first_o the_o governor_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a contemn_v their_o inferior_n strive_v with_o equal_n aspire_v to_o the_o high_a place_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o papal_a government_n and_o some_o token_n of_o bad_a governor_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o as_o covetous_a give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n abuse_v their_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o own_o private_a gain_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o the_o act_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n second_o there_o be_v fault_n in_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v some_o ambitious_o seek_v for_o high_a place_n than_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o some_o be_v envious_a malign_v and_o spite_v their_o superior_n some_o be_v sensual_a despise_v government_n some_o be_v ill-tongued_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o in_o authority_n some_o be_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a resist_v their_o order_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v their_o neck_n under_o any_o yoke_n last_o some_o be_v humourous_a and_o peevish_a deny_v that_o power_n set_v over_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a labour_v for_o innovation_n and_o change_n and_o new_a platform_n of_o government_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v contrary_a to_o that_o already_o establish_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n have_v the_o enemy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n wrought_v upon_o