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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n bring_v fruit_n good_a 9,065 5 4.7327 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A70901 The pillar and ground of truth a treatise shewing that the Roman Chvrch falsly claims to be that church, and the pillar of that truth, mentioned by S. Paul in his First epistle to Timothy, Chap. III. vers. 15, which is explained in three parts. Patrick, Simon, 1626-1707.; Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1687 (1687) Wing P833; ESTC R12795 90,521 140

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heart_n be_v regenerate_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v now_o teach_v what_o to_o believe_v as_o if_o that_o regeneration_n be_v without_o faith._n we_o learn_v christ_n after_o baptism_n as_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o baptism_n without_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v most_o safe_a for_o we_o as_o it_o follow_v a_o little_a after_o to_o retain_v that_o first_o and_o only_a evangelical_n faith_n confess_v and_o understand_v in_o baptism_n v._o and_o that_o a_o good_a and_o righteous_a cause_n may_v have_v good_a defender_n and_o supporter_n let_v we_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o this_o faith_n be_v contain_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v order_v our_o step_n that_o be_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o be_v show_v before_o in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v if_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world._n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n also_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o word_n which_o he_o write_v to_o timothy_n ground_v and_o settle_v or_o stable_n and_o steadfast_a colos_n i._o 23._o for_o they_o be_v the_o good_a ground_n in_o the_o church_n who_o in_o a_o bone_a and_o good_a heart_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n luk._n viii_o 15._o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v if_o we_o will_v stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o not_o fall_v away_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v other_o will_v do_v in_o time_n of_o trial_n v._o 13._o we_o must_v first_o come_v to_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o upright_a heart_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o resolve_v to_o receive_v it_o 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etc._n and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o speak_v or_o rather_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n dialect_n be_v fix_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o another_o for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n aman_n to_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d answer_n signify_v not_o only_o to_o speak_v truth_n but_o likewise_o to_o be_v firm_a and_o constant_a fix_v and_o establish_v which_o if_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v have_v a_o settle_a unmoveable_a confidence_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n towards_o we_o for_o he_o that_o hearty_o love_v god_n and_o his_o neighbour_n will_v never_o be_v startle_v much_o less_o shake_v by_o their_o bold_a anathemas_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o shall_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o or_o that_o proposition_n which_o they_o say_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n because_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o 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right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a to_o he_o so_o subject_n that_o from_o henceforth_o he_o expect_v till_o all_o his_o enemy_n be_v make_v his_o footstool_n x._o hebr._n 13._o and_o have_v vanquish_v death_n which_o be_v the_o last_o enemy_n and_o raise_v man_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n he_o will_v judge_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n for_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o glory_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v support_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v christian_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v six_o observation_n the_o first_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n himself_o here_o suggest_v and_o the_o rest_n will_v fair_o follow_v from_o thence_o 1._o 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say_v the_o same_o of_o these_o great_a and_o venerable_a doctrine_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v such_o as_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o by_o a_o common_a agreement_n and_o doubt_v of_o by_o none_o for_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o christian_n but_o they_o all_o consent_n unto_o it_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v agree_v every_o where_o in_o all_o time_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o this_o present_a age._n for_o the_o church_n say_v irenaeus_n 2._o irenaeus_n l._n i._o contra_fw-la haeres_fw-la c._n 2._o though_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n who_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o 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the_o angel_n that_o transgress_v and_o apostatise_v together_o with_o ungodly_a unjust_a lawless_a and_o blasphemous_a man_n into_o eternal_a fire_n but_o to_o the_o just_a and_o the_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o observe_v his_o commandment_n and_o persevere_v in_o his_o love_n either_o always_o or_o by_o repentance_n gracious_o bestow_v life_n give_v immortality_n and_o put_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o eternal_a glory_n this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o little_a body_n of_o truth_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o tertullian_n often_o speak_v institute_v by_o christ_n which_o nullas_fw-la habet_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la quaestiones_fw-la fourteen_o quaestiones_fw-la l._n the_o prescript_n cap._n fourteen_o be_v not_o doubt_v of_o nor_o have_v any_o question_n about_o it_o among_o christian_n but_o such_o as_o heresy_n have_v bring_v in_o and_o which_o make_v man_n heretic_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o church_n 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irenaeus_n 3._o irenaeus_n l._n i._o cap._n 3._o proclaim_v this_o immediate_o after_o the_o forego_n word_n which_o 31._o which_o haeres_fw-la xxxi_o n._n 30_o 31._o epiphanius_n think_v so_o considerable_a that_o he_o have_v transcribe_v both_o these_o chapter_n into_o his_o book_n against_o heresy_n the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v say_v have_v receive_v this_o preach_a or_o doctrine_n and_o this_o faith_n preserve_v it_o most_o careful_o as_o if_o it_o inhabit_v but_o one_o house_n though_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world._n and_o with_o unanimous_a consent_n preach_v and_o teach_v and_o deliver_v these_o thing_n as_o have_v but_o one_o mouth_n for_o though_o there_o be_v different_a language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o church_n situate_v in_o germany_n believe_v otherwise_o or_o have_v any_o other_o tradition_n nor_o those_o in_o spain_n nor_o those_o in_o france_n nor_o those_o in_o the_o east_n nor_o those_o in_o egypt_n nor_o those_o in_o libya_n nor_o those_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n that_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o preach_a or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n shine_v every_o where_o and_o inlighten_v all_o man_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o neither_o he_o among_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v most_o powerful_a in_o speech_n teach_v different_a thing_n from_o these_o for_o no_o man_n be_v above_o his_o master_n nor_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o speech_n diminish_v the_o tradition_n for_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n neither_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v a_o great_a deal_n concern_v it_o do_v enlarge_v or_o exceed_v nor_o
almighty_a against_o every_o such_o refractory_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o he_o shall_v obey_v there_o be_v no_o exception_n from_o this_o rule_n for_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v v._o 11._o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god._n will_v to_o god_n they_o will_v serious_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n who_o now_o seem_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o truth_n and_o for_o a_o right_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o deceive_v by_o this_o warm_a zeal_n as_o to_o miss_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v obtain_v no_o not_o by_o faith_n itself_o without_o a_o holy_a life_n part_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o who_o this_o office_n belong_v have_v show_v with_o some_o care_n what_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o which_o s._n paul_n speak_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v the_o two_o next_o may_v be_v explain_v together_o with_o less_o pain_n viz._n what_o and_o who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o these_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v i._o and_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v we_o by_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o upon_o who_o credit_n and_o authority_n all_o christian_a truth_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v for_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n be_v this_o pillar_n and_o presume_v also_o that_o they_o only_o be_v the_o church_n they_o thence_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o no_o truth_n but_o from_o they_o and_o that_o they_o give_v authority_n and_o certainty_n to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o likewise_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n i._n e._n they_o declare_v to_o be_v truth_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o make_v any_o new_a article_n or_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o full_a assent_n to_o they_o because_o all_o truth_n depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o church_n this_o sound_v strange_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o such_o language_n and_o may_v be_v think_v perhaps_o a_o misrepresentation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o ●●●larmine_fw-la to_o name_n no_o more_o vouch_v this_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v either_o in_o believe_v or_o in_o teach_v 2._o teach_v l._n ii_o the_o council_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o and_o again_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n approve_v be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o it_o disapprove_v be_v false_a 14._o false_a l._n iii_o the_o 〈◊〉_d milit._n c._n 14._o but_o this_o only_a show_n that_o they_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o find_v proof_n for_o their_o high_a pretence_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n first_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v the_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o timothy_n for_o which_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n i_o shall_v let_v the_o authority_n alone_o till_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o only_a note_n second_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n not_o to_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o church_n for_o have_v call_v the_o church_n a_o house_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o congruous_a speech_n immediate_o to_o call_v the_o same_o church_n a_o pillar_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o call_v timothy_n a_o pillar_n in_o that_o house_n and_o to_o wish_v he_o to_o behave_v himself_o therein_o like_o other_o great_a person_n to_o who_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o pillar_n but_o three_o if_o it_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n it_o no_o more_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o other_o church_n and_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o which_o timothy_n preside_v which_o church_n of_o ephesus_n ult_n ephesus_n council_n floreat_n 〈◊〉_d ult_n with_o other_o church_n of_o the_o east_n condemn_v this_o headship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o sovereignty_n over_o our_o faith._n and_o further_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v four_o that_o the_o apostle_n respect_v the_o church_n universal_a and_o likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o be_v but_o also_o actual_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n yet_o last_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o those_o grand_a fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n those_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v maintain_v in_o every_o church_n to_o this_o day_n not_o of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o of_o a_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n for_o let_v these_o thing_n alone_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o refer_v to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o be_o content_a to_o admit_v not_o that_o the_o church_n as_o they_o absurd_o affirm_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o which_o it_o rely_v but_o that_o it_o firm_o retain_v uphold_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a truth_n against_o all_o the_o force_n violence_n and_o opposition_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n that_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o phrase_n i_o will_v manifest_v first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n second_o from_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n first_o from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n in_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d frequent_o signify_v such_o a_o pillar_n as_o stand_v before_o their_o common_a hall_n and_o court_n of_o judicature_n upon_o which_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o the_o court_n be_v wont_a to_o hang_v or_o be_v fix_v unto_o which_o tertullian_n allude_v when_o speak_v of_o a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o place_n above_o name_v 18._o name_v l._n the_o resurrect_a carnis_fw-la c._n 18._o he_o say_v vnum_fw-la opinor_fw-la apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la edictum_fw-la dei_fw-la pendet_fw-la i_o suppose_v one_o edict_n of_o god_n hang_v up_o among_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o have_v just_o ask_v before_o quonam_fw-la titulo_fw-la spes_fw-la ista_fw-la proscripta_fw-la est_fw-la by_o what_o title_n this_o hope_n viz._n of_o the_o resurrection_n be_v propose_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o all_o and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ground_n signify_v not_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o seat_n where_o any_o thing_n be_v place_v so_o as_o to_o be_v settle_v and_o lay_v up_o to_o remain_v and_o abide_v there_o and_o at_o the_o most_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o the_o stay_n or_o establishment_n the_o seat_n or_o settlement_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oecumenius_n render_v it_o the_o confirmation_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o we_o will_v have_v these_o word_n allude_v to_o a_o building_n because_o the_o church_n be_v here_o call_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o elsewhere_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o they_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n without_o which_o the_o edifice_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o most_o we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n sustain_v and_o keep_v it_o from_o sink_v or_o fall_v as_o a_o pillar_n firm_o settle_v upon_o a_o basis_n sustain_v and_o uphold_v the_o fabric_n lay_v upon_o it_o this_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o though_o but_o brief_o mention_n for_o the_o reader_n be_v clear_a information_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o the_o church_n be_v that_o body_n of_o man_n which_o preserve_v and_o keep_v which_o maintain_v and_o hold_v up_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o its_o care_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a oracle_n deliver_v in_o old_a time_n and_o as_o the_o church_n will_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o betray_v its_o trust_n it_o must_v constant_o preserve_v the_o truth_n commit_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lose_v and_o do_v not_o perish_v this_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o that_o the_o church_n
in_o for_o their_o share_n of_o this_o privilege_n nay_o if_o confidence_n and_o power_n can_v carry_v it_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o themselves_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v give_v the_o church_n keep_v the_o truth_n and_o keep_v it_o up_o it_o be_v the_o conservator_n of_o it_o and_o preserve_v it_o from_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n it_o proclaim_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o other_o it_o continue_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o settle_v it_o in_o man_n mind_n but_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o truth_n not_o the_o truth_n upon_o it_o which_o derive_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o send_v jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v we_o his_o will_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o send_v his_o apostle_n as_o he_o have_v send_v he_o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o plain_o lay_v open_a if_o i_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o show_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v common_o think_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o be_v explain_v iii_o the_o church_n or_o house_n of_o god_n signify_v every_o where_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n unite_v under_o their_o pastor_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o join_v one_o to_o another_o by_o brotherly_a love_n and_o communion_n where_o ever_o we_o find_v such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o all_o the_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n throughout_o the_o world_n make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o catholic_a or_o universal_a church_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o part_n one_o eminent_a company_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o true_o catholic_a faith_n and_o join_v to_o timothy_n as_o their_o chief_a pastor_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n as_o these_o word_n must_v be_v interpret_v if_o they_o relate_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o indeed_o who_o be_v now_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n understand_v by_o the_o church_n only_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o they_o this_o church_n representative_a as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o christian_a bishop_n as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v together_o represent_v all_o the_o church_n under_o their_o care_n but_o other_o understand_v only_o one_o bishop_n alone_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v then_o the_o church_n virtual_a in_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n be_v unite_v but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n so_o if_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o place_n they_o will_v appear_v very_o wild_a fancy_n unto_o any_o man_n who_o will_v sober_o consider_v the_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mention_v as_o distinct_a from_o timothy_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a pastor_n of_o it_o and_o who_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o it_o therefore_o if_o this_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n at_o ephesus_n unite_v under_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o pastor_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o great_a privilege_n and_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o be_v the_o conservator_n and_o supporter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o s._n paul_n as_o i_o say_v be_v instruct_v timothy_n how_o to_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o society_n which_o he_o call_v the_o house_n or_o family_n of_o god_n that_o be_v among_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n form_v into_o a_o society_n under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o be_v to_o take_v the_o great_a care_n that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n be_v well_o teach_v instruct_v and_o order_v because_o they_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n this_o make_v s._n paul_n very_o solicitous_a that_o timothy_n shall_v carry_v himself_o well_o and_o be_v a_o good_a pastor_n in_o that_o church_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o chief_a overseer_n and_o not_o know_v when_o he_o may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o see_v he_o and_o give_v he_o personal_a instruction_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n he_o write_v this_o letter_n to_o he_o for_o his_o direction_n that_o he_o may_v full_o understand_v how_o to_o discharge_v this_o office._n and_o therefore_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o verse_n forego_v v._n 14._o relate_v partly_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o partly_o to_o what_o follow_v these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o thou_o hope_v to_o come_v unto_o thou_o short_o but_o if_o i_o tarry_v long_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n which_o whole_a paragraph_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o more_o word_n though_o i_o hope_v short_o to_o discourse_v with_o thou_o face_n to_o face_n yet_o not_o know_v what_o may_v hinder_v and_o retard_v my_o hope_n i_o have_v send_v the_o above_o write_v instruction_n to_o thou_o not_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o vain_a disputation_n about_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n and_o such_o idle_a question_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v but_o to_o remember_v as_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o letter_n v._n 4_o 5._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n this_o therefore_o teach_v they_o and_o instruct_v they_o also_o to_o make_v prayer_n supplication_n and_o intercession_n with_o give_v of_o thanks_o for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n chap._n ii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o teach_v they_o all_o likewise_o how_o to_o pray_v v._n 8._o and_o instruct_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n that_o they_o be_v well_o inform_v because_o this_o church_n over_o which_o thou_o be_v set_v be_v the_o very_a seat_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o place_n but_o in_o such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n who_o ought_v to_o uphold_v and_o defend_v it_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v well_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n wherein_o all_o christian_n agree_v and_o about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v never_o let_v it_o go_v and_o this_o truth_n may_v not_o die_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n when_o we_o be_v lay_v in_o our_o grave_n but_o be_v deliver_v to_o those_o that_o come_v after_o as_o the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god._n who_o now_o be_v there_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v not_o mere_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v timothy_n but_o all_o that_o company_n of_o christian_a people_n under_o their_o several_a bishop_n and_o teacher_n who_o belong_v to_o ephesus_n all_o of_o which_o s._n paul_n leave_v timothy_n when_o he_o himself_o go_v into_o macedonia_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o to_o charge_v that_o they_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n as_o you_o read_v 1.3_o and_o in_o this_o house_n or_o family_n he_o be_v when_o s._n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o he_o not_o in_o a_o general_n council_n for_o there_o be_v none_o in_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o this_o time_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n representative_a as_o it_o be_v call_v much_o less_o of_o the_o church_n virtual_a as_o they_o term_v it_o that_o be_v the_o pope_n for_o then_o mark_v what_o sense_n the_o word_n will_v make_v i_o have_v write_v to_o thou_o not_o know_v when_o i_o shall_v see_v thou_o how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o fancy_n timothy_n in_o the_o pope_n belly_n and_o himself_o grave_o instruct_v he_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o with_o
better_o from_o one_o of_o their_o society_n who_o call_v they_o brethren_n than_o from_o one_o that_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o mere_a stranger_n and_o foreigner_n with_o who_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v more_o serious_o practise_v among_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v as_o forward_o charitable_o to_o reprove_v man_n for_o their_o wickedness_n as_o we_o be_v even_o to_o reproach_v they_o perhaps_o uncharitable_o for_o their_o false_a opinion_n it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o cure_n a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o their_o amendment_n when_o pious_o and_o prudent_o administer_v and_o a_o mean_n of_o bring_v those_o back_n who_o be_v go_v astray_o from_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o division_n among_o we_o but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n part_n iii_o how_o the_o church_n discharge_v this_o office_n of_o a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v concern_v jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v wont_v there_o to_o assemble_v be_v more_o full_o verify_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o thou_o city_n of_o god_n lxxxvii_o ps_n 1._o this_o great_a city_n s._n john_n see_v descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n xxi_o rev._n 10_o 11._o and_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o call_v this_o church_n the_o bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n there_o be_v a_o special_a presence_n that_o be_v of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o a_o special_a love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o thing_n to_o this_o s._n john_n say_v they_o shall_v bring_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n against_o this_o our_o saviour_n promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v the_o pure_a water_n of_o life_n clear_a as_o crystal_n run_v therein_o here_o grow_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n xxii_o rev._n 1_o 2._o and_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o paradise_n and_o garden_n of_o god._n which_o thing_n show_v what_o a_o honour_n what_o a_o happiness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o citizen_n of_o this_o holy_a jerusalcm_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o by_o a_o cordial_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o join_v themselves_o to_o this_o body_n be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n companion_n of_o angel_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a under_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n under_o the_o care_n and_o tender_a love_n of_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a lord_n who_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o earth_n invest_v in_o he_o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n and_o family_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 17._o for_o he_o have_v say_v as_o it_o there_o follow_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n these_o thing_n be_v great_a indeed_o and_o exceed_v glorious_a but_o not_o content_a with_o these_o privilege_n which_o be_v as_o a_o royal_a diadem_n and_o crown_n of_o glory_n on_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v those_o who_o will_v adorn_v she_o with_o proud_a title_n and_o set_v she_o forth_o in_o a_o adulterous_a dress_n and_o a_o presumptuous_a glory_n make_v she_o in_o a_o manner_n equal_a to_o her_o head_n the_o lord_n christ_n for_o they_o have_v snatch_v one_o of_o the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n and_o fix_v it_o as_o a_o jewel_n on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o church_n crown_n tell_v we_o that_o she_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n who_o can_v mislead_v we_o that_o be_v though_o she_o may_v go_v astray_o and_o play_v the_o harlot_n in_o life_n and_o practice_n yet_o she_o can_v err_v nor_o mistake_v in_o her_o judgement_n so_o that_o if_o we_o listen_v to_o what_o she_o say_v we_o shall_v never_o wander_v but_o always_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o first_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o alone_o and_o then_o they_o abuse_v this_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o assert_v this_o divine_a prerogative_n to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o but_o i_o have_v expose_v the_o bold_a folly_n of_o these_o pretence_n by_o show_v that_o the_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o that_o timothy_n be_v the_o principal_a pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o church_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v i_o have_v show_v that_o either_o the_o church_n or_o timothy_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n upon_o who_o credit_n the_o authority_n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n depend_v but_o the_o supporter_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o testify_v maintain_v uphold_v and_o propagate_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o more_o full_a understanding_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n propound_v first_o what_o power_n it_o be_v that_o we_o herein_o ascribe_v to_o the_o church_n particular_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n thereof_o second_o what_o power_n it_o can_v pretend_v unto_o nor_o aught_o to_o be_v yield_v to_o any_o church_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o the_o power_n be_v we_o allow_v the_o church_n when_o we_o say_v it_o uphold_v maintain_v and_o testify_v to_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o inquire_v of_o what_o authority_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v how_o much_o it_o ought_v to_o weigh_v with_o we_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o instance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n for_o it_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o any_o other_o when_o it_o propound_v truth_n to_o we_o and_o press_v it_o upon_o our_o belief_n be_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o mere_o because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v both_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o induce_v as_o by_o the_o first_o external_a motive_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n mr._n hooker_n call_v it_o the_o key_n as_o other_o do_v the_o door_n which_o let_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o this_o house_n of_o god._n if_o we_o allow_v it_o not_o this_o we_o allow_v it_o nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o or_o any_o person_n in_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n unless_o it_o do_v something_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o propound_v and_o set_v before_o we_o and_o testify_v to_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v with_o his_o church_n to_o be_v deliver_v down_o to_o all_o generation_n for_o it_o convey_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o we_o and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o study_v they_o that_o therein_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o office_n i_o have_v show_v principal_o belong_v we_o may_v find_v all_o necessary_a truth_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n which_o testimony_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n that_o profess_v faithfulness_n honesty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o can_v but_o work_v very_o strong_o and_o powerful_o upon_o man_n mind_n when_o christian_n be_v such_o as_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v and_o as_o they_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o work_v thus_o far_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o incline_v they_o to_o have_v a_o reverend_a regard_n to_o that_o faith_n and_o those_o scripture_n and_o to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o which_o they_o see_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o devout_a constant_o esteem_v as_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o god_n transmit_v to_o they_o from_o his_o son_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o attend_v on_o he_o from_o his_o first_o appear_v till_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n this_o move_v s._n