command_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v 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to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n &_o the_o re-establish_a of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o 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place_n and_o in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n in_o choose_v of_o deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuated_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o eminent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o chrispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o arbitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o name_n be_v
that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18.17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church-officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_n away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o that_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concerement_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n
of_o all_o the_o courtier_n and_o officer_n under_o herod_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o herod_n and_o all_o jerusalem_n with_o he_o be_v trouble_v so_o that_o tyrant_n and_o their_o complyce_n never_o have_v any_o real_a peace_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n and_o be_v baptize_v it_o must_v therefore_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o all_o the_o common_a people_n promiscuous_o or_o for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n and_o of_o all_o profession_n as_o publican_n soldier_n and_o the_o ordinary_a inhabitant_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o word_n jerusalem_n must_v be_v take_v for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o man_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v make_v christian_n for_o otherwise_o the_o evangelist_n will_v have_v say_v many_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n also_o as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o other_o place_n but_o in_o say_v that_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o and_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o this_o metaphorical_a expression_n do_v signify_v that_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n itself_o be_v make_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o place_n follow_v will_v evident_o evince_v it_o for_o in_o matth._n 11.12_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o from_o the_o day_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n until_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v speak_v more_o emphatical_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n as_o luke_n also_o in_o ch_z 16._o v._n 16._o express_v say_v that_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v until_o john_n since_o that_o time_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o every_o man_n press_v in_o to_o it_o that_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n become_v believer_n and_o be_v baptize_v as_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o luke_n 7.29_o 30._o by_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v of_o he_o so_o that_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n except_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o priest_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v baptize_v and_o become_v christian_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v account_v among_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o those_o day_n and_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o special_a observation_n and_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o wonder_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o message_n our_o saviour_n christ_n send_v unto_o john_n the_o baptist_n by_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o relate_v unto_o their_o master_n what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o 22_o verse_n tell_v he_o say_v he_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v and_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v and_o the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n this_o i_o say_v be_v among_o the_o miracle_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o poor_a embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o make_v believer_n which_o must_v needs_o import_v a_o mighty_a multitude_n and_o a_o great_a increase_n or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o such_o wonder_n and_o have_v be_v send_v unto_o saint_n john_n as_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n and_o a_o thing_n worthy_a to_o prove_v christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n look_v for_o for_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v have_v wrought_v such_o a_o work_n as_o to_o draw_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o messiah_n himself_o for_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v 1_o cor._n 3._o but_o god_n only_o the_o messiah_n must_v give_v the_o increase_n he_o must_v move_v the_o heart_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o believe_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephes_n 2._o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o wonder_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n do_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n and_o operation_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o prophet_n they_o look_v for_o and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v infinite_n of_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o believe_v and_o that_o john_n be_v great_o magnify_v of_o the_o people_n and_o public_o follow_v because_o for_o a_o time_n herod_n himself_o countenance_v john_n mark_v 6.20_o and_o fear_v he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a man_n and_o a_o holy_a and_o observe_v he_o and_o when_o he_o hear_v he_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o hear_v he_o glad_o and_o although_o we_o read_v not_o that_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n yet_o he_o high_o honour_v he_o till_o john_n reprove_v he_o and_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o have_v his_o brother_n wife_n and_o in_o this_o interim_n of_o his_o seem_a favour_n we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o courtier_n also_o and_o the_o great_a man_n will_v do_v as_o their_o master_n do_v for_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o court_n to_o this_o day_n what_o the_o king_n do_v the_o courtier_n also_o do_v if_o the_o king_n laugh_v though_o there_o be_v perhaps_o a_o cause_n of_o mourning_n they_o will_v all_o laugh_v and_o if_o he_o frown_v though_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o cheerfulness_n and_o smile_a they_o will_v all_o frown_n and_o if_o the_o king_n commend_v any_o man_n they_o will_v all_o admire_v he_o and_o if_o he_o hear_v any_o minister_n glad_o they_o will_v all_o hear_v he_o willing_o and_o if_o he_o when_o he_o be_v reprove_v be_v angry_a and_o displease_v and_o will_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n who_o he_o have_v so_o honour_v but_o the_o day_n before_o than_o all_o the_o courtier_n they_o will_v help_v he_o and_o further_o the_o work_n as_o we_o may_v see_v not_o only_o in_o the_o example_n of_o john_n baptist_n but_o in_o haman_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o king_n frown_v upon_o he_o the_o courtier_n they_o cover_v his_o face_n and_o up_o they_o truss_v he_o be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o courtier_n but_o in_o that_o interim_n i_o say_v that_o john_n baptist_n be_v in_o favour_n with_o the_o king_n without_o doubt_n it_o annimate_v the_o people_n great_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o by_o hear_v he_o many_o thousand_o saint_n be_v convert_v and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v numerous_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o matth._n 14.5_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v put_v he_o to_o death_n he_o fear_v the_o multitude_n because_o they_o count_v he_o as_o a_o prophet_n here_o be_v two_o observable_n the_o one_o that_o he_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n be_v afraid_a of_o his_o servant_n the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o few_o can_v not_o have_v awe_v the_o king_n and_o keep_v he_o in_o fear_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v force_v to_o defer_v the_o cut_n off_o of_o his_o head_n till_o he_o have_v get_v to_o he_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o galilee_n all_o his_o lord_n and_o high_a captain_n and_o his_o chief_a estate_n and_o commander_n mark_v 6.21_o and_o when_o he_o think_v himself_o strong_a enough_o than_o he_o exercise_v his_o tyranny_n you_o when_o john_n be_v take_v away_o yet_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o luke_n 20._o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o very_a enemy_n for_o when_o our_o saviour_n ask_v they_o concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o john_n whether_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n and_o they_o reason_v among_o themselves_o say_v if_o we_o shall_v say_v from_o heaven_n he_o will_v say_v why_o then_o believe_v you_o he_o not_o and_o if_o we_o say_v of_o man_n all_o the_o people_n will_v stone_n we_o for_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o john_n be_v a_o prophet_n here_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o very_a enemy_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v believer_n and_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o mighty_a multitude_n that_o keep_v all_o the_o priest_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n that_o have_v all_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n in_o awe_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o open_v their_o
place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergò_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v the_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n &_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_n very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 21_o 22._o and_o from_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 2._o &_o 4._o chap._n 8._o verse_n 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a &_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n &_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2_o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o v._n 12._o &_o v._o 42._o &_o chap._n 3._o v._n 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a
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otherwise_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v but_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v the_o church_n that_o christian_n and_o believer_n though_o baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o have_v first_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o all_o this_o do_v ever_o the_o apostle_n teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n embrace_v or_o believe_v and_o therefore_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o many_o place_n he_o reprove_v those_o that_o make_v schism_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n and_o sect_n into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n and_o sixth_o verse_n under_o his_o own_o and_o apollo_n name_n he_o set_v a_o example_n before_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v contain_v themselves_o with_o in_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o preach_v prescribe_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v learn_v in_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o presume_v or_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o enjoin_v all_o christian_n to_o reject_v all_o way_n of_o teach_v that_o have_v not_o god_n word_n for_o their_o warrant_n now_o in_o all_o god_n word_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o write_v that_o after_o man_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o they_o have_v walk_v sometime_o with_o they_o for_o their_o approbation_n and_o without_o they_o have_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o all_o this_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o corinth_n chap._n 11._o ver_fw-la 4._o the_o apostle_n signify_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o no_o man_n can_v teach_v the_o gospel_n more_o exact_o tahn_n he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v teach_v they_o nor_o set_v before_o they_o a_o more_o perfect_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o any_o unto_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o command_v the_o corinthian_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o false_a teacher_n whatsoever_o piety_n and_o godliness_n they_o make_v show_v of_o call_v they_o deceitful_a worker_n &_o such_o as_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v he_o for_o satan_n himself_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n his_o minister_n transform_v themselves_o as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n now_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollerye_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o pharise_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a and_o eligant_a way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o such_o how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o appear_v and_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n better_o than_o he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o neither_o saint_n paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o be_v join_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v except_o they_o walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v approbation_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o conversation_n first_o and_o after_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v member_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o this_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n teach_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o teach_v their_o new_a way_n their_o newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o to_o be_v accurse_v saint_n john_n also_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o say_v who_o soever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n he_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o that_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o independent_a minister_n teach_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o join_v and_o jumble_v of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o teach_v
by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o newborn_a truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n &_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n &_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o 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when_o therefore_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n and_o method_n in_o their_o teach_n and_o for_o the_o convert_n of_o man_n and_o hear_v only_a the_o voice_n of_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o the_o christian_n believer_n through_o the_o kngdome_n under_o their_o ministry_n do_v all_o faithful_o cleave_v unto_o the_o write_a word_n and_o square_a both_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o the_o independent_o shall_v proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o oppose_v his_o royalty_n and_o preach_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o congregation_n as_o the_o only_a people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n and_o account_v all_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o opposer_n of_o christ_n government_n tell_v the_o people_n in_o their_o sermon_n that_o they_o come_v over_o from_o beyond_o the_o sea_n think_v that_o they_o will_v have_v set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v embrace_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o will_v have_v establish_v his_o government_n and_o have_v go_v on_o in_o a_o church-way_a and_o have_v set_v up_o the_o way_n of_o god_n but_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o that_o they_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n and_o persecute_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o they_o can_v find_v more_o favour_n from_o moderate_a papist_n and_o common_a protestant_n than_o from_o they_o by_o which_o their_o deal_n say_v the_o brethren_n they_o have_v so_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o god_n people_n affection_n from_o they_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n can_v pray_v for_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n as_o if_o all_o the_o other_o believer_n through_o the_o kingdom_n dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v no_o saint_n nor_o people_n of_o god_n nay_o they_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o in_o every_o pamphlet_n that_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o new_a way_n and_o one_o of_o they_o not_o long_o since_o affirm_v unto_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o strumpet_n &_o a_o arrant_a whore_n and_o that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o whore_n can_v never_o be_v present_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n which_o be_v a_o expression_n not_o only_o uncivil_a and_o unbeseeming_a a_o christian_n but_o untrue_a also_o for_o grant_v she_o have_v be_v so_o she_o be_v now_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o public_a covenant_n against_o she_o and_o we_o read_v of_o juda_n and_o samaria_n howsoever_o they_o have_v defile_v themselves_o and_o play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o upon_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o true_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o renew_v their_o covenant_n public_o of_o new_a obedience_n be_v present_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n so_o that_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o this_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o howsoever_o they_o will_v not_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v it_o out_o in_o plain_a word_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o preach_v and_o practise_v a_o separation_n from_o all_o our_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o from_o a_o people_n not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o and_o declare_v that_o by_o their_o deed_n which_o they_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o publish_v in_o their_o writing_n nor_o express_v word_n as_o he_o do_v and_o one_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n not_o long_o since_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o assent_v unto_o their_o new_a way_n nor_o light_v their_o candle_n at_o their_o new_a light_n nor_o embrace_v their_o newborn_a truth_n tell_v they_o that_o by_o their_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o suppose_v these_o be_v and_o by_o their_o unkind_a usage_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o persecute_v of_o they_o they_o will_v at_o last_o drive_v from_o among_o they_o the_o pray_a people_n mean_v themselves_o as_o if_o no_o other_o pray_v but_o they_o only_o and_o then_o they_o may_v look_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v speedy_o come_v down_o upon_o they_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o lutheran_n in_o maydenburge_n in_o germany_n who_o thrust_v out_o all_o the_o calvanist_n out_o of_o their_o town_n a_o pray_a people_n and_o immediate_o after_o the_o enemy_n come_v upon_o they_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o destroy_v they_o all_o with_o these_o and_o such_o like_a expression_n be_v their_o preachment_n stuff_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o of_o their_o sermon_n they_o be_v like_o tailor_n cushion_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o several_a shred_n of_o various_a colour_n all_o independent_a make_v a_o fine_a show_n but_o comely_a no_o where_n but_o in_o a_o tailor_n shop_n and_o sure_o such_o kind_n of_o expression_n as_o these_o be_v may_v beseem_v their_o pulpit_n but_o no_o grave_n and_o learned_a honest_a man_n for_o they_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o persecution_n among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o calumny_n neither_o deal_n they_o christian_o with_o we_o to_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o do_v not_o so_o we_o only_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o against_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o some_o and_o thrust_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o way_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v but_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o tend_v to_o no_o edification_n but_o to_o the_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o such_o as_o already_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o speedy_o from_o heaven_n send_v his_o help_a hand_n we_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o desolation_n and_o all_o from_o these_o devision_n that_o their_o new_a way_n have_v bring_v in_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o all_o good_a christian_n and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n more_o exact_o to_o examine_v all_o these_o new_a way_n and_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o but_o that_o the_o brethren_n shall_v complain_v of_o persecution_n among_o we_o and_o of_o evil_a usage_n it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o humanity_n and_o show_v little_a gratitude_n in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o christian_n both_o through_o city_n and_o country_n for_o if_o they_o remember_v when_o they_o come_v over_o though_o they_o have_v desert_v the_o cause_n when_o they_o have_v most_o need_n of_o they_o they_o be_v more_o honour_v than_o any_o of_o those_o famous_a and_o learned_a minister_n that_o have_v undergo_v the_o labour_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o they_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o all_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o prime_a lecture_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v more_o honourable_a maintenance_n than_o be_v usual_o give_v to_o any_o lecture_n before_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o deal_v not_o brotherly_a in_o none_o of_o all_o their_o proceed_n nor_o humane_o so_o to_o asperse_v they_o as_o they_o ordinary_o do_v both_o public_o and_o private_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o precedent_n in_o the_o world_n of_o humanity_n as_o that_o show_v here_o to_o they_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o their_o book_n and_o practice_n declare_v it_o that_o they_o preach_v new_a way_n newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o new_a light_n now_o where_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o either_o in_o the_o christian_a or_o pagan_a world_n that_o it_o be_v ever_o permit_v unto_o any_o minister_n or_o preacher_n to_o have_v all_o the_o pulpit_n in_o any_o nation_n to_o preach_v a_o divers_a doctrine_n to_o that_o which_o be_v set_v up_o by_o authority_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o make_v a_o faction_n and_o division_n among_o the_o people_n i_o do_v most_o assure_o believe_v that_o there_o can_v the_o like_a precedent_n be_v produce_v among_o the_o heathen_a the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o many_o country_n be_v tolerate_v but_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o their_o own_o synagogue_n they_o may_v not_o come_v in_o the_o heathen_n pulpit_n to_o preach_v up_o the_o jewish_a worship_n among_o they_o or_o to_o set_v up_o another_o service_n contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o egyptian_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v sacrifice_v in_o their_o land_n they_o will_v not_o have_v