in_o such_o sort_n that_o though_o the_o flood_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o billow_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v sink_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n on_o high_a be_v mighty_a than_o the_o mighty_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o so_o still_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n lead_v his_o flock_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n yea_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o devil_n in_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a safety_n and_o give_v they_o light_v in_o darkness_n counsel_n in_o difficulty_n and_o success_n in_o all_o attempt_n above_z and_o beyond_o both_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n now_o note_v here_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n god_n do_v not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n no_o not_o of_o his_o very_a people_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n do_v thing_n that_o they_o must_v not_o know_v yet_o but_o must_v know_v afterward_o yea_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v absurd_a and_o absolute_o destructive_a and_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o order_n of_o god_n govern_v his_o saint_n that_o of_o luther_n on_o gen._n 39_o be_v worth_a our_o mind_v here_o i_o say_v he_o have_v often_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v certain_a way_n and_o method_n to_o god_n 542._o which_o he_o shall_v use_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n ah_o lord_n say_v i_o i_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v thus_o do_v in_o this_o order_n with_o this_o event_n but_o god_n do_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o do_v desire_v then_o again_o think_v i_o why_o my_o council_n be_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o thy_o name_n the_o gather_n and_o increase_a thy_o kingdom_n the_o propagate_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a design_n but_o god_n no_o doubt_n laugh_v at_o this_o wisdom_n of_o i_o and_o say_v go_v to_o now_o i_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v wife_n and_o learned_a but_o this_o be_v never_o my_o manner_n that_o either_o peter_n or_o martin_n mean_v himself_o shall_v teach_v or_o form_n or_o govern_v or_o lead_v i_o for_o i_o be_o not_o a_o passive_a but_o a_o active_a god_n who_o use_v always_o to_o lead_v govern_z form_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o our_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v only_o passive_a and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v and_o slay_v it_o and_o therefore_o many_o who_o can_v not_o endure_v this_o mortification_n have_v fall_v horrible_o and_o thus_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n be_v whole_o according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o council_n and_o whole_o without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o we_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n over_o his_o church_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n presence_n or_o god_n government_n within_o we_o for_o the_o right_a church_n be_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o have_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o be_v build_v and_o frame_v and_o that_o according_a to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v and_o god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o if_o any_o will_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a guide_n and_o order_v of_o this_o church_n depend_v whole_o on_o god_n who_o dwell_v within_o it_o for_o god_n will_v not_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o sit_v still_o whilst_z other_o that_o be_v without_o it_o shall_v govern_v it_o but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o right_a church_n lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v immanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o so_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n who_o fill_v it_o govern_v it_o by_o a_o most_o present_a and_o powerful_a but_o invisible_a influence_n lead_v it_o into_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o patience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o patience_n into_o love_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n into_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n into_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o into_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o righteousness_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o contain_v all_o these_o grace_n in_o itself_o and_o work_v they_o in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o government_n we_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a in_o this_o government_n we_o have_v not_o outward_a law_n to_o order_v we_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o a_o inward_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o live_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o live_a word_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o according_a to_o this_o government_n also_o god_n guide_v the_o true_a church_n wonderful_o the_o soul_n not_o see_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o form_n and_o fashion_n the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n clean_a contrary_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o mourning_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o comfort_n bring_v they_o to_o despair_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n to_o death_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n yea_o even_o to_o hell_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n lead_v his_o choose_a people_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o will_v follow_v but_o faith_n which_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fear_n woe_n agony_n temptation_n till_o it_o feel_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o true_a sorrow_n of_o death_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o this_o darkness_n see_v no_o beam_n nor_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n and_o want_v all_o counsel_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v itself_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o lead_v it_o into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o redeem_v it_o from_o all_o distress_n subdue_a the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n under_o it_o yea_o and_o carry_v it_o into_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n age._n now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n to_o wit_n the_o one_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o other_o of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n when_o the_o prelatical_a government_n have_v be_v dissolve_v for_o several_a year_n together_o can_v any_o christian_a think_v that_o the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v without_o all_o government_n nay_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v be_v govern_v most_o powerful_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o most_o sweet_o by_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v neither_o against_o its_o grace_n nor_o comfort_n and_o for_o a_o outward_a formal_a visible_a enforce_a government_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a corporation_n or_o worldly_a kingdom_n the_o true_a church_n can_v as_o well_o want_v such_o a_o government_n at_o all_o time_n as_o at_o any_o time_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v best_o without_o it_o as_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o man_n and_o more_o immediate_o under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n its_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v so_o violent_a for_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n temptation_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sometime_o or_o other_o be_v exercise_v with_o temptation_n of_o despair_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o
way_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o dare_v to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o confusion_n see_v god_n know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n than_o thou_o do_v wherefore_o see_v prophesy_v be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v nowithstand_v what_o have_v be_v say_v still_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o a_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a ministry_n or_o the_o only_a power_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v but_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o from_o this_o thing_n 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o you_o and_o be_v it_o to_o come_v out_o only_o from_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o you_o and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o come_v forth_o from_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v come_v see_v they_o can_v but_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v 5._o the_o last_o mean_v i_o shall_v name_v whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v keep_v error_n out_o of_o it_o self_n be_v to_o exercise_v its_o power_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n as_o paul_n command_v 1_o cor._n 14.29_o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n shall_v also_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o judgement_n error_n will_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v vent_v but_o will_v also_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o now_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v quest._n and_o that_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v answ._n that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wisehearted_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrage_n object_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n and_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o quest._n and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o
those_o that_o shall_v be_v keep_v out_o and_o keep_v out_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v let_v in_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v avoid_v as_o extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n they_o 2._o they_o must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o prefer_v christian_n to_o place_n of_o public_a ministry_n and_o employment_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o they_o dispose_v of_o they_o alike_o to_o godly_a man_n of_o either_o judgement_n lest_o otherwise_o many_o smell_v the_o design_n of_o antichrist_n underneath_o which_o be_v that_o none_o shall_v buy_v or_o sell_v or_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n or_o university_n but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v take_v a_o certain_a mark_n into_o their_o forehead_n and_o right_a hand_n and_o though_o the_o outward_a mark_n of_o the_o mystery_n may_v change_v yet_o the_o inward_a mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o do_v not_o change_v with_o the_o change_n of_o form_n 3._o if_o one_o sort_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n other_o or_o prefer_v as_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o another_o much_o less_o be_v one_o party_n to_o be_v destroy_v for_o another_o for_o thus_o will_v satan_n also_o be_v a_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o will_v destroy_v christ_n kingdom_n to_o exalt_v his_o own_o that_o he_o may_v possess_v all_o quiet_o and_o alone_o but_o christ_n way_n be_v to_o reconcile_v those_o that_o differ_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o of_o twain_o to_o make_v they_o one_o new_a man_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o christ_n if_o we_o seek_v to_o bring_v both_o into_o one_o in_o love_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v either_o by_o force_n these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o mean_n of_o peace_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v circumstantial_a now_o if_o they_o be_v very_a truth_n wherein_o christian_n differ_v yet_o such_o peace_n wherein_o they_o may_v err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n than_o these_o rule_n be_v of_o use_n 1._o to_o hear_v they_o speak_v their_o judgement_n with_o freedom_n and_o not_o to_o condemn_v they_o unheard_a for_o thus_o may_v thou_o soon_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a and_o make_v thyself_o guilty_a 2._o to_o understand_v full_o what_o thy_o adversary_n mean_v before_o thou_o contend_v against_o he_o lest_o if_o thou_o want_v this_o wisdom_n and_o patience_n thou_o oppose_v not_o so_o much_o his_o judgement_n as_o thy_o own_o conceit_n much_o better_a be_v it_o calm_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n mind_n from_o himself_o then_o hasty_o to_o guess_v at_o it_o yea_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v so_o before_o thou_o have_v hear_v he_o speak_v if_o thou_o can_v but_o have_v patience_n to_o hear_v he_o relate_v his_o own_o mind_n perhaps_o in_o the_o end_n thou_o shall_v understand_v it_o differ_v little_a from_o thy_o own_o in_o substance_n 3._o reproach_v not_o any_o thing_n thy_o adversary_n speak_v with_o this_o that_o thou_o never_o hear_v it_o before_o for_o this_o may_v not_o so_o much_o discover_v his_o error_n as_o thy_o ignorance_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o thou_o a_o new_a error_n if_o it_o be_v true_o examine_v by_o the_o word_n may_v prove_v a_o old_a truth_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v needs_o condemn_v whatever_o savour_v of_o novelty_n how_o shall_v the_o truth_n we_o yet_o know_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o or_o the_o error_n that_o yet_o remain_v with_o we_o be_v purge_v o_fw-mi ut_fw-mi 4_o be_v not_o over_o confident_a in_o what_o thou_o hold_v upon_o thy_o own_o judgement_n or_o other_o man_n strengthen_v from_o multitude_n custom_n and_o antiquity_n for_o man_n have_v err_v most_o gross_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v think_v themselves_o most_o certain_a and_o therefore_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o thou_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n upon_o clear_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n then_o upon_o the_o strong_a presumption_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n 5._o in_o these_o difference_n make_v the_o word_n the_o judge_n and_o not_o man_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a judge_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o one_o say_v well_o qui_fw-la ponit_fw-la legem_fw-la judicem_fw-la ponit_fw-la deum_fw-la qui_fw-la autem_fw-la addit_fw-la hominem_fw-la addit_fw-la &_o bestiam_fw-la that_o be_v he_o that_o make_v the_o law_n judge_n make_v god_n judge_n but_o he_o that_o make_v man_n judge_n make_v a_o beast_n judge_n for_o every_o man_n be_v brutish_a in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o then_o only_o be_v we_o sure_a of_o any_o thing_n when_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o take_v the_o word_n in_o any_o fashion_n for_o judge_n in_o these_o matter_n but_o we_o must_v necessary_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v we_o see_v so_o many_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o man_n that_o make_v use_v alike_o of_o the_o same_o outward_a word_n for_o their_o rule_n now_o though_o all_o have_v the_o same_o outward_a word_n yet_o all_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n except_o they_o attain_v to_o one_o spirit_n for_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 2._o that_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v man_n sense_n or_o reason_n understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v only_o judge_v aright_o of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o we_o can_v only_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o word_n if_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o it_o to_o we_o 6._o if_o thou_o can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o shall_v agree_v with_o thou_o wherein_o he_o differ_v then_o observe_v that_o moderate_a and_o christian_a rule_n of_o paul_n where_o he_o say_v as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v 16._o if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v also_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o and_o so_o let_v we_o wait_v with_o patience_n till_o god_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n shall_v please_v to_o teach_v he_o as_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o teach_v we_o because_o without_o this_o teach_n he_o can_v never_o know_v it_o aright_o though_o thou_o teach_v he_o never_o so_o much_o 7._o and_o last_o when_o in_o many_o inconsiderable_a point_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v agree_v with_o many_o that_o be_v true_o faithful_a nor_o they_o with_o we_o let_v we_o according_a to_o paul_n rule_n leave_v the_o final_a judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o due_a time_n appoint_v of_o god_n as_o paul_n have_v say_v judge_n nothing_o before_o the_o time_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o time_n this_o be_v christ_n have_v tell_v we_o say_v if_o any_o one_o bear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v not_o i_o judge_v he_o not_o but_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o the_o sense_n reason_n knowledge_n judgement_n and_o discern_v of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o many_o time_n the_o pure_a thing_n be_v reckon_v vile_a and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a thing_n carnal_a and_o the_o very_o high_a thing_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o conceit_n or_o error_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beyond_o humane_a comprehension_n shall_v be_v defer_v to_o the_o last_o day_n god_n judgement_n be_v better_a in_o his_o own_o time_n then_o in_o we_o now_o in_o case_n the_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o differ_v be_v such_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o without_o believe_v which_o man_n can_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o christ_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n case_n 1._o hear_v they_o speak_v and_o be_v rather_o confident_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v prevail_v over_o their_o error_n then_o fearful_a that_o their_o error_n will_v prevail_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o strive_v not_o for_o secular_a power_n to_o shut_v up_o man_n mouth_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n write_n though_o they_o speak_v and_o print_v thing_n that_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o man_n have_v not_o liberty_n to_o divulge_v their_o doctrine_n public_o they_o will_v spread_v they_o private_o to_o infect_v and_o corrupt_v many_o ere_o it_o can_v be_v know_v or_o prevent_v and_o if_o man_n vent_v error_n public_o if_o there_o be_v as_o public_a liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o the_o success_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o at_o any_o time_n with_o
the_o work_v he_o do_v joh._n 10.37_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v the_o true_a church_n know_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o its_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o their_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o head_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o though_o the_o true_a church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v know_v by_o our_o outward_a sense_n yet_o we_o have_v certain_a token_n of_o her_o spiritual_a presence_n whereby_o we_o may_v reckon_v that_o in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n there_o be_v certain_a of_o her_o member_n as_o by_o a_o natural_a example_n though_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o itself_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n yet_o may_v we_o have_v sure_a token_n of_o its_o presence_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o body_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v as_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n understanding_n discourse_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v invisible_a in_o itself_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o some_o certain_a sign_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o sound_v nowhere_o but_o in_o the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n invisible_a and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o society_n but_o by_o be_v take_v up_o into_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a then_o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a body_n than_o to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o all_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v such_o a_o head_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o body_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o can_v present_o agree_v to_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v have_v far_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o church_n heretofore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o outward_a and_o visible_a officer_n according_a to_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o easy_a reach_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o now_o whole_a christ_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v not_o only_a christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 5.32_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a mystery_n though_o both_o indeed_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o body_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v by_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o as_o antichrist_n have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o set_v up_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n instead_o of_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o he_o have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o erect_v a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n instead_o of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a for_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n must_v be_v suitable_a each_o to_o other_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o so_o as_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a body_n the_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n make_v and_o constitute_v by_o a_o mixture_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o power_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n but_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o head_n the_o true_a christ_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o society_n the_o true_a church_n be_v head_n and_o both_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a age_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o head_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o its_o obscure_n and_o darken_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o now_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v in_o this_o present_a age_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v no_o less_o obscure_v than_o the_o former_a that_o so_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o whole_a christ_n may_v both_o be_v know_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v desire_v as_o occasion_n serveâ—_n to_o make_v know_v what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v here_o speak_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o and_o thus_o have_v declare_v what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v lie_v and_o rectify_v some_o ancient_a and_o general_a mistake_n touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v know_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o evident_a word_n the_o true_a and_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o note_n in_o general_n that_o among_o all_o these_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o apostle_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o uniformity_n indeed_o the_o rhemist_n be_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n blind_v from_o this_o very_a place_n urge_v and_o press_v uniformity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a engine_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n to_o its_o throne_n and_o after_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v anon_o by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o no_o conformity_n or_o uniformity_n be_v any_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o union_n see_v the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o peace_n by_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o by_o inward_a principle_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n unity_n which_o the_o apostle_n name_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n seven_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v one_o body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n say_v paul_n the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n body_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a or_o
govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o 483._o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ._n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ._n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v christ._n 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v
along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a faith_n rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o sextum_fw-la infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o cur_n ita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o buâ—_n all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v yea_o but_o have_v not_o the_o church_n a_o council_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o see_v act._n 15_o object_n and_o do_v not_o they_o order_n and_o decree_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v the_o church_n have_v a_o council_n then_o answ._n but_o far_o differ_v from_o the_o counsel_n now_o adays_o for_o 1._o that_o council_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o pack_v together_o by_o secular_a power_n but_o free_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o by_o the_o believer_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n 2._o this_o council_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o brethren_n also_o and_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v agree_v and_o order_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n 3._o that_o free_a council_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o mere_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o the_o word_n &_o by_o the_o word_n conclude_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v all_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fore_n name_v place_n and_o in_o these_o regard_v that_o council_n differ_v from_o we_o council_n now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n desire_v a_o council_n for_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v free_a it_o must_v mind_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v power_n itself_o to_o call_v one_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o what_o man_n can_v object_v against_o this_o of_o worldly_a prince_n call_v they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o literal_a man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v
the_o church_n remain_v as_o it_o ought_v above_o the_o officer_n it_o quit_v they_o when_o they_o grow_v evil_a and_o unruly_a and_o choose_v better_a in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o preserve_v union_n whereas_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a officer_n when_o they_o do_v degenerate_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o seven_o rule_n be_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o congregation_n to_o take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n head_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n for_o whilst_o some_o say_v we_o be_v of_o paul_n other_o we_o of_o apollo_n other_o we_o of_o cephas_n they_o be_v all_o in_o this_o matter_n carnal_a and_o divide_v both_o from_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o whilst_o several_a set_v up_o several_a head_n who_o they_o especial_o own_v and_o after_o who_o they_o be_v call_v whereas_o each_o that_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v through_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o as_o near_o to_o christ_n as_o themselves_o be_v and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o fellow_n member_n as_o a_o head_n to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o body_n i_o say_v each_o believer_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v christ_n equal_o for_o their_o head_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o set_v up_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a head_n for_o they_o to_o join_v to_o for_o this_o be_v to_o rend_v the_o body_n in_o piece_n and_o to_o work_v great_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n among_o some_o brethren_n to_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o man_n though_o godly_a and_o eminent_a and_o to_o say_v mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n or_o mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n and_o so_o to_o put_v the_o church_n under_o several_a head_n which_o work_v distinction_n and_o division_n whereas_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v wherever_o it_o be_v one_o church_n under_o one_o head_n and_o governor_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n for_o the_o church_n or_o faithful_a to_o have_v one_o or_o more_o visible_a headâ—_n to_o go_v to_o not_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o this_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o carnal_a church_n yet_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o people_n do_v only_o own_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n their_o true_a and_o spiritual_a head_n and_o so_o they_o all_o live_v as_o one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o under_o one_o only_a head_n live_v all_o in_o invincible_a peace_n and_o unity_n whereas_o difference_n of_o outward_a head_n and_o ringleader_n always_o breed_v difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n the_o eight_o rule_n be_v for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n doctrine_n see_v this_o breed_v not_o only_a division_n but_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n also_o in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o some_o false_a apostle_n teach_v at_o antioch_n that_o except_o christian_n be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a church_n first_o at_o antioch_n and_o present_o after_o at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o which_o according_o through_o god_n they_o do_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n be_v evident_o against_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o as_o it_o love_v its_o own_o peace_n and_o unity_n now_o if_o any_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n quest._n i_o answer_v answ._n it_o may_v certain_o keep_v out_o error_n by_o these_o mean_n error_n 1._o let_v the_o church_n suffer_v none_o to_o teach_v among_o they_o that_o be_v not_o themselves_o teach_v of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o great_a natural_a part_n and_o never_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n for_o when_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o will_v only_o teach_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n and_o the_o line_n of_o every_o man_n teach_v must_v extend_v no_o further_o but_o when_o they_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v they_o will_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o and_o under_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n will_v give_v forth_o a_o unsound_a and_o false_a sense_n to_o the_o deceive_a of_o many_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o simple_a and_o so_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n will_v utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o endanger_v the_o mis-leading_a of_o some_o sheep_n for_o a_o time_n 2_o let_v the_o faithful_a examine_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o receive_v doctrine_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n who_o through_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n may_v easy_o lead_v they_o unaware_o into_o error_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o print_v and_o general_o receive_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a see_v those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o that_o doctrine_n let_v they_o reject_v it_o as_o reprobate_a silver_n see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o though_o through_o god_n especial_a goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o at_o this_o present_a time_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o search_v and_o see_v if_o our_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o yet_o err_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n and_o whether_o some_o or_o many_o corruption_n do_v not_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o thing_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o keep_v out_o error_n long_o than_o it_o precise_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o god_n and_o try_v all_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n by_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n must_v desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o man_n can_v make_v any_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o word_n he_o hear_v of_o reads_z without_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o this_o anoint_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_o teach_v which_o be_v truth_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v error_n and_o that_o by_o so_o clear_a and_o true_a a_o light_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v wherefore_o christian_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v with_o carnal_a people_n that_o the_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o humane_a and_o antichristian_a error_n depend_v upon_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o science_n for_o thus_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v whole_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o they_o conceive_v after_o this_o manner_n learned_a whereby_o they_o leave_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n through_o which_o the_o teacher_n may_v bring_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o error_n upon_o they_o but_o believer_n must_v know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o without_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o perfect_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o error_n and_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o all_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o so_o
rite_n which_o the_o apostle_n great_o regard_v but_o lest_o such_o thing_n free_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n every_o man_n to_o use_v therein_o his_o own_o discretion_n for_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v thereof_o whereupon_o as_o concern_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a observation_n of_o day_n time_n place_n meat_n drink_n vesture_n and_o such_o other_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v the_o diversity_n among_o man_n great_o note_v nor_o any_o uniformity_n great_o require_v thus_o christian_a liberty_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a man_n do_v not_o much_o struggle_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n till_o the_o asian_o and_o roman_n 4._o begin_v to_o dis-agree_a about_o easter-day_n to_o compose_v which_o controversy_n polycarpus_n a_o godly_a martyr_n go_v to_o rome_n ann_n 157._o and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o antoninus_n pius_n to_o anicetus_n than_o bishop_n there_o and_o though_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o they_o still_o retain_v christian_a communion_n and_o avoid_v all_o breach_n of_o peace_n afterward_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o commodus_n the_o christian_n enjoy_v some_o respite_n from_o pesecution_n begin_v to_o contend_v again_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o easter_n and_o neither_o yet_o do_v the_o difference_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n of_o brotherly_a life_n though_o they_o of_o the_o west_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o paul_n and_o peter_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o hermes_n and_o pius_n and_o not_o they_o keep_v one_o day_n and_o they_o of_o asia_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o john_n keep_v another_o after_o this_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a stickler_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o easter_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o not_o yield_v to_o his_o judgement_n to_o who_o iraeneus_n write_v touch_v the_o diversity_n of_o outward_a thing_n commendat_fw-la use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v these_o word_n notwithstanding_o the_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n among_o the_o former_a christian_n they_o all_o keep_v peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o we_o say_v he_o still_o retain_v it_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o fast_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n remain_v sound_a and_o entire_a till_o this_o victor_n time_n which_o be_v ann_n 200._o and_o he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v or_o rather_o enforce_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o uniformity_n of_o keep_v that_o feast_n to_o be_v first_o require_v as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a and_o all_o they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o against_o this_o judgement_n of_o victor_n polycrates_n and_o many_o other_o bishop_n and_o brethren_n of_o asia_n declare_v and_o the_o matter_n have_v burst_v out_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n have_v not_o some_o godly_a man_n of_o those_o time_n bring_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o quench_v it_o among_o who_o iraeneus_n as_o eusebius_n relate_v 26._o speak_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o the_o variety_n and_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n be_v no_o strange_a matter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o this_o variety_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o easter_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o fast_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o usage_n among_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o fast_a one_o some_o two_o day_n some_o more_o and_o other_o count_v 40._o hour_n both_o day_n and_o night_n reckon_v that_o for_o their_o full_a fast_a day_n and_o this_o so_o divers_a fashion_n of_o fast_v in_o the_o church_n begin_v not_o in_o our_o time_n but_o in_o they_o who_o live_v before_o we_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o with_o all_o this_o diversity_n be_v in_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v we_o neither_o do_v this_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n any_o thing_n hinder_v but_o rather_o commend_v the_o agreement_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o he_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o father_n of_o telesphorus_n pius_n anicetus_n soter_n eleutherius_fw-la and_o such_o other_o who_o neither_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n themselves_o nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o keep_v christian_a charity_n with_o such_o as_o come_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o form_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v as_o well_o appear_v by_o polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n who_o although_o they_o agree_v not_o in_o one_o uniform_a custom_n of_o rite_n communionem_fw-la tamen_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la yet_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o iraeneus_n in_o his_o practice_n answer_v his_o name_n persuade_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o uniformity_n till_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o far_o socrates_n 19_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o live_v after_o the_o day_n of_o theodosius_n speak_v of_o the_o fast_n before_o easter_n say_v the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v at_o rome_n ageret_fw-la fast_o three_o week_n continual_o before_o easter_n beside_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o sunday_n but_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o illyria_n and_o all_o greece_n and_o alexandria_n fast_o six_o week_n before_o easter_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o fast_v in_o several_a church_n say_v and_o because_o no_o can_v bring_v forth_o any_o commandment_n write_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v this_o fast_o free_a to_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o will_n that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v by_o fear_n and_o necessity_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o relate_v many_o several_a form_n and_o usage_n in_o several_a christian_a church_n and_o conclude_v that_o matter_n thus_o but_o say_v he_o potest_fw-la to_o commit_v to_o write_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o church_n that_o be_v use_v in_o each_o city_n and_o country_n as_o it_o will_v be_v very_o troublesome_a so_o hardly_o can_v it_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o further_o i_o find_v that_o austin_n who_o be_v send_v into_o england_n by_o pope_n gregory_n ann_n 598._o among_o other_o question_n to_o the_o pope_n propound_v this_o as_o one_o that_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o divers_a and_o gregory_n return_v this_o answer_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o it_o be_v you_o know_v wherein_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o from_o your_o youth_n but_o rather_o it_o please_v i_o better_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o in_o any_o french_a church_n where_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v better_a to_o the_o service_n and_o please_v of_o god_n that_o you_o choose_v the_o same_o and_o so_o infer_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o english_a church_n which_o be_v yet_o new_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o best_a and_o pickedst_a thing_n choose_v out_o of_o many_o church_n for_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o place_n sake_n but_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a wherefore_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v good_a godly_a and_o religious_a those_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o induce_v to_o your_o people_n that_o they_o may_v take_v root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o english_a man_n so_o that_o yet_o you_o see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o enslave_v by_o any_o enforce_a uniformity_n but_o keep_v its_o own_o christian_a freedom_n till_o antichrist_n grow_v up_o to_o more_o height_n and_o get_v the_o secular_a power_n of_o prince_n to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o and_o his_o clergy_n make_v law_n of_o all_o that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o enforce_v man_n to_o they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o thus_o he_o reign_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o till_o the_o determinate_a time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o than_o god_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n upon_o some_o choose_a servant_n of_o he_o to_o oppose_v antichrist_n as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o in_o this_o also_o of_o uniformity_n among_o other_o who_o after_o the_o general_a fall_v away_o oppose_v this_o uniformity_n be_v john_n gerson_n uniformity_n chancellor_n of_o paris_n who_o live_v about_o a_o 100_o year_n before_o luther_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n receive_v