by_o this_o mean_v their_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o speculation_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a power_n and_o method_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o they_o will_v soon_o give_v over_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o faithful_a about_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o power_n in_o they_o to_o free_v from_o eternal_a death_n nor_o to_o procure_v eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o twofold_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n himself_o exercise_v immediate_o in_o and_o over_o it_o whereof_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ignorant_a mans._n if_o we_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o our_o self_n and_o other_o now_o beside_o this_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n exercise_v mediate_o by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_v and_o man_n who_o have_v not_o know_v 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god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16.19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v explain_v where_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o pope_n and_o papal_a church_n under_o colour_n of_o this_o place_n have_v make_v great_a merchandise_n and_o have_v exceed_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v forth_o and_o the_o day_n of_o their_o traffic_n be_v at_o end_n and_o yet_o since_o other_o have_v be_v truck_v with_o the_o world_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v think_v to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n but_o the_o day_n have_v so_o far_o dawn_v that_o their_o shadow_n also_o be_v fly_v away_o but_o not_o to_o keep_v you_o long_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o peter_n have_v say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n reply_v to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o then_o add_v unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o to_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n father_n touch_v the_o son_n and_o so_o also_o they_o be_v give_v equal_o to_o each_o faithful_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n with_o peter_n as_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o these_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o 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holy_a spirit_n hear_v be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o add_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o your_o will_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o christ_n then_o before_o his_o ascension_n give_v these_o key_n true_o to_o his_o disciple_n but_o more_o solemn_o and_o full_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n glorify_v and_o after_o the_o gentile_n who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n receive_v the_o spirit_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n
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 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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
the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o bowel_n of_o love_n present_v to_o they_o by_o william_n dell_n one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n psal._n 120.7_o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n utrum_fw-la nos_fw-la schismatici_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o vos_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la sed_fw-la christus_fw-la interrogetur_fw-la ut_fw-la indicet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la august_n contr_n litter_n petil._n l._n 2._o c._n 85._o london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n near_a ludgate_n 1651._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o now_o when_o all_o almost_o that_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o noble_a and_o royal_a and_o wise_a and_o learned_a be_v find_v against_o this_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o god_n how_o high_o be_v you_o honour_v of_o he_o and_o how_o happy_a be_v you_o that_o you_o yet_o be_v find_v for_o it_o you_o after_o a_o manifold_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n of_o many_o of_o your_o member_n seem_v yet_o to_o remain_v as_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n yet_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v among_o those_o call_v and_o choose_v and_o faithful_a one_o that_o now_o continue_v with_o the_o lamb_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n in_o his_o engagement_n against_o and_o conquest_n over_o the_o ten-horned_a beast_n and_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o this_o work_n will_v be_v to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o double_a ruin_n to_o wit_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v you_o faithful_a that_o you_o may_v do_v this_o work_n 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church_n on_o yourselves_o and_o your_o power_n see_v this_o building_n be_v too_o weighty_a for_o any_o foundation_n but_o christ_n himself_o your_o power_n will_v do_v well_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v christ_n inheritance_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n you_o shall_v be_v happy_a to_o be_v subject_a in_o it_o but_o none_o must_v be_v lord_n or_o lawgiver_n here_o but_o christ_n himself_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v in_o many_o place_n translate_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n of_o the_o clergy_n into_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o magistrate_n any_o long_o keep_v it_o there_o see_v it_o will_v be_v as_o pernicious_a in_o this_o as_o in_o that_o for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a an_o evil_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v himself_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o general_a council_n in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n call_v christian_a or_o for_o the_o archbishop_n or_o national_a assembly_n in_o particular_a kingdom_n man_n have_v common_o think_v that_o to_o preserve_v the_o godly_a in_o worldly_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n whereas_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o faith_n hope_n love_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n in_o and_o through_o the_o spirit_n this_o only_a be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o this_o ofttimes_o be_v better_a do_v by_o christ_n who_o work_n only_o it_o be_v in_o affliction_n then_o in_o prosperity_n wherefore_o do_v you_o look_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o state_n and_o trust_v christ_n with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o be_v both_o faithful_a and_o able_a to_o save_v it_o perfect_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o no_o part_n of_o it_o out_o of_o he_o no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o this_o their_o peace_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o preserve_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o desperate_a evil_n of_o the_o world_n now_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o wherein_o its_o peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v be_v here_o in_o some_o measure_n declare_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o faithful_a everywhere_o and_o particular_o for_o your_o good_a lest_o you_o be_v glorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o one_o work_n shall_v miscarry_v in_o another_o and_o this_o i_o have_v do_v through_o god_n not_o because_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o church_n any_o long_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o its_o peace_n and_o why_o shall_v the_o member_n of_o it_o any_o long_a lie_n as_o scatter_a bone_n dry_a and_o dead_a and_o not_o gather_v up_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o live_a body_n and_o who_o can_v long_o endure_v to_o see_v unskilful_a physician_n under_o pretence_n of_o heal_v the_o church_n wound_v it_o still_o deep_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o procure_v its_o peace_n hurry_v it_o into_o endless_a dissension_n and_o division_n in_o this_o case_n of_o necessity_n i_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v both_o out_o of_o duty_n and_o love_n and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o will_v despise_v to_o hear_v who_o consider_v that_o god_n when_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choose_v babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n that_o so_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o more_o glorify_v and_o admire_v in_o his_o weak_a and_o mean_a instrument_n now_o let_v his_o praise_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o give_v you_o the_o honour_n that_o all_o his_o saint_n have_v and_o this_o be_v his_o hearty_a desire_n who_o humble_o write_v himself_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n william_n dell._n to_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n fairfax_n and_o the_o honourable_a lieutenant-general_n cromwell_n together_o with_o the_o council_n of_o war._n the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v turn_v your_o course_n backward_o like_o jordan_n from_o what_o it_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o all_o former_a enchantment_n and_o divination_n use_v against_o you_o be_v dissolve_v through_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o you_o after_o a_o manifest_a withdraw_a of_o it_o and_o you_o through_o a_o bless_a necessity_n be_v now_o do_v that_o work_n of_o god_n which_o once_o you_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o viz._n the_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o subdue_a the_o great_a enemy_n of_o pâ—ace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o enmity_n against_o peace_n that_o be_v enwrap_v in_o our_o very_a law_n and_o degenerate_v constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o think_v good_a while_o you_o be_v thus_o busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n without_o you_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n within_o you_o and_o a_o eternal_a peace_n as_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o temporal_a for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o have_v peace_n among_o man_n &_o to_o want_v peace_n with_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o destroy_v the_o enemy_n to_o worldly_a peace_n and_o yet_o to_o maintain_v in_o your_o own_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o heavenly_a peace_n take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o your_o present_a employment_n do_v not_o so_o over-ingage_a you_o in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o neglect_v the_o world_n to_o
to_o regard_v his_o own_o salvation_n see_v now_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o cloak_n nor_o the_o least_o excuse_n for_o his_o sin_n now_o that_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v you_o now_o at_o first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o propound_v any_o way_n of_o peace_n either_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n or_o else_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v learn_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n world_n for_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v any_o reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n between_o these_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a seed_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o one_o from_o beneath_o the_o other_o from_o 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way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n christ._n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o 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under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o 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very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n man_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n
differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o very_a many_o particular_n as_o follow_v 1._o member_n come_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o man_n either_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o else_o by_o the_o persuasion_n or_o by_o the_o force_n of_o other_o and_o so_o but_o after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o none_o come_v to_o this_o true_a church_n but_o from_o the_o draw_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o own_o call_n according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n member_n be_v admit_v through_o a_o outward_a confession_n of_o doctrine_n but_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o true_a church_n but_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o right_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o so_o have_v entrance_n into_o the_o true_a church_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n there_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o righteous_a but_o in_o this_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n be_v all_o righteous_a not_o one_o except_v as_o it_o be_v write_v thy_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a isa._n 60._o for_o they_o all_o have_v their_o iniquity_n forgive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o redeem_v and_o wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n 4._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n who_o be_v their_o head_n and_o leader_n and_o who_o judgement_n they_o depend_v on_o and_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o right_a church_n the_o people_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o isaiah_n say_v thy_o child_n shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o christ_n say_v they_o shall_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o john_n say_v the_o anoint_v they_o have_v receive_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 5._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o great_a part_n be_v hate_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o true_a church_n all_o the_o member_n be_v dear_a to_o god_n as_o christ_n be_v dear_a and_o love_v of_o god_n as_o christ_n be_v love_v as_o be_v one_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n with_o he_o 6._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v of_o man_n building_n contrive_v frame_v fashion_v beautify_v but_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v only_o by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v write_v zach._n 6.12_o the_o man_n who_o name_n be_v the_o branch_n he_o shall_v build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o he_o shall_v build_v it_o and_o again_o math._n 16_o 18._o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o building_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v frame_v but_o christ_n alone_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v all_o of_o they_o more_o or_o less_o the_o habitation_n of_o antichrist_n who_o as_o paul_n say_v 2_o thes._n 2.4_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o true_a temple_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n which_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o that_o name_n and_o title_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o antichrist_n always_o dwell_v there_o where_o man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n but_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v together_o to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 2.22_o and_o again_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o 8._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v as_o large_a as_o man_n will_v make_v they_o for_o they_o that_o have_v chief_a power_n in_o these_o church_n intere_v themselves_o in_o worldly_a magistrate_n through_o their_o favour_n and_o help_v make_v their_o church_n as_o large_a as_o the_o magistrate_n dominion_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v make_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o of_o other_o prince_n in_o who_o the_o pope_n have_v interest_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n in_o other_o kingdom_n be_v make_v as_o large_a as_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o temporal_a magistrate_n and_o all_o under_o their_o power_n must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v of_o their_o church_n but_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n be_v only_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o father_n kingdom_n and_o so_o will_v admit_v no_o more_o into_o it_o than_o the_o father_n kingdom_n will_v admit_v into_o it_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o the_o father_n be_v of_o a_o like_a latitude_n and_o extent_n and_o so_o the_o son_n kingdom_n be_v no_o large_a than_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o father_n than_o the_o son_n the_o father_n kingdom_n will_v not_o receive_v any_o into_o it_o that_o have_v not_o first_o be_v of_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o the_o son_n kingdom_n will_v not_o admit_v into_o it_o what_o the_o father_n kingdom_n will_v not_o after_o receive_v but_o the_o son_n deliver_v up_o his_o whole_a kingdom_n to_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n receive_v it_o all_o without_o any_o exception_n now_o from_o hence_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n spain_n hungary_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o all_o these_o and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n the_o faithful_a who_o be_v take_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o he_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o kingdom_n themselves_o 2._o in_o particular_a assembly_n whether_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a all_o the_o company_n that_o meet_v together_o bodily_a and_o have_v outward_a communion_n in_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o those_o among_o all_o these_o that_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n in_o one_o christ_n and_o god_n for_o herein_o only_o stand_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v hereby_o and_o by_o no_o outward_a thing_n whatsoever_o 3._o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o magistrate_n and_o worldly_a power_n to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o church_n who_o do_v belong_v to_o it_o and_o who_o do_v not_o but_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n only_o to_o point_v out_o his_o own_o church_n see_v he_o only_o know_v it_o and_o it_o only_o stand_v by_o his_o election_n and_o collection_n and_o not_o by_o man_n 9_o the_o church_n of_o man_n knit_v themselves_o together_o into_o such_o society_n by_o some_o outward_a covenant_n or_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a church_n be_v knit_v into_o their_o society_n among_o themselves_o by_o be_v first_o knit_v unto_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v one_o with_o he_o they_o be_v also_o one_o with_o one_o another_o in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o first_o one_o among_o themselves_o and_o then_o after_o one_o with_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a society_n knit_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o knit_v to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o love_n and_o this_o make_v they_o infinite_o more_o one_o than_o any_o outward_a covenant_n they_o can_v engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o union_n wherein_o god_n make_v we_o one_o pass_v all_o the_o union_n wherein_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o one_o and_o so_o when_o some_o believer_n perceive_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o other_o they_o present_o fall_v into_o one_o communion_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o body_n can_v deny_v communion_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o true_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n when_o they_o do_v perceive_v this_o grace_n for_o this_o be_v considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o be_v not_o first_o one_o with_o the_o church_n and_o then_o after_o one_o with_o christ_n but_o we_o be_v first_o one_o with_o christ_n and_o then_o one_o with_o the_o church_n and_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n flow_v from_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o not_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n christ_n joh._n 17._o prey_n that_o they_o all_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o so_o that_o our_o union_n be_v not_o first_o among_o our_o self_n and_o then_o 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
direct_a enmity_n against_o it_o see_v our_o own_o corrupt_a and_o earthly_a spirit_n be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o church_n live_v wherefore_o we_o may_v learn_v hence_o what_o to_o judge_v of_o those_o man_n that_o cry_v out_o much_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o themselves_o neither_o live_v in_o nor_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o either_o by_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o antichrist_n 2._o they_o that_o labour_n to_o join_v man_n into_o one_o body_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o one_o spirit_n with_o it_o do_v mar_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o for_o as_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n so_o diversity_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o this_o one_o body_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o one_o spirit_n 3._o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o christ_n prejudice_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n which_o be_v to_o have_v all_o its_o communion_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o pray_v or_o prophesy_v or_o the_o like_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a part_n or_o humane_a study_n and_o invention_n only_o and_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o spirit_n they_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o faithful_a have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v manifest_v in_o each_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest._n how_o may_v i_o know_v christ_n spirit_n in_o these_o act_n and_o duty_n from_o a_o man_n own_o i_o answer_v answ._n that_o as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o as_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o belief_n so_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o spirit_n and_o can_v know_v where_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o where_o be_v a_o different_a or_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o one-ness_a of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o themselves_o the_o three_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n call_n as_o all_o believer_n be_v call_v by_o one_o calling_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a voice_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o be_v all_o call_v into_o one_o bless_a hope_n of_o obtain_v the_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o no_o one_o be_v call_v to_o this_o hope_n more_o than_o another_o or_o have_v more_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o it_o then_o another_o fish_n that_o live_v in_o the_o sea_n though_o some_o be_v great_a and_o some_o less_o yet_o none_o have_v more_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o it_o then_o another_o but_o all_o be_v alike_o produce_v in_o it_o enjoy_v it_o alike_o and_o creature_n that_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n though_o some_o be_v great_a and_o some_o less_o yet_o all_o enjoy_v the_o sun_n and_o air_n alike_o and_o yet_o near_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n though_o of_o different_a quantity_n form_n and_o office_n yet_o all_o have_v alike_o interest_n in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o its_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculty_n so_o all_o the_o faithful_a enjoy_v christ_n alike_o and_o in_o he_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n and_o no_o believer_n have_v more_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o god_n than_o another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o god_n give_v not_o more_o nor_o better_a thing_n to_o one_o then_o to_o another_o but_o he_o give_v immortality_n glory_n eternal_a life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o himself_o alike_o to_o all_o and_o make_v all_o to_o sit_v alike_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o father_n all_o the_o faithful_a than_o be_v equal_o call_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o hope_n and_o none_o can_v hope_v for_o great_a or_o better_a thing_n than_o another_o it_o be_v a_o very_a carnal_a thing_n in_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n to_o desire_v of_o christ_n that_o one_o of_o her_o son_n may_v sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o another_o at_o his_o left_a hand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n where_o all_o alike_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o none_o at_o all_o at_o his_o left_a indeed_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n some_o have_v great_a estate_n than_o other_o and_o be_v in_o high_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o breed_v envy_v and_o emulation_n and_o strife_n and_o distance_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o father_n all_o that_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o dwell_v therein_o do_v alike_o inherit_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o say_v paul_n and_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n say_v john_n and_o the_o least_o believer_n have_v no_o less_o and_o the_o great_a have_v no_o more_o and_o this_o cause_n unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o we_o see_v what_o a_o strong_a bond_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n unity_n of_o hope_n be_v in_o they_o that_o travel_v together_o that_o fight_v together_o that_o labour_n together_o and_o so_o much_o more_o in_o they_o who_o be_v equal_o call_v by_o god_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o hope_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n who_o hope_n be_v in_o earthly_a carnal_a base_a thing_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n yet_o live_v only_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o worldly_a profit_n honour_n preferment_n and_o the_o attain_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o they_o according_a to_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o hope_n prosecute_v mighty_o by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n these_o man_n i_o say_v break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o true_a unity_n can_v they_o have_v with_o the_o true_a church_n that_o live_v not_o in_o unity_n of_o hope_n with_o it_o see_v worldly_a hope_n carry_v man_n one_o way_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o believer_n carry_v they_o another_o carnal_a hope_n make_v man_n leave_v god_n for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o saint_n make_v they_o leave_v the_o world_n for_o god_n wherefore_o they_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o hope_n which_o be_v their_o end_n must_v needs_o differ_v in_o their_o way_n and_o work_n and_o so_o he_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n live_v also_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o it_o the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o lord_n the_o right_a church_n have_v not_o many_o lord_n but_o one_o lord._n and_o this_o one_o and_o only_a lord_n be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v fellow_n servant_n to_o one_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o do_v owe_v equal_a obedience_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o when_o there_o be_v divers_a lord_n there_o be_v divers_a mind_n and_o will_n and_o end_n and_o so_o divers_a law_n and_o these_o breed_v division_n and_o dissension_n and_o war_n among_o man_n but_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n there_o be_v also_o but_o one_o law_n and_o where_o people_n live_v by_o one_o law_n under_o one_o lord_n unto_o who_o all_o be_v equal_o subject_a this_o breed_v peace_n and_o union_n now_o the_o lordship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o creature_n must_v presume_v to_o arrogate_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o see_v unto_o the_o very_a angel_n he_o have_v not_o put_v in_o subjection_n this_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o speak_v and_o for_o man_n christ_n have_v charge_v his_o own_o apostle_n who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n among_o believer_n may_v undoubted_o challenge_v the_o pre-eminence_n i_o say_v christ_n have_v charge_v even_o they_o on_o this_o sort_n matth._n 23.10_o be_v not_o you_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n that_o be_v you_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o
one_o another_o but_o not_o master_n and_o this_o same_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n james_n preach_v jam._n 3.1_o my_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o brethren_n who_o be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o to_o make_v themselves_o master_v over_o one_o another_o christ_n also_o have_v speak_v again_o so_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n math._n 20._o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o ever_o the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n shall_v dare_v to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o lordship_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n you_o know_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o twelve_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o he_o speak_v it_o peremptory_o that_o some_o believer_n shall_v not_o exercise_v dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o believer_n no_o not_o the_o great_a over_o the_o least_o all_o be_v fellow_n servant_n alike_o under_o one_o lord._n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n against_o their_o fellow_n servant_n may_v better_o think_v thus_o with_o themselves_o why_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o over_o we_o as_o over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o over_o our_o fellow_n servant_n nor_o they_o under_o we_o but_o both_o of_o we_o be_v equal_o under_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v equal_o over_o we_o both_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o same_o law_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o he_o expect_v the_o same_o obedience_n from_o we_o as_o from_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o command_v one_o another_o but_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v command_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a servant_n that_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n upon_o hope_n of_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o master_n come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o lord_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o either_o make_v themselves_o or_o other_o lord_n over_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n and_o parcel_n out_o this_o one_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n to_o many_o lord_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o dis-union_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v the_o first_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o general_a master_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o the_o pope_n a_o general_a council_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o itself_o and_o by_o degree_n this_o last_o become_v as_o hard_o yea_o a_o hard_a taskmaster_n to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o former_a after_o when_o particular_a kingdom_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o antichristian_a church_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n whole_o dissolve_v but_o only_o be_v contract_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n for_o then_o the_o archbishop_n make_v himself_o general_a master_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o particular_a kingdom_n as_o the_o pope_n before_o have_v do_v in_o all_o and_o after_o the_o archbishop_n rise_v up_o a_o national_a assembly_n as_o the_o general_n council_n after_o the_o pope_n and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o course_n usurp_v lordship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sad_a dissolution_n of_o its_o unity_n most_o evident_a than_o it_o be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n the_o church_n have_v be_v most_o miserable_o lord_v even_o among_o we_o for_o the_o priest_n he_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o people_n the_o archdeacon_n over_o the_o priest_n the_o dean_n over_o the_o arch_a deacon_n the_o bishop_n over_o the_o dean_n and_o the_o archbishop_n over_o the_o bishop_n under_o which_o woeful_a bondage_n the_o church_n cry_v out_o as_o isa._n 26._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o be_v this_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o ease_v by_o cast_v off_o those_o strange_a lord_n yea_o do_v not_o man_n rather_o seek_v to_o increase_v it_o by_o set_v yet_o stranger_n over_o it_o who_o name_n be_v so_o full_a of_o mystery_n that_o the_o common_a people_n can_v understand_v they_o for_o now_o they_o will_v have_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n set_v over_o the_o congregational_a and_o the_o provincial_n over_o the_o classical_a and_o the_o national_a over_o the_o provincial_n for_o so_o it_o be_v voted_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n government_n now_o here_o be_v mystery_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a rise_n up_o into_o the_o old_a power_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o mark_v how_o they_o prove_v this_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o wit_n by_o that_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o where_o it_o be_v write_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v thy_o admonition_n nor_o council_n nor_o the_o admonition_n and_o council_n of_o other_o brethren_n tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o prove_v the_o fore_n mention_v subordination_n of_o assembly_n just_a as_o the_o pope_n once_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o emperor_n to_o wit_n because_o it_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o that_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v by_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n by_o night_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o which_o they_o design_v the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o strange_a lord_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v they_o exceed_o multiply_v for_o what_o be_v a_o national_a assembly_n but_o a_o archbishop_n multiply_v and_o what_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o a_o bishop_n multiply_v and_o a_o classical_a but_o a_o dean_n and_o arch_a deacon_n multiply_v and_o thus_o the_o former_a lord_n be_v remove_v they_o will_v in_o their_o stead_n cause_v the_o church_n to_o swarm_v with_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a lord_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v christ_n own_o kingdom_n to_o return_v to_o his_o own_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n and_o thus_o while_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n seek_v to_o enforce_v these_o ecclesiastical_a lord_n over_o the_o church_n they_o absolute_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o it_o even_o whilst_o they_o bear_v the_o simple_a people_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o above_o all_o other_o man_n seek_v to_o preserve_v it_o see_v the_o plurality_n of_o lord_n be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v one_o but_o under_o one_o lord_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o faith_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n have_v but_o one_o faith_n faith_n wrought_v by_o one_o spirit_n apprehend_v the_o same_o christ_n or_o the_o same_o live_n and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o david_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o who_o now_o believe_v and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v hereafter_o all_o have_v and_o do_v and_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v believer_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o live_v their_o own_o life_n but_o all_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n each_o one_o receive_v equal_o from_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o live_v alike_o in_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n live_v equal_o the_o life_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o one_o branch_n live_v it_o not_o more_o than_o another_o through_o faith_n then_o every_o christian_a be_v carry_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o thing_n into_o christ_n who_o he_o apprehend_v with_o all_o his_o fullness_n for_o his_o own_o and_o in_o this_o faith_n all_o christian_n be_v equal_a and_o none_o have_v a_o better_a or_o worse_a faith_n than_o another_o so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o faith_n also_o there_o be_v among_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o equality_n for_o all_o believer_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n wrought_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o spirit_n work_v neither_o sin_n death_n nor_o the_o devil_n can_v possible_o prevail_v against_o and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o
peculiar_a baptism_n from_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o this_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o have_v not_o give_v it_o into_o any_o man_n power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n one_o baptism_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o content_n themselves_o only_o with_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o remain_v in_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o all_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o in_o all_o the_o filthiness_n and_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o nature_n with_o those_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o these_o pollution_n and_o be_v wash_v and_o justify_v purify_v and_o sanctify_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o what_o 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one_o god_n and_o father_n from_o who_o all_o receive_v alike_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o without_o any_o difference_n make_v they_o all_o one_o and_o equal_a that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o among_o these_o none_o have_v a_o better_a father_n than_o another_o nor_o none_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o another_o but_o all_o receive_v the_o same_o nature_n from_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n and_o so_o be_v brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o also_o be_v another_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o they_o have_v all_o one_o god_n and_o father_n first_o all_o be_v alike_o dear_a to_o he_o god_n because_o all_o be_v alike_o bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o he_o love_v not_o one_o more_o or_o less_o than_o another_o but_o comprehend_v all_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o love_n with_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o true_o know_v will_v restrain_v believer_n from_o wrong_v one_o another_o when_o they_o know_v that_o 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alike_o and_o all_o alike_o possess_v he_o be_v through_o they_o all_o and_o hereupon_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o because_o god_n never_o differ_v from_o himself_o but_o his_o nature_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o bring_v they_o all_o out_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o nature_n into_o the_o unity_n of_o go_n 3._o he_o be_v in_o they_o all._n all_o god_n be_v such_o a_o father_n as_o have_v his_o presence_n in_o all_o his_o child_n he_o have_v a_o special_a presence_n in_o they_o dwell_v in_o they_o after_o the_o manner_n he_o dwell_v in_o christ_n though_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n for_o god_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christian_n otherwise_o then_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o wit_n by_o communicate_v his_o nature_n to_o they_o through_o his_o union_n with_o they_o and_o wherever_o god_n communicate_v his_o nature_n there_o he_o be_v present_v most_o true_o powerful_o and_o glorious_o indeed_o and_o 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father_n be_v above_o we_o and_o through_o we_o and_o in_o we_o all_o they_o then_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n through_o outward_a profession_n and_o yet_o be_v none_o of_o this_o spiritual_a brotherhood_n as_o have_v no_o descent_n from_o this_o heavenly_a father_n they_o break_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n even_o all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v only_o bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o still_o live_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o live_v after_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n these_o now_o be_v the_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n true_a unity_n and_o peace_n seven_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o bond_n of_o unity_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n beside_o these_o for_o if_o there_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n will_v never_o have_v omit_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o be_v they_o to_o blame_v who_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o lift_v 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he_o be_v the_o man_n with_o they_o that_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o so_o antichrist-like_a they_o have_v exalt_v their_o single_a uniformity_n above_o this_o sevenfold_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v make_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n void_a through_o their_o carnal_a that_o i_o say_v no_o more_o tradition_n for_o a_o man_n may_v break_v all_o these_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o very_a good_a member_n of_o their_o church_n if_o he_o only_o observe_v their_o uniformity_n but_o if_o he_o break_v this_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_n and_o a_o heretic_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o their_o account_n though_o he_o live_v in_o all_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o true_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n wherefore_o to_o escape_v these_o snare_n let_v all_o believer_n know_v assure_o that_o these_o seven_o bond_n name_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v all_o spiritual_a and_o of_o god_n and_o 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of_o union_n and_o if_o they_o seem_v to_o work_v union_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mingle_v clay_n and_o iron_n together_o which_o no_o pain_n nor_o art_n can_v perfect_o compound_v for_o all_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n knit_v by_o other_o bond_n then_o be_v here_o name_v be_v no_o spiritual_a union_n neither_o will_v it_o stand_v and_o therefore_o dear_a christian_n and_o believer_n see_v we_o have_v seven_o bond_n of_o unity_n all_o of_o god_n own_o make_n to_o make_v we_o one_o let_v not_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v but_o sorry_a thing_n of_o man_n make_v separate_z and_o divide_v we_o but_o see_v each_o of_o these_o bond_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o one_o how_o much_o one_o shall_v all_o of_o they_o together_o make_v we_o and_o thus_o have_v show_v from_o the_o word_n how_o all_o christian_n and_o believer_n be_v make_v one_o by_o god_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v aim_v at_o be_v to_o show_v how_o they_o may_v continue_v one_o among_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o another_o whilst_o they_o sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a union_n that_o so_o all_o darkness_n and_o mistake_n which_o now_o even_o many_o believer_n be_v grievous_o enwrap_v in_o may_v be_v dispel_v and_o do_v away_o and_o we_o may_v live_v in_o this_o pure_a and_o perfect_a union_n with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n make_v all_o outward_a thing_n subservient_fw-fr hereunto_o and_o none_o of_o they_o prejudicial_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o conceive_v we_o be_v do_v 1._o to_o know_v some_o thing_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o and_o 2._o to_o do_v other_o thing_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o 1._o to_o preserve_v our_o peace_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v instruct_v aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n government_n because_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o great_a a_o cause_n of_o controversy_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o true_a government_n without_o any_o such_o form_n and_o law_n and_o power_n as_o be_v now_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o fold_n 1._o there_o be_v that_o government_n fold_n which_o god_n exercise_v immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o government_n which_o he_o exercise_v mediate_o mediate_v and_o by_o the_o faithful_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o be_v god_n immediate_a government_n fold_n be_v also_o twofold_a 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n providence_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o first_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 special_a providence_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a government_n this_o be_v that_o government_n of_o god_n over_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o take_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n sign_n wonder_n by_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o great_a terror_n when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o through_o the_o wilderness_n in_o path_n that_o be_v not_o tread_v when_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n when_o he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n but_o reprove_v even_o king_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o through_o multitude_n of_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o god_n lead_v that_o church_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o tribulation_n to_o quietness_n from_o a_o sordid_a condition_n to_o honour_n and_o renown_n from_o a_o strange_a land_n to_o a_o land_n of_o inheritance_n and_o from_o slavery_n to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a government_n indeed_o stand_v in_o god_n immediate_a conduct_n from_o heaven_n far_o above_o all_o humane_a counsel_n wisdom_n stratagem_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o man_n contrive_v and_o act_v and_o this_o government_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o all_o humane_a apprehension_n that_o according_a to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v his_o way_n be_v the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n every_o whit_n as_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o though_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v small_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v it_o receive_v increase_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o be_v preserve_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v heathen_a emperor_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o ever_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v take_v the_o conduct_n of_o this_o church_n and_o have_v carry_v it_o through_o difficulty_n distress_n reproach_n prison_n torment_n death_n to_o ease_v liberty_n comfort_n joy_n salvation_n glory_n life_n happiness_n and_o this_o have_v be_v god_n glorious_a government_n of_o the_o church_n hitherto_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n the_o church_n of_o god_n want_v not_o this_o government_n among_o all_o the_o trouble_n confusion_n war_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o god_n be_v now_o as_o near_o his_o true_a church_n as_o ever_o and_o support_v it_o and_o comfort_v it_o and_o guide_v it_o as_o a_o skilful_a pilot_n
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
do_v they_o also_o receive_v these_o key_n and_o so_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n equal_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o these_o key_n appertain_v not_o only_o to_o great_a congregation_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o christ_n have_v promise_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o where_o we_o see_v that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n have_v as_o much_o power_n as_o peter_z and_o all_o the_o apostle_n because_o christ_n be_v equal_o present_a with_o these_o as_o with_o those_o again_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o if_o the_o offend_a brother_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o brethren_n the_o offend_a brother_n shall_v tell_v the_o church_n mat_n 18.17_o now_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a see_v man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n through_o any_o office_n but_o only_o through_o faith_n and_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n among_o the_o faithful_a belong_v to_o every_o faithful_a man_n alike_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n power_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o power_n now_o as_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o church_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a power_n i_o may_v add_v nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n according_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n it_o that_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o true_a church_n but_o mere_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n without_o any_o conjunction_n or_o mixture_n of_o the_o other_o see_v christ_n power_n be_v perfect_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o so_o man_n may_v as_o well_o carry_v worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o father_n kingdom_n as_o into_o the_o son_n see_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o earth_n which_o have_v not_o be_v understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o busy_a to_o be_v secular_a power_n into_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o if_o christ_n own_o power_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v either_o weak_a or_o imperfect_a more_o particular_o this_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o i_o say_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o christ_n power_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o violence_n but_o a_o power_n of_o influence_n even_o such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o head_n have_v over_o the_o member_n and_o the_o soul_n over_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o a_o coercive_a but_o a_o persuasive_a power_n a_o power_n that_o make_v man_n willing_a that_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o do_v not_o force_v the_o unwilling_a against_o their_o will_n 2._o this_o power_n be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a as_o worldly_a power_n be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v man_n over_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n set_v man_n under_o other_o i_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o be_o among_o you_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v and_o again_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o all_o 3._o this_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o power_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o power_n 13.10_o viz._n not_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o their_o native_a kingdom_n but_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o god_n kingdom_n not_o to_o take_v away_o their_o outward_a liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o liberty_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v man_n by_o temporal_a death_n 4._o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o more_o than_o its_o own_o yea_o good_a of_o other_o with_o the_o neglect_n of_o its_o own_o so_o moses_n be_v not_o busy_a to_o have_v a_o most_o rebellious_a people_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o desire_v his_o own_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v in_o and_o paul_n desire_v that_o himself_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o christ_n that_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n after_o the_o flesh_n may_v have_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o after_o this_o high_a rate_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o own_o eternal_a good_a how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o temporal_a good_a their_o worldly_a profit_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n 5._o this_o power_n do_v not_o make_v other_o suffer_v to_o enlarge_v the_o church_n but_o suffer_v itself_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o so_o christ_n as_o wickliff_n say_v through_o his_o poverty_n humility_n and_o suffer_a injury_n and_o death_n get_v unto_o he_o the_o child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o martyr_n enlarge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o cause_v other_o to_o die_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o this_o power_n only_a act_n to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n salvation_n and_o only_o according_a to_o spiritual_a law_n but_o not_o to_o any_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n according_a to_o civil_a and_o humane_a law_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o true_a church_n power_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a differ_v very_o much_o both_o from_o the_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a man_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o true_a church_n power_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o power_n extend_v itself_o full_a as_o far_o as_o the_o church_n but_o no_o further_o further_o for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o church_n power_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v no_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o world_n then_o worldly_a power_n which_o be_v fleshly_a be_v suitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n power_n only_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n true_o church_n government_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a influence_n and_o operation_n but_o no_o further_o that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a but_o to_o none_o that_o be_v unwilling_a as_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o church_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n so_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o world_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a compulsion_n wherefore_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o distinct_a government_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o this_o power_n power_n i_o answer_v the_o word_n only_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n use_v no_o other_o instrument_n to_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
the_o natural_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n every_o member_n be_v in_o office_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o have_v power_n and_o privilege_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v to_o speak_v the_o word_n that_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o they_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n choose_v one_o or_o mo_z to_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o where_o he_o command_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o where_o the_o apostle_n contemn_v all_o superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o pomp_n of_o ordain_v only_o seek_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v require_v after_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 2._o out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o first_o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v choose_v paul_n teach_v we_o this_o say_v they_o must_v be_v faithful_a man_n apt_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o among_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2_o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o 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choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act._n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n 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can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o
acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o vn_fw-fr christian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sext_v be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n 344._o a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ._n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n it_o may_v call_v one_o counsel_n if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v
not_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o take_v up_o thing_n on_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n that_o concern_v either_o his_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o officer_n so_o also_o of_o its_o counsel_n for_o the_o church_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o take_v all_o that_o they_o determine_v for_o truth_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a yea_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o other_o church_n and_o christian_n have_v both_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o try_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o whole_a as_o they_o say_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v it_o and_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o judge_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o they_o may_v have_v resist_v they_o as_o paul_n do_v peter_n and_o paul_n give_v this_o liberty_n to_o christian_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o whether_o paul_n have_v allow_v it_o or_o no_o to_o try_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n whether_o they_o bring_v the_o right_a word_n or_o no_o for_o christ_n command_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v the_o nation_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o judge_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o angel_n much_o more_o of_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o anoint_v neither_o do_v live_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o thing_n which_o 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the_o church_n will_v best_o agree_v with_o itself_o and_o the_o world_n with_o itself_o the_o second_o rule_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n affair_n and_o be_v not_o to_o introduce_v or_o entertain_v any_o power_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o worldly_a power_n and_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v only_o to_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n see_v this_o power_n alone_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v the_o whole_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o work_v all_o the_o work_n in_o it_o that_o god_n have_v to_o do_v and_o so_o it_o be_v strong_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o man_n that_o dare_v not_o commit_v the_o success_n of_o their_o 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and_o headship_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o christ_n faithfulness_n in_o he_o but_o now_o if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o power_n but_o will_v needs_o intrude_v on_o christ_n also_o and_o not_o reckon_v it_o enough_o to_o govern_v man_n as_o man_n by_o his_o worldly_a power_n will_v also_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v tamper_n with_o the_o very_a church_n this_o both_o render_v he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithful_a troublesome_a to_o he_o he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o use_v a_o power_n over_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o suitable_a to_o they_o nor_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o troublesome_a to_o he_o because_o in_o god_n kingdom_n as_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o
voice_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o a_o stranger_n the_o pope_n he_o arrogate_v both_o sword_n to_o himself_o when_o neither_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o due_a time_n shall_v perish_v by_o both_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v assume_v to_o himself_o power_n of_o both_o kingdom_n christ_n and_o the_o world_n when_o of_o right_n but_o one_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o world_n and_o not_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a lest_o by_o encroach_a on_o christ_n kingdom_n he_o lose_v his_o own_o let_v the_o magistrate_n therefore_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o state_n and_o let_v he_o suffer_v christ_n to_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o church_n see_v his_o presence_n be_v always_o there_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v quietness_n in_o both_o but_o else_o in_o neither_o see_v christ_n will_v as_o assure_o trouble_v the_o magistrate_n kingdom_n as_o the_o magistrate_n trouble_v he_o the_o three_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v or_o force_v man_n into_o the_o church_n against_o their_o will_n will_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unquiet_a because_o many_o that_o be_v unwilling_a be_v under_o those_o regiment_n but_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v therefore_o quiet_a because_o all_o the_o people_n in_o it_o be_v willing_a and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v force_v in_o but_o all_o be_v persuade_v in_o as_o it_o be_v write_v god_n persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n that_o be_v the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o not_o force_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o christ_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o not_o to_o offer_v they_o outward_a violence_n and_o to_o persuade_v peace_n but_o not_o to_o threaten_v or_o enforce_v it_o pontific_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n that_o inward_a persuasion_n be_v require_v nowhere_o more_o than_o here_o for_o none_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o the_o faith_n against_o their_o 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the_o emperor_n will_v have_v no_o man_n enforce_v to_o be_v of_o one_o religion_n more_o than_o another_o also_o the_o same_o constantine_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o his_o subject_n inhabit_v the_o east_n say_v let_v no_o man_n be_v grievous_a one_o to_o another_o 131._o but_o what_o every_o man_n think_v best_n that_o let_v he_o do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a ought_v thorough_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o only_o mean_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v to_o take_v their_o delight_n and_o recreation_n in_o read_v his_o holy_a will_n and_o if_o other_o wilful_o will_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n cleave_v to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o false_a doctrine_n they_o may_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n as_o for_o we_o we_o have_v the_o worthy_a house_n of_o congregation_n of_o god_n verity_n which_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v we_o and_o this_o also_o we_o wish_v to_o they_o that_o with_o 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he_o have_v learn_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o co-act_a the_o church_n then_o at_o first_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o willing_a and_o such_o as_o be_v persuade_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n till_o antichrist_n begin_v to_o prevail_v and_o then_o they_o fall_v from_o persuade_v to_o force_v and_o they_o no_o long_o go_v about_o to_o make_v man_n willing_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o get_v power_n from_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o force_v they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o this_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v perfect_o bring_v forth_o by_o boniface_n the_o three_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o use_v these_o word_n in_o the_o church_n volumus_fw-la mandamus_fw-la statuimus_fw-la ac_fw-la praecipimus_fw-la we_o will_v we_o require_v we_o appoint_v we_o command_v which_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o true_a voice_n of_o thief_n and_o murderer_n and_o from_o that_o time_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v apace_o when_o there_o be_v more_o unwilling_a force_v unto_o it_o then_o will_v persuade_v and_o true_a peace_n will_v never_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o again_o till_o man_n shall_v abandon_v the_o power_n of_o force_n and_o only_o use_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o church_n may_v consist_v only_o of_o a_o willing_a people_n the_o four_o rule_n be_v to_o make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n laity_n for_o the_o clergy_n or_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v all_o along_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o christian_n who_o they_o call_v the_o laity_n and_o have_v make_v up_o a_o distinct_a or_o several_a kingdom_n among_o themselves_o and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lay_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o reckon_v other_o christian_n but_o as_o common_a and_o unclean_a in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o whereas_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n nor_o sect_n nor_o difference_n of_o person_n no_o clergy_n or_o laity_n no_o ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a but_o they_o be_v all_o as_o peter_n describe_v they_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o that_o call_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n and_o so_o all_o christian_n through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v priest_n alike_o unto_o god_n and_o every_o one_o have_v right_a and_o power_n alike_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o so_o there_o be_v among_o they_o no_o clergy_n or_o laity_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v such_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o christian_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o right_n of_o all_o and_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o authority_n at_o all_o to_o this_o office_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n differ_v nothing_o from_o other_o christian_n but_o only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o alderman_n or_o common_a council_n man_n in_o the_o city_n differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o citizen_n but_o only_o in_o their_o office_n which_o they_o have_v not_o of_o themselves_o neither_o but_o by_o the_o city_n choice_n or_o as_o the_o speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commons_o but_o only_o in_o his_o office_n which_o he_o have_v also_o by_o
the_o choice_n of_o the_o house_n and_o thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v a_o minster_n differ_v from_o other_o christian_n as_o paul_n say_v let_v a_o man_n so_o esteem_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n but_o antichrist_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a people_n and_o bring_v sect_n into_o the_o church_n divide_v it_o into_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o this_o distinction_n they_o have_v make_v visible_a by_o their_o garment_n disguise_v their_o clergy_n in_o their_o habit_n from_o other_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v holy_a than_o they_o and_o of_o another_o order_n from_o they_o and_o this_o distinction_n have_v prove_v a_o seminary_n of_o implacable_a discord_n and_o heart-burn_n in_o the_o church_n for_o hereupon_o the_o clergy_n have_v â—_z themselves_o above_o other_o christian_n and_o have_v exercise_v authority_n and_o coercive_a power_n and_o domination_n and_o very_a tyranny_n over_o they_o and_o have_v make_v themselves_o their_o lord_n and_o give_v they_o law_n rule_n form_n order_n after_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o suffer_v they_o to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o as_o if_o other_o christian_n be_v their_o subject_n slave_n vassal_n yea_o very_a dog_n and_o hence_o again_o the_o laity_n as_o they_o call_v they_o have_v envy_v and_o malign_v they_o and_o hate_a and_o oppose_v they_o and_o as_o they_o can_v get_v power_n have_v be_v subdue_a they_o and_o have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n of_o a_o different_a sect_n and_o interest_n from_o themselves_o who_o prosperity_n be_v their_o ruin_n and_o who_o power_n be_v their_o enslave_v and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o the_o make_v void_a christian_a brotherhood_n and_o communion_n wherefore_o the_o right_a church_n to_o preserve_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n must_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n of_o laity_n and_o clergy_n but_o all_o christian_n must_v equal_o remain_v it_o it_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n unto_o god_n the_o five_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v equality_n in_o the_o curch_n and_o that_o both_o between_o christian_n and_o church_n for_o this_o also_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o to_o keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n for_o though_o according_a to_o our_o first_o nativity_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n some_o be_v bear_v high_a some_o low_a some_o honourable_a some_o mean_a some_o king_n some_o subject_n etc._n etc._n yet_o according_a to_o our_o new_a or_o second_o birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n there_o be_v exact_a equality_n for_o here_o be_v none_o better_o or_o worse_o high_a or_o low_o but_o all_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n hope_n love_n the_o same_o god_n christ_n spirit_n the_o same_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o precious_a promise_n the_o same_o incorruptible_a crown_n and_o inheritance_n of_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n 3.28_o speak_v of_o this_o true_a church_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a nor_o bond_n nor_o free_a nor_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n indeed_o in_o the_o world_n and_o before_o man_n i_o say_v again_o there_o be_v distinction_n of_o person_n and_o inequality_n but_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o before_o god_n all_o believer_n aae_fw-mi equal_a and_o this_o equality_n preserve_v peace_n but_o when_o in_o this_o kingdom_n some_o will_v be_v advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o like_o diotrephes_n that_o will_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o some_o will_v be_v strive_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o some_o at_o the_o left_a whilst_o they_o leave_v other_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o footstool_n this_o be_v that_o which_o breed_v difference_n among_o the_o very_a disciple_n who_o envy_v zebedees_n child_n for_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o therefore_o christ_n to_o preserve_v peace_n forbid_v lordship_n in_o his_o church_n and_o command_v service_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o to_o place_v man_n one_o over_o another_o but_o one_o under_o another_o and_o that_o the_o great_a must_v be_v the_o least_o the_o great_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2._o as_o equality_n among_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n so_o also_o among_o church_n for_o all_o church_n be_v equal_a church_n as_o well_o as_o all_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n can_v set_v itself_o before_o or_o above_o another_o all_o be_v sister_n of_o one_o mother_n beam_n of_o one_o sun_n branch_n of_o one_o vine_n stream_n of_o one_o fountain_n member_n of_o one_o body_n branch_n of_o one_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o so_o all_o equal_a in_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o no_o subordination_n which_o make_v void_a at_o once_o both_o equality_n and_o unity_n and_o so_o that_o church_n or_o those_o church_n that_o will_v set_v themselves_o above_o other_o church_n that_o be_v their_o equal_n as_o the_o classical_a above_o the_o congregational_a etc._n etc._n they_o be_v the_o breaker_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o unskilful_a vote_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n be_v not_o a_o way_n to_o make_v peace_n but_o to_o mar_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n moreover_o no_o church_n can_v be_v subject_v to_o another_o body_n but_o christ_n who_o be_v present_a in_o it_o and_o be_v king_n and_o lawgiver_n be_v subject_v too_o which_o no_o true_a church_n will_v either_o require_v or_o allow_v for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n will_v not_o subject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o will_v judge_v all_o by_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o judge_v it_o much_o less_o will_v they_o subject_v christ_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v dishonour_v and_o disannul_v their_o head_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v in_o christ_n name_n christ_n himself_o be_v among_o they_o and_o the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o no_o body_n else_o see_v christ_n have_v make_v no_o great_a nor_o sure_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o any_o body_n then_o to_o they_o the_o six_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o community_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o get_v head_n over_o it_o itself_o see_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v not_o dominion_n but_o service_n we_o read_v act._n 11.2_o that_o when_o peter_n have_v preach_v in_o the_o house_n of_o cornelius_n 〈◊〉_d a_o gentile_a or_o heathen_a the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o who_o peter_n be_v minister_n contend_v with_o he_o that_o he_o go_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o for_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o peter_n waâ—_n fain_o to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n in_o a_o vision_n to_o do_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o peter_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o no_o lord_n over_o it_o and_o after_o vers_n 22._o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o the_o grecian_n at_o antioch_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n they_o send_v barnabas_n to_o antioch_n to_o forward_o and_o perfect_a the_o work_n and_o also_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o divers_a town_n and_o country_n all_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o not_o the_o officer_n above_o the_o church_n now_o this_o also_o will_v preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o officer_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o to_o let_v they_o remain_v as_o servant_n in_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n which_o christ_n know_v the_o evil_a and_o inconvenience_n thereof_o have_v forbid_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n get_v above_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a they_o be_v masterful_a and_o troublesome_a and_o though_o never_o so_o bad_a yet_o will_v they_o get_v a_o party_n in_o the_o church_n for_o themselves_o and_o so_o work_v disturbance_n but_o if_o
a_o poor_a plain_a country_n man_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n touch_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n scholar_n or_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 4_o another_o notable_a mean_n to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o restore_v in_o it_o that_o most_o ancient_a gospel_n ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v which_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o use_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o paul_n witness_v 1_o cor._n 14_o 31._o where_o he_o say_v when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v meet_v together_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o add_v vers_fw-la 37._o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o brethren_n labour_v that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v so_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o commandment_n as_o every_o prophet_n and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v now_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v be_v three_o way_n helpful_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n 1._o for_o first_o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v beside_o he_o as_o he_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o to_o conceit_n that_o wisdom_n only_o dwell_v with_o he_o so_o he_o iâ—_n more_o ready_a to_o vent_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o to_o speak_v the_o dream_n and_o vision_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o when_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o come_v to_o he_o only_o but_o to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o they_o have_v wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n aswell_a as_o he_o this_o will_n both_o keep_v down_o his_o pride_n and_o make_v he_o careful_a what_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o know_v there_o be_v those_o present_n in_o the_o congregation_n that_o be_v able_a to_o reprove_v his_o darkness_n by_o light_n and_o this_o prophesy_a be_v a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n in_o the_o jaw_n of_o error_n that_o it_o can_v run_v that_o race_n in_o the_o church_n it_o do_v desire_v 2._o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v prove_v to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o in_o the_o common_a ministry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o error_n be_v not_o only_o preach_v but_o also_o go_v away_o uncontrolled_a and_o no_o way_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o restrain_v error_n proportionable_a to_o that_o of_o propagate_a it_o no_o body_n be_v permit_v to_o speak_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o the_o poison_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o liberty_n of_o public_a speak_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o one_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n and_o to_o onesort_v of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n any_o error_n may_v sudden_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n without_o any_o sufficient_a and_o proportionable_a remedy_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o now_o when_o the_o right_a or_o power_n of_o prophesy_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o minister_n can_v no_o soon_o vent_v any_o error_n but_o there_o be_v some_o believer_n or_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n shall_v move_v ready_a to_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o error_n be_v as_o soon_o discover_v and_o detect_v as_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o as_o soon_o destroy_v as_o it_o be_v detect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o from_o a_o private_a christian_a be_v more_o mighty_a to_o destroy_v error_n than_o error_n can_v be_v to_o uphold_v itself_o against_o the_o word_n 3_o prophesy_v be_v a_o most_o useful_a mean_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n in_o this_o regard_n because_o it_o give_v the_o church_n light_n how_o to_o choose_v faithful_a teacher_n out_o of_o its_o own_o child_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o supply_n in_o this_o kind_n see_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v the_o church_n know_v and_o discern_v which_o of_o its_o member_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o clear_o teach_v of_o god_n in_o divine_a thing_n and_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n from_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o most_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v supply_v with_o pastor_n of_o her_o own_o son_n and_o not_o seek_v out_o after_o unknown_a person_n nor_o be_v constrain_v to_o use_v mercenary_a man_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o preach_v as_o their_o trade_n to_o live_v by_o whereupon_o but_o few_o of_o they_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v other_o than_o hireling_n who_o will_v make_v their_o ministry_n serve_v their_o own_o advantage_n and_o frame_v the_o scripture_n to_o sound_v such_o doctrine_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n and_o in_o these_o three_o regard_n the_o use_n of_o prophesy_v help_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n object_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v against_o this_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o rash_a and_o absurd_a after_o a_o able_a learned_a man_n have_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o unlearned_a mechanic_n presen_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o speak_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n answ._n that_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o prophet_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o esteem_v not_o that_o to_o be_v learning_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o man_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o so_o they_o neither_o reckon_v he_o that_o have_v humane_a learning_n to_o be_v learn_v here_o nor_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o to_o be_v ignorant_a yea_o far_o in_o this_o society_n god_n will_v have_v he_o who_o be_v most_o unlearned_a according_a to_o humane_a literature_n to_o speak_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v the_o more_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a truth_n may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o gift_n part_n learning_n or_o study_n but_o only_o to_o his_o spirit_n which_o can_v even_o in_o a_o moment_n teach_v the_o ignorant_a and_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o very_a dumb_a to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n by_o whereas_o when_o a_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n speak_v with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v common_o attribute_v to_o his_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o so_o god_n lose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o if_o a_o plain_a ignorant_a man_n shall_v speak_v spiritual_o and_o divine_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o man_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v admire_v in_o his_o saint_n it_o will_v be_v again_o object_v yea_o but_o if_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n will_v not_o this_o breed_v great_a confusion_n and_o disturbance_n i_o answer_v no_o not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o people_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v christ_n himself_o present_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o demean_n himself_o answerable_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o also_o every_o one_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n but_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o speak_v here_o but_o by_o revelation_n or_o a_o inward_a teach_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n and_o where_o man_n speak_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o speak_v there_o can_v be_v no_o confusion_n but_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n yea._n god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v prophesy_v as_o the_o
much_o clear_a light_n from_o god_n he_o in_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o king_n of_o france_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n pro_fw-la pace_fw-la &_o union_n graecorum_n in_o his_o 7_o the_o consideration_n speak_v thus_o man_n ought_v not_o general_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a determination_n of_o pope_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o hold_v of_o all_o other_o evangelicae_fw-la who_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n whether_o they_o be_v counsel_n or_o assembly_n to_o hold_v and_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o he_o say_v this_o consideration_n well_o take_v and_o understand_v will_v be_v the_o principal_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o peace_n between_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n who_o differ_v in_o many_o outward_a form_n and_o rule_n as_o in_o baptism_n the_o latin_a church_n say_v i_o baptize_v thou_o the_o greek_a baptizetur_fw-la servus_n christi_fw-la let_v this_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o the_o supper_n the_o latin_a church_n use_v unleavened_a the_o greek_a leaven_a bread_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o he_o speak_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o say_v quaelibet_fw-la provincia_fw-la abundet_fw-la sensusuo_fw-la let_v every_o province_n abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n note_v also_o say_v he_o that_o a_o good_a prince_n permit_v divers_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o to_o do_v so_o will_v often_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o lord_n of_o arras_n a_o city_n of_o picardy_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o flanders_n will_v be_v govern_v otherwise_o then_o france_n or_o burgundy_n and_o this_o consideration_n say_v he_o right_o understand_v to_o wit_n not_o to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o let_v the_o church_n use_v its_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n uniformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n luther_n also_o that_o choose_a vessel_n of_o christ_n do_v clear_o oppose_v this_o evil_n of_o uniformity_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n touch_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n mundi_fw-la if_o one_o church_n will_v not_o follow_v another_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n in_o those_o outward_a thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n which_o present_o be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o snare_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v one_o church_n free_o imitate_v another_o or_o let_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o use_v its_o own_o way_n so_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v preserve_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n though_o there_o be_v variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o element_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o same_o luther_n after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o form_n of_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o wittingberg_n conclude_v thus_o in_o quibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cavendum_fw-la ne_fw-la legem_fw-la ex_fw-la libertate_fw-la faciaemus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o sin_n who_o shall_v either_o do_v otherwise_o or_o shall_v omit_v some_o thing_n so_o they_o permit_v the_o word_n of_o blessing_n to_o remain_v entire_a and_o do_v all_o act_n here_o in_o faith_n for_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o freewoman_n who_o may_v keep_v they_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v power_n to_o change_v they_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o any_o shall_v either_o desire_n or_o establish_v any_o necessary_a form_n as_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o ensnare_v or_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o primitive_a church_n any_o example_n of_o any_o such_o rite_n but_o only_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o quod_fw-la legibus_fw-la hic_fw-la obstringi_fw-la nec_fw-la possent_fw-la nec_fw-la debent_fw-la because_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n moreover_o if_o divers_a man_n shall_v use_v a_o diverse_a rite_n let_v none_o either_o judge_n or_o contemn_v another_o but_o let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o all_o favour_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o for_o form_n we_o act_v diverse_o and_o let_v each_o rite_n please_v other_o lest_o by_o diversity_n of_o rite_n follow_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o it_o come_v tun_n pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o outward_a rite_n though_o we_o can_v want_v they_o as_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n yet_o they_o commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n but_o only_a faith_n and_o love_n commend_v we_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o paul_n take_v place_n here_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n accipere_fw-la but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o no_o rite_n nor_o form_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o faith_n within_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o form_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittenberg_n which_o he_o write_v out_o for_o nicholas_n hausmannus_fw-la a_o godly_a minister_n he_o say_v which_o copy_n either_o you_o or_o other_o may_v follow_v if_o you_o please_v if_o not_o we_o willing_o give_v place_n to_o the_o anoint_v be_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v from_o you_o or_o any_o other_o more_o profitable_a thing_n these_o thing_n he_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o in_o other_o that_o act_n these_o thing_n peremptory_o and_o command_v and_o enforce_v they_o by_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v thief_n and_o murderer_n melancton_n also_o persuade_v certain_a christian_n to_o unity_n who_o differ_v in_o uniformity_n uniformity_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o do_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n let_v we_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a love_n nostras_fw-la and_o let_v not_o unlikeness_n and_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o bucer_n quote_v this_o place_n add_v no_o nor_o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n disjoin_v our_o mind_n upon_o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o these_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o form_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o congregation_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o any_o shall_v set_v down_o any_o form_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v use_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o please_v or_o may_v add_v or_o alter_v or_o whole_o reject_v they_o and_o no_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n shall_v enforce_v to_o ensnare_v conscience_n and_o to_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o obscure_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o people_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v most_o horrible_o mistake_v that_o now_o urge_v external_a uniformity_n on_o the_o church_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n who_o scarce_o mind_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o name_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o call_v one_o lord_n faith_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o do_v earnest_o and_o fierce_o labour_v for_o one_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n one_o directory_n one_o confession_n one_o catechism_n one_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v these_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v enforce_v on_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n their_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o seer_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o uniformity_n what_o woeful_a division_n will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n live_v in_o one_o form_n the_o father_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o another_o the_o believer_n under_o
the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o johns_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v and_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o this_o bondage_n again_o through_o specious_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n but_o let_v the_o church_n know_v it_o may_v use_v what_o form_n seem_v good_a to_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o true_a unity_n stand_v in_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o thus_o only_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v one_o yea_o thus_o only_a the_o church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o faithful_a to_o know_v that_o uniformity_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o or_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o god_n may_v make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o he_o abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n ephes._n 2.15_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n so_o high_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o he_o repeal_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o dissolve_v his_o own_o outward_a ordinance_n now_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v make_v void_a rather_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n how_o much_o more_o any_o ceremony_n or_o outward_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n devise_v let_v he_o that_o read_v understand_v and_o these_o be_v the_o practical_a rule_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a and_o now_o we_o hasten_v to_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a in_o which_o case_n thing_n we_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o wit_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o no._n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o first_o they_o be_v either_o thing_n ceremonial_a and_o circumstantial_a or_o second_o very_a truth_n themselves_o yet_o such_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v for_o the_o present_a err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n we_o shall_v mind_v these_o thing_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o vanity_n nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v so_o earnest_o contend_v about_o the_o day_n on_o which_o easter_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o upon_o difference_n herein_o shall_v divide_v into_o sect_n as_o they_o do_v see_v there_o always_o shine_v light_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o slight_a circumstance_n not_o worth_a the_o mind_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o no_o where_o for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o 2._o we_o ought_v not_o for_o contrary_a mindedness_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o avoid_v christian_a converse_n and_o communnion_n with_o one_o another_o for_o strangeness_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o case_n both_o breed_v and_o increase_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n &_o cause_n that_o we_o harbour_v hard_a thought_n brother_n against_o brother_n and_o it_o take_v away_o all_o opportunity_n of_o conference_n and_o of_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v one_o another_o and_o so_o of_o reconciliation_n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n whereof_o neither_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n produce_v innumerable_a sect_n in_o the_o church_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o see_v such_o deadly_a enmity_n arise_v among_o sect_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o therefore_o that_o rash_a judgement_n that_o produce_v these_o sect_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a advancer_n of_o the_o devil_n work_v of_o division_n faithful_a 4._o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n kingdom_n stand_v to_o wit_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o order_n and_o where_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v let_v we_o be_v content_v though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n and_o circumstance_n let_v we_o take_v careful_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o circumstance_n the_o high_a good_a in_o the_o church_n be_v salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o other_o thing_n yea_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o where_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v not_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o importance_n 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n in_o these_o circumstantial_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v in_o present_a power_n ought_v take_v care_n especial_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n saint_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v may_v have_v free_a liberty_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o find_v pasture_n it_o be_v a_o most_o antichristian_a thing_n to_o make_v another_o key_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o true_a church_n beside_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o than_o it_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n key_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a without_o man_n also_o yea_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n key_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a without_o christ_n that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o also_o conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o by_o make_v another_o key_n to_o god_n kingdom_n beside_o the_o key_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_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
than_o christ_n nor_o we_o worse_o than_o the_o devil_n if_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o have_v the_o truth_n with_o they_o as_o they_o say_v they_o have_v and_o we_o be_v unrighteous_a why_o do_v they_o fear_v since_o the_o truth_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o falsehood_n and_o zorobabel_n declare_v that_o truth_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o mighty_a and_o overcome_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n 3_o john_n 14._o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n john_n 8._o therefore_o if_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o priest_n have_v the_o truth_n let_v they_o overcome_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o they_o have_v lie_n than_o they_o can_v long_o abide_v in_o all_o their_o presumption_n wherefore_o we_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o the_o imperial_a city_n all_o king_n prince_n nobleman_n rich_a poor_a for_o god_n sake_n and_o for_o his_o righteousness_n that_o one_o of_o they_o write_v hereof_o to_o another_o and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o mean_v make_v how_o we_o may_v commune_v with_o you_o safe_o and_o friendly_a at_o some_o such_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v fit_a both_o for_o you_o and_o we_o and_o bring_v with_o you_o your_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n and_o let_v they_o and_o our_o teacher_n fight_v together_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o hear_v they_o and_o let_v not_o one_o overcome_v the_o other_o by_o violence_n or_o false_a subtlety_n but_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o let_v man_n doctrine_n be_v what_o it_o will_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n and_o not_o present_o to_o be_v silence_v and_o subdue_v by_o force_n now_o second_o be_v if_o upon_o hear_v and_o debate_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n it_o shall_v clear_o appear_v that_o our_o adversary_n hold_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o false_a and_o erroneous_a that_o they_o can_v be_v reckon_v believer_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n that_o hold_v they_o not_o can_v retain_v those_o doctrine_n without_o unvoidable_a damnation_n then_o in_o this_o case_n the_o true_a church_n have_v authority_n from_o the_o word_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n 1._o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n 2._o to_o excommunicate_v their_o person_n 1._o the_o church_n ought_v to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n doctrine_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a truth_n which_o christ_n have_v hear_v from_o the_o father_n and_o deliver_v to_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o never_o to_o be_v alter_v and_o so_o to_o tell_v the_o people_n what_o doctrine_n it_o be_v even_o such_o as_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o utter_a enmity_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o consequent_o death_n and_o damnation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o as_o they_o love_v eternal_a life_n and_o will_v void_a eternal_a death_n and_o thus_o christ_n condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o bid_v his_o disciple_n beware_v of_o they_o and_o paul_n the_o doctrine_n of_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n which_o do_v eâ—t_v as_o a_o canker_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n may_v also_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n person_n yea_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v silent_a and_o not_o seduce_v other_o seeing_z believer_n 〈…〉_z have_v no_o true_a 〈…〉_z the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o which_o all_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_v wherefore_o such_o pâ—â—sons_n may_v just_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o herein_o also_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v to_o wit_n excommunication_n 1._o that_o this_o censure_n be_v not_o proceed_v to_o for_o every_o vary_a from_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v already_o say_v but_o for_o deny_v such_o truth_n or_o hold_v such_o error_n as_o make_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o salvation_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v till_o all_o other_o way_n have_v be_v try_v to_o reclaim_v he_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o two_o or_o three_o person_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o communion_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o their_o own_o but_o by_o christ_n authority_n who_o be_v always_o present_a in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n of_o that_o body_n and_o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a passion_n or_o violence_n but_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v always_o present_a among_o believer_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o member_n and_o this_o excommunication_n thus_o regulate_v be_v the_o last_o punishment_n the_o church_n can_v inflict_v punishment_n by_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v imprison_v any_o or_o banish_v they_o or_o fine_a they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o death_n for_o we_o must_v not_o expound_v that_o place_n of_o paul_n hareticum_fw-la hominem_fw-la devita_fw-la as_o hugo_n charensis_fw-la do_v to_o take_v a_o heretic_n out_o of_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o heretic_n we_o must_v avoid_v we_o must_v not_o kill_v the_o former_a be_v christ_n rule_n the_o latter_a antichrist_n now_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v and_o propound_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n of_o christ_n conclusion_n wherever_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v cast_v this_o book_n which_o may_v travel_v far_o on_o this_o errand_n then_o weak_a flesh_n can_v do_v and_o i_o so_o propound_v they_o all_o as_o be_v most_o ready_a myself_o to_o hear_v from_o any_o what_o they_o can_v propound_v in_o more_o light_n 〈…〉_z in_o these_o matter_n they_o will_v yeâ—_n 〈…〉_z over_o and_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o desire_n of_o which_o through_o god_n goodness_n be_v much_o strong_a in_o my_o heart_n than_o any_o private_a interest_n or_o respect_n of_o my_o own_o finis_fw-la 2_o cor._n 11.6_o ecclesia_n regiâ—a_fw-la misericordiae_fw-la cujus_fw-la viscera_fw-la sunt_fw-la merae_fw-la miserationes_fw-la &_o remissiones_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la cito_fw-la vos_fw-la omnes_fw-la ut_fw-la respondeatis_fw-la mihi_fw-la coram_fw-la attissimo_fw-la &_o justissimo_fw-la judice_fw-la post_fw-la paucos_fw-la annos_fw-la the_o peace_n propound_v be_v 1._o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n 2._o nor_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n spiritual_a christian_n make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n carnal_a christian_n the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n peace_n between_o the_o child_n of_o pâ—ace_n what_o the_o right_a church_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v how_o the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n how_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v though_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a quest._n 2._o answ._n how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n though_o invisible_a the_o church_n the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n a_o great_a mystery_n the_o church_n just_a such_o a_o body_n as_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a church_n lie_v the_o right_a church_n be_v one_o body_n this_o one_o body_n comprehend_v believer_n of_o all_o age_n of_o all_o sort_n many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v from_o the_o church_n unity_n of_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o right_a church_n be_v one_o spirit_n who_o break_v â—his_fw-la bond_n of_o unity_n quest._n answ._n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o lord._n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o assembly_n vote_v for_o their_o government_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o faith_n unity_n of_o faith_n preserve_v peace_n 1._o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n 2._o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o brethren_n where_o all_o be_v 1._o alike_o dear_a to_o god_n 2._o alike_o dear_a to_o we_o this_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v 1._o above_o you_o all_o 2._o through_o you_o all_o 3._o in_o they_o all_o who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v no_o other_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n beside_o these_o seven_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a thing_n to_o cry_v up_o uniformity_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o this_o unity_n how_o the_o union_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v among_o believer_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o
communion_n which_o they_o have_v here_o in_o this_o world_n with_o one_o another_o to_o preserve_v that_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o we_o have_v in_o christ._n 1._o we_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v particular_o the_o church_n government_n church_n government_n two_o fold_n immediate_a mediate_v god_n immediate_a government_n two_o fold_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n ego_fw-la saepe_fw-la certas_fw-la rationes_fw-la conatus_fw-la sum_fw-la deo_fw-la praescribere_fw-la quibus_fw-la uteretur_fw-la in_fw-la administratione_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n luther_n in_o gen_n 39_o tom_n 6._o fol._n 542._o 2_o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o church_n never_o want_v this_o twofold_a government_n of_o god_n in_o any_o age._n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o that_o be_v so_o busy_a about_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o inward_a temptation_n the_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n and_o not_o mans._n what_o the_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o this_o mediate_a government_n church-power_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n alike_o math._n 16.19_o explain_v the_o key_n give_v to_o all_o thaâ—_n have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n quest._n answ._n what_o the_o key_n be_v the_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 13.10_o christ_n power_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o no_o further_o the_o word_n the_o only_a outward_a instrument_n of_o church_n power_n christiani_n eo_fw-la verbo_fw-la &_o non_fw-la alio_fw-la regi_fw-la debent_fw-la quo_fw-la christiani_n id_fw-la est_fw-la liberi_fw-la à _fw-la peccatis_fw-la siunt_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la solo_fw-la evangelio_n dei_fw-la puro_fw-la sine_fw-la additionibus_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la doctorum_fw-la patrum_fw-la etc._n etc._n luther_n epist._n ad_fw-la carol_n ducem_fw-la subaudiae_n tom_n 7._o f._n 483._o quae_fw-la ergo_fw-la insanta_fw-la est_fw-la spontance_n bonos_fw-es urgere_fw-la legibus_fw-la malorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la von_n parum_fw-la multi_fw-la leves_fw-la &_o futiles_fw-la homunciones_fw-la putantes_fw-la rem_fw-la evangelicam_fw-la gladio_fw-la &_o pugnis_fw-la esse_fw-la promovendam_fw-la ibid._n reputatè_fw-la animo_fw-la quo_fw-la gladio_fw-la ipse_fw-la papatum_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o the_o church_n can_v do_v through_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ._n 1_o it_o can_v convene_v and_o meet_v together_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n appoint_v its_o order_n nunquid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la mundum_fw-la gubernanda_fw-la est_fw-la &_o non_fw-la potius_fw-la contra_fw-la morem_fw-la mundi_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la scriptum_fw-la est_fw-la nolite_fw-la consormari_fw-la huic_fw-la seculo_fw-la jo._n gers._fw-la decl._n viror_fw-la ecclesiast_n the_o carnal_a church_n mind_v outward_a order_n more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o church_n be_v to_o appoint_v order_n for_o its_o officer_n and_o not_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o 3._o to_o choose_v its_o officer_n what_o officer_n the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v 3._o who_o choose_v they_o object_n answ._n he_o profecto_fw-la non_fw-la venient_fw-la in_o concilium_fw-la ut_fw-la judicentur_fw-la ab_fw-la aliâ—s_fw-la ut_fw-la emendent_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsorummet_n conscientia_fw-la adeoque_fw-la totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la emendanda_fw-la esse_fw-la clamat_fw-la sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la alios_fw-la judâ—care_fw-la &_o subjugare_fw-la svam_fw-la illam_fw-la potentiam_fw-la retinere_fw-la &_o quicquid_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la obstat_fw-la libidini_fw-la conculcare_fw-la è_fw-la medio_fw-la tollere_fw-la conabuntur_fw-la bullinger_n ep_n ad_fw-la edward_n sext_v tindal_n practise_v of_o popish_a prel_n p._n 344._o 4._o can_v call_v its_o counsel_n certain_a reason_n why_o the_o true_a church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v a_o council_n nam_fw-la quid_fw-la expectemus_fw-la ex_fw-la generalium_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la determinationibus_fw-la docent_fw-la â—os_v proxima_fw-la aliquot_fw-la seculorum_fw-la exempla_fw-la jam_fw-la ind_z ab_fw-la anâ—is_fw-la quandragintis_n aut_fw-la amplius_fw-la quo_fw-la enim_fw-la crebriora_fw-la ceiâ—re_fw-la concilia_fw-la tanto_fw-la magis_fw-la invaluit_fw-la superstitio_fw-la &_o error_n in_o doctrina_fw-la abusus_fw-la in_o ritibus_fw-la superbia_fw-la luxury_n avaritia_fw-la omnisque_fw-la corurptio_fw-la in_o docentibus_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la denique_fw-la soedissima_fw-la omnis_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la obliteratio_fw-la bull_v epist_n ad_fw-la edvard_n sextum_fw-la object_n answ._n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o call_v a_o council_n exit_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la coetu_fw-la i.e._n fidelium_fw-la deligâ—ndi_fw-la erunt_fw-la hâ—mines_fw-la ad_fw-la concilium_fw-la hoc_fw-la uâ—ro_fw-la esset_fw-la pulcherrimum_n concilium_fw-la quoth_v ab_fw-la ipso_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la regeretur_fw-la in_o hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la &_o lyra_n scriptum_fw-la reliquit_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la aestimandam_fw-la esse_fw-la ex_fw-la summis_fw-la illis_fw-la aut_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la ordinibus_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la verè_fw-la credentibus_fw-la luth._o libel_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la verae_fw-la eccles_n tom_fw-mi 7._o f._n 152._o the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n object_n answ._n the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o force_v man_n unto_o it_o against_o their_o will_n ea_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la natura_fw-la ut_fw-la nusquam_fw-la magis_fw-la requiratur_fw-la interna_fw-la persuasio_fw-la no_o &_o ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la nemo_fw-la co_fw-la give_v potest_fw-la invitus_fw-la &_o deus_fw-la toto_fw-la se_fw-la cord_n vult_fw-la amari_fw-la &_o denique_fw-la hypocrisis_fw-la peccatum_fw-la est_fw-la imprimis_fw-la deo_fw-la exosum_fw-la quo_fw-la fit_a ut_fw-la toto_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernandae_fw-la ratio_fw-la hunc_fw-la scopum_fw-la habere_fw-la dâ—beat_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la vocentur_fw-la plurimi_fw-la persuasi_fw-la &_o in_o ecclesia_fw-la contincâ—ntur_fw-la non_fw-la aliâ_fw-la ratione_fw-la itaque_fw-la quo_fw-la magis_fw-la ea_fw-la ratio_fw-la aberit_fw-la ab_fw-la imperio_fw-la hoc_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la apta_fw-la regâ—nde_fw-la augendae_fw-la &_o confirmande_fw-fr ecclesiae_fw-la chamter_n de_fw-fr oecumen_fw-la pontific_n secundum_fw-la hanc_fw-la itaque_fw-la nostram_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la sano_fw-la ac_fw-la rectissimo_fw-la judicio_fw-la decrevimus_fw-la nemini_fw-la prorsus_fw-la dâ—negandam_fw-la esse_fw-la potestatem_fw-la christianam_fw-la obseruantiam_fw-la uâ—l_fw-la religionem_fw-la eligendi_fw-la ac_fw-la sequendâ—_n sed_fw-la unicuique_fw-la dandam_fw-la esse_fw-la hanc_fw-la facultatem_fw-la ut_fw-la animum_fw-la suum_fw-la illi_fw-la religioni_fw-la addicat_fw-la quam_fw-la ipse_fw-la sibi_fw-la competere_fw-la putat_fw-la quo_fw-la nobis_fw-la deus_fw-la consuctam_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la &_o probitatem_fw-la praestet_fw-la euseb_n l._n 10._o c._n 5._o fox_n vol._n 1._o p._n 131._o fox_n vol._n 1._o p._n 150._o the_o true_a church_n have_v no_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n gal._n 3.28_o equality_n among_o church_n christ_n the_o head_n be_v subject_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o any_o true_a church_n that_o be_v of_o his_o body_n the_o true_a church_n keep_v its_o officer_n in_o subordination_n to_o itself_o regendae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ratio_fw-la nâ—n_fw-la imperium_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n quest._n answ._n the_o way_n whereby_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o error_n object_n answ._n 1_o cor._n 14_o 36._o quest._n whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o suppress_v error_n answ._n object_n answ._n quest._n answ._n quest._n answ._n the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o outward_a orde_n and_o discipline_n fox_n vol._n 1._o pag_n 72._o iraen_n &_o mebex_n l._n 4._o nihilo_fw-la tamen_fw-la minus_fw-la omnes_fw-la illi_fw-la pacem_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la retinuerunt_fw-la &_o retinemus_fw-la etiamnum_fw-la &_o jejunii_fw-la dissonantia_fw-la fidei_fw-la concordiam_fw-la commendat_fw-la euseb._n l._n 5._o c._n 26._o socrat._v l._n 5._o c._n 19_o perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la apostolos_fw-la liberam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la in_o eadem_fw-la cujusque_fw-la menti_fw-la &_o arbitrio_fw-la permisisse_fw-la ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la nec_fw-la metu_fw-la nec_fw-la necessitate_v inductus_fw-la quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la sit_fw-la ageret_fw-la verum_fw-la omnes_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la ritus_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la urbibus_fw-la regionibusque_fw-la usurpantur_fw-la scriptis_fw-la mandare_fw-la ut_fw-la valde_fw-la laboriosum_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la vix_fw-la aut_fw-la ne_fw-la vix_fw-la quidem_fw-la fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la john_n gerson_n against_o uniformity_n homines_fw-la non_fw-la non_fw-la generaliter_fw-la astringi_fw-la debent_fw-la per_fw-la determinationes_fw-la positivas_fw-la paparum_fw-la ad_fw-la tenendum_fw-la &_o credendum_fw-la unum_fw-la eundemque_fw-la gubernandi_fw-la modum_fw-la in_fw-la rebus_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la proxime_fw-la respiciunt_fw-la vel_fw-la siâ—e_fw-la medio_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la veritatem_fw-la vel_fw-la legis_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la luther_n against_o uniformity_n si_fw-mi una_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la alteram_fw-la non_fw-la vult_fw-la imitari_fw-la externis_fw-la istis_fw-la quid_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la dâ—cretis_fw-la cogi_fw-la quae_fw-la mox_fw-la in_o leges_fw-la &_o ammarumlaqueos_fw-la vertuntur_fw-la initetur_fw-la ergo_fw-la altera_fw-la alteram_fw-la libere_fw-la aut_fw-la suis_fw-la moribus_fw-la sinatur_fw-la scui_fw-la modò_fw-la unitas_fw-la spiritus_fw-la salva_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la &_o vero_fw-la quantumvis_fw-la sit_fw-la diversitas_fw-la &_o uâ—rietas_fw-la in_o carne_fw-la &_o elemento_fw-la mundi_fw-la cujus_fw-la exemplar_n sicubi_fw-la &_o aliis_fw-la placuerit_fw-la imitari_fw-la licet_fw-la sin_n minus_fw-la iâ—â—ctioni_fw-la libenter_fw-la locum_fw-la dabimus_fw-la parati_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la &_o quibusvis_fw-la aliis_fw-la commodiora_fw-la accipere_fw-la melancton_n against_o uniformity_n cum_fw-la de_fw-la praecipuis_fw-la articulis_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la christianae_n in_o ter_z nos_fw-la coâ—stet_fw-la complectemur_fw-la nos_fw-la mutuo_fw-la amore_fw-la neque_fw-la dissimilitas_fw-la &_o varietas_fw-la rituum_fw-la &_o ceremoniarum_fw-la disjungere_fw-la debet_fw-la mentes_fw-la nostras_fw-la rule_v to_o be_v observe_v to_o procure_v and_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o faithful_a differ_v among_o themselves_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v rule_v to_o preserve_v peace_n when_o the_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o circumstantial_a thing_n 4._o to_o be_v content_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o faithful_a to_o take_v care_n in_o these_o three_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n 1._o that_o they_o equal_o admit_v man_n of_o different_a judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 2._o that_o they_o equal_o use_v and_o employ_v they_o 3._o that_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o one_o to_o uphold_v the_o other_o if_o the_o faithful_a differ_v in_o very_a truth_n but_o such_o as_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v observe_v these_o rule_n to_o preserve_v peace_n phil._n 3-15_a 16._o if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n what_o the_o faithful_a must_v do_v in_o this_o case_n zuingl_n respon_n ad_fw-la libel_n strethionis_fw-la tom_fw-mi 2._o f._n 302._o luther_n farrag_v epistol_n tom_fw-mi 7._o s._n 509._o luâ—hers_n rule_n how_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v deal_v with_o the_o minister_n to_o wit_n if_o they_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o suffer_v they_o but_o if_o they_o raise_v sedition_n and_o disturbance_n to_o suppress_v or_o banish_v they_o albertus_n duke_n of_o borussia_n meâ—ch_o adam_n in_o vieâ—_n osiand_n the_o bohemian_n fox_n mortyrolog_n vol._n 1._o p._n 858._o 2_o esdr._n 3_o 2._o if_o the_o doctrine_n after_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v find_v damnable_a the_o community_n be_v 1._o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n 2._o to_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o excommunication_n excommunication_n the_o church_n last_o punishment_n conclusion_n