of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o work_n be_v too_o great_a for_o you_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o unto_o christ_n see_v the_o father_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o this_o work_n only_o to_o he_o and_o he_o have_v take_v this_o care_n and_o charge_n upon_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o only_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o equal_a to_o god_n the_o three_o general_n by_o what_o mean_v christ_n bring_v this_o reformation_n about_o and_o that_o be_v by_o these_o two_o and_o they_o only_o to_o wit_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n reform_v the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n word_n by_o this_o christ_n do_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o this_o he_o call_v and_o reject_v by_o this_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o this_o he_o comfort_v and_o terrify_v by_o this_o he_o enlighten_v and_o make_v blind_a by_o this_o he_o kill_v and_o quicken_v by_o this_o he_o save_v and_o damn_v and_o all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o this_o kingdom_n he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o without_o this_o he_o do_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o do_v christ_n do_v all_o in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o the_o word_n only_o but_o antichrist_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o the_o word_n even_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n now_o as_o christ_n do_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n so_o he_o reform_v too_o now_o be_v you_o clean_o through_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o world_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v do_v for_o this_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o do_v change_v and_o renew_v and_o reform_v all_o and_o therefore_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n come_v with_o no_o worldly_a power_n or_o weapon_n but_o only_o with_o the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n yea_o though_o god_n set_v he_o king_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n yet_o he_o reform_v not_o by_o outward_a power_n but_o by_o preach_v say_v i_o will_v publish_v the_o decree_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o for_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o again_o the_o redeemer_n shall_v come_v to_o zion_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o the_o redeemer_n my_o word_n shall_v never_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 10._o and_o in_o psal_n 45._o the_o church_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o christ_n ride_v on_o prosperous_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o christ_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v come_v go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o thus_o he_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o glorious_a reformation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o eave_v the_o world_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v it_o as_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o not_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o he_o bid_v they_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o by_o teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o so_o according_o they_o do_v mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 20._o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v everywhere_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o so_o that_o christ_n send_v they_o not_o forth_o with_o any_o power_n of_o sword_n or_o gun_n or_o prison_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n or_o with_o any_o power_n of_o state_n or_o army_n but_o send_v forth_o poor_a illiterate_a mechanic_n man_n and_o only_o arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o behold_v what_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v by_o that_o power_n alone_o they_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o they_o change_v the_o manner_n custom_n religion_n worship_n life_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o carry_v all_o opposition_n and_o difficulty_n before_o they_o they_o win_v many_o in_o most_o kingdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o willing_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o all_o this_o they_o do_v i_o say_v not_o with_o any_o earthly_a or_o secular_a power_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n alone_o christ_n great_a and_o only_a instrument_n for_o the_o conquer_a subdue_a and_o reform_v of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o the_o power_n appear_v to_o be_v god_n only_o and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o word_n be_v one_o mean_n christ_n use_v for_o reformation_n and_o this_o word_n only_o work_v a_o right_a reformation_n for_o this_o reform_v true_o and_o indeed_o all_o other_o power_n reform_v but_o in_o appearance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o word_n but_o what_o ever_o evil_a be_v reform_v and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o true_o reform_v it_o be_v only_o reform_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v only_o suspend_v in_o the_o outward_a operation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o seed_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n to_o grow_v up_o and_o work_v again_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o evil_a or_o corruption_n be_v reform_v in_o thou_o see_v it_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n if_o the_o word_n have_v kill_v it_o in_o thou_o it_o be_v kill_v indeed_o if_o not_o it_o be_v alive_a in_o thou_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a the_o outward_a power_n of_o the_o world_n may_v set_v up_o a_o image_n of_o reformation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n only_o can_v work_v true_a reformation_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n which_o god_n have_v magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n when_o we_o can_v neglect_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n to_o the_o power_n work_v and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o which_o be_v almighty_a and_o able_a to_o bring_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n when_o man_n dare_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n alone_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o will_v needs_o be_v call_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o rest_n and_o rely_v on_o that_o for_o this_o work_n as_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o reform_v man_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n will_v never_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o well_o say_v luther_n praedicare_fw-la annuntiare_fw-la scribere_fw-la volo_fw-la neminem_fw-la autem_fw-la vi_fw-la adigam_fw-la i_o will_v preach_v and_o teach_v and_o write_v but_o i_o will_v constrain_v no_o body_n oh_o therefore_o that_o our_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n will_v so_o much_o honour_n christ_n word_n as_o to_o trust_v the_o reformation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n with_o it_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n so_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o think_v it_o sufficient_a and_o thus_o shall_v you_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n due_a honour_n as_o well_o as_o declare_v your_o own_o faith_n and_o if_o you_o will_v commit_v this_o work_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o which_o only_o it_o belong_v you_o shall_v soon_o see_v what_o the_o word_n will_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o glorious_a sight_n under_o heaven_n as_o to_o see_v the_o word_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o come_v in_o to_o a_o unreformed_a world_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o change_n and_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 for_o god_n and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o not_o for_o yourselves_o and_o to_o fulfil_v your_o own_o ends._n and_o now_o as_o you_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v that_o upon_o a_o right_n and_o sure_a foundation_n so_o god_n have_v engage_v my_o heart_n to_o meditate_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o have_v exclude_v your_o power_n from_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n wrong_v you_o as_o you_o shall_v perceive_v but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v you_o from_o dash_v yourselves_o against_o that_o rock_n against_o which_o all_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unwise_a ruler_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n both_o have_v and_o yet_o shall_v dash_v themselves_o in_o piece_n it_o shall_v be_v your_o wisdom_n to_o be_v build_v up_o together_o with_o the_o church_n on_o christ_n but_o it_o will_v be_v your_o confusion_n to_o go_v about_o to_o build_v the_o 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 peace_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 come_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o seek_v yourselves_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n here_o but_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o now_o here_o in_o this_o discourse_n shall_v you_o see_v a_o better_a peace_n and_o agreement_n than_o you_o be_v strive_v for_o though_o your_o work_n also_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a even_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o they_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o christ_n and_o its_o influence_n into_o each_o communion_n of_o saint_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o peace_n can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o your_o sword_n then_o by_o the_o magistrate_n sceptre_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o now_o have_v power_n in_o your_o hand_n to_o another_o purpose_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v yourselves_o as_o to_o do_v that_o yourselves_o which_o you_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o word_n only_o to_o be_v both_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o true_a church_n remain_v free_a in_o the_o freedom_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o it_o or_o else_o the_o lord_n who_o own_o the_o church_n be_v will_v as_o certain_o in_o his_o due_a time_n take_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o throw_v you_o into_o one_o destruction_n
to_o inquire_v after_o variety_n of_o error_n wherefore_o let_v alone_o their_o darkness_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v shine_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o herein_o also_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o mediate_a government_n then_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n now_o because_o many_o christian_n desire_v instruction_n and_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v herein_o be_v desirous_a also_o to_o learn_v myself_o of_o they_o that_o can_v teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o distinct_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o order_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v government_n the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n 5._o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v needful_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n among_o themselves_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v in_o christ_n they_o first_o thing_n than_o be_v 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o answer_v alike_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o true_a church_n itself_o as_o former_o describe_v even_o to_o each_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o natural_a power_n belong_v to_o all_o natural_a man_n alike_o so_o spiritual_a power_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n alike_o christ_n in_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a church-power_n and_o because_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o believer_n alike_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n therefore_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o of_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o no_o one_o partake_v of_o this_o power_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o he_o partake_v of_o christ_n more_o than_o another_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o self_n same_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16._o 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 father_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 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 a_o office_n but_o that_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n he_o it_o be_v to_o who_o these_o key_n be_v give_v and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o so_o they_o be_v give_v to_o each_o believer_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o believer_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v these_o key_n quest_n about_o which_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o do_v in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n they_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a power_n whatever_o be_v that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o false_a conceit_n wherewith_o many_o former_a and_o present_a writer_n have_v and_o do_v still_o trouble_v the_o church_n john_n do_v tell_v we_o plain_o joh._n 20._o 22._o what_o matthew_n mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n say_v he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n breathe_v on_o they_o say_v receive_v the_o 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 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._o 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 power_n that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o power_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 seem_v to_o i_o both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o that_o peace_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v in_o christ_n now_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v to_o rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_n it_o in_o peace_n the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v either_o 1._o more_o absolute_a and_o general_a or_o 2._o more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o procure_v and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o nine_o thing_n that_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o least_o place_n 1._o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n 1._o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o preserve_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n world_n and_o be_v neither_o to_o mingle_v it_o self_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o mingle_v itself_o with_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v mingle_v together_o in_o one_o society_n the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v no_o more_o agree_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o such_o different_a nature_n principle_n and_o end_n than_o the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v agree_v to_o light_v and_o darkness_n life_n and_o death_n sin_n and_o righteousness_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o they_o but_o the_o carnal_a church_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o savour_v the_o world_n and_o so_o will_v have_v a_o worldly_a religion_n form_n order_n government_n and_o all_o worldly_a as_o itself_o be_v now_o whilst_o these_o two_o be_v mingle_v together_o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o light_n with_o darkness_n and_o christ_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o what_o agreement_n have_v believer_n with_o unbeliever_n or_o the_o true_a church_n with_o the_o world_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o mingle_v the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n but_o to_o separate_v they_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o distinct_a that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v of_o one_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o peace_n god_n himself_o teach_v we_o by_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o saying_n come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o my_o people_n and_o be_v you_o separate_v for_o to_o separate_v the_o church_n from_o the_o world_n in_o its_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o both_o see_v 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 affair_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 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 business_n to_o christ_n power_n alone_o but_o will_v call_v in_o secular_a power_n over_z and_o above_o to_o help_v they_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v underneath_o some_o secular_a end_n see_v christ_n power_n alone_o be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o his_o kingdom_n beside_o this_o worldly_a power_n never_o work_v peace_n but_o always_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n put_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o method_n into_o man_n and_o work_v man_n will_n rather_o than_o god_n yea_o man_n will_n against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v object_n that_o worldly_a power_n do_v well_o in_o the_o church_n because_o it_o keep_v down_o many_o profane_a person_n that_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v down_o by_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v answ_n that_o so_o far_o as_o such_o profane_a one_o be_v govern_v by_o worldly_a power_n they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o worldly_a power_n have_v better_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v own_o proper_a sphere_n then_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o line_n especial_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n enough_o in_o itself_o to_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v govern_v willing_o in_o the_o church_n as_o christian_n let_v they_o be_v govern_v against_o their_o will_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o man_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v over_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o spiritual_a but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n be_v over_o man_n as_o man_n as_o natural_a and_o carnal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o government_n belong_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n 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 alâ—â—_n and_o not_o reckon_v it_o enough_o to_o govern_v man_n a_o man_n by_o his_o world_n power_n will_v also_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v tamper_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n this_o both_o render_v he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a â—nd_v the_o faithful_a troublesome_a to_o he_o he_o troublesome_a to_o thâ—_n 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 bothâ—ingdoms_n â—ingdoms_z 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 will_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 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
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._o 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 themselves_o in_o which_o case_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 consider_v 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 thing_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 4._o let_v we_o know_v faithful_a 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 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n importance_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 that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n saint_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 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 they_o 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 〈◊〉_d judgement_n lest_o otherwise_o many_o smell_v the_o design_n of_o anti-christ_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
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 bring_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 10._o 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 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 further_o 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 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 i_o answer_v power_n 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 483._o 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 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 malorum_fw-la 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 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 ibid._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 etc._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 christ_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 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o please_v when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o togeâ—ther_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 to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a order_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n order_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2._o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o