into_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o force_v they_o by_o stripe_n and_o corporal_a punishment_n to_o embrace_v it_o which_o be_v record_v to_o his_o immortal_a praise_n and_o for_o all_o christian_a magistrate_n imitation_n so_o that_o he_o abhor_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o rel_n gion_n and_o as_o david_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o liar_n in_o his_o house_n so_o good_a nehemiah_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o of_o a_o contrary_a religion_n to_o be_v under_o his_o government_n he_o have_v learn_v this_o lesson_n from_o god_n himself_o deut._n 4._o and_o deut._n 6_o and_o deut._n 11._o &_o deut._n 13._o etc._n etc._n this_o renown_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o constrain_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o the_o safety_n and_o peace_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o i_o believe_v nehemiah_n know_v as_o well_o what_o belong_v unto_o tender_a conscience_n as_o any_o independent_o now_o live_a and_o he_o understanding_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a jer._n 17._o v._n 9_o &_o that_o conscience_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n spring_v from_o that_o deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a root_n know_v also_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o evil_n &_o that_o continual_o and_o therefore_o take_v that_o liberty_n upon_o he_o to_o constrain_v their_o wicked_a conscience_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o most_o holy_a law_n and_o statute_n and_o to_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n god_n have_v enjoin_v his_o people_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o parent_n and_o magistrate_n who_o by_o god_n command_n and_o this_o example_n of_o good_a nehemiah_n may_v at_o any_o time_n use_v the_o rod_n of_o correction_n and_o by_o it_o make_v rebellious_a and_o stubborn_a child_n and_o people_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o this_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v unto_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o they_o urge_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v his_o will_n in_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o true_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o without_o serious_a take_a notice_n of_o it_o how_o zealous_a this_o good_a nehemiah_n be_v against_o all_o sin_n and_o false_a worship_n and_o how_o adverse_a he_o be_v to_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n under_o his_o government_n for_o hear_v they_o speak_v but_o the_o language_n of_o ashdod_n he_o by_o and_o by_o revile_v they_o and_o fall_v about_o their_o ear_n and_o forthwith_o constrain_v they_o and_o that_o by_o stripe_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o if_o this_o good_a nehemiah_n be_v now_o live_v here_o among_o we_o and_o shall_v hear_v not_o only_o the_o language_n of_o ashdod_n but_o the_o language_n of_o hell_n out_o of_o every_o mouth_n and_o see_v the_o abominable_a practice_n of_o the_o sectary_n of_o our_o time_n and_o shall_v hear_v their_o hellish_a and_o blasphemous_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n of_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n and_o slight_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o many_o such_o desperate_a doctrine_n how_o may_v we_o think_v will_v his_o righteous_a soul_n be_v trouble_v with_o it_o and_o how_o will_v he_o bestir_v he_o in_o cudgel_n these_o fellow_n into_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v of_o they_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o not_o after_o their_o own_o fantasy_n as_o they_o all_o now_o do_v without_o all_o controversy_n good_a nehemiah_n will_v baste_v they_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v side_n with_o they_o and_o especial_o he_o will_v belabour_v all_o such_o well_o as_o shall_v write_v book_n in_o defence_n of_o such_o and_o shall_v call_v they_o saint_n and_o their_o damnable_a blasphemy_n the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n i_o say_v i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o be_v good_a nehemiah_n in_o our_o time_n and_o have_v he_o that_o authority_n he_o have_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n he_o will_v baste_v they_o all_o to_o some_o purpose_n and_o make_v and_o force_v they_o by_o cudgel_n of_o they_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o wholesome_a word_n and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v he_o will_v pull_v off_o cretensis_n his_o blue_a beard_n qui_fw-la ne_fw-la pilum_fw-la boni_fw-la viri_fw-la habet_fw-la and_o knock_v he_o sound_o about_o his_o hairy_a scalp_n and_o st._n quarter-man_n also_o he_o will_v have_v some_o good_a slaps_z as_o he_o deseru_v over_o his_o great_a pate_n &_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o these_o heretical_a &_o dangerous_a sectary_n will_v by_o he_o be_v constrain_v with_o beat_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o he_o will_v make_v they_o know_v themselves_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o place_n of_o all_o magistrate_n and_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n neither_o to_o suffer_v or_o tolerate_v such_o fellow_n in_o their_o house_n nor_o country_n for_o this_o will_v but_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o the_o land_n much_o more_o ought_v every_o man_n to_o detest_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v labour_v to_o bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n when_o we_o see_v what_o misery_n come_v upon_o all_o israel_n by_o solomon_n toleration_n of_o they_o there_o but_o the_o independent_o say_v there_o be_v no_o precedent_n of_o any_o corporal_a punishment_n lay_v upon_o any_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o magistrate_n shall_v follow_v but_o i_o conceive_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n may_v suffice_v for_o their_o imitation_n who_o joh._n 2._o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n for_o merchandize_v there_o and_o therefore_o lay_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o they_o and_o true_o if_o the_o magistrate_n now_o shall_v whip_v all_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n of_o their_o new_a and_o blasphemous_a doctrine_n out_o of_o their_o several_a new_a temple_n and_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v very_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n example_n will_v justify_v and_o hold_v they_o out_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v for_o who_o can_v they_o better_o imitate_v then_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n yea_o we_o see_v corporal_a punishment_n threaten_v against_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n and_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o inflict_v upon_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o suffer_v those_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n among_o they_o yea_o we_o see_v act._n 13._o that_o bariesus_n for_o but_o labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o proconsul_n from_o hear_v the_o gospel_n be_v by_o paul_n strike_v with_o blindness_n for_o it_o by_o god_n himself_o to_o teach_v all_o magistrate_n that_o those_o deserve_v punishment_n that_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o much_o more_o those_o that_o corrupt_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o we_o have_v another_o example_n of_o corporal_a punishment_n for_o when_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v those_o exorcist_n those_o son_n of_o sceva_n the_o lord_n suffer_v the_o devil_n which_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o swine_n without_o his_o permission_n to_o be_v his_o executioner_n and_o to_o lay_v corporal_a punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o abuse_v his_o name_n and_o his_o authority_n all_o which_o may_v teach_v all_o man_n how_o much_o god_n be_v displease_v with_o all_o such_o as_o corrupt_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleratiou_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o may_v serve_v to_o instruct_v all_o magistrate_n in_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o punish_n of_o all_o false_a and_o herericall_a teacher_n and_o seducer_n and_o true_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n that_o call_v for_o a_o establishment_n of_o one_o religion_n and_o a_o settle_a government_n with_o uniformity_n in_o a_o church_n and_o state_n and_o a_o suppression_n of_o all_o heresy_n sect_n and_o faction_n from_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n and_o a_o punish_v of_o all_o false_a teacher_n now_o it_o be_v when_o by_o the_o sad_a effect_n already_o of_o division_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n we_o may_v well_o perceive_v what_o ruin_n will_v come_v upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n if_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n grant_v for_o division_n and_o faction_n especial_o in_o religion_n have_v be_v fatal_a to_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o history_n relate_v the_o consideration_n of_o which_o make_v i_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o recite_v a_o story_n i_o hear_v of_o a_o great_a nobleman_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n
chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n true_a believer_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n all_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o those_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o these_o be_v without_o doubt_n great_a number_n they_o be_v indefinite_o set_v down_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o find_v a_o new_a addition_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o convert_v and_o withal_o i_o may_v tell_v i._o s._n that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n that_o the_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_n be_v all_o man_n likewise_o for_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n conceive_v of_o those_o convert_n but_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n say_v in_o terminis_fw-la that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o convert_n be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o publish_n and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o people_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v make_v know_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o to_o all_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o neighbour_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o their_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o nurtrature_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v then_o as_o docible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o give_v attendance_n unto_o wholesome_a and_o sound_a word_n and_o to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o our_o giddy-headed_a people_n and_o woman_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v novelty_n especial_o we_o may_v with_o all_o reason_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v this_o that_o they_o will_v then_o be_v the_o soon_o persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n it_o come_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o with_o such_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n for_o the_o jew_n have_v often_o before_o desire_a sign_n and_o miracle_n say_v unto_o christ_n what_o sign_n she_o west_n thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o intimate_v that_o if_o he_o can_v show_v unto_o they_o any_o sign_n that_o then_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v in_o thou_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v thyself_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v persuade_v we_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o then_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n do_v daily_o gratify_v they_o with_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o that_o the_o very_a high_a priest_n and_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v upon_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n that_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a miracle_n i_o say_v therefore_o when_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concomitate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n it_o can_v be_v doubâ—ed_v but_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v those_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o yield_v the_o more_o credit_n unto_o their_o husbund_n and_o master_n instruction_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o many_o woman_n luke_n 23._o ver_fw-la 27_o 28._o that_o mourn_v for_o christ_n when_o they_o carry_v he_o to_o crucify_a and_o if_o we_o look_v also_o into_o the_o story_n of_o holy_a writ_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n &_o those_o honourable_a one_o which_o minister_v daily_o unto_o he_o now_o than_o if_o we_o believe_v which_o we_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o as_o many_o believe_a woman_n convert_v as_o man_n as_o we_o may_v for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a than_o we_o have_v already_o sixteen_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o the_o new_a stile_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n stand_v then_o at_o a_o stay_n for_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o dreadful_a death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o miracle_n believer_n say_v the_o text_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n now_o this_o word_n multitude_n as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o all_o language_n it_o ever_o signify_v some_o great_a company_n or_o some_o great_a assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n or_o a_o bad_a therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o here_o many_o new_a great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n beside_o all_o those_o before_o specify_v and_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n v._n 7._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n which_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o second_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n itself_o where_o be_v specify_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o in_o no_o small_a company_n in_o that_o very_a church_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n three_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o multiply_v great_o both_o the_o word_n have_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o they_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o great_o to_o show_v the_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o they_o as_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v say_v that_o the_o number_n can_v not_o be_v set_v down_o four_o it_o be_v say_v also_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n not_o a_o few_o but_o a_o great_a company_n also_o of_o the_o priest_n those_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o of_o these_o word_n have_v weight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v but_o a_o little_a ponder_v will_v create_v belief_n from_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n man_n that_o there_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o after_o their_o conversion_n infinite_n of_o people_n daily_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o preach_v of_o these_o priest_n also_o of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o harbour_v this_o opinion_n that_o now_o they_o be_v as_o diligent_a consider_v the_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o themselves_o to_o convert_v and_o bring_v man_n unto_o he_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o to_o dissuade_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v he_o this_o i_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n bind_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v now_o convert_v will_v study_v to_o convert_v other_o for_o we_o see_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o andrew_n have_v find_v christ_n john_n 1._o he_o bring_v his_o brother_n simon_n to_o he_o and_o after_o christ_n have_v call_v philip_n unto_o he_o he_o find_v nathaniel_n bring_v he_o also_o unto_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v ever_o operative_a and_o fruitful_a and_o will_v loose_v no_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o gain_v friend_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v real_o and_o true_o convert_v they_o will_v ever_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v other_o yea_o they_o be_v bind_v unto_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o relate_v unto_o peter_n that_o the_o devil_n sought_n to_o winnow_v he_o as_o wheat_n and_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v add_v withal_o this_o lesson_n unto_o simon_n peter_n say_v when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n this_o duty_n lie_v not_o only_o upon_o simon_n peter_n but_o it_o
of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o the_o independent_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o it_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n &_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o out_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o 1._o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n &_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20._o 17._o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o life_n i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o lest_o he_o shall_v glory_v i_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v therefore_o say_v something_o to_o that_o and_o conclude_v this_o point_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o all_o his_o other_o fond_a answer_n to_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o encounter_v with_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o babble_n if_o say_v he_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n &_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n rather_o chatter_v than_o dispute_v in_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o therefore_o for_o answer_n let_v mr_n knollys_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o transgression_n in_o saint_n john_n against_o the_o presbyter_n in_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o himself_o for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o universal_a pastor_n tie_v to_o no_o one_o place_n or_o flock_n but_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o which_o lie_v primary_o and_o principal_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o speak_v in_o and_o by_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o man_n thought_n word_n action_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n have_v no_o less_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o this_o church_n wherein_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o in_o and_o over_o all_o other_o church_n than_o s._n paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v in_o all_o church_n now_o if_o s._n paul_n can_v give_v a_o law_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o for_o the_o carry_v of_o themselves_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o sharp_o reproove_v offender_n in_o that_o church_n and_o if_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o they_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o transgression_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n but_o with_o the_o very_a good_a like_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o write_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o church_n than_o i_o say_v saint_n john_n transgress_v not_o at_o all_o in_o use_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n over_o diotrephes_n in_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o for_o this_o he_o may_v well_o do_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n without_o any_o offence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n for_o what_o he_o do_v he_o do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o christ_n himself_o who_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a if_o not_o a_o impious_a thing_n in_o master_n knollys_n to_o draw_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o a_o fantasy_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o saint_n john_n and_o another_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o will_v make_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v none_o and_o infer_v that_o saint_n john_n take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o he_o ought_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v no_o transgression_n in_o any_o other_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v write_v so_o to_o any_o presbytery_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o fellow_n presbyter_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o any_o miscarriage_n in_o either_o pastor_n or_o member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o will_v assume_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o himself_o than_o become_v a_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o both_o to_o witness_v to_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o know_v of_o such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o fellow_n judge_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o common_a council_n of_o elder_n which_o saint_n john_n do_v who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o censure_v such_o a_o offender_n and_o in_o his_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o rather_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v gather_v for_o by_o such_o word_n he_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n or_o council_n there_o where_o offender_n be_v both_o to_o be_v question_v and_o censure_v for_o such_o a_o expression_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o manife_v that_o he_o be_v a_o judge_n there_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o with_o other_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o cause_n there_o and_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v by_o the_o mutual_a and_o joint_a accord_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v manage_v by_o any_o one_o single_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v never_o give_v the_o key_n unto_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o follow_v and_o not_o that_o which_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o intimate_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o any_o judicious_a christian_a upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v say_v the_o same_o and_o will_v conclude_v that_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o so_o write_v be_v no_o offender_n though_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o the_o joint_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v judicious_a may_v plain_o behold_v the_o futility_n in_o both_o the_o answer_n and_o cavil_v of_o this_o man_n and_o well_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v never_o cut_v out_o for_o a_o disputant_n or_o ever_o fit_v for_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n who_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o own_o mind_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n in_o both_o and_o violate_v all_o order_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o make_v the_o head_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o foot_n the_o head_n and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n or_o rather_o seventy_o for_o every_o ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o prove_v a_o church_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o discrepancy_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n for_o its_o particular_a government_n as_o he_o will_v advise_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n for_o never_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v there_o such_o practiceâ—_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n of_o all_o government_n for_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o slender_a and_o small_a assume_v a_o absolute_a soveranity_n unto_o themselves_o independent_a from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o presbytry_n from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n be_v one_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o free_a state_n and_o republic_n every_o one_o of_o they_o rule_v within_o themselves_o as_o absolute_a magistracy_n and_o therefore_o upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o those_o church_n or_o between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o often_o they_o do_v as_o other_o country_n and_o commonweal_n send_v their_o ambassador_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o state_n affair_n
clear_a to_o i_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n and_o name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o aristocracy_n or_o signory_n or_o court_n that_o be_v a_o company_n or_o senate_n or_o council_n of_o grave_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v order_v and_o command_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n be_v put_v and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o civil_a polity_n and_o government_n so_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a by_o a_o presbytery_n we_o understand_v a_o religious_a grave_a solid_a learned_a and_o wise_a council_n of_o divine_n and_o minister_n or_o man_n of_o inveterate_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o command_n with_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o which_o man_n likewise_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o and_o be_v hereunto_o call_v by_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n which_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a people_n can_v do_v and_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o they_o all_o and_o for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n over_o the_o church_n for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o king_n and_o ruler_n be_v by_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o borrow_a speech_n call_v pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v say_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o word_n be_v understand_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o moderate_a authority_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n over_o they_o so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v call_v the_o pastor_n and_o shepherd_n yea_o and_o steward_n over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v they_o by_o which_o metaphor_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o of_o preach_v and_o rule_v and_o have_v the_o government_n over_o those_o flock_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o must_v always_o exercise_v according_a to_o god_n word_n they_o must_v feed_v they_o and_o rule_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o after_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 24._o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o may_v not_o usurp_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n or_o power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n as_o if_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o flock_n depend_v on_o they_o which_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o their_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o shall_v comfort_v they_o and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o use_v all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o be_v possible_a like_o good_a shepherd_n to_o preserve_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o straggle_v and_o stray_v not_o from_o christ_n fold_n and_o run_v not_o into_o the_o byway_n and_o thicket_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o be_v corrupt_v with_o noisome_a food_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o among_o they_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o they_o bring_v and_o reduce_v they_o into_o order_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o sick_a feeble_a poor_a or_o weak_a that_o they_o cure_n relieve_v comfort_n and_o restore_v such_o and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o that_o be_v infect_v or_o scabby_a that_o they_o remove_v such_o from_o the_o sound_n till_o they_o be_v recover_v or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o break_a or_o wound_v that_o they_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o with_o all_o lenity_n and_o humanity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o common_a council_n govern_z and_o order_v their_o flock_n and_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o particular_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n under_o their_o presbytery_n and_o charge_n assume_v not_o any_o sole_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o themselves_o over_o the_o flock_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n without_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o that_o presbytery_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n under_o who_o command_n they_o be_v and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o a_o common_a council_n of_o godly_a grave_a learned_a and_o experience_a minister_n shall_v ever_o be_v more_o able_a to_o manage_v and_o order_v a_o government_n than_o two_o or_o three_o unexperienced_a man_n or_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o young_a people_n of_o which_o most_o congregation_n consist_v in_o who_o the_o sap_n of_o youth_n be_v not_o yet_o dry_v up_o or_o if_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o ripe_a year_n yet_o they_o know_v little_a what_o belong_v to_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o govern_v as_o man_n both_o of_o know_a learning_n ancient_a experience_n and_o honesty_n and_o approve_a judgement_n and_o integrity_n as_o a_o whole_a college_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a presbyter_n common_o be_v who_o by_o god_n himself_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o all_o ordinary_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o several_a charge_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v here_o to_o be_v answer_v unto_o make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v they_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n give_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o pprophecy_n act_v 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o 8._o 18_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o heal_v the_o sick_a james_n 5._o 14_o 15._o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n mark_n 16._o 18._o let_v say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n let_v they_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a and_o heal_v they_o let_v they_o by_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o disciple_n enable_v they_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o a_o 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will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a presbyter_n so_o deal_v the_o jew_n with_o christ_n what_o sign_n show_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o but_o when_o christ_n have_v show_v they_o sign_n upon_o sign_n and_o miracle_n upon_o miracle_n be_v they_o ever_o the_o more_o convince_v do_v those_o miracle_n create_v belief_n in_o they_o no_o sure_o but_o rather_o harden_v they_o and_o make_v they_o blaspheme_v when_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o say_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n so_o without_o doubt_n if_o the_o presbyter_n have_v those_o gift_n of_o miracle_n that_o they_o can_v gratify_v these_o man_n with_o daily_a prodigy_n and_o work_n of_o wonder_n they_o will_v then_o say_v they_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n abhor_v they_o the_o more_o there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n that_o he_o must_v rise_v early_o and_o never_o go_v to_o bed_n that_o will_v please_v all_o man_n and_o true_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o difficult_a but_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o any_o state_n or_o great_a council_n be_v it_o never_o so_o wise_a to_o please_v all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o god_n himself_o nor_o moses_n nor_o aaron_n his_o servant_n can_v please_v the_o israelite_n though_o they_o see_v never_o such_o wonder_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n to_o confirm_v their_o authority_n yea_o they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o their_o face_n that_o they_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o afterward_o they_o cast_v off_o god_n own_o government_n &_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o lord_n complain_v to_o samuel_n in_o 1_o samuel_n and_o will_v set_v up_o a_o government_n after_o the_o model_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o that_o book_n and_o not_o long_o after_o they_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o jeroboam_n time_n and_o teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n complain_v isay_n 29._o after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o reject_v god_n commandment_n as_o christ_n say_v matth._n 15._o and_o mark_v 7._o so_o that_o what_o they_o think_v best_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v ever_o best_o please_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o write_a word_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o often_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n command_v to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o say_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o in_o these_o day_n they_o content_v not_o themselves_o with_o that_o ordinance_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o say_v come_v show_v we_o some_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v a_o right_a presbytery_n our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o jew_n concern_v saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o himself_o john_n say_v he_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v behold_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v both_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o method_n or_o way_n god_n use_v to_o convert_v they_o they_o cavile_v against_o it_o and_o be_v never_o satisfy_v always_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o stephen_n tell_v they_o in_o act._n 7._o so_o now_o in_o these_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o miracle_n and_o a_o new_a way_n of_o teach_v but_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o listen_v after_o or_o to_o give_v heed_n to_o miracle_n and_o be_v send_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o and_o be_v command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5._o yea_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n luke_n 16._o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o miracle_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o can_v the_o presbyter_n do_v all_o those_o 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forth_o and_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n manner_n or_o government_n then_o that_o i_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o shall_v confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n with_o never_o so_o many_o miracle_n i_o will_v still_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o write_a word_n and_o will_v never_o believe_v contrary_a to_o that_o though_o i_o shall_v undergo_v the_o great_a misery_n or_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o great_a want_n by_o it_o that_o any_o man_n ever_o see_v for_o i_o know_v that_o all_o these_o momentary_a trial_n and_o affliction_n be_v not_o worthy_a that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o for_o this_o very_a point_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o that_o sense_n i_o take_v
doctrine_n to_o prove_v this_o their_o opinion_n to_o be_v legitimate_a so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o belief_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o agree_v against_o all_o the_o current_n and_o the_o whole_a school_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n divine_v who_o hold_v they_o be_v christian_n second_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o also_o that_o both_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n must_v ever_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a so_o that_o be_v their_o never_o so_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n and_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o such_o and_o such_o a_o mould_n and_o form_n than_o theyare_n not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o their_o dialect_n they_o be_v either_o heretic_n or_o no_o christian_n but_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v 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better_a than_o so_o who_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v he_o matth._n 17._o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o and_o not_o to_o give_v ear_n unto_o stranger_n and_o from_o his_o bless_a word_n we_o have_v learn_v these_o two_o lesson_n the_o first_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v faithful_o and_o true_o preach_v by_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o and_o where_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o by_o the_o people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n although_o they_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v not_o that_o external_a form_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n holy_a word_n second_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o churhe_n in_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n where_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n nor_o where_o their_o very_a meeting_n together_o be_v not_o allow_v unto_o they_o by_o authority_n for_o all_o such_o as_o confine_v a_o church_n or_o church_n to_o these_o external_a form_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o confound_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o adjunct_n and_o accideut_n of_o it_o whereas_o church_n may_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v by_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v prove_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o israel_n where_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o establish_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v punctual_o be_v observe_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o these_o word_n now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o do_v not_o then_o appear_v any_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n when_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o public_o know_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v there_o his_o true_a church_n among_o they_o yea_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o idolatry_n when_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v persecute_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o cave_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n also_o god_n have_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n that_o be_v absolute_o require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o that_o external_a appearance_n they_o speak_v of_o for_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n be_v another_o and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o willing_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o appearance_n and_o naked_a shadow_n for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o will_v but_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n after_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o peregrination_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o that_o after_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o direction_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o his_o worship_n wheresoever_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v come_v and_o
speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judaea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22._o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o saint_n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n myrias_n or_o myriad_o ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v above_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o moâ—t_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospels_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v all_o this_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o have_v out_o of_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v and_o out_o of_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n no_o not_o in_o a_o few_o whether_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o by_o this_o and_o the_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o argument_n out_o of_o both_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o report_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o pearl_n of_o prejudice_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o assertion_n but_o as_o in_o all_o their_o former_a discourse_n i_o faithful_o set_v down_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o confutation_n to_o those_o several_a argument_n they_o oppose_v so_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n true_o relate_v what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o reply_v by_o way_n of_o refutation_n to_o this_o my_o last_o argument_n and_o then_o i_o will_v come_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o gainsay_v and_o reply_n to_o he_o in_o order_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n
be_v a_o mighty_a company_n for_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n with_o one_o accord_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v due_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n this_o city_n be_v no_o contemptible_a one_o as_o appear_v from_o that_o i_o say_v before_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o credit_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v any_o one_o pastor_n able_a to_o teach_v they_o all_o which_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o send_v two_o of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n so_o that_o all_o this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v easy_o persuade_v beside_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n have_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n than_o the_o independent_o in_o our_o day_n who_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v convert_v any_o though_o they_o have_v pervert_v and_o seduce_v many_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o primitive_a minister_n there_o be_v immediate_o send_v of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o speak_v in_o all_o language_n and_o do_v miracle_n such_o as_o none_o can_v do_v but_o those_o that_o come_v from_o god_n as_o nicodemus_n say_v unto_o christ_n that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o john_n 3._o 2._o for_o they_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n with_o their_o word_n and_o shadow_n they_o raise_v the_o dead_a make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v wonderful_a withal_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n after_o a_o miserable_a life_n here_o and_o do_v also_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o order_v their_o way_n and_o conversation_n here_o so_o that_o they_o may_v live_v with_o honour_n and_o die_v with_o comfort_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o all_o man_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o after_o death_n and_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n as_o they_o do_v good_a wherever_o they_o come_v so_o they_o live_v so_o holy_o and_o unblamable_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o be_v man_n of_o such_o integrity_n sincerity_n and_o of_o such_o plain_a upright_a deal_n as_o the_o people_n that_o behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o see_v withal_o their_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o they_o do_v say_v of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o convert_v whole_a city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yea_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o they_o to_o bring_v whole_a nation_n in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o with_o a_o few_o miracle_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o we_o may_v see_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n and_o from_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n the_o 15._o verse_n 18._o 19_o where_o the_o apostle_n abundant_o declare_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o miracle_n of_o those_o time_n who_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v even_o to_o the_o convert_n of_o whole_a country_n and_o city_n and_o so_o they_o prevail_v in_o this_o city_n of_o samaria_n that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o be_v speedy_o convert_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o all_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o what_o rational_a man_n will_v think_v or_o can_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o royal_a city_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o church_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n as_o be_v apparent_a from_o act_n the_o 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o titus_n the_o 1._o and_o now_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o two_o mother_n city_n of_o palestine_n jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n enumerate_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o also_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v all_o subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o class_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n w_z ch_z be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v a_o illustrious_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o it_o also_o there_o be_v constitute_v a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v many_o presbyter_n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n and_o those_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v act_v the_o 14._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yea_o paul_n plant_v this_o church_n and_o apollo_n with_o barnabas_n and_o the_o presbyter_n water_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n for_o one_o pastor_n or_o minister_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o own_o flock_n at_o least_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n or_o a_o doctor_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v feed_v one_o congregation_n now_o in_o that_o they_o have_v many_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o many_o extraordinary_a teacher_n in_o it_o with_o all_o good_a reason_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n which_o will_v yet_o more_o abundant_o appear_v from_o its_o first_o constitution_n or_o plant_n for_o we_o read_v of_o multitude_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o that_o city_n that_o believe_v act_v the_o 18._o verse_n 5._o 7_o 8._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o beside_o justus_n crispus_n also_o and_o all_o his_o household_n and_o many_o corinthian_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o lord_n also_o say_v that_o he_o have_v many_o people_n in_o that_o city_n ver_fw-la 10._o which_o by_o the_o diligent_a preach_v of_o paul_n for_o eighteen_o month_n together_o be_v convert_v verse_n 11._o for_o who_o further_a build_v up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n paul_n apollo_n timothy_n cephas_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a &_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n beside_o their_o own_o presbyter_n be_v all_o constant_o employ_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3_o &_o 4._o all_o the_o which_o import_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n beside_o both_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n show_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o deceitful_a teacher_n seducer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o also_o have_v their_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n there_o be_v also_o many_o vain_a instructer_n and_o idle_a teacher_n who_o though_o they_o keep_v the_o foundation_n yet_o build_v upon_o it_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n now_o all_o reason_n will_v suggest_v that_o pastor_n of_o such_o several_a mind_n and_o teach_v such_o several_a &_o discrepant_a doctrine_n have_v all_o of_o they_o scholar_n &_o follower_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n whereof_o their_o several_a pastor_n be_v as_o now_o we_o see_v in_o the_o several_a sect_n in_o our_o time_n &_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o meeting_n for_o the_o convention_n of_o their_o officer_n with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o more_o choice_a people_n for_o discipline_n beside_o as_o we_o have_v express_v mention_n of_o a_o church_n in_o aquila_n and_o priscylla_n house_n 1_o cor._n 16._o so_o there_o be_v many_o other_o meet_v place_n in_o corinth_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o in_o express_a word_n there_o
while_o with_o their_o scribble_n they_o trouble_v the_o world_n in_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o hear_v yet_o how_o he_o cavil_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o then_o all_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o must_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o in_o regard_n also_o that_o that_o church_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o resolution_n of_o that_o church_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o can_v ever_o say_v in_o these_o respect_n say_v he_o it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a and_o perfect_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n make_v a_o noise_n to_o little_a purpose_n contradict_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o i_o ever_o yet_o read_v or_o talk_v with_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o form_n and_o govern_v all_o their_o church_n and_o labour_n to_o reduce_v all_o to_o that_o pattern_n and_o ground_n all_o their_o proceed_n upon_o the_o platform_n of_o that_o church_n and_o do_v all_o as_o they_o affirm_v in_o imitation_n of_o that_o hold_v synod_n to_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o his_o word_n sufficient_o declare_v for_o which_o his_o grollery_n i_o believe_v all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n will_v give_v he_o little_a thanks_n and_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o so_o great_a haste_n in_o answer_v i_o who_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n say_v i_o haste_v at_o last_o as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n canis_fw-la festinans_fw-la caecos_fw-la parit_fw-la catulos_fw-la and_o will_v have_v cause_n at_o leisure_n to_o repent_v for_o he_o have_v by_o this_o his_o juggle_n and_o conjure_v quite_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o new_a babble_n of_o independency_n which_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v so_o busy_a and_o diligent_a to_o lay_v erect_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v and_o that_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v his_o trifle_a reason_n of_o this_o his_o gainsaying_n and_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o church_n for_o than_o say_v he_o every_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o all_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o one_o church_n and_o to_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o can_v be_v there_o be_v none_o now_o infallible_o guide_v thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n out_o of_o the_o acumen_n of_o his_o wit_n dispute_v at_o randoun_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n do_v the_o prelate_n in_o their_o generation_n dispute_v against_o the_o godly_a people_n they_o term_v puritan_n when_o they_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o that_o they_o all_o receive_v it_o either_o sit_v or_o use_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o christian_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o the_o apostle_n example_n rather_o then_o antichrist_n as_o a_o pattern_n set_v down_o to_o they_o of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o prelate_n and_o those_o of_o that_o faction_n reply_v that_o if_o the_o puritan_n will_v make_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o pattern_n for_o their_o imitation_n then_o they_o must_v always_o celebrate_v it_o in_o a_o evening_n and_o that_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o not_o in_o public_a and_o then_o they_o must_v never_o exceed_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o communicant_n and_o they_o must_v be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o other_o toy_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v my_o brother_n burton_n now_o trifle_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o as_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o require_v so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o their_o imitate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v liberty_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o deacon_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n &_o to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a for_o their_o occasion_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o likewise_o if_o they_o have_v need_n of_o deacon_n may_v make_v choice_n of_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o whether_o few_o or_o more_o and_o as_o often_o as_o their_o occasion_n require_v no_o church_n be_v limit_v for_o the_o number_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o church_n ordain_v the_o deacon_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o in_o all_o church_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o as_o upon_o any_o difference_n among_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o it_o happen_v then_o between_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n act_n 6._o about_o their_o widow_n who_o they_o think_v be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a administration_n they_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o redress_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o such_o or_o the_o like_a difference_n to_o appeal_v unto_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o as_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n so_o when_o the_o presbyter_n command_v or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o people_n be_v to_o yield_v willing_a subjection_n &_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n their_o pattern_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n and_o all_o these_o be_v combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o imitation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o they_o and_o as_o upon_o occasion_n then_o certain_a man_n go_v down_o from_o judaea_n to_o antioch_n act_v 15._o 1._o and_o trouble_v the_o people_n there_o and_o in_o other_o church_n with_o word_n subvert_v their_o soul_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n vers_fw-la 24._o pretend_v they_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o command_n from_o they_o of_o their_o so_o do_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n send_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o business_n in_o debate_n &_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o resolution_n without_o make_v any_o rent_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o other_o church_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o dispute_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o argument_n and_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n with_o authority_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o as_o the_o people_n than_o do_v patient_o wait_v till_o the_o determine_n of_o that_o difference_n without_o make_v of_o any_o rent_n schism_n or_o separation_n one_o from_o another_o and_o do_v then_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o decree_n without_o any_o reluctation_n but_o observe_v they_o all_o willing_o after_o the_o debate_n so_o ought_v all_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o example_n with_o patience_n to_o wait_v without_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o division_n till_o thing_n be_v full_o discuss_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o such_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o then_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v themselves_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n for_o a_o example_n of_o imitation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o differ_v and_o dissent_v opinion_n between_o church_n and_o church_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o christian_a country_n or_o any_o old_a one_o revive_v as_o it_o have_v its_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n that_o all_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n shall_v follow_v it_o so_o this_o way_n of_o rule_v be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o other_o for_o as_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n have_v be_v ever_o govern_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o have_v ever_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n and_o counsel_n to_o superior_a upon_o either_o public_a grievance_n or_o upon_o any_o difference_n between_o province_n and_o province_n and_o county_n and_o county_n or_o between_o corporation_n and_o corporation_n or_o city_n and_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o oppression_n or_o impeachment_n or_o encroachment_n of_o each_o on_o the_o other_o liberty_n or_o through_o injustice_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o each_o of_o they_o from_o some_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n but_o in_o that_o also_o the_o several_a corporation_n that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v so_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o 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under_o they_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n although_o in_o it_o the_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n among_o themselves_o can_v give_v law_n to_o each_o other_o severally_z and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o prescribe_v to_o each_o other_o a_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o with_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o a_o exemplary_a way_n by_o well_o do_v yet_o all_o these_o several_a church_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a council_n as_o they_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o and_o have_v from_o each_o of_o they_o deligate_v and_o send_v their_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o so_o many_o burgess_n of_o their_o several_a city_n and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
of_o these_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v say_v he_o or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o the_o other_o church_n of_o judaea_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_a act_n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n he_o say_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o so_o that_o in_o the_o reckon_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o now_o i_o refer_v myself_o unto_o the_o judicious_a and_o godly_a reader_n whether_o these_o man_n have_v not_o make_v false_a muster_n or_o not_o to_o use_v some_o of_o i._n s._n his_o language_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n have_v not_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o and_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o do_v most_o sacrilegious_o unjust_o and_o wicked_o in_o thus_o rob_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o member_n for_o first_o they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o those_o devout_a man_n and_o true_a worshipper_n in_o jerusalem_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o second_o whereas_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n verse_n 47._o that_o beside_o those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o those_o likewise_o and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v relate_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n they_o cut_v off_o three_o thousand_o of_o these_o also_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o great_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n than_o be_v before_o all_o those_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o subduct_v and_o pare_v off_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o those_o likewise_o they_o defalcate_v with_o all_o the_o other_o increase_v of_o multitude_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o with_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o record_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o but_o cast_v up_o the_o whole_a sum_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o total_a reckon_n and_o number_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o to_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v do_v out_o of_o their_o perverse_a wilful_a and_o obstinate_a wickedness_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v deceive_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a people_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o thus_o to_o juggle_v who_o they_o can_v not_o delude_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o true_o inform_v and_o do_v not_o they_o and_o their_o complice_n withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o they_o in_o unrighteousness_n for_o be_v the_o people_n true_o inform_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o all_o intelligible_a yea_o but_o ordinary_a understand_a man_n and_o woman_n yea_o very_a child_n will_v conclude_v that_o they_o can_v not_o then_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v still_o but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v combine_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o it_o this_o i_o affirm_v every_o rational_a creature_n will_v from_o ground_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v if_o they_o be_v right_o instruct_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o dishonesty_n both_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o all_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n thus_o to_o abuse_v the_o people_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o in_o they_o all_o to_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o deal_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o i._o s._n that_o groll_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o second_o proposition_n for_o he_o must_v be_v answer_v also_o or_o else_o he_o will_v exceed_o triumph_v in_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o flagelli_fw-la he_o have_v these_o word_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o be_o not_o say_v he_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a thus_o i._n s._n express_v his_o non-satisfaction_n in_o that_o place_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n for_o far_a answer_n he_o thus_o declare_v himself_o first_o say_v he_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o church_n speak_v of_o act_n the_o 15._o 4._o i_o deny_v and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a presumption_n and_o beg_v of_o the_o question_n to_o say_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o minister_a church_n especial_o if_o you_o reckon_v all_o johns_n disciple_n and_o convert_n to_o those_o believer_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n after_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n ere_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n so_o for_o any_o thing_n have_v yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o the_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v not_o so_o many_o after_o you_o have_v cut_v off_o johns_n convert_n i_o mean_v those_o that_o do_v stick_v in_o johns_n baptism_n which_o be_v multitude_n and_o temporary_a believer_n which_o cease_v to_o walk_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o and_o stranger_n which_o do_v afterward_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o several_a country_n those_o that_o do_v remain_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grâ—w_v up_o unto_o church_n fellowship_n and_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o former_a beg_n and_o presumption_n that_o which_o sollowe_v viz._n that_o this_o proposition_n be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n viz._n that_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o what_o say_v i_o s._n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o not_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v often_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a sir_n i._o s._n dispute_v who_o word_n be_v a_o very_a farrago_fw-la of_o error_n and_o vanity_n by_o which_o he_o sufficient_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o master_n saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o who_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v and_o confident_a i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o arrogant_a and_o a_o more_o presumptuoas_n sot_n that_o ever_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n than_o this_o i._o s._n and_o who_o word_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o ignorance_n and_o full_a of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o self_n conceitednesse_n and_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n for_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o
speak_v of_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a will_v easy_o by_o his_o expression_n perceive_v but_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a novice_n in_o all_o divine_a learning_n and_o all_o good_a literature_n &_o a_o fellow_n very_o wretched_a &_o worthless_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o deserve_v to_o be_v explode_v out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o to_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o all_o orthodox_n and_o conscientious_a honest_a christian_n and_o indeed_o if_o he_o be_v deal_v with_o according_a to_o his_o merit_n he_o deserve_v to_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n of_o who_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o reply_n i_o will_v take_v liberty_n to_o say_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o and_o as_o of_o he_o so_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n that_o as_o they_o be_v fratres_fw-la in_o malo_fw-la so_o they_o be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sacrilege_n &_o unrighteous_a deal_n foras_fw-la i._n s._n so_o they_o also_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o all_o those_o member_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n before_o christ_n death_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o their_o word_n quote_v before_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o scruple_n he_o speak_v of_o page_z 8._o and_o 9_o where_o he_o unchurche_n and_o unchristian_n all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n and_o christ_n ministry_n he_o also_o with_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o as_o if_o that_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v out_o of_o the_o ten_o page_n beside_o his_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v my_o first_o proposition_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o mere_a presumptiou_n and_o beg_v the_o question_n to_o use_v his_o grollish_a expression_n he_o to_o all_o his_o iniquity_n add_v transgression_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o wickedness_n accumulate_v error_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v frequent_o appear_v for_o here_o again_o he_o first_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n from_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n who_o he_o deride_o call_v johns_n disciple_n and_o convert_n second_o he_o affirm_v of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o stick_v in_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v but_o temporary_a believer_n and_o cease_v to_o walk_v with_o christ_n three_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v afterward_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o several_a country_n and_o fourthly_a he_o assert_v that_o those_o that_o do_v continue_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grow_v up_o into_o church_n fellowship_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o assertion_n of_o sir_n i._o s._n howso_o ever_o they_o be_v presumptuous_o lay_v down_o by_o he_o as_o so_o many_o certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n yet_o i_o attest_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o any_o of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o any_o authority_n to_o cover_v or_o colour_v they_o over_o yea_o they_o be_v all_o as_o egregious_o and_o notorious_o erroneous_a as_o they_o be_v uncharitable_a for_o they_o be_v all_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a yea_o they_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o some_o particular_n for_o whereas_o he_o arrogant_o among_o other_o of_o his_o false_a assertion_n say_v that_o those_o that_o do_v remain_v in_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grow_v up_o into_o church_n fellowship_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o by_o saint_n johns_n ministry_n be_v make_v perfect_a christian_n i_o say_v this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n the_o 7._o where_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o johns_n baptism_n all_o which_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o innumerable_a company_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v matt._n the_o 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o and_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o counsel_n against_o themselves_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n do_v but_o they_o embrace_v god_n mercy_n to_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n and_o witness_n the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n only_o except_v all_o the_o other_o be_v good_a and_o perfect_o make_v christian_n and_o in_o such_o a_o church_n fellowship_n as_o with_o which_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a stature_n without_o any_o new_a church-fellowship_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n not_o only_a say_n that_o they_o be_v temporary_a christian_n and_o cease_v to_o follow_v christ_n but_o that_o those_o of_o they_o that_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grow_v up_o in_o church-fellowship_n afterward_o in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o affirm_v he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n who_o have_v record_v the_o contrary_a as_o that_o they_o be_v perfect_a good_a christian_n as_o have_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n but_o embrace_v the_o promise_n to_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o they_o be_v all_o by_o johns_n ministry_n very_o well_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n in_o all_o respect_n therefore_o both_o j._n s._n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o illdependents_a be_v most_o abominable_o wicked_a thus_o with_o their_o scribble_n to_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n ever_o prattle_v about_o a_o kind_n of_o church_n fellowship_n of_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n what_o it_o be_v and_o â—et_o they_o be_v ever_o babble_v of_o this_o church-fellowship_n &_o unchurchy_v all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o because_o forsooth_o in_o their_o opinion_n they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n nor_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n whereupon_o they_o rash_o proclaim_v we_o all_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o think_v so_o contemptuous_o of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o that_o they_o judge_v so_o wicked_o of_o we_o all_o for_o i._o s._n say_v in_o the_o word_n above_o cite_v which_o be_v another_o of_o his_o great_a error_n that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church-fellowship_n as_o convert_v these_o be_v his_o expression_n from_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o all_o his_o complice_n be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n very_o censorious_a and_o that_o they_o be_v creature_n full_a of_o jealousy_n and_o causeless_a suspicion_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v by_o all_o good_a man_n to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v as_o both_o dangerous_a and_o treacherous_a for_o here_o we_o see_v they_o suspect_v those_o very_a three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o peter_n as_o not_o well_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o very_a same_o chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o they_o be_v all_o well_o teach_v their_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o true_o if_o ever_o any_o people_n be_v well_o instruct_v they_o all_o be_v in_o who_o all_o the_o act_n &_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a for_o wheresoever_o it_o come_v it_o purify_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v it_o act_n 15._o as_o here_o it_o be_v manifest_v it_o do_v it_o in_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o those_o convert_v be_v pursue_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n in_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o they_o for_o this_o their_o sin_n their_o conscience_n also_o accuse_v they_o and_o aggravate_v unto_o they_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o it_o make_v they_o all_o fly_v unto_o christ_n and_o roll_n themselves_o upon_o he_o and_o whole_o rely_v on_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o wrought_v love_n also_o in_o they_o all_o towards_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o charity_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o full_o record_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n verse_n 42_o 43._o who_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a relief_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n or_o state_n be_v send_v and_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o wisdom_n in_o those_o man_n hand_n i_o say_v that_o this_o power_n â—esideth_v of_o dispose_v the_o treasury_n or_o revenue_n they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o state_n as_o at_o this_o day_n it_o reside_v with_o all_o the_o former_a essential_a property_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o they_o only_o and_o be_v sole_o exercise_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o master_n knollys_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a court_n because_o the_o contribution_n collection_n and_o excise_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o 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respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
well_o see_v and_o that_o without_o spectacle_n that_o by_o these_o stone_n he_o hurl_v at_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o cast_v up_o dust_n yea_o dirt_n thus_o in_o their_o face_n to_o usurp_v his_o own_o expression_n pa._n 13._o that_o he_o show_v his_o want_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o we_o compare_v our_o congregation_n and_o church_n at_o every_o turn_n to_o the_o popish_a and_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o gather_v out_o of_o people_n from_o among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o gather_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o out_o of_o their_o idolatricall_a and_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o why_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n do_v he_o bring_v his_o instance_n from_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o so_o deal_v in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o his_o brethren_n and_o must_v serious_o repent_v for_o this_o uncharitable_a deal_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o second_o of_o james_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o peregrination_n ever_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o there_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o scandal_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o their_o tradition_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v yea_o and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o all_o synagogue_n whersoever_o they_o journy_v yea_o christ_n himself_o command_v all_o his_o follower_n the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o pharisee_n matth._n 23._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o without_o doubt_n they_o do_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o s_n paul_n in_o the_o 10._o to_o the_o hebrew_n blame_v those_o that_o do_v leave_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o christian_a assembly_n and_o mould_v themselves_o into_o separate_a congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a holiness_n and_o pure_a partake_n in_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o all_o straggler_n all_o such_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a christ_n command_v the_o man_n out_o of_o who_o he_o have_v cast_v the_o devil_n and_o that_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o abide_v among_o they_o still_o and_o he_o ever_o send_v all_o those_o leper_n he_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n he_o never_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n neither_o do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o godly_a minister_n do_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o blame_v it_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o independent_o go_v against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v high_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o have_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a practice_n a_o great_a deal_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o to_o answer_v for_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v time_n with_o time_n we_o may_v believe_v it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o under_o the_o prelate_n reign_n and_o power_n those_o godly_a and_o powerful_a minister_n such_o as_o my_o reverend_a tutor_n master_n richard_n rogers_n mr_n john_n rogers_n of_o dedham_n and_o mr_n dod_n and_o other_o when_o they_o sometime_o go_v to_o visit_v their_o friend_n through_o city_n and_o country_n by_o their_o preach_n they_o 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be_v it_o ever_o record_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o the_o christian_n relinquish_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o which_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n paul_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o serious_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a and_o pharisaical_a separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n the_o lord_n will_v show_v at_o last_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o i_o affirm_v it_o they_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n for_o all_o these_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burtons_n instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n gather_v of_o christian_a church_n from_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v unchristianlyand_n and_o deceitful_o do_v to_o delude_v his_o fellow_n so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o aver_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n for_o any_o christian_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o they_o exercise_v at_o that_o time_n nothing_o but_o the_o moral_a worship_n in_o their_o synagogue_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n daily_o read_v and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o act_v 15._o 21._o and_o to_o those_o synagogue_n that_o unerring_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o do_v send_v all_o the_o people_n and_o their_o several_a city_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o moses_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v infer_v to_o make_v good_a their_o wicked_a separation_n from_o we_o and_o their_o gather_n of_o their_o church_n out_o of_o our_o christian_a and_o believe_a assembly_n which_o i_o be_o ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n that_o i_o propound_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o already_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v befool_v himself_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n how_o little_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o divinity_n when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o a_o common_a place_n wherein_o every_o child_n may_v learn_v as_o much_o and_o far_o more_o than_o he_o can_v teach_v he_o and_o this_o answer_n to_o my_o brother_n burton_n concern_v gather_n of_o christian_a church_n out_o of_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o unwarrantable_a separation_n may_v serve_v to_o the_o same_o objection_n wheresoever_o the_o reader_n shall_v meet_v with_o it_o as_o page_z 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o quaerie_n concern_v gather_n church_n out_o of_o church_n but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n conceive_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o christian_a assembly_n who_o he_o say_v do_v not_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n into_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a congregation_n they_o can_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o not_o make_v his_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n or_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o depend_v for_o the_o form_n and_o law_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wait_v on_o man_n and_o thereupon_o propound_v a_o query_n to_o i_o page_n 19_o think_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o better_a to_o justify_v their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o gratify_v my_o brother_n desire_n and_o answer_v to_o his_o demand_n and_o then_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o reply_v to_o what_o
we_o hold_v it_o say_v he_o yea_o that_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o to_o membership_n or_o office_n bear_v in_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o major_a part_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o officer_n be_v require_v and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o regard_n every_o one_o take_v a_o charge_n upon_o he_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o interest_n i_o expect_v that_o this_o groll_n i._o s._n shall_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n not_o only_o have_v give_v i_o a_o parcel_n of_o word_n but_o as_o he_o account_v i_o a_o catachumenos_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v teach_v and_o instruct_v i_o out_o of_o god_n word_n which_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o out_o of_o his_o statute_n where_o ever_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v ever_o give_v such_o a_o law_n unto_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v admit_v of_o none_o into_o his_o house_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o where_o he_o do_v resign_v his_o authority_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o charge_n of_o his_o family_n upon_o they_o as_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o where_o christ_n do_v ever_o by_o any_o law_n or_o statute_n make_v his_o people_n servant_n to_o each_o other_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o charge_n over_o they_o &_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o to_o judge_v they_o at_o pleasure_n all_o this_o i_o look_v for_o at_o i._o s._n his_o hand_n and_o that_o now_o he_o shall_v have_v full_o inform_v i_o in_o it_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n our_o king_n to_o the_o contrary_n i_o desire_v to_o go_v on_o wary_o 1_v cor._n 7._o 23._o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o subject_n by_o his_o apostle_n you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v not_o you_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n now_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o independent_o make_v we_o not_o only_a servant_n but_o slave_n and_o vassal_n to_o they_o for_o what_o great_a bondage_n and_o servitude_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v under_o the_o control_n of_o every_o one_o his_o fellow_n servant_n so_o that_o without_o their_o good_a likinâ—_n they_o can_v neither_o come_v in_o nor_o go_v out_o of_o their_o master_n house_n nor_o be_v admit_v to_o do_v that_o service_n their_o master_n call_v for_o at_o their_o hand_n but_o if_o any_o one_o of_o their_o fellow_n servant_n shall_v except_v against_o he_o he_o must_v be_v keep_v out_o of_o door_n i_o appeal_v here_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o generation_n of_o lordly_a gentleman_n over_o god_n heritage_n see_v since_o mortality_n inhabit_v the_o earth_n or_o that_o do_v ever_o more_o impudent_o domineer_v and_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergye_n then_o in_o this_o our_o age_n where_o every_o man_n make_v himself_o a_o lord_n and_o judge_n over_o his_o brother_n who_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n his_o king_n and_o make_v free_a by_o his_o word_n especial_o be_v not_o this_o a_o horrid_a insolency_n in_o any_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v his_o brother_n when_o there_o be_v a_o statute_n law_n and_o a_o command_v lay_v upon_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_a rom._n 14._o 13._o let_v we_o not_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n in_o the_o which_o law_n &_o statute_n there_o be_v 2_o observable_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v judge_v his_o brother_n any_o more_o and_o this_o statute_n be_v ratify_v by_o many_o other_o and_o from_o most_o warrantable_a and_o divine_a reason_n the_o other_o statute_n that_o confirm_v this_o be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n what_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v for_o 4._o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o for_o to_o this_o end_n say_v he_o ver_fw-la 9_o christ_n both_o dye_v rise_v again_o and_o revive_v that_o he_o may_v be_v lord_n both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o live_a christ_n say_v he_o be_v our_o lord_n both_o by_o donation_n by_o conquest_n by_o purchase_n by_o covenant_n by_o fellowship_n with_o the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n we_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o he_o conquer_v all_o our_o enemy_n and_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o vanquish_v the_o strong_a and_o arm_a man_n and_o disarm_v he_o and_o rescue_v all_o his_o servant_n out_o of_o his_o slavery_n &_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o by_o no_o less_o price_n than_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n also_o by_o covenant_n and_o by_o communion_n in_o his_o grace_n and_o resurrection_n and_o glory_n enjoy_v with_o he_o all_o felicity_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n with_o a_o eternal_a kingdom_n therefore_o say_v he_o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n and_o why_o do_v thou_o set_v at_o naught_o thy_o brother_n we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n therefore_o judge_v not_o thy_o brother_n and_o st._n james_n say_v my_o brethren_n be_v not_o many_o master_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o first_o observable_a out_o of_o that_o text_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o the_o second_o observable_a be_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o occasion_n of_o fall_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o man_n what_o great_a stumble_a block_n or_o occasion_n to_o fall_n can_v be_v put_v in_o any_o man_n way_n then_o when_o man_n on_o their_o own_o head_n impose_v a_o law_n upon_o their_o brethren_n that_o christ_n our_o king_n never_o give_v to_o his_o people_n or_o what_o great_a scandal_n and_o offence_n can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o poor_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o king_n then_o to_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o their_o master_n door_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o their_o master_n house_n and_o to_o be_v judge_v at_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o fellow_n servant_n whether_o he_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v into_o his_o maastars_n family_n or_o not_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v his_o brother_n if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o scandal_n yea_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o intolerable_a tyranny_n there_o be_v never_o any_o either_o judgement_n scandal_n or_o tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o great_a rebellion_n and_o contumacy_n against_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o against_o his_o subject_n servant_n and_o redeem_v once_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o pope_n and_o prelate_n be_v so_o much_o abominate_v and_o abhor_v of_o all_o man_n for_o their_o usurpation_n over_o god_n heritage_n and_o clergy_n how_o much_o aught_o such_o squanderling_n fellow_n as_o this_o i._o s._n and_o his_o complice_n be_v abominate_v who_o thus_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o discern_v into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o their_o brethren_n heart_n and_o to_o judge_v they_o fit_a or_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o according_a to_o their_o conceit_n and_o opinion_n so_o to_o bring_v in_o their_o verdict_n of_o admission_n or_o non-admission_n when_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n say_v judge_v not_o lest_o you_o be_v judgod_n matth._n 3._o and_o bid_v all_o man_n that_o be_v heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o matth._n 11._o and_o say_v john_n the_o 6._o v._o 37._o he_o that_o comethunto_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o way_n cast_v out_o here_o the_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n give_v free_a admittance_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n to_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o house_n but_o here_o be_v my_o lord_n tap_v his_o chaplain_n and_o his_o associate_n and_o they_o all_o take_v upon_o they_o this_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o good_a leave_n &_o like_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o they_o have_v a_o charge_n over_o that_o house_n and_o a_o interest_n also_o these_o be_v i._o s._n his_o own_o expression_n now_o i_o do_v here_o again_o appeal_v to_o any_o that_o have_v but_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o supercilious_a brood_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n before_o these_o illdependents_a be_v hatch_v that_o can_v
of_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o five_o chapter_n to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o untain_v repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbytrie_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 12._o 1._o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o and_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n into_o council_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n
their_o own_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n be_v odious_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o but_o that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v as_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o their_o brethren_n for_o they_o also_o be_v presbyterian_o but_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v the_o better_o appear_v whether_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o independent_a minister_n be_v most_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o accusation_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o miss_n to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n together_o and_o that_o both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o their_o several_a study_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o to_o judge_v which_o of_o their_o 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think_v this_o man_n a_o ninny_n that_o shall_v thus_o speak_v and_o a_o man_n unworthy_a to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n in_o any_o state_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n if_o he_o hear_v of_o any_o insurrection_n he_o will_v forthwith_o use_v the_o weapon_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o first_o seek_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o then_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o use_v the_o sword_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o this_o man_n will_v be_v think_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o not_o he_o that_o with_o gamaliel_n shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v on_o to_o do_v mischief_n neither_o do_v he_o answer_v as_o a_o christian_a for_o what_o christian_n that_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o new_a monstrous_a religion_n new_o print_v and_o new_o come_v forth_o as_o there_o be_v many_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v sell_v about_o town_n and_o country_n for_o penny_n a_o piece_n and_o shall_v understand_v that_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n be_v again_o revive_v as_o that_o of_o the_o arian_n pelagian_o or_o nestorian_n shall_v say_v let_v they_o alone_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o man_n they_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o they_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o lest_o you_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o so_o let_v the_o seducer_n go_v on_o without_o question_v they_o or_o suppress_v their_o heresy_n will_v not_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o he_o say_v sure_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v thus_o answer_v do_v not_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a for_o a_o good_a christian_n like_o the_o good_a berean_o will_v say_v come_v let_v we_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v these_o new_a doctrine_n new_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15._o in_o that_o assembly_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v of_o god_n let_v we_o forthwith_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v suppress_v they_o and_o not_o say_v without_o examine_v of_o they_o as_o wise_a gamaliel_n let_v they_o alone_o that_o be_v not_o god_n method_n for_o god_n send_v his_o people_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isaiah_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v that_o all_o that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o that_o all_o opinion_n not_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n be_v but_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v or_o suffer_v so_o that_o for_o any_o man_n to_o gather_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n from_o gamaliels_n speech_n be_v but_o to_o prove_v himself_o a_o meeâ—_n groll_fw-fr and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o urge_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n matthew_n 22._o where_n answer_v the_o sadducee_n he_o say_v you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n verse_n 29_o from_o whence_o the_o independent_a brethren_n conclude_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v they_o only_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o yet_o tolerate_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o magnify_v our_o independent_a brethren_n for_o their_o great_a learning_n some_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v scholar_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o believe_v it_o for_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n come_v with_o all_o man_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o if_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o illation_n from_o they_o as_o these_o be_v proceed_v not_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n never_o any_o do_v for_o what_o learned_a man_n that_o know_v what_o christ_n office_n be_v in_o take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o when_o he_o become_v a_o mediator_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o redemption_n will_v argue_v as_o these_o man_n do_v especial_o when_o christ_n have_v so_o often_o in_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o come_v then_o to_o save_v those_o the_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v that_o employment_n till_o his_o next_o come_n when_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v these_o man_n will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o for_o so_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o maintain_v their_o own_o baggatelly_n beside_o christ_n come_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n for_o we_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o people_n and_o take_v no_o way_n the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n upon_o he_o but_o in_o scourge_v out_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n that_o i_o remember_v and_o say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n or_o quench_v the_o smoke_a slax_n only_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o law_n unto_o his_o people_n malachy_n the_o four_o by_o his_o servant_n moses_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o law_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o punish_v all_o seducer_n and_o who_o shall_v have_v perform_v that_o work_n of_o justice_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v do_v not_o give_v liberty_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v out_o of_o this_o place_n argue_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o christ_n tolerate_v adultery_n and_o injustice_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v unto_o those_o that_o bring_v the_o woman_n to_o he_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n and_o when_o her_o accuser_n be_v go_v say_v unto_o the_o woman_n woman_n where_o be_v thy_o accuser_n go_v thy_o way_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v a_o toleration_n for_o all_o adulterer_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o luke_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o complain_v of_o unjustice_n do_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o brother_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o speak_v unto_o his_o brother_n that_o he_o will_v divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o to_o who_o our_o saviour_n answer_v man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n among_o you_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v toleration_n of_o all_o injustice_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_v and_o of_o the_o tare_n that_o spring_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n a_o argument_n which_o they_o 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ruler_n and_o governor_n but_o true_o all_o such_o consequence_n may_v as_o well_o be_v gather_v from_o every_o one_o of_o the_o above_o specify_v scripture_n as_o they_o gather_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o the_o sadducee_n and_o from_o the_o parable_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o argumentation_n as_o these_o be_v but_o poor_a prop_n to_o uphold_v their_o tenent_n for_o god_n have_v give_v we_o that_o be_v christian_n both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o serve_n of_o he_o and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v direct_v what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o the_o punish_n of_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n and_o
day_n at_o her_o first_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n when_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a popish_a faction_n in_o the_o court_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a realm_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o when_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o endeavour_n for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o toleration_n of_o that_o religion_n as_o now_o there_o be_v for_o the_o set_n up_o a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sect_n and_o such_o reason_n there_o be_v then_o give_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o catholic_a religion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v rehearse_v there_o be_v few_o of_o those_o that_o now_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o can_v give_v the_o like_a but_o better_a i_o be_o most_o confident_a they_o cannon_n give_v for_o if_o multitude_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n arm_v with_o strength_n &_o power_n also_o and_o they_o all_o furnish_v with_o malice_n and_o resolution_n to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o employment_n of_o their_o strength_n 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help_v you_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o cause_n against_o what_o power_n and_o policy_n soever_o shall_v come_v against_o you_o for_o he_o can_v infatuate_a their_o counsel_n and_o enervate_v their_o strength_n and_o blast_v all_o their_o attempt_n in_o a_o moment_n who_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o against_o who_o no_o counsel_n nor_o understanding_n can_v prevail_v for_o he_o sit_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o lord_n or_o master_n that_o can_v endure_v any_o servant_n that_o shall_v comply_v with_o his_o enemy_n &_o give_v equal_a honour_n and_o service_n to_o his_o adversary_n that_o he_o do_v to_o himself_o or_o connive_v at_o any_o so_o do_v so_o god_n will_v never_o like_v of_o your_o service_n when_o you_o worship_v he_o if_o you_o serve_v the_o devil_n also_o which_o you_o must_v do_v if_o you_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o way_n of_o church_n government_n in_o the_o kingdom_n then_o that_o you_o believe_v in_o your_o heart_n god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v for_o as_o two_o religion_n so_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o be_v incompitible_a with_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n who_o have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n so_o they_o will_v be_v destructive_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o my_o lord_n say_v he_o as_o we_o have_v but_o one_o god_n so_o i_o beseech_v your_o honour_n let_v we_o have_v but_o one_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o church_n government_n among_o we_o and_o that_o ratify_v and_o establish_v by_o authority_n for_o if_o their_o be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v for_o every_o man_n or_o every_o faction_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v we_o shall_v speedy_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o a_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o and_o many_o reason_n more_o he_o give_v to_o this_o purpose_n by_o which_o he_o so_o prevail_v with_o the_o council_n that_o they_o agree_v to_o give_v no_o toleration_n for_o popery_n or_o allow_v of_o any_o faction_n in_o religion_n but_o resolve_v with_o all_o speed_n to_o establish_v the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o true_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v now_o be_v use_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o one_o religion_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o gournment_n and_o as_o elijah_n say_v to_o baal_n priest_n and_o to_o the_o people_n if_o god_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o etc._n etc._n so_o if_o this_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o have_v for_o some_o generation_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v that_o way_n than_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o that_o only_o be_v establish_v which_o will_v bring_v peace_n to_o church_n and_o state_n and_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o offence_n and_o jar_n among_o 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by_o and_o therefore_o you_o in_o this_o have_v not_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n and_o to_o that_o hell-hatcht_a charge_n which_o you_o have_v bring_v against_o i_o cunning_o asperse_v i_o for_o a_o scandalous_a walker_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o devil_n speak_v in_o the_o subtle_a serpent_n and_o belie_v god_n himself_o to_o our_o first_o parent_n so_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o notorious_a untruth_n who_o ever_o they_o be_v be_v of_o a_o serpentine_a nature_n into_o who_o the_o devil_n be_v enter_v and_o have_v a_o full_a possession_n speak_v in_o they_o be_v subtle_a and_o active_a instrument_n to_o report_n lie_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o upon_o due_a and_o just_a examination_n it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v some_o shameless_a infamous_a creature_n set_v a_o work_n by_o the_o devil_n and_o prompt_v by_o sectary_n to_o defame_v i_o that_o there_o by_o the_o gospel_n my_o holy_a profession_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n may_v be_v scandalize_v in_o blemish_v my_o good_a name_n and_o to_o have_v it_o with_o the_o more_o credit_n receive_v he_o have_v so_o order_v that_o you_o must_v be_v the_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v their_o devilish_a defamation_n yet_o notwithstanding_o my_o innocence_n triumph_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o black_a mouth_n slander_n be_v full_o assure_v that_o god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o their_o wicked_a design_n for_o he_o be_v above_o the_o devil_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n that_o see_v the_o secret_a thought_n imagination_n intention_n of_o all_o man_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n i_o speak_v it_o i_o can_v i_o do_v and_o by_o god_n grace_n ever_o shall_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n yea_o i_o call_v upon_o the_o righteous_a judge_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o know_v my_o innocence_n to_o judge_v between_o you_o and_o i_o herein_o for_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v before_o he_o with_o a_o 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calumniation_n as_o naboth_n be_v from_o wicked_a jezabel_n desperate_a plot_n wherewith_o she_o take_v away_o his_o life_n 1_o king_n 21._o 8_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o innocent_a as_o joseph_n from_o the_o false_a accusation_n bring_v against_o he_o by_o his_o wanton_a lascivious_a and_o shameless_a mistress_n gen._n 39_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o which_o make_v i_o bold_a to_o say_v neither_o the_o devil_n any_o of_o his_o instrument_n no_o nor_o yourself_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n can_v prove_v the_o thing_n whereof_o you_o have_v accuse_v i_o i_o shall_v here_o conclude_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o charge_n with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n word_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n yea_o i_o judge_v not_o my_o own_o self_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v but_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n brother_n i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n to_o this_o particular_a because_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o main_a pillar_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o hold_v up_o all_o your_o other_o calumny_n for_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v i_o to_o be_v a_o scandalous_a walker_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v your_o whole_a charge_n but_o the_o foundation_n be_v so_o rot_v and_o unfound_a the_o superstructure_n can_v possible_o stand_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o particular_a and_o my_o answer_n thereunto_o be_v that_o no_o man_n of_o truth_n worth_n and_o piety_n can_v just_o tax_v i_o either_o with_o baseness_n or_o barbarism_n for_o the_o five_o particular_a it_o be_v elevate_v very_o high_a and_o because_o you_o have_v in_o this_o exceed_o bestir_v yourself_o i_o be_o necessitate_v for_o the_o clear_n myself_o &_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v to_o be_v somewhat_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v the_o charge_n you_o bring_v against_o i_o therein_o which_o be_v very_o great_a viz._n you_o accuse_v i_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a incendiary_n in_o the_o land_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o you_o quote_v two_o passage_n in_o one_o of_o my_o book_n and_o you_o bring_v they_o as_o two_o witness_n for_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v in_o my_o preface_n pag._n 28._o the_o second_o in_o my_o postcript_n pag._n 45._o now_o these_o two_o witness_n of_o your_o own_o say_v you_o want_v but_o a_o judge_n judicial_o to_o pronounce_v sentence_n whether_o these_o word_n be_v not_o of_o a_o incendiary_n nature_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o do_v not_o clear_o see_v these_o fiery_a flash_n and_o flame_n to_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o army_n which_o god_n have_v honour_v with_o many_o crown_n of_o admirable_a victory_n both_o at_o york_n at_o naseby_n and_o at_o lamport_n with_o the_o recovery_n of_o leicester_n bridgewater_n bath_n etc._n etc._n so_o as_o god_n have_v make_v this_o despise_a army_n the_o preservative_n of_o city_n and_o country_n the_o repairer_n of_o the_o breach_n the_o restorer_n of_o the_o path_n to_o dwell_v in_o thus_o you_o brother_n this_o accusation_n have_v a_o tower_n raise_v on_o the_o same_o basis_n the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o your_o charge_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o the_o foundation_n be_v deep_a you_o dare_v build_v so_o high_a as_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o overtop_n truth_n not_o fear_v the_o fall_n of_o your_o babel_n but_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o see_v the_o evil_a of_o your_o intention_n have_v confound_v your_o language_n as_o he_o do_v those_o bvilder_n who_o seek_v to_o get_v themselves_o a_o name_n gen._n 11._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v fall_v notwithstanding_o the_o height_n of_o its_o tower_n o_o what_o a_o confuse_a relation_n have_v you_o make_v to_o prove_v i_o a_o incendiary_n i_o assure_v you_o in_o all_o you_o have_v say_v man_n of_o the_o clear_a eyesight_n nay_o be_v they_o eagle-eyed_a they_o can_v never_o discern_v any_o truth_n where_o with_o you_o make_v good_a that_o charge_n which_o you_o say_v be_v so_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n for_o those_o two_o witness_n that_o you_o produce_v thus_o they_o speak_v preface_n pag._n 28._o say_v they_o have_v the_o sword_n now_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o think_v their_o party_n strong_a enough_o to_o encounter_v any_o adverse_a and_o oppose_a party_n and_o they_o profess_v they_o care_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o come_v to_o cut_v of_o throat_n and_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o slaughter_a and_o buncher_v of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n give_v we_o to_o think_v we_o may_v expect_v better_a quarter_n from_o the_o very_a enemy_n then_o from_o the_o independent_o postscript_n testify_v that_o the_o independent_o boast_v they_o have_v such_o a_o party_n in_o the_o kingdom_n if_o their_o own_o word_n may_v be_v credit_v as_o they_o now_o think_v by_o the_o sword_n to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n and_o have_v be_v frequent_o hear_v say_v that_o they_o have_v many_o abettor_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o in_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o many_o part_n through_o the_o kingdom_n beside_o in_o all_o the_o army_n and_o they_o be_v
a_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n ow_v heart_n publish_v this_o as_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o integrity_n that_o he_o hate_v god_n enemy_n appeal_n unto_o god_n say_v do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o o_o lord_n that_o hate_v thou_o and_o be_o i_o not_o grieve_v with_o those_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n i_o count_v they_o my_o enemy_n psal_n 139._o 21_o 22._o have_v not_o david_n thus_o hate_v god_n enemy_n he_o can_v never_o have_v clear_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v undeniable_a that_o those_o who_o david_n hate_v with_o perfect_a hatred_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v not_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o god_n than_o you_o have_v accuse_v the_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v for_o you_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v anoint_a to_o be_v the_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n isa_n 61._o 1._o psal_n 45._o 7._o psal_n 2._o 6._o dan._n 7._o 14._o revel_v 17._o 14._o psal_n 110._o 4._o heb._n 7._o 27._o deut._n 18._o 18._o act._n 3._o 23._o now_o whosoever_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n kingly_a office_n and_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o they_o be_v open_a enemy_n to_o god_n resister_n of_o his_o will_n and_o opposer_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o he_o have_v give_v all_o power_n unto_o the_o son_n matth._n 28._o 18._o and_o all_o such_o his_o enemy_n he_o will_v command_v to_o be_v bring_v and_o slay_v before_o he_o luke_n 19_o 27._o o_o brother_n either_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o confess_v you_o have_v high_o offend_v in_o maintain_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a opinion_n whereby_o you_o condemn_v all_o godly_a holy_a selfe-denying_a christian_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o your_o way_n yea_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n or_o if_o you_o with_o other_o independent_o will_v still_o persevere_v in_o charge_v the_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n kingly_a office_n and_o if_o you_o absolute_o believe_v they_o be_v such_o then_o acknowledge_v that_o those_o independent_o hate_v the_o presbyterian_o if_o not_o it_o may_v just_o be_v suspect_v such_o independent_o be_v not_o sincere_a to_o god_n nor_o the_o only_a saint_n because_o they_o do_v not_o like_o holy_a david_n manifest_a their_o integrity_n for_o the_o saint_n show_v their_o sincerity_n in_o love_a god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n which_o love_n can_v be_v set_v forth_o more_o clear_o then_o by_o their_o labour_v so_o to_o walkâ—_n that_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n may_v be_v square_v according_a to_o god_n royal_a will_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o holy_a saint_n and_o servant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v honour_v the_o son_n even_o as_o they_o honour_v the_o father_n he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o joh._n 5._o 23._o but_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o honour_v the_o son_n as_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a have_v honour_v the_o father_n unless_o they_o account_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o enemy_n and_o hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n therefore_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n the_o whole_a universe_n will_v conclude_v this_o truth_n and_o give_v in_o their_o verdict_n that_o either_o you_o and_o other_o independent_o be_v too_o rash_a and_o ridgid_a in_o censure_v for_o it_o be_v notorious_a what_o you_o and_o they_o hold_v teach_v and_o write_v concern_v the_o presbyterian_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v but_o a_o mock_n king_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n or_o if_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v indeed_o guilty_a of_o the_o like_a enmity_n against_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o wicked_a jew_n be_v who_o crucify_v he_o as_o you_o accuse_v they_o than_o the_o independent_o do_v hate_v the_o presbyterian_o more_a than_o they_o do_v or_o may_v their_o mortal_a enemy_n because_o they_o pronounce_v these_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v otherwise_o if_o the_o independent_o know_v the_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a as_o you_o have_v say_v and_o do_v not_o hate_v they_o than_o this_o verdict_n will_v be_v give_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a saint_n and_o godly_a party_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o themselves_o for_o the_o saint_n hate_v all_o the_o know_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o that_o which_o i_o brief_o give_v but_o a_o touch_n of_o in_o my_o postscript_n be_v thus_o evident_o prove_v from_o your_o own_o tenant_n both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n none_o who_o do_v not_o make_v it_o their_o delight_n to_o cavil_n and_o their_o work_n to_o except_v against_o every_o truth_n that_o be_v speak_v can_v consider_v the_o ground_n question_v the_o verity_n of_o what_o i_o there_o say_v i_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v your_o complaint_n and_o query_n make_v and_o lay_v down_o in_o your_o book_n pag._n 27._o where_o for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o or_o five_o line_n you_o break_v off_o your_o discourse_n with_o i_o and_o to_o insinuate_v into_o the_o reader_n complain_v of_o i_o say_v he_o commend_v the_o king_n cavalier_n for_o brave_a gentleman_n and_o he_o find_v more_o favour_n from_o they_o which_o he_o do_v ever_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o singular_a courtesy_n then_o ever_o he_o find_v from_o protestant_a gaoler_n thus_o have_v complain_v of_o my_o gratitude_n which_o in_o all_o other_o be_v account_v a_o commendable_a virtue_n you_o begin_v to_o parley_v with_o i_o again_o and_o strict_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o move_v the_o popish_a cavalier_n to_o show_v i_o favour_n and_o then_o you_o raise_v question_n viz._n be_v it_o that_o 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protestant_a profession_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o suffer_v for_o it_o as_o they_o will_v not_o only_o great_o have_v honour_v he_o but_o also_o high_o have_v reward_v he_o for_o his_o endeavour_n and_o this_o that_o i_o now_o write_v i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o my_o unjust_a suffering_n in_o their_o opinion_n make_v i_o find_v more_o favour_n among_o all_o the_o governor_n that_o be_v papist_n which_o i_o do_v ever_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o singular_a courtesy_n from_o they_o then_o ever_o i_o find_v from_o protestant_a gaoler_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o the_o independent_o do_v accuse_v i_o for_o the_o great_a incendiary_n of_o the_o kingdom_n all_o man_n may_v see_v they_o speak_v as_o untrue_o so_o most_o malicious_o etc._n etc._n now_o these_o be_v my_o word_n and_o herein_o be_v observable_a first_o that_o as_o i_o say_v i_o have_v be_v clear_v by_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n from_o be_v a_o incendiary_n so_o i_o 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lord_n turn_v it_o to_o good_a and_o give_v i_o favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o profist_n papist_n colonel_n irington_n by_o name_n the_o governor_n of_o that_o castle_n who_o with_o all_o in_o his_o family_n use_v i_o and_o my_o servant_n very_o courteous_o he_o supply_v i_o with_o necessary_n and_o that_o free_o and_o demean_v himself_o unto_o i_o in_o every_o respect_n as_o a_o gentleman_n while_o i_o remain_v his_o prisoner_n which_o be_v but_o one_o month_n for_o when_o my_o adversary_n hear_v thereof_o perceive_v their_o design_n be_v frustrate_v they_o forthwith_o remove_v i_o to_o knasebâ—ough_a castle_n the_o governor_n and_o his_o deputy_n the_o captain_n thereof_o be_v profess_v protestant_n where_o although_o in_o some_o thing_n i_o be_v not_o so_o inhumane_o abuse_v as_o in_o york_n goal_n yet_o there_o i_o be_v keep_v close_a prisoner_n again_o and_o i_o assure_v you_o i_o find_v no_o such_o courteous_a usage_n as_o i_o receive_v from_o the_o other_o gentleman_n now_o 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