Selected quad for the lemma: lord_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
lord_n believe_v faith_n word_n 11,191 5 4.5836 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

There are 30 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

of_o justification_n balance_n the_o four_o instance_n be_v concern_v christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n say_v with_o we_o that_o christ_n alone_o present_v our_o suit_n to_o god_n and_o make_v they_o available_a with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v upon_o as_o our_o only_a intercessor_n and_o then_o we_o give_v he_o the_o due_a honour_n of_o his_o place_n &_o office_n of_o mediatorship_n joh._n 14.13_o for_o his_o intercession_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o that_o office_n as_o well_o as_o redemption_n wherein_o if_o he_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o we_o make_v he_o our_o alone_a intercessor_n he_o be_v much_o magnify_v but_o if_o other_o be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o they_o make_v it_o he_o be_v much_o disparage_v as_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o himself_o but_o needs_o other_o help_v or_o at_o least_o in_o that_o office_n be_v but_o of_o small_a moment_n such_o as_o the_o saint_n may_v manage_v well_o enough_o and_o so_o not_o christ_n only_o but_o god_n the_o father_n also_o be_v much_o dishonour_v rule_n that_o will_v put_v his_o own_o son_n to_o that_o which_o mean_a person_n may_v do_v as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o five_o instance_n be_v concern_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n let_v we_o worship_n god_n as_o we_o teach_v only_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n without_o a_o image_n and_o he_o be_v right_o and_o true_o worship_v be_v serve_v as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a spirit_n free_a from_o any_o matter_n or_o form_n or_o outward_a apprehension_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v express_v by_o any_o sensible_a representation_n whatsoever_o but_o worship_v he_o in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n as_o they_o teach_v and_o practice_v and_o we_o can_v but_o defile_v ourselves_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n the_o lord_n great_a majesty_n to_o ourselves_o by_o many_o gross_a carnal_a bodily_a and_o material_a thought_n and_o imagination_n whole_o mis-beseeming_a the_o purity_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v and_o majesty_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o carnal_a bodily_a or_o manly_a god_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o so_o not_o more_o derogatory_n to_o his_o glory_n rule_n the_o six_o instance_n be_v of_o our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n once_o offer_v by_o himself_o on_o the_o cross_n be_v thereby_o advance_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o sufficient_a expiation_n by_o itself_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n hereby_o it_o be_v only_o remember_v and_o show_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n but_o not_o repeat_v but_o celebrate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o popish_a mass_n which_o the_o papist_n themselves_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o how_o can_v christ_n once_o sacrifice_v be_v more_o disparage_v rule_n the_o last_o instance_n be_v concern_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n and_o plain_a deal_n among_o we_o that_o all_o may_v look_v into_o they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n and_o hukermucker_n let_v prayer_n be_v make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o we_o honour_n god_n not_o with_o lip_n only_o but_o with_o understand_v too_o but_o let_v it_o be_v make_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o popery_n and_o we_o dishonour_n god_n babble_a and_o prattle_v to_o he_o we_o know_v not_o what_o let_v the_o scripture_n be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o that_o every_o one_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v and_o the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o comfort_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o many_o but_o let_v the_o word_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o people_n and_o then_o they_o can_v know_v god_n and_o so_o can_v honour_v he_o let_v man_n have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v particular_o for_o themselves_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o they_o shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v they_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o but_o if_o they_o be_v content_a with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v they_o shall_v dishonour_v god_n in_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o hardly_o shall_v the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o their_o salvation_n god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o so_o must_v all_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n and_o the_o more_o jealous_a we_o be_v of_o that_o and_o zealous_a for_o it_o the_o more_o true_o religious_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o wit_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o be_v it_o to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.3_o so_o we_o see_v in_o these_o seven_o instance_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v full_a weight_n in_o this_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n too_o light_a not_o worthy_a to_o be_v try_v in_o this_o beam_n word_n the_o second_o balance_n wherein_o we_o will_v try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o aim_v at_o god_n glory_n in_o our_o own_o intention_n but_o after_o his_o direction_n for_o he_o can_v be_v true_o glorify_v but_o so_o as_o himself_o teach_v in_o his_o word_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n tha●_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o most_o disagree_v with_o god_n word_n levit._n 18.4.5_o you_o shall_v do_v after_o my_o judgement_n and_o seek_v my_o ordinance_n and_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 15.9_o in_o vain_a they_o worshipme_v teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n and_o 1_o joh._n 4.5_o he_o that_o know_v god_n hear_v we_o &c_n &c_n where_o be_v god_n religion_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n book_n as_o the_o jew_n religion_n be_v find_v in_o their_o talmud_n &_o the_o turk_n in_o their_o alcoan_n but_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o our_o church_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n be_v not_o agreeable_a thereto_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n &_o not_o they_o rule_n see_v it_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n it_o have_v above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o 5._o verse_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v a_o stranger_n but_o fly_v from_o he_o for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n for_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n allege_v for_o the_o church_n that_o she_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v matth._n 18.17_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v subordinate_o to_o the_o word_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n be_v advise_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o for_o that_o which_o they_o allege_v for_o tradition_n out_o of_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o word_n and_o epistle_n be_v mean_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n only_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n be_v diverse_a sometime_o by_o word_n sometime_o by_o epistle_n and_o see_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o word_n except_o the_o word_n shall_v disparage_v itself_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v imagine_v there_o be_v no_o seek_v for_o any_o warrant_n for_o they_o within_o the_o word_n the_o second_o instance_n god_n free_a grace_n rule_n against_o man_n free_a will_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o god_n word_n phil._n 2.13_o that_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n and_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o jer._n 31.18_o convert_v thou_o i_o and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o any_o one_o direct_a place_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v some_o
business_n my_o purpose_n be_v therefore_o god_n will_v to_o traverse_v this_o whole_a controversy_n so_o far_o as_o strength_n and_o time_n and_o your_o capacity_n will_v permit_v and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v i_o will_v deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o and_o indifferent_o without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o adversary_n cause_n or_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o cause_n without_o traduce_v they_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o nor_o will_v i_o witting_o conceal_v any_o of_o god_n truth_n from_o you_o upon_o any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o respect_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n also_o to_o travel_v with_o i_o in_o this_o business_n faithful_o and_o conscionable_o both_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o all_o other_o our_o best_a endeavour_n with_o this_o reach_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v find_v member_n even_o of_o the_o church_n live_v member_n even_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v of_o riches_n it_o be_v comfortable_a speak_n of_o they_o when_o we_o have_v a_o part_n in_o they_o so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n much_o more_o it_o be_v sweet_a and_o comfortable_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o then_o when_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o have_v our_o part_n therein_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o introduction_n to_o prepare_v we_o to_o the_o religious_a and_o sanctify_a handle_v of_o the_o question_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o question_n itself_o in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o first_o some_o general_a point_n art_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o second_o church_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a matter_n the_o general_a point_n be_v these_o first_o of_o the_o name_n second_o of_o the_o title_n three_o of_o the_o nature_n four_a of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o we_o will_v make_v a_o passage_n into_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n name_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o name_n church_n be_v a_o word_n that_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n from_o the_o saxon_n for_o they_o call_v it_o church_fw-mi the_o very_a ancient_a sound_n and_o pronunciation_n whereof_o many_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o the_o northern_a part_n retain_v to_o this_o day_n 16._o but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v fetch_v original_o from_o the_o greek_a for_o as_o they_o call_v the_o sabbath_n day_n the_o time_n wherein_o god_n be_v worship_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n revel_v 1.10_o bullinger_n so_o the_o place_n too_o for_o the_o lord_n public_a service_n musc_n 555._o bull_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o see_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o religious_a matter_n it_o be_v good_a to_o speak_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v we_o will_v therefore_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o name_n that_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o by_o in_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o original_a signify_v a_o company_n or_o congregation_n as_o in_o exod._n 16.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deut._n 5.22_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 33.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o call_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o way_n of_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o be_v the_o assembly_n of_o assembly_n the_o most_o excellent_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o matth._n 16_o 18._o which_o signify_v a_o calling_n or_o a_o company_n call_v forth_o from_o among_o the_o rest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o athenian_n where_o certain_a man_n be_v call_v forth_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o crier_n from_o the_o rest_n by_o some_o special_a meeting_n and_o business_n and_o so_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o translate_v it_o from_o a_o civil_a sense_n and_o use_v to_o a_o religious_a intend_v another_o manner_n of_o cryer_n and_o call_v then_o be_v in_o athens_n and_o it_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o company_n so_o call_v but_o also_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o public_a and_o religious_a exercise_n which_o i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o so_o signify_v in_o scripture_n but_o in_o use_n of_o speech_n among_o we_o and_o in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a history_n piscat_fw-la on_o 1._o cor._n 11.18_o 22._o muscul_fw-la pag._n 556._o hyper._n method_n 527._o 528._o when_o god_n tie_v his_o presence_n to_o a_o material_a building_n as_o in_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o temple_n may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o spiritual_a build_n only_o which_o be_v the_o faithful_a it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v so_o but_o yet_o synagogue_n signify_v as_o well_o the_o place_n as_o the_o company_n luk._n 7_o 5._o and_o by_o a_o figure_n we_o may_v call_v the_o place_n by_o the_o name_n of_o that_o it_o contain_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o justify_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n church_n among_o we_o though_o as_o i_o say_v i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o signify_v so_o in_o scripture_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d congregation_n intend_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o thing_n first_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o they_o whether_o many_o or_o few_o there_o must_v be_v a_o congregation_n second_o they_o must_v have_v usual_a and_o solemn_a meeting_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n three_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v call_v they_o to_o be_v of_o this_o assembly_n and_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o last_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n intend_v in_o this_o word_n doctr._n and_o from_o hence_o from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v draw_v this_o observation_n namely_o that_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v forth_o of_o god_n from_o among_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o will_n to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o easy_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o point_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o discourse_n of_o calling_n this_o word_n be_v use_v much_o in_o scripture_n and_o have_v diverse_a signification_n calling_n we_o will_v make_v four_o division_n of_o calling_n first_o there_o be_v a_o general_a call_n and_o a_o particular_a call_n second_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o a_o ordinary_a call_n three_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a and_o a_o outward_a call_n four_o there_o be_v a_o effectual_a and_o a_o not_o effectual_a call_n particular_a first_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a call_n a_o general_a that_o be_v when_o god_n do_v proffer_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o a_o whole_a city_n or_o a_o nation_n or_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v act._n 17.30_o but_o now_o god_n admonish_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v or_o else_o when_o god_n only_o give_v to_o some_o particular_a man_n some_o general_a or_o confuse_a notice_n of_o save_v grace_n a_o particular_a call_n be_v when_o god_n tender_v occasion_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o some_o particular_a manner_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n come_v near_o to_o sin_n and_o deal_v more_o direct_o with_o sin_n example_n we_o have_v of_o this_o psal_n 31.6_o david_n say_v thou_o have_v teach_v i_o wisdom_n in_o the_o secret_a of_o my_o heart_n and_o such_o a_o calling_n have_v the_o jailor_n act._n 16.31_o there_o god_n deal_v particular_o and_o direct_o with_o sin_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o if_o this_o particular_a call_v be_v apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_n upon_o when_o god_n tender_v it_o than_o we_o be_v save_v if_o not_o it_o increase_v our_o condemnation_n ordinary_a the_o second_o division_n of_o calling_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a extraordinary_a calling_n be_v when_o god_n call_v man_n even_o many_o time_n without_o mean_n or_o by_o some_o bymeane_n or_o by_o weak_a mean_n not_o tend_v or_o at_o least_o not_o sufficient_a usual_o to_o such_o effect_n or_o else_o by_o some_o rare_a and_o strange_a mean_n as_o when_o paul_n be_v call_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n act._n 9.3_o a_o ordinary_a call_n be_v when_o the_o mean_n time_n place_n and_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v usual_o wont_a to_o be_v in_o that_o case_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v away_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o that_o respect_n yet_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v ordinary_a that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o calling_n be_v ordinary_a too_o because_o god_n ordinary_o second_v the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 10.44_o while_o peter_n yet_o speak_v the_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o and_o act._n
all_o which_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.6_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n use_v the_o very_a word_n in_o the_o note_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n say_v he_o but_o god_n be_v the_o same_o which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n church_n psal_n 95_o 6_o 7_o 8._o come_v say_v they_o let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v our_o lord_n our_o maker_n our_o god_n and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n of_o his_o pasture_n his_o sheep_n of_o his_o hand_n why_o but_o all_o other_o be_v his_o people_n yea_o but_o we_o be_v his_o people_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n ephes_n 2.10_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n but_o you_o will_v say_v so_o be_v all_o thing_n else_o yea_o but_o we_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o workmanship_n we_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n we_o have_v not_o only_o our_o be_v but_o our_o well-being_n from_o he_o he_o have_v not_o only_o create_v we_o as_o man_n but_o re-created_n we_o or_o regenerate_v we_o as_o new_a man_n wherein_o howsoever_o many_o thing_n concur_v as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o be_v his_o do_v he_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o it_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o let_v we_o enlarge_v our_o thought_n in_o this_o point_n church_n that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v of_o his_o church_n and_o let_v we_o consider_v first_o how_o every_o one_o of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o special_a and_o a_o effectual_a hand_n herein_o first_o god_n the_o father_n the_o first_o person_n he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o it_o joh._n 6.44_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o draw_v he_o so_o likewise_o the_o second_o person_n jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o it_o joh._n 14.6_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o so_o likewise_o the_o three_o person_n the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n in_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o be_v by_o a_o true_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n the_o father_n he_o love_v the_o world_n and_o in_o that_o love_n of_o his_o he_o decree_v that_o such_o and_o such_o shall_v be_v gather_v to_o his_o church_n and_o so_o be_v save_v and_o also_o in_o that_o love_n send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o to_o pay_v our_o ransom_n and_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o sanctify_v and_o to_o comfort_v we_o that_o be_v his_o church_n so_o likewise_o christ_n jesus_n he_o love_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o love_n of_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o punishment_n upon_o he_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v purchase_v the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act._n 20.28_o and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n ephes_n 5.30_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o his_o father_n joh._n 14.6_o so_o likewise_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o love_v they_o and_o in_o that_o love_n which_o he_o carry_v to_o they_o he_o come_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o enlighten_v they_o govern_v they_o and_o frame_v they_o to_o obedience_n sanctify_v they_o and_o apply_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o particular_a conscience_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o he_o make_v they_o apprehensive_a of_o that_o course_n whereby_o they_o be_v save_v and_o apply_v it_o unto_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 12._o second_o every_o part_n and_o several_a work_n that_o tend_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v of_o god_n as_o first_o election_n that_o be_v from_o god_n ephes_n 1.4_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o etc._n etc._n so_o our_o call_v be_v from_o he_o rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o call_v likewise_o our_o regeneration_n be_v from_o he_o joh._n 1.13_o which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n so_o also_o our_o teach_n be_v of_o god_n joh._n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n our_o justification_n be_v also_o of_o he_o rom._n 8.33_o it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v last_o our_o sanctification_n be_v from_o he_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o now_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o throughout_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o every_o several_a work_n that_o tend_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v of_o god_n last_o every_o several_a mean_n both_o within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o be_v god_n do_v but_o of_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o they_o reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v these_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n first_o because_o the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o now_o who_o shall_v build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n but_o god_n himself_o reas_n 2_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o deut._n 12.11_o where_o god_n put_v his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v now_o who_o shall_v or_o can_v prescribe_v god_n worship_n but_o himself_o therefore_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n reas_n 3_o three_o the_o live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n adopt_a son_n member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o which_o the_o like_a cause_n god_n be_v most_o sensible_o all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o make_v they_o king_n and_o priest_n etc._n etc._n revel_v 1.6_o four_o to_o be_v make_v a_o church_n or_o a_o true_a member_n thereof_o reas_n 4_o be_v altogether_o a_o work_n wrought_v upon_o the_o heart_n now_o god_n only_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n all_o other_o mean_n and_o instrument_n be_v exclude_v but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o last_o consider_v the_o efficient_a cause_n in_o comparison_n to_o all_o reas_n 5_o other_o cause_n and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v plain_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o first_o the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v god_n himself_o yea_o and_o he_o alone_a which_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o second_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n they_o be_v whole_o and_o only_o of_o he_o first_o for_o the_o outward_a cause_n as_o the_o word_n sacrament_n minister_n and_o gift_n first_o god_n ordain_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v god_n word_n and_o god_n sacrament_n and_o god_n minister_n and_o god_n gift_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o he_o have_v give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n &_o some_o to_o be_v prophet_n and_o some_o to_o be_v evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n second_o he_o vouchsafe_v the_o presence_n and_o tender_a of_o they_o to_o such_o person_n and_o place_n where_o he_o will_v have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 16.6_o paul_n &_o silas_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n and_o verse_n 7._o the_o spirit_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v into_o macedonia_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o god_n restrayn_v the_o mean_n from_o some_o and_o enlarge_v they_o to_o other_o as_o matth._n 10.5_o go_v not_o into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gentile_n compare_v with_o act._n 13.46_o 47._o it_o be_v necessary_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v first_o have_v be_v preach_v unto_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o and_o judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v we_o etc._n etc._n last_o god_n give_v the_o success_n and_o blessing_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o make_v they_o effectual_a 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 6._o paul_n plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o act._n 11.21_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o so_o that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 30._o from_o the_o six_o to_o the_o twelve_o verse_n
by_o we_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v against_o we_o we_o be_v free_v from_o it_o and_o look_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v liberty_n in_o for_o the_o first_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v against_o we_o that_o we_o have_v freedom_n from_o for_o the_o son_n have_v make_v we_o free_a john_n 8.36_o first_o god_n justice_n be_v agianst_a we_o to_o hurt_v we_o and_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v sinner_n and_o god_n be_v just_o and_o hate_v sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o stand_v before_o he_o but_o that_o we_o have_v this_o privilege_n by_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v full_o satisfy_v for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o we_o be_v free_v from_o this_o danger_n so_o that_o now_o to_o we_o in_o christ_n god_n be_v a_o merciful_a father_n not_o a_o just_a judge_n yea_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o the_o full_a for_o we_o we_o may_v reverent_o challenge_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o have_v punish_v one_o for_o we_o and_o so_o christ_n merit_n be_v all-sufficient_a have_v purchase_v all_o good_a thing_n for_o we_o so_o that_o now_o justice_n be_v for_o we_o to_o give_v we_o that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n not_o against_o we_o to_o give_v we_o our_o own_o deserve_n second_o the_o law_n be_v against_o we_o and_o like_o saul_n breathe_v out_o threaten_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n say_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o this_o thou_o shall_v die_v but_o this_o be_v satisfy_v too_o christ_n take_v on_o he_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o redeem_v we_o from_o it_o galat._n 3.13_o next_o to_o the_o law_n come_v sin_n that_o have_v defile_v we_o and_o expose_v we_o to_o god_n wrath_n and_o keep_v we_o under_o as_o slave_n and_o servant_n that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n here_o be_v our_o privilege_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o cleanse_v we_o and_o free_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o filth_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o we_o the_o guilt_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o and_o the_o dominion_n be_v end_v so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o reign_v in_o we_o rom._n 6._o after_o sin_n come_v death_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o death_n have_v seize_v on_o we_o for_o her_o own_o we_o death_n destroy_v he_o that_o have_v power_n of_o death_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o set_v we_o at_o liberty_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 15.56.57_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o victory_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n afterward_o come_v in_o hell_n for_o her_o share_n and_o open_v her_o mouth_n to_o swallow_v we_o down_o quick_a hell_n that_o house_n of_o horror_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o right_a the_o house_n of_o our_o perpetual_a habitation_n and_o abode_n but_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v triumph_v for_o we_o over_o hell_n and_o condemnation_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 8.1_o last_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o force_n he_o have_v finger_v we_o and_o get_v we_o within_o his_o clutch_n and_o wrap_v we_o up_o in_o chain_n and_o fetter_n as_o his_o captive_n and_o bondslave_n christ_n jesus_n he_o come_v and_o lose_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3.8_o he_o break_v these_o chain_n and_o subdue_v satan_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n psalm_n 124.7_o the_o snare_n be_v break_v and_o we_o be_v deliver_v these_o be_v great_a and_o rare_a privilege_n i_o will_v have_v you_o wise_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o for_o who_o so_o be_v wise_a will_v ponder_v on_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o know_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o this_o liberty_n and_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v again_o in_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v for_o we_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v freedom_n into_o we_o have_v bold_a access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o entrance_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 5.2_o ephes_n 2.18_o we_o may_v go_v bold_o and_o safe_o to_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o our_o want_n and_o beg_v supply_v we_o may_v talk_v familiar_o with_o he_o as_o a_o man_n do_v with_o his_o neighbour_n as_o job_n speak_v we_o may_v come_v unto_o god_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o father_n and_o my_o maker_n despise_v not_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n so_o we_o may_v go_v to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o say_v with_o thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n he_o by_o sight_n we_o by_o faith_n so_o likewise_o we_o may_v go_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o sanctifier_n and_o comforter_n and_o i_o be_o thy_o temple_n suffer_v not_o satan_n to_o defile_v i_o with_o sin_n so_o likewise_o we_o may_v have_v free_a access_n to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o all_o god_n promise_n and_o we_o may_v lay_v our_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o challenge_v they_o for_o our_o own_o so_o likewise_o we_o may_v also_o reach_v out_o our_o hand_n to_o all_o the_o creature_n as_o be_v our_o peculiar_a right_n and_o last_o when_o we_o be_v on_o our_o deathbed_n we_o may_v with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o with_o stephen_n sweet_o and_o comfortable_o commend_v our_o spirit_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o say_v into_o thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n for_o thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a privilege_n that_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o many_o sore_a temptation_n we_o may_v throw_v they_o all_o from_o we_o and_o safe_o commend_v our_o soul_n into_o god_n hand_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o privilege_n but_o this_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o desire_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o eight_o privilege_n be_v the_o power_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o we_o to_o admit_v or_o reject_v to_o bind_v or_o loose_v etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o itself_o in_o the_o eight_o general_a head_n follow_v the_o last_o sort_n of_o privilege_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o future_a certainty_n certainty_n i_o say_v matter_n of_o future_a certainty_n not_o of_o possibility_n that_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n possibility_n be_v for_o man_n as_o that_o the_o son_n shall_v have_v this_o and_o this_o after_o his_o father_n decease_n and_o yet_o the_o son_n may_v be_v disappoint_v many_o way_n but_o with_o god_n future_a possibility_n be_v undoubted_a certainty_n they_o be_v as_o sure_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v they_o already_o now_o these_o be_v first_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n now_o we_o have_v they_o but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13.9.12_o but_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o perfection_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o that_o you_o will_v say_v be_v common_a to_o the_o wicked_a too_o it_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v rise_v too_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o judgement_n psalm_n 1.5_o they_o shall_v rise_v to_o condemnation_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 5.29_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o to_o lie_v still_o the_o grave_n be_v better_a than_o hell_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o privilege_n to_o they_o to_o rise_v three_o we_o shall_v stand_v dreadless_a and_o fearless_a before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n alas_o now_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o every_o qualm_n how_o shall_v we_o stand_v dreadless_a then_o i_o answer_v then_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n to_o be_v our_o father_n in_o christ_n we_o shall_v know_v that_o our_o peace_n be_v make_v beforehand_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o cover_v we_o and_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o we_o this_o be_v it_o that_o will_v make_v we_o stand_v dreadless_a whereas_o the_o wicked_a for_o want_v of_o this_o shall_v tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o call_v to_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o the_o hill_n to_o cover_v they_o last_o we_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a glory_n life_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n enjoy_v the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o bless_a
spiritual_a for_o you_o see_v how_o vzziah_n be_v strike_v with_o leprosy_n for_o meddle_v with_o the_o priest_n office_n 2_o chron._n 26.16_o to_o the_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v well_o he_o escape_v so_o for_o by_o the_o law_n he_o deserve_a death_n numb_a 18.7_o word_n the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unbounded_a but_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o scantle_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o same_o god_n that_o have_v set_v mark_n and_o bound_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o sea_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o overflow_v they_o job_n 38.11_o he_o have_v also_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n certain_a mark_n limit_n and_o bound_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o the_o church_n must_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n have_v power_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n yet_o still_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n contain_v herself_o within_o these_o bound_n and_o limit_n it_o go_v well_o with_o she_o god_n prosper_v she_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v perform_v a_o blessing_n to_o she_o but_o if_o she_o go_v beyond_o these_o bound_n and_o transgress_v against_o god_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a case_n the_o bond_n be_v break_v all_o fly_v a_o sunder_o the_o wall_n and_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o boar_n and_o wild_a beast_n enter_v in_o and_o spoil_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o all_o god_n yoke_n be_v shake_v off_o and_o then_o man_n run_v into_o strange_a outrageous_a unwarrantable_a and_o exorbitant_a course_n fit_a for_o lawless_a infidel_n then_o for_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n church_n will_v be_v degenerate_a into_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o religion_n turn_v into_o ignorance_n superstition_n profaneness_n and_o mere_a licentiousness_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v antichrist_n himself_o have_v clyme_v up_o into_o the_o seat_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o very_a like_o case_n 1_o sam._n 15.23_o because_o that_o they_o have_v reject_v god_n and_o his_o yoke_n and_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n therefore_o god_n will_v reject_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o from_o be_v his_o church_n the_o church_n therefore_o must_v consider_v like_o a_o modest_a spouse_n that_o she_o have_v power_n indeed_o but_o to_o what_o to_o that_o that_o she_o will_v and_o list_v herself_o no_o but_o to_o that_o which_o christ_n her_o husband_n will_v have_v she_o to_o do_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o her_o power_n she_o walk_v with_o god_n she_o may_v go_v on_o safe_o and_o bold_o but_o if_o when_o god_n stay_v she_o will_v not_o stay_v but_o still_o go_v on_o forward_o at_o her_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_v power_n and_o authority_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o great_a power_n on_o earth_n it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o people_n but_o king_n and_o prince_n must_v obey_v it_o i_o say_v they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v above_o the_o person_n that_o exercise_v this_o power_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n and_o nathan_n the_o person_n of_o nathan_n be_v subject_a to_o david_n and_o yet_o david_n subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o reproof_n second_o as_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o mean_a but_o to_o the_o high_a so_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o inward_a also_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o power_n yet_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o i_o say_v not_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o to_o that_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o in_o christ_n name_n do_v exercise_v last_o whereas_o no_o other_o authority_n or_o power_n reach_v so_o high_a as_o heaven_n or_o so_o low_a as_o hell_n this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o both_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n and_o again_o it_o release_v out_o of_o satan_n law_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n what_o manner_n of_o power_n this_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n be_v this_o namely_o what_o be_v it_o admit_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n have_v a_o double_a power_n one_o over_o person_n and_o another_o over_o thing_n over_o person_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n either_o as_o they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n as_o they_o be_v member_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n also_o either_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n or_o as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n too_o either_o to_o admit_v they_o as_o member_n or_o to_o repel_v and_o refuse_v they_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v the_o answer_n be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v call_v act_v 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n and_o to_o many_o that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v for_o see_v the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v within_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n thereof_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o they_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a you_o shall_v know_v it_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o act_n 8.12_o 37._o as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v philip_n which_o preach_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o verse_n 37._o philip_n say_v to_o the_o eunuch_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v then_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &c_n &c_n 38._o and_o he_o baptize_v he_o and_o so_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n matth._n 3.6_o they_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o both_o these_o you_o shall_v find_v together_o act_v 2.37.38_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n at_o peter_n sermon_n they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v peter_n say_v unto_o they_o amend_v your_o life_n and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v necessary_o imply_v purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o so_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v precise_o require_v exod._n 19.5_o to_o the_o 8._o where_o the_o lord_n send_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o before_o he_o will_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o to_o which_o agree_v the_o practice_n of_o josiah_n and_o the_o people_n in_o the_o case_n of_o reformation_n or_o renew_v their_o admission_n when_o they_o have_v break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o he_o renew_v the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o act_n of_o admission_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v baptism_n admission_n mat._n 3.6_o act._n 8.37_o 38_o act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n above_o three_o thousand_o soul_n now_o this_o act_n be_v once_o receive_v be_v never_o to_o be_v recall_v though_o the_o covenant_n be_v afterward_o neglect_v and_o break_v for_o one_o entrance_n stand_v good_a for_o our_o whole_a estate_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o i_o fall_v after_o baptism_n and_o that_o so_o greivous_o as_o that_o i_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o i_o return_v again_o away_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a but_o not_o baptism_n no_o more_o than_o circumcision_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a
great_a say_v none_o other_o thing_n then_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n and_o moses_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v that_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v &c_n &c_n and_o act_n 28.23_o he_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o 1_o cor._n 15.3.4_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o receive_v that_o be_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n &c_n &c_n and_o so_o apollo_n act_n 18.28_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n still_o the_o builder_n make_v the_o scripture_n their_o rule_n and_o line_n whereby_o they_o teach_v and_o this_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n be_v sometime_o set_v down_o in_o few_o word_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a sometime_o in_o more_o word_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n but_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o short_a be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o we_o in_o this_o largeness_n and_o the_o large_a be_v sufficient_o comprise_v in_o this_o shortness_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n first_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o difference_n between_o christian_n and_o professor_n of_o other_o religion_n if_o a_o gentile_a or_o pagan_a dispute_n with_o a_o christian_a how_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_a we_o say_v by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v reject_v he_o and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o christ_n and_o the_o ride_v we_o to_o think_v that_o he_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a so_o let_v a_o jew_n and_o a_o christian_a dispute_n about_o happiness_n we_o say_v by_o the_o true_a messiah_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v thus_o reveal_v they_o say_v by_o the_o messiah_n but_o this_o jesus_n thus_o reveal_v say_v they_o be_v not_o he_o look_v into_o act_n 25_o 13._o to_o 19_o the_o matter_n there_o in_o question_n be_v this_o very_a foundation_n jesus_n and_o there_o be_v a_o gentile_a festus_n speak_v scornful_o of_o he_o &_o there_o be_v the_o jew_n deny_v he_o and_o oppose_v against_o he_o and_o there_o be_v paul_n a_o christian_n profess_v and_o avouch_v he_o and_o that_o no_o doubt_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o be_v always_o his_o manner_n before_o the_o like_a in_o effect_n we_o have_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.23.24_o there_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a and_o the_o christian_a they_o all_o fight_n about_o the_o foundation_n christ_n to_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o grecian_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n say_v the_o apostle_n so_o we_o see_v plain_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o resolution_n than_o be_v this_o resol_n those_o heretical_a assembly_n churcher_n that_o direct_o deny_v this_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n &_o be_v no_o more_o visible_a church_n but_o those_o that_o direct_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o though_o they_o do_v hold_v some_o erroneous_a position_n whereby_o they_o overthrow_v some_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v hold_v true_a visible_a church_n mark_v the_o term_n of_o the_o resolution_n there_o be_v many_o byway_n there_o be_v but_o one_o right_a way_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o miss_v of_o the_o right_a way_n hard_o to_o hit_v it_o to_o deny_v direct_o any_o part_n of_o this_o foundation_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v such_o person_n no_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o to_o affirm_v one_o part_n world_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o must_v affirm_v the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n now_o than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o division_n and_o first_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n they_o be_v general_o disperse_v in_o most_o of_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o god_n have_v in_o some_o sort_n even_o a_o visible_a church_n disperse_v in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n those_o that_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o we_o in_o the_o easterne_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o greek_a or_o eastern_a church_n because_o though_o neither_o their_o language_n be_v greek_a nor_o their_o situation_n altogether_o eastern_o yet_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o faith_n for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o the_o greek_a church_n there_o be_v christian_n among_o the_o east_n indian_n there_o be_v some_o there_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o other_o do_v of_o judaism_n and_o mahometisme_n etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v but_o late_o plant_v among_o they_o or_o the_o remainder_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v plant_v of_o old_a i_o be_o not_o very_o certain_a 108._o nor_o be_v it_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o profess_v it_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o russia_n there_o be_v many_o profess_a christian_n that_o be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n they_o be_v full_a of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o lord_n enlighten_v they_o and_o purge_v they_o yet_o profess_v christ_n crucify_v their_o only_a saviour_n though_o by_o some_o consequence_n as_o mediation_n of_o saint_n they_o deny_v it_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o in_o ethiopia_n there_o be_v find_v great_a store_n of_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v circumcise_v and_o taint_v with_o many_o gross_a error_n yet_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n crucify_v for_o their_o salvation_n may_v just_o be_v acknowledge_v true_a church_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o eastern_o country_n as_o in_o persia_n and_o assyria_n there_o be_v many_o church_n of_o sundry_a name_n as_o the_o jacobite_n minorite_n &c_n &c_n but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v nestorian_n as_o be_v suspect_v to_o hold_v with_o nestorius_n that_o there_o be_v two_o person_n in_o christ_n which_o yet_o they_o have_v quit_v themselves_o of_o and_o they_o be_v only_o so_o call_v because_o they_o oppose_v most_o vehement_o against_o the_o contrary_a error_n of_o eutychus_n who_o hold_v confusion_n of_o nature_n in_o christ_n in_o armenia_n likewise_o be_v many_o christian_n who_o be_v general_o hold_v to_o be_v eutychans_n but_o they_o have_v also_o clear_v themselves_o but_o because_o they_o oppose_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o condemn_v that_o heresy_n all_o these_o believe_v and_o profess_v christ_n crucify_v and_o therefore_o howsoever_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o corrupt_a persecute_v scatter_a or_o disorderly_a yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n let_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o magnify_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o and_o let_v we_o pity_v their_o defect_n and_o rejoice_v at_o their_o grace_n and_o let_v we_o entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o as_o the_o church_n in_o cant_n 8_o 8._o do_v sometime_o for_o we_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o perfect_v the_o beginning_n of_o some_o of_o those_o church_n to_o build_v up_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o and_o to_o purge_v away_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o they_o all_o that_o so_o if_o it_o be_v his_o bless_a will_n they_o may_v be_v glorious_a and_o flourish_a church_n even_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v general_o call_v greek_n church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o and_o proper_o call_v greek_n church_n doct._n lie_v in_o and_o about_o greece_n and_o these_o be_v more_o particular_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v handle_v they_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n which_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o greek_a church_n even_o as_o they_o stand_v at_o this_o day_n
they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n which_o be_v a_o most_o pestilent_a religion_n &_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n admit_v no_o colour_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v reject_v mahomet_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o mahomet_n we_o must_v reject_v christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v have_v show_v himself_o a_o ruler_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sore_a enemy_n preserve_v his_o faith_n and_o church_n even_o whe●e_v satan_n throne_n be_v world_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o of_o pergamus_n reu._n 2.13_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n so_o consider_v that_o it_o general_o abound_v and_o swarm_n overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o place_n the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v a_o remnant_n that_o stick_v close_o unto_o he_o and_o that_o follow_v not_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o have_v 7000._o in_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n rom._n 11.4_o so_o he_o have_v many_o thousand_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o mahomet_n three_o religion_n consider_v the_o pleasingness_n of_o that_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n a_o great_a enchanter_n of_o nature_n yet_o still_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v some_o that_o choose_v rather_o with_o moses_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v for_o a_o season_n all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o ever_o mahomet_n can_v ever_o promise_v or_o bestow_v upon_o they_o sure_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o such_o flourish_a church_n in_o achaia_n macedonia_n corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n shall_v come_v to_o that_o miserable_a ruin_n and_o desolation_n that_o mahomet_n us._n shall_v reign_v among_o they_o so_o general_o in_o christ_n own_o territory_n and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o unprofitablenes_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n so_o free_o offer_v they_o and_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o fear_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o the_o like_a befall_v not_o we_o for_o our_o unprofitablenesse_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o yet_o withal_o see_v how_o in_o wrath_n god_n remember_v mercy_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o satan_n turk_n and_o mahomet_n and_o other_o instrument_n he_o pluck_v out_o some_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v professor_n of_o his_o save_a faith_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n both_o improper_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v observation_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o western_a and_o latin_a church_n which_o be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n some_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o sundry_a other_o that_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o other_o renounce_v his_o headship_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o deformity_n corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a in_o every_o particular_a look_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n so_o be_v the_o daughter_n ezech._n 16.44_o we_o will_v deliver_v her_o state_n in_o two_o observation_n first_o we_o will_v show_v what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o charity_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n second_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n too_o and_o find_v judgement_n against_o it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o church_n doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v just_o repute_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n consider_v right_o of_o the_o note_n first_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o say_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v it_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v judge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o we_o say_v not_o a_o sound_a church_n no_o that_o we_o flat_o deny_v as_o untrue_a but_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o a_o man_n though_o he_o be_v wound_v faint_a and_o die_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o life_n in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o true_a live_a man_n not_o a_o false_a though_o he_o be_v a_o unsound_a and_o die_a man_n church_n three_o we_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o popish_a faction_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n in_o that_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o right_a belief_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o faction_n do_v and_o these_o be_v mingle_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o ●●ue_a church_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o be_v in_o our_o saviors_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v a_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o sway_v all_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o their_o course_n marry_o simeon_n anna_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n and_o a_o few_o more_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n join_v or_o rather_o they_o with_o he_o as_o live_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o whole_a be_v right_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o they_o doubtless_o it_o may_v and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v right_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o better_a spirit_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o papacy_n and_o popish_a faction_n alone_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o a_o true_a church_n be_v these_o first_o reas_n 1_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n direct_o affirm_v every_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o it_o yea_o church_n in_o outward_a show_n of_o word_n they_o express_o affirm_v it_o still_o and_o therefore_o may_v true_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a enough_o rom._n 1.8_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v no_o sound_n arguement_fw-fr that_o they_o be_v so_o still_o i_o answer_v that_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n that_o must_v make_v a_o congregation_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o become_v a_o false_a one_o and_o with_o more_o charity_n and_o love_n be_v such_o to_o be_v censure_v that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n than_o other_o congregation_n hold_v the_o same_o error_n that_o be_v but_o only_o come_v on_o in_o the_o say_v and_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v thorough_o possess_v of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o a_o church_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fall_v away_o from_o her_o first_o love_n revel_v 2.5_o and_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o love_v and_o yet_o be_v dead_a reu._n 3_o 1._o and_o yet_o god_n call_v they_o true_a church_n still_o a_o church_n in_o apostasy_n that_o be_v fall_v not_o utter_o fall_v be_v still_o a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a and_o die_a church_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n so_o long_o it_o may_v be_v still_o entitle_v a_o true_a church_n well_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o in_o outward_a show_n at_o least_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o this_o they_o do_v they_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o sound_v of_o word_n they_o profess_v the_o same_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o creed_n that_o we_o do_v yea_o they_o profess_v in_o word_n the_o very_a same_o foundation_n before_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o very_a same_o term_n in_o effect_n look_v into_o the_o rhemists_n testament_n &_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o upon_o those_o place_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o &_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v right_o acknowledge_v
of_o elias_n yet_o in_o this_o very_a time_n god_n have_v his_o church_n and_o a_o flourish_a one_o too_o in_o his_o eye_n though_o man_n can_v not_o discern_v it_o afterwards_o in_o that_o general_a apostasy_n when_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v both_o fall_v from_o god_n yet_o here_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o here_o be_v one_o out_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o out_o of_o a_o tribe_n to_o worship_n god_n jer._n 3.13_o 14._o so_o in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n when_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o overwhelm_v as_o it_o be_v jerusalem_n be_v so_o distress_v religion_n deface_v all_o turn_v into_o a_o miserable_a desolation_n so_o as_o there_o be_v never_o the_o like_a be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o my_o sorrow_n say_v the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n lam._n 1.12_o yet_o than_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v both_o teacher_n and_o embracer_n as_o jeremy_n haggai_n zechariah_n and_o daniel_n and_o many_o other_o at_o our_o saviour_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n when_o the_o law_n and_o the_o temple_n priest_n and_o people_n the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v yet_o still_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n joseph_n and_o marie_n simeon_n and_o anna_n true_a beleevere_n and_o right_a worshipper_n of_o god_n last_o in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o pride_n of_o antichrist_n the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n by_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n yet_o god_n have_v some_o from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o loathe_v her_o golden_a cup_n some_o that_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o her_o fornication_n but_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a virgin_n and_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sweet_o embrace_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o god_n always_o have_v a_o church_n and_o company_n of_o choose_a people_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v that_o as_o god_n ever_o have_v have_v so_o he_o now_o have_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o bless_a be_v god_n there_o be_v many_o flourish_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o germany_n france_n england_n and_o scotland_n many_o in_o all_o these_o place_n that_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n yea_o under_o popery_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v many_o true_a christian_n yea_o even_o among_o the_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o infidel_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v ye●_n remain_v some_o that_o worship_n god_n with_o we_o no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o spark_n of_o fire_n among_o those_o burn_a ash_n some_o polish_a stone_n of_o these_o decay_a church_n some_o gold_n among_o all_o that_o dross_n some_o that_o serve_v the_o lord_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n now_o at_o this_o day_n of_o some_o that_o live_v under_o popery_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o profess_v our_o religion_n so_o the_o second_o part_n be_v prove_v that_o god_n now_o have_v his_o church_n and_o choose_a people_n the_o last_o part_n and_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v prove_v this_o point_n by_o example_n as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o thorough_o fulfil_v yet_o we_o have_v as_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o as_o example_n we_o have_v god_n own_o word_n for_o it_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v be_v as_o sure_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v many_o prediction_n in_o the_o preterperfect_a tense_n as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o do_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o i_o say_v we_o have_v god_n word_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n psal_n 132.13_o 14._o for_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n and_o love_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o say_v this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n god_n will_v dwell_v and_o rest_v and_o that_o for_o ever_o in_o his_o church_n as_o himself_o be_v for_o ever_o so_o his_o church_n be_v for_o ever_o so_o math._n 28.20_o i_o be_o with_o you_o ever_o even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o as_o sure_o as_o i_o be_o actual_o present_a with_o you_o now_o so_o i_o will_v still_o continue_v unto_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whereas_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n it_o be_v nor_o so_o because_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n yet_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v with_o we_o effectual_o to_o all_o save_a purpose_n joh._n 14.16_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o vers_fw-la 17._o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o opposer_n of_o god_n church_n man_n and_o devil_n and_o many_o time_n they_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o bridle_v and_o curb_v and_o the_o church_n still_o so_o protect_v and_o defend_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v utter_o to_o disannul_v it_o math._n 16.18_o there_o be_v many_o other_o proof_n for_o this_o point_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o reason_n therefore_o we_o will_v pass_v to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n that_o god_n ever_o have_v now_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o we_o have_v god_n promise_n for_o it_o who_o be_v truth_n and_o can_v lie_v if_o that_o be_v too_o little_a we_o have_v his_o oath_n for_o it_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v psal_n 132.11_o 12._o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v in_o truth_n to_o david_n and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o say_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n will_v i_o set_v up_o thy_o throne_n for_o ever_o he_o have_v swear_v it_o and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o recant_v which_o although_o it_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o his_o seed_n yet_o in_o truth_n &_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v intend_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v renew_v jer._n 33.17_o 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o man_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o and_o 21._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v if_o you_o can_v break_v my_o covenant_n of_o the_o day_n and_o my_o covenant_n of_o the_o night_n than_o my_o covenant_n may_v be_v break_v with_o david_n my_o servant_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o promise_n be_v irrevocable_a so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v day_n or_o so_o long_a as_o there_o be_v night_n on_o the_o earth_n so_o long_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o church_n on_o earth_n his_o word_n and_o his_o promise_n can_v be_v break_v no_o say_v our_o saviour_n heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v fail_v but_o my_o word_n shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o he_o have_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o church_n for_o ever_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o her_o adversary_n second_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n reas_n 2_o shall_v never_o perish_v from_o the_o earth_n therefore_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n shall_v never_o be_v abolish_v from_o the_o earth_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n can_v fail_v than_o the_o church_n may_v fail_v but_o that_o can_v never_o fail_v for_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o witness_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o feel_v the_o save_a power_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o and_o to_o testify_v it_o to_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o fail_v the_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n fatherly_a care_n over_o reas_n 3_o his_o church_n even_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n because_o he_o love_v they_o and_o they_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v all_o destroy_v except_o the_o lord_n can_v forget_v his_o own_o people_n his_o darling_n which_o be_v impossible_a four_o he_o do_v preserve_v his_o church_n
saviour_n answer_v he_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o for_o the_o exception_n make_v out_o of_o 1._o joh._n 3.10_o where_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o joh._n 1._o where_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o lady_n he_o write_v to_o elect_a lady_n and_o in_o the_o 1._o thess_n 1.4_o know_v belove_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o be_v elect_a of_o god_n these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n be_v thus_o answer_v that_o either_o this_o be_v speak_v out_o of_o a_o charitable_a persuasion_n or_o else_o it_o be_v speak_v so_o of_o all_o because_o some_o be_v so_o for_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n 1._o thes_n 1.4_o or_o if_o he_o have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o particular_n it_o be_v by_o divine_a revelation_n we_o can_v say_v therefore_o out_o of_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n only_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v upon_o good_a ground_n he_o be_v so_o use_v 2_o second_o the_o papist_n be_v here_o refute_v for_o they_o sin_v horrible_o in_o this_o kind_n in_o that_o they_o pray_v to_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o saint_n whereas_o many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v damn_v spirit_n in_o hell_n for_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n matth._n 7.19.20_o again_o this_o refute_v three_o other_o error_n of_o popery_n that_o do_v direct_o contradict_v these_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o observation_n first_o they_o make_v predestination_n to_o be_v contingent_a and_o so_o they_o say_v god_n himself_o do_v not_o precise_o know_v who_o be_v he_o for_o if_o predestination_n do_v depend_v upon_o man_n will_n that_o if_o man_n will_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o god_n know_v nothing_o till_o he_o see_v what_o man_n will_v do_v second_o they_o deny_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o can_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n they_o will_v have_v no_o man_n say_v certain_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o they_o will_v say_v it_o of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v save_v and_o that_o be_v the_o three_o error_n which_o contradict_v the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o observation_n in_o that_o they_o say_v the_o church_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o general_o other_o may_v know_v who_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o but_o we_o see_v all_o these_o error_n be_v here_o refute_v by_o this_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o have_v teach_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o to_o none_o other_o but_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o do_v good_a one_o to_o another_o as_o brethren_n if_o we_o know_v not_o who_o be_v brethren_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v persuade_v ourselves_o of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v god_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o good_a hope_n because_o we_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o love_n in_o they_o so_o far_o as_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v therefore_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o we_o must_v love_v they_o and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o as_o brethren_n the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o if_o every_o one_o may_v know_v use_n 3_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o learn_v this_o and_o know_v it_o for_o himself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o i_o answer_v by_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o thyself_o whether_o thou_o have_v god_n spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o make_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v which_o make_v we_o go_v to_o god_n as_o to_o our_o father_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o our_o father_n for_o that_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o 12._o what_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o man_n even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n secret_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v god_n therefore_o have_v this_o spirit_n we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v go_n and_o that_o we_o may_v further_o seal_v this_o unto_o ourselves_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a unto_o ourselves_o by_o walk_v in_o good_a work_n strive_v against_o sin_n and_o work_v the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o assure_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v go_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o this_o last_o adjunct_n and_o also_o of_o the_o article_n name_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o general_a head_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v partly_o of_o the_o name_n and_o partly_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o first_o of_o the_o name_n the_o name_n be_v doubtful_a and_o carry_v many_o signification_n yea_o and_o many_o contrary_a signification_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v according_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o whither_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n or_o not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o original_a word_n both_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n will_v bear_v it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n ezek._n 32.22_o there_o the_o name_n be_v apply_v to_o ashur_n and_o his_o company_n to_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o be_v apply_v deut._n 33.4_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o congregation_n of_o jacob_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o that_o name_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o malicious_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v religion_n psalm_n 26.5_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o assembly_n or_o church_n of_o the_o wicked_a so_o that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n bear_v it_o as_o well_o for_o a_o company_n not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o a_o company_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n so_o likewise_o the_o greek_a word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o the_o new_a testament_n bear_v it_o in_o this_o general_a sense_n as_o act._n 19.32_o where_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o disorder_a assembly_n in_o a_o case_n of_o mutiny_n the_o assembly_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o in_o the_o act._n 2.47_o the_o same_o word_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n so_o we_o see_v how_o this_o word_n have_v be_v apply_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o any_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o either_o in_o case_n or_o not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n yea_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v restrain_v in_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speech_n and_o so_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n unto_o a_o company_n of_o people_n as_o profess_v some_o certain_a religion_n whatsoever_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o church_n be_v according_o so_o call_v for_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n that_o embrace_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o again_o there_o be_v false_a religion_n and_o they_o that_o embrace_v any_o of_o they_o be_v false_a church_n so_o every_o church_n receive_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o religion_n she_o embrace_v as_o for_o example_n we_o call_v those_o jew_n which_o be_v bear_v jew_n but_o those_o only_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o that_o if_o a_o jew_n bear_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o he_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n yet_o he_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o likewise_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o
together_o act._n 15.2_o &_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o be_v also_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 17.28_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o overseer_n second_o some_o be_v less_o perfect_a as_o the_o church_n in_o creta_n which_o have_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n on_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o able_a to_o bear_v act._n 15.19_o yet_o these_o be_v true_a church_n so_o that_o though_o some_o visible_a church_n be_v universal_a some_o particular_a some_o more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o know_v some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a and_o some_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o ripeness_n some_o in_o their_o infancy_n less_o perfect_a yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o note_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o first_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v a_o set_a place_n choose_v where_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v his_o name_n that_o be_v where_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v and_o he_o dwell_v there_o that_o be_v as_o a_o father_n or_o as_o a_o master_n of_o the_o family_n beget_v child_n and_o rule_v and_o govern_v that_o family_n by_o his_o word_n now_o what_o be_v this_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o that_o where_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v there_o god_n himself_o be_v present_a as_o in_o his_o true_a visible_a church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o joint_o to_o profess_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o what_o be_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v but_o his_o church_n for_o so_o in_o revel_v 2.1_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o seven_o visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o and_o this_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o other_o but_o wheresoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v etc._n etc._n be_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o general_o in_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o house_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v any_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v that_o hear_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o embrace_v but_o outward_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o describe_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n in_o christ_n that_o sanctify_v they_o saint_n by_o call_v that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v profession_n at_o the_o least_o to_o be_v so_o with_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o every_o place_n which_o phrase_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n general_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o profession_n of_o god_n religion_n so_o that_o those_o that_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o the_o church_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o candlestick_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o not_o only_a experience_n teach_v but_o christ_n himself_o teach_v it_o mat._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o company_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n and_o those_o instance_n allege_v of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a some_o less_o some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a some_o more_o perfect_a some_o more_o imperfect_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o true_a church_n prove_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o observation_n clear_o and_o direct_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o save_a reas_n 1_o truth_n or_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o thereby_o make_v it_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o that_o embrace_v it_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n profess_v god_n reas_n 2_o truth_n there_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n matth._n 18.20_o but_o christ_n be_v present_v no_o where_o in_o such_o a_o special_a manner_n but_o in_o his_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o company_n be_v a_o true_a church_n again_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n rom._n 10.13_o but_o none_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n three_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o prophet_n and_o reas_n 3_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.10_o that_o be_v on_o that_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o there_o christ_n be_v honour_v and_o obey_v public_o as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o be_v his_o visible_a body_n five_o there_o among_o such_o a_o company_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n matth._n 16.19_o six_o there_o his_o voice_n be_v open_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v therefore_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o be_v his_o fold_n joh._n 10.27_o seven_o all_o other_o society_n and_o company_n consist_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v such_o a_o call_v or_o mystery_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o therefore_o they_o that_o public_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o they_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n eight_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o by_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n for_o other_o company_n of_o man_n either_o profess_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o whatsoever_o company_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n last_o the_o particular_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.37_o 38._o he_o believe_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n if_o this_o profession_n in_o particular_a make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o more_o in_o general_n do_v it_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o lie_v
hezekiah_n send_v forth_o messenger_n throughout_o all_o israel_n and_o judah_n with_o godly_a letter_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o passeover_n and_o the_o wicked_a laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v but_o the_o text_n note_v in_o the_o twelve_o verse_n that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o judah_n so_o that_o he_o give_v they_o one_o heart_n to_o do_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o king_n the_o king_n may_v have_v command_v long_o enough_o yet_o if_o god_n have_v not_o give_v the_o people_n a_o heart_n they_o will_v never_o have_v obey_v he_o so_o that_o all_o other_o mean_n be_v utter_o void_a yea_o nothing_o without_o god_n 1_o co._n 3.7_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n now_o if_o god_n give_v we_o these_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n he_o give_v we_o the_o inward_a much_o more_o as_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o principal_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o god_n spirit_n be_v give_v we_o mere_o and_o free_o of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a be_v of_o god_n so_o also_o the_o material_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n too_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o you_o be_v god_n building_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o formal_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n also_o the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n which_o be_v our_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n special_o the_o inward_a formal_a cause_n be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.9_o we_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n that_o be_v of_o god_n too_o god_n word_n labour_n husbandry_n ordinance_n church_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o only_o of_o and_o from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o but_o also_o for_o he_o and_o his_o glory_n as_o he_o be_v the_o final_a cause_n of_o they_o so_o likewise_o if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o by-cause_n of_o the_o church_n god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o even_o in_o they_o too_o yea_o extraordinary_o in_o these_o so_o that_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o these_o than_o in_o the_o rest_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v persecution_n which_o tend_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n this_o than_o show_v that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v his_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o use_v be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o use_v 1_o that_o see_v the_o lord_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o cause_v his_o church_n then_o let_v he_o be_v reverent_o and_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n first_o let_v such_o congregation_n as_o have_v taste_v god_n bounty_n in_o this_o kind_n ascribe_v all_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o their_o bless_a state_n to_o he_o alone_o and_o that_o which_o i_o say_v of_o whole_a congregation_n let_v every_o one_o in_o particular_a practice_n and_o that_o both_o for_o the_o congregation_n and_o special_o for_o himself_o we_o must_v not_o dote_v on_o the_o mean_n though_o they_o be_v singular_a help_n under_o god_n the_o minister_n gift_n nor_o any_o other_o thing_n the_o church_n have_v it_o must_v not_o be_v dote_v upon_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v esteem_v high_o of_o they_o and_o labour_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o and_o acknowledge_v what_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o and_o be_v thankful_a to_o they_o yet_o still_o i_o say_v it_o be_v all_o the_o lord_n do_v and_o let_v he_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o if_o ever_o there_o shall_v such_o a_o presumptuous_a thought_n come_v into_o our_o head_n of_o dote_v upon_o they_o we_o must_v ever_o have_v that_o in_o a_o readiness_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 3.5_o they_o be_v but_o minister_n by_o who_o we_o believe_v let_v god_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o all_o that_o the_o church_n have_v for_o it_o be_v all_o his_o do_v second_o as_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o good_a we_o have_v already_o receive_v so_o it_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o prayer_n and_o continual_a call_n upon_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v in_o his_o good_a time_n to_o afford_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n where_o they_o be_v want_v and_o that_o where_o they_o be_v there_o god_n who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o his_o church_n will_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v increase_n and_o continue_v they_o for_o ever_o that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o church_n there_o to_o the_o world_n end_n alas_o what_o be_v it_o to_o have_v care_n for_o ourselves_o only_o as_o josiah_n have_v lord_n say_v he_o let_v there_o be_v peace_n in_o my_o day_n but_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o our_o posterity_n and_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v continue_v his_o church_n to_o they_o too_o and_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o that_o each_o for_o himself_o and_o one_o for_o another_o the_o minister_n he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o himself_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v open_v his_o mouth_n and_o sanctify_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o effectual_o and_o for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v teachable_a and_o tractable_a humble_a willing_a and_o ready_a to_o understand_v and_o believe_v obey_v and_o practice_v that_o which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o people_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o minister_n and_o for_o themselves_o too_o that_o god_n will_v open_v their_o minister_n mouth_n and_o sanctify_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o effectual_o to_o they_o and_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v teachable_a heart_n ready_a and_o willing_a to_o hear_v and_o to_o obey_v and_o that_o god_n will_v water_v their_o heart_n with_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fruitful_a three_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n profitable_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o not_o be_v unprofitable_a towards_o we_o much_o less_o let_v they_o be_v contemn_v of_o we_o but_o let_v we_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o as_o of_o god_n special_a ordinance_n which_o he_o will_v sure_o revenge_v if_o we_o contemn_v they_o do_v the_o lord_n bend_v himself_o whole_o and_o all_o his_o force_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o understanding_n wise_a and_o obedient_a and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o shall_v we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o be_v bring_v unto_o god_n do_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o precious_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a but_o embrace_v it_o take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o it_o now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n now_o god_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v now_o the_o table_n be_v prepare_v the_o victual_n be_v ready_a and_o the_o guest_n be_v call_v therefore_o let_v we_o now_o quicken_v up_o ourselves_o let_v we_o take_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o let_v we_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n powerful_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o or_o else_o if_o we_o refuse_v and_o contemn_v it_o powerful_a to_o condemn_v we_o and_o to_o cast_v we_o headlong_o into_o hell_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o see_v god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o constitute_v his_o church_n than_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n although_o satan_n bend_v all_o his_o force_n against_o it_o though_o the_o wicked_a malign_a and_o persecute_v it_o god_n be_v for_o it_o who_o can_v be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v stand_v in_o despite_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o force_n it_o be_v god_n that_o plant_v his_o vine_n who_o can_v root_v it_o out_o he_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o it_o who_o can_v break_v it_o down_o yea_o god_n be_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n about_o his_o church_n therefore_o whosoever_o come_v near_o to_o hurt_v it_o shall_v be_v consume_v
and_o burn_v up_o god_n water_v it_o and_o make_v it_o fruitful_a who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n thereof_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o work_n to_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o power_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v dismay_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o daunt_v satan_n himself_o for_o they_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n yea_o against_o his_o special_a hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v the_o wicked_a after_o the_o flood_n when_o they_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n they_o fight_v against_o god_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v it_o turn_v to_o their_o confusion_n but_o these_o fight_n against_o god_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v though_o they_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o church_n yet_o all_o they_o do_v be_v but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v against_o god_n and_o against_o his_o people_n this_o shall_v comfort_v the_o faithful_a in_o all_o their_o persecution_n temptation_n and_o distress_n whatsoever_o because_o that_o they_o be_v build_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o like_o mount_n zion_n they_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v remove_v and_o likewise_o they_o be_v continual_o assist_v by_o god_n hand_n so_o that_o their_o enemy_n can_v hurt_v they_o as_o the_o mountain_n be_v about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v about_o his_o people_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o psal_n 125.1_o 2._o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o observation_n arise_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o point_n arise_v hence_o be_v this_o that_o wheresoever_o doct._n 2_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v effectual_a and_o that_o by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v their_o due_a success_n there_o certain_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n first_o i_o say_v where_o they_o be_v effectual_a for_o sometime_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v present_a yet_o not_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o very_a little_a effectual_a but_o where_o they_o be_v effectual_a only_o there_o they_o cause_v a_o church_n second_o i_o say_v by_o the_o ordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a blessing_n and_o success_n do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o point_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o cause_n of_o a_o church_n be_v there_o as_o we_o show_v before_o and_o they_o be_v effectual_a verse_n 41._o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a verse_n 47._o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v in_o that_o verse_n 47._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 11._o from_o 20._o to_o 26._o verse_n there_o be_v the_o mean_n the_o word_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a for_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o be_v also_o so_o call_v vers_fw-la 26._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n saint_n by_o calling_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v a_o call_v then_o and_o this_o be_v effectual_a for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o case_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n revel_v 1.16_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v seven_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v christ_n walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v the_o star_n that_o be_v his_o minister_n uphold_v in_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n come_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v his_o word_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb_n 4.12_o and_o these_o be_v effectual_a too_o the_o star_n be_v uphold_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n so_o where_o these_o be_v thus_o effectual_a there_o be_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o cause_n do_v always_o prove_v the_o effect_n necessary_o where_o it_o have_v her_o work_n and_o be_v not_o resist_v now_o here_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o work_n be_v not_o resist_v therefore_o here_o be_v the_o effect_n too_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o these_o cause_n be_v there_o be_v the_o definition_n reas_n 2_o of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v joint_o the_o save_a truth_n now_o where_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n three_o whosoever_o live_v in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o these_o reas_n 3_o cause_n be_v walk_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o be_v careful_a and_o conscionable_a to_o obey_v these_o mean_n he_o be_v certain_o save_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whosoever_o live_v out_o of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o do_v not_o obey_v these_o mean_n ordinary_o he_o can_v be_v save_v then_o where_o these_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o without_o the_o church_n ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o our_o adversary_n that_o we_o have_v principal_o to_o deal_v against_o in_o this_o case_n confess_v it_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n of_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o conserve_n it_o therefore_o we_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o point_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o justify_v our_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n separation_n against_o the_o separation_n that_o deny_v it_o for_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n because_o that_o we_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o because_o they_o be_v effectual_a yea_o and_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n if_o they_o except_v against_o we_o they_o must_v deny_v and_o say_v either_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o true_a church_n among_o we_o or_o that_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o effectual_a or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o effectual_a among_o us._n some_o deny_v some_o of_o these_o and_o some_o deny_v all_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v we_o be_v no_o true_a church_n if_o they_o say_v we_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n discipline_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v through_o god_n mercy_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o minister_n and_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o a_o church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n among_o you_o you_o want_v discipline_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o only_o wait_v to_o see_v they_o prove_v by_o the_o word_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o they_o so_o much_o require_v answ_n and_o then_o we_o will_v receive_v they_o with_o both_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n second_o i_o answer_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o happy_o not_o so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a a_o church_n for_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o substance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o though_o you_o have_v the_o word_n among_o you_o call_v yet_o you_o have_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o lord_n mouth_n for_o your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_n they_o be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o extraordinary_a call_n we_o neither_o have_v answ_n nor_o look_v for_o but_o such_o ordinary_a call_n as_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v have_v in_o any_o church_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o same_o let_v they_o show_v we_o any_o since_o that_o time_n and_o we_o will_v prove_v that_o we_o be_v answerable_a to_o it_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v never_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n death_n yea_o object_n but_o say_v they_o you_o have_v your_o call_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rome_n i_o
of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o require_v of_o they_o both_o that_o be_v to_o that_o which_o they_o both_o require_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n 2.42_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n for_o many_o other_o be_v assign_v and_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o not_o upon_o these_o property_n afore_o mention_v for_o they_o be_v not_o essential_a nor_o better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o these_o be_v therefore_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o infallible_a mark_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n look_v into_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o business_n our_o saviour_n send_v his_o apostle_n about_o it_o be_v to_o plant_v and_o erect_v visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n how_o be_v that_o to_o be_v do_v go_v say_v he_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n first_o they_o must_v teach_v the_o word_n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v second_o go_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o though_o but_o one_o be_v name_v as_o that_o be_v of_o most_o special_a use_n for_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o plant_v church_n yet_o figurative_o the_o other_o be_v intend_v for_o so_o you_o shall_v find_v be_v their_o practice_n act._n 2.41_o 42._o where_o it_o be_v say_v not_o only_o that_o they_o do_v baptize_v but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n also_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n too_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n in_o this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n part_v to_o deliver_v it_o and_o the_o people_n to_o receive_v it_o so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o what_o else_o be_v they_o to_o do_v vers_fw-la 20._o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v at_o least_o profession_n of_o obedience_n as_o if_o christ_n shall_v say_v let_v they_o profess_v at_o least_o that_o they_o will_v obey_v you_o else_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o and_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o your_o foot_n as_o a_o witness_n against_o they_o the_o word_n be_v so_o precise_a for_o every_o particular_a in_o the_o observation_n and_o that_o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n and_o contain_v such_o a_o absolute_a description_n of_o the_o office_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o the_o intendment_n be_v the_o erect_n and_o settle_v of_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v wheresoever_o these_o three_o be_v perform_v there_o let_v the_o world_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o from_o time_n to_o time_n wheresoever_o there_o be_v any_o true_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v affirm_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n to_o that_o which_o they_o do_v both_o require_v be_v the_o most_o infallible_a and_o chief_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n another_o evangelist_n report_v the_o same_o commission_n speak_v as_o much_o in_o effect_n though_o not_o in_o such_o precise_a term_n mark_n 16.15_o 16._o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n as_o before_o and_o there_o be_v profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o for_o if_o they_o believe_v they_o must_v obey_v this_o point_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o also_o betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separation_n and_o likewise_o among_o divine_n therefore_o we_o will_v see_v further_a proof_n of_o it_o there_o be_v other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o avouch_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n yet_o not_o so_o pregnant_o as_o these_o do_v joh._n 10.4_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o go_v before_o his_o sheep_n that_o be_v before_o his_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o how_o do_v christ_n go_v before_o his_o people_n he_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o the_o word_n be_v there_o express_o name_v my_o voice_n and_o under_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v figurative_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o they_o hear_v it_o and_o follow_v he_o there_o be_v obedience_n our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o shepherd_n in_o that_o country_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o tune_v a_o voice_n to_o their_o sheep_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o know_v do_v all_o follow_n now_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o word_n and_o his_o sacrament_n be_v part_n thereof_o therefore_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n the_o answer_n be_v ready_a they_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o follow_v he_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o answer_n be_v where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o at_o least_o profess_a to_o be_v obey_v the_o like_a speech_n be_v in_o the_o 27._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n so_o likewise_o in_o ephes_n 5.26_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n through_o the_o word_n apply_v these_o word_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o water_n that_o be_v baptism_n and_o under_o that_o sacrament_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v imply_v and_o there_o be_v profession_n of_o obedience_n for_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o these_o be_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n answerable_a unto_o these_o assertion_n you_o shall_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n look_v into_o paradise_n gen._n 2.16_o 17._o there_o be_v the_o word_n god_n commandment_n give_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n you_o shall_v not_o eat_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n verse_n 9_o purposely_o to_o signify_v and_o to_o seal_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n if_o they_o do_v obey_v and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o obedience_n acknowledge_v in_o that_o they_o accept_v of_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o condition_n if_o any_o doubt_n of_o this_o it_o be_v plain_o lay_v down_o gen._n ●_o 4_o where_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o eat_v of_o that_o tree_n so_o there_o be_v their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o you_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o paradise_n before_o the_o fall_n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n out_o of_o paradise_n after_o the_o fall_n gen._n 3.15_o there_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o gen._n 4.3_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v cain_n and_o abel_n offer_v sacrifice_n which_o be_v representation_n of_o christ_n own_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n in_o that_o they_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n their_o father_n teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o that_o he_o teach_v both_o cain_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n for_o than_o they_o be_v both_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o here_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n profess_v to_o they_o both_o and_o so_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n likewise_o that_o in_o gen._n 9_o from_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n in_o noah_n time_n after_o the_o flood_n there_o be_v god_n covenant_n make_v with_o noah_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o there_o be_v the_o bow_n set_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o three_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n too_o for_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n which_o intend_v obedience_n on_o noah_n part_n for_o else_o how_o be_v it_o a_o covenant_n if_o it_o be_v not_o condescend_v to_o on_o both_o part_n and_o so_o also_o in_o abraham_n time_n gen._n 17_o 4_o 7.10.23_o in_o the_o 4._o and_o 7._o verse_n
god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o vers_fw-la there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n circumcision_n and_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n there_o be_v abraham_n obedience_n he_o circumcise_a ishmael_n and_o all_o the_o male_n in_o his_o house_n so_o likewise_o when_o god_n send_v to_o gather_v his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n first_o he_o deliver_v they_o his_o word_n by_o moses_n exo._n 3.15_o and_o 6.6_o and_o he_o give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o passeover_n exo._n 12.3_o and_o in_o the_o eight_o and_o twenty_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n there_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v and_o do_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v moses_n and_o aaron_n even_o so_o do_v they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o law_n and_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n but_o even_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o receive_v of_o the_o people_n a_o precise_a promise_n of_o obedience_n even_o before_o he_o prescribe_v they_o either_o law_n or_o sacrifice_n this_o we_o may_v see_v he_o do_v exod._n 19.5.8_o god_n send_v moses_n to_o the_o people_n there_o before_o he_o deliver_v they_o his_o law_n and_o before_o he_o prescribe_v their_o sacrifice_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v or_o not_o and_o they_o say_v they_o will_v so_o that_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n in_o the_o people_n and_o so_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o joshua_n renew_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n jos_n 1.16.18_o redress_v the_o thing_n amiss_o and_o bring_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o passove_a and_o the_o people_n they_o promise_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n even_o as_o they_o obey_v moses_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o king_n 23.2_o 3_o 21_o 22_o 23._o when_o josiah_n restore_v the_o church_n of_o god_n first_o he_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o second_o verse_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 21._o verse_n there_o the_o king_n restore_v the_o passeover_n so_o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n there_o be_v their_o obedience_n for_o the_o king_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o likewise_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n as_o you_o may_v read_v chap._n 7.8_o and_o also_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nehemiah_n chap._n 8._o &_o 9_o they_o restore_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n wherein_o they_o profess_v their_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v restore_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o then_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n and_o note_n whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o institute_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o also_o in_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o with_o a_o camp_n in_o the_o field_n who_o as_o they_o be_v gather_v at_o the_o first_o to_o their_o colour_n and_o banner_n 27._o so_o likewise_o if_o the_o camp_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n by_o the_o enemy_n the_o general_n hang_v out_o and_o display_v his_o colour_n and_o ensign_n that_o so_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v may_v gather_v to_o they_o again_o and_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o camp_n as_o before_o so_o it_o be_v with_o god_n church_n when_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o worst_a when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o pollute_v he_o display_v the_o ensign_n and_o banner_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o so_o whosoever_o be_v fall_v away_o may_v enter_v into_o covenant_n again_o and_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o fight_v under_o god_n banner_n as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v before_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o former_a testament_n that_o these_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o pattern_n or_o example_n only_o in_o two_o church_n and_o by_o they_o you_o may_v esteem_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.14_o 41_o 42._o in_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v peter_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o in_o verse_n 41._o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o verse_n 42._o there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o name_n of_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o there_o be_v also_o their_o profession_n of_o obedience_n for_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o second_o pattern_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o corinth_n 1.13_o there_o be_v baptism_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n 11.23_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o chap._n 15.1_o there_o be_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o also_o their_o obedience_n for_o the_o apostle_n paul_n preach_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o receive_v and_o continue_v in_o so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o principal_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o where_o these_o be_v the_o word_n true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o they_o do_v both_o require_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n the_o ancient_a father_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o in_o effect_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v be_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n 29_o but_o there_o must_v be_v obedience_n to_o they_o both_o for_o that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o and_o indeed_o even_o the_o papist_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n do_v grant_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o clear_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v these_o first_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a mark_n of_o it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o can_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n and_o also_o the_o sign_n and_o mark_n too_o yes_o very_o well_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o sunshine_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n as_o also_o the_o infallible_a mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o day_n and_o so_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n must_v needs_o also_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o infallible_a sign_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o reas_n 2_o second_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o be_v always_o find_v wheresoever_o a_o church_n be_v plant_v or_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v continue_v or_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v restore_v but_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v find_v in_o all_o these_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o plant_n math._n 28.19_o and_o in_o the_o continue_n act._n 2.41_o 42._o and_o in_o the_o restore_n as_o ioshua_n and_o iosiah_n time_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o reas_n 3_o three_o wheresoever_o moses_n be_v teach_v and_o obey_v with_o his_o ceremony_n there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n where_o the_o alcoran_n be_v teach_v and_o mahomet_n observe_v there_o be_v a_o church_n of_o mahometan_n so_o likewise_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v teach_v and_o his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o obedience_n yield_v to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n four_o where_o there_o be_v good_a wheat_n sow_v and_o thrive_v and_o come_v up_o in_o the_o blade_n be_v not_o that_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n so_o likewise_o where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v not_o this_o a_o true_a church_n not_o that_o profession_n only_o make_v a_o true_a church_n but_o because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o can_v be_v but_o whereas_o these_o be_v there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v sincere_o profess_v five_o be_v not_o she_o a_o right_n
and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o congregation_n beside_o except_o 1_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v these_o mark_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o infallible_a mark_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o congregation_n pretend_v to_o have_v these_o mark_n as_o what_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o right_a faith_n with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a claim_n of_o they_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v we_o and_o for_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o their_o say_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n for_o either_o they_o will_v refuse_v some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o will_v mangle_v and_o deprave_v it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v take_v the_o letter_n for_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o transubstantiation_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o they_o baptize_v with_o fire_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o add_v something_o to_o the_o word_n as_o tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o so_o though_o they_o do_v approve_v and_o take_v it_o in_o at_o the_o foredoor_n yet_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n so_o that_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v we_o may_v say_v true_o therefore_o that_o they_o challenge_v these_o mark_n but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v they_o but_o they_o still_o remain_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o god_n true_a church_n we_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n policy_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o subtlety_n be_v to_o imitate_v apish_o the_o course_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o more_o cunning_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a
as_o by_o his_o direction_n be_v establish_v we_o be_v free_a indeed_o from_o sin_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o we_o be_v free_a from_o satan_n that_o he_o can_v condemn_v we_o and_o we_o have_v a_o freedom_n from_o the_o law_n that_o we_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v still_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o law_n command_v and_o so_o to_o obey_v our_o governor_n and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o outward_a government_n only_o we_o be_v free_a from_o they_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v lord_n over_o that_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o we_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o ourselves_o we_o need_v not_o any_o ruler_n a_o proud_a allegation_n from_o a_o presumptuous_a spirit_n who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o that_o have_v make_v any_o trial_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v dull_a and_o backward_a and_o needs_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n and_o censure_n and_o all_o too_o little_a to_o keep_v he_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o obedience_n the_o humble_a soul_n feel_v such_o a_o rebelliousnesse_n within_o itself_o that_o it_o cry_v out_o not_o to_o god_n only_o but_o to_o man_n too_o o_o i_o be_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n i_o pray_v you_o look_v to_o i_o watch_v over_o i_o reprove_v i_o exhort_v i_o censure_v i_o terrify_v i_o with_o shame_n and_o punishment_n for_o my_o sin_n for_o my_o rebellious_a heart_n must_v be_v so_o bridle_v or_o else_o it_o will_v break_v forth_o outrageous_o into_o sin_n we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o rom._n 7._o that_o he_o be_v sell_v under_o sin_n therefore_o this_o come_v from_o a_o proud_a spirit_n in_o they_o to_o say_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o government_n because_o they_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o we_o see_v the_o inconvenience_n that_o it_o breed_v in_o particular_a man_n what_o will_v the_o inconvenience_n be_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n if_o it_o be_v suffer_v in_o general_n sure_o much_o more_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n so_o will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a government_n every_o man_n will_v do_v what_o he_o lift_v second_o it_o reprove_v those_o that_o hold_v church-government_n use_v 2_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o think_v it_o no_o great_a matter_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o or_o not_o it_o may_v be_v or_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v they_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n may_v do_v well_o enough_o but_o these_o be_v sufficient_o disprove_v by_o the_o former_a inconvenience_n that_o follow_v where_o no_o government_n be_v and_o have_v this_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o will_v never_o have_v take_v such_o precise_a order_n for_o it_o in_o every_o church_n and_o sure_o the_o church_n that_o maintain_v this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n god_n be_v the_o author_n not_o of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n and_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o and_o so_o likewise_o that_o particular_a member_n that_o maintain_v it_o be_v no_o sound_a member_n of_o god_n church_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o reproof_n of_o those_o that_o hold_v outward_a government_n essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o church_n without_o this_o can_v have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o i_o for_o my_o part_n desire_n and_o will_v glad_o go_v as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o i_o and_o where_o they_o stay_v there_o will_v i_o stay_v too_o i_o find_v that_o the_o church_n can_v never_o be_v long_o nor_o well_o without_o government_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o without_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o inward_a government_n for_o where_o that_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v any_o be_v at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o of_o the_o outward_a therefore_o we_o must_v right_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o inward_a and_o the_o outward_a government_n church_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o many_o absurdity_n first_o the_o inward_a be_v mere_o spiritual_a the_o outward_a be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n bodily_a that_o be_v such_o as_o affect_v the_o ear_n or_o the_o eye_n or_o some_o other_o part_n only_o it_o be_v thus_o far_o spiritual_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o that_o be_v to_o make_v we_o spiritual_o mind_v second_o the_o inward_a be_v proper_a to_o god_n and_o reserve_v to_o he_o only_o the_o outward_a though_o it_o be_v from_o god_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o man_n three_o the_o inward_a be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a alone_o god_n rule_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v they_o and_o none_o other_o the_o outward_a be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n four_o the_o inward_a be_v the_o high_a and_o principal_a the_o outward_a be_v but_o a_o serviceable_a dispensation_n fit_v to_o the_o inward_a five_o the_o inward_a second_v the_o outward_a and_o make_v it_o effectual_a and_o fruitful_a the_o outward_a do_v but_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o inward_a i_o note_v this_o difference_n the_o rather_o because_o many_o man_n do_v clamorous_o exclaim_v that_o christ_n be_v rob_v of_o the_o one_o half_a of_o his_o kingdom_n when_o that_o outward_a form_n which_o they_o pretend_v be_v not_o observe_v 〈…〉_z and_o this_o be_v the_o brownist_n exception_n you_o say_v they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v your_o king_n because_o you_o own_v not_o his_o discipline_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n god_n kingdom_n consist_v no●_n of_o meat_n 〈◊〉_d drink_v and_o of_o outward_a rite_n but_o of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v when_o he_o rule_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o discipline_n prescribe_v by_o the_o word_n as_o they_o pretend_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o lose_v the_o one_o half_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n though_o it_o be_v not_o observe_v happy_o it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o they_o that_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o rebellion_n if_o it_o be_v know_v by_o they_o the_o sin_n be_v much_o the_o great_a if_o it_o be_v not_o observe_v but_o yet_o christ_n may_v still_o exercise_v his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n though_o this_o be_v want_v the_o case_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v well_o parallel_v by_o our_o outward_a and_o inward_a worship_n in_o prayer_n the_o outward_a worship_n be_v but_o a_o appurtenance_n to_o the_o inward_a for_o the_o inward_a may_v be_v true_a without_o the_o outward_a and_o so_o discipline_n be_v rather_o a_o appurtenance_n to_o god_n kingdom_n than_o the_o kingdom_n itself_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o god_n church_n may_v be_v without_o discipline_n though_o it_o can_v be_v well_o nor_o long_a without_o it_o where_o outward_a government_n be_v want_v the_o church_n may_v be_v defective_a and_o maim_a yea_o half_a dead_a in_o outward_a show_n at_o least_o and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n still_o ye●_n but_o be_v not_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n part_n of_o the_o outward_a government_n and_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ●herefore_o some_o part_n of_o the_o outward_a government_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o themselves_o but_o by_o accident_n because_o they_o 〈…〉_z to_o the_o inward_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o this_o and_o beside_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o themselves_o but_o rather_o the_o carriage_n and_o manner_n of_o use_v of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o outward_a government_n last_o i_o answer_v they_o be_v simple_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o gather_v of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o outward_a government_n as_o moses_n his_o message_n and_o gather_v of_o the_o israelite_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o thing_n his_o govern_n of_o they_o another_o so_o that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o both_o these_o respect_n and_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o gather_v the_o church_n they_o be_v simple_o necessary_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o govern_v of_o it_o so_o
that_o outward_a government_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o use_v 4_o four_o see_v there_o be_v a_o outward_a government_n necessary_a in_o god_n church_n for_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o then_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v content_a with_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v for_o though_o it_o concern_v not_o our_o life_n yet_o it_o concern_v our_o health_n though_o it_o concern_v not_o the_o be_v yet_o it_o concern_v the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o his_o place_n both_o those_o that_o govern_v that_o they_o govern_v according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o those_o that_o obey_v that_o they_o obey_v according_a to_o god_n word_n use_v 5_o last_o this_o reprove_v those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o not_o as_o man_n and_o minister_n to_o exercise_v this_o government_n but_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o against_o god_n word_n to_o devise_v a_o new_a government_n so_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v not_o only_o exercise_v the_o government_n as_o a_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o lord_n the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v direct_o against_o it_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o where_o he_o give_v all_o minister_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v be_v head_n and_o lord_n over_o all_o church_n on_o earth_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n though_o we_o say_v he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o mean_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o i_o have_v say_v heretofore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v harsh_a and_o dangerous_a yet_o this_o word_n ministerial_a qualify_v it_o well_o if_o it_o be_v sober_o understand_v it_o may_v agree_v to_o a_o particular_a but_o never_o to_o the_o general_a church_n over_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_v it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o fifteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o enter_v into_o the_o business_n concern_v church_n government_n in_o handle_v whereof_o we_o propound_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o discourse_v upon_o first_o of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasional_o bring_v forth_o in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o three_o former_a we_o have_v already_o hear_v now_o we_o be_v as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o word_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-governement_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o such_o a_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v behooveful_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o use_n to_o have_v a_o long_a desire_n after_o it_o he_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v where_o it_o be_v be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o he_o may_v come_v by_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v your_o pure_a mind_n in_o this_o case_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church-government_n you_o have_v see_v also_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o you_o will_v cast_v about_o to_o see_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o your_o desire_n i_o will_v propound_v it_o here_o by_o way_n of_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n in_o every_o particular_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o it_o be_v find_v any_o where_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o must_v have_v god_n own_o warrant_n and_o ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n but_o in_o his_o word_n second_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o church_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n it_o must_v be_v fashion_v to_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o who_o be_v to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o house_n but_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n and_o who_o shall_v prescribe_v order_n for_o this_o house_n the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o this_o house_n and_o we_o can_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n spirit_n reveal_v god_n mind_n only_o by_o god_n word_n therefore_o we_o must_v do_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o all_o other_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n in_o religion_n fly_v to_o the_o golden_a rule_n isai_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o god_n word_n must_v be_v consult_v withal_o and_o what_o that_o faith_n must_v be_v embrace_v if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n in_o it_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o no_o light_n be_v in_o we_o at_o all_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v second_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n they_o testify_v of_o i_o not_o only_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o or_o what_o he_o be_v but_o of_o his_o mind_n what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o all_o our_o course_n position_n now_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o what_o order_n it_o take_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v true_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o these_o two_o position_n first_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n as_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n how_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o second_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o set_v particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o two_o position_n be_v well_o understand_v do_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o point_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n the_o other_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o contradiction_n and_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v by_o this_o distinction_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o general_a another_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a the_o affirmative_a position_n say_v that_o it_o be_v whole_o set_v down_o there_o in_o the_o general_a and_o partly_o in_o the_o particular_a the_o negative_a say_v it_o be_v not_o there_o whole_o in_o every_o particular_a these_o position_n i_o purpose_v to_o deliver_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n that_o so_o i_o may_v speak_v the_o more_o plentiful_o upon_o they_o observation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o your_o understanding_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v this_o namely_o doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-goverment_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v this_o doctrine_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o god_n matth._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o first_o we_o must_v here_o presuppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o have_v teach_v before_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o have_v also_o before_o show_v and_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o they_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o even_o in_o their_o write_n at_o least_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v
profitable_a the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o 17._o verse_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a who_o be_v this_o man_n of_o god_n sure_o timothy_n and_o such_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n for_o government_n in_o god_n church_n and_o these_o must_v be_v perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o to_o this_o work_n to_o govern_v aright_o therefore_o if_o government_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n than_o also_o it_o instruct_v he_o and_o make_v he_o perfect_a in_o this_o good_a work_n last_o the_o main_a business_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o government_n reas_n 6_o be_v set_v down_o and_o provide_v for_o by_o name_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o officer_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o visit_v the_o sick_a relieve_v the_o poor_a cast_v out_o the_o infectious_a and_o such_o like_a as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n yea_o if_o any_o man_n can_v name_v any_o other_o substantial_a part_n or_o business_n of_o church-government_n i_o dare_v undertake_v to_o show_v in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a order_n at_o least_o in_o general_n take_v for_o it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o all_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o go_v by_o in_o their_o government_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o moses_n in_o build_v the_o tabernacle_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o mount_n so_o must_v they_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n avoid_v and_o here_o two_o extremity_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v that_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o first_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o go_v not_o too_o far_o as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o have_v be_v exceed_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a this_o way_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o coin_n new_a law_n and_o to_o devise_v new_a officer_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o whole_a new_a form_n of_o government_n and_o to_o intrude_v it_o upon_o the_o church_n other_o there_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o obtrude_v more_o on_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o he_o mean_v though_o not_o of_o their_o own_o head_n as_o they_o say_v but_o under_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n other_o make_v that_o perpetual_a which_o be_v but_o temporal_a as_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o mischief_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o intent_n of_o these_o may_v be_v good_a yet_o the_o event_n be_v naught_o as_o if_o the_o event_n of_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n good_a yet_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v foul_a and_o naught_o for_o hereby_o they_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n of_o insufficiency_n and_o christ_n himself_o of_o neglect_n that_o he_o do_v not_o or_o of_o want_n of_o wisdom_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o provide_v sufficient_o for_o his_o church_n second_o as_o we_o must_v not_o go_v too_o far_o so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o come_v not_o too_o short_a for_o that_o be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o leave_v out_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v as_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereto_o to_o decline_v from_o god_n word_n either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a be_v alike_o sinful_a to_o charge_n christ_n with_o superfluity_n as_o well_o as_o with_o defect_n be_v alike_o evil_a thus_o they_o err_v that_o make_v those_o office_n or_o officer_n temporal_a which_o christ_n have_v make_v perpetual_a to_o endure_v to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o this_o be_v to_o charge_n christ_n with_o superfluity_n therefore_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a course_n in_o this_o business_n be_v to_o do_v thus_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n both_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o people_n be_v to_o consult_v with_o god_n word_n and_o to_o entreat_v god_n by_o prayer_n to_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o and_o to_o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o therein_o in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o embrace_v and_o not_o wilful_o either_o to_o take_v or_o refuse_v any_o thing_n but_o with_o submission_n to_o receive_v better_a advice_n if_o god_n send_v it_o they_o and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o as_o if_o himself_o be_v personal_o present_a to_o direct_v they_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o obedience_n to_o church-government_n for_o see_v it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n it_o must_v be_v embrace_v and_o obey_v and_o yield_v to_o else_o if_o we_o resist_v it_o we_o resist_v god_n because_o we_o resist_v god_n ordinance_n this_o be_v special_o to_o be_v press_v in_o our_o church_n for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n sake_n who_o have_v ratify_v such_o a_o government_n among_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n we_o must_v yield_v yet_o always_o in_o the_o lord_n the_o conscience_n be_v free_a from_o be_v subject_a to_o man_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o if_o i_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o i_o think_v their_o government_n be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n word_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o every_o particular_a in_o that_o government_n can_v be_v maintain_v by_o god_n word_n yet_o in_o the_o general_a it_o may_v be_v sound_o maintain_v second_o i_o say_v that_o except_o thou_o can_v disprove_v it_o on_o very_o good_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o word_n thou_o must_v take_v it_o on_o their_o word_n that_o impose_v it_o and_o thou_o must_v obey_v it_o till_o thou_o be_v better_o resolve_v for_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n concern_v outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v impose_v by_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v not_o leave_v free_a to_o we_o either_o to_o obey_v or_o not_o to_o obey_v but_o we_o must_v obey_v unless_o we_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n out_o of_o god_n word_n against_o it_o but_o what_o if_o i_o doubt_v must_v i_o yet_o obey_v before_o i_o be_o resolve_v yes_o though_o thou_o doubt_v of_o it_o yet_o thou_o must_v obey_v except_o thou_o can_v bring_v some_o sound_a proof_n out_o of_o god_n word_n against_o it_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n use_v 3_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o that_o he_o have_v so_o sufficient_o and_o careful_o provide_v for_o we_o not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n but_o of_o government_n not_o for_o our_o be_v only_o but_o for_o our_o well-being_n too_o a_o love_a father_n will_v not_o teach_v his_o child_n only_o how_o to_o live_v but_o also_o how_o to_o live_v orderly_o and_o healthful_o and_o how_o he_o may_v govern_v himself_o with_o grace_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o world_n so_o christ_n provide_v not_o only_o for_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o for_o the_o life_n of_o it_o but_o also_o for_o the_o health_n and_o grace_n and_o well-being_n of_o it_o a_o good_a shepherd_n provide_v not_o only_a pasture_n to_o feed_v his_o sheep_n but_o he_o have_v his_o crook_n too_o to_o govern_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n so_o our_o chief_a and_o heavenly_a shepherd_n furnish_v we_o not_o only_o with_o doctrine_n but_o also_o with_o discipline_n too_o in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n he_o provide_v his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v we_o and_o he_o have_v discipline_n his_o rod_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n alas_o what_o will_v have_v become_v of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o own_o direction_n the_o silly_a sheep_n be_v not_o more_o ready_a to_o go_v astray_o and_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o wolf_n and_o bear_n and_o lion_n than_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o our_o misdemeanour_n to_o betray_v ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o rod_n and_o staff_n of_o our_o bless_a shepherd_n his_o holy_a discipline_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n lord_n say_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o direct_v his_o own_o step_n we_o may_v true_o apply_v this_o speech_n to_o the_o church_n
in_o their_o synagogue_n &_o that_o these_o be_v translate_v from_o they_o though_o this_o be_v probable_a and_o likely_a enough_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v sure_a ground_n to_o erect_v a_o church-officer_n upon_o second_o there_o be_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o church_n so_o govern_v three_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o they_o be_v scarce_o and_o few_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o scan_v it_o or_o to_o make_v shift_n against_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o expound_v of_o govern_v elder_n beside_o minister_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o just_a exception_n and_o also_o it_o may_v admit_v many_o interpretation_n to_o the_o contrary_a agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o harsh_a interpretation_n that_o pass_v for_o currant_n in_o far_o weighty_a matter_n so_o that_o first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o utter_o deny_v it_o yet_o they_o be_v only_o in_o practice_n then_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o institution_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v then_o which_o in_o do_v be_v not_o institute_v three_o or_o if_o it_o be_v by_o institution_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o present_a dispensation_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n so_o that_o now_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o it_o nor_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o perpetual_a four_o or_o if_o it_o be_v perpetual_a yet_o our_o church_n be_v not_o utter_o destitute_a we_o have_v in_o every_o parish_n vestry-man_n to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o such_o part_n of_o government_n as_o needs_o such_o person_n to_o hear_v and_o reform_v some_o matter_n with_o the_o minister_n that_o he_o may_v not_o carry_v all_o alone_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o such_o quarrel_n and_o exclamation_n as_o be_v make_v against_o our_o church_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o four_o point_n concern_v govern_v elder_n deacons_n in_o the_o five_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n that_o be_v a_o express_a office_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o act._n 6.2_o though_o they_o be_v not_o there_o express_o call_v deacon_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v such_o in_o rom._n 12.8_o they_o be_v call_v distributor_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.12_o there_o they_o be_v by_o name_n these_o be_v such_o as_o at_o the_o first_o be_v appoint_v and_o employ_v altogether_o about_o the_o poor_a and_o about_o church-treasury_n but_o afterward_o they_o do_v also_o exercise_v some_o ministerial_a function_n for_o philip_n be_v a_o deacon_n deacon_n act._n 6._o yet_o afterward_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v act._n 8.5_o 38._o though_o he_o do_v that_o rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v act._n 21_o 8._o that_o philip_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o afterward_o the_o deacon_n baptize_v which_o save_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o better_o learn_v i_o think_v they_o rather_o usurp_v than_o have_v any_o right_n to_o it_o by_o office_n or_o other_o warrant_n for_o it_o yet_o in_o succeed_a age_n they_o have_v general_o a_o degree_n of_o the_o ministry_n answerable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n who_o teach_v and_o look_v to_o the_o treasury_n too_o and_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o favour_v it_o 1_o tim._n 3.13_o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v minister_v well_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o strange_a nor_o much_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o us._n but_o admit_v they_o be_v only_o employ_v in_o church-treasury_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a original_n of_o they_o yet_o either_o they_o be_v only_o for_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o so_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o erection_n act._n 6._o calvin_n in_o act_n 21.8_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v in_o every_o congregation_n or_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a we_o have_v churchwarden_n and_o collector_n answerable_a to_o they_o though_o not_o so_o gift_v as_o they_o be_v in_o act._n 6._o that_o may_v be_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o time_n that_o afford_v not_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v or_o of_o the_o chooser_n of_o they_o that_o make_v not_o better_a choice_n and_o also_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o choose_v by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o either_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a in_o this_o case_n or_o else_o be_v omit_v that_o be_v also_o the_o chooser_n fault_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o retain_v the_o office_n and_o not_o the_o title_n this_o be_v to_o subject_a god_n ordinance_n to_o your_o own_o invention_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o have_v his_o matter_n moderate_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o chancery_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o my_o lord_n chancellor_n who_o the_o king_n appoint_v but_o by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o choose_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n you_o will_v have_v this_o matter_n of_o church-treasury_n order_v and_o yet_o not_o by_o deacon_n who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n about_o word_n so_o long_o as_o we_o retain_v the_o thing_n itself_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n for_o the_o name_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v deacon_n in_o the_o six_o place_n we_o come_v to_o widow_n widow_n of_o these_o we_o may_v read_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o act._n 6.1_o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o be_v mean_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o they_o be_v call_v helper_n and_o rom._n 12.8_o shower_n of_o mercy_n you_o shall_v have_v my_o judgement_n brief_o in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n well_o understand_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v prove_v only_o thus_o much_o first_o that_o in_o many_o church_n there_o be_v then_o such_o widow_n second_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v three_o that_o where_o they_o be_v so_o relieve_v there_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o attend_v the_o sick_a to_o wash_v the_o saint_n foot_n and_o such_o like_a as_o occasion_v require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o the_o church-government_n be_v defective_a that_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v in_o geneva_n they_o have_v rather_o poor_a man_n than_o woman_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n they_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o widow_n at_o all_o seven_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o other_o assistant_n as_o reader_n fellow_n acolutive_n exorcist_n etc._n etc._n concern_v who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o find_v in_o the_o word_n we_o therefore_o do_v pass_v they_o by_o officer_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o though_o he_o be_v last_o name_v yet_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hand_n in_o church-government_n and_o the_o question_n concern_v he_o be_v first_o whether_o he_o may_v be_v right_o call_v a_o church-officer_n i_o answer_v he_o may_v though_o not_o in_o that_o proper_a sense_n as_o the_o minister_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n he_o may_v and_o that_o very_o right_o for_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o how_o can_v he_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o in_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o he_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v christ_n lieutenant_n within_o his_o lawful_a dominion_n why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n in_o church-businesse_n it_o be_v god_n own_o promise_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o his_o church_n themselves_o by_o officer_n be_v nurse_n and_o their_o authority_n and_o countenance_n be_v like_o breast_n or_o dug_n to_o cherish_v and_o feed_v and_o hatch_v up_o the_o church_n withal_o and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n upon_o all_o the_o faithful_a 1_o tim._n 2.2_o that_o they_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n that_o they_o
officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n must_v have_v a_o good_a warrant_n the_o best_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a true_a and_o sound_a warrant_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o word_n for_o see_v he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v instrument_n and_o servant_n under_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o place_n first_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v into_o careful_o and_o diligent_o second_o we_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n both_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o also_o for_o willing_a conformablenesse_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v right_o consult_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n when_o we_o have_v take_v advice_n from_o his_o word_n for_o every_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v a_o comfortable_a answer_n from_o he_o in_o prayer_n for_o encouragement_n therein_o and_o do_v so_o proceed_v in_o it_o because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o as_o every_o creature_n so_o every_o business_n we_o go_v about_o be_v true_o sanctify_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o a_o warrant_n for_o it_o and_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o it_o warrant_v here_o therefore_o in_o god_n word_n first_o we_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o doer_n that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v authorise_v at_o least_o allow_v by_o god_n to_o deal_v in_o it_o three_o a_o warrant_n must_v be_v have_v hence_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n that_o it_o be_v command_v or_o at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n the_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o insist_v on_o be_v the_o warrant_n for_o the_o caution_n condition_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o principal_a either_o a_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n or_o second_o a_o inferior_a warrant_n of_o a_o low_a degree_n derive_v from_o it_o the_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o either_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n or_o example_n by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o that_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_a each_o precise_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o bind_v law_n example_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o as_o the_o word_n commend_v they_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a extraordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o certain_a time_n place_n and_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n of_o mathias_n by_o lot_n act._n 1._o and_o these_o end_v where_o they_o begin_v and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v propound_v as_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n ordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v common_o practise_v as_o gather_v for_o the_o saint_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o that_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n so_o he_o ordain_v among_o they_o also_o etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o where_o there_o be_v like_o occasion_n second_o the_o warrant_n from_o a_o inferior_a or_o low_a degree_n warrant_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o principal_a these_o be_v young_a in_o year_n as_o not_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o some_o near_a age_n after_o and_o mean_a in_o authority_n as_o be_v ratify_v by_o man_n not_o so_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o these_o also_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n first_o precept_n and_o they_o be_v common_o call_v tradition_n or_o constitution_n i_o mean_v not_o tradition_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a church_n government_n and_o these_o may_v more_o safe_o be_v deal_v withal_o second_o example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v either_o general_o ratify_v by_o all_o or_o the_o most_o church_n or_o else_o but_o by_o some_o one_o or_o few_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a or_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a now_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n must_v have_v ground_n from_o one_o or_o both_o these_o warrant_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o must_v have_v warrant_n from_o the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a warrant_n therefore_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n look_v special_o into_o the_o principal_a warrant_n which_o be_v the_o word_n if_o so_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a precept_n for_o it_o then_o that_o must_v be_v do_v as_o the_o lord_n commandment_n without_o any_o further_o communicate_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o but_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v general_a as_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o such_o particular_n only_o as_o natural_o proceed_v from_o thence_o be_v inform_v by_o sound_a consequence_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o scripture_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o example_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o precept_n be_v of_o because_o those_o be_v absolute_o to_o be_v embrace_v yet_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o fashion_v ourselves_o unto_o always_o observe_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o time_n place_n person_n occasion_n and_o such_o other_o necessary_a circumstance_n for_o to_o apply_v that_o to_o one_o church_n in_o one_o state_n and_o at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v in_o another_o church_n in_o another_o state_n and_o at_o another_o time_n be_v absurd_a well_o then_o if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o principal_a warrant_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o god_n word_n then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o inferior_a warrant_n we_o must_v see_v what_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o writer_n that_o have_v speak_v of_o church-government_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o of_o these_o we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a if_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n by_o constitution_n or_o practice_n but_o in_o the_o late_a and_o corrupt_a time_n i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n now_o be_v may_v as_o well_o devise_v particular_n of_o their_o own_o as_o follow_v they_o yea_o and_o better_o so_o long_o as_o they_o measure_v their_o particular_n fit_o and_o wise_o by_o those_o in_o the_o word_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o precedent_n in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v safe_a enough_o to_o build_v on_o they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o misapplyed_n nor_o mistake_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v many_o constitution_n and_o example_n in_o those_o church_n and_o some_o differ_v from_o other_o take_v the_o best_a that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v near_a to_o the_o word_n and_o have_v best_a precedent_n of_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o such_o as_o that_o their_o condition_n &_o state_n may_v best_o agree_v with_o we_o this_o point_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n some_o have_v go_v too_o far_o in_o esteem_v too_o high_o of_o it_o some_o have_v come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o it_o first_o some_o esteem_n too_o high_o of_o these_o impious_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o word_n whereas_o there_o be_v two_o main_a difference_n first_o because_o those_o in_o the_o word_n be_v certain_o true_a we_o know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n second_o as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o so_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n first_o haply_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v at_o least_o in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o person_n for_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o thing_n not_o true_a or_o second_o yet_o they_o may_v err_v for_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n other_o come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a they_o esteem_v
yea_o all_o the_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v at_o league_n with_o we_o yea_o the_o devil_n be_v subdue_v to_o we_o and_o tread_v under_o our_o foot_n yea_o further_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n that_o scorn_v and_o hate_v we_o while_o they_o do_v live_v do_v now_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o estate_n be_v exceed_o happy_a and_o curse_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v so_o little_a grace_n in_o their_o life_n as_o not_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o society_n and_o practice_v our_o course_n yea_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v we_o it_o be_v make_v for_o our_o use_n and_o service_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o even_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n ordinary_a deal_n and_o proceed_n in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v our_o privilege_n whether_o he_o strike_v or_o spare_v give_v or_o take_v away_o rain_n or_o shine_v kill_v or_o give_v life_n bless_v or_o curse_v help_n or_o forsake_v whether_o it_o be_v man_n or_o a_o beast_n good_a or_o bad_a whole_a kingdom_n or_o private_a person_n church_n or_o commonwealth_n we_o have_v our_o privilege_n and_o our_o benefit_n in_o and_o by_o they_o they_o be_v all_o do_v with_o a_o special_a eye_n and_o intendment_n towards_o we_o and_o so_o they_o all_o work_n together_o for_o the_o best_a unto_o we_o as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8.28_o all_o god_n judgement_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n his_o blessing_n our_o comfort_n his_o warning_n our_o counselor_n his_o law_n our_o rule_n his_o deal_n our_o direction_n special_o those_o deal_n which_o god_n exercise_v towards_o ourselves_o be_v matter_n of_o special_a privilege_n to_o we_o when_o he_o bless_v we_o that_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o special_a privilege_n to_o we_o for_o we_o have_v they_o by_o promise_n we_o esteem_v and_o embrace_v they_o as_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n and_o we_o use_v they_o aright_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o giver_n for_o want_n of_o which_o privilege_n the_o very_a blessing_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v heavy_a curse_n again_o god_n chasten_v we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o privilege_n he_o chasten_v we_o in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v condemnedwith_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.32_o and_o to_o you_o be_v it_o give_v say_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o also_o for_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n for_o want_v of_o which_o privilege_n to_o the_o wicked_a all_o their_o present_a punishment_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o their_o torment_n in_o hell_n again_o god_n sometime_o take_v away_o his_o spirit_n from_o we_o for_o a_o while_n and_o then_o we_o mourn_v and_o grieve_v and_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o oftentimes_o we_o sin_v grievous_o and_o then_o our_o case_n be_v most_o fearful_a yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o privilege_n in_o christ_n these_o very_a desertion_n of_o he_o &_o sin_n of_o we_o work_n by_o contrary_n for_o when_o we_o come_v to_o ourselves_o again_o they_o work_v more_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o make_v we_o wise_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o work_v more_o conscience_n in_o we_o of_o our_o way_n &_o bring_v we_o great_a comfort_n afterward_o for_o war_n of_o which_o the_o wicked_a be_v leave_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v harden_v therein_o and_o perish_v for_o ever_o last_o he_o kill_v we_o and_o we_o die_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o privilege_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o death_n this_o very_a death_n of_o we_o be_v advantage_n to_o we_o for_o a_o better_a life_n whereas_o to_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o happiness_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o their_o misery_n four_o faithful_a we_o be_v also_o privilege_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o work_v god_n do_v for_o we_o what_o be_v these_o first_o he_o choose_v we_o to_o salvation_n whereas_o he_o leave_v other_o in_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n to_o perish_v just_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o secret_a privilege_n but_o yet_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v we_o therefore_o we_o have_v all_o these_o privilege_n when_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o be_v why_o god_n give_v we_o our_o be_v too_o but_o you_o will_v say_v god_n give_v the_o wicked_a a_o be_v yea_o but_o we_o have_v it_o for_o good_a and_o not_o for_o evil_a else_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o that_o we_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v then_o he_o redeem_v we_o and_o pay_v all_o our_o ransom_n and_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o we_o whereas_o he_o let_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n lie_v by_o it_o bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o sin_n till_o they_o have_v pay_v the_o last_o farthing_n then_o he_o call_v we_o and_o that_o effectual_o not_o only_o preach_v to_o we_o but_o open_v our_o eye_n ear_n and_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v and_o believe_v and_o so_o be_v save_v whereas_o he_o cast_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o that_o though_o they_o hear_v yet_o they_o may_v not_o understand_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o so_o be_v save_v then_o he_o justify_v we_o impute_v to_o we_o his_o obedience_n and_o cover_v we_o with_o his_o own_o righteousness_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v alone_o stand_v defile_v in_o their_o blood_n ugly_a and_o odious_a with_o all_o their_o sin_n on_o they_o before_o the_o face_n of_o god_n a_o angry_a judge_n to_o condemn_v they_o and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o utter_a darkness_n last_o he_o sanctify_v we_o he_o change_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o will_n &_o our_o affection_n and_o subdue_v our_o nature_n and_o bring_v it_o under_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o bless_a will_n renew_v we_o into_o his_o own_o glorious_a image_n whereas_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v his_o child_n and_o have_v his_o image_n on_o they_o but_o this_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o next_o head_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o near_o depend_v on_o each_o other_o that_o we_o can_v make_v no_o perfect_a and_o exact_a distinction_n but_o for_o doctrine_n sake_n they_o be_v to_o be_v sunder_v howsoever_o that_o we_o may_v know_v variety_n of_o our_o privilege_n five_o the_o grace_n god_n work_v in_o we_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o we_o as_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o all_o god_n promise_n repentance_n for_o our_o sin_n mortification_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o quicken_a of_o the_o new_a man_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o righteousness_n love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o his_o child_n zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n patience_n in_o affliction_n strength_n against_o temptation_n he_o work_v in_o we_o knowledge_n wisdom_n hope_v perseverance_n loathe_v of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o longing_n and_o haste_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o judgement_n and_o he_o work_v in_o we_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n to_o make_v a_o save_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o all_o occurrence_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o every_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o god_n work_n in_o we_o either_o indeed_o or_o at_o least_o in_o desire_n either_o more_o or_o less_o soon_o or_o late_a six_o the_o comfort_n god_n impart_v to_o we_o many_o excellent_a comfort_n he_o do_v privilege_n we_o in_o he_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n assurance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o pardon_n &_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n he_o give_v we_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n cheer_v we_o up_o in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n and_o temptation_n and_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o sure_o the_o end_n be_v good_a and_o the_o manner_n profitable_a and_o comfortable_a he_o give_v we_o also_o a_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a joy_n while_o we_o be_v she_o eternal_a life_n be_v already_o begin_v in_o we_o we_o ●eele_v sin_n daily_o die_v in_o we_o and_o grace_v prevail_a above_o nature_n and_o we_o feel_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o comfort_v direct_v and_o quicken_a we_o all_o these_o be_v real_a performance_n and_o sensible_a comfort_n actual_o enjoy_v beside_o the_o promise_n of_o great_a and_o better_a hereafter_o the_o consideration_n and_o expectation_n hereof_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n to_o we_o see_v we_o know_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v us._n seven_o the_o liberty_n that_o be_v attain_v
manage_v this_o fight_n with_o simple_a wisdom_n in_o holiness_n meekness_n compassion_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n ordinance_n &c_n &c_n as_o before_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v if_o we_o have_v fail_v in_o the_o least_o of_o these_o let_v we_o be_v touch_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o it_o as_o david_n be_v in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 24.26_o when_o he_o have_v but_o cut_v off_o the_o lap_n of_o saul_n garment_n though_o he_o have_v not_o take_v away_o his_o life_n yet_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o this_o and_o let_v we_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v labour_n to_o reform_v wherein-soev_a we_o have_v fail_v and_o look_v better_o to_o our_o step_n ever_o after_o but_o if_o we_o have_v take_v these_o course_n and_o observe_v these_o direction_n than_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o whatsoever_o the_o issue_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v overcome_v or_o not_o if_o we_o have_v overcome_v how_o bold_o may_v we_o go_v to_o god_n and_o give_v he_o thanks_n for_o his_o own_o victory_n and_o not_o for_o we_o because_o we_o have_v get_v it_o by_o his_o mean_n and_o course_n if_o they_o have_v overcome_v we_o yet_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n in_o our_o foil_n that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v through_o our_o mis-behaviour_n we_o have_v do_v as_o god_n will_v have_v we_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v good_a hope_n that_o though_o now_o we_o be_v overcome_v by_o our_o enemy_n yet_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v overcome_v they_o howsoever_o we_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o loose_v our_o crown_n because_o we_o have_v strive_v lawful_o for_o the_o crown_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o strive_v lawful_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o that_o overcome_v use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v well_o fit_v prepare_v and_o furnish_v for_o this_o fight_n every_o one_o of_o we_o have_v a_o fight_n to_o make_v against_o our_o adversary_n either_o inward_o or_o outward_o or_o both_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o to_o provide_v and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a readiness_n before_o hand_n reason_n teach_v we_o this_o for_o when_o once_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v enemy_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o invade_v the_o land_n we_o do_v present_o then_o get_v we_o more_o munition_n and_o weapon_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o furniture_n needful_a for_o our_o defence_n let_v grace_n then_o teach_v we_o and_o quicken_v we_o up_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a for_o the_o lord_n battle_n as_o we_o be_v for_o own_o our_o enemy_n be_v always_o assault_v we_o let_v we_o therefore_o get_v faith_n &_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n compassion_n meekness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a armour_n that_o we_o may_v defend_v ourselves_o and_o hold_v our_o own_o and_o stand_v fast_o and_o safe_a against_o all_o their_o assault_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thus_o fit_v and_o provide_v first_o we_o must_v be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o god_n word_n for_o there_o the_o lord_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o fight_v and_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o all_o manner_n of_o weapon_n and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o use_v they_o and_o charge_v we_o to_o resist_v our_o enemy_n and_o encourage_v we_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o help_n and_o comfort_v we_o with_o the_o assurance_n of_o victory_n this_o be_v our_o chief_a help_n against_o our_o enemy_n second_o we_o must_v mark_v well_o the_o course_n of_o our_o enemy_n their_o power_n malice_n subtlety_n and_o diligence_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v quicken_v to_o a_o more_o careful_a and_o through_o resistance_n three_o we_o must_v observe_v our_o own_o former_a experience_n we_o must_v consider_v where_o we_o have_v be_v foil_v before_o time_n and_o there_o to_o look_v better_o to_o it_o and_o to_o prevent_v it_o another_o time_n and_o also_o consider_v where_o thou_o have_v put_v the_o enemy_n to_o the_o worst_a and_o be_v careful_a to_o use_v the_o same_o mean_n still_o four_o observe_v also_o the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o like_a case_n especial_o of_o the_o old_a beat_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o abraham_n job_n david_n paul_n and_o the_o like_a let_v we_o observe_v their_o oversight_n and_o their_o fail_n and_o shun_v they_o also_o observe_v their_o religious_a practice_n and_o course_n and_o follow_v they_o not_o doubt_v but_o god_n will_v bless_v they_o to_o thou_o as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o principal_o let_v we_o observe_v our_o captain_n jesus_n christ_n and_o follow_v his_o example_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v last_o let_v we_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n from_o who_o every_o good_a thing_n come_v that_o as_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o his_o soldier_n so_o he_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o help_n fit_v thereunto_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o this_o four_o point_n namely_o how_o the_o church_n behave_v and_o carry_v herself_o against_o her_o adversary_n the_o five_o and_o last_o point_n concern_v the_o adversary_n and_o opposite_n of_o the_o church_n be_v adversary_n how_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n carry_v himself_o both_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o towards_o her_o adversary_n for_o the_o lord_n see_v and_o behold_v all_o on_o both_o side_n yea_o and_o he_o work_v on_o both_o side_n too_o though_o in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n he_o be_v for_o and_o with_o the_o church_n in_o mercy_n to_o deliver_v they_o and_o he_o be_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o judgement_n to_o confound_v and_o overthrow_v they_o then_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n that_o in_o all_o the_o battle_n that_o be_v manage_v betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o her_o adversary_n for_o god_n truth_n the_o lord_n so_o carry_v himself_o on_o both_o side_n and_o to_o both_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o for_o and_o with_o the_o church_n to_o help_v and_o deliver_v they_o and_o altogether_o against_o their_o enemy_n to_o confound_v and_o destroy_v they_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n psal_n 34.15_o 16._o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n but_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a to_o cut_v off_o their_o remembrance_n from_o the_o earth_n so_o in_o esa_n 66.5_o the_o prophet_n say_v hear_v you_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o you_o that_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n your_o brethren_n that_o cast_v you_o out_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n say_v let_v the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v but_o you_o shall_v appear_v to_o your_o joy_n atnd_v they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o phil._n 1.28_o in_o nothing_o fear_v your_o enemy_n which_o to_o they_o be_v a_o token_n of_o perdition_n and_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n thus_o god_n be_v with_o the_o israelite_n to_o save_v they_o and_o with_o the_o egyptian_n to_o drown_v they_o in_o the_o red_a sea_n let_v we_o see_v this_o point_n prove_v a_o little_a more_o plain_o in_o particular_n god_n be_v with_o and_o for_o the_o faithful_a in_o many_o respect_n respect_n first_o as_o a_o party_n in_o the_o cause_n fight_v with_o they_o and_o for_o they_o reu._n 3.7_o michael_n and_o his_o angel_n fight_v etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o god_n be_v with_o his_o church_n either_o inward_o or_o outward_o inward_o teach_v they_o to_o fight_v psal_n 144.1_o and_o strengthen_v they_o and_o comfort_v they_o luk._n 22.43_o and_o defend_v they_o psal_n 118.13_o and_o give_v a_o blessing_n and_o good_a success_n to_o they_o or_o outward_o as_o supply_v they_o with_o mean_n and_o raise_v up_o friend_n and_o captain_n and_o such_o outward_a help_n thus_o he_o raise_v up_o joshua_n and_o other_o to_o deliver_v his_o church_n and_o so_o by_o minister_a to_o the_o faithful_a many_o gracious_a opportunity_n either_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o or_o to_o overthrow_v their_o enemy_n second_o god_n be_v with_o his_o church_n as_o a_o deliverer_n to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n so_o david_n acknowledge_v psal_n 70.5_o that_o god_n be_v his_o helper_n and_o deliverer_n and_o zach._n 2.8_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o wall_n of_o fire_n about_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o the_o 9_o chapter_n and_o the_o 8._o vers_fw-la the_o lord_n say_v that_o he_o will_v camp_n about_o his_o house_n and_o no_o oppressor_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o three_o he_o be_v with_o his_o church_n as_o a_o rewarder_n to_o crown_v they_o after_o the_o fight_n reu._n 2.10_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n 2_o tim._n 48._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n say_v he_o apostle_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n from_o hence_o forth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o rhteousnesse_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a
own_o free_a gift_n matth._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o performance_n of_o more_o power_n be_v from_o he_o as_o derive_v from_o his_o own_o patent_n matth._n 28.18.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n joh._n 20_o 21.22_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o even_o send_v i_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o a_o more_o full_a increase_n of_o this_o power_n be_v from_o god_n too_o luke_n 24.49_o behold_v i_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o my_o father_n upon_o you_o but_o tarry_v you_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n until_o you_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o act_n 1.8_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o the_o power_n which_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v withal_o be_v not_o humane_a but_o divine_a confer_v god_n himself_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o all_o power_n be_v from_o reas_n 1_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o and_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o from_o above_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v pilate_n he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o above_o if_o all_o power_n even_o the_o power_n which_o the_o wicked_a have_v be_v from_o god_n much_o more_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o church_n have_v from_o god_n too_o and_o that_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n so_o much_o the_o more_o immediate_o as_o the_o church_n be_v more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n than_o any_o other_o state_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o much_o the_o more_o right_o as_o christ_n be_v more_o right_o a_o spiritual_a king_n than_o a_o temporal_a as_o joh._n 18._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n &c_n &c_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o proper_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n more_o proper_o then_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o effectual_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v more_o magnify_v himself_o in_o church_n cause_n then_o in_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n this_o teach_v first_o that_o if_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n use_v 1_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v the_o more_o and_o great_a assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o against_o all_o opposition_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n as_o gamaliel_n say_v act_v 5.38.39_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v destroy_v it_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n so_o direct_o it_o must_v needs_o stand_v most_o firm_o above_o all_o other_o power_n whatsoever_o second_o it_o teach_v the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o use_n 2_o more_o wary_a and_o careful_a in_o execute_v this_o power_n that_o they_o abuse_v not_o god_n own_o power_n to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o lust_n but_o that_o they_o use_v it_o to_o that_o end_n god_n have_v appoint_v it_o that_o be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n good_a three_o see_v this_o power_n be_v so_o direct_o from_o god_n than_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o more_o dutiful_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o of_o they_o that_o live_v under_o it_o else_o if_o we_o despise_v it_o we_o despise_v not_o man_n but_o god_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o etc._n etc._n but_o you_o will_v say_v quest_n be_v then_o the_o church_n to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n must_v all_o her_o say_n be_v believe_v all_o her_o law_n obey_v and_o all_o her_o proceed_n yield_v to_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n own_o proceed_n and_o so_o bind_v the_o conscience_n i_o answer_v answ_n no_o for_o sometime_o she_o say_v false_a thing_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o evil_a and_o therein_o we_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o her_o authority_n as_o that_o be_v usurp_v and_o not_o from_o god_n and_o as_o she_o therein_o betray_v some_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n and_o not_o exercise_v this_o divine_a power_n false_a but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v when_o she_o speak_v true_a or_o false_a when_o she_o do_v right_a or_o wrong_n i_o answer_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v both_o she_o and_o we_o the_o word_n to_o rule_v and_o measure_n thing_n by_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o she_o must_v go_v by_o in_o her_o proceed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v measure_v her_o proceed_n by_o but_o sometime_o the_o church_n enjoin_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a neither_o simple_o good_a nor_o bad_a neither_o simple_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v yield_v to_o for_o order_v sake_n as_o she_o have_v therein_o a_o general_a power_n from_o god_n but_o yet_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o they_o because_o the_o particular_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v from_o themselves_o &_o out_o of_o their_o own_o lawful_a liberty_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o some_o not_o only_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n but_o among_o we_o too_o stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n constitution_n in_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o be_v account_v as_o the_o constitution_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o you_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o order_n sake_n &_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o general_a power_n she_o have_v from_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n spiritual_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o often_o call_v a_o sword_n to_o smite_v or_o a_o sceptre_n to_o sway_v as_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v and_o what_o do_v it_o open_a and_o shut_v even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a power_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v to_o do_v about_o our_o body_n good_n and_o outward_a state_n the_o church_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o inward_a man_n temporal_a power_n and_o authority_n serve_v to_o maintain_v a_o temporal_a life_n begin_v and_o end_v here_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n maintain_v a_o spiritual_a life_n begin_v here_o but_o perfect_v and_o finish_v hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v temporal_a power_n rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n spiritual_a power_n rule_v only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n temporal_a power_n fight_v and_o defend_v itself_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n and_o worldly_a policy_n spiritual_a power_n renounce_v these_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n mat._n 26.52_o put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o his_o place_n for_o all_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n christ_n will_v not_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o sword_n spiritual_a power_n betake_v itself_o to_o better_a weapon_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a weapon_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a mighty_a through_o god_n &c_n &c_n they_o be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a and_o that_o not_o of_o themselves_o nor_o through_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o use_v they_o but_o through_o god_n and_o what_o be_v these_o weapon_n they_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n faith_n repentance_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o sometime_o both_o these_o power_n do_v concur_v together_o in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a and_o sure_o than_o god_n work_n go_v happy_o forward_a and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n both_o for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o if_o we_o have_v grace_n so_o to_o use_v it_o but_o though_o they_o do_v sometime_o concur_v yet_o they_o be_v never_o confound_v though_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v they_o must_v each_o of_o they_o keep_v in_o it_o be_v own_o rank_n and_o manage_v their_o several_a charge_n by_o several_a administration_n the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o usurp_v on_o the_o temporal_a power_n for_o that_o be_v flat_o forbid_v matth._n 20.15_o 16._o the_o gentile_n reign_v over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n nor_o be_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o usurp_v the_o
in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o if_o man_n be_v never_o before_o baptize_v then_o though_o they_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v baptism_n but_o whether_o have_v the_o church_n power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v member_n no_o sure_o compel_v faith_n can_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o yet_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n he_o by_o his_o authority_n may_v and_o must_v compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n else_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o of_o our_o subjection_n so_o do_v josiah_n cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 34.32_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v power_n to_o repel_v and_o keep_v out_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v plain_a act_v 8.36.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n say_v the_o eunuch_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v etc._n etc._n as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o faith_n be_v want_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v to_o keep_v from_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v child_n do_v then_o i_o answer_v they_o if_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v pre-supposed_n to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o gen._n 17.7_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o there_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o act_n 3.29_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a husband_n etc._n etc._n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a and_o therefore_o where_o child_n be_v tender_v by_o faithful_a parent_n to_o the_o church_n they_o must_v admit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v power_n and_o that_o be_v to_o baptism_n mark_v 10.13.14_o as_o it_o be_v with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o that_o be_v male_n be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o person_n that_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o either_o to_o admit_v or_o repel_v they_o second_o out_o they_o have_v power_n over_o person_n as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o and_o that_o either_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o as_o in_o reu._n 3.11_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o angel_n crown_n but_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v the_o thesalonian_o his_v crown_n and_o how_o must_v he_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o by_o confirm_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o bear_v with_o their_o weakness_n admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n lose_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n so_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o bind_v they_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a each_o way_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o some_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n so_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wonderful_a powerful_a john_n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o we_o see_v how_o the_o church_n do_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a man_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o how_o they_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o displace_v the_o next_o point_n be_v the_o power_n that_o the_o church_n have_v over_o member_n as_o officer_n and_o herein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v to_o place_n or_o displace_v to_o choose_v and_o place_n act_v 6.5_o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n to_o refuse_v and_o displace_v as_o in_o act_n 8.21_o peter_n refuse_v simon_n magus_n when_o he_o will_v have_v buy_v gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o money_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.11_o refuse_v young_a widow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 2.27_o to_o the_o 35._o we_o may_v read_v how_o solomon_n displace_v and_o cast_v out_o abiather_n from_o the_o priest_n office_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o before_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n scripture_n the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n some_o be_v matter_n of_o substance_n some_o of_o circumstance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o stubstance_n be_v either_o touch_v the_o scripture_n it_o sefe_n or_o in_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v either_o touch_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o first_o of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o much_o disparage_v not_o only_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v within_o and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v most_o ligh_o esteem_v it_o some_o of_o of_o her_o champion_n as_o they_o pretend_v challenge_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a yea_o indeed_o a_o superior_a authority_n to_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n spripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o point_n to_o be_v discuse_v here_o be_v whether_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v some_o authority_n concern_v scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o but_o that_o it_o have_v authority_n equal_a with_o or_o above_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v i_o will_v draw_v this_o point_n into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n which_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o above_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a and_o high_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n first_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o of_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o place_n that_o prove_v one_o prove_v both_o joh._n 4.39_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n have_v have_v conference_n with_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n she_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 39_o verse_n that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 41._o verse_n that_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o christ_n own_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o woman_n what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n she_o believe_v in_o christ_n herself_o propound_v he_o unto_o other_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n well_o the_o people_n believe_v for_o her_o say_n but_o do_v they_o rest_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o their_o faith_n no_o for_o verse_n 41._o many_o more_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o word_n and_o verse_n 42._o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v a_o great_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o their_o faith_n disclaim_v the_o former_a as_o insufficient_a now_o say_v they_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o christ_n voice_n to_o
be_v believe_v beside_o the_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o reas_n 6_o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v answerable_a to_o this_o both_o of_o teacher_n and_o learner_n the_o teacher_n they_o have_v refer_v the_o people_n still_o for_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o light_a in_o they_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n say_v peter_n to_o cornelius_n refer_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o learner_n act_n 17.11_o 12._o the_o man_n of_o berea_n seach_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o paul_n be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v special_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n more_o than_o ever_o any_o church_n be_v since_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o this_o and_o not_o account_v curious_a so_o that_o the_o teacher_n and_o the_o learner_n have_v still_o refer_v themselves_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v so_o the_o scripture_n be_v usual_o refer_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o scripture_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o therefore_o one_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o another_o how_o then_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n yes_o it_o prove_v the_o first_o ponit_fw-la of_o the_o observation_n plain_o that_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o above_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o main_a controversy_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v it_o prove_v it_o as_o sufficient_o though_o not_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n so_o plain_o for_o still_o in_o every_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v one_o high_a which_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v settle_v upon_o else_o there_o will_v be_v no_o stay_n at_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v run_v on_o infinite_o and_o without_o end_n now_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o church_n be_v the_o high_a thing_n in_o this_o kind_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v for_o they_o cnanot_v be_v equal_a then_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v high_a and_o if_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v to_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v none_o great_a nor_o high_a as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6.13_o to_o 16._o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o themselves_o but_o god_n swear_v by_o himself_o because_o there_o be_v none_o great_a to_o swear_v by_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o trial_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a than_o the_o church_n but_o scripture_n be_v refer_v to_o scripture_n because_o there_o be_v none_o high_a to_o be_v refer_v to_o nor_o there_o can_v be_v two_o highest_n in_o one_o kind_n for_o that_o be_v against_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o say_n of_o the_o church_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o approbation_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o refer_v of_o they_o to_o a_o high_a and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o refutation_n use_v 1_o against_o the_o papist_n that_o usual_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o set_v they_o down_o too_o low_a and_o dote_v on_o the_o church_n advance_v it_o too_o high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o interpretation_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o peter_n 1.20_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n etc._n etc._n where_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v name_v and_o all_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n exclude_v now_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o private_a interpretation_n it_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o opposition_n vers_fw-la 21._o but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o every_o interpretation_n be_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v as_o ptivate_v that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o see_v it_o fall_v in_o right_a with_o the_o observation_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n second_o the_o example_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v plain_a for_o this_o nehem_n 8.7.8_o the_o text_n say_v they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o do_v give_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o but_o they_o give_v that_o sense_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o therein_o intend_v and_o so_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o act._n 8.34_o 35._o the_o eunuch_n read_v that_o place_n esa_fw-la 53._o he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n etc._n etc._n he_o ask_v philip_n whether_o the_o prophet_n speak_v this_o of_o himself_o or_o of_o some_o other_o acknowledge_v thereby_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n himself_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n that_o he_o must_v go_v by_o in_o expound_v the_o prophet_n and_o act._n 17.11_o the_o berean_n take_v not_o the_o apostle_n word_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n luke_n 24.27_o he_o expound_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o they_o that_o be_v he_o do_v plain_o deliver_v their_o meaning_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a office_n of_o a_o interpreter_n as_o when_o two_o speak_v together_o be_v of_o a_o strange_a language_n the_o interpreter_n be_v to_o tell_v what_o each_o of_o they_o mean_v and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a office_n that_o the_o church_n have_v concern_v scripture_n to_o interpret_v they_o she_o be_v then_o to_o give_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o this_o be_v true_a preach_n and_o this_o do_v our_o saviour_n luke_n 4.17.21_o he_o open_v the_o book_n and_o read_v in_o it_o and_o then_o expound_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o what_o the_o church_n do_v according_a to_o her_o own_o will_n not_o follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v it_o as_o natural_a man_n for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v spiritual_a so_o far_o they_o follow_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o deny_v themselves_o now_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o and_o when_o peter_n confess_v aright_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v not_o reveal_v this_o unto_o he_o matth._n 16.17_o and_o therefore_o if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v not_o consult_v with_o themselves_o but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v every_o man_n to_o interpret_v his_o own_o word_n accord_v to_o his_o own_o meaning_n special_o he_o that_o make_v law_n be_v to_o expound_v they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n god_n own_o word_n and_o be_v not_o he_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n therein_o contain_v and_o shall_v we_o scantle_v god_n of_o that_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v due_a to_o every_o man_n in_o the_o like_a kind_n shall_v every_o man_n expound_v his_o own_o word_n and_o interpret_v the_o law_n he_o make_v according_a to_o his_o own_o meaning_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n do_v so_o much_o more_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n reason_n for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o pet._n 1.20_o 21._o where_o he_o say_v that_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v interpret_v after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o it_o may_v as_o just_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o prophet_n because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n therefore_o god_n be_v to_o expound_v they_o reas_n 3_o three_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o outward_a and_o carnal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o god_n therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v proceed_v and_o deal_v in_o after_o his_o will_n and_o not_o our_o own_o the_o judgement_n that_o man_n give_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n as_o jehosaphat_n say_v to_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19.6_o 7._o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o civil_a thing_n that_o the_o judge_n must_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v because_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n much_o more_o in_o religious_a judgement_n as_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o the_o life_n of_o natural_a reason_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a in_o the_o other_o than_o these_o yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o quote_v they_o both_o together_o in_o this_o case_n limit_v both_o alike_o deut._n 17.8_o to_o the_o 11._o if_o a_o controversy_n arise_v they_o must_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n and_o unto_o the_o judge_n and_o what_o they_o inform_v according_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o must_v do_v reas_n 4_o four_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o wife_n must_v be_v advise_v by_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o run_v on_o she_o own_o head_n so_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o shepherd_n voice_n and_o not_o to_o go_v before_o it_o frame_v it_o to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o further_o but_o as_o follow_v god_n word_n john_n 14.26_o reas_n 5_o five_o the_o church_n have_v err_v and_o that_o most_o dangerous_o in_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v when_o they_o neglect_v to_o observe_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o her_o own_o woeful_a experience_n may_v teach_v she_o this_o wisdom_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a by_o this_o mean_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v and_o be_v occasional_o the_o author_n of_o all_o heresy_n for_o whence_o have_v they_o spring_v but_o from_o hence_o that_o man_n have_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o misinterpret_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n yea_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o church_n that_o particular_a man_n have_v do_v this_o yes_o for_o if_o they_o may_v do_v it_o why_o not_o the_o other_o and_o these_o very_a heretic_n be_v of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o do_v thus_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n reas_n 7_o seventhly_a by_o this_o mean_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a or_o at_o least_o diverse_a from_o herself_o two_o several_a church_n expound_v the_o same_o scripture_n two_o contrary_a way_n yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n expound_v the_o same_o scripture_n now_o one_o way_n and_o now_o another_o way_n reas_n 8_o eight_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o handle_v the_o word_n deceitful_o make_v merchandise_n of_o it_o turn_v it_o to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n affection_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o and_o 4.2_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o god_n minister_n do_v otherwise_o they_o make_v god_n meaning_n plain_a in_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o misapply_v scripture_n wrest_v it_o to_o error_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o so_o they_o allege_v it_o quite_o against_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n as_o satan_n do_v math._n 4_o 6._o last_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o
a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o grant_v that_o they_o come_v very_o near_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n almost_o to_o the_o very_a ground_n mercy_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n which_o error_n if_o they_o will_v reclaim_v few_o or_o none_o of_o we_o will_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o this_o overthrow_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v because_o if_o man_n merit_n justify_v than_o christ_n merit_n alone_o do_v not_o justify_v we_o but_o direct_o they_o do_v not_o for_o still_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o only_a saviour_n and_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n merit_n that_o make_v they_o merit_v they_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a in_o this_o point_n as_o they_o be_v yet_o still_o they_o be_v gross_a enough_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n by_o consequence_n yet_o still_o by_o consequence_n only_o not_o direct_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o may_v be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v it_o not_o as_o dangerous_a against_o a_o man_n salvation_n to_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n as_o to_o deny_v he_o direct_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n as_o at_o the_o foredoor_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n yet_o i_o say_v he_o that_o do_v this_o deserve_v in_o god_n justice_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o christ_n mercy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o especial_o if_o he_o see_v the_o consequent_a but_o if_o he_o see_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o so_o foul_a a_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v christ_n direct_o he_o that_o direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n whether_o he_o see_v it_o or_o not_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v it_o by_o consequence_n and_o see_v it_o not_o but_o yet_o do_v firm_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o he_o know_v and_o be_v willing_a in_o reverence_n and_o humility_n to_o learn_v more_o and_o to_o obey_v better_a and_o do_v daily_o repent_v and_o beg_v mercy_n of_o god_n for_o his_o fail_n the_o lord_n do_v ordinary_o either_o enlighten_v such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o bring_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o else_o do_v forgive_v he_o his_o ignorances_n and_o so_o save_v he_o so_o that_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n direct_o be_v in_o certain_a state_n of_o damnation_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v christ_n by_o consequence_n if_o he_o confess_v his_o ignorances_n and_o weakness_n to_o god_n and_o crave_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o labour_n for_o more_o knowledge_n may_v be_v save_v though_o they_o have_v not_o this_o particular_a repentance_n for_o that_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a simple_a soul_n that_o heretofore_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n of_o any_o bowel_n of_o charity_n can_v suspect_v so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o reas_n 2_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n israel_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o state_n compare_v she_o to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o exod._n 32.6_o there_o they_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o calf_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o and_o in_o numb_a 25.3_o 9_o compare_v with_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.8_o we_o see_v that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o baalpeor_n and_o commit_v fornication_n with_o the_o moabite_n thus_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n still_o look_v further_o into_o the_o time_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n and_o make_v all_o israel_n to_o sin_n so_o that_o god_n threaten_v to_o give_v they_o up_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la 1_o king_n 14.16_o and_o so_o in_o ahab_n time_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 16.30_o ahab_n the_o son_n of_o omri_n do_v worse_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o so_o a_o time_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o passove_a in_o israel_n for_o many_o year_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n still_o so_o likewise_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o a_o true_a church_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n retain_v some_o notable_a truth_n be_v still_o to_o be_v hear_v matth._n 23.3_o and_o yet_o their_o leven_n to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o matthew_n 16.6_o so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v many_o corrruption_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n galatia_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n retain_v circumcision_n whereby_o all_o profit_n and_o benefit_n by_o christ_n be_v utter_o m_o the_o void_a that_o be_v by_o consequence_n the_o apostle_n say_v galat._n 5.2_o that_o if_o we_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o work_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n by_o consequence_n they_o do_v both_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n that_o have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a revel_v 3.1_o be_v yet_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o all_o these_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v thus_o corrupe_v why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o have_v many_o other_o foul_a corruption_n sardis_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n repute_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 3_o church_n the_o three_o reasen_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o many_o even_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o luther_n calvin_n zanchey_n morney_n and_o other_o that_o be_v most_o fiery_a and_o fierce_a against_o the_o romish_a church_n hate_v their_o abomination_n with_o as_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n as_o any_o and_o yet_o they_o confess_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o a_o corrupt_a church_n though_o a_o die_a church_n though_o her_o life_n hang_v but_o by_o a_o thread_n this_o they_o have_v confess_v of_o she_o i_o allege_v this_o not_o so_o much_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v but_o rather_o as_o a_o qualification_n to_o mitigate_v the_o odiousness_n of_o this_o speech_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o many_o which_o do_v great_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o these_o father_n and_o yet_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v afford_v to_o rome_n reas_n 4_o last_o their_o baptism_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o trueness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o christ_n sacrament_n by_o they_o administer_v do_v necessary_o infer_v each_o other_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o true_a sacrament_n right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o baptism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v right_o administer_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o error_n of_o rebaptisation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o very_a like_o point_n in_o those_o thing_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o than_o this_o teach_v we_o answ_n that_o those_o be_v lawful_o baptize_v that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o baptism_n we_o receive_v from_o they_o be_v lawful_a baptism_n but_o some_o except_a and_o say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v baptize_v into_o their_o faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o sound_v in_o that_o that_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v general_o corrupt_a but_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o into_o their_o faith_n answ_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o their_o intent_n be_v so_o as_o be_v persuade_v their_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o second_o i_o answer_v the_o minister_n intent_n make_v not_o the_o sacrament_n answerable_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v god_n work_n and_o he_o make_v it_o to_o a_o faithful_a receiver_n effectual_a to_o the_o use_n 2_o right_a use_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v it_o unto_o ordination_n second_o it_o justify_v our_o ministry_n against_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o papist_n
this_o those_o new_a convert_v act._n 2.40.47_o gather_v themselves_o together_o &_o separate_v from_o that_o froward_a generation_n they_o be_v mingle_v withal_o and_o paul_n act._n 18_o 8_o 9_o when_o some_o be_v harden_v and_o disobey_v speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n before_o the_o multitude_n he_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o separate_v the_o disciple_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n be_v this_o reas_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o manifest_a opposition_n betwixt_o god_n religion_n and_o they_o in_o many_o fundamental_a point_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o 2_o cor._n 6.15.16_o 17._o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n or_o what_o part_n have_v the_o believer_n with_o the_o infidel_n or_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o separate_v yourselves_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o both_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o observation_n together_o together_o and_o the_o first_o use_n may_v be_v a_o preseruative_n to_o we_o against_o all_o the_o infection_n and_o enchantment_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o all_o her_o follower_n and_o well_o wille●s_v they_o will_v pretend_v religion_n and_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o sound_a and_o the_o only_a catholic_a church_n and_o they_o will_v pretend_v holiness_n and_o mortification_n and_o what_o not_o but_o they_o be_v but_o pharisaical_a show_n paint_a sepulchre_n without_o but_o what_o be_v within_o full_a of_o dead_a man_n bone_n a_o world_n of_o rottenness_n and_o corruption_n in_o reu._n 17.4_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n be_v array_v in_o purple_a and_o a_o cup_n of_o gold_n be_v in_o her_o hand_n which_o be_v most_o pure_a &_o precious_a but_o let_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n enter_v into_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o her_o state_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o within_o it_o be_v full_a of_o abomination_n and_o filthiness_n and_o now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o she_o be_v let_v we_o defy_v the_o papacy_n and_o hate_v all_o her_o corruption_n with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n and_o be_v kindle_v in_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n against_o they_o all_o and_o so_o long_o as_o we_o breath_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o we_o let_v we_o never_o cease_v to_o oppose_v against_o 〈…〉_z word_n and_o in●●eed_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o 〈…〉_z and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o we_o wish_v well_o to_o zion_n let_v we_o labour_v by_o all_o good_a mean_n the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o this_o filthy_a babylon_n there_o be_v no_o reconciliation_n to_o be_v dream_v of_o betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o us._n cassander_n and_o other_o of_o good_a note_n have_v attempt_v it_o in_o commiseration_n of_o the_o rent_n and_o disunion_n that_o be_v in_o christendom_n and_o that_o we_o may_v all_o join_v together_o against_o the_o pagan_a but_o all_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v discuss_v much_o on_o either_o side_n they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o we_o we_o must_v not_o yield_v to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o halt_n betwixt_o these_o two_o religion_n they_o if_o god_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o ark_n that_o be_v god_n holy_a religion_n and_o pure_a worship_n do_v stand_v then_o dagon_n that_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o popery_n must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n use_v 2_o second_o this_o serve_v to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o justify_v we_o have_v neither_o offend_a god_n nor_o wrong_v ourselves_o nor_o they_o in_o it_o we_o have_v do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o what_o god_n have_v command_v the_o faithful_a practise_v and_o their_o own_o tyrannous_a proceed_n against_o we_o have_v force_v we_o unto_o except_o we_o will_v perish_v with_o they_o they_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n but_o indeed_o the_o schism_n be_v not_o we_o it_o be_v schism_n in_o they_o to_o erect_v faction_n against_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o sway_v all_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o former_a time_n rome_n and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o separate_z from_o such_o schismatics_n as_o they_o be_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n before_o when_o we_o be_v among_o they_o and_o we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n still_o then_o we_o be_v of_o a_o more_o impure_a church_n now_o of_o a_o sound_a we_o stedde_v from_o they_o as_o man_n do_v from_o the_o city_n for_o fear_n of_o infection_n beside_o since_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n there_o be_v much_o less_o colour_n of_o schism_n in_o we_o they_o then_o abandon_v we_o unjust_o we_o may_v just_o forsake_v they_o 1_o cor._n 7.15_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n depart_v let_v he_o depart_v but_o some_o will_v except_v thus_o do_v elias_n or_o elisha_n so_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v avouch_v by_o some_o 1_o they_o do_v second_o but_o then_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o they_o be_v then_o tie_v to_o one_o place_n of_o worship_n we_o be_v not_o so_o second_o some_o will_v except_v and_o say_v answ_n but_o you_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o be_v baptize_v at_o their_o hand_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o be_v before_o we_o know_v thorough_o their_o corruption_n if_o our_o parent_n know_v they_o and_o yet_o bring_v we_o to_o their_o baptism_n whatsoever_o sin_n be_v in_o that_o be_v they_o not_o we_o and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o thereby_o make_v to_o we_o ineffectual_a second_o we_o deny_v not_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o good_a thing_n as_o in_o baptism_n which_o be_v for_o substance_n sound_v among_o they_o three_o it_o teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o use_v 3_o have_v so_o discover_v and_o plain_o reveal_v they_o antichrist_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o so_o have_v in_o a_o mystery_n be_v carry_v a_o long_a time_n yea_o and_o to_o many_o thousand_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o this_o day_n but_o unto_o we_o bless_a be_v god_n it_o be_v open_v and_o display_v that_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v who_o be_v that_o antichrist_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o be_v also_o deliver_v from_o they_o even_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o egypt_n the_o cruelty_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o those_o romish_a task_n master_n and_o from_o the_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n that_o our_o body_n and_o conscience_n we●e_v detain_v in_o the_o lord_n offer_v most_o gracious_a mean_n luther_n king_n henry_n etc._n etc._n four_o rome_n this_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v use_n 4_o of_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n be_v we_o to_o judge_v they_o no_o let_v the_o lord_n do_v that_o yet_o for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o point_n i_o answer_v either_o they_o be_v such_o as_o hold_v correspondency_n with_o the_o state_n and_o then_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fearful_a and_o damnable_a case_n or_o else_o though_o they_o be_v there_o live_v among_o they_o they_o privy_o hate_v and_o shun_v their_o corruption_n and_o these_o like_o nicodemus_n sin_n of_o fearfulness_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o know_v their_o corruption_n at_o all_o and_o these_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n which_o if_o it_o be_v affect_v be_v a_o gross_a sin_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v profess_v public_o dislike_v of_o their_o chief_a abomination_n at_o the_o least_o and_o these_o be_v in_o the_o best_a case_n and_o through_o god_n mercy_n the_o 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o hopeful_a state_n five_o and_o last_o it_o teache●_n we_o wise_o to_o dinstinguish_v of_o that_o whole_a body_n and_o to_o give_v the_o several_a part_n their_o right_n we_o have_v many_o bitter_a invective_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v apostate_n antichrist_n babylon_n &c_n &c_n which_o be_v direct_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o papacy_n again_o we_o say_v they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n our_o sister_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v direct_o of_o the_o believer_n among_o they_o though_o because_o they_o be_v mingle_v together_o each_o receive_v the_o other_o title_n our_o acknowledge_v that_o she_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v no_o cause_n of_o boast_v to_o they_o or_o of_o fear_n in_o we_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v enamour_v with_o her_o beauty_n for_o look_v on_o her_o deformity_n and_o they_o be_v most_o ugly_a and_o our_o accusation_n that_o she_o be_v antichrist_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o prejudice_n the_o faithful_a among_o they_o as_o if_o we_o do_v condemn_v every_o particular_a no_o she_o have_v some_o precious_a member_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n she_o be_v charitable_o to_o be_v censure_v of_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n we_o prevent_v both_o these_o woe_n by_o this_o distinction_n the_o
eight_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v make_v our_o division_n of_o church_n into_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o our_o discourse_n concern_v the_o eastern_a and_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o discourse_n concern_v the_o western_a and_o these_o we_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o some_o that_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o her_o accomplice_n second_o some_o that_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o she_o at_o least_o in_o her_o abuse_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o former_a we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o what_o be_v say_v against_o she_o be_v say_v against_o they_o as_o be_v the_o mother_n so_o be_v her_o daughter_n now_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n churchche_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n for_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v sometime_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n do_v degenerate_a and_o stain_v herself_o with_o sundry_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o please_v god_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly_a and_o learned_a divine_n among_o they_o that_o they_o see_v and_o discern_v these_o corruption_n and_o withal_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o oppose_v open_o against_o they_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o write_v now_o those_o congregation_n that_o by_o these_o man_n labour_n be_v call_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o embrace_v a_o pure_a profession_n do_v thereby_o gain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o reform_a church_n as_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o deform_a church_n still_o wallow_v in_o her_o own_o corruption_n but_o themselves_o have_v recover_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o ancient_a beauty_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o ancient_a time_n and_o sound_a church_n reformation_n now_o to_o make_v the_o way_n plain_a before_o we_o we_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o reformation_n second_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o first_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o reformation_n they_o be_v weighty_a and_o necessary_a many_o notorious_a error_n and_o gross_a abomination_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n as_o before_o we_o have_v show_v possess_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o church_n yea_o the_o head_n and_o all_o such_o as_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v oft_o complain_v of_o and_o the_o godly_a have_v groan_v sore_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o for_o many_o year_n and_o can_v bear_v they_o no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o have_v weighty_a cause_n for_o this_o reformation_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o it_o thing_n be_v approovable_a and_o good_a they_o do_v nothing_o herein_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o business_n but_o that_o which_o may_v well_o beseem_v god_n people_n and_o whereof_o they_o have_v many_o commendable_a precedent_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n in_o like_a case_n for_o first_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o that_o church_n that_o such_o and_o such_o corruption_n be_v among_o they_o second_o they_o make_v proof_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v corruption_n three_o they_o beseech_v the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o tender_v god_n truth_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o people_n salvation_n for_o some_o speedy_a redress_n of_o these_o thing_n four_a they_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o that_o be_v their_o utter_a ruin_n both_o here_o and_o for_o ever_o if_o they_o do_v not_o hearken_v unto_o they_o five_o after_o all_o these_o mean_n use_v and_o after_o long_a expectation_n of_o some_o good_a event_n and_o yet_o nothing_o d●ne_o find_v no_o amendment_n but_o that_o indeed_o matter_n do_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o that_o old_a burden_n be_v continue_v new_o impose_v that_o be_v worse_o their_o admonition_n reject_v error_n &_o corruption_n stiff_o maintain_v &_o the_o seeker_n of_o reformation_n hate_v reproach_v persecute_v excommunicate_v and_o the_o like_a find_v no_o redress_n they_o leave_v they_o &_o give_v they_o over_o &_o as_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o apostle_n so_o they_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n do_v you_o serve_v what_o god_n you_o will_v we_o and_o our_o congregation_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n do_v you_o worship_n god_n as_o you_o list_v yourselves_o we_o will_v worship_v he_o after_o his_o own_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n see_v we_o can_v procure_v a_o general_a redress_n of_o these_o corruption_n among_o you_o we_o must_v and_o will_v redress_v they_o in_o ourselves_o what_o can_v these_o man_n do_v more_o than_o they_o do_v or_o what_o fault_n just_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o these_o proceed_n the_o papist_n deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o this_o reformation_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v any_o reformation_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o say_v they_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n make_v by_o heretic_n but_o till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v heresy_n they_o shall_v be_v never_o able_a to_o convince_v this_o for_o a_o heretical_a innovation_n as_o they_o false_o and_o malicious_o slander_v it_o but_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o malice_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o stand_v good_a for_o a_o godly_a and_o religious_a reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o another_o manner_n of_o reformation_n then_o that_o of_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v well_o and_o commendable_o redress_v yet_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o that_o reformation_n run_v on_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o council_n will_v have_v some_o reformation_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o pope_n authority_n may_v not_o be_v m●ddled_v withal_o whereas_o that_o very_a authority_n be_v partly_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a corruption_n itself_o and_o partly_o th●_n mai●_n occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n at_o least_o it_o be_v th●_n 〈◊〉_d hindrance_n that_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o reform_v 〈◊〉_d ●●at_a except_o that_o be_v reform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sound_n and_o through_o reformation_n at_o all_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o their_o reformation_n and_o we_o for_o we_o square_v all_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n so_o much_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o general_n church_n there_o be_v also_o another_o title_n that_o these_o church_n be_v style_v with_o and_o that_o be_v protestant_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o name_n be_v this_o upon_o the_o first_o sound_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o luther_n in_o germany_n there_o be_v great_a stir_n and_o much_o ado_n among_o the_o people_n and_o not_o only_o there_o but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n some_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o luther_n other_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o popish_a religion_n the_o emperor_n and_o the_o state_n consult_v together_o how_o to_o pacify_v these_o tumult_n many_o meeting_n they_o have_v and_o many_o decree_n they_o make_v against_o it_o one_o decree_n more_o famous_a than_o the_o rest_n be_v make_v at_o spier_n in_o germany_n anno_fw-la 15_o 29._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o abolish_v the_o mass_n nor_o make_v any_o further_a change_n in_o religion_n till_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a council_n to_o determine_v these_o difference_n which_o because_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o think_v they_o will_v delude_v they_o they_o promise_v to_o call_v it_o within_o a_o convenient_a time_n within_o a_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o this_o decree_n be_v much_o distasteful_a to_o those_o prince_n and_o state_n that_o have_v engage_v themselves_o with_o luther_n in_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v a_o general_a protestation_n against_o it_o to_o this_o effect_n that_o howsoever_o they_o do_v unfeigned_o affect_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o will_v willing_o satisfy_v the_o emperor_n in_o all_o that_o lawful_o they_o may_v yet_o because_o that_o reformation_n in_o hand_n be_v god_n own_o work_n it_o must_v not_o tarry_v man_n leisure_n for_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v before_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o
conscience_n to_o proceed_v in_o it_o as_o they_o have_v begin_v whatsoever_o decree_v of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o if_o any_o trouble_n do_v ensue_v of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n nor_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o cause_n but_o in_o man_n ill_a disposition_n that_o will_v abuse_v so_o good_a a_o cause_n to_o their_o bad_a purpose_n upon_o this_o very_a protestation_n it_o be_v that_o then_o present_o and_o ever_o since_o not_o only_o there_o but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n these_o prince_n and_o state_n and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o church_n approve_v the_o reformation_n be_v call_v protestant_n the_o name_n we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v neither_o great_o approve_v nor_o much_o dislike_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n that_o be_v that_o princely_a and_o christian_a resolution_n to_o hold_v out_o zealous_o for_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n against_o all_o decree_n and_o threaten_n of_o man_n we_o see_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o and_o so_o be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o bear_v and_o wear_v his_o title_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v in_o general_a concern_v the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a handle_n of_o these_o church_n and_o so_o to_o the_o main_a mark_n reform_v which_o all_o this_o while_n we_o special_o aim_v at_o of_o these_o reform_a church_n some_o be_v more_o some_o be_v less_o reform_v and_o each_o of_o these_o either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n for_o some_o be_v more_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n than_o other_o but_o less_o in_o discipline_n some_o be_v more_o discipline_v than_o other_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o sound_a as_o they_o reform_v who_o discipline_n be_v faulty_a the_o church_n in_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n and_o other_o of_o that_o mould_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v think_v by_o some_o the_o best_a reform_v and_o yet_o i_o hear_v that_o the_o brownist_n deny_v even_o geneva_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o first_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v say_v as_o much_o and_o as_o just_o against_o their_o adversary_n as_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o those_o which_o be_v less_o reform_v be_v true_a church_n they_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o to_o bestow_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n those_o that_o be_v account_v less_o reform_v be_v as_o some_o think_v the_o lutheran_n church_n the_o lutheran_n church_n be_v less_o reform_v for_o doctrine_n first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o lutheran_n church_n they_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o maintain_v certain_a private_a opinion_n that_o luther_n hold_v or_o at_o least_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n i_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n from_o we_o second_o of_o the_o tumult_n that_o have_v rise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o three_o i_o will_v show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n opinion_n notwistand_v these_o difference_n and_o first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n they_o be_v first_o more_o easy_a and_o favourable_a in_o matter_n of_o image_n than_o we_o be_v though_o they_o worship_v they_o not_o beside_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v utter_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o deny_v but_o the_o great_a and_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o first_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n even_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v every_o where_o whereas_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v and_o have_v god_n word_n for_o it_o that_o since_o his_o ascension_n his_o body_n be_v contain_v in_o one_o certain_a place_n namely_o in_o heaven_n act_v 3.21_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n they_o affirm_v that_o his_o body_n be_v real_o present_a in_o under_o and_o with_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n we_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v real_o there_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a receiver_n and_o only_o sacramental_o and_o spiritual_o and_o not_o bodily_a as_o john_n 6.63_o these_o two_o be_v matter_n of_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o press_v they_o will_v give_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o true_a body_n than_o it_o can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o once_o i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o discuss_v these_o point_n but_o only_o as_o fall_v in_o by_o the_o way_n haply_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v some_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o more_o full_o only_o let_v it_o suffice_v for_o the_o present_a that_o these_o their_o opinion_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o do_v direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o so_o much_o for_o their_o opinion_n they_o second_o the_o tumult_n and_o unnatural_a contention_n raise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n they_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n very_o bitter_a and_o uncharitable_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v bitter_a enough_o against_o they_o but_o they_o as_o man_n of_o fiery_a spirit_n be_v marvelous_a bitter_a against_o we_o as_o bitter_a as_o against_o the_o papist_n yea_o they_o be_v more_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o they_o be_v against_o the_o papist_n i_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n therefore_o i_o will_v suppress_v they_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v best_a if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v broach_v but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v it_o be_v best_o to_o bury_v they_o in_o silence_n and_o perpetual_a oblivion_n but_o yet_o see_v there_o be_v such_o dissension_n i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o exception_n the_o papist_n take_v against_o we_o for_o they_o second_o what_o use_v we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o the_o papist_n rejoice_v great_o at_o it_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o they_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o together_o by_o the_o care_n and_o they_o insult_v over_o both_o party_n allege_v it_o as_o a_o firm_a exception_n that_o therefore_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n no_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v a_o very_a malicious_a but_o yet_o a_o very_a weak_a consequence_n it_o be_v a_o malicious_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o build_v up_o themselves_o on_o other_o man_n ruin_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v other_o ruin_n will_v make_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o sandy_a building_n first_o diverse_o we_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o man_n and_o then_o to_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o the_o papist_n we_o answer_v what_o if_o there_o be_v dissension_n betwixt_o we_o what_o get_v they_o by_o that_o indeed_o if_o they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o oppose_v we_o than_o it_o be_v some_o exception_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o lutheran_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o consubstantiaton_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o opposite_a to_o they_o as_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v little_a vantage_n by_o that_o beside_o if_o dissension_n betwixt_o we_o make_v we_o to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n than_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o the_o papist_n themselves_o be_v at_o as_o great_a dissension_n and_o as_o bitter_a one_o against_o another_o as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o old_a but_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jesuit_n and_o secular_a priest_n maintain_v a_o mortal_a hatred_n betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a exception_n against_o we_o it_o be_v so_o also_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v they_o with_o chirst_n in_o the_o gospel_n hypocrite_n first_o pull_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.2_o first_o let_v they_o purge_v their_o church_n of_o their_o own_o dissension_n and_o difference_n and_o then_o let_v they_o charge_v we_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n itself_o that_o consent_n do_v not_o always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o do_v consent_n nor_o that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v consent_v in_o neither_o do_v dissent_n always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n that_o do_v dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n nor_o that_o a_o false_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n dissent_v in_o first_o