come_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o seek_v yourselves_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n here_o but_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o now_o here_o in_o this_o discourse_n shall_v you_o see_v a_o better_a peace_n and_o agreement_n than_o you_o be_v strive_v for_o though_o your_o work_n also_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a even_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o they_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o christ_n and_o its_o influence_n into_o each_o communion_n of_o saint_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o peace_n can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o your_o sword_n then_o by_o the_o magistrate_n sceptre_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o now_o have_v power_n in_o your_o hand_n to_o another_o purpose_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v yourselves_o as_o to_o do_v that_o yourselves_o which_o you_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o word_n only_o to_o be_v both_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o true_a church_n remain_v free_a in_o the_o freedom_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o it_o or_o else_o the_o lord_n who_o own_o the_o church_n be_v will_v as_o certain_o in_o his_o due_a time_n take_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o throw_v you_o into_o one_o destruction_n with_o he_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o though_o i_o thus_o speak_v and_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o still_o be_v very_o manifest_a not_o only_o in_o you_o honourable_a one_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a conduct_n but_o also_o in_o very_a many_o of_o the_o council_n and_o army_n beside_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o gather_v together_o of_o god_n people_n and_o saint_n let_v the_o world_n if_o it_o please_v still_o laugh_v at_o that_o word_n who_o can_v but_o think_v he_o have_v some_o choice_n and_o singular_a work_n in_o hand_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n have_v already_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n by_o you_o and_o be_v yet_o do_v great_a if_o you_o will_v continue_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o not_o you._n for_o have_v not_o that_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n dawn_v yea_o the_o morning_n of_o it_o be_v already_o go_v forth_o which_o be_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a and_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v and_o must_v be_v exalt_v in_o this_o day_n now_o the_o lord_n cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o give_v you_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o union_n and_o communion_n i_o remain_v your_o assure_a servant_n w._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o noise_n of_o water_n and_o thundering_n and_o earthquake_n among_o we_o and_o so_o great_a and_o continue_a be_v our_o shake_n and_o confusious_a through_o hatred_n and_o love_n hope_n and_o fear_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n triumph_n and_o indignation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o silence_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o much_o as_o half_a a_o hour_n wherefore_o though_o i_o 〈…〉_z here_o touch_v so_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d â—eclare_v from_o the_o very_a word_n or_o else_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o wherein_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n consist_v and_o also_o how_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n may_v preserve_v that_o peace_n in_o their_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n yet_o man_n head_n and_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o full_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v but_o few_o will_v regard_v it_o notwithstanding_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v among_o we_o a_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o flock_n of_o christ_n who_o both_o know_v and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n i_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n for_o who_o profit_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o be_o very_o conscious_a of_o my_o rudeness_n of_o speech_n in_o this_o discourse_n 11.6_o as_o also_o of_o my_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o many_o thing_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n here_o be_v of_o the_o pure_a river_n of_o water_n of_o life_n without_o any_o humane_a mixture_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v will_v own_o all_o in_o it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o reject_v silver_n try_v four_o or_o five_o time_n because_o it_o be_v not_o try_v seven_o time_n and_o what_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o it_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o dear_a sake_n and_o love_n i_o have_v speak_v all_o this_o see_v it_o be_v peccatorum_fw-la as_o luther_n speak_v the_o queen_n of_o mercy_n who_o very_a bowel_n be_v mere_a compassion_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n will_v easy_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o forgive_v it_o and_o as_o for_o man_n haughty_a and_o high_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n contemn_v and_o disdain_v any_o thing_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n i_o do_v as_o easy_o despise_v their_o censure_n as_o they_o light_o pass_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o i_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v his_o body_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v i_o become_v as_o vile_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v count_v the_o filth_n and_o off_o sour_v of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o mr_n baily_n rutherford_n bastwick_n pryn_n love_n or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o old_a enemy_n in_o parliament_n and_o city_n not_o worth_a the_o name_n annos_fw-la have_v seek_v to_o make_v i_o all_o who_o unless_o god_n give_v they_o repentance_n to_o life_n i_o cite_v as_o once_o hierom_n of_o prague_n do_v his_o enemy_n in_o the_o like_a cause_n to_o appear_v within_o a_o few_o year_n before_o the_o most_o high_a and_o righteous_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v wicked_o if_o not_o malicious_o against_o his_o name_n truth_n gospel_n spirit_n people_n and_o that_o under_o the_o form_n and_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o well_o know_v that_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n it_o will_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o worldly_a church_n i_o commit_v christ_n own_o word_n and_o cause_n to_o his_o own_o care_n and_o protection_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o uphold_v his_o own_o despise_a truth_n against_o the_o glorious_a but_o deceitful_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n and_o so_o wait_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n if_o thou_o love_v christ_n i_o remain_v thou_o in_o he_o william_n dell._n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n pag._n 149_o the_o gospel_n propound_v be_v neither_o 1._o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n p._n 150_o 2._o nor_o between_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n 3._o but_o between_o the_o faithful_a or_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a church_n p._n 151_o the_o true_a church_n describe_v p._n 152_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o 13._o particular_n from_o p._n 153_o to_o p._n 157_o how_o this_o church_n may_v be_v know_v p._n 158_o how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o it_o p._n 159_o the_o church_n a_o great_a mystery_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n p._n 160_o seven_o bond_n of_o this_o church_n unity_n viz._n
the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o bowel_n of_o love_n present_v to_o they_o by_o william_n dell_n one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n psal._n 120.7_o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n utrum_fw-la nos_fw-la schismatici_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o vos_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la sed_fw-la christus_fw-la interrogetur_fw-la ut_fw-la indicet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la august_n contr_n litter_n petil._n l._n 2._o c._n 85._o london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n near_a ludgate_n 1651._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o now_o when_o all_o almost_o that_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o noble_a and_o royal_a and_o wise_a and_o learned_a be_v find_v against_o this_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o god_n how_o high_o be_v you_o honour_v of_o he_o and_o how_o happy_a be_v you_o that_o you_o yet_o be_v find_v for_o it_o you_o after_o a_o manifold_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n of_o many_o of_o your_o member_n seem_v yet_o to_o remain_v as_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n yet_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v among_o those_o call_v and_o choose_v and_o faithful_a one_o that_o now_o continue_v with_o the_o lamb_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n in_o his_o engagement_n against_o and_o conquest_n over_o the_o ten-horned_a beast_n and_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o this_o work_n will_v be_v to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o double_a ruin_n to_o wit_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v you_o faithful_a that_o you_o may_v do_v this_o work_n for_o god_n and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o not_o for_o yourselves_o and_o to_o fulfil_v your_o own_o ends._n and_o now_o as_o you_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v that_o upon_o a_o right_n and_o sure_a foundation_n so_o god_n have_v engage_v my_o heart_n to_o meditate_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o have_v exclude_v your_o power_n from_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n wrong_v you_o as_o you_o shall_v perceive_v but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v you_o from_o dash_v yourselves_o against_o that_o rock_n against_o which_o all_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unwise_a ruler_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n both_o have_v and_o yet_o shall_v dash_v themselves_o in_o piece_n it_o shall_v be_v your_o wisdom_n to_o be_v build_v up_o together_o with_o the_o church_n on_o christ_n but_o it_o will_v be_v your_o confusion_n to_o go_v about_o to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o yourselves_o and_o your_o power_n see_v this_o building_n be_v too_o weighty_a for_o any_o foundation_n but_o christ_n himself_o your_o power_n will_v do_v well_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v christ_n inheritance_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n you_o shall_v be_v happy_a to_o be_v subject_a in_o it_o but_o none_o must_v be_v lord_n or_o lawgiver_n here_o but_o christ_n himself_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v in_o many_o place_n translate_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n of_o the_o clergy_n into_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o magistrate_n any_o long_o keep_v it_o there_o see_v it_o will_v be_v as_o pernicious_a in_o this_o as_o in_o that_o for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a an_o evil_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v himself_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o general_a council_n in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n call_v christian_a or_o for_o the_o archbishop_n or_o national_a assembly_n in_o particular_a kingdom_n man_n have_v common_o think_v that_o to_o preserve_v the_o godly_a in_o worldly_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n whereas_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o faith_n hope_n love_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n in_o and_o through_o the_o spirit_n this_o only_a be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o this_o ofttimes_o be_v better_a do_v by_o christ_n who_o work_n only_o it_o be_v in_o affliction_n then_o in_o prosperity_n wherefore_o do_v you_o look_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o state_n and_o trust_v christ_n with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o be_v both_o faithful_a and_o able_a to_o save_v it_o perfect_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o no_o part_n of_o it_o out_o of_o he_o no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o this_o their_o peace_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o preserve_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o desperate_a evil_n of_o the_o world_n now_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o wherein_o its_o peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v be_v here_o in_o some_o measure_n declare_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o faithful_a everywhere_o and_o particular_o for_o your_o good_a lest_o you_o be_v glorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o one_o work_n shall_v miscarry_v in_o another_o and_o this_o i_o have_v do_v through_o god_n not_o because_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o church_n any_o long_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o its_o peace_n and_o why_o shall_v the_o member_n of_o it_o any_o long_a lie_n as_o scatter_a bone_n dry_a and_o dead_a and_o not_o gather_v up_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o live_a body_n and_o who_o can_v long_o endure_v to_o see_v unskilful_a physician_n under_o pretence_n of_o heal_v the_o church_n wound_v it_o still_o deep_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o procure_v its_o peace_n hurry_v it_o into_o endless_a dissension_n and_o division_n in_o this_o case_n of_o necessity_n i_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v both_o out_o of_o duty_n and_o love_n and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o will_v despise_v to_o hear_v who_o consider_v that_o god_n when_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choose_v babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n that_o so_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o more_o glorify_v and_o admire_v in_o his_o weak_a and_o mean_a instrument_n now_o let_v his_o praise_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o give_v you_o the_o honour_n that_o all_o his_o saint_n have_v and_o this_o be_v his_o hearty_a desire_n who_o humble_o write_v himself_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n william_n dell._n to_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n fairfax_n and_o the_o honourable_a lieutenant-general_n cromwell_n together_o with_o the_o council_n of_o war._n the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v turn_v your_o course_n backward_o like_o jordan_n from_o what_o it_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o all_o former_a enchantment_n and_o divination_n use_v against_o you_o be_v dissolve_v through_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o you_o after_o a_o manifest_a withdraw_a of_o it_o and_o you_o through_o a_o bless_a necessity_n be_v now_o do_v that_o work_n of_o god_n which_o once_o you_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o viz._n the_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o subdue_a the_o great_a enemy_n of_o pâ—ace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o enmity_n against_o peace_n that_o be_v enwrap_v in_o our_o very_a law_n and_o degenerate_v constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o think_v good_a while_o you_o be_v thus_o busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n without_o you_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n within_o you_o and_o a_o eternal_a peace_n as_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o temporal_a for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o have_v peace_n among_o man_n &_o to_o want_v peace_n with_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o destroy_v the_o enemy_n to_o worldly_a peace_n and_o yet_o to_o maintain_v in_o your_o own_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o heavenly_a peace_n take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o your_o present_a employment_n do_v not_o so_o over-ingage_a you_o in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o neglect_v the_o world_n to_o
to_o regard_v his_o own_o salvation_n see_v now_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o cloak_n nor_o the_o least_o excuse_n for_o his_o sin_n now_o that_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v you_o now_o at_o first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o propound_v any_o way_n of_o peace_n either_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n or_o else_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v learn_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n world_n for_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v any_o reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n between_o these_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a seed_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o one_o from_o beneath_o the_o other_o from_o 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way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n christ._n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o these_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a flesh_n of_o christ_n as_o all_o that_o flesh_n be_v in_o which_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o these_o all_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v in_o no_o fleshly_a form_n ceremony_n or_o worship_n the_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n make_v up_o antichrist_n true_a body_n for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n antichrist_n so_o antichrist_n of_o carnal_a for_o antichrist_n set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o christ_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o carnal_a christian_n and_o these_o have_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o godliness_n but_o they_o have_v no_o spirit_n or_o power_n in_o that_o form_n yea_o under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o for_o to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v there_o where_o the_o father_n never_o intend_v nor_o the_o son_n never_o undertake_v any_o reconciliation_n will_v not_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o weakness_n so_o then_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n pâ—ace_n touch_v who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a make_v faithful_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v through_o their_o call_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n than_o i_o seek_v by_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v first_o declare_v the_o church_n it_o self_n who_o peace_n i_o seek_v and_o then_o after_o declare_v wherein_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v and_o also_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o the_o church_n itself_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v speak_v plain_o and_o something_o large_o because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a business_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n and_o mis-apprehension_n touch_v it_o even_o among_o the_o faithful_a the_o right_a church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n not_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o join_v together_o in_o a_o outward_a form_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v whoremonger_n idolater_n thief_n murderers_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a and_o unbelieving_a person_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n man_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n
the_o work_v he_o do_v joh._n 10.37_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v the_o true_a church_n know_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o its_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o their_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o head_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o though_o the_o true_a church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v know_v by_o our_o outward_a sense_n yet_o we_o have_v certain_a token_n of_o her_o spiritual_a presence_n whereby_o we_o may_v reckon_v that_o in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n there_o be_v certain_a of_o her_o member_n as_o by_o a_o natural_a example_n though_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o itself_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n yet_o may_v we_o have_v sure_a token_n of_o its_o presence_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o body_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v as_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n understanding_n discourse_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v invisible_a in_o itself_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o some_o certain_a sign_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o sound_v nowhere_o but_o in_o the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n invisible_a and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o society_n but_o by_o be_v take_v up_o into_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a then_o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a body_n than_o to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o all_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v such_o a_o head_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o body_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o can_v present_o agree_v to_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v have_v far_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o church_n heretofore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o outward_a and_o visible_a officer_n according_a to_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o easy_a reach_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o now_o whole_a christ_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v not_o only_a christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 5.32_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a mystery_n though_o both_o indeed_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o body_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v by_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o as_o antichrist_n have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o set_v up_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n instead_o of_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o he_o have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o erect_v a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n instead_o of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a for_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n must_v be_v suitable_a each_o to_o other_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o so_o as_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a body_n the_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n make_v and_o constitute_v by_o a_o mixture_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o power_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n but_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o head_n the_o true_a christ_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o society_n the_o true_a church_n be_v head_n and_o both_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a age_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o head_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o its_o obscure_n and_o darken_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o now_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v in_o this_o present_a age_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v no_o less_o obscure_v than_o the_o former_a that_o so_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o whole_a christ_n may_v both_o be_v know_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v desire_v as_o occasion_n serveâ—_n to_o make_v know_v what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v here_o speak_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o and_o thus_o have_v declare_v what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v lie_v and_o rectify_v some_o ancient_a and_o general_a mistake_n touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v know_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o evident_a word_n the_o true_a and_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o note_n in_o general_n that_o among_o all_o these_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o apostle_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o uniformity_n indeed_o the_o rhemist_n be_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n blind_v from_o this_o very_a place_n urge_v and_o press_v uniformity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a engine_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n to_o its_o throne_n and_o after_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v anon_o by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o no_o conformity_n or_o uniformity_n be_v any_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o union_n see_v the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o peace_n by_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o by_o inward_a principle_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n unity_n which_o the_o apostle_n name_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n seven_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v one_o body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n say_v paul_n the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n body_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a or_o
the_o natural_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n every_o member_n be_v in_o office_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o have_v power_n and_o privilege_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v to_o speak_v the_o word_n that_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o they_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n choose_v one_o or_o mo_z to_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o where_o he_o command_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o where_o the_o apostle_n contemn_v all_o superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o pomp_n of_o ordain_v only_o seek_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v require_v after_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 2._o out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o first_o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v choose_v paul_n teach_v we_o this_o say_v they_o must_v be_v faithful_a man_n apt_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o among_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o 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church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14.23_o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ._n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act._n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o
acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o vn_fw-fr christian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sext_v be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n 344._o a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ._n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n it_o may_v call_v one_o counsel_n if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v
the_o choice_n of_o the_o house_n and_o thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v a_o minster_n differ_v from_o other_o christian_n as_o paul_n say_v let_v a_o man_n so_o esteem_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n but_o antichrist_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a people_n and_o bring_v sect_n into_o the_o church_n divide_v it_o into_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o this_o distinction_n they_o have_v make_v visible_a by_o their_o garment_n disguise_v their_o clergy_n in_o their_o habit_n from_o other_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v holy_a than_o they_o and_o of_o another_o order_n from_o they_o and_o this_o distinction_n have_v prove_v a_o seminary_n of_o implacable_a discord_n and_o heart-burn_n in_o the_o church_n for_o hereupon_o the_o clergy_n have_v â—_z themselves_o above_o other_o christian_n and_o have_v exercise_v authority_n and_o coercive_a power_n and_o domination_n and_o very_a tyranny_n over_o they_o and_o have_v make_v themselves_o their_o lord_n and_o give_v they_o law_n rule_n form_n order_n after_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o suffer_v they_o to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o as_o if_o other_o christian_n be_v their_o subject_n slave_n vassal_n yea_o very_a dog_n and_o hence_o again_o the_o laity_n as_o they_o call_v they_o have_v envy_v and_o malign_v they_o and_o hate_a and_o oppose_v they_o and_o as_o they_o can_v get_v power_n have_v be_v subdue_a they_o and_o have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n of_o a_o different_a sect_n and_o interest_n from_o themselves_o who_o prosperity_n be_v their_o ruin_n and_o who_o power_n be_v their_o enslave_v and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o the_o make_v void_a christian_a brotherhood_n and_o communion_n wherefore_o the_o right_a church_n to_o preserve_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n must_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n of_o laity_n and_o clergy_n but_o all_o christian_n must_v equal_o remain_v it_o it_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n unto_o god_n the_o five_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v equality_n in_o the_o curch_n and_o that_o both_o between_o christian_n and_o church_n for_o this_o also_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o to_o keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n for_o though_o according_a to_o our_o first_o nativity_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n some_o be_v bear_v high_a some_o low_a some_o honourable_a some_o mean_a some_o king_n some_o subject_n etc._n etc._n yet_o according_a to_o our_o new_a or_o second_o birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n there_o be_v exact_a equality_n for_o here_o be_v none_o better_o or_o worse_o high_a or_o low_o but_o all_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n hope_n love_n the_o same_o god_n christ_n spirit_n the_o same_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o precious_a promise_n the_o same_o incorruptible_a crown_n and_o inheritance_n of_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n 3.28_o speak_v of_o this_o true_a church_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a nor_o bond_n nor_o free_a nor_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n indeed_o in_o the_o world_n and_o before_o man_n i_o say_v again_o there_o be_v distinction_n of_o person_n and_o inequality_n but_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o before_o god_n all_o believer_n aae_fw-mi equal_a and_o this_o equality_n preserve_v peace_n but_o when_o in_o this_o kingdom_n some_o will_v be_v advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o like_o diotrephes_n that_o will_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o some_o will_v be_v strive_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o some_o at_o the_o left_a whilst_o they_o leave_v other_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o footstool_n this_o be_v that_o which_o breed_v difference_n among_o the_o very_a disciple_n who_o envy_v zebedees_n child_n for_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o therefore_o christ_n to_o preserve_v peace_n forbid_v lordship_n in_o his_o church_n and_o command_v service_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o to_o place_v man_n one_o over_o another_o but_o one_o under_o another_o and_o that_o the_o great_a must_v be_v the_o least_o the_o great_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2._o as_o equality_n among_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n so_o also_o among_o church_n for_o all_o church_n be_v equal_a church_n as_o well_o as_o all_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n can_v set_v itself_o before_o or_o above_o another_o all_o be_v sister_n of_o one_o mother_n beam_n of_o one_o sun_n branch_n of_o one_o vine_n stream_n of_o one_o fountain_n member_n of_o one_o body_n branch_n of_o one_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o so_o all_o equal_a in_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o no_o subordination_n which_o make_v void_a at_o once_o both_o equality_n and_o unity_n and_o so_o that_o church_n or_o those_o church_n that_o will_v set_v themselves_o above_o other_o church_n that_o be_v their_o equal_n as_o the_o classical_a above_o the_o congregational_a etc._n etc._n they_o be_v the_o breaker_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o unskilful_a vote_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n be_v not_o a_o way_n to_o make_v peace_n but_o to_o mar_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n moreover_o no_o church_n can_v be_v subject_v to_o another_o body_n but_o christ_n who_o be_v present_a in_o it_o and_o be_v king_n and_o lawgiver_n be_v subject_v too_o which_o no_o true_a church_n will_v either_o require_v or_o allow_v for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n will_v not_o subject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o will_v judge_v all_o by_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o judge_v it_o much_o less_o will_v they_o subject_v christ_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v dishonour_v and_o disannul_v their_o head_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v in_o christ_n name_n christ_n himself_o be_v among_o they_o and_o the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o no_o body_n else_o see_v christ_n have_v make_v no_o great_a nor_o sure_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o any_o body_n then_o to_o they_o the_o six_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o community_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o get_v head_n over_o it_o itself_o see_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v not_o dominion_n but_o service_n we_o read_v act._n 11.2_o that_o when_o peter_n have_v preach_v in_o the_o house_n of_o cornelius_n 〈◊〉_d a_o gentile_a or_o heathen_a the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o who_o peter_n be_v minister_n contend_v with_o he_o that_o he_o go_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o for_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o peter_n waâ—_n fain_o to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n in_o a_o vision_n to_o do_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o peter_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o no_o lord_n over_o it_o and_o after_o vers_n 22._o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o the_o grecian_n at_o antioch_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n they_o send_v barnabas_n to_o antioch_n to_o forward_o and_o perfect_a the_o work_n and_o also_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o divers_a town_n and_o country_n all_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o not_o the_o officer_n above_o the_o church_n now_o this_o also_o will_v preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o officer_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o to_o let_v they_o remain_v as_o servant_n in_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n which_o christ_n know_v the_o evil_a and_o inconvenience_n thereof_o have_v forbid_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n get_v above_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a they_o be_v masterful_a and_o troublesome_a and_o though_o never_o so_o bad_a yet_o will_v they_o get_v a_o party_n in_o the_o church_n for_o themselves_o and_o so_o work_v disturbance_n but_o if_o