now_o as_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o church_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a power_n i_o may_v add_v nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n according_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n it_o that_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o true_a church_n but_o mere_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n without_o any_o conjunction_n or_o mixture_n of_o the_o other_o see_v christ_n power_n be_v perfect_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o so_o man_n may_v as_o well_o carry_v worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o father_n kingdom_n as_o into_o the_o son_n see_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o earth_n which_o have_v not_o be_v understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o busy_a to_o bring_v secular_a power_n into_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o if_o christ_n own_o power_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v either_o weak_a or_o imperfect_a more_o particular_o this_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o i_o say_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o christ_n power_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o violence_n but_o a_o power_n of_o influence_n even_o such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o head_n have_v over_o the_o member_n and_o the_o soul_n over_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o a_o coercive_a but_o a_o persuasive_a power_n a_o power_n that_o make_v man_n willing_a that_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o do_v not_o force_v the_o unwilling_a against_o their_o will_n 2._o this_o power_n be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a as_o worldly_a power_n be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v man_n over_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n set_v man_n under_o other_o i_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o be_o among_o you_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v and_o again_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o all_o 3._o this_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v 10._o again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o power_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o power_n viz._n not_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o their_o native_a kingdom_n but_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o god_n kingdom_n not_o to_o take_v away_o their_o outward_a liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o liberty_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v man_n by_o temporal_a death_n 4._o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o more_o than_o its_o own_o yea_o good_a of_o other_o with_o the_o neglect_n of_o its_o own_o so_o moses_n be_v not_o busy_a to_o have_v a_o most_o rebellious_a people_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o desire_v his_o own_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v in_o and_o paul_n desire_v that_o himself_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o christ_n that_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n after_o the_o flesh_n may_v have_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o after_o this_o high_a rate_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o own_o eternal_a good_a how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o temporal_a good_a their_o worldly_a profit_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n 5._o this_o power_n do_v not_o make_v other_o suffer_v to_o enlarge_v the_o church_n but_o suffer_v itself_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o so_o christ_n as_o wickliff_n say_v through_o his_o poverty_n humility_n and_o suffer_a injury_n and_o death_n get_v unto_o he_o the_o child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o martyr_n enlarge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o cause_v other_o to_o die_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o this_o power_n only_a act_n to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n salvation_n and_o only_o according_a to_o spiritual_a law_n but_o not_o to_o any_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n according_a to_o civil_a and_o humane_a law_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o true_a church_n power_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a differ_v very_o much_o both_o from_o the_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a man_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o true_a church_n power_n i_o answer_v further_o that_o this_o power_n extend_v itself_o full_a as_o far_o as_o the_o church_n but_o no_o further_o for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o church_n power_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v no_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o world_n then_o worldly_a power_n which_o be_v fleshly_a be_v suitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n power_n only_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n true_o church_n government_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a influence_n and_o operation_n but_o no_o further_o that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a but_o to_o none_o that_o be_v unwilling_a as_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o church_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n so_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o world_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a compulsion_n wherefore_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o distinct_a government_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o this_o power_n i_o answer_v power_n the_o word_n only_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n use_v no_o other_o instrument_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o
that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o 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._o 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 praâ—ctice_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
after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n yea_o but_o have_v not_o the_o church_n a_o council_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o see_v act._n 15_o and_o do_v not_o they_o order_n and_o decree_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n the_o church_n have_v a_o council_n then_o but_o far_o differ_v from_o the_o counsel_n now_o adays_o for_o 1._o that_o council_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o pack_v together_o by_o secular_a power_n but_o free_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n oâ—_n the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o by_o the_o believer_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n 2._o this_o council_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o brethren_n also_o and_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v agree_v and_o order_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n 3._o that_o free_a council_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o mere_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o the_o word_n &_o by_o the_o word_n conclude_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v all_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fore_n name_v place_n and_o in_o these_o regard_v that_o council_n differ_v from_o we_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o council_n the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n desire_v a_o council_n for_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v free_a it_o must_v mind_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v power_n itself_o to_o call_v one_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o what_o man_n can_v object_v against_o this_o of_o worldly_a prince_n call_v they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o litter_n 〈◊〉_d man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o take_v up_o thing_n on_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n that_o concern_v either_o his_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o officer_n so_o also_o of_o its_o counsel_n for_o the_o church_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o take_v all_o that_o they_o determine_v for_o truth_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a yea_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o other_o church_n and_o christian_n have_v both_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o try_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o whole_a as_o they_o say_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v it_o and_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o judge_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o they_o may_v have_v resist_v they_o as_o paul_n do_v peter_n and_o paul_n give_v this_o liberty_n to_o christian_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o whether_o paul_n have_v allow_v it_o or_o no_o to_o try_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n whether_o they_o bring_v the_o right_a word_n or_o no_o for_o christ_n command_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v that_o nation_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o the_o church_n
because_o without_o they_o have_v this_o power_n they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o power_n 2._o without_o this_o power_n they_o be_v insufficient_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o be_v unable_a 1._o to_o preach_v the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a and_o live_a word_n of_o god_n 2._o to_o preach_v it_o zealous_o and_o powerful_o but_o without_o this_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n 1._o their_o ministry_n be_v cold_a and_o have_v no_o heat_n in_o it_o 2._o weak_a and_o have_v no_o strength_n in_o it_o 3._o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o on_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n 4._o to_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o might_n 5._o to_o encounter_v and_o overcome_v the_o devil_n 6._o to_o enable_v they_o to_o be_v comfortable_a and_o invincible_a against_o all_o evil_n and_o enemy_n 2._o christian_n this_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o minister_n object_n but_o do_v all_o christian_n receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o minister_n answ_n yes_o equal_o and_o alike_o without_o any_o difference_n now_o this_o spirit_n of_o power_n be_v necessary_a for_o they_o 1._o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o reprobate_n and_o devil_n 2._o to_o exalt_v they_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o to_o unite_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v necessary_a for_o they_o 1._o to_o change_v their_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o daily_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n till_o all_o be_v renew_v 2._o to_o work_v grace_n in_o they_o and_o each_o grace_n be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o flesh_n 3._o to_o enable_v they_o to_o mortify_v sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n mortify_v 1._o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sin_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o member_n and_o 2._o each_o particular_a strong_a corruption_n 4._o to_o perform_v duty_n for_o no_o more_o strength_n in_o any_o duty_n then_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o 5._o to_o confess_v the_o word_n before_o king_n and_o magistrate_n 6._o to_o publish_v the_o word_n and_o that_o both_o 1._o in_o private_a 2._o in_o public_a in_o case_n of_o necessity_n 7._o to_o suffer_v and_o overcome_v affliction_n natural_a strength_n withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o evil_n spiritual_a strength_n stand_v to_o it_o and_o overcome_v it_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o information_n and_o instruction_n show_v that_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v this_o power_n be_v to_o obtain_v the_o spirit_n and_o to_o increase_v this_o power_n be_v to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n now_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o spirit_n we_o must_v first_o prepare_v ourselves_o wherein_o this_o preparation_n do_v not_o consist_v wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 1._o in_o empty_v we_o 2._o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n afâ—er_v he_o have_v empty_v we_o be_v to_o fill_v we_o the_o mean_n through_o whâ—ch_n the_o spirit_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o 1._o by_o the_o word_n and_o his_o word_n the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o by_o faith_n whicâ—_n carry_v we_o to_o christ_n flesh_n to_o receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o word_n and_o faith_n we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 3._o prayer_n and_o in_o prayer_n we_o may_v ask_v the_o spirit_n either_o of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o son_n again_o that_o we_o may_v increase_v the_o spirit_n 1._o we_o must_v be_v constant_a and_o continual_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o we_o must_v daily_o increase_v faith_n 3._o must_v be_v much_o in_o prayer_n 4._o must_v withdraw_v our_o seve_n from_o the_o creature_n and_o live_v loose_a from_o they_o 5._o must_v cease_v from_o our_o own_o work_n 6._o must_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o may_v work_v his_o work_n in_o we_o 7._o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o must_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o our_o flesh_n christ_n spirit_n a_o christian_n strength_n or_o a_o plain_a discovery_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o invincible_a power_n that_o all_o believer_n receive_v through_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n act_n 1._o 8._o but_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n or_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o you_o these_o word_n be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o they_o be_v the_o very_a last_o word_n in_o the_o conference_n between_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o belove_a apostle_n immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n now_o you_o know_v when_o dear_a and_o intimate_a friend_n be_v to_o part_n as_o their_o love_n then_o run_v strong_a and_o their_o affection_n be_v most_o entire_a and_o vehement_a so_o then_o also_o they_o especial_o discourse_v of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o most_o of_o all_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o resolve_v thus_o be_v it_o between_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o be_v there_o such_o dear_a and_o intimate_a friendship_n and_o such_o sincere_a and_o burn_a love_n between_o any_o as_o between_o they_o the_o apostle_n all_o of_o they_o love_v christ_n most_o true_o and_o passionate_o and_o peter_n who_o have_v three_o time_n deny_v he_o three_o time_n profess_v his_o love_n to_o he_o and_o be_v sorry_a that_o christ_n shall_v question_v his_o love_n the_o three_o time_n he_o thus_o answer_v lord_n thou_o know_v all_o thing_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o and_o christ_n also_o love_v they_o dear_o yea_o he_o love_v they_o 19_o first_o and_o have_v 1._o love_v his_o own_o he_o love_v they_o to_o the_o end_n and_o so_o he_o be_v not_o discontent_v with_o they_o for_o their_o leave_v and_o forsake_v he_o through-humane_a infirmity_n when_o he_o be_v lead_v away_o to_o judgement_n and_o to_o death_n for_o though_o death_n quite_o put_v out_o all_o natural_a love_n yet_o spiritual_a love_n be_v not_o extinguish_v but_o enlarge_v by_o death_n now_o when_o such_o love_a friend_n as_o these_o be_v even_o now_o ready_a to_o take_v their_o last_o leave_n one_o of_o another_o in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a presence_n who_o will_v not_o most_o willing_o have_v be_v present_a to_o have_v hear_v what_o discourse_n pass_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o this_o their_o last_o part_n now_o luke_n acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christ_n discourse_n with_o his_o apostle_n ascension_n all_o the_o time_n he_o live_v together_o with_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n till_o the_o day_n wherein_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o say_v he_o do_v discourse_n with_o they_o de_fw-fr regno_fw-la dei_fw-la touch_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o touch_v his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o he_o set_v up_o in_o each_o particular_a christian_a and_o which_o begin_v at_o our_o regeneration_n and_o be_v consummate_v in_o glorification_n but_o also_o touch_v his_o mediatory_a and_o monarchical_a kingdom_n which_o in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o his_o father_n he_o shall_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o 8._o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n and_o 14._o all_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o he_o 8._o shall_v reign_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o christ_n discourse_n with_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_o satisfy_v touch_v the_o thing_n only_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a touch_v the_o time_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o set_n up_o of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o power_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o common_a discourse_n and_o expectation_n of_o all_o israel_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o remember_v many_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o restore_n the_o kingdom_n of_o david_n and_o this_o they_o think_v christ_n will_v have_v do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n but_o present_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v blast_v by_o his_o death_n but_o when_o they_o see_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a then_o present_o their_o heart_n be_v revive_v into_o their_o former_a hope_n but_o yet_o again_o see_v nothing_o do_v all_o the_o time_n he_o converse_v with_o they_o after_o the_o resurrection_n when_o now_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n
against_o such_o a_o ministry_n know_v that_o they_o strive_v against_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a man_n they_o strive_v against_o power_n from_o on_o high_a against_o the_o great_a power_n that_o ever_o god_n put_v forth_o against_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o this_o power_n but_o shall_v sure_o sink_v under_o it_o but_o to_o return_v from_o whence_o we_o have_v a_o little_a digress_v 3._o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o minister_n be_v not_o able_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n ministry_n nor_o to_o preach_v it_o powerful_o so_o neither_o be_v they_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o on_o strong_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n peter_n and_o john_n preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o present_o the_o ruler_n and_o elder_n and_o scribe_n convent_v they_o and_o straight_o threaten_v they_o and_o command_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v at_o all_o 18._o nor_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v want_v this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v present_o have_v be_v snib_v and_o awe_v and_o will_v have_v sneak_v away_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v hear_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n all_o the_o threaten_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o magistrate_n can_v not_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o that_o ministry_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n but_o though_o before_o they_o be_v fearful_a and_o tremble_a and_o daunt_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o least_o danger_n yet_o now_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n they_o be_v altogether_o undaunted_a and_o say_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o elder_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n 19_o judge_v you_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v o_o you_o ruler_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n our_o case_n be_v a_o plain_a case_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o willing_a that_o even_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v be_v judge_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o god_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o you_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v we_o now_o do_v you_o yourselves_o be_v judge_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v obey_v god_n or_o you_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o poor_a wretched_a man_n such_o as_o yourselves_o nay_o what_o god_n have_v command_v we_o we_o must_v and_o will_v obey_v against_o all_o your_o threaten_n and_o punishment_n and_o what_o ever_o you_o can_v say_v or_o do_v we_o can_v conceal_v but_o must_v publish_v what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o know_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o incarnation_n life_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n kingdom_n glory_n and_o of_o that_o great_a redemption_n and_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v and_o purchase_v for_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n now_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o the_o unjust_a command_n of_o all_o magistrate_n and_o secular_a power_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v no_o otherwise_o obey_v than_o this_o unjust_a command_n of_o the_o ruler_n be_v by_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o that_o no_o man_n will_v dare_v to_o yield_v more_o obedience_n to_o the_o creature_n then_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o for_o no_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n have_v any_o power_n to_o forbid_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o god_n have_v command_v shall_v be_v publish_v to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n i_o say_v they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o forbid_v the_o preach_n of_o this_o gospel_n or_o of_o any_o one_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o never_o so_o cross_a to_o their_o design_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v yet_o herein_o ought_v we_o to_o know_v no_o 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of_o sin_n but_o allow_v it_o and_o countenance_n it_o in_o sin_n but_o now_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n when_o a_o man_n have_v this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o then_o present_o he_o reprove_v and_o argue_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o by_o his_o ministry_n bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o provoke_v the_o whole_a world_n against_o himself_o and_o this_o no_o man_n either_o can_v do_v or_o dare_v do_v except_o he_o be_v first_o endue_v with_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n come_v on_o he_o and_o therefore_o say_v micah_n cha._n 3._o vers_fw-la 8._o i_o be_o full_a of_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o judgement_n and_o of_o might_n to_o declare_v unto_o jacob_n his_o transgression_n and_o to_o israel_n his_o sin_n the_o world_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n can_v endure_v the_o reproof_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o its_o evil_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v exceed_o offend_v yea_o and_o extreme_o rage_v against_o the_o faithful_a teacher_n of_o the_o word_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n and_o persecution_n as_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o faithful_a teacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n do_v declare_v yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o testify_v touch_v himself_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v i_o because_o i_o testify_v of_o it_o that_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v evil_a but_o now_o they_o that_o will_v connive_v at_o sin_n and_o flatter_v the_o world_n in_o its_o own_o way_n these_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o reckon_n and_o live_v in_o all_o worldly_a honour_n and_o prosperity_n and_o all_o age_n can_v witness_v that_o all_o teacher_n be_v not_o of_o that_o strength_n and_o resolution_n to_o contemn_v the_o hatred_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o most_o be_v quite_o overcome_v with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o friend_n and_o riches_n and_o preferment_n and_o so_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v minister_n in_o who_o mouth_n be_v no_o reproof_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n for_o thus_o they_o escape_v the_o rage_n and_o violence_n and_o obtain_v the_o favour_n and_o love_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o thus_o weak_a and_o unworthy_a be_v those_o man_n who_o be_v only_o endue_v with_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o now_o say_v micah_n i_o be_o full_a of_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o judgement_n and_o of_o might_n to_o declare_v unto_o jacob_n his_o transgression_n and_o to_o israel_n his_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n dwell_v in_o i_o put_v forth_o its_o self_n two_o way_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o fortitude_n 1._o in_o judgement_n and_o this_o signify_v the_o reprove_v and_o the_o condemn_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n as_o the_o prophet_n himself_o explicate_v say_v that_o i_o may_v declare_v unto_o jacob_n his_o transgression_n and_o to_o israel_n his_o sin_n but_o see_v their_o be_v full_a of_o judgement_n do_v not_o want_v danger_n but_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o thousand_o evil_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o reproof_n of_o sin_n therefore_o i_o be_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o only_o full_a of_o judgement_n but_o also_o second_o full_a of_o may_v and_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n expose_v i_o to_o danger_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o might_n enable_v i_o to_o contemn_v those_o danger_n so_o that_o though_o the_o world_n because_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n threaten_v never_o so_o many_o evil_n yet_o the_o
prophet_n be_v not_o fright_v from_o his_o office_n but_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o might_n discharge_v it_o faithful_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o those_o threaten_n and_o whatever_o minister_n want_v this_o spirit_n of_o might_n though_o out_o of_o danger_n they_o may_v be_v confident_a yet_o at_o the_o very_a first_o encounter_n of_o evil_n they_o will_v bend_v and_o yield_v and_o speak_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n rather_o then_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n they_o will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o wrestle_v with_o devil_n and_o overcome_v the_o devil_n who_o subtlety_n and_o wrath_n and_o malice_n and_o power_n they_o must_v needs_o encounter_v with_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n christ_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o preach_v be_v immediate_o lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v temp_v of_o the_o devil_n who_o will_v fain_o have_v take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a but_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o christ_n before_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o kindgdom_n of_o god_n as_o you_o may_v see_v luke_n 9_o 1._o call_v they_o together_o and_o give_v they_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o devil_n and_o when_o they_o return_v they_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o but_o now_o the_o seven_o son_n of_o sceva_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o power_n when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v over_o one_o who_o have_v a_o evil_a spirit_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o say_v we_o adjure_v you_o by_o jesus_n who_o paul_n preach_v the_o evil_a spirit_n answer_v and_o say_v jesus_n i_o know_v and_o paul_n i_o know_v but_o who_o be_v you_o and_o so_o the_o man_n in_o who_o the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v leap_v upon_o they_o and_o overcome_v they_o and_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o they_o flee_v away_o naked_a and_o wound_a act_n 19_o so_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o power_n from_o on_o high_a the_o devil_n be_v present_o too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o they_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o devil_n but_o now_o they_o that_o be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v able_a to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o out-wrestle_a they_o and_o to_o tread_v satan_n himself_o under_o their_o foot_n six_o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o word_n word_n but_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o evil_n cause_v they_o to_o pull_v in_o their_o horn_n and_o each_o reproach_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n shake_v they_o down_o whereas_o this_o power_n make_v they_o confident_a courageous_a comfortable_a and_o invincible_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o evil_n see_v this_o in_o some_o example_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o with_o power_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o life_n but_o also_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n with_o his_o death_n paul_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o power_n when_o agabus_n foretell_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n his_o bond_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n hear_v it_o come_v weep_v to_o paul_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o bond_n by_o not_o go_v up_o thither_o paul_n reprove_v they_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n chrysostome_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o power_n and_o so_o resolve_v to_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v wage_v war_n against_o he_o alone_o and_o profess_v that_o he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v immediate_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o stay_v on_o earth_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n he_o will_v a_o thousand_o time_n rather_o choose_v this_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a because_o in_o go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n he_o shall_v seek_v himself_o but_o in_o stay_v on_o earth_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n he_o shall_v whole_o deny_v himself_o and_o seek_v his_o honour_n alone_o luther_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o so_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o worm_n before_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o five_o and_o before_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n perceive_v undue_a deal_v among_o his_o adversary_n persuade_v he_o not_o to_o go_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n but_o he_o answer_v with_o a_o mighty_a spirit_n tectis_fw-la i_o have_v decree_v and_o be_o resolve_v because_o i_o be_o call_v to_o go_v into_o the_o city_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christi_fw-la though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v so_o many_o devil_n to_o oppose_v i_o as_o there_o be_v tile_n on_o all_o the_o house_n of_o the_o city_n and_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o return_v to_o wittenberg_n by_o the_o people_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o most_o evident_a and_o apparent_a danger_n he_o be_v already_o condemn_v by_o the_o edict_n and_o authority_n both_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o emperor_n and_o so_o in_o regard_n of_o they_o can_v expect_v no_o less_o than_o a_o violent_a death_n every_o day_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o return_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n have_v this_o passage_n to_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n patr._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v unavoidable_a cause_n urge_v i_o god_n himself_o call_v and_o compel_v i_o and_o here_o i_o will_v turn_v my_o back_n to_o no_o creature_n go_v to_o then_o let_v i_o do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v lord_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n again_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o dialogue_n of_o sylvester_n prierias_fw-la who_o have_v threaten_v he_o he_o say_v i_o have_v nothing_o that_o i_o can_v loose_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o i_o be_o lose_v i_o be_o lose_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v i_o be_o find_v and_o therefore_o seek_v some_o body_n else_o to_o fright_v for_o i_o you_o can_v again_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o ambrose_n catharinus_n he_o say_v of_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o instrument_n they_o seek_v not_o to_o overcome_v i_o with_o scripture_n but_o to_o destroy_v i_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n but_o i_o know_v and_o be_o sure_a that_o christ_n our_o lord_n live_v and_o reign_v and_o be_v even_o fill_v with_o this_o knowledge_n and_o confidence_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v many_o thousand_o of_o pope_n for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o again_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o his_o father_n he_o have_v this_o remarkable_a passage_n what_o if_o the_o pope_n shall_v kill_v i_o or_o condemn_v i_o below_o hell_n he_o can_v raise_v i_o up_o again_o when_o i_o be_o slay_v and_o kill_v i_o a_o second_o and_o three_o time_n and_o have_v once_o condemn_v i_o i_o will_v never_o have_v he_o absolve_v i_o for_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o that_o kingdom_n of_o abomination_n and_o destruction_n shall_v be_v itself_o destroy_v but_o will_v i_o may_v first_o be_v count_v worthy_a either_o to_o be_v burn_v or_o slay_v by_o he_o that_o so_o my_o blood_n may_v cry_v the_o loud_o and_o urge_v his_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o more_o hasten_a but_o if_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o testify_v with_o my_o blood_n let_v i_o at_o least_o entreat_v and_o implore_v this_o mercy_n that_o i_o may_v testify_v by_o my_o life_n and_o doctrine_n that_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o calm_v melancton_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o so_o when_o his_o enemy_n threaten_v he_o not_o to_o leave_v he_o a_o place_n in_o all_o germany_n whereon_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n he_o say_v avido_o &_o tranquillo_fw-la animo_fw-la expecto_fw-la exilia_fw-la i_o expect_v banishment_n with_o a_o desirous_a and_o peace_n able_a mind_n many_o more_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o show_v that_o when_o minister_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o
act_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sin_n it_o still_o leave_v within_o as_o it_o be_v four_o it_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a reformation_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o a_o man_n by_o the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n powerful_a even_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o so_o no_o sin_n lust_n corruption_n though_o never_o so_o mighty_a be_v able_a to_o resist_v this_o work_n of_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o make_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n fly_v in_o piece_n before_o it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o create_v and_o redeem_v the_o elect_a may_v as_o well_o be_v resist_v as_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o reform_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n that_o god_n put_v forth_o in_o this_o work_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v void_a by_o any_o creature_n in_o every_o stroke_n of_o this_o work_n the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a be_v put_v forth_o as_o every_o right_o reform_v christian_n know_v and_o if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v not_o put_v forth_o this_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n a_o christian_a have_v never_o be_v reform_v no_o not_o from_o one_o sin_n now_o the_o power_n of_o this_o reformation_n eminent_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n it_o find_v they_o lion_n it_o make_v they_o lamb_n it_o find_v they_o wolf_n it_o make_v they_o sheep_n it_o find_v they_o bird_n of_o prey_n it_o make_v they_o dove_n it_o find_v they_o tree_n of_o the_o forest_n it_o make_v they_o appletree_n in_o a_o word_n it_o find_v they_o flesh_n it_o make_v they_o spirit_n it_o find_v they_o sin_n it_o make_v they_o righteousness_n mighty_a indeed_o be_v the_o power_n of_o this_o reformation_n but_o now_o as_o this_o gospel_n reformation_n be_v mighty_a so_o civil-ecclesiastical_a reformation_n be_v weak_a for_o as_o the_o former_a have_v the_o power_n of_o god_n engage_v in_o it_o so_o this_o late_a have_v only_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o so_o can_v do_v no_o such_o work_n as_o the_o former_a i_o appeal_v to_o all_o that_o be_v spiritual_a what_o heart_n or_o nature_n be_v ever_o change_v by_o this_o sort_n of_o reformation_n for_o there_o it_o be_v that_o corruption_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o all_o the_o reformation_n that_o all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o world_n can_v undertake_v and_o so_o the_o reformation_n manage_v by_o the_o mighty_a and_o severe_a power_n of_o man_n be_v weak_a as_o water_v in_o this_o business_n of_o change_a nature_n and_o can_v only_o change_v some_o outward_a form_n and_o posture_n and_o the_o like_a leave_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o man_n nature_n the_o same_o it_o be_v before_o it_o only_o put_v sheep_n clothing_n upon_o man_n which_o be_v easy_o do_v but_o still_o leave_v they_o wolf_n underneath_o five_o constant_n it_o be_v a_o constant_a reformation_n a_o reformation_n which_o be_v once_o begin_v be_v never_o intermit_v again_o till_o all_o be_v perfect_v for_o as_o long_o as_o god_n nature_n dwell_v in_o we_o it_o will_v ever_o be_v reform_v our_o nature_n to_o itself_o till_o it_o be_v altogether_o like_o it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o flesh_n it_o will_v still_o be_v reform_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n till_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o sin_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v make_v spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o this_o life_n that_o be_v live_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o time_n of_o continual_a reformation_n and_o a_o christian_a be_v daily_o wash_v cleanse_a and_o purify_n himself_o till_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o christ_n be_v pure_a but_o now_o civil-ecclesiastical_a reformation_n at_o first_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o tumult_n in_o the_o world_n and_o after_o lie_v as_o still_o as_o a_o stone_n for_o such_o reformation_n reform_v state_n and_o kingdom_n to_o man_n own_o profit_n honour_n power_n advantage_n and_o so_o to_o themselves_o rather_o than_o to_o christ_n and_o when_o man_n have_v once_o attain_v to_o their_o own_o end_n their_o activity_n cease_v again_o it_o bring_v man_n to_o certain_a outward_a order_n and_o conformity_n and_o then_o run_v round_o as_o in_o a_o mill_n and_o go_v no_o far_o again_o it_o reform_v for_o a_o time_n and_o not_o constant_o because_o the_o outward_a power_n be_v take_v away_o nature_n return_v to_o its_o own_o course_n again_o for_o state-ecclesiastical_a reformation_n only_o change_v some_o outward_a work_n leave_v the_o nature_n the_o self_n same_o that_o it_o be_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v now_o where_o the_o work_n be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n nature_n by_o degree_n return_v to_o itself_o again_o and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o those_o work_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o that_o reformation_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o gospel-reformation_n be_v and_o how_o qualify_v whereby_o you_o see_v it_o clear_o difference_v from_o civil-ecclesiastical_a reformation_n and_o oh_o that_o that_o prophecy_n may_v here_o be_v fulfil_v isa_n 32._o 3._o the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o see_v shall_v not_o be_v dim_a and_o the_o ear_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v hearken_v the_o second_o general_n to_o who_o hand_n this_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v commit_v reformer_n now_o that_o be_v only_o to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a and_o only_a magistrate_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o who_o only_o be_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o dominus_fw-la fac_fw-la totum_fw-la as_o they_o say_v if_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v redeem_v christ_n must_v redeem_v it_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v christ_n must_v govern_v it_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v protect_v christ_n must_v protect_v it_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v christ_n must_v save_v it_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n christ_n only_o be_v to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o among_o other_o thing_n to_o reform_v it_o that_o be_v to_o wash_v it_o sanctify_v it_o purify_v it_o christ_n then_o be_v the_o only_a reformer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n note_n for_o first_o christ_n god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n reformation_n to_o christ_n only_o and_o to_o no_o body_n else_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o for_o the_o church_n then_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o to_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n all_o thing_n be_v give_v to_o i_o of_o my_o father_n say_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n thy_o they_n be_v and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o thou_o they_o be_v by_o election_n and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o that_o i_o may_v redeem_v they_o and_o reform_v they_o and_o present_v they_o to_o thou_o again_o without_o spot_n so_o that_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n and_o second_o it_o christ_n have_v take_v this_o care_n upon_o himself_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n and_o love_n to_o his_o church_n 1._o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n obedience_n for_o he_o say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o do_v my_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o shall_v lose_v none_o and_o so_o christ_n reform_v all_o that_o he_o may_v lose_v none_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n 2._o out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o church_n he_o take_v this_o care_n and_o charge_n on_o he_o love_n for_o such_o be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n everywhere_o so_o glorious_o discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o but_o also_o give_v himself_o to_o we_o to_o reform_v we_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o be_v our_o redemption_n christ_n dwell_v and_o live_v in_o we_o be_v our_o reformation_n three_o christ_n this_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v only_o suitable_a to_o and_o convenient_a for_o christ_n the_o head_n as_o have_v so_o near_o and_o dear_a interest_n in_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o so_o he_o be_v full_a of_o love_n and_o bowel_n and_o tender_a compassion_n to_o the_o church_n he_o will_v not_o deal_v rough_o rugged_o and_o boystrous_o with_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v not_o grieve_v they_o and_o vex_v they_o and_o oppress_v they_o and_o crush_v they_o in_o piece_n but_o he_o be_v their_o head_n will_v deal_v meek_o and_o gentle_o with_o they_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a
the_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o lord_n of_o arras_n a_o city_n of_o picardy_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o flanders_n will_v be_v govern_v otherwise_o then_o france_n or_o burgundy_n and_o this_o consideration_n say_v he_o right_o understand_v to_o wit_n not_o to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o let_v the_o church_n use_v its_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n uniformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n luther_n also_o that_o choose_a vessel_n of_o christ_n do_v clear_o oppose_v this_o evil_n of_o uniformity_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n touch_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n mundi_fw-la if_o one_o church_n will_v not_o follow_v another_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n in_o those_o outward_a thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n which_o presen_o be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o snare_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v one_o church_n free_o imitate_v another_o or_o let_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o use_v its_o own_o way_n so_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v preserve_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n though_o there_o be_v variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o element_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o same_o luther_n after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o form_n of_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o wittingberg_n conclude_v thus_o in_o quibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cavendum_fw-la ne_fw-la legem_fw-la ex_fw-la libertate_fw-la faciamus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o sin_n who_o shall_v either_o do_v otherwise_o or_o shall_v omit_v some_o thing_n so_o they_o permit_v the_o word_n of_o blessing_n to_o remain_v entire_a and_o do_v all_o act_n here_o in_o faith_n for_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o freewoman_n who_o may_v keep_v they_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v power_n to_o change_v they_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o any_o shall_v either_o desire_n or_o establish_v any_o necessary_a form_n as_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o ensnare_v or_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o primitive_a church_n any_o example_n of_o any_o such_o rite_n but_o only_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o quod_fw-la legibus_fw-la hic_fw-la obstringi_fw-la nec_fw-la possent_fw-la nec_fw-la debent_fw-la because_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n moreover_o if_o divers_a man_n shall_v use_v a_o diverse_a rite_n let_v none_o either_o judge_n or_o contemn_v another_o but_o let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o all_o savour_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o for_o form_n we_o act_v diverse_o and_o let_v each_o rite_n please_v other_o lest_o by_o diversity_n of_o rite_n follow_v divesity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o outward_a rite_n though_o we_o can_v want_v they_o as_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n yet_o they_o commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n but_o only_a faith_n and_o love_n commend_v we_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o paul_n take_v place_n here_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n accipere_fw-la but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o no_o rite_n nor_o form_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o faith_n within_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o form_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittenberg_n which_o he_o write_v out_o for_o nicholas_n hausmannus_fw-la a_o godly_a minister_n he_o say_v which_o copy_n either_o you_o or_o other_o may_v follow_v if_o you_o please_v if_o not_o we_o willing_o give_v place_n to_o the_o anoint_v be_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v from_o you_o or_o any_o other_o more_o profitable_a thing_n these_o thing_n he_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o in_o other_o that_o act_n these_o thing_n peremptory_o and_o command_v and_o enforce_v they_o by_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v thief_n and_o murderer_n melancton_n also_o uniformity_n persuade_v certain_a christian_n to_o unity_n who_o differ_v in_o uniformity_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o do_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n let_v we_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a love_n nostras_fw-la and_o let_v not_o unlikeness_n and_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o bucer_n quote_v this_o place_n add_v no_o nor_o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n disjoin_v our_o mind_n upon_o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o these_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o form_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o congregation_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o any_o shall_v set_v down_o any_o form_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v use_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o please_v or_o may_v add_v or_o alter_v or_o whole_o reject_v they_o and_o no_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n shall_v enforce_v to_o ensnare_v conscience_n and_o to_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o obscure_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o people_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v most_o horrible_o mistake_v that_o now_o urge_v external_a uniformity_n on_o the_o church_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n who_o scarce_o mind_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o name_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o call_v one_o lord_n faith_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o do_v earnest_o and_o fierce_o labour_v for_o one_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n one_o directory_n one_o confession_n one_o catechism_n one_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v these_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v enforce_v on_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n their_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o seer_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o uniformity_n what_o woeful_a division_n will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n live_v in_o one_o form_n the_o father_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o another_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o john_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v