of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o the_o independent_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o it_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n &_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o out_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o 1._o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n &_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20._o 17._o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o life_n i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o
independent_a government_n be_v such_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o that_o government_n only_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o god_n word_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o this_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o not_o that_o which_o master_n knollys_n will_v grollish_o put_v upon_o i_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n of_o he_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o have_v and_o for_o instance_n produce_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n understand_v by_o church_n the_o people_n who_o he_o say_v have_v power_n over_o the_o member_n miserable_o mistake_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a soul_n by_o it_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o can_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v in_o matter_n of_o government_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a for_o if_o man_n do_v once_o but_o right_o understand_v what_o a_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o new-testament_n and_o consider_v withal_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o by_o saint_n paul_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o governor_n and_o ruler_n be_v compare_v unto_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n ear_n hand_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o other_o member_n in_o the_o body_n and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o head_n and_o other_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o direction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n some_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o other_o to_o be_v rule_v in_o it_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v for_o none_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v their_o station_n unless_o they_o by_o violence_n be_v cut_v off_o as_o all_o rational_a creature_n do_v very_o well_o know_v for_o the_o head_n be_v ever_o the_o head_n the_o eye_n be_v ever_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n be_v ever_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v ever_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n for_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n &c_n &c_n intimate_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n and_o help_v in_o government_n in_o the_o church_n every_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o station_n to_o wit_n they_o that_o be_v once_o apostle_n teacher_n or_o governor_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n ever_o so_o to_o be_v and_o never_o lose_v their_o place_n but_o always_o to_o the_o day_n of_o their_o death_n remain_v and_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o where_o saint_n paul_n say_v he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o come_v all_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o of_o those_o true_a minister_n be_v at_o any_o time_n degrade_v or_o lose_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o their_o title_n or_o of_o their_o authority_n but_o as_o god_n have_v put_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n so_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o several_a church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n ordain_v as_o act_v the_o 14._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o the_o people_n and_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v command_v to_o obey_v their_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o heb._n 13._o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v we_o find_v likewise_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o precedent_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o the_o people_n there_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o assume_v not_o the_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o apply_v themselves_o and_o make_v their_o address_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o they_o order_v every_o thing_n according_a as_o they_o think_v good_a and_o that_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n we_o find_v further_o that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o question_v any_o offender_n for_o the_o censure_a and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o excommunication_n it_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o office_n and_o not_o by_o the_o multitude_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o a_o place_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o the_o independent_o sufficient_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o censure_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inflict_v by_o all_o the_o people_n but_o by_o such_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n lay_v which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o many_o or_o of_o many_o and_o true_o if_o we_o will_v but_o due_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o they_o and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a church_n through_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o to_o obey_v again_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2._o &_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n christ_n write_v unto_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o several_a church_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n lay_v and_o who_o have_v both_o the_o praise_n of_o well_o do_v and_o blame_v of_o any_o evil_a either_o commit_v or_o tolerate_v by_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o all_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o malversation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o they_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o not_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n &_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o emninent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equalise_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o jude_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o the_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n and_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o beleiver_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
or_o for_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o exact_v of_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o complete_n and_o mould_v of_o they_o into_o church_n body_n pro_fw-la per_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v perfect_o convert_v and_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o yet_o that_o for_o some_o want_v they_o make_v no_o separation_n rend_v or_o schism_n from_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o they_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n open_o and_o that_o in_o all_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o yet_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o distinction_n of_o officer_n nor_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o of_o their_o requisite_n so_o that_o from_o the_o pious_a and_o godly_a example_n of_o those_o glorious_a saint_n i_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o rent_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v among_o brethren_n for_o some_o fail_n in_o any_o church_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n not_o only_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n but_o a_o very_a want_n of_o officer_n themselves_o and_o of_o a_o good_a discipline_n also_o in_o any_o church_n or_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v make_v rent_n and_o division_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o withal_o i_o learn_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o fail_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o want_n of_o some_o chief_a officer_n and_o member_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o form_v church_n although_o it_o want_v both_o officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n they_o now_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v member_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o he_o now_o preach_v be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n divinity_n and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o he_o write_v as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o those_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a want_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n officer_n which_o we_o may_v long_o since_o have_v enjoy_v have_v not_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n hinder_v our_o happy_a begin_v reformation_n especial_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v when_o there_o be_v no_o fail_v or_o want_n in_o any_o dominative_a or_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o where_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n requisite_a to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v daily_o public_o teach_v in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o congregation_n and_o church_n all_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v we_o want_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v that_o discipline_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n yea_o the_o independent_o themselves_z hold_v that_o officer_n in_o a_o church_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o it_o as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n apparent_o delucidate_v for_o they_o say_v though_o the_o officer_n all_o dye_n yet_o the_o church_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v discipline_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n i_o maintain_v that_o in_o all_o he_o assert_v he_o be_v not_o only_o exceed_v erroneous_a and_o ignorant_a but_o understand_v not_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v all_o against_o he_o in_o those_o his_o assertion_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v it_o in_o their_o writing_n that_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n if_o their_o concession_n be_v true_a nor_o any_o church_n officer_n which_o be_v point_n blank_a against_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o opinion_n they_o confess_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n viz_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n they_o acknowledge_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v equal_a power_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n as_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v both_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o their_o several_a church_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a right_n &_o impeach_v neither_o of_o they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o they_o do_v also_o confess_v that_o as_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n do_v excommunicate_a hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o and_o other_o so_o may_v the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o like_a occasion_n give_v they_o and_o may_v have_v put_v any_o church_n not_o only_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n but_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o also_o to_o have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n as_o both_o paul_n do_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v all_o well_o constitute_v and_o well_o and_o perfect_a form_v church_n by_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n so_o as_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o independent_o do_v accord_n unto_o and_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o perfect_a church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n before_o the_o incestuous_a person_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o they_o will_v say_v of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaiâ—tans_n and_o that_o of_o baalam_n and_o jezabell_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o and_o before_o those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n appear_v and_o all_o the_o other_o offender_n there_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v any_o perfection_n to_o those_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o deformity_n to_o they_o all_o to_o have_v such_o creature_n and_o fail_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v repute_v their_o great_a sin_n to_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o in_o their_o bowel_n which_o by_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o have_v power_n to_o have_v cast_v out_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o those_o church_n at_o their_o first_o plantation_n and_o sound_n have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o all_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o several_a church_n both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o this_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n but_o be_v all_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n the_o first_o day_n contrary_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v likewise_o by_o the_o independent_o and_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n himself_o that_o where_o there_o be_v church_n officer_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n with_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o few_o visible_a saint_n if_o they_o amount_v but_o to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v but_o ten_o or_o twelve_o gather_v together_o according_a to_o their_o method_n that_o there_o be_v a_o complete_a form_v church_n where_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o this_o church_n be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n the_o which_o
want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n i_o beeleeve_v they_o will_v exercise_v some_o more_o of_o their_o authority_n to_o teach_v such_o a_o one_o better_a manner_n or_o more_o wit_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v discipline_n in_o that_o church_n though_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o put_n of_o it_o in_o execution_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n neither_o will_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o i_o say_v we_o read_v only_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o and_o some_o of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o cast_v out_o their_o corrupt_a member_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n neither_o read_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n colosse_n nor_o among_o the_o thessalonian_o nor_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o antioch_n nor_o in_o samaria_n will_v any_o man_n therefore_o say_v that_o all_o these_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o fanatical_a as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o so_o brainsick_a a_o premise_v much_o less_o will_v any_o intelligible_a christian_n argue_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v say_v we_o read_v not_o of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n ergo_fw-la it_o have_v it_o not_o this_o will_v indeed_o prove_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o such_o a_o consequenct_n or_o conclusion_n can_v least_o of_o all_o have_v be_v make_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o such_o a_o antecedent_n then_o from_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n because_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n within_o itself_o but_o a_o legislative_a power_n also_o who_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o church_n both_o for_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o discipline_n in_o every_o particular_a and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 23._o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n give_v power_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n and_o that_o both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o power_n be_v radical_o in_o it_o and_o in_o that_o church_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o authority_n the_o stream_n of_o the_o which_o flow_v to_o all_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n think_v it_o give_v away_o all_o its_o power_n and_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o reserve_n donec_fw-la ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redierit_fw-la res_fw-la i_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o will_v much_o blame_v my_o brother_n burton_n for_o this_o his_o rashness_n in_o affirm_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n when_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n bequeath_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v mat._n 28._o verse_n 18._o 19_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v loe_o here_o be_v plenary_a authority_n give_v unto_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o key_n promise_v they_o in_o the_o sixteenth_o of_o matthew_n here_o they_o now_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n both_o of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o the_o key_n import_v as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v and_o the_o very_a independent_o do_v not_o deny_v now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o but_o unto_o all_o faithful_a minister_n their_o successor_n to_o who_o christ_n make_v a_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 28._o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v ever_o relinquish_v their_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grollish_o affirm_v who_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o dote_v but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o just_a occasion_n without_o all_o controversy_n they_o will_v have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n but_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o have_v no_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o want_v not_o though_o they_o exercise_v it_o not_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o punish_v offender_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o independent_o will_v blame_v any_o of_o their_o scholar_n and_o member_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v their_o new_a congregat_v church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o in_o some_o of_o they_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n in_o a_o church_n for_o as_o it_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o hang_v and_o draw_v though_o perhaps_o after_o it_o be_v erect_v they_o either_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o execute_v that_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v or_o they_o out_o of_o clemency_n will_v for_o a_o time_n show_v mercy_n and_o use_v lenity_n towards_o offender_n not_o take_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o more_o with_o humanity_n and_o kindness_n to_o reclaim_v they_o even_o so_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o not_o execute_v of_o the_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o not_o have_v just_a occasion_n of_o put_v that_o power_n in_o execution_n do_v not_o prove_v a_o want_n of_o that_o power_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n shall_v so_o argue_v against_o their_o new_a church_n officer_n i_o believe_v they_o will_v soon_o make_v use_n of_o their_o key_n to_o shut_v such_o a_o member_n out_o of_o their_o church_n door_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n false_o complain_v that_o truth_n be_v late_o shut_v out_o of_o aldermanburic_n church_n door_n and_o true_o if_o one_o of_o their_o whibble_a congregation_n have_v no_o want_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n though_o they_o execute_v it_o not_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o temerarious_a and_o unadvised_a as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v evacuate_v or_o enervate_v or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v great_a power_n in_o it_o then_o in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o who_o have_v all_o the_o apostle_n among_o they_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o john_n disciple_n all_o of_o they_o arm_v with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o when_o the_o magazine_n and_o treasury_n of_o all_o power_n reside_v continual_o in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o all_o other_o church_n derive_v their_o power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o to_o this_o i_o now_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o judicious_a man_n will_v easy_o consent_v and_o agree_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n say_v that_o neither_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n nor_o none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v complete_a within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o must_v
dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o council_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17._o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcise_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o form_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o gracious_o bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v so_o to_o believe_v because_o the_o apostle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o of_o the_o presbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v count_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a &_o ordinary_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o â—it_a then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a councillor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o counsel_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a prelate_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a relief_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n or_o state_n be_v send_v and_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o wisdom_n in_o those_o man_n hand_n i_o say_v that_o this_o power_n â—esideth_v of_o dispose_v the_o treasury_n or_o revenue_n they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o state_n as_o at_o this_o day_n it_o reside_v with_o all_o the_o former_a essential_a property_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o they_o only_o and_o be_v sole_o exercise_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o master_n knollys_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a court_n because_o the_o contribution_n collection_n and_o excise_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
that_o by_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o i_o make_v good_a before_o but_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o presbyter_n his_o minister_n and_o servant_n also_o of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o shall_v again_o brief_o consider_v and_o but_o take_v notice_n first_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o that_o be_v all_o power_n in_o his_o church_n under_o he_o matth._n 28._o and_o mark_v 16._o i_o say_v if_o we_o shall_v due_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n christ_n special_a minister_n and_o servant_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o invest_v with_o all_o authority_n and_o guide_v in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v as_o his_o minister_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v also_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o which_o minister_n likewise_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n and_o overseer_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o but_o due_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o invest_v with_o plenary_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o enable_v to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o commission_n but_o receive_v command_n from_o heaven_n to_o obey_v those_o that_o god_n have_v make_v guide_n over_o they_o and_o make_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o mature_o consider_v all_o these_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n and_o the_o power_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o and_o that_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v but_o consider_v what_o learn_v i._o s._n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o his_o brethren_n declare_v concern_v not_o only_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o he_o deliver_v concern_v the_o bless_a apostle_n we_o shall_v clear_o perceive_v that_o herobb_v they_o all_o of_o that_o honour_n dignity_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o be_v a_o double_a injustice_n first_n in_o take_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n that_o which_o be_v their_o due_a and_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o second_o in_o give_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o which_o pertain_v not_o to_o they_o and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n and_o with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o doctrine_n what_o he_o hold_v and_o believe_v concern_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n page_n 12._o in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n jmposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a otherwise_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o complete_a according_a to_o his_o learning_n the_o people_n may_v do_v it_o thus_o i._n s._n speak_v there_o and_o in_o the_o 11_o page_n he_o grant_v it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n as_o if_o he_o repent_v of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v he_o come_v in_o with_o a_o but_o say_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o jnterest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o officer_n say_v he_o ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o dialect_n as_o he_o declare_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n go_v before_o the_o officer_n must_v exercise_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v do_v as_o the_o people_n shall_v direct_v they_o for_o their_o power_n be_v only_o the_o executive_a power_n they_o be_v only_o the_o executioner_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v neither_o elect_v any_o officer_n nor_o excommunicate_v any_o without_o they_o have_v the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n from_o the_o people_n for_o the_o radical_a and_o original_a power_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n and_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o to_o make_v they_o nothing_o but_o cypher_n in_o the_o church_n and_o most_o sacrilegious_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o that_o power_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v they_o and_o to_o arrogate_v it_o and_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o injustice_n in_o the_o independent_o that_o can_v be_v commit_v against_o man_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o conscientious_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o whether_o such_o temerarious_a and_o bold_a impudent_a theive_v and_o church-robber_n ought_v not_o with_o great_a severity_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v proceed_v against_o for_o this_o their_o malefice_fw-la and_o unsufferable_a wickedness_n who_o do_v not_o only_o take_v from_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o they_o ought_v ever_o to_o have_v in_o great_a reverence_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5._o that_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o labour_v likewise_o now_o with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o take_v from_o they_o also_o that_o that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n his_o servant_n to_o give_v they_o viz._n their_o tithe_n and_o livelihood_n and_o all_o that_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v support_v themselves_o and_o their_o poor_a family_n which_o be_v as_o intolerable_a a_o in_o justice_n and_o ingratitude_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o can_v by_o mortal_a creature_n be_v commit_v which_o wickedness_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v suffer_v to_o go_v unpunished_a i_o most_o confident_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v take_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o righteousservant_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o will_v pour_v down_o his_o plague_n both_o on_o they_o and_o all_o their_o complice_n and_o abettor_n and_o now_o i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a how_o they_o rob_v all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o power_n i_o will_v make_v it_o likewise_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o predicament_n and_o that_o they_o deal_v no_o better_o with_o they_o who_o they_o have_v rob_v also_o and_o spoil_v of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o authority_n and_o count_v of_o they_o all_fw-mi no_o otherwise_o then_o of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a minister_n and_o but_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o executioner_n for_o we_o must_v take_v what_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o this_o business_n to_o be_v utter_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o he_o be_v but_o their_o mouth_n and_o his_o book_n come_v forth_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o be_v esteem_v of_o as_o a_o goodly_a piece_n and_o he_o high_o honour_v among_o they_o for_o it_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 12._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n say_v he_o as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n
true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n right_o call_v upon_o and_o all_o those_o essential_a mark_n make_v that_o church_n a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n if_o the_o scripture_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o as_o a_o special_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o which_o his_o tenant_n i_o believe_v he_o will_v find_v some_o moderate_a check_n or_o other_o from_o some_o of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n who_o hold_v that_o their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o second_o grollery_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o three_o grollery_n be_v that_o he_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o contrary_a unto_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o god_n give_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o &_o matt._n 18._o and_o matth._n 28._o and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o key_n and_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n family_n can_v only_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o please_v without_o the_o people_n and_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n without_o the_o people_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n those_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_v yea_o and_o receive_v paul_n into_o their_o fellowship_n contrary_a unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o people_n mind_n act_v 9_o and_o we_o know_v that_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o power_n do_v excommunicate_a and_o deliver_v to_o satan_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n and_o other_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1._o and_o we_o learn_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o lord_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n as_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o not_o cast_v out_o those_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v among_o they_o by_o all_o which_o testimony_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o the_o minister_n only_o aught_o by_o themselves_o to_o manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a office_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o even_o out_o of_o 2._o cor._n 2._o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a by_o many_o not_o al._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a great_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n to_o conclude_v because_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n therefore_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o these_o be_v the_o unsound_a conclusion_n that_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n gather_v too_o too_o often_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o ingratiate_a of_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n who_o they_o pretend_v much_o to_o honour_n in_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o challenge_v this_o to_o themselves_o joly_a it_o be_v only_o to_o enslave_v the_o people_n and_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o that_o worse_a than_o the_o prelate_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v do_v my_o brother_n burton_n bring_v in_o this_o cavil_n in_o opposition_n to_o my_o argument_n which_o not_o withstand_v stand_v firm_a to_o prove_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o people_n execute_v his_o commission_n and_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n example_n all_o other_o minister_n may_v take_v this_o example_n and_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o cavil_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o grollery_n of_o the_o same_o concern_v the_o baptist_n and_o his_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o at_o their_o first_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o hear_v they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n address_v themselves_o only_o unto_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n act._n 2._o 23_o 24_o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o multitude_n or_o church_n admit_v the_o people_n into_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o believer_n second_o that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o their_o warrant_n and_o according_a to_o their_o injunction_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o propound_v no_o other_o condition_n or_o term_n for_o the_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n the_o which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v accept_v of_o they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o testimony_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n or_o further_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o repentance_n without_o any_o witness_n from_o other_o of_o their_o conversation_n and_o without_o the_o voice_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o commission_n or_o consult_v with_o by_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v or_o no_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o demand_v or_o ask_v by_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v some_o time_n of_o further_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v further_o be_v confirm_v that_o their_o conversion_n be_v sound_a and_o well_o neither_o do_v any_o call_n for_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n to_o the_o congregation_n that_o they_o be_v convert_v real_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o private_a covenant_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o specify_v but_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v that_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o power_n that_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n i_o expect_v in_o this_o place_n to_o have_v meet_v with_o general_n burton_n or_o cavalier_n hanserdo_n saint_n george_n his_o chaplain_n know_v what_o dare_a man_n they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v fight_v i_o here_o especial_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o have_v beat_v i_o from_o this_o ground_n a_o place_n so_o advantageous_a that_o they_o that_o be_v master_n of_o it_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o powerful_a and_o potent_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o expect_v their_o encounter_n here_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v give_v i_o battle_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o pitch_a field_n for_o it_o because_o they_o
have_v ever_o pretend_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o yea_o and_o challenge_v a_o right_n unto_o it_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v they_o and_o which_o be_v more_o they_o have_v by_o usurpation_n get_v this_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o have_v thus_o attain_v unto_o their_o design_n be_v back_v with_o great_a friend_n some_o tobiass_n and_o sanballet_n they_o begin_v to_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o make_v fortification_n in_o their_o brain_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n in_o their_o fantasy_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o independent_a church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o god_n service_n and_o pretend_v that_o this_o church_n be_v the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o that_o all_o church_n through_o the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v after_o that_o model_n and_o be_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o many_o sanballat_n and_o tobiess_n much_o strengthen_v as_o i_o say_v before_o they_o begin_v to_o insult_v and_o to_o give_v law_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o to_o gather_v and_o set_v up_o church_n after_o their_o own_o model_n and_o be_v much_o assure_v of_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o bad_a defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n fling_v and_o cast_v their_o glove_n to_o all_o their_o enemy_n assemble_v and_o not_o assemble_v whereupon_o i_o be_v a_o commander_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a army_n and_o take_v up_o the_o glove_n come_v out_o against_o they_o and_o by_o divine_a assistance_n reduce_v this_o place_n and_o take_v it_o from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v sometime_o unjust_o detain_v from_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o who_o indeed_o it_o belong_v by_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o succession_n i_o say_v i_o have_v by_o conquest_n take_v this_o strong_a city_n from_o the_o independent_a usurper_n that_o now_o labour_v to_o manage_v all_o government_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n in_o church_n and_o state_n pretend_v they_o be_v saint_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n must_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o i_o expect_v that_o those_o two_o confide_a commander_n saint_n hanserdo_n valiant_a and_o venerable_a old_a henry_n be_v so_o complete_o arm_v as_o he_o be_v with_o his_o sword_n and_o photions_n hatchet_n and_o with_o his_o great_a white_a baskethilted_n beard_n that_o both_o of_o they_o assist_v also_o with_o i._o s._n will_v have_v come_v out_o in_o battle_n against_o i_o and_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v the_o field_n as_o van_n trump_n late_o leave_v the_o sea_n especial_o see_v in_o their_o march_n they_o all_o pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v also_o so_o great_a a_o advantage_n against_o i_o they_o be_v three_o to_o one_o which_o make_v i_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v all_o either_o desperate_a coward_n or_o terrible_o treacherous_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v general_n and_o commander_n any_o long_o in_o so_o great_a a_o army_n as_o that_o of_o the_o illdependents_a yea_o this_o their_o decline_a battle_n with_o i_o make_v i_o bold_o conclude_v of_o they_o that_o they_o deal_v unmanly_a on_o all_o side_n for_o if_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o or_o a_o right_n unto_o it_o why_o do_v they_o not_o now_o engage_v themselves_o in_o her_o quarrel_n and_o fight_v for_o she_o especial_o when_o all_o their_o army_n lie_v in_o the_o field_n certain_o it_o have_v be_v much_o for_o all_o their_o honour_n now_o to_o have_v show_v their_o valour_n and_o therefore_o they_o all_o of_o they_o not_o strike_v a_o stroke_n proclaim_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n their_o want_n both_o of_o animosity_n and_o all_o heroical_a virtue_n and_o their_o want_n also_o of_o honesty_n in_o that_o they_o pretend_v a_o right_n unto_o that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a title_n or_o claim_n to_o and_o for_o which_o they_o dare_v not_o fight_v in_o that_o they_o amuse_v the_o people_n and_o stir_v up_o faction_n on_o every_o side_n and_o all_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o groundless_a combustion_n in_o church_n &_o state_n tell_v the_o people_n that_o they_o have_v power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n which_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereupon_o they_o persuade_v they_o that_o if_o they_o relinquish_v this_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o presbyter_n they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o then_o ever_o the_o prelate_n do_v and_o they_o teach_v they_o far_o that_o this_o right_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n who_o when_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n as_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n have_v not_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o govern_v they_o but_o the_o people_n also_o be_v join_v with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n both_o in_o elect_v of_o officer_n and_o in_o receive_v in_o of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o wish_v all_o the_o people_n to_o stand_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a these_o and_o such_o like_a unsound_a principle_n they_o season_v the_o people_n with_o for_o the_o enrage_v of_o they_o against_o the_o presbyter_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o new-found_a way_n of_o independency_n and_o labour_v continual_o by_o shift_n and_o juggle_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o any_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o for_o the_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n reside_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n hand_n both_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n with_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o who_o only_o exercise_v it_o in_o their_o day_n as_o by_o innumerable_a example_n may_v be_v prove_v as_o by_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o latter_a example_n both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o j._n s._n pass_v by_o with_o great_a silence_n wherein_o they_o deal_v most_o dishonest_o as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o for_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n my_o brother_n burton_n set_v upon_o that_o at_o first_o pretend_v to_o the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o johns_n gather_v in_o of_o people_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n gather_v by_o he_o be_v not_o formedinto_o christian_a church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 16._o and_o that_o those_o church_n only_o which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n unto_o all_o christian_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o say_v if_o we_o visit_v they_o we_o shâ—ll_v find_v that_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 2._o which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o all_o church_n and_o thereupon_o conclude_v and_o so_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o receive_v in_o and_o admit_v of_o member_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n can_v be_v a_o example_n &_o pattern_n to_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o that_o argument_n by_o such_o turn_n and_o evasion_n as_o these_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o those_o congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v by_o he_o not_o be_v in_o a_o gospel-form_n nor_o mould_v up_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n can_v be_v bind_o presidential_a and_o therefore_o for_o our_o imitation_n he_o affirm_v we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o that_o one_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o which_o
of_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o five_o chapter_n to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o untain_v repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbytrie_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 12._o 1._o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o and_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n into_o council_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n
not_o speedy_o repent_v for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o relinquish_v their_o ungodly_a unchristian_a and_o unbrother_o practise_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o he_o avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o that_o speedy_o luke_n 17._o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o impious_a cavil_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o hanserdo_v now_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o master_n knollys_n bring_v it_o quite_o overthrow_v their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v point_n bank_n against_o it_o and_o their_o practice_n for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o extreme_a refuge_n upon_o just_a offence_n yet_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o business_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n so_o that_o those_o that_o complain_v may_v not_o be_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o judge_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o know_v a_o maxim_n that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o beside_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o never_o read_v inall_n the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellow_n ship_n or_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o but_o paul_n &_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a persecutor_n and_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n i_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o any_o church_n may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o may_v fear_v such_o a_o one_o and_o suspect_v he_o and_o complain_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v do_v but_o power_n they_o have_v none_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o church-fellowship_n if_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n examine_v of_o the_o business_n they_o find_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o convert_v from_o his_o sinful_a course_n for_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o their_o good_a like_n or_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o they_o he_o may_v appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v god_n steward_n and_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v fit_a and_o for_o this_o his_o so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o presbyter_n accept_v of_o his_o appeal_n they_o have_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o when_o the_o disciple_n fear_v paul_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v he_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o forth_o with_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o his_o appeal_n admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o now_o impose_v upon_o their_o member_n as_o by_o this_o very_a example_n and_o instance_n of_o mr._n knollys_n do_v abundant_o appear_v which_o make_v whole_o against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o tenant_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n lie_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n only_o and_o sole_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o make_v steward_n and_o overseer_n and_o guide_v of_o his_o church_n his_o house_n which_o when_o they_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n they_o only_o and_o not_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n both_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o all_o the_o example_n i_o have_v produce_v and_o by_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o saint_n paul_n allege_v by_o master_n knollys_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n but_o against_o their_o good_a like_n it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v clear_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v ever_o safe_a to_o abide_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o perpetual_a security_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o all_o that_o mr._n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n and_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o look_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n &_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o footstep_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o congregate_a of_o their_o assembly_n as_o for_o christ_n disciple_n they_o be_v all_o send_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o go_v not_o to_o gather_v in_o convert_a man_n from_o among_o convert_a man_n for_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n we_o never_o read_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o fold_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n that_o any_o true_a pastor_n come_v into_o the_o fold_n and_o flock_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o best_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n and_o the_o most_o wholesome_a and_o mould_v they_o into_o a_o independent_a fold_n by_o themselves_o as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v away_o of_o other_o sheep_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15._o and_o preach_v christ_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o before_o and_o plant_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n himself_o and_o leave_v apollo_n to_o water_v it_o and_o commit_v all_o the_o flock_n that_o he_o have_v gather_v as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o command_v both_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o in_o they_o all_o shepherd_n and_o fold_n to_o keep_v unity_n and_o love_n one_o with_o another_o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v separation_n and_o division_n and_o schism_n between_o flock_n and_o flock_n and_o this_o method_n he_o use_v wheresoever_o he_o come_v yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galathian_o he_o go_v into_o arabia_n and_o preach_v there_o among_o the_o poor_a infidel_n he_o get_v not_o other_o man_n sheep_n from_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v any_o separation_n of_o sheep_n from_o sheep_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o flock_n and_o church_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o colosse_n where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o against_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n and_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v very_o
epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13._o 7._o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o taking_z the_o over_z sight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21._o 17._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v they_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigble_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_o officer_n and_o in_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n where_o and_o within_o these_o limit_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v all_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n terminate_v and_o this_o they_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n joint_o and_o by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o exercise_v and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o establish_v and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o people_n or_o the_o congregation_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o commission_n or_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v for_o saint_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n now_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o city_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o command_v timothy_n again_o and_o again_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o v._n 12_o 13._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n say_v he_o that_o thou_o keep_v this_o command_n without_o spot_n unblameable_a till_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o timothy_n and_o all_o minister_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n bind_v to_o maintain_v that_o government_n unblameable_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n by_o joint_a consent_n and_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n without_o their_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o diotrephes_n assume_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytory_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n and_o signify_v to_o the_o church_n epist_n 3._o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o word_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n for_o he_o say_v s._n john_n content_v not_o himself_o only_o to_o prate_v malicious_o against_o we_o but_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v his_o brethren_n nor_o suffer_v other_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o he_o say_v saint_n john_n but_o for_o you_o say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n follow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n that_o power_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o exercise_v only_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o which_o say_v saint_n john_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o shall_v call_v diotrephes_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v to_o i_o not_o long_o since_o whereas_o if_o the_o place_n be_v duâ—ly_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a govenment_n and_o for_o the_o which_o he_o be_v by_o saint_n john_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o in_o he_o all_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n into_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n but_o of_o this_o business_n when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o must_v here_o make_v reply_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n his_o practice_n which_o be_v occasion_v as_o i_o relate_v before_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o discourse_n between_o i_o and_o a_o independent_a who_o affirm_v that_o diotriphes_n be_v the_o patriarch_n of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o which_o opinion_n of_o his_o mr_n knollys_n do_v seem_v to_o favour_n as_o by_o his_o word_n may_v appear_v but_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a
more_o evident_a than_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v viz._n that_o diotrephes_n be_v the_o primate_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n at_o large_a to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o their_o calumniate_a tongue_n who_o ordinary_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o keep_v from_o the_o world_n their_o argument_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o delude_v the_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o ignorance_n his_o word_n therefore_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o argument_n be_v these_o now_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n say_v he_o whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o saint_n john_n say_v verse_n the_o 9_o i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o see_v no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n so_o confident_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v his_o particular_a congregation_n now_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v plain_o that_o the_o doctor_n can_v expound_v those_o brethren_n and_o their_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o this_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n delcare_v except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 8_o oughts_z to_o be_v receive_v and_o ver_fw-la 10_o who_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v how_o then_o do_v the_o doctor_n say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o who_o joint_n and_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o brethren_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o brethren_n a_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o may_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o the_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n conjoint_o consent_v unto_o it_o let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v that_o d_o otrephe_n oppose_v the_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v they_o that_o will_v have_v receive_v those_o who_o saint_n john_n say_v vers_fw-la the_o 8._o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o verse_n 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o no_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow_n saint_n diotrephes_n love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o he_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o the_o doctor_n can_v have_v urge_v this_o scripture_n against_o the_o domineer_a prelate_n and_o why_o shall_v he_o marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v it_o against_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o diotrephes_n do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o do_v affront_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v for_o have_v diotrephes_n do_v so_o why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o then_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v tather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n before_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n then_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o hiâ—_n evil_a that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o st_n john_n will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n of_o grave_n solid_a learned_a religious_a and_o wise_a divine_n and_o minister_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n and_o common-council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v or_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n that_o he_o prate_v against_o we_o the_o presbyter_n with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o know_v any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n neither_o classical_a nor_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a those_o appeal_v he_o mention_v page_n 10_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytry_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o that_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n i_o only_o ask_v the_o doctor_n how_o he_o can_v prove_v those_o appeal_n by_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v whether_o that_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n especial_o if_o they_o may_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o these_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n might_n archipus_fw-la coloss_n 4._o 17._o and_o if_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytry_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytry_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o say_v more_o touch_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o answer_n unto_o the_o three_o question_n and_o therefore_o pass_v by_o the_o objection_n with_o his_o answer_n mention_v page_n 19_o to_o the_o 29._o unto_o its_o due_a place_n i_o shall_v desire_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o doctor_n proof_n of_o his_o first_o proposition_n which_o he_o labour_v first_o by_o produce_v such_o scripture_n as_o he_o conceive_v make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o thence_o frame_v and_o form_v his_o argument_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n in_o way_n of_o reply_n speak_v to_o my_o argument_n concern_v diotrephes_n and_o of_o his_o intention_n what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o his_o word_n at_o large_a omit_v only_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_a text_n which_o he_o school-boy-like_a scrible_v to_o little_a other_o purpose_n than_o to_o show_v his_o own_o vanity_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o ignorant_a people_n that_o he_o be_v somebody_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o kind_n of_o learning_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o of_o his_o fraternity_n general_o despise_v and_o contemn_v i_o have_v therefore_o omit_v they_o especial_o have_v learn_v this_o lesson_n from_o saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 19_o rather_o to_o speak_v five_o word_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n that_o i_o may_v teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a
that_o will_v have_v receive_v they_o yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o ver_fw-la 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o but_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o nâ—_n say_v he_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow_n elder_n or_o fellow_n saint_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o in_o master_n knollys_n his_o opinion_n diotrephes_n be_v a_o saint_n saint_n diotrephes_n therefore_o let_v he_o be_v even_o such_o another_o saint_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v diotrephes_n say_v he_o love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v the_o doctor_n marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v this_o place_n against_o the_o court_n of_o preshyters_n thus_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o answer_v most_o malicious_o and_o wicked_o calumniate_v his_o brethren_n and_o labour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n be_v like_o diotrephes_n in_o affect_v supremacy_n over_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o enrage_v the_o people_n against_o they_o when_o it_o be_v they_o themselves_o that_o will_v bring_v all_o man_n under_o their_o slavery_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a in_o their_o several_a congregation_n within_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v synonimae_n in_o his_o dialect_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o evident_a from_o his_o word_n page_n the_o 7._o which_o be_v these_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n writ_n to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a expression_n out_o of_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o and_o that_o diotrophe_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n among_o they_o for_o so_o master_n knollys_n do_v in_o express_a term_n acknowledge_v and_o in_o so_o speak_v contradict_v himself_o and_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o error_n he_o accuse_v i_o of_o who_o affirm_v i_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v and_o yet_o here_o he_o assert_v that_o saint_n john_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n for_o i_o once_o and_o again_o and_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n he_o charge_v i_o with_o page_n 6_o and_o page_n 7._o by_o which_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o contentiousnesse_n and_o restlessness_n of_o the_o creature_n spirit_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n who_o contradict_v himself_o at_o every_o hand_n but_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n all_o the_o which_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o diotrephes_n aspire_v to_o the_o primacy_n among_o they_o and_o seek_v to_o stand_v singular_a by_o himself_o with_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v independent_a and_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o reference_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n become_v a_o offender_n by_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o severe_o reprove_v by_o saint_n john_n for_o his_o so_o do_v in_o oppose_v his_o brethren_n in_o take_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o what_o member_n he_o please_v by_o his_o sole_a and_o absolute_a authority_n all_o which_o mr_n knollys_n accord_v to_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o whether_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o affront_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n see_v we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n before_o he_o and_o whether_o those_o that_o now_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o congregation_n within_o themselves_o independent_a be_v not_o rather_o like_o diotrephes_n than_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o government_n in_o common_a according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o palpable_o contradict_v himself_o in_o all_o this_o his_o discourse_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o oppose_v the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v whether_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o mere_o to_o trifle_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a man_n i_o conceive_v that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n when_o they_o shall_v well_o consider_v my_o argument_n and_o mr_n knollys_n his_o reply_n unto_o it_o will_v say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o a_o offender_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v say_v wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o we_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v saint_n john_n himself_o and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o diotrephes_n prate_v against_o and_o oppose_v now_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o elder_a for_o so_o he_o call_v himself_o and_o mr_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o and_o confess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n and_o against_o all_o those_o do_v diotrephes_n prate_v with_o malicious_a word_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o authority_n which_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o gainsay_v yea_o he_o affirmrth_n it_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow-saint_n he_o will_v be_v primate_n say_v he_o and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o do_v it_o not_o then_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o that_o affront_v the_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o speak_n of_o malicious_a word_n against_o they_o &_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o take_n in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n and_o rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n and_o with_o a_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n within_o himself_o in_o his_o congregation_n and_o violate_v that_o order_n of_o government_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n judgement_n to_o assume_v that_o authority_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o open_o to_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o to_o affront_v all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o intelligible_a christian_n will_v say_v there_o be_v never_o any_o opposition_n of_o any_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n if_o this_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o he_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n in_o formal_a word_n whether_o
they_o and_o to_o convent_v any_o offender_n before_o they_o and_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n if_o the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n such_o a_o power_n be_v every_o presbytery_n invest_v with_o through_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o this_o mr_n knollys_n have_v acknowledge_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o this_o his_o pamphlet_n &_o in_o this_o his_o very_a answer_n concern_v diotrephes_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o and_o all_o this_o s._n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o he_o be_v both_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o member_n that_o the_o presbytery_n rule_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n make_v their_o address_n as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o better_a rectify_v of_o abuse_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n and_o appeal_v always_o unto_o they_o and_o never_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o particular_n as_o first_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o direction_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n but_o to_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o guide_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o fact_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n when_o they_o have_v purloin_v the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v order_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o price_n of_o those_o possession_n that_o be_v sell_v shall_v be_v lay_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o that_o distribution_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_n contrary_a to_o this_o order_n ananias_n keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n saphira_n his_o wife_n also_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o hereupon_o the_o people_n appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n than_o lie_v and_o who_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o do_v for_o that_o their_o delinquency_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v act_n the_o 5._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o church_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o of_o this_o proceed_n saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a again_o when_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o abuse_n they_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o of_o the_o act_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o people_n who_o order_v that_o business_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o which_o the_o people_n assent_v this_o also_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o other_o church_n have_v power_n to_o send_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o other_o minister_n into_o any_o other_o place_n to_o preach_v or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 8_o and_o act_n 14_o &_o 15._o for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o preach_v among_o the_o people_n there_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v except_o the_o presbitry_n have_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o they_o we_o see_v also_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o the_o presbitry_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o the_o presbitry_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o likewise_o send_v their_o decree_n by_o their_o minister_n through_o all_o city_n and_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o minister_n again_o s._n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n lay_v not_o in_o the_o people_n hand_n for_o we_o read_v act_n the_o 9_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o &_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n st_n paul_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n lie_v and_o declare_v unto_o they_o how_o matter_n be_v they_o admit_v he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n &_o their_o good_a like_n for_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o these_o proceed_n saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o council_n to_o appeal_v to_o in_o all_o church_n yea_o saint_n john_n know_v also_o that_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n convent_v they_o before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o 21._o where_o peter_n be_v call_v before_o the_o presbytery_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n there_o which_o he_o do_v all_o with_o show_n there_o be_v there_o a_o stand_a court_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n the_o presbytry_n give_v saint_n paul_n a_o order_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o the_o weak_a one_o which_o he_o follow_v all_o which_o show_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v s._n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o &_o therefore_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o where_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o presbyter_n there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v that_o which_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n be_v as_o evident_a a_o and_o clear_a as_o almost_o any_o other_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o when_o mr_n knollys_n have_v prove_v it_o himself_o in_o formal_a word_n in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o he_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n establish_v in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v those_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o in_o express_a term_n page_n the_o seven_o say_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n may_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o verse_n 17._o in_o these_o word_n he_o confess_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o which_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o court_n there_o for_o judgement_n and_o censure_n and_o inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o court_n or_o magistracy_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n beside_o for_o further_a illustration_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o its_o member_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v over_o its_o member_n now_o all_o man_n that_o have_v read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o plenary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o both_o to_o convent_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o with_o the_o severe_a punishment_n those_o that_o do_v public_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n now_o if_o that_o church_n that_o st._n john_n write_v unto_o be_v equal_a in_o power_n to_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o that_o
that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o lest_o he_o shall_v glory_v i_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v therefore_o say_v something_o to_o that_o and_o conclude_v this_o point_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o all_o his_o other_o fond_a answer_n to_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o encounter_v with_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o babble_n if_o say_v he_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n &_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n rather_o chatter_v than_o dispute_v in_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o therefore_o for_o answer_n let_v mr_n knollys_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o transgression_n in_o saint_n john_n against_o the_o presbyter_n in_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o himself_o for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o universal_a pastor_n tie_v to_o no_o one_o place_n or_o flock_n but_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o which_o lie_v primary_o and_o principal_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o speak_v in_o and_o by_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o man_n thought_n word_n action_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n have_v no_o less_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o this_o church_n wherein_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o in_o and_o over_o all_o other_o church_n than_o s._n paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v in_o all_o church_n now_o if_o s._n paul_n can_v give_v a_o law_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o for_o the_o carry_v of_o themselves_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o sharp_o reproove_v offender_n in_o that_o church_n and_o if_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o they_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o transgression_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n but_o with_o the_o very_a good_a like_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o write_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o church_n than_o i_o say_v saint_n john_n transgress_v not_o at_o all_o in_o use_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n over_o diotrephes_n in_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o for_o this_o he_o may_v well_o do_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n without_o any_o offence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n for_o what_o he_o do_v he_o do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o christ_n himself_o who_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a if_o not_o a_o impious_a thing_n in_o master_n knollys_n to_o draw_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o a_o fantasy_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o saint_n john_n and_o another_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o will_v make_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v none_o and_o infer_v that_o saint_n john_n take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o he_o ought_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v no_o transgression_n in_o any_o other_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v write_v so_o to_o any_o presbytery_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o fellow_n presbyter_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o any_o miscarriage_n in_o either_o pastor_n or_o member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o will_v assume_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o himself_o than_o become_v a_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o both_o to_o witness_v to_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o know_v of_o such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o fellow_n judge_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o common_a council_n of_o elder_n which_o saint_n john_n do_v who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o censure_v such_o a_o offender_n and_o in_o his_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o rather_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v gather_v for_o by_o such_o word_n he_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n or_o council_n there_o where_o offender_n be_v both_o to_o be_v question_v and_o censure_v for_o such_o a_o expression_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o manife_v that_o he_o be_v a_o judge_n there_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o with_o other_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o cause_n there_o and_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v by_o the_o mutual_a and_o joint_a accord_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v manage_v by_o any_o one_o single_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v never_o give_v the_o key_n unto_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o follow_v and_o not_o that_o which_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o intimate_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o any_o judicious_a christian_a upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v say_v the_o same_o and_o will_v conclude_v that_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o so_o write_v be_v no_o offender_n though_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o the_o joint_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v judicious_a may_v plain_o behold_v the_o futility_n in_o both_o the_o answer_n and_o cavil_v of_o this_o man_n and_o well_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v never_o cut_v out_o for_o a_o disputant_n or_o ever_o fit_v for_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n who_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o own_o mind_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n in_o both_o and_o violate_v all_o order_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o make_v the_o head_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o foot_n the_o head_n and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n or_o rather_o seventy_o for_o every_o ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o prove_v a_o church_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o discrepancy_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n for_o its_o particular_a government_n as_o he_o will_v advise_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n for_o never_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v there_o such_o practiceâ—_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n of_o all_o government_n for_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o slender_a and_o small_a assume_v a_o absolute_a soveranity_n unto_o themselves_o independent_a from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o presbytry_n from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n be_v one_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o free_a state_n and_o republic_n every_o one_o of_o they_o rule_v within_o themselves_o as_o absolute_a magistracy_n and_o therefore_o upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o those_o church_n or_o between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o often_o they_o do_v as_o other_o country_n and_o commonweal_n send_v their_o ambassador_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o state_n affair_n
widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o contiunal_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o assail_v it_o within_o as_o here_o with_o civil_a discord_n and_o difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o in_o other_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o dissension_n in_o opinion_n by_o sect_n schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o these_o his_o wile_n and_o craft_n he_o first_o bring_v in_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o afterward_o diversity_n of_o affection_n and_o that_o among_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o in_o fine_a he_o may_v bring_v ruin_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n raise_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_n who_o complain_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n as_o either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v deaconess_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o colleague_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o controversy_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n set_v before_o they_o decide_v all_o debate_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precedent_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n here_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o business_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pretend_v their_o own_o independent_a authority_n though_o several_a congregation_n or_o challenge_v a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o determine_v of_o difference_n among_o themselves_o or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n within_o themselves_o to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o will_v be_v order_v or_o that_o they_o challenge_v any_o such_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o all_o appeal_v unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a nation_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o edification_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o truth_n more_o evident_o yet_o appear_v i_o will_v first_o out_o the_o former_a discourse_n frame_v several_a argument_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o the_o ensue_a history_n and_o out_o of_o all_o these_o six_o chapter_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convertedby_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o the_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n join_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o struâ—k_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v after_o ward_n great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v this_o argument_n be_v so_o well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o corroborate_v also_o with_o such_o solid_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n
likewise_o want_v nothing_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n but_o have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n now_o i_o shall_v never_o beleevethat_o those_o glorious_a church_n found_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o every_o city_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n appoint_v they_o the_o which_o church_n also_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o complete_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o well_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o impiety_n to_o think_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o they_o and_o how_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o notwithstanding_o do_v all_o proclaim_v they_o but_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n both_o in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v all_o complete_v at_o their_o first_o sound_v and_o constitution_n and_o be_v all_o complete_a within_o themselves_o as_o have_v plenary_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o much_o more_o have_v all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o s._n paul_n who_o blame_v they_o for_o not_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o some_o of_o the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o christ_n himself_o for_o otherwise_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n may_v have_v reply_v and_o answer_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o complete_o mould_v up_o at_o their_o first_o sound_n and_o that_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o none_o of_o these_o church_n pretend_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o can_v they_o for_o saint_n paul_n have_v give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n a_o caveat_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o wolf_n that_o will_v rise_v up_o among_o they_o after_o his_o departure_n and_o have_v arm_v they_o likewise_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n and_o that_o church_n execute_v its_o power_n in_o find_v out_o of_o false_a teacher_n and_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o though_o the_o other_o be_v blame_v so_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o their_o duty_n and_o not_o execute_v of_o their_o discipline_n be_v that_o that_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v give_v they_o in_o cast_v out_o of_o those_o corrupt_a member_n from_o among_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v their_o fail_n and_o for_o this_o be_v they_o blame_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o discipline_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n but_o their_o negligence_n and_o their_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n be_v their_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n inferior_a to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o power_n or_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n bold_o and_o without_o all_o reason_n affirm_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n the_o which_o if_o it_o can_v take_v away_o the_o very_a life_n of_o offender_n as_o it_o do_v they_o for_o lie_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o it_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o any_o corrupt_a member_n and_o scandalous_a person_n if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o among_o they_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_a but_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o want_n of_o discipline_n or_o power_n in_o that_o church_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o open_a delinquent_n and_o scandalous_a person_n for_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o will_v suffer_v none_o in_o the_o least_o to_o transgress_v it_o without_o question_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o conceive_v but_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o they_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n the_o â—1_n where_o they_o question_v peter_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o learned_a and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o the_o punishment_n also_o that_o be_v inflict_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n strike_v so_o great_a a_o terror_n of_o offend_v into_o all_o the_o ghurch_n as_o it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o in_o public_a be_v vicious_a and_o therefore_o that_o make_v they_o all_o afraid_a of_o public_a open_a and_o scandal_n withal_o it_o be_v record_v that_o they_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o be_v all_o true_a convert_n and_o saint_n indeed_o now_o no_o church_n use_v to_o cast_v out_o saint_n and_o man_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o goodness_n and_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a which_o when_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o excommunication_n or_o at_o least_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o time_n for_o discipline_n in_o any_o church_n be_v as_o magistracy_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o good_a but_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v rom._n the_o 13._o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o well_o doer_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n use_v the_o sword_n only_o against_o offender_n and_o delinquent_n so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n only_o in_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n which_o be_v sole_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a and_o scandalous_a person_n there_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n beside_o all_o man_n know_v that_o discipline_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o other_o and_o be_v but_o the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v another_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o court_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o that_o court_n be_v a_o other_o and_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o authority_n make_v it_o not_o a_o court_n nor_o give_v not_o the_o power_n to_o it_o but_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o court_n invest_v with_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o parliament_n the_o great_a and_o supreme_a court_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o cut_n off_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n head_n give_v not_o power_n to_o the_o parliament_n but_o declare_v the_o power_n they_o have_v by_o their_o first_o constitution_n for_o they_o be_v a_o court_n before_o and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o execution_n before_o but_o upon_o this_o occasion_n they_o exercise_v it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n as_o they_o have_v not_o do_v for_o these_o many_o year_n before_o that_o the_o great_a court_n have_v want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n all_o man_n that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o say_v that_o great_a council_n
succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a presbytery_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o any_o church_n have_v its_o peculiar_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n allot_v to_o it_o with_o but_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n of_o people_n of_o the_o which_o they_o only_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o rule_v of_o it_o and_o the_o which_o have_v absolute_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o independent_o assert_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n such_o a_o model_n of_o a_o church_n i_o affirm_v can_v never_o be_v show_v or_o prove_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n say_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 28._o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o when_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o to_o appropriate_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v be_v to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n for_o if_o these_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o every_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n than_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n but_o many_o pastor_n and_o many_o teacher_n in_o each_o of_o they_o beside_o other_o church_n officer_n and_o then_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v more_o in_o number_n many_o time_n than_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o particular_a church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n indeed_o to_o all_o church_n than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o of_o they_o severally_z they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o all_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n do_v abundant_o appear_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a model_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n to_o use_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o act_v the_o second_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o and_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n feed_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o therefore_o after_o the_o very_a same_o example_n and_o pattern_n may_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v well_o form_v church_n &_o yet_o have_v neither_o a_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n among_o they_o for_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n have_v that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n among_o they_o and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o nevertheless_o be_v well_o form_v church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o church_n all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o add_v to_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o force_v to_o walk_v either_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n that_o they_o may_v either_o know_v the_o saint_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o be_v know_v of_o they_o noâ—_n be_v ever_o force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o by_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n before_o their_o admittance_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o that_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a daughter-churche_n in_o admit_v of_o their_o member_n without_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o any_o that_o be_v add_v into_o she_o but_o of_o this_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o teach_v only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o their_o first_o admission_n of_o member_n who_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o not_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o as_o in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n oppose_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o they_o do_v saint_n paul_n act_v the_o 9_o verse_n 26_o 27._o of_o who_o they_o be_v afraid_a not_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o he_o then_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n they_o admit_v he_o come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o without_o their_o consent_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n place_v only_o to_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o not_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v gainsay_v the_o admission_n of_o any_o upon_o either_o their_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n or_o out_o of_o other_o respect_n that_o then_o they_o may_v have_v their_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v by_o they_o to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o their_o brethren_n for_o of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n never_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o schism_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o some_o fayling_n but_o always_o constant_o frequent_v their_o public_a meet_v place_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o teacher_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n but_o of_o christ_n also_o in_o so_o do_v who_o when_o he_o be_v question_v concern_v his_o doctrine_n say_v i_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o not_o in_o corner_n and_o by_o place_n and_o he_o enjoin_v the_o people_n also_o to_o do_v the_o same_o matth._n 23_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n his_o seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o you_o after_o their_o work_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o church_n as_o their_o pattern_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o those_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v all_o save_a truth_n needful_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v christ_n both_o example_n and_o precept_n for_o it_o but_o because_o also_o separation_n be_v blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 10._o and_o therefore_o forbid_v who_o say_v verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o
pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbytery_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o their_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o master_n knollys_n page_n 11._o repli_v as_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o this_o i_o conceive_v by_o the_o doctor_n favour_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n much_o less_o do_v that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n but_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o and_o and_z chap._n 16._o 4._o and_o chap._n 21._o 17_o 18._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n say_v the_o doctor_n be_v express_v these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n with_o his_o reply_n and_o answer_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n in_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v and_o what_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n take_v i_o pray_v his_o own_o expression_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o it_o lay_v only_o in_o their_o hand_n as_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sole_o delegated_a so_o that_o he_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n may_v now_o perceive_v that_o mr_n knollys_n and_o the_o brethren_n do_v accord_n unto_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v member_n so_o that_o i_o have_v as_o much_o assent_v unto_o by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o i_o desire_v by_o the_o which_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v he_o have_v utter_o exclude_v the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n and_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a assembly_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o hereafter_o i_o hope_v the_o brethren_n will_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o if_o i_o believe_v as_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n believe_v and_o as_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n believe_v those_o confide_a man_n when_o master_n knollys_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o they_o that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n and_o therefore_o not_o upon_o the_o people_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o far_o contest_v between_o we_o about_o this_o business_n see_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o contentiousnesse_n of_o the_o man_n spirit_n who_o grant_v the_o thing_n and_o yet_o wrangle_v about_o word_n and_o that_o wretched_o and_o poor_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v in_o my_o argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o do_v prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n second_o that_o that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n these_o two_o thing_n master_n knollys_n affirm_v will_v not_o ensue_v from_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o i_o ground_v my_o argument_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o both_o these_o cavil_v of_o master_n hanserdo_n i_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o a_o foreiner_n to_o all_o good_a learning_n so_o he_o be_v but_o a_o suck_a politician_n not_o know_v either_o his_o primer_n in_o that_o art_n or_o his_o catechism_n in_o theology_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a error_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o his_o fraternity_n who_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n they_o be_v excellent_a statesman_n and_o grandee_n in_o government_n they_o will_v in_o time_n prove_v themselves_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o a_o company_n of_o groll_n and_o ninnye_n and_o i_o hope_v yet_o to_o see_v that_o day_n that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o explode_v &_o baffle_v out_o of_o their_o fond_a whimsy_n as_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v or_o any_o distemper_a sect_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v master_n knollys_n his_o error_n and_o the_o groundlessenesse_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n who_o say_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n because_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n speak_v something_o concern_v politic_n and_o show_v wherein_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n it_o reside_v and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n or_o rather_o part_n of_o government_n in_o either_o of_o they_o so_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o country_n or_o common_a wealth_n those_o man_n only_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v betrust_v either_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o those_o several_a government_n lie_v and_o be_v deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o manage_v they_o and_o in_o no_o body_n else_o but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o their_o appointment_n or_o good_a like_n and_o love_n and_o if_o man_n will_v then_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o government_n secular_a in_o all_o state_n and_o country_n and_o compare_v the_o ecclesiastical_a with_o they_o which_o without_o any_o offence_n they_o may_v do_v the_o truth_n will_v more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o obvious_a to_o every_o intelligible_a creature_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o have_v either_o read_v or_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o politic_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o legislative_a power_n lie_v so_o that_o they_o can_v either_o make_v or_o enact_v new_a law_n and_o statute_n or_o repeal_n or_o abrogate_v any_o old_a one_o and_o ratify_v both_o with_o sanction_n and_o who_o have_v also_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o punish_v all_o prevaricator_n against_o their_o law_n all_o man_n i_o say_v know_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o and_o only_o in_o those_o man_n hand_n that_o exercise_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o essential_a part_n or_o property_n of_o sovereign_a and_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n and_o that_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n who_o be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n there_o the_o second_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o government_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o can_v erect_v and_o create_v new_a office_n and_o new_a officer_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o set_v up_o new_a court_n and_o judge_n and_o can_v confer_v name_n honour_n and_o title_n of_o dignity_n upon_o they_o several_o and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a place_n office_n and_o judicature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o essential_a property_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o power_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o that_o government_n and_o no_o other_o
office_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v they_o first_o in_o the_o mother-church_n jerusalem_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n yea_o they_o give_v those_o officer_n their_o name_n and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a office_n as_o be_v manifest_a act_v the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n they_o also_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o all_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o denounce_v war_n and_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thess_n 1._o verse_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n likewise_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_n and_o extreme_a refuge_n and_o relief_n and_o help_n all_o appeal_n be_v make_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o book_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n upon_o earth_n in_o god_n matter_n in_o who_o hand_n all_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o reside_v and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o they_o the_o which_o example_n of_o they_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o precedent_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o in_o that_o controversy_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o antioch_n through_o false_a teacher_n by_o who_o that_o heresy_n be_v broach_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o by_o which_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a lewes_z who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n because_o they_o do_v neglect_v those_o ceremony_n whereupon_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o for_o the_o decide_n and_o determine_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o know_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o dogmatic_a diatacticall_a and_o critical_a yea_o authoritative_a and_o command_a who_o enter_v into_o a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o reason_n argument_n and_o disputation_n and_o find_v by_o disquisition_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n not_o pretend_v any_o new_a revelation_n or_o new_a light_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o superlative_a assistance_n in_o the_o decide_n that_o debate_n but_o only_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o first_o show_v and_o put_v forth_o their_o dogmatic_a power_n confute_v and_o convince_a the_o heresy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n second_o they_o declare_v their_o diatacticall_a authority_n make_v a_o practical_a canon_n or_o law_n for_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o three_o they_o exercise_v their_o critical_a power_n and_o judiciary_n authority_n verse_n 24._o condemn_a and_o brand_a those_o teacher_n with_o that_o infamous_a and_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n four_o and_o last_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v their_o imparative_fw-it and_o authoritative_a power_n in_o send_v those_o decree_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o do_v this_o and_o live_v v._o 29._o for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v which_o when_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o there_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n likewise_o remain_v and_o reside_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o they_o exercise_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n ever_o run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n last_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n have_v for_o they_o bring_v the_o money_n always_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4._o and_o afterward_o all_o the_o money_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o all_o church_n as_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n lay_v which_o they_o never_o give_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o relinquish_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n give_v direction_n to_o their_o several_a deacon_n how_o to_o distribute_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o common_a emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o alm_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o judaea_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o only_o and_o whole_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o now_o then_o when_o the_o contribution_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n which_o they_o ever_o exercise_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o common_a to_o dispose_v of_o they_o now_o before_o this_o relief_n be_v send_v thither_o and_o long_o after_o that_o as_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n declare_v most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v there_o and_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v presbyter_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o relate_v that_o the_o alm_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n say_v they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n now_o they_o be_v all_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o dialect_n of_o holy_a write_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n we_o shall_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n that_o either_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o more_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o make_v mention_n of_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a moderator_n and_o prime_a agent_n in_o the_o business_n which_o be_v never_o carry_v by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o multitude_n or_o people_n and_o it_o it_o be_v credible_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o judaea_n till_o after_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o he_o continue_v precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n his_o whole_a life_n time_n
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
esteem_v of_o to_o be_v godly_a as_o walk_v unblamable_o be_v also_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n before_o they_o know_v they_o yet_o after_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o be_v first_o by_o their_o mean_n seduce_v from_o our_o church_n after_o some_o time_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o congregation_n also_o into_o wicked_a and_o desperate_a opinion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o become_v so_o profane_a and_o beastly_a yea_o so_o atheistical_a as_o it_o will_v exceed_v ordinary_a belief_n to_o relate_v and_o true_o if_o i_o have_v not_o very_o good_a witness_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v beside_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o because_o if_o occasion_n serve_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v many_o precedent_n of_o fearful_a apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o that_o be_v their_o scholar_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n i_o be_o the_o willing_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o i_o may_v arm_v all_o man_n with_o some_o caution_n in_o read_v their_o pamphlet_n which_o they_o write_v against_o the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o never_o deal_v candid_o neither_o with_o they_o nor_o with_o their_o own_o brethren_n for_o first_o they_o either_o whole_o dissuade_v they_o from_o read_v our_o book_n or_o else_o by_o their_o emissary_n and_o rail_a libel_n they_o most_o shameful_o vilify_v and_o belie_v they_o so_o that_o they_o come_v prejudicate_v to_o they_o and_o then_o they_o send_v their_o own_o putrid_a and_o corrupt_a scribble_n among_o those_o of_o their_o fraternity_n who_o they_o miserable_o cozen_v and_o abuse_v with_o their_o fraudulent_a juggle_n and_o that_o against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o piety_n and_o common_a honesty_n to_o the_o disturbance_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a i_o say_v to_o speak_v before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n and_o several_a query_n arise_v from_o it_o concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o their_o answer_n unto_o they_o wherein_o they_o rather_o trifle_v then_o dispute_n as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o my_o reply_n unto_o they_o first_o set_v down_o the_o question_n full_o with_o all_o my_o query_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o all_o the_o material_n of_o their_o fond_a cavil_n and_o evasion_n with_o their_o silly_a responsal_n to_o they_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practise_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o then_o reply_v to_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n deduce_v from_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v add_v many_o more_o precedent_n and_o they_o undeniable_a one_o of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v of_o member_n and_o that_o into_o church_n form_v after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n according_a to_o their_o own_o description_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o all_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o now_o require_v of_o their_o member_n and_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n evident_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o minister_n use_v but_o one_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a presbyterian_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v admit_v in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n i_o say_v by_o thegrace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v clear_o elucidate_v this_o truth_n that_o god_n use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o method_n in_o gather_v his_o people_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o ought_v to_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n have_v thus_o set_v down_o what_o order_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o `_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principal_a of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well_o affect_v former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o among_o other_o believe_a christian_n and_o mould_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a body_n and_o church_n from_o they_o and_o who_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n with_o the_o other_o congregation_n nor_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v independent_a from_o they_o and_o absolute_a among_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o among_o believer_n and_o brethren_n and_o that_o upon_o groundless_a pretence_n the_o second_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o day_n week_n month_n perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o second_o quere_z the_o three_o be_v whether_o for_o make_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n or_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v requisite_a the_o four_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o one_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n a_o private_a solemn_a covenant_n be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n the_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o which_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o their_o member-ship_n and_o admission_n there_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n about_o a_o public_a covenant_n for_o we_o have_v precedent_n of_o that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o public_a reformation_n the_o five_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o the_o woman_n have_v all_o their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n both_o for_o election_n and_o reprobation_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o man_n and_o whether_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o woman_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a for_o
the_o fear_n wherewith_o he_o fear_v i_o and_o be_v afraid_a before_o my_o name_n the_o law_n of_o truth_n be_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o iniquity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o his_o lip_n he_o walk_v with_o i_o in_o peace_n and_o equity_n and_o do_v turn_v many_o away_o from_o iniquity_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n or_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o minister_n only_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o jeremy_n and_o ezekiel_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o both_o their_o prophecy_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o the_o prophet_n and_o priest_n only_o have_v that_o power_n delegated_a unto_o they_o of_o proclaim_v both_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n and_o of_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v come_v unto_o they_o and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n we_o find_v jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o he_o alone_o without_o the_o people_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o preach_v with_o his_o manner_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o receive_v they_o and_o what_o the_o people_n do_v before_o their_o admission_n be_v all_o full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o three_o of_o luke_n and_o the_o seven_o and_o for_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o preach_v it_o be_v say_v verse_n the_o three_o that_o it_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o common_a people_n the_o publican_n and_o the_o soldier_n they_o all_o ask_v john_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o after_o he_o have_v instruct_v they_o several_o their_o duty_n and_o tell_v they_o upon_o what_o condition_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o seven_o of_o luke_n verse_n 29._o that_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v of_o he_o verse_n 30._o so_o that_o by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n only_o except_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n chap._n 3._o 4._o yea_o through_o the_o whole_a book_n that_o the_o people_n every_o where_o make_v their_o address_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n only_o and_o that_o as_o many_o as_o come_v to_o christ_n unfeigned_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o none_o upon_o the_o offer_n of_o themselves_o if_o they_o accept_v of_o the_o condition_n and_o be_v baptize_v be_v ever_o refuse_v and_o we_o find_v further_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v at_o any_o time_n cleanse_v and_o cure_v the_o leper_n he_o send_v they_o to_o the_o priest_n for_o to_o be_v admit_v by_o they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o their_o noisome_a disease_n as_o a_o type_n of_o sin_n have_v for_o the_o time_n exclude_v they_o as_o for_o john_n baptist_n say_v my_o brother_n burton_n page_n 16._o about_o who_o gather_v you_o have_v so_o bestir_v yourself_o before_o and_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o believer_n in_o christ_n then_o to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o church_n as_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n the_o believer_n be_v and_o when_o you_o come_v to_o visit_v those_o christian_a church_n once_o constitute_v in_o their_o gospel_n form_n by_o the_o apostle_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o read_z 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o corinth_n to_o who_o paul_n write_v be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n as_o also_o afterward_o upon_o his_o repentance_n to_o re-admit_a he_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6_o 7._o this_o one_o instance_n say_v my_o brother_n burton_n be_v a_o sufficiens_fw-la precedent_n for_o all_o church_n thus_o he_o and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o have_v to_o say_v there_o concern_v john_n baptist_n now_o although_o i_o have_v former_o answer_v and_o that_o in_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n to_o every_o several_a branch_n of_o this_o my_o brother_n burtons_n cavil_n and_o although_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o enervate_n of_o my_o argument_n as_o all_o understand_a man_n will_v well_o preceive_v if_o they_o due_o consider_v it_o yet_o because_o i_o perceive_v by_o his_o whole_a discourse_n the_o main_a design_n both_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n that_o now_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o their_o scribble_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o delude_v silly_a soul_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bring_v all_o the_o presbyter_n into_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o people_n as_o man_n antichristian_a and_o more_o than_o prelatical_a and_o as_o affect_v a_o more_o lordly_a power_n over_o the_o people_n than_o ever_o the_o bishop_n exercise_v over_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o language_n all_o their_o pulpit_n and_o pamphlet_n speak_v i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n though_o i_o have_v often_o former_o full_o answer_v to_o every_o branch_n of_o this_o cavil_n i_o will_v here_o say_v something_o to_o it_o for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o triviality_n of_o the_o man_n and_o that_o i_o may_v declare_v unto_o all_o man_n how_o little_a his_o asseveration_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v but_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o grollery_n wave_v that_o slight_a passage_n of_o he_o where_o he_o say_v that_o i_o have_v so_o bestir_v myself_o and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n about_o john_n baptist_n gather_v etc._n etc._n and_o first_o that_o he_o join_v here_o with_o the_o papist_n in_o unchristianing_n and_o unchurch_v all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o so_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v a_o papist_n second_o that_o he_o make_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o gospel_n form_n to_o confist_n in_o excommunication_n three_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o peremptory_a assertion_n and_o in_o it_o of_o a_o other_o notable_a error_n where_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v of_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o these_o his_o grollery_n he_o quote_v 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6_o 7._o and_o make_v the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o be_v bind_o presidential_a to_o use_v i._o s._n his_o rhetoric_n to_o all_o christian_a church_n whereas_o in_o his_o ten_o page_n he_o tell_v i_o we_o be_v necessary_o to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n these_o be_v his_o word_n there_o and_o yet_o here_o he_o make_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n for_o all_o church_n so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o their_o instance_n must_v be_v a_o sufficient_a pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o yet_o when_o i_o produce_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o all_o other_o church_n he_o reject_v it_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o in_o that_o his_o expression_n also_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o parcel_n of_o good_a divinity_n where_o he_o make_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o more_o perfect_a church_n then_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n which_o not_o withstand_v he_o say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n now_o if_o excommunication_n and_o discipline_n
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâ—ake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a command_n in_o the_o
this_o also_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n where_o by_o this_o juggle_a craft_n of_o he_o he_o labour_v to_o seduce_v the_o poor_a people_n but_o for_o far_a answer_n i_o have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o if_o i._o s._n will_v apply_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v of_o disciple_n to_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o he_o do_v i_o do_v not_o conceive_v it_o any_o paradox_n in_o i_o or_o any_o mistake_n or_o anticipation_n to_o apply_v that_o work_n unto_o christ_n ministry_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o the_o master_n be_v ever_o more_o to_o be_v honour_v then_o the_o servant_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o paradox_n in_o i_o in_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o he_o do_v gather_v daily_o some_o of_o they_o into_o his_o fold_n and_o add_v many_o more_o sheep_n to_o those_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v convert_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o paradox_n in_o i_o to_o give_v as_o much_o honour_n to_o the_o master_n as_o i._o s._n do_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v a_o work_n primary_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v great_a rashness_n therefore_o and_o very_o unchristian_a deal_n in_o i._n s._n to_o make_v i_o a_o subject_n of_o his_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_a for_o well_o do_v and_o to_o make_v that_o a_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o i_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n for_o to_o give_v christ_n his_o due_a honour_n be_v a_o virtue_n now_o the_o honour_n of_o convert_v of_o man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v his_o proper_a work_n and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o he_o first_o and_o last_o to_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3._o he_o make_v the_o church_n grow_v and_o multiply_v into_o mighty_a number_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o it_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v severe_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o that_o deserve_o not_o only_o for_o abuse_v his_o brethren_n make_v they_o offender_n when_o they_o be_v not_o but_o chief_o for_o anticipate_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v only_o due_a unto_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o give_v it_o and_o attribute_v it_o unto_o man_n as_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o independent_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o victory_n which_o only_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o the_o party_n which_o they_o call_v the_o pray_a army_n and_o so_o he_o ascribe_v that_o honour_n that_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n which_o indeed_o pertain_v unto_o they_o only_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n and_o accuse_v i_o as_o of_o a_o anticipation_n and_o mistake_n say_v i_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v to_o i._o s._n that_o i_o be_o a_o very_a erroneous_a man_n and_o very_o unjust_a that_o i_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n himself_o and_o ascribe_v that_o work_n unto_o he_o which_o say_v i._o s._n belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o error_n in_o say_v that_o christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o death_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o error_n for_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n none_o can_v come_v unto_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v but_o his_o instrument_n he_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v the_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o therefore_o i._n s._n or_o my_o sâ—lfe_n be_v the_o most_o erroneous_a in_o their_o opinion_n and_o speak_v most_o paradox_n about_o this_o point_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n in_o divinity_n then_o i._n s._n or_o any_o of_o his_o fra_n ternity_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o i._o s._n that_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n have_v of_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o any_o help_n from_o christ_n add_v many_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o i_o yet_o never_o do_v do_v this_o i_o pray_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o wise_a man_n exclude_v christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o his_o death_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o obstacle_n or_o hindrance_n to_o his_o work_n of_o convert_v man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n death_n that_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o add_v to_o the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o disciple_n i_o be_o confident_a none_o that_o be_v not_o senseless_a will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o so_o speak_v neither_o be_v there_o such_o a_o gulf_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n but_o that_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v christ_n may_v add_v and_o the_o apostle_n also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v saint_n luke_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n work_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o add_v man_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v his_o work_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o he_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o always_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n in_o i_o nor_o no_o paradox_n as_o i._n s._n fond_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n ministry_n be_v add_v to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n so_o that_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o i_o to_o say_v that_o of_o christ_n then_o that_o be_v afterward_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n for_o although_o the_o very_a word_n be_v not_o express_v â—et_o that_o be_v set_v down_o that_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n it_o be_v his_o work_n so_o that_o the_o disputation_n now_o be_v not_o about_o word_n &_o term_n of_o expression_n but_o about_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n viz._n about_o believer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o when_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n &_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n than_o any_o rational_a man_n may_v without_o any_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o any_o error_n or_o paradox_n conclude_v that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v add_v then_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v after_o his_o ascension_n be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o he_o that_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o understanding_n shall_v behold_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o shall_v but_o due_o consider_v my_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o will_v not_o gather_v that_o i_o make_v false_a muster_n as_o this_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n i._o s._n childish_o speak_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v shrewd_o suspect_v the_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o his_o rhetoric_n of_o this_o novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o will_v also_o evident_o gather_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o withal_o he_o will_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n and_o this_o i._o s._n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v
and_o judgement_n in_o any_o one_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o and_o unless_o they_o can_v so_o conclude_v the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n nor_o of_o any_o validity_n to_o evince_n and_o prove_v the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v yield_v unto_o the_o brethren_n these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o believe_a greek_n and_o all_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n none_o except_v be_v all_o before_o the_o apostle_n in_o one_o place_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o every_o several_a nation_n be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o number_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o business_n for_o they_o be_v no_o party_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o a_o mere_a fallacy_n to_o delude_v unstable_a soul_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o bladder_n be_v lantern_n second_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o by_o multitude_n here_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o then_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o many_o year_n after_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v all_o still_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o yet_o they_o must_v grant_v it_o if_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o principle_n but_o from_o this_o murmur_a between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n i_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n can_v frame_v a_o argument_n to_o overthrow_v our_o brethren_n tenent_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o comfort_n for_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o london_n between_o the_o dutch_a and_o the_o french_a about_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o about_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o practice_n concern_v religion_n and_o they_o shall_v all_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o learned_a assembly_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o will_v not_o all_o man_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o city_n so_o it_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v against_o our_o brethren_n that_o every_o several_a nation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n apart_o as_o well_o as_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n where_o they_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o and_o from_o warrantable_a reason_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o for_o this_o my_o belief_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o reason_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n but_o have_v there_o be_v but_o one_o nation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o many_o thousand_o believer_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v there_o be_v can_v not_o all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o squib_n which_o only_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o then_o vanish_v in_o the_o air_n to_o say_v no_o more_o and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a objection_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o ever_o hear_v from_o they_o to_o the_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o give_v my_o several_a answer_n which_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a against_o they_o all_o and_o now_o i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o divers_a miracle_n daily_o wrought_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n no_o nor_o in_o a_o few_o but_o be_v of_o necessity_n force_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o for_o prove_v of_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v still_o but_o the_o first_o conclusion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o then_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o ensue_a story_n of_o the_o same_o book_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o and_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v relate_v how_o the_o holy_a apostle_n employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n also_o of_o tongue_n and_o language_n and_o the_o effect_n also_o of_o their_o ministry_n preach_v and_o miracle_n be_v there_o set_v down_o at_o large_a and_o it_o be_v specify_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o first_o miracle_n when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o several_a nation_n hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o every_o one_o in_o their_o several_a tongue_n and_o language_n who_o be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o be_v galilean_n that_o they_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o from_o their_o amazement_n it_o be_v say_v they_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n the_o sermon_n itself_o be_v there_o set_v down_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n god_n work_v with_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o believer_n that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v convert_v and_o such_o as_o be_v former_o baptize_v three_o thousand_o more_o a_o great_a miracle_n all_o which_o with_o the_o many_o other_o that_o be_v convert_v afterward_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o of_o a_o world_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n before_o this_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n conceive_v that_o all_o these_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o let_v we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o 3._o and_o 4._o chapter_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o miracle_n that_o be_v
such_o as_o have_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o upon_o the_o read_n of_o any_o book_n or_o hearig_n of_o any_o argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a side_n their_o heart_n may_v not_o like_o the_o heart_n of_o ahaz_n isai_n the_o 7._o 1._o when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o confederacy_n of_o syria_n and_o ephraim_n be_v move_v as_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n be_v move_v with_o the_o wind_n this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o author_n who_o word_n i_o have_v relate_v in_o their_o full_a length_n and_o extent_n not_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v all_o the_o error_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o just_a volume_n though_o occasonal_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o according_a to_o his_o description_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v take_v out_o of_o master_n cotteos_n book_n of_o new_a england_n none_o of_o the_o congregationall_a church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o if_o that_o also_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v be_v true_a than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o i_o say_v before_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v all_o this_o occasional_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n land_n afford_v i_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o major_a proposition_n which_o be_v that_o all_z those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o those_o several_a house_n at_o jerusalem_n every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o because_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v better_o sound_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n ear_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o hear_v one_o of_o their_o own_o great_a rabbye_n who_o they_o usual_o call_v giant_n and_o tall_a fellow_n then_o to_o hear_v i_o who_o at_o pleasure_n they_o style_v a_o pigmy_n and_o dwarf_n from_o his_o word_n therefore_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o he_o assert_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o then_o much_o more_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n have_v among_o they_o also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v likewise_o all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n within_o themselves_o which_o the_o independent_o confess_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o i_o say_v and_o that_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o company_n do_v constitute_v a_o complete_a visible_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o or_o two_o or_o three_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o at_o least_o twelve_o if_o not_o half_o twelve_o score_n yea_o innumerable_a in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o respective_o and_o several_o they_o have_v also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v arr_o sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v ergo_fw-la all_n and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o argument_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o upon_o their_o very_a word_n and_o corroborate_v with_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o what_o people_n say_v they_o in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v thus_o the_o independent_o speak_v and_o therefore_o without_o they_o will_v renounce_v their_o own_o principle_n and_o abjure_v all_o reason_n and_o the_o very_a light_n of_o understand_v give_v they_o of_o god_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o have_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v requisite_a and_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o form_a church_n for_o there_o be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o such_o minister_n and_o officer_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o that_o to_o the_o enâ—_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o vers_fw-la the_o last_o they_o have_v also_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n all_o those_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o ordinance_n the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o think_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o one_o of_o their_o new_a congregation_n a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n they_o have_v all_o the_o bless_a apostle_n among_o they_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o other_o preacher_n abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o gift_n as_o who_o have_v go_v in_o and_o out_o with_o christ_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o he_o and_o johns_n ministry_n the_o mean_a of_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n and_o they_o have_v among_o they_o also_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n many_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o all_o of_o they_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n therefore_o they_o be_v visible_a church_n i_o do_v not_o with_o the_o author_n say_v mystical_a body_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v visible_a saint_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v together_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o that_o with_o the_o holy_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o many_o complete_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n that_o which_o the_o independent_o hold_v ever_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o congregation_n they_o be_v visible_a and_o miraculous_a saint_n not_o ordinary_a one_o as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v among_o they_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o incomparable_a sanctify_a &_o transcendent_a endowment_n viz_o the_o holy_a apostle_n all_o the_o which_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o infallible_o who_o have_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o which_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v all_o other_o church_n and_o gather_v and_o form_v church_n both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v and_o as_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o have_v the_o material_n both_o for_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o true_a complete_a form_v church_n so_o tâ—â—y_o have_v likewise_o that_o which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n for_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a and_o combine_v together_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n as_o that_o of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n those_o seal_a ordinance_n and_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n among_o
that_o church_n be_v whole_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n likewise_o and_o authority_n of_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o we_o far_o learn_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o although_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n govern_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n conclude_a his_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o those_o asian_a church_n rev._n the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v he_o who_o make_v the_o particular_a or_o singular_a church_n he_o write_v to_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o church_n not_o one_o only_a as_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n only_o he_o do_v make_v that_o one_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o particular_a to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a classical_a or_o collegiate_n church_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o epiphonemicall_a conclusion_n to_o every_o church_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o in_o particular_a do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o as_o of_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o church_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la one_o church_n have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o be_v classical_o or_o collegiate_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la to_o the_o which_o argument_n the_o independent_o answer_v by_o deny_v of_o the_o assumption_n say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequentér_n as_o well_o as_o antecedentér_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o they_o cite_v junius_n his_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o denial_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n they_o produce_v also_o master_n bains_n his_o authority_n to_o as_o little_a end_n christ_n say_v he_o do_v not_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o church_n precede_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o collective_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o singular_a church_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n both_o several_o and_o joint_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o make_v to_o this_o argument_n page_n 133._o and_o if_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v never_o want_v answer_n and_o reply_v but_o we_o look_v for_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o word_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v our_o argument_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o gainsay_n the_o argument_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o the_o other_o six_o church_n and_o true_o he_o grant_v the_o argument_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o antecedenter_v so_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o worâ—â—_n may_v be_v take_v antecedenter_n as_o well_o as_o consequenter_fw-la that_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o follow_v viz_o both_o way_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o require_v and_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o argument_n i_o labour_v to_o prove_v for_o who_o ever_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n bid_v they_o watch_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o man_n so_o who_o ever_o yet_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o church_n there_o christ_n have_v as_o well_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o their_o example_n be_v forewarn_v lest_o they_o likewise_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v though_o primary_o principal_o and_o antecedenter_v he_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n assembly_n or_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n as_o first_o to_o those_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v yet_o call_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o other_o also_o as_o consist_v of_o many_o several_a company_n and_o several_a congregation_n yet_o be_v all_o combine_a together_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o subordinate_a to_o each_o of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v but_o for_o one_o church_n within_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v to_o they_o all_o several_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o number_n of_o multitude_n as_o to_o many_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o write_v to_o they_o all_o as_o particular_a and_o singular_a church_n because_o though_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o classical_a way_n and_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o those_o epistle_n shall_v as_o well_o be_v consider_v collective_o as_o the_o word_n angel_n now_o all_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o the_o very_a independent_a minister_n themselves_o hold_v that_o by_o angel_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o each_o of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o those_o several_a epistle_n may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o interpret_v collective_o for_o many_o minister_n then_o the_o word_n church_n also_o may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o church_n for_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o pastor_n and_o â—lock_n be_v relative_n and_o have_v reference_n one_o to_o another_o now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n than_o there_o must_v likewise_o be_v many_o flock_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o those_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o constitution_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n we_o find_v many_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n a_o whole_a college_n of_o they_o act_v the_o 20_o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o 28._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o that_o church_n so_o in_o the_o other_o six_o for_o in_o express_a word_n paul_n say_v that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n public_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o house_n which_o be_v by_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v to_o signify_v many_o several_a congregation_n in_o that_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o when_o the_o independent_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o therefore_o several_a church_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o expression_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o they_o have_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o meet_v place_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o have_v both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n have_v obtain_v so_o much_o
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
read_v this_o book_n i_o will_v here_o again_o repeat_v his_o answer_n to_o my_o argument_n with_o his_o distinction_n the_o jndependent_o say_v he_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o say_v he_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v be_v better_a but_o all_o error_n be_v like_a unto_o sin_n it_o seldom_o go_v single_a and_o alone_a for_o here_o i._n s._n commit_v a_o multiforme_a error_n in_o rob_v not_o only_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n but_o in_o rob_v also_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n himself_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n and_o make_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o peculiar_a servant_n but_o the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n so_o that_o according_a to_o i._o s._n his_o learning_n all_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o people_n dispose_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o act_v as_o the_o church_n direct_v they_o and_o they_o must_v do_v it_o always_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o hysteron_fw-gr proteron_fw-gr divinity_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o which_o they_o deal_v most_o wicked_o on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o minister_n fair_o they_o abuse_v they_o to_o their_o face_n for_o here_o i._n s._n by_o that_o distinction_n of_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o independent_o give_v great_a honour_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o say_v that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v they_o proper_o and_o that_o only_a power_n and_o interest_n belong_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n before_o he_o have_v pass_v two_o step_n by_o his_o own_o description_n of_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o give_v away_o all_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o little_a before_o not_o only_o from_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n say_v that_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a according_a to_o his_o divinity_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o the_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n he_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n say_v that_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o for_o the_o assistance_n nnd_v concurrence_n of_o the_o multitude_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o all_o which_o if_o hegive_v not_o the_o people_n by_o his_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n a_o great_a authority_n than_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o to_o christ_n himself_o let_v every_o ingenious_a man_n judge_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o horrid_a impiety_n but_o abominable_a in_o justice_n &_o sacrilege_n yea_o every_o man_n may_v plain_o perceive_v &_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o he_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o all_o authority_n under_o that_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n for_o in_o say_v in_o the_o same_o pag._n that_o in_o ordination_n election_n of_o officer_n belong_v unto_o the_o brethren_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a by_o these_o word_n he_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o all_o full_a and_o ample_a authority_n as_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o can_v be_v betrust_v with_o for_o among_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o my_o knowledge_n they_o make_v nothing_o of_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o count_v it_o but_o a_o compliment_n that_o make_v nothing_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o officer_n as_o they_o say_v for_o they_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o officer_n or_o minister_n if_o he_o be_v once_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o call_n as_o they_o say_v that_o make_v officer_n without_o which_o they_o affirm_v they_o can_v be_v no_o true_a officer_n so_o that_o if_o election_n be_v the_o main_a and_o essential_a business_n require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o church-officer_n and_o as_o they_o teach_v their_o follower_n and_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o election_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o matter_n not_o with_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v ordain_v or_o have_v any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o no_o that_o be_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o a_o compliment_n or_o a_o needless_a ceremony_n for_o so_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o speak_v the_o which_o ordination_n also_o though_o they_o say_v it_o belong_v unto_o officer_n notwithstanding_o the_o church_n and_o people_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o exercise_v it_o at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n if_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n daily_o teach_v all_o man_n yea_o we_o may_v gather_v as_o much_o out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o own_o expression_n that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o election_n reside_v in_o the_o people_n and_o lie_v in_o their_o hand_n who_o say_v that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a intimate_v that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o church-officer_n they_o themselves_o may_v then_o ordain_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o all_o which_o their_o language_n and_o proceed_n if_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o do_v not_o assume_v &_o arrogate_v all_o power_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v it_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o plenary_a authority_n over_o all_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o confer_v authority_n on_o any_o people_n it_o be_v most_o notorious_o know_v that_o our_o independent_a gentleman_n will_v place_v all_o authority_n in_o the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o dependent_a upon_o they_o and_o expect_v their_o election_n and_o ordination_n from_o they_o and_o they_o only_o will_v be_v independent_a and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o their_o word_n and_o practice_n and_o out_o of_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n but_o even_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o say_v belong_v unto_o the_o people_n have_v thus_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n sufficient_o elucidate_v that_o by_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o assume_v all_o authority_n to_o themselves_o while_o they_o pretend_v they_o give_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n i_o will_v now_o set_v forth_o their_o wickedness_n in_o show_v how_o they_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o apostle_n also_o and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o their_o dignity_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o their_o deal_n towards_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n all_o those_o that_o know_v how_o the_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n aâ—e_v govern_v know_v that_o all_o their_o counsel_n ambassador_n judge_n ruler_n and_o officer_n under_o they_o either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n or_o war_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o all_o their_o precept_n and_o mandate_n whether_o imparative_fw-it or_o prohibitive_n and_o in_o all_o their_o court_n of_o judicature_n transact_v and_o pass_v all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o the_o
his_o throne_n all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v i_o say_v make_v christ_n a_o pagent_n king_n and_o salute_v he_o with_o hail_n master_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o usurp_v some_o of_o their_o own_o rhetoric_n and_o learned_a elequence_n but_o indeed_o they_o disthrone_v he_o for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o disthrone_v a_o king_n if_o write_v of_o warn_v piece_n and_o pamphlet_n against_o king_n service_n and_z kings-honour_n be_v not_o and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o to_o disthrone_v a_o king_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o people_n name_n and_o to_o send_v out_o all_o their_o warrant_n and_o mandate_n in_o the_o people_n name_n and_o to_o command_v all_o their_o officer_n to_o manage_v all_o their_o employment_n in_o the_o people_n name_n never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o king_n in_o a_o public_a act_n of_o government_n be_v not_o all_o these_o action_n and_o passage_n to_o any_o rational_a creature_n a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o the_o king_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v either_o absolute_o disthron_v or_o be_v but_o a_o king_n to_o they_o in_o ludibry_a as_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o wicked_a jew_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o understand_a man_n will_v so_o conclude_v now_o when_o in_o all_o the_o new_a congregation_n those_o new_a gather_a church_n the_o ildependents_n there_o have_v such_o among_o they_o that_o write_v book_n and_o that_o with_o their_o approbation_n against_o jesu-worship_n that_o be_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o when_o every_o day_n in_o all_o their_o particular_a church_n they_o exercise_v all_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o church_n and_o not_o in_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n and_o that_o against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o affirm_v and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v ever_o to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o rob_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o due_a honour_n but_o a_o blasphemous_a and_o more_o than_o a_o papal_a usurpation_n and_o derogate_a from_o his_o kingly_a dignity_n and_o royalty_n yea_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plain_a disthron_v of_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o place_n and_o put_v themselves_o in_o it_o which_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o contumacy_n rebellion_n and_o blasphemy_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o for_o myself_o i_o know_v not_o what_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v if_o they_o be_v not_o blasphemy_n for_o when_o i_o learn_v divinity_n i_o be_v teach_v that_o blasphemy_n consist_v in_o this_o either_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n that_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o majesty_n &_o divine_a nature_n or_o to_o detract_v from_o he_o that_o that_o peculiar_o belong_v either_o to_o the_o essence_n person_n or_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o due_a to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o any_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n to_o any_o creature_n or_o malicious_o or_o wicked_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o god_n his_o essence_n attribute_n word_n work_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o do_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n obstinate_o and_o wilful_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n when_o i_o study_v divinity_n be_v think_v blasphemy_n and_o worthy_a of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o those_o that_o perpetrate_v any_o of_o those_o crime_n be_v repute_v unworthy_a to_o live_v and_o proclaim_v blasphemer_n and_o man_n unsufferable_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o such_o kind_n of_o creature_n in_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v call_v blasphemy_n and_o that_o rob_v christ_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o write_v against_o jesu-worship_n &_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a trinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o disthrone_v christ_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n while_o they_o cry_v hail_n master_n exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o many_o more_o intolerable_a insolence_n they_o daily_o commit_v against_o the_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o all_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v count_v saint_n that_o commit_v these_o vice_n and_o malifice_n and_o great_a book_n be_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o all_o these_o wicked_a blasphemous_a wretch_n and_o both_o their_o error_n and_o their_o person_n be_v countenance_v and_o that_o by_o their_o great_a rabbye_n and_o champion_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v in_o god_n dialect_n and_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n both_o old_a and_o new_a count_v abominable_a creature_n and_o man_n unholy_a and_o displease_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o actor_n and_o abetter_n and_o countenancer_n of_o all_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o wickedness_n be_v think_v equal_o guilty_a and_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n be_v denounce_v against_o they_o all_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a out_o of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o yet_o these_o great_a evil_n be_v count_v but_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o our_o independent_a master_n now_o than_o i_o say_v when_o the_o illdefendents_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o these_o crime_n as_o partly_o act_v they_o partly_o tolerate_v such_o as_o be_v both_o actor_n and_o abetter_n or_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o countenance_v they_o pretend_v they_o what_o they_o will_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o hope_v to_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o disthrone_v christ_n &_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o so_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o that_o crime_n they_o lie_v to_o the_o presbyterian_o charge_n who_o they_o daily_o accuse_v to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n rule_v over_o they_o when_o notwithstanding_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v by_o god_n divine_a assistance_n set_v up_o christ_n king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o shall_v ever_o desire_v that_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o praise_n may_v be_v give_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o that_o he_o may_v sole_o rule_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o such_o as_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n may_v be_v make_v his_o footstool_n in_o the_o number_n of_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sectary_n be_v and_o all_o such_o as_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n against_o i._n s._n which_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o to_o show_v how_o by_o their_o doctrine_n they_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o kingly_a dignity_n when_o they_o pretend_v they_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n which_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a blasphemy_n in_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v against_o i._o s._n that_o i_o undertake_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o by_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n but_o all_o christ_n bless_a apostle_n minister_n and_o servant_n of_o their_o power_n and_o leave_v they_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o horrid_a injustice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o sectary_n and_o independent_o to_o do_v which_o although_o i_o have_v brief_o prove_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v here_o again_o for_o the_o more_o full_a elucidation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o better_a set_v forth_o of_o the_o illdependent_a wickedness_n a_o little_a further_o expatiate_v in_o this_o business_n and_o answer_n to_o all_o that_o i._o s._n have_v material_o or_o with_o any_o colour_n to_o speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o cause_n where_o i_o presume_v he_o have_v speak_v as_o much_o as_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n think_v and_o conceive_v make_v for_o it_o and_o for_o which_o their_o vain_a and_o impious_a jangle_n they_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o dreadful_a account_n i_o undertake_v therefore_o now_o to_o prove_v
be_v exclude_v who_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n permit_v to_o vote_n in_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o there_o for_o woman_n be_v part_n of_o the_o multitude_n neither_o be_v the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1._o and_o this_o be_v accord_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a i._o s._n that_o confident_a disputant_n who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o from_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n there_o be_v neither_o woman_n nor_o weak_a brethren_n there_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o concession_n the_o weak_a be_v not_o admit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o in_o the_o council_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n and_o church_n and_o multitude_n there_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v necessary_o to_o understand_v the_o learned_a and_o godly_a prophet_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n chief_a and_o eminent_a one_o such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v and_o with_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o other_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n with_o those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o antioch_n which_o be_v all_o consider_v together_o make_v up_o a_o great_a number_n and_o multitude_n all_o the_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n v._o 3._o the_o scripture_n there_o speak_v synecdochical_o and_o take_v a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v do_v that_o synod_n consist_v and_o not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n w_z ch_n be_v not_o member_n fit_a for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o order_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n much_o less_o to_o woman_n &_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o synecdochical_o as_o before_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o eminent_a minister_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v commissioner_n there_o and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elders_n he_o which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o voter_n in_o that_o synod_n which_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o the_o full_a dispute_n on_o both_o side_n for_o none_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o have_v not_o full_o hear_v the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n on_o both_o side_n which_o i._o s._n acknowledge_v the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v nor_o can_v judge_v of_o because_o they_o be_v intricate_a ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n nor_o give_v their_o voice_n there_o upon_o no_o term_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o full_o &_o understand_o hear_v now_o the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v neither_o can_v they_o have_v understand_v if_o they_o have_v hear_v both_o which_o i._o s._n accord_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o weak_a brethren_n can_v be_v mean_v much_o less_o the_o sister_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o with_o deliberation_n weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o very_a reason_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v every_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o none_o can_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o plead_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o controversy_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n which_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o such_o as_o sylas_n and_o judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v verse_n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o none_o but_o they_o that_o manage_v the_o disputation_n and_o hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n be_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n which_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v do_v neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v any_o raw_a head_a boy_n or_o giddy_a brain_a creature_n or_o minor_n in_o it_o or_o any_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o run_v out_o and_o in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o that_o great_a council_n be_v like_o a_o pigeon_n house_n where_o they_o be_v continual_o flutter_v out_o and_o flutter_v in_o for_o that_o council_n consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o be_v holy_a grave_a and_o approve_v all_o prophet_n such_o as_o sylas_n judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v such_o as_o for_o gravity_n and_o experience_n be_v think_v fit_a companion_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o consultation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o council_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o venerable_a precious_a godly_a and_o staid_a man_n of_o who_o we_o can_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o synod_n negligent_o or_o to_o the_o half_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o sit_v close_o and_o diligent_o to_o the_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o session_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o that_o as_o they_o meet_v altogether_o at_o a_o set_a hour_n or_o time_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o consultation_n and_o dispute_n as_o long_o as_o any_o other_o sit_v and_o till_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o agreement_n think_v fit_a to_o sit_v to_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o till_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v be_v it_o few_o or_o more_o day_n or_o week_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o record_v how_o long_o the_o council_n continue_v yet_o we_o read_v not_o where_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n but_o that_o they_o sit_v altogether_o in_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o commissioner_n till_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o dispute_v and_o none_o but_o they_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v but_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n above_o specify_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o weak_a brethren_n nor_o the_o sister_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n from_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o go_v upon_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o do_v which_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o god_n notwithstanding_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o for_o as_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o account_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o a_o committee_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o which_o as_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o decree_n they_o have_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o divest_v the_o apostle_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v it_o and_o place_n it_o upon_o the_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n perpetrate_v against_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o deal_n and_o proceed_v of_o i._o s._n be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o apostle_n so_o this_o his_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o divine_a
and_o humane_a learning_n yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o for_o this_o i._o s._n his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o church_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o decree_n valid_a and_o bind_a whereas_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n ratify_v those_o decree_n and_o so_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o presbyter_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n but_o as_o apostles_n stle_v with_o a_o transcendent_a power_n and_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o that_o session_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n which_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o and_o therefore_o their_o presence_n only_o as_o apostles_n make_v their_o decree_n bind_v which_o opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o howsoever_o it_o be_v very_o erroneous_a as_o i_o have_v often_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v point_v blank_a against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o i._o s._n who_o place_n all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n rob_v both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n his_o brethren_n they_o place_v all_o authority_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o deprive_v the_o presbyter_n of_o it_o and_o count_v they_o but_o ordinary_a man_n and_o not_o infallible_o there_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o which_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o they_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o these_o man_n be_v but_o babel_n builder_n who_o tongue_n and_o language_n be_v divide_v and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n for_o they_o be_v diametrical_o fight_v one_o against_o ano_fw-la there_o so_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o those_o man_n that_o begin_v once_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n like_o the_o midianitâ—s_v they_o destroy_v one_o a_o other_o but_o this_o have_v general_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v that_o study_n to_o invent_v engine_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o truth_n yet_o all_o the_o vapour_n of_o their_o brain_n can_v so_o much_o as_o cloud_v so_o bright_a â—_o sun_n but_o it_o will_v evermore_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o dazzle_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o see_v the_o people_n general_o so_o harden_v by_o obstinacy_n that_o they_o can_v yet_o discern_v into_o the_o craft_n and_o juggle_n of_o the_o illdefendents_a predicant_o who_o while_o they_o give_v the_o people_n or_o church_n power_n and_o interest_n to_o humour_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o hatred_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o build_v up_o their_o diana_n temple_n of_o independency_n hope_v by_o raise_v it_o to_o ruin_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o fine_a by_o this_o mean_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o mâ—â—re_a anarchy_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o howsoever_o the_o illdefendents_a seek_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o this_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o they_o make_v it_o burn_v the_o bright_a as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n have_v do_v by_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o have_v reply_v to_o what_o both_o these_o gentleman_n master_n hanserdo_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o three_o proposition_n i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o four_o which_o i_o will_v first_o set_v down_o with_o their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o then_o make_v my_o reply_n as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o all_o their_o former_a cavil_v and_o i_o will_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o order_n first_o answer_v to_o hanserdo_v and_o then_o to_o i._o s._n my_o four_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n for_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o mother_n church_n must_v give_v a_o example_n of_o government_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n now_o then_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o mother_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n and_o by_o her_o first_o constitution_n be_v consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o mother_n church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o that_o misprision_n and_o mistake_n that_o she_o be_v consist_v of_o but_o as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n they_o take_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o imitation_n and_o teach_v all_o their_o several_a congregation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n among_o themselves_o independent_a and_o to_o govern_v with_o as_o absolute_a a_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o the_o which_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o appeal_n as_o all_o that_o know_v their_o tenant_n can_v witness_v so_o that_o this_o last_o proposition_n be_v strengthen_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n now_o to_o this_o my_o four_o proposition_n and_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n thus_o repli_v page_n 14._o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n but_o the_o doctor_n know_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o a_o common_a council_n consistory_n college_n or_o court_n of_o presbyter_n and_o this_o they_o have_v not_o grant_v neither_o have_v the_o doctor_n prove_v and_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o proposition_n touch_v the_o first_o question_n this_o be_v all_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o this_o my_o last_o proposition_n in_o the_o which_o answer_v of_o he_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v what_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n grant_v and_o assent_v unto_o and_o what_o both_o he_o and_o they_o all_o deny_v at_o least_o as_o he_o say_v for_o he_o personate_v they_o all_o he_o grant_v in_o behalf_n of_o they_o all_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v but_o by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o master_n hanserdo_n reckon_v before_o his_o host_n for_o i._o s._n be_v one_o of_o the_o brethren_n and_o yet_o he_o page_n 13._o assert_v that_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o bind_o presidentiall_a now_o what_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v if_o mr_n knollys_n be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n be_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n second_o they_o deny_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v prove_v it_o that_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v as_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o my_o brother_n burton_n none_o of_o tne_v mean_a of_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v it_o yea_o he_o not_o only_o grant_v it_o but_o by_o argument_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o mr_n hanserdo_v in_o this_o also_o his_o assertion_n
be_v mention_v make_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n 1_o cor._n 14._o verse_n 34._o let_v the_o woman_n say_v the_o apostle_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n congregation_n and_o church_n be_v synonima_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n and_o depend_v all_o upon_o that_o stock_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n where_o verse_n the_o 1._o paul_n and_o timothy_n salute_v all_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o that_o epistle_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v all_o one_o and_o we_o meet_v also_o with_o many_o deacon_n all_o which_o prove_v to_o any_o understand_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n for_o one_o deacon_n will_v have_v serve_v for_o one_o congrgeation_n or_o assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o teacher_n beside_o their_o good_a and_o godly_a bishop_n for_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v dog_n among_o they_o evil_a worker_n and_o those_o of_o the_o concision_n and_o he_o bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o beware_v of_o those_o chap._n 3._o verse_n 2._o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v worldly_a man_n that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n who_o he_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n as_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o adays_o do_v chapter_n 4._o verse_n 18_o 19_o and_o give_v they_o in_o command_n to_o shun_v their_o example_n and_o only_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o such_o as_o walk_v as_o he_o do_v who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o many_o such_o teacher_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n and_o such_o as_o teach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o sincere_o all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n where_o paul_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o which_o he_o wish_v be_v root_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o or_o destroy_v so_o that_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a counsel_n of_o a_o presbytery_n there_o for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o by_o name_n my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v and_o this_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n revel_v the_o 2._o of_o the_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o elder_n to_o he_o act_v the_o 20._o verse_n 17._o in_o the_o which_o church_n there_o be_v such_o infinite_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o yea_o paul_n himself_o declare_v as_o much_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n verse_n 20._o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n signify_v per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o therefore_o by_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v many_o congregation_n as_o in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o all_o reason_n indeed_o will_v persuade_v it_o have_v it_o not_o in_o word_n be_v specify_v for_o ephesus_n be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o a_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o whole_a year_n by_o who_o hand_n god_n wrought_v no_o small_a miracle_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o through_o other_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o that_o city_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a ch_z 19_o set_v down_o so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o very_a scholar_n and_o such_o as_o study_v curious_a art_n be_v also_o convert_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n the_o price_n of_o which_o amount_v to_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o so_o much_o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v and_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v or_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o mart_n town_n can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n together_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o madness_n to_o think_v so_o if_o the_o very_a diversity_n of_o their_o language_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o dissuade_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v they_o must_v understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o so_o many_o people_n of_o several_a language_n and_o dialect_n can_v never_o do_v by_o any_o one_o for_o it_o be_v then_o a_o miracle_n to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o prophet_n all_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o very_o seldom_o have_v the_o ordinary_a people_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o some_o select_a and_o choose_a one_o not_o upon_o all_o promiscuous_o buâ—_n upon_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v upon_o all_o then_o simon_n magus_n need_v not_o have_v offer_v money_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o those_o grace_n have_v be_v promiscuous_o give_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o sortsof_n man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v distribute_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n make_v special_a choice_n of_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o common_a people_n have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o language_n they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v have_v such_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n must_v necessary_o have_v divers_a place_n to_o meet_v in_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o otherwise_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o we_o read_v of_o at_o the_o first_o plantationof_n this_o church_n the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 20._o that_o for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o paul_n teach_v they_o night_n and_o day_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n they_o have_v also_o timothy_n sometime_o among_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a teacher_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n for_o 28._o who_o all_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o with_o a_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o have_v a_o commission_n likewise_o give_v they_o to_o oppose_v all_o false_a teacher_n which_o they_o faithful_o perform_v as_o the_o lord_n bear_v they_o witness_v revel_v the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o saying_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o government_n of_o