ibid._n 1._o one_o body_n p._n 161_o 2_o one_o spirit_n p._n 165_o 3_o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_n p._n 167_o 4._o one_o lord._n p._n 169_o 5._o one_o faith_n p._n 172_o 6._o one_o baptism_n p._n 175_o 7._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o all_o p._n 176_o these_o seven_o bond_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o man_n devise_v 178._o how_o the_o true_a church_n of_o believer_n thus_o make_v one_o by_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v one_o in_o their_o communion_n among_o themselves_o p._n 180_o to_o this_o end_n 1_o they_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n otherwise_o then_o yet_o they_o do_v ibid._n particular_o they_o must_v be_v instruct_v touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n this_o government_n be_v twofold_a 1._o immediate_a and_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n p._n 181_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n p_o 182_o these_o two_o government_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n nor_o in_o this_o p._n 184_o 2._o mediate_v this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_n p._n 185_o and_o it_o be_v christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ibid._n this_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o several_a particular_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n 186_o and_o here_o 1._o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v 2._o what_o they_o be_v 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v set_v down_o in_o 6._o particular_n 188_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 190_o 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o ibid._n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 192_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 193_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v herein_o 194_o 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n 196_o and_o here_o 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 197_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o ibid._n 1._o by_o who_o 198_o what_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v be_v to_o do_v in_o point_n of_o choose_v officer_n p._n 199_o and_o if_o need_v be_v can_v reform_v they_o p_o 200_o or_o depose_v they_o p._n 201_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n if_o it_o need_v any_o ibid._n certain_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n may_v now_o well_o want_v counsel_n p._n 202_o and_o if_o it_o will_v have_v any_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v touch_v they_o p._n 204_o 5_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n p._n 205_o and_o thus_o the_o judgement_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n among_o themselves_o 2._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n the_o practical_a rule_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n p._n 206_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a church_n content_v itself_o with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n p_o 207_o 3._o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o fetch_v or_o force_v man_n unto_o it_o against_o their_o will_n 209_o 4._o that_o the_o true_a church_n make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n p._n 211_o 5._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n and_o church_n p._n 212_o 6._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o community_n p._n 213_o 7._o that_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n do_v take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n and_o do_v not_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ring_n leader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n p._n 214_o 8._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n p_o 215_o 5_o way_n by_o which_o this_o may_v be_v effectual_o do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n p._n 216_o the_o great_a question_n touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n answer_v p._n 224_o 9_o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n p._n 225_o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o point_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a here_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v first_o consider_v if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o believer_n differ_v be_v circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a only_o then_o there_o be_v 5._o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n p._n 233_o if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o such_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o there_o be_v 7_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n p._n 235_o if_o the_o doctrine_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v be_v such_o as_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n yet_o then_o 1._o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v p._n 237_o 2._o if_o after_o full_a hear_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n than_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v 1_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n p._n 241_o 2_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n ibid._n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o punishment_n the_o true_a church_n can_v inflict_v p._n 242_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o ibid._n the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n time_n together_o observe_v with_o a_o say_a heart_n and_o trouble_a spirit_n the_o grievous_a difference_n and_o dissension_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o perceive_v also_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o heal_n of_o this_o error_n many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o not_o clear_o understanding_n wherein_o their_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v and_o so_o be_v still_o prosecute_a former_a with_o late_a mistake_n till_o their_o wound_n be_v become_v almost_o incurable_a i_o find_v my_o heart_n incline_v and_o engage_v by_o god_n to_o propound_v to_o other_o that_o way_n of_o peace_n which_o myself_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v not_o that_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o or_o be_v account_v of_o any_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n people_n be_v indeed_o unworthy_a to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o the_o church_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o so_o incomparable_a a_o treasure_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v but_o mere_o out_o of_o love_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o my_o brethren_n who_o i_o see_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o spark_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v kindle_v whereby_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o neglect_v the_o true_a light_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o shine_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n till_o all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n be_v do_v away_o and_o as_o my_o end_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o bring_v all_o man_n from_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o conception_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o i_o desire_v all_o man_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v to_o allow_v of_o no_o more_o in_o this_o discourse_n than_o they_o shall_v find_v agreeable_a to_o this_o word_n and_o what_o ever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o shall_v disapprove_v or_o condemn_v so_o far_o let_v they_o also_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v with_o it_o as_o i_o myself_o also_o do_v know_v well_o that_o no_o word_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o carry_v light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n sufficient_a and_o enough_o in_o itself_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o work_v of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n wherefore_o what_o i_o have_v free_o learn_v i_o shall_v free_o communicate_v desire_v every_o one_o
by_o this_o mean_v their_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o speculation_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a power_n and_o method_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o they_o will_v soon_o give_v over_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o faithful_a about_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o power_n in_o they_o to_o free_v from_o eternal_a death_n nor_o to_o procure_v eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o twofold_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n himself_o exercise_v immediate_o in_o and_o over_o it_o whereof_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ignorant_a mans._n if_o we_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o our_o self_n and_o other_o now_o beside_o this_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n exercise_v mediate_o by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_v and_o man_n who_o have_v not_o know_v not_o understand_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n have_v mistake_v this_o also_o through_o the_o same_o unbelief_n wherefore_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v immediate_a and_o by_o himself_o have_v make_v this_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n to_o be_v all_o and_o this_o also_o i_o say_v they_o have_v understand_v most_o gross_o and_o carnal_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_a heart_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o their_o particular_a mis_fw-fr apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n then_o to_o inquire_v after_o variety_n of_o error_n wherefore_o let_v alone_o their_o darkness_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v shine_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o herein_o also_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o mediate_a government_n then_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n now_o because_o many_o christian_n desire_v instruction_n and_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v herein_o be_v desirous_a also_o to_o learn_v myself_o of_o they_o that_o can_v teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o distinct_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o order_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n government_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n 5._o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v needful_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n among_o themselves_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v in_o christ._n they_o first_o thing_n than_o be_v 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o answer_v he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o true_a church_n itself_o as_o former_o describe_v even_o to_o each_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o natural_a power_n belong_v to_o all_o natural_a man_n alike_o so_o spiritual_a power_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church-power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n alike_o alike_o christ_n in_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a church-power_n and_o because_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o believer_n alike_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n therefore_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o of_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o no_o one_o partake_v of_o this_o power_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o he_o partake_v of_o christ_n more_o than_o another_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o selfsame_a power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16.19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v explain_v where_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o pope_n and_o papal_a church_n under_o colour_n of_o this_o place_n have_v make_v great_a merchandise_n and_o have_v exceed_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v forth_o and_o the_o day_n of_o their_o traffic_n be_v at_o end_n and_o yet_o since_o other_o have_v be_v truck_v with_o the_o world_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v think_v to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n but_o the_o day_n have_v so_o far_o dawn_v that_o their_o shadow_n also_o be_v fly_v away_o but_o not_o to_o keep_v you_o long_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o peter_n have_v say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n reply_v to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o then_o add_v unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o to_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n father_n touch_v the_o son_n and_o so_o also_o they_o be_v give_v equal_o to_o each_o faithful_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n with_o peter_n as_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o these_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o office_n but_o that_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n he_o it_o be_v to_o who_o these_o key_n be_v give_v and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o so_o they_o be_v give_v to_o each_o believer_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o believer_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v these_o key_n about_o which_o quest._n there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o do_v in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ._n they_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a power_n whatever_o that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o false_a conceit_n wherewith_o many_o former_a and_o present_a writer_n have_v and_o do_v still_o trouble_v the_o church_n john_n do_v tell_v we_o plain_o joh._n 20.22_o what_o matthew_n mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n say_v he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n breathe_v on_o they_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n hear_v be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o add_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o your_o will_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o christ_n then_o before_o his_o ascension_n give_v these_o key_n true_o to_o his_o disciple_n but_o more_o solemn_o and_o full_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n glorify_v and_o after_o the_o gentile_n who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n receive_v the_o spirit_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n
the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n but_o it_o be_v first_o with_o the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n and_o then_o with_o one_o another_o in_o they_o and_o christ_n be_v the_o door_n through_o which_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n the_o door_n through_o which_o we_o enter_v into_o christ_n for_o man_n may_v join_v themselves_o to_o believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n nor_o to_o that_o communion_n which_o believer_n have_v in_o christ_n but_o a_o man_n can_v be_v join_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v join_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o he_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o enjoy_v with_o they_o wherever_o he_o meet_v with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v knit_v up_o together_o into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n by_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n the_o church_n of_o man_n by_o a_o outward_a covenant_n or_o agreement_n only_o 10._o the_o church_n of_o man_n have_v humane_a officer_n who_o act_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a or_o acquisite_a part_n who_o do_v all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o study_n learning_n and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o the_o true_a church_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a officer_n and_o man_n only_o so_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o they_o and_o so_o when_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o do_v it_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n seek_v you_o a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o you_o ward_v be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a who_o ever_o be_v the_o instrument_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a preacher_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o 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shall_v sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n for_o none_o can_v rule_v the_o true_a church_n but_o he_o that_o build_v it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v christ_n be_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o if_o christ_n be_v ever_o present_a with_o they_o his_o own_o self_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o christ_n may_v not_o reign_v immediate_o over_o they_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n reckon_v it_o sufficient_a authority_n that_o they_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o what_o ever_o they_o find_v in_o the_o word_n they_o present_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o never_o ask_v leave_n either_o of_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o the_o church_n of_o man_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o assembly_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o their_o religion_n they_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v still_o set_v themselves_o one_o above_o another_o but_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v all_o equal_a have_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n equal_o present_a with_o they_o and_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o believer_n of_o one_o congregation_n can_v say_v they_o have_v power_n over_o the_o believer_n of_o another_o congregation_n see_v all_o congregation_n have_v christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n alike_o among_o they_o and_o christ_n have_v not_o anywhere_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v more_o with_o one_o then_o with_o another_o and_o so_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o congregation_n do_v not_o subject_v neither_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o another_o congregation_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o several_a place_n shall_v be_v above_o and_o under_o themselves_o but_o christ_n in_o each_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v their_o head_n and_o this_o head_n they_o dare_v not_o leave_v and_o set_v up_o a_o fleshly_a head_n to_o themselves_o whether_o it_o consist_v of_o one_o or_o many_o man_n see_v antichrist_n do_v as_o strong_o invade_v christ_n headship_n in_o many_o as_o in_o one_o man_n in_o a_o council_n as_o in_o a_o pope_n last_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v sin_n and_o death_n shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o but_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v always_o fight_v against_o it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o as_o christ_n have_v promise_v mat._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n among_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n or_o corporation_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v point_v out_o by_o the_o finger_n lo_o here_o or_o lo_o there_o see_v it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o certain_a place_n time_n or_o person_n but_o it_o be_v whole_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a society_n as_o i_o have_v say_v that_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o true_a pale_a and_o circumference_n of_o this_o church_n and_o out_o of_o who_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o hereupon_o it_o will_v present_o be_v say_v if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v invisible_a as_o you_o have_v affirm_v then_o 1._o how_o shall_v we_o know_v it_o 2._o how_o can_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o it_o to_o both_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v return_v a_o clear_a answer_n and_o first_o to_o this_o question_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o true_a church_n see_v it_o be_v invisible_a invisible_a i_o answer_v just_o so_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v know_v be_v the_o church_n his_o body_n know_v and_o no_o other_o way_n now_o christ_n be_v know_v 1._o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o peter_n confess_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n christ_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n now_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v without_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n than_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o these_o member_n see_v the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o as_o he_o be_v so_o be_v we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o he_o have_v need_n of_o other_o eye_n then_o the_o world_n see_v withal_o that_o will_v discern_v the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o another_o revelation_n than_o any_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v make_v 2._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o spirit_n rest_v on_o he_o joh._n 1.33_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o say_v john_n baptist_n but_o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o the_o same_o be_v he_o which_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bare_a record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o remain_v on_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o people_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n 3._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o
the_o spirit_n be_v altogether_o invincible_a in_o all_o the_o faithful_a among_o true_a christian_n some_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n and_o some_o by_o work_n but_o all_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n among_o true_a christian_n one_o believer_n faith_n do_v not_o apprehend_v one_o word_n and_o another_o another_o word_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o each_o and_o of_o all_o apprehend_v one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o life_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o among_o believer_n one_o do_v not_o live_v his_o own_o life_n and_o another_o christ_n which_o indeed_o will_v make_v they_o very_o different_a and_o unequal_a but_o all_o live_v christ_n life_n alike_o and_o none_o their_o own_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n knit_v together_o in_o unity_n of_o faith_n now_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v mighty_o able_a to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o believer_n peace_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n either_o of_o inward_a gift_n or_o outward_a work_n 1._o unity_n of_o faith_n preserve_v peace_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n gift_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n through_o such_o and_o such_o gift_n but_o mere_o through_o faith_n and_o so_o he_o that_o have_v one_o or_o a_o less_o gift_n be_v equal_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n through_o his_o faith_n with_o he_o that_o have_v another_o or_o a_o great_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o all_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n and_o diversity_n of_o gift_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o divide_v where_o there_o be_v unity_n of_o faith_n further_o among_o they_o that_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v the_o more_o gift_n there_o be_v only_o the_o more_o labour_n but_o there_o be_v not_o another_o or_o a_o better_a christ_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o less_o gift_n there_o be_v the_o same_o christ_n equal_o enjoy_v through_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v five_o talent_n give_v he_o bring_v in_o five_o that_o he_o have_v gain_v and_o he_o that_o have_v ten_o ten_o but_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o most_o talent_n have_v not_o more_o of_o christ_n than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o and_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o have_v not_o less_o of_o he_o than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o more_o but_o each_o have_v christ_n alike_o by_o faith_n bring_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o several_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n and_o second_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n work_n for_o unity_n of_o faith_n make_v all_o believer_n righteous_a alike_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o outward_a work_n for_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n each_o one_o righteousness_n be_v reckon_v by_o his_o faith_n not_o by_o his_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o paul_n heb_n 13.7_o have_v reckon_v up_o many_o excellent_a work_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o enjoin_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o work_n but_o their_o faith_n say_v who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o may_v be_v unity_n of_o faith_n in_o diversity_n of_o work_n for_o faith_n use_v free_o any_o outward_a law_n manner_n form_n work_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o our_o neighbour_n wherein_o faith_n also_o will_v judge_v for_o itself_o and_o will_v suffer_v no_o body_n to_o judge_v for_o it_o and_o in_o all_o change_n of_o work_n faith_n be_v the_o same_o and_o change_v not_o and_o the_o church_n still_o remain_v one_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n be_v account_v christian_n for_o such_o and_o such_o outward_a work_n sake_n and_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o teach_v and_o receive_v there_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v certain_o prevail_v and_o this_o be_v the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o faith_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n see_v it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o live_v out_o of_o this_o faith_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n even_o such_o as_o mind_n and_o affect_v and_o love_n and_o desire_v earthly_a thing_n and_o have_v all_o their_o joy_n comfort_n sweetness_n satisfaction_n support_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o creature_n these_o live_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o life_n of_o sense_n be_v clean_a contrary_n to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n faith_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o god_n out_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o sense_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o the_o creature_n out_o of_o god_n 2._o they_o that_o live_v by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v call_v conformity_n as_o the_o prelate_n call_v it_o or_o uniformity_n as_o the_o rhemist_n do_v also_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n for_o to_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o worship_n so_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o good_a christian_n therefore_o and_o other_o evil_a that_o shall_v live_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fall_v apparent_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n see_v faith_n do_v not_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o live_v on_o christ_n only_o in_o every_o duty_n and_o whatsoever_o form_n it_o may_v use_v for_o a_o help_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n it_o live_v above_o form_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o fullness_n the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o baptism_n the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n or_o flesh_n of_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o baptism_n by_o which_o it_o be_v purify_v which_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o that_o baptism_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o which_o be_v not_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o sign_n which_o have_v often_o be_v alter_v and_o change_v but_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o substance_n which_o comprehend_v all_o believer_n and_o all_o age_n and_o under_o several_a and_o various_a dispensation_n and_o be_v the_o same_o before_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o since_o believer_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n drink_v all_o alike_o into_o one_o spirit_n though_o these_o more_o plentiful_o than_o those_o so_o that_o though_o many_o have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o water_n yet_o not_o one_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o true_a christianity_n begin_v now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a baptism_n that_o have_v power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o make_v christian_n one_o for_o through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v make_v one_o body_n as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o greek_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o true_a church_n drink_v all_o into_o one_o spirit_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o through_o one_o spirit_n be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o believer_n be_v never_o true_o one_o till_o they_o partake_v of_o this_o one_o baptism_n now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v but_o one_o so_o it_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o one_o christ_n as_o john_n baptist_n witness_v math._n 3.11_o say_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o who_o shoe_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o bear_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o with_o fire_n for_o as_o none_o can_v give_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n so_o none_o can_v baptize_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n for_o this_o be_v christ_n proper_a and_o
govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o 483._o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ._n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ._n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v christ._n 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v
to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n order_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2_o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v to_o procure_v and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o to_o break_v it_o they_o be_v most_o unhappy_a and_o pernicious_a order_n that_o do_v not_o only_o offend_v a_o few_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o which_o itself_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n but_o do_v grieve_v disquiet_a and_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a 3._o they_o must_v do_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n ecclesiast_n see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o against_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n 4._o they_o must_v appoint_v nothing_o as_o of_o necessity_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o pestilent_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o thus_o the_o liberty_n of_o faith_n be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ensnare_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o believer_n may_v order_v any_o outward_a thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a so_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o necessary_o on_o any_o as_o if_o the_o observe_n of_o they_o be_v righteousness_n and_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o church_n after_o all_o its_o order_n it_o be_v to_o leave_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o that_o be_v free_a and_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n or_o judge_v convenient_a for_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o god_n regard_v no_o more_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n and_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n than_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o marry_v and_o trade_v for_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n without_o be_v tie_v necessary_o to_o a_o set_n and_o unchangeable_a form_n 5._o they_o may_v persuade_v their_o order_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n but_o must_v not_o enforce_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o secular_a punishment_n or_o church_n censure_n as_o those_o use_n to_o do_v that_o make_v themselves_o lord_n and_o tyrant_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o outward_a thing_n the_o church_n can_v order_v only_o for_o the_o willing_a but_o not_o for_o the_o unwilling_a and_o so_o if_o some_o believer_n shall_v think_v good_a upon_o just_a ground_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o these_o outward_a thing_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o censure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v communion_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n for_o when_o christian_n be_v knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o do_v receive_v and_o walk_v in_o his_o spirit_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v at_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o christ_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o he_o whatever_o be_v beside_o christ_n be_v a_o perish_a thing_n and_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v that_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v now_o if_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v any_o outward_a order_n these_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v yea_o the_o spiritual_a church_n do_v always_o observe_v they_o and_o never_o make_v rule_n in_o itself_o upon_o other_o term_n then_o be_v here_o set_v down_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o carnal_a church_n or_o church_n of_o man_n godliness_n they_o especial_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o of_o these_o they_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n yea_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n and_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o judge_v the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o rule_n and_o imposition_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v reckon_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o hereby_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o form_n and_o from_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o circumstance_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o advance_v empty_a form_n and_o shadow_n in_o the_o place_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v say_v with_o peter_z why_o tempt_v you_o god_n in_o put_v such_o a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n will_v with_o these_o thing_n still_o be_v trouble_v we_o and_o bite_v we_o by_o the_o heel_n yet_o in_o the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n we_o will_v by_o degree_n bruise_v its_o head_n till_o at_o last_o we_o break_v it_o quite_o in_o piece_n now_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o shall_v add_v touch_v the_o church_n power_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o order_n as_o conceive_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v these_o outward_a order_n it_o not_o for_o itself_o only_o but_o also_o for_o its_o officer_n which_o also_o be_v part_n of_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v its_o officer_n to_o frame_v or_o impose_v such_o on_o it_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n as_o paul_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v to_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v not_o to_o order_v it_o and_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v servant_n shall_v presume_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v outward_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n without_o the_o church_n as_o now_o be_v do_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v change_n or_o whole_o take_v away_o all_o those_o thing_n as_o it_o see_v occasion_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o grief_n to_o the_o strong_a and_o tend_v to_o work_v division_n among_o the_o faithful_a presumptuous_a officer_n be_v they_o and_o know_v not_o where_o christ_n have_v set_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o be_v order_v by_o the_o church_n go_v about_o to_o order_v it_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o servant_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n and_o if_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n officer_n true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o as_o in_o
the_o natural_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n every_o member_n be_v in_o office_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o have_v power_n and_o privilege_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v to_o speak_v the_o word_n that_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o they_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n choose_v one_o or_o mo_z to_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o where_o he_o command_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o where_o the_o apostle_n contemn_v all_o superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o pomp_n of_o ordain_v only_o seek_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v require_v after_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 2._o out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o first_o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v choose_v paul_n teach_v we_o this_o say_v they_o must_v be_v faithful_a man_n apt_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o among_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2_o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14.23_o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ._n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act._n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o
acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o vn_fw-fr christian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sext_v be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n 344._o a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ._n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n it_o may_v call_v one_o counsel_n if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v
way_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o dare_v to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o confusion_n see_v god_n know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n than_o thou_o do_v wherefore_o see_v prophesy_v be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v nowithstand_v what_o have_v be_v say_v still_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o a_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a ministry_n or_o the_o only_a power_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v but_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o from_o this_o thing_n 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o you_o and_o be_v it_o to_o come_v out_o only_o from_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o you_o and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o come_v forth_o from_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v come_v see_v they_o can_v but_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v 5._o the_o last_o mean_v i_o shall_v name_v whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v keep_v error_n out_o of_o it_o self_n be_v to_o exercise_v its_o power_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n as_o paul_n command_v 1_o cor._n 14.29_o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n shall_v also_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o judgement_n error_n will_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v vent_v but_o will_v also_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o now_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v quest._n and_o that_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v answ._n that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wisehearted_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrage_n object_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n and_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o quest._n and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o
communion_n which_o they_o have_v here_o in_o this_o world_n with_o one_o another_o to_o preserve_v that_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o we_o have_v in_o christ._n 1._o we_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n otherwise_o then_o we_o do_v particular_o the_o church_n government_n church_n government_n two_o fold_n immediate_a mediate_v god_n immediate_a government_n two_o fold_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n ego_fw-la saepe_fw-la certas_fw-la rationes_fw-la conatus_fw-la sum_fw-la deo_fw-la praescribere_fw-la quibus_fw-la uteretur_fw-la in_fw-la administratione_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n luther_n in_o gen_n 39_o tom_n 6._o fol._n 542._o 2_o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o church_n never_o want_v this_o twofold_a government_n of_o god_n in_o any_o age._n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o they_o that_o be_v so_o busy_a about_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o inward_a temptation_n the_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n and_o not_o mans._n what_o the_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o this_o mediate_a government_n church-power_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n alike_o math._n 16.19_o explain_v the_o key_n give_v to_o all_o thaâ—_n have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n quest._n answ._n what_o the_o key_n be_v the_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 13.10_o christ_n power_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o no_o further_o the_o word_n the_o only_a outward_a instrument_n of_o church_n power_n christiani_n eo_fw-la verbo_fw-la &_o non_fw-la alio_fw-la regi_fw-la debent_fw-la quo_fw-la christiani_n id_fw-la est_fw-la liberi_fw-la à _fw-la peccatis_fw-la siunt_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la solo_fw-la evangelio_n dei_fw-la puro_fw-la sine_fw-la additionibus_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la doctorum_fw-la patrum_fw-la etc._n etc._n luther_n epist._n ad_fw-la carol_n ducem_fw-la subaudiae_n tom_n 7._o f._n 483._o quae_fw-la ergo_fw-la insanta_fw-la est_fw-la spontance_n bonos_fw-es urgere_fw-la legibus_fw-la malorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la von_n parum_fw-la multi_fw-la leves_fw-la &_o futiles_fw-la homunciones_fw-la putantes_fw-la rem_fw-la evangelicam_fw-la gladio_fw-la &_o pugnis_fw-la esse_fw-la promovendam_fw-la ibid._n reputatè_fw-la animo_fw-la quo_fw-la gladio_fw-la ipse_fw-la papatum_fw-la etc._n etc._n what_o the_o church_n can_v do_v through_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ._n 1_o it_o can_v convene_v and_o meet_v together_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n appoint_v its_o order_n nunquid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la mundum_fw-la gubernanda_fw-la est_fw-la &_o non_fw-la potius_fw-la contra_fw-la morem_fw-la mundi_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la scriptum_fw-la est_fw-la nolite_fw-la consormari_fw-la huic_fw-la seculo_fw-la jo._n gers._fw-la decl._n viror_fw-la ecclesiast_n the_o carnal_a church_n mind_v outward_a order_n more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n the_o church_n be_v to_o appoint_v order_n for_o its_o officer_n and_o not_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o 3._o to_o choose_v its_o officer_n what_o officer_n the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v 3._o who_o choose_v they_o object_n answ._n he_o profecto_fw-la non_fw-la venient_fw-la in_o concilium_fw-la ut_fw-la judicentur_fw-la ab_fw-la aliâ—s_fw-la ut_fw-la emendent_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsorummet_n conscientia_fw-la adeoque_fw-la totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la emendanda_fw-la esse_fw-la clamat_fw-la sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la alios_fw-la judâ—care_fw-la &_o subjugare_fw-la svam_fw-la illam_fw-la potentiam_fw-la retinere_fw-la &_o quicquid_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la obstat_fw-la libidini_fw-la conculcare_fw-la è_fw-la medio_fw-la tollere_fw-la conabuntur_fw-la bullinger_n ep_n ad_fw-la edward_n sext_v tindal_n practise_v of_o popish_a prel_n p._n 344._o 4._o can_v call_v its_o counsel_n certain_a reason_n why_o the_o true_a church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v a_o council_n nam_fw-la quid_fw-la expectemus_fw-la ex_fw-la generalium_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la determinationibus_fw-la docent_fw-la â—os_v proxima_fw-la aliquot_fw-la seculorum_fw-la exempla_fw-la jam_fw-la ind_z ab_fw-la anâ—is_fw-la quandragintis_n aut_fw-la amplius_fw-la quo_fw-la enim_fw-la crebriora_fw-la ceiâ—re_fw-la concilia_fw-la tanto_fw-la magis_fw-la invaluit_fw-la superstitio_fw-la &_o error_n in_o doctrina_fw-la abusus_fw-la in_o ritibus_fw-la superbia_fw-la luxury_n avaritia_fw-la omnisque_fw-la corurptio_fw-la in_o docentibus_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la denique_fw-la soedissima_fw-la omnis_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la obliteratio_fw-la bull_v epist_n ad_fw-la edvard_n sextum_fw-la object_n answ._n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o call_v a_o council_n exit_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la coetu_fw-la i.e._n fidelium_fw-la deligâ—ndi_fw-la erunt_fw-la hâ—mines_fw-la ad_fw-la concilium_fw-la hoc_fw-la uâ—ro_fw-la esset_fw-la pulcherrimum_n concilium_fw-la quoth_v ab_fw-la ipso_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la regeretur_fw-la in_o hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la &_o lyra_n scriptum_fw-la reliquit_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la aestimandam_fw-la esse_fw-la ex_fw-la summis_fw-la illis_fw-la aut_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la ordinibus_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la verè_fw-la credentibus_fw-la luth._o libel_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la verae_fw-la eccles_n tom_fw-mi 7._o f._n 152._o the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n object_n answ._n the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o force_v man_n unto_o it_o against_o their_o will_n ea_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la natura_fw-la ut_fw-la nusquam_fw-la magis_fw-la requiratur_fw-la interna_fw-la persuasio_fw-la no_o &_o ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la nemo_fw-la co_fw-la give_v potest_fw-la invitus_fw-la &_o deus_fw-la toto_fw-la se_fw-la cord_n vult_fw-la amari_fw-la &_o denique_fw-la hypocrisis_fw-la peccatum_fw-la est_fw-la imprimis_fw-la deo_fw-la exosum_fw-la quo_fw-la fit_a ut_fw-la toto_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernandae_fw-la ratio_fw-la hunc_fw-la scopum_fw-la habere_fw-la dâ—beat_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la vocentur_fw-la plurimi_fw-la persuasi_fw-la &_o in_o ecclesia_fw-la contincâ—ntur_fw-la non_fw-la aliâ_fw-la ratione_fw-la itaque_fw-la quo_fw-la magis_fw-la ea_fw-la ratio_fw-la aberit_fw-la ab_fw-la imperio_fw-la hoc_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la apta_fw-la regâ—nde_fw-la augendae_fw-la &_o confirmande_fw-fr ecclesiae_fw-la chamter_n de_fw-fr oecumen_fw-la pontific_n secundum_fw-la hanc_fw-la itaque_fw-la nostram_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la sano_fw-la ac_fw-la rectissimo_fw-la judicio_fw-la decrevimus_fw-la nemini_fw-la prorsus_fw-la dâ—negandam_fw-la esse_fw-la potestatem_fw-la christianam_fw-la obseruantiam_fw-la uâ—l_fw-la religionem_fw-la eligendi_fw-la ac_fw-la sequendâ—_n sed_fw-la unicuique_fw-la dandam_fw-la esse_fw-la hanc_fw-la facultatem_fw-la ut_fw-la animum_fw-la suum_fw-la illi_fw-la religioni_fw-la addicat_fw-la quam_fw-la ipse_fw-la sibi_fw-la competere_fw-la putat_fw-la quo_fw-la nobis_fw-la deus_fw-la consuctam_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la &_o probitatem_fw-la praestet_fw-la euseb_n l._n 10._o c._n 5._o fox_n vol._n 1._o p._n 131._o fox_n vol._n 1._o p._n 150._o the_o true_a church_n have_v no_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n gal._n 3.28_o equality_n among_o church_n christ_n the_o head_n be_v subject_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o any_o true_a church_n that_o be_v of_o his_o body_n the_o true_a church_n keep_v its_o officer_n in_o subordination_n to_o itself_o regendae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ratio_fw-la nâ—n_fw-la imperium_fw-la est_fw-la sed_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n quest._n answ._n the_o way_n whereby_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o error_n object_n answ._n 1_o cor._n 14_o 36._o quest._n whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o suppress_v error_n answ._n object_n answ._n quest._n answ._n quest._n answ._n the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o outward_a orde_n and_o discipline_n fox_n vol._n 1._o pag_n 72._o iraen_n &_o mebex_n l._n 4._o nihilo_fw-la tamen_fw-la minus_fw-la omnes_fw-la illi_fw-la pacem_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la retinuerunt_fw-la &_o retinemus_fw-la etiamnum_fw-la &_o jejunii_fw-la dissonantia_fw-la fidei_fw-la concordiam_fw-la commendat_fw-la euseb._n l._n 5._o c._n 26._o socrat._v l._n 5._o c._n 19_o perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la apostolos_fw-la liberam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la in_o eadem_fw-la cujusque_fw-la menti_fw-la &_o arbitrio_fw-la permisisse_fw-la ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la nec_fw-la metu_fw-la nec_fw-la necessitate_v inductus_fw-la quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la sit_fw-la ageret_fw-la verum_fw-la omnes_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la ritus_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la urbibus_fw-la regionibusque_fw-la usurpantur_fw-la scriptis_fw-la mandare_fw-la ut_fw-la valde_fw-la laboriosum_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la vix_fw-la aut_fw-la ne_fw-la vix_fw-la quidem_fw-la fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la john_n gerson_n against_o uniformity_n homines_fw-la non_fw-la non_fw-la generaliter_fw-la astringi_fw-la debent_fw-la per_fw-la determinationes_fw-la positivas_fw-la paparum_fw-la ad_fw-la tenendum_fw-la &_o credendum_fw-la unum_fw-la eundemque_fw-la gubernandi_fw-la modum_fw-la in_fw-la rebus_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la proxime_fw-la respiciunt_fw-la vel_fw-la siâ—e_fw-la medio_fw-la fidei_fw-la nostrae_fw-la veritatem_fw-la vel_fw-la legis_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la luther_n against_o uniformity_n si_fw-mi una_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la alteram_fw-la non_fw-la vult_fw-la imitari_fw-la externis_fw-la istis_fw-la quid_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la dâ—cretis_fw-la cogi_fw-la quae_fw-la mox_fw-la in_o leges_fw-la &_o ammarumlaqueos_fw-la vertuntur_fw-la initetur_fw-la ergo_fw-la altera_fw-la alteram_fw-la libere_fw-la aut_fw-la suis_fw-la moribus_fw-la sinatur_fw-la scui_fw-la modò_fw-la unitas_fw-la spiritus_fw-la salva_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la &_o vero_fw-la quantumvis_fw-la sit_fw-la diversitas_fw-la &_o uâ—rietas_fw-la in_o carne_fw-la &_o elemento_fw-la mundi_fw-la cujus_fw-la exemplar_n sicubi_fw-la &_o aliis_fw-la placuerit_fw-la imitari_fw-la licet_fw-la sin_n minus_fw-la iâ—â—ctioni_fw-la libenter_fw-la locum_fw-la dabimus_fw-la parati_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la &_o quibusvis_fw-la aliis_fw-la commodiora_fw-la accipere_fw-la melancton_n against_o uniformity_n cum_fw-la de_fw-la praecipuis_fw-la articulis_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la christianae_n in_o ter_z nos_fw-la coâ—stet_fw-la complectemur_fw-la nos_fw-la mutuo_fw-la amore_fw-la neque_fw-la dissimilitas_fw-la &_o varietas_fw-la rituum_fw-la &_o ceremoniarum_fw-la disjungere_fw-la debet_fw-la mentes_fw-la nostras_fw-la rule_v to_o be_v observe_v to_o procure_v and_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o faithful_a differ_v among_o themselves_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v rule_v to_o preserve_v peace_n when_o the_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o circumstantial_a thing_n 4._o to_o be_v content_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o faithful_a to_o take_v care_n in_o these_o three_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n 1._o that_o they_o equal_o admit_v man_n of_o different_a judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 2._o that_o they_o equal_o use_v and_o employ_v they_o 3._o that_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o one_o to_o uphold_v the_o other_o if_o the_o faithful_a differ_v in_o very_a truth_n but_o such_o as_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v observe_v these_o rule_n to_o preserve_v peace_n phil._n 3-15_a 16._o if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n what_o the_o faithful_a must_v do_v in_o this_o case_n zuingl_n respon_n ad_fw-la libel_n strethionis_fw-la tom_fw-mi 2._o f._n 302._o luther_n farrag_v epistol_n tom_fw-mi 7._o s._n 509._o luâ—hers_n rule_n how_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v deal_v with_o the_o minister_n to_o wit_n if_o they_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o suffer_v they_o but_o if_o they_o raise_v sedition_n and_o disturbance_n to_o suppress_v or_o banish_v they_o albertus_n duke_n of_o borussia_n meâ—ch_o adam_n in_o vieâ—_n osiand_n the_o bohemian_n fox_n mortyrolog_n vol._n 1._o p._n 858._o 2_o esdr._n 3_o 2._o if_o the_o doctrine_n after_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v find_v damnable_a the_o community_n be_v 1._o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n 2._o to_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o excommunication_n excommunication_n the_o church_n last_o punishment_n conclusion_n
to_o regard_v his_o own_o salvation_n see_v now_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o cloak_n nor_o the_o least_o excuse_n for_o his_o sin_n now_o that_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v you_o now_o at_o first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o propound_v any_o way_n of_o peace_n either_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n or_o else_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v learn_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n world_n for_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v any_o reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n between_o these_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a seed_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o one_o from_o beneath_o the_o other_o from_o above_o the_o one_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o other_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o between_o these_o two_o god_n have_v put_v such_o a_o enmity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v away_o wherefore_o they_o who_o never_o mind_v these_o two_o different_a seed_n between_o who_o god_n have_v put_v such_o irreconciliable_a enmity_n will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n of_o one_o or_o more_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o church_n at_o once_o and_o will_v reconcile_v all_o of_o they_o together_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o device_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o these_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o show_v we_o clear_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v michael_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o both_o church_n 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o find_v any_o way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n christ._n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o these_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a flesh_n of_o christ_n as_o all_o that_o flesh_n be_v in_o which_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o these_o all_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v in_o no_o fleshly_a form_n ceremony_n or_o worship_n the_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n make_v up_o antichrist_n true_a body_n for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n antichrist_n so_o antichrist_n of_o carnal_a for_o antichrist_n set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o christ_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o carnal_a christian_n and_o these_o have_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o godliness_n but_o they_o have_v no_o spirit_n or_o power_n in_o that_o form_n yea_o under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o for_o to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v there_o where_o the_o father_n never_o intend_v nor_o the_o son_n never_o undertake_v any_o reconciliation_n will_v not_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o weakness_n so_o then_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n pâ—ace_n touch_v who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a make_v faithful_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v through_o their_o call_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n than_o i_o seek_v by_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v first_o declare_v the_o church_n it_o self_n who_o peace_n i_o seek_v and_o then_o after_o declare_v wherein_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v and_o also_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o the_o church_n itself_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v speak_v plain_o and_o something_o large_o because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a business_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n and_o mis-apprehension_n touch_v it_o even_o among_o the_o faithful_a the_o right_a church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n not_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o join_v together_o in_o a_o outward_a form_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v whoremonger_n idolater_n thief_n murderers_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a and_o unbelieving_a person_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n man_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n
do_v they_o also_o receive_v these_o key_n and_o so_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n equal_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o these_o key_n appertain_v not_o only_o to_o great_a congregation_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o christ_n have_v promise_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o where_o we_o see_v that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n have_v as_o much_o power_n as_o peter_z and_o all_o the_o apostle_n because_o christ_n be_v equal_o present_a with_o these_o as_o with_o those_o again_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o if_o the_o offend_a brother_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o brethren_n the_o offend_a brother_n shall_v tell_v the_o church_n mat_n 18.17_o now_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a see_v man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n through_o any_o office_n but_o only_o through_o faith_n and_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n among_o the_o faithful_a belong_v to_o every_o faithful_a man_n alike_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n power_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o power_n now_o as_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o church_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a power_n i_o may_v add_v nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n according_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n it_o that_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o true_a church_n but_o mere_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n without_o any_o conjunction_n or_o mixture_n of_o the_o other_o see_v christ_n power_n be_v perfect_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o so_o man_n may_v as_o well_o carry_v worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o father_n kingdom_n as_o into_o the_o son_n see_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o earth_n which_o have_v not_o be_v understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o busy_a to_o be_v secular_a power_n into_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o if_o christ_n own_o power_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v either_o weak_a or_o imperfect_a more_o particular_o this_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o i_o say_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o christ_n power_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o violence_n but_o a_o power_n of_o influence_n even_o such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o head_n have_v over_o the_o member_n and_o the_o soul_n over_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o a_o coercive_a but_o a_o persuasive_a power_n a_o power_n that_o make_v man_n willing_a that_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o do_v not_o force_v the_o unwilling_a against_o their_o will_n 2._o this_o power_n be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a as_o worldly_a power_n be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v man_n over_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n set_v man_n under_o other_o i_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o be_o among_o you_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v and_o again_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o all_o 3._o this_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o power_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o power_n 13.10_o viz._n not_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o their_o native_a kingdom_n but_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o god_n kingdom_n not_o to_o take_v away_o their_o outward_a liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o liberty_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v man_n by_o temporal_a death_n 4._o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o more_o than_o its_o own_o yea_o good_a of_o other_o with_o the_o neglect_n of_o its_o own_o so_o moses_n be_v not_o busy_a to_o have_v a_o most_o rebellious_a people_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o desire_v his_o own_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v in_o and_o paul_n desire_v that_o himself_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o christ_n that_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n after_o the_o flesh_n may_v have_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o after_o this_o high_a rate_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o own_o eternal_a good_a how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o temporal_a good_a their_o worldly_a profit_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n 5._o this_o power_n do_v not_o make_v other_o suffer_v to_o enlarge_v the_o church_n but_o suffer_v itself_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o so_o christ_n as_o wickliff_n say_v through_o his_o poverty_n humility_n and_o suffer_a injury_n and_o death_n get_v unto_o he_o the_o child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o martyr_n enlarge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o cause_v other_o to_o die_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o this_o power_n only_a act_n to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n salvation_n and_o only_o according_a to_o spiritual_a law_n but_o not_o to_o any_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n according_a to_o civil_a and_o humane_a law_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o true_a church_n power_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a differ_v very_o much_o both_o from_o the_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a man_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o true_a church_n power_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o power_n extend_v itself_o full_a as_o far_o as_o the_o church_n but_o no_o further_o further_o for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o church_n power_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v no_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o world_n then_o worldly_a power_n which_o be_v fleshly_a be_v suitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n power_n only_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n true_o church_n government_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a influence_n and_o operation_n but_o no_o further_o that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a but_o to_o none_o that_o be_v unwilling_a as_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o church_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n so_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o world_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a compulsion_n wherefore_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o distinct_a government_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o this_o power_n power_n i_o answer_v the_o word_n only_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n use_v no_o other_o instrument_n to_o
the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o johns_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v and_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o this_o bondage_n again_o through_o specious_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n but_o let_v the_o church_n know_v it_o may_v use_v what_o form_n seem_v good_a to_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o true_a unity_n stand_v in_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o thus_o only_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v one_o yea_o thus_o only_a the_o church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o faithful_a to_o know_v that_o uniformity_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o or_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o god_n may_v make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o he_o abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n ephes._n 2.15_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n so_o high_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o he_o repeal_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o dissolve_v his_o own_o outward_a ordinance_n now_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v make_v void_a rather_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n how_o much_o more_o any_o ceremony_n or_o outward_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n devise_v let_v he_o that_o read_v understand_v and_o these_o be_v the_o practical_a rule_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a and_o now_o we_o hasten_v to_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a in_o which_o case_n thing_n we_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o wit_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o no._n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o first_o they_o be_v either_o thing_n ceremonial_a and_o circumstantial_a or_o second_o very_a truth_n themselves_o yet_o such_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v for_o the_o present_a err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n we_o shall_v mind_v these_o thing_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o vanity_n nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v so_o earnest_o contend_v about_o the_o day_n on_o which_o easter_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o upon_o difference_n herein_o shall_v divide_v into_o sect_n as_o they_o do_v see_v there_o always_o shine_v light_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o slight_a circumstance_n not_o worth_a the_o mind_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o no_o where_o for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o 2._o we_o ought_v not_o for_o contrary_a mindedness_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o avoid_v christian_a converse_n and_o communnion_n with_o one_o another_o for_o strangeness_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o case_n both_o breed_v and_o increase_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n &_o cause_n that_o we_o harbour_v hard_a thought_n brother_n against_o brother_n and_o it_o take_v away_o all_o opportunity_n of_o conference_n and_o of_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v one_o another_o and_o so_o of_o reconciliation_n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n whereof_o neither_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n produce_v innumerable_a sect_n in_o the_o church_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o see_v such_o deadly_a enmity_n arise_v among_o sect_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o therefore_o that_o rash_a judgement_n that_o produce_v these_o sect_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a advancer_n of_o the_o devil_n work_v of_o division_n faithful_a 4._o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n kingdom_n stand_v to_o wit_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o order_n and_o where_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v let_v we_o be_v content_v though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n and_o circumstance_n let_v we_o take_v careful_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o circumstance_n the_o high_a good_a in_o the_o church_n be_v salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o other_o thing_n yea_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o where_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v not_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o importance_n 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n in_o these_o circumstantial_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v in_o present_a power_n ought_v take_v care_n especial_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n saint_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v may_v have_v free_a liberty_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o find_v pasture_n it_o be_v a_o most_o antichristian_a thing_n to_o make_v another_o key_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o true_a church_n beside_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o than_o it_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n key_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a without_o man_n also_o yea_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n key_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a without_o christ_n that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o also_o conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o by_o make_v another_o key_n to_o god_n kingdom_n beside_o the_o key_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o