Selected quad for the lemma: power_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
power_n church_n congregation_n elder_n 2,807 5 10.1144 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A05689 Cartain obseruations of that reuerend, religious and faithfull servant of God, and glorious martyr of Iesus Christ, Mr. Randal Bate, which were part of his daily meditations in the time of his sufferings, whilst he was prisoner in the gatehouse at Westminster Bate, Randal. 1625 (1625) STC 1580; ESTC S117192 109,500 280

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

serve_v but_o man_n amb_n tious_a thought_n never_o further_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n now_o this_o office_n be_v mere_o devise_v by_o man_n for_o they_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o far_o different_a they_o be_v any_o man_n may_v see_v that_o compare_v they_o together_o churchwarden_n have_v no_o stroke_n in_o the_o discipline_n or_o excommunication_n elder_n be_v to_o tend_v man_n soul_n and_o procure_v their_o good_a by_o admonition_n reproof_n etc._n etc._n churchwarden_n be_v to_o tend_v the_o church_n wall_n and_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a surplus_n provide_v and_o such_o trumpery_n elder_n spring_v from_o christ_n and_o m●ght_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n and_o protection_n in_o their_o calling_n these_o be_v from_o rome_n and_o can_v expect_v any_o such_o blessing_n or_o protection_n from_o god_n in_o their_o course_n elder_n be_v not_o annual_a as_o these_o be_v 5_o these_o officer_n uphold_v a_o unlawful_a hierarchy_n and_o government_n they_o receive_v their_o oath_n wh_z ch_z be_v their_o installment_n from_o they_o whereas_o the_o church_n and_o congregation_n ought_v to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v they_o 2_o they_o present_v all_o to_o they_o again_o give_v they_o the_o power_n to_o punish_v and_o censure_v 3_o they_o must_v obey_v every_o edict_n and_o precept_n that_o come_v from_o they_o or_o the_o rural_a dean_n poor_a ignorant_a sot_n more_o unlawful_a officer_n than_o themselves_o this_o argument_n be_v firm_a against_o they_o since_o they_o that_o maintain_v christ_n enemy_n be_v just_o to_o be_v reprove_v and_o accurse_v if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v 6_o churchwarden_n as_o the_o government_n stand_v now_o be_v bind_v to_o most_o unlawful_a condition_n to_o present_v the_o true_a min_n stir_v for_o not_o use_v superstitious_a rit●s_n to_o keep_v other_o minister_n from_o preach_v there_o except_o they_o have_v licence_n to_o present_a man_n for_o not_o join_v with_o a_o dumb_a minister_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o see_v that_o their_o canon_n be_v execute_v to_o the_o full_a and_o herein_o they_o be_v instrument_n of_o sin_n and_o m●anes_n of_o trouble_v the_o his_o ●vants_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v woe_n upon_o man_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v the_o serpent_n be_v accurse_v for_o b●ing_v but_o the_o instrument_n of_o sin_n 7_o this_o be_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o separation_n make_v they_o th●nk_v all_o our_o church_n be_v and_o stand_v subject_a to_o antichristian_a government_n for_o these_o depend_v of_o the_o bishop_n a●d_v dean_n and_o have_v a_o k●nde_n of_o regency_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o consider_v these_o thing_n brethren_n who_o have_v be_v through_o ignorance_n or_o want_n of_o consideration_n hitherto_o m_o slead_v harken_v and_o leave_v off_o hence_o forth_o your_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ch●ists_n government_n without_o all_o doubt_n will_v bring_v more_o true_a rest_n and_o peace_n to_o your_o soul_n than_o you_o can_v find_v comfort_n in_o your_o outward_a peace_n which_o you_o may_v reap_v by_o conform_v to_o man_n will_n and_o pleasure_n consider_v how_o you_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o chr●st_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o ●eau_n all_o to_o enjoy_v he_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o for_o your_o own_o good_a that_o you_o will_v thorough_o and_o serious_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o cover_v not_o yourselves_o with_o some_o fig_n leave_v that_o you_o or_o other_o may_v find_v for_o you_o what_o a_o daunt_v ng_z will_v it_o to_o be_v the_o opposite_n when_o the_o people_n stand_v against_o their_o course_n and_o go_v they_o can_v that_o want_v leg_n or_o foot_n which_o you_o be_v to_o they_o think_v what_o every_o age_n have_v give_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o pure_a worship_n and_o shall_v we_o give_v nothing_o so_o metimes_o reformation_n and_o discipline_n begin_v with_o the_o servant_n who_o for_o shame_n drive_v other_o from_o their_o unlawful_a course_n howsoever_o keep_v yourselves_o that_o no_o unclean_a th●ng_n touch_v you_o and_o that_o you_o k●ep_v nothing_o unclean_a to_o defile_v other_o withal_o section_n x._o have_v show_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n what_o officer_n be_v unlawful_a spring_v up_o with_o antichrist_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o die_v with_o he_o now_o lest_o any_o shall_v conceiu_n we_o herein_o will_v put_v all_o o●t_n of_o order_n it_o will_v be_v expedient_a to_o show_v such_o office_n as_o chr●●s_n it_o have_v leave_v ●n_o his_o church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n body_n which_o be_v a_o according_v unto_o the●r_a necessity_n to_o be_v distribute_v ●nto_o e_o their_o man_n want_v outward_a mean_n for_o wh_z ch_z deacon_n be_v appoint_v or_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a or_o travel_a stranger_n and_o need_v attendance_n for_o tha●_n end_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v widow_n 1_o for_o deacon_n act._n 6_o we_o have_v the_o institution_n divine_o express_v the_o apostle_n though_o careful_a to_o still_o all_o complaint_n yet_o have_v great_a care_n of_o man_n soul_n will_v not_o be_v hinder_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n know_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o high_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n where_o man_n may_v observe_v that_o conscionable_a and_o w●se_a minister_n that_o seek_v to_o do_v the_o r_o duty_n to_o the_o lord_n l●king_v which_o will_v not_o ad●oyn_v other_o office_n to_o the_o m●n●stery_n of_o the_o word_n for_o man_n receive_v grace_v but_o for_o the_o s_o or_o that_o call_v and_o one_o will_v hinder_v a_o other_o be_v man_n never_o so_o provident_a but_o by_o the_o way_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v constable_n or_o churchwarden_n or_o the_o like_a sufficient_a enough_o for_o this_o business_n as_o the_o apostle_n we●e_v most_o careful_a of_o their_o own_o call_n ng_z so_o do_v they_o teach_v a_o excellent_a course_n for_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o choose_v man_n of_o good_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n which_o they_o may_v set_v over_o this_o business_n thi●_n be_v very_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n they_o set_v seven_o before_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o p●ayer_n ordain_v they_o and_o admit_v they_o into_o this_o office_n which_o greatry_n and_o wonderful_o further_v the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n that_o come_v together_o they_o may_v further_o one_o another_o &_o the_o common_a good_a which_o man_n receiu_n by_o they_o whence_o we_o have_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n lest_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v hinder_v in_o his_o call_n 2_o the_o institution_n by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o now_o b●nds_v all_o in_o the_o new_a test_n they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n 3_o election_n by_o the_o church_n and_o ordination_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o 4_o the_o benefit_n arise_v hence_o this_o place_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o think_v a_o ingenuous_a heart_n that_o love_v the_o truth_n &_o way_n of_o chr●st_n &_o reverence_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v not_o cau●l●_n but_o yield_v willing_o hereunto_o for_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o do_v christ_n have_v command_v afore_o mat._n 28.21_o for_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n can_v not_o err_v only_o one_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o n●●dfull_a a_o ordinance_n then_o why_o do_v they_o not_o teach_v ●t_z the_o ch●rch_n afore_o the_o answer_n be_v plain_a 1_o because_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v man_n to_o see_v the_o want_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o so_o they_o m●ght_v discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o not_o think_v they_o be_v burden_a with_o more_o officer_n than_o need_n require_v 2_o h_n thereto_o the_o church_n be_v but_o new_o gather_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o ●t_a come_v to_o be_v increase_v so_o soon_o t●ey_v appoint_v this_o office_n a_o second_o ground_n be_v that_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o where_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o as_o of_o minister_n so_o of_o deacon_n what_o man_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v honest_a etc._n etc._n th●s_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a of_o minister_n 2_o the_o apostle_n direct_o affirm_v that_o t●mothy_n according_a to_o his_o direct_a on_o shall_v carry_v himse●se_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n v._o 15_o which_o glorious_a title_n why_o be_v they_o add_v but_o to_o show_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v dare_v to_o come_v and_o execute_v any_o office_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n save_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o fit_v thereunto_o 2_o
spirit_n and_o follow_v corrupt_a nature_n that_o study_v more_o to_o please_v itself_o and_o man_n then_o to_o please_v the_o lord_n this_o give_v way_n to_o all_o idolatry_n whatsoever_o apoc._n 21_o the_o fearful_a have_v their_o portion_n with_o idolater_n it_o be_v to_o give_v away_o the_o lord_n right_a and_o make_v man_n they_o can_v with_o any_o zeal_n or_o love_n preach_v or_o practise_v the_o main_a truth_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n christ_n refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pharisy_n wash_n a_o ceremony_n out_o of_o god_n worship_n not_o corrupt_v so_o by_o idolater_n but_o in_o other_o kind_n command_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n 10_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a have_v holiness_n put_v in_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v simple_o evil_a and_o abominable_a for_o than_o it_o be_v will-worship_n as_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n 2_o god_n only_o must_v sanctify_v thing_n relative_o for_o a_o holy_a use_n io._n 2_o mark_n 11._o 11_o that_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o general_a or_o special_a in_o any_o infallible_a example_n or_o by_o consequence_n for_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n simple_o be_v make_v know_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o example_n it_o may_v appear_v 1_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n record_v they_o for_o our_o learning_n and_o practice_n rom._n 15_o christ_n example_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v we_o must_v not_o please_v our_o se●●_n es_fw-la so_o that_o divine_a example_n bind_v when_o they_o be_v not_o against_o a_o divine_a rule_n 2_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o scripture_n to_o propound_v divers_a duty_n only_o in_o example_n because_o they_o move_v much_o 3_o infallible_a example_n be_v guide_v immediate_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o be_v sure_a rule_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v even_o in_o circumstance_n and_o see_v math._n 21_o how_o our_o saviour_n christ_n prove_v by_o consequence_n the_o resurrection_n against_o the_o sadducee_n 12_o circumstance_n of_o holy_a action_n be_v command_v by_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o general_a as_o time_n to_o meet_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v sacrament_n the_o table_n to_o set_v bread_n and_o wine_n upon_o but_o in_o the_o particular_a the_o church_n may_v appoint_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o order_n and_o edification_n from_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o example_n of_o holy_a scripture_n ever_o know_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o tradition_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o they_o they_o have_v deliver_v they_o unto_o we_o 1_o corinth_n 11.12_o 13_o this_o word_n only_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o every_o commandment_n yea_o in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n so_o as_o no_o other_o god_n may_v be_v adore_v save_o i●hovah_n nor_o after_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o he_o command_v mat._n 4.10_o with_o deut._n 6.10_o for_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o commandemant_n be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n 2_o man_n go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n sin_n against_o he_o 3_o man_n be_v express_o tie_v to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n isa_n 8._o 4_o man_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n they_o walk_v except_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n guide_v they_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 14_o every_o particular_a congregation_n assemble_v lawful_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v after_o his_o own_o institution_n with_o the_o officer_n give_v and_o appoint_v have_v full_a liberty_n of_o her_o ●elfe_n to_o execute_v discipl_n ne_fw-fr be_v independent_a to_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n whatsoever_o math._n 18_o have_v reprove_v the_o offender_n by_o 2_o or_o 3_o then_o tell_v the_o church_n or_o congregation_n after_o which_o be_v no_o high_a power_n whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n paul_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o have_v not_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n bu●erus_n ibi_fw-la totum_fw-la christi_fw-la regnum_fw-la there_o be_v christ_n whole_a kingdom_n neither_o may_v any_o take_v away_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n be_v the_o government_n and_o he_o have_v all_o authority_n and_o will_v have_v it_o thus_o dispense_v wherefore_o if_o naboth_n will_v not_o sell_v the_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n much_o less_o may_v we_o sell_v the_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n nor_o do_v christ_n subject_a one_o congregation_n to_o another_o for_o that_o step_n to_o the_o popedom_n come_v in_o long_o after_o and_o all_o pastor_n be_v equal_a by_o god_n institution_n be_v forbid_v to_o exercise_v authority_n one_o over_o a_o other_o or_o expect_v any_o such_o title_n as_o may_v import_v it_o or_o affect_v preeminence_n like_o diotrophe_n 15_o command_v or_o follow_v humane_a tradition_n for_o carnal_a policy_n or_o good_a intent_n bring_v a_o utter_a ruin_n and_o insensible_a judgement_n upon_o any_o kingdom_n hos_fw-la 5_o witness_n jeroboam_fw-la in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n gideon_n for_o make_v the_o ephod_n then_o man_n 1_o grow_v stranger_n from_o god_n own_o worship_n 2_o to_o think_v religion_n be_v but_o a_o devise_n of_o man_n 3_o they_o put_v down_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n 4_o they_o despise_v and_o resist_v the_o lord_n word_n bring_v by_o his_o servant_n 16_o of_o all_o man_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o abhor_v the_o least_o relic_n of_o idolatry_n and_o can_v be_v least_o force_v to_o the_o use_n thereof_o leu._n 21.5_o for_o first_o they_o draw_v near_o unto_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o that_o come_v near_o he_o 2_o minister_n must_v lead_v the_o people_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o duty_n 3_o the_o most_o zealous_a servant_n of_o god_n have_v be_v ever_o very_o forward_o against_o all_o superstitious_a monument_n 4_o magistrate_n and_o people_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n leu._n 21.5_o to_o sanctify_v the_o priest_n which_o be_v then_o the_o lord_n minister_n 17_o the_o church_n have_v not_o all_o her_o light_n at_o once_o nor_o by_o one_o instrument_n christ_n come_v to_o his_o people_n as_o the_o sun_n rise_v first_o the_o day_n dawn_v than_o darkness_n be_v quite_o expel_v and_o at_o last_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o his_o strength_n for_o 1_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n at_o first_o do_v set_v themselves_o against_o the_o great_a and_o main_a corruption_n of_o the_o time_n as_o luther_n and_o the_o former_a servant_n of_o god_n do_v against_o the_o foundation_n of_o babel_n 2_o the_o lord_n manner_n be_v to_o proceed_v from_o lesser_a to_o great_a as_o may_v evident_o be_v see_v in_o the_o six_o day_n work_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o all_o man_n receive_v the_o spirit_n but_o by_o measure_n and_o for_o a_o special_a work_n 4_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o bring_v forth_o many_o child_n to_o god_n and_o fervent_o and_o ardent_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o who_o come_v home_n wonderful_a light_n shall_v appear_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n 18_o a_o whole_a visible_a church_n when_o it_o abound_v with_o man_n of_o excellent_a grace_n for_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n may_v yet_o omit_v duty_n command_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n without_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n so_o in_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o good_a king_n they_o on_o it_v keep_v of_o the_o feast_n of_o booth_n as_o it_o appear_v they_o sacrifice_v in_o the_o high_a place_n in_o jehosaphats_n time_n so_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n after_o christ_n begin_v short_o in_o many_o ceremony_n to_o be_v too_o superstitious_a for_o 1_o much_o ignorance_n be_v in_o we_o all_o and_o god_n spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o l●ade_v we_o no_o further_o than_o we_o do_v take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n 2_o in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a 3_o the_o church_n be_v too_o careless_a in_o some_o thing_n and_o we_o all_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o rest_v before_o we_o have_v do_v our_o whole_a work_n 19_o consent_n of_o writer_n orthodoxal_a be_v have_v though_o not_o mention_v where_o scripture_n be_v plain_a for_o any_o point_n this_o appear_v 1_o because_o the_o church_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o scripture_n be_v pen_v and_o inspire_v by_o 2_o god_n have_v in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n some_o witness_n to_o stand_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n 3_o god_n child_n have_v the_o same_o mind_n and_o walk_v in_o one_o way_n this_o consent_n be_v either_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o common_a principle_n though_o they_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o then_o controvert_v or_o in_o will_n and_o heart_n as_o if_o such_o truth_n
not_o have_v omit_v if_o they_o have_v judge_v this_o form_n best_a and_o fit_v for_o they_o set_v down_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o example_n what_o respect_n and_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o other_o church_n much_o more_o will_v they_o have_v set_v down_o what_o respect_n man_n owe_v to_o their_o diocesan_n and_o particularise_v the_o duty_n of_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n do_v they_o not_o add_v some_o precept_n how_o minister_n and_o people_n shall_v obey_v their_o ordinary_n this_o argument_n hold_v firm_o especial_o consider_v the_o apostle_n john_n survive_v all_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o write_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o future_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n what_o it_o shall_v suffer_v without_o question_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o innovation_n he_o will_v have_v mention_v it_o 2_o our_o saviour_n christ_n mat._n 18_o from_o the_o reproof_n of_o one_o or_o two_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o congregation_n not_o to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o ratify_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o do_v in_o his_o name_n he●re_o on_o earth_n if_o they_o can_v produce_v any_o such_o promise_n and_o direction_n for_o their_o diocesan_n bishop_n we_o will_v with_o all_o willingness_n subject_a unto_o they_o for_o we_o stand_v out_o for_o christ_n not_o for_o ourselves_o 3_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o parishional_a not_o diocesan_n gal._n 1.2_o to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o which_o argue_v that_o ●n_n these_o day_n they_o be_v free_a and_o entire_a not_o have_v such_o dependence_n of_o a_o other_o by_o bond_n and_o duty_n 4_o every_o congregation_n have_v power_n to_o exercise_v all_o discipline_n to_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o to_o depose_v as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n require_v 1_o cor._n 5_o rom._n 16_o cenchrea_n have_v her_o deacon_n and_o be_v a_o church_n joh._n epist_n 3_o act_v 14._o 5_o the_o apostle_n john_n reprove_v diotrephes_n that_o affect_a superiority_n 3_o epist_n and_o that_o he_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v or_o rete●ned_v 6_o there_o be_v no_o such_o title_n give_v to_o any_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n as_o argue_v they_o have_v any_o sovereignty_n or_o rule_n over_o other_o congregation_n now_o title_n be_v symbola_fw-la rerum_fw-la note_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o and_o the_o scripture_n give_v each_o other_o for_o the_o purpose_n and_o office_n fit_v title_n 7_o it_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o both_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n witness_n that_o one_o church_n shall_v help_v a_o other_o in_o all_o duty_n both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n without_o exercise_v authority_n one_o over_o another_o so_o do_v jerusalem_n antioch_n and_o samaria_n when_o they_o doubt_v in_o like_a manner_n of_o any_o question_n if_o private_a answer_n can_v not_o satisfy_v public_a synod_n be_v appoint_v act._n 15_o other_o consociation_n than_o this_o the_o church_n know_v none_o till_o at_o least_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n neither_o can_v a_o author_n of_o credit_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o witness_v centuriae_fw-la magdeburgenses_n now_o as_o this_o diocesan_n church_n have_v no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n nor_o in_o antiquity_n till_o thing_n begin_v to_o decline_v so_o neither_o can_v it_o have_v any_o be_v in_o true_a reason_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o reason_n reas_n 1._o because_o whole_a christ_n be_v where_o his_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v there_o be_v his_o whole_a kingdom_n this_o be_v bucers_n argument_n to_o prove_v discipline_n in_o every_o congregation_n and_o not_o to_o have_v they_o depend_v one_o upon_o a_o other_o in_o every_o congregation_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n 2_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a in_o all_o sense_n that_o the_o minister_n which_o teach_v shall_v also_o exercise_v discipline_n as_o those_o which_o have_v most_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n among_o who_o they_o live_v second_o as_o they_o that_o be_v to_o give_v account_n for_o the_o people_n and_o three_o that_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o outward_o which_o be_v less_o than_o to_o preach_v four_o as_o they_o that_o be_v hereby_o to_o maintain_v there_o respect_n and_o place_n by_o the_o sword_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o 3_o this_o conceit_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o pope_n and_o partly_o hold_v he_o up_o till_o this_o day_n for_o if_o there_o may_v be_v diocesan_n church_n why_o not_o universal_a both_o spr●ng_n and_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o same_o sandy_a foundation_n of_o carnal_a policy_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n still_o nourish_v by_o ambition_n why_o do_v man_n than_o take_v the_o one_o be_v alike_o and_o leave_v the_o other_o 4_o this_o exclude_v that_o holy_a communion_n which_o every_o congregation_n may_v have_v one_o with_o a_o other_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o they_o send_v to_o the_o neighbour_n church_n who_o be_v not_o slack_a either_o to_o send_v minister_n or_o letter_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v inform_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n in_o all_o doubt_n whereas_o now_o many_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o one_o man_n pleasure_n and_o arbitrement_n who_o by_o his_o definitive_a sentence_n determine_v matter_n though_o never_o so_o unrighteous_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v as_o their_o ordinary_a without_o further_a ado_n 5_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_a howsoever_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v cease_v yet_o to_o raise_v up_o man_n of_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n who_o like_o the_o judge_n among_o the_o israelite_n with_o their_o light_n after_o a_o sort_n direct_v the_o whole_a church_n not_o by_o any_o authority_n but_o as_o the_o modern_a divine_n calvin_n beza_n bucer_n p._n martyr_n and_o the_o rest_n by_o manifest_v the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o man_n by_o bring_v in_o this_o devise_n of_o they_o have_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o god_n blessing_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v 6_o this_o have_v bring_v the_o people_n to_o exceed_a trouble_n bondage_n and_o cost_n it_o bring_v in_o a_o rabble_n of_o appa●ators_n that_o sell_v sin_n and_o procure_v pardon_n for_o other_o which_o do_n &_o officer_n with_o the_o proctor_n and_o the_o rest_n what_o blemish_n be_v they_o to_o our_o protestant_a reform_a church_n to_o conclude_v all_o with_o that_o place_n before_o mention_v act_v 20_o minister_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o their_o flock_n which_o these_o can_v do_v second_o they_o must_v be_v set_v over_o the_o flock_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o what_o he_o do_v he_o do_v by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v flat_a against_o these_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o diocesan_n church_n three_o neither_o can_v whole_a diocese_n and_o province_n come_v together_o to_o hear_v their_o shepherd_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v fit_a whereas_o thus_o in_o all_o their_o life_n many_o neither_o see_v nor_o know_v he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v over_o they_o as_o their_o bishop_n 7_o be_v not_o this_o a_o tie_n of_o the_o church_n to_o place_n and_o person_n to_o bind_v man_n to_o bishop_n sea_n like_o that_o sea_n of_o rome_n wherefore_o brethren_n you_o that_o have_v be_v deceive_v think_v not_o scorn_v to_o learn_v from_o one_o inferior_a far_o in_o gift_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o harken_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o you_o you_o see_v you_o have_v no_o evidence_n for_o these_o place_n but_o prescription_n and_o possession_n which_o though_o with_o man_n they_o may_v seem_v good_a yet_o with_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v nothing_o he_o respect_v not_o custom_n nor_o long_a continuance_n of_o time_n but_o the_o right_n and_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n wherefore_o look_v as_o the_o man_n that_o have_v marry_v they_o wife_n of_o the_o heathen_n at_o nehemiaes_n command_n put_v they_o away_o so_o since_o you_o have_v undertake_v a_o strange_a charge_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n forbid_v dare_v not_o to_o continue_v not_o he_o that_o will_v forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n house_n and_o land_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_v even_o in_o this_o life_n beside_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n a_o great_a reward_n be_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v value_v by_o you_o more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o present_a honour_n and_o possession_n you_o be_v endow_v by_o man_n with_o all_o wherefore_o consider_v what_o a_o offer_v the_o lord_n make_v to_o buy_v your_o place_n of_o you_o whereas_o he_o may_v throw_v you_o out_o as_o usurper_n at_o a_o dear_a rate_n he_o offer_v a_o 100_o fold_n if_o man_n
wine_n but_o what_o they_o draw_v then_o self_n but_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o humble_a there_o be_v never_o doctrine_n so_o vile_a but_o preferment_n and_o riches_n make_v ●t_a find_v favourite_n th●s_v the_o practise_n of_o the_o church_n and_o test_n money_n of_o the_o ancient_a witness_v cyprian_n ambrose_n tertullian_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o wh●ch_n may_v be_v understand_v hebr._n 13.17_o where_o obedience_n to_o their_o leader_n be_v enjoin_v now_o these_o be_v elder_n preach_v and_o lay_v which_o have_v the_o government_n then_o of_o the_o church_n therefore_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o subject_a to_o these_o 2_o that_o of_o jam._n 5.14_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o this_o order_n of_o elder_n be_v to_o perform_v many_o private_a duty_n special_o ●f_o the_o minister_n shall_v either_o be_v public_o employ_v or_o necessary_o hinder_v 3_o that_o rev._n 4.4_o l●ving_v creature_n have_v six_o wing_n full_a of_o eye_n wh●ch_v vision_n be_v of_o the_o ●●●b●e_a church_n and_o fit_o expound_v for_o by_o wing_n be_v the_o help_v mean_v which_o be_v speak_v of_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o eye_n that_o be_v within_o be_v the_o elder_n which_o be_v as_o eye_n for_o the_o people_n to_o see_v by_o and_o inform_v the_o minister_n of_o their_o estate_n they_o fit_v he_o the_o better_a to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n which_o place_n so_o expound_v be_v far_o more_o forcible_a to_o persuade_v for_o this_o discipline_n than_o apoc._n 2_o so_o expound_v for_o lordbishop_n for_o that_o exposition_n agree_v not_o with_o the_o scripture_n it_o want_v all_o proof_n of_o holy_a wr●t_n to_o uphold_v ●t_a it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o in_o ephesus_n and_o philippi_n set_v many_o that_o have_v the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o bishop_n as_o be_v plain_a both_o in_o act_n 20.28_o and_o phil_n 1.1_o this_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n angel_n who_o in_o this_o place_n signify_v all_o that_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o discipline_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o context_n prove_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o as_o this_o po●nt_n have_v testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_n so_o may_v it_o appear_v in_o all_o sound_a reason_n to_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 1_o to_o omit_v that_o this_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o no_o way_n ceremonial_a nor_o judicial_a but_o moral_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v the_o gentile_n after_o a_o sort_n in_o their_o civil_a government_n who_o with_o their_o consul_n have_v their_o senate_n 2_o because_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v minister_n hinder_v in_o their_o study_n but_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o read_v and_o med_a tatton_n that_o they_o may_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n be_v make_v w●se_n to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_o be_v furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_v there_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o wisdom_n gravity_n and_o respect_v choose_v to_o oversee_v the_o people_n and_o observe_v their_o manner_n and_o do_v less_o business_n in_o admonition_n and_o correctien_n 3_o this_o best_a benefit_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o all_o outward_a pomp_n cease_v which_o be_v use_v before_o in_o the_o leviticall_a priesthood_n to_o figure_v o●t_a christ_n heavenly_a and_o wonderful_a grace_n 4_o to_o have_v church_n so_o combine_v and_o consociate_v under_o one_o high_a priest_n be_v mere_o jewish_a which_o be_v to_o signify_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n the_o great_a high_a priest_n who_o be_v come_v and_o alike_o in_o all_o if_o there_o be_v equal_a gift_n all_o congregation_n be_v equal_a none_o have_v power_n one_o over_o a_o other_o and_o therefore_o each_o be_v to_o have_v its_o governor_n 5_o every_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o a_o perfect_a body_n shall_v and_o must_v have_v power_n to_o preseru_a itself_o by_o expel_v and_o remove_v the_o dissolute_a and_o elect_v n●w_a officer_n 6_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o this_o end_n which_o be_v so_o employ_v bring_v great_a good_a and_o benefit_n to_o man_n further_a the_o ministry_n keep_v all_o in_o good_a order_n and_o prevent_v danger_n in_o the_o b●g_a nning_n 7_o the_o question_n be_v betwixt_o lordbishop_n and_o these_o the_o expulsion_n of_o they_o be_v the_o introduction_n of_o these_o 8_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n in_o this_o government_n of_o corrupt_a on_o as_o where_o one_o man_n have_v all_o in_o his_o hand_n he_o may_v corrupt_v a_o whole_a diocese_n nay_o kingdom_n but_o th●se_a though_o evil_a corrupt_a but_o their_o own_o congregation_n 2_o here_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v overcarried_n with_o antiquity_n the_o place_n be_v so_o eminent_a and_o the_o power_n so_o great_a but_o experience_n testify_v that_o where_o this_o government_n be_v use_v there_o be_v a_o more_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n more_o purity_n and_o beauty_n in_o the_o face_n of_o these_o church_n wicked_a man_n be_v soon_o find_v and_o more_o terrify_v but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o here_o one_o question_n may_v be_v propound_v that_o be_v why_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o these_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o their_o name_n answ_n a_o description_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v a_o description_n of_o these_o elder_n that_o be_v bishop_n 1_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n for_o these_o place_n contain_v rather_o a_o descript_n on_o of_o their_o sufficiency_n and_o moral_a part_n and_o holy_a conversation_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o these_o though_o in_o a_o more_o excellent_a measure_n in_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n then_o of_o the_o apply_v of_o they_o to_o these_o ministerial_a duty_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n this_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o that_o considerate_o peruse_v the_o text_n and_o this_o answer_n be_v ground_v on_o that_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o where_o the_o apostle_n intimat_n the_o work_n be_v a_o excellent_a work_n of_o they_o that_o rule_v well_o else_o why_o be_v they_o to_o have_v double_a honour_n 2_o call_v they_o by_o the_o same_o name_n that_o pastor_n be_v style_v by_o as_o in_o the_o former_a place_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v their_o duty_n be_v not_o assign_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a their_o office_n be_v to_o rule_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n word_n and_o church_n censure_n reproof_n and_o excommunication_n the_o rule_n and_o law_n be_v the_o word_n the_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n in_o scripture_n be_v admonition_n reproof_n and_o excommunication_n of_o each_o whereof_o we_o have_v several_a and_o manifold_a example_n object_n 2._o this_o bring_v man_n into_o base_a subjection_n which_o ●s_v not_o fit_a nor_o that_o man_n of_o state_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o such_o mean_a officer_n answ_n 1_o no_o officer_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v aught_o to_o be_v account_v mean_a or_o b●se_a 2_o it_o be_v not_o a_o subjection_n unto_o man_n but_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 3_o man_n be_v no_o more_o subject_a to_o these_o elder_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n 4_o it_o be_v nothing_o impair_n the_o state_n or_o dignity_n of_o any_o one_o whatsoever_o for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o meddle_v which_o the_o these_o thing_n but_o as_o physician_n &_o surgeon_n seek_v the_o cure_n of_o disease_n in_o the_o soul_n ob._n 3._o if_o ●t_a be_v say_v now_o man_n be_v petty_a pope_n there_o be_v none_o to_o over_o rule_v they_o the_o answer_n be_v plain_a here_o be_v many_o to_o rule_v pastor_n teacher_n &_o elder_n 1_o these_o be_v bind_v strict_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 2_o beside_o the_o church_n may_v say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n col._n 4.17_o 3_o other_o neighbour_n church_n may_v &_o aught_o to_o admonish_v they_o which_o if_o it_o take_v no_o place_n they_o be_v altogether_o to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n touch_v such_o a_o congregation_n 4_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o punish_v every_o congregation_n the_o leader_n especial_o into_o sin_n and_o error_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n if_o they_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o worship_v god_n section_n ix_o from_o this_o wh●ch_n have_v be_v show_v both_o against_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o in_o just_a fie_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o lay_v elder_n as_o they_o be_v call_v each_o may_v see_v what_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o officer_n now_o in_o use_n among_o
we_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o two_o as_o be_v both_o the_o chief_n and_o contain_v under_o they_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o be_v the_o chancellor_n under_o who_o there_o be_v archdeacon_n offic●als_n and_o all_o that_o rout_n spring_v up_o with_o the_o beast_n about_o which_o i_o need_v not_o spend_v so_o long_a time_n in_o confute_v of_o their_o office_n consider_v the_o former_a ground_n against_o this_o diocesan_n discipline_n before_o i_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o argument_n against_o they_o consider_v well_o these_o ground_n 1_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n not_o proper_o to_o the_o clergy_n as_o they_o be_v now_o call_v so_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2_o that_o such_o calling_n be_v antichristian_a which_o spring_v up_o with_o the_o ant_n christ_n and_o serve_v ●●m_fw-la a_o long_a time_n only_o and_o uphold_v such_o a_o government_n as_o he_o be_v though_o they_o maintain_v not_o such_o doctrine_n so_o though_o cardinal_n shall_v profess_v the_o gospel_n yet_o their_o office_n be_v antichristian_a because_o of_o the_o former_a ground_n which_o be_v plain_a for_o antichrist_n be_v not_o a_o person_n but_o a_o succession_n of_o man_n oppose_v christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o office_n as_o well_o as_o otherwise_o 3_o some_o good_a use_n that_o a_o call_n may_v have_v and_o some_o benefit_n that_o it_o bring_v be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o warrant_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o at_o least_o be_v well_o intend_a and_o carry_v a_o show_n of_o good_a when_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n 2_o it_o may_v be_v that_o keep_v out_o some_o other_o call_v that_o will_v bring_v far_o more_o profit_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o church_n 3_o it_o may_v be_v it_o have_v some_o inseparable_a evil_n annex_v or_o couple_v with_o it_o now_o upon_o these_o ground_n sufficient_a and_o weighty_a reason_n may_v be_v found_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o this_o office_n which_o be_v for_o one_o in_o a_o diocese_n to_o have_v authority_n for_o keep_v court_n to_o prove_v will_n to_o right_a man_n for_o disorder_n and_o scandalous_a sin_n especial_o breach_n of_o their_o tradition_n and_o to_o censure_v man_n with_o their_o kind_n of_o penance_n and_o excommunication_n arg._n 1._o every_o man_n in_o the_o scripture_n tha●_n have_v office_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v able_a to_o justify_v it_o by_o the_o word_n so_o john_n baptist_n mat._n 3_o joh._n 1._o so_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o act._n 2_o out_o of_o joel_n 2_o gal._n 1.1_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o very_a porter_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o singer_n be_v order_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o david_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n deacon_n and_o widow_n be_v mention_v but_o these_o man_n have_v no_o patent_n from_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o place_n once_o to_o mention_v their_o name_n nor_o the_o like_a in_o all_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n be_v not_o from_o god_n 2_o discipline_n belong_v to_o every_o particular_a congregation_n without_o which_o though_a man_n may_v be_v a_o church_n desire_v it_o after_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o yet_o they_o lie_v open_a to_o miserable_a danger_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o can_v be_v so_o compact_v and_o knit_v together_o as_o a_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o those_o church_n revel_v 2_o &_o 3_o that_o be_v each_o both_o commend_v or_o disprayse_v for_o their_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n 2_o christ_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o every_o particular_a congregation_n that_o have_v the_o ministry_n of_o word_n and_o power_n to_o use_v they_o mat._n 18._o therefore_o these_o man_n office_n be_v sacrilege_n for_o it_o steal_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o each_o congregation_n whereby_o their_o soul_n be_v miserable_o impove●●●ed_v 3_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o absurd_a inconvenient_a and_o burdensome_a that_o the_o pastor_n in_o each_o congregation_n shall_v have_v authority_n from_o chr●st_a to_o absolve_v and_o remit_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o retain_v and_o bind_v and_o have_v part_n cular_a knowledge_n in_o his_o own_o congregation_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n according_a to_o which_o he_o propound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n release_n some_o and_o adjudge_v other_o yet_o that_o this_o man_n must_v stand_v to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o a_o stranger_n that_o never_o happy_o see_v any_o in_o his_o congregation_n who_o shall_v be_v absolve_v who_o retain_v by_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o be_v enjoin_v not_o to_o admit_v such_o as_o whole_o clean_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o suffer_v and_o force_v to_o admit_v such_o as_o he_o in_o his_o ministry_n have_v condemn_v and_o the_o world_n see_v to_o be_v filthy_a swine_n this_o argument_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o sentence_n and_o maxim_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n what_o god_n have_v conjoin_v let_v no_o man_n sever_v he_o have_v join_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n together_o therefore_o no_o man_n shall_v sever_v they_o 4_o these_o come_v in_o with_o antichrist_n and_o be_v part_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n when_o that_o prelate_n have_v get_v that_o spiritual_a sword_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o back_v with_o prince_n authority_n have_v establish_v themselves_o and_o make_v their_o kingdom_n like_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o they_o must_v for_o their_o state_n have_v their_o chancellor_n and_o official_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v plain_a in_o history_n and_o the_o argument_n be_v firm_a against_o they_o because_o all_o man_n invention_n antichrist_n especial_o be_v abon_n enable_v unprofitable_a and_o exceed_v hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n own_o ordinance_n 5_o these_o chancellor_n man_n can_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o secular_a as_o they_o be_v term_v and_o civil_a and_o therefore_o no_o such_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v especial_o since_o they_o never_o proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n but_o by_o their_o own_o will_n and_o canon_n th●s_o be_v his_o majesty_n argument_n in_o the_o conference_n against_o their_o practice_n which_o be_v one_o special_a part_n of_o their_o office_n this_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o s_o that_o no_o man_n have_v any_o authority_n but_o he_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o assign_v by_o the_o church_n to_o that_o government_n he_o exercise_v in_o the_o same_o but_o these_o be_v not_o elect_v nor_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n 2_o to_o bring_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o call_n 3_o it_o be_v rebellion_n against_o god_n for_o to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o god_n th●s_o be_v corah_n and_o h●s_a complice_n sin_n that_o not_o content_a with_o the_o office_n of_o the_o levit_n they_o will_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n then_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o by_o take_v that_o upon_o they_o which_o he_o commit_v not_o unto_o they_o therefore_o reproof_n ●ame_n &_o great_a punishment_n shall_v be_v their_o best_a reward_n 6_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a k●ng_n of_o his_o church_n so_o it_o be_v his_o institute_n of_o any_o call_v that_o make_v it_o a_o member_n of_o h●m_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o union_n and_o dependence_n which_o a_o call_v have_v with_o the_o christ_n put_v life_n into_o it_o &_o make_v it_o effectual_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n now_o this_o call_n ng_z have_v no_o un●on_n with_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o member_n institute_v by_o he_o of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v profitable_a this_o be_v pla_fw-la n_z in_o sense_n for_o the_o member_n that_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n can_v receive_v neither_o life_n nor_o sense_n from_o they_o and_o 2_o as_o man_n can_v make_v any_o one_o member_n of_o his_o body_n nor_o couple_v any_o to_o the_o principal_a member_n the_o original_n of_o life_n and_o motion_n much_o less_o can_v they_o add_v to_o christ_n body_n they_o may_v as_o man_n do_v put_v to_o a_o wooden_a leg_n or_o a_o glaifie_a eye_n when_o they_o cut_v off_o the_o strong_a and_o proportion_a member_n that_o will_v have_v carry_v the_o body_n sure_o quick_o and_o easy_o 7_o their_o call_n ng_z be_v maintain_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n turn_v they_o into_o pecuniary_a mulct_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v these_o thing_n not_o be_v saleable_a this_o cause_v so_o great_a corruption_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o
and_o degree_n of_o discipline_n by_o private_a admonition_n then_o by_o two_o or_o three_o last_o to_o acquaint_v the_o congregation_n all_o which_o not_o reclaim_v the_o sinner_n he_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o the_o church_n to_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o he_o 3_o there_o the_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v 4_o the_o manner_n not_o one_o to_o do_v this_o but_o some_o company_n together_o and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v aforesaid_a this_o place_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o the_o devil_n can_v withstand_v it_o it_o be_v a_o order_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n which_o be_v the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o man_n that_o be_v adverse_a to_o it_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o man_n soul_n for_o election_n of_o officerr_v we_o have_v from_o the_o apostle_n act._n 1_o act._n 6_o act_v 14._o from_o all_o which_o the_o manner_n of_o bring_v in_o of_o officer_n may_v be_v learned_a 1_o every_o church_n must_v have_v her_o elder_n 2_o these_o must_v not_o be_v appoint_v till_o place_n be_v vacant_a 3_o every_o congregation_n ought_v to_o have_v such_o as_o look_v to_o man_n body_n and_o necessity_n 4_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o choose_v some_o and_o present_v they_o 5_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v 6_o no_o one_o may_v do_v this_o alone_a but_o all_o minister_n joint_o in_o the_o place_n over_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v set_v these_o place_n bind_v we_o 1_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n learn_v from_o christ_n act._n 1.3_o 2_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v his_o apostle_n 3_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 12_o 7.8_o see_v elsewhere_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v up_o office_n which_o man_n may_v not_o confound_v teach_v and_o exhortation_n comprehend_v the_o doctor_n and_o pastor_n office_n governning_a elder_n distribute_v deacon_n show_v mercy_n the_o widow_n these_o must_v needs_o be_v distinct_a office_n else_o they_o be_v not_o pertinent_o insert_v by_o the_o apostle_n 2_o it_o show_v that_o man_n have_v divers_a gift_n for_o the_o same_o 3_o that_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v because_o they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n without_o which_o the_o body_n can_v consist_v this_o place_n bind_v we_o 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o church_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o execute_v this_o discipline_n in_o excommunication_n where_o be_v a_o notable-description_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v first_o the_o person_n on_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v within_o second_o such_o as_o have_v commit_v some_o notorious_a sin_n 2_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v execute_v 1_o the_o whole_a church_n gather_v together_o 2_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o 3_o the_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o humane_a authority_n but_o christ_n authority_n which_o he_o give_v to_o every_o congregation_n to_o cast_v out_o the_o evil_a 4_o the_o manner_n first_o mourning_n for_o such_o offence_n second_o meet_v together_o and_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n three_o have_v the_o like_a spirit_n paul_n have_v 5_o the_o act_n itself_o of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o among_o the_o church_n 6_o the_o end_n 1_o that_o the_o corruption_n may_v be_v mortify_v and_o 2_o that_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a part_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o restore_v 7_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o 1_o lest_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n 2_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o party_n sin_v 3_o lest_o other_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o same_o or_o like_o wickedness_n this_o place_n bind_v we_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o not_o appropriate_v to_o they_o in_o corinth_n 2_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n be_v general_a and_o bind_v all_o act_n 15._o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n first_o when_o there_o arise_v question_n and_o controversy_n that_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o whence_o we_o learn_v these_o conclusion_n 1_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o opinion_n as_o be_v hatch_v and_o spread_v contrary_a and_o beside_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n receive_v 2_o in_o the_o confute_v of_o those_o opinion_n that_o be_v novellous_a and_o dangerous_a minister_n be_v to_o seek_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o other_o wherefore_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v synod_n assemble_v 3_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o meet_v be_v minister_n elder_n and_o people_n 4_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o have_v the_o manage_n and_o order_v of_o matter_n in_o disquisition_n of_o truth_n 5_o nothing_o be_v rash_o to_o be_v conclude_v but_o much_o cons●●atation_n and_o disputation_n be_v to_o be_v use_v before_o 6_o man_n must_v not_o burden_v those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o true_a faith_n with_o any_o 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o 〈…〉_o it_o be_v to_o tempt_v the_o lord_n 7_o that_o which_o minister_n themselves_o know_v not_o necessary_a they_o be_v not_o to_o impose_v on_o any_o as_o necessary_a 8_o obtrude_a of_o any_o thing_n of_o man_n own_o upon_o church_n trouble_n and_o overthrow_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n 9_o among_o equal_n there_o may_v be_v for_o order_n one_o as_o moderator_n which_o hear_v all_o man_n judgement_n be_v to_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o scripture_n 10_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v yet_o trouble_v other_o be_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o be_v force_v upon_o man_n 11_o man_n be_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v to_o keep_v peace_n with_o their_o brethren_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o yet_o to_o do_v nothing_o against_o a_o good_a conscience_n 12_o in_o synod_n great_a sin_n must_v chief_o be_v interdict_v 13_o to_o prevent_v offence_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v weak_a we_o may_v and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o conclude_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o be_v abstayn_v from_o by_o all_o 14_o charity_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o the_o church_n command_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a 15_o the_o church_n decree_n bind_v not_o save_v as_o they_o further_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o and_o prevent_v offence_n 16_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o take_v order_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o wholesome_a and_o profitable_a constitution_n as_o be_v agree_v upon_o 17_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o procure_v respect_n to_o their_o decree_n by_o persuasion_n of_o learned_a and_o holy_a man_n rather_o than_o by_o threat_n and_o compulsion_n 18_o there_o ought_v nothing_o to_o be_v agree_v upon_o and_o urge_v upon_o the_o church_n by_o such_o synod_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a time_n 19_o thing_n conclude_v on_o right_o by_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v though_o not_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o as_o profitable_a to_o prevent_v offence_n 20_o the_o church_n decree_n free_v man_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o ceremony_n be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n 21_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o send_v minister_n from_o place_n to_o place_n upon_o occasion_n to_o other_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v not_o return_v till_o they_o may_v be_v dismiss_v thence_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o first_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n second_o to_o detect_v such_o as_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n obtrude_v thing_n upon_o the_o church_n without_o command_n the_o excellency_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v special_o among_o they_o that_o gather_v right_o together_o second_o god_n will_v bless_v their_o decree_n for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o church_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_a thing_n here_o be_v first_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v both_o affirmative_a and_o negative_a 2_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n which_o ought_v tender_o to_o be_v regard_v 3_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o same_o 1_o cor._n 14_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o how_o man_n shall_v perform_v public_a service_n to_o the_o lord_n whence_o for_o our_o direction_n these_o position_n may_v be_v learned_a 1_o that_o man_n must_v chief_o bend_v themselves_o to_o prophecy_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n th●s_o bind_v we_o also_o to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n 2_o since_o the_o devil_n in_o all_o age_n have_v endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v god_n ordinance_n and_o remove_v preach_v that_o be_v most_o profitable_a therefore_o the_o
be_v rather_o in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n then_o in_o their_o person_n so_o as_o without_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n the_o person_n be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o power_n be_v in_o the_o word_n not_o in_o the_o minister_n in_o excommunication_n not_o in_o the_o person_n that_o administer_v it_o 2_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o may_v be_v usurp_v yet_o it_o can_v right_o be_v translate_v unto_o other_o officer_n than_o christ_n have_v commit_v it_o to_o 3_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v but_o ministerial_a all_o she_o do_v or_o can_v do_v be_v as_o a_o servant_n to_o christ_n her_o husband_n who_o proper_o the_o key_n be_v rev._n 1_o 4_o all_o authority_n be_v to_o the_o edification_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n none_o have_v authority_n to_o hurt_v it_o or_o lay_v stumble_a block_n before_o any_o 5_o all_z her_o authority_n in_o the_o use_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v her_o charter_n and_o lease_n hence_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o authority_n she_o have_v and_o what_o she_o have_v not_o what_o she_o have_v i_o describe_v in_o these_o proposition_n follow_v 1_o the_o church_n may_v read_v interpret_v and_o publish_v the_o scripture_n of_o god_n 2_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n may_v bind_v and_o loose_v both_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n mat._n 16_o and_o discipline_n math._n 18_o over_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o congregation_n 3_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o use_v aright_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v she_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 4_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n from_o the_o general_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o appoint_v thing_n for_o the_o decent_a and_o orderly_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11_o &_o 14._o 5_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o decree_v for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n the_o forbear_n or_o use_v of_o any_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o this_o be_v but_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o the_o church_n manife_v 6_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o member_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o place_n 1_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o teach_v any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n isa_n 8_o deut._n 4._o 2_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o teach_v by_o any_o way_n but_o only_o by_o the_o word_n and_o those_o rite_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v by_o which_o he_o speak_v math._n 15_o the_o pharisy_n be_v reprove_v because_o they_o invent_v wash_v of_o hand_n to_o teach_v purity_n by_o 3_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o appoint_v any_o new_a sacrament_n math._n 28_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 4_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o join_v any_o thing_n she_o ordain_v to_o the_o holy_a thing_n as_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n absolute_o necessary_a or_o as_o mean_n to_o explicate_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v more_o obscure_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o first_o be_v plain_a esay_n 33_o former_o prove_v the_o second_o be_v as_o plain_a since_o god_n own_o worship_n be_v his_o face_n second_o man_n that_o have_v and_o exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v sufficient_o clear_v all_o and_o manifest_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n 5_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o institute_v a_o new_a discipline_n this_o be_v plain_o prove_v in_o a_o other_o place_n 6_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o institute_v ceremony_n or_o rite_n 1_o which_o be_v not_o decent_a and_o fit_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o that_o present_a ordinance_n of_o god_n 2_o orderly_a as_o first_o that_o each_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o his_o due_a place_n public_a thing_n public_o private_a thing_n private_o second_o thing_n more_o execellent_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v respect_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 3_o that_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o public_a person_n that_o be_v public_a 4_o for_o edification_n to_o build_v up_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n loathe_v of_o antichrist_n whereto_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n in_o these_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n 7_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n coactive_a but_o persuasive_a act._n 15_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 8_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o command_v of_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v it_o simple_o good_a nor_o simple_o bind_v but_o only_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n nor_o contempt_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o break_v the_o same_o 1_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v change_v by_o any_o humane_a law_n 2_o paul_n after_o the_o decree_n act_n 15_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v any_o meat_n 9_o one_o company_n of_o man_n assemble_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v thing_n upon_o many_o church_n 1_o because_o none_o now_o have_v apostolical_a authority_n 2_o each_o congregation_n be_v a_o body_n independent_a of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n 10_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n from_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v offensive_a be_v otherwise_o in_o her_o power_n and_o liberty_n 1_o cor._n 8._o whether_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n that_o stand_v subject_a to_o antichrists_n government_n answ_n 1_o if_o they_o dissent_v in_o judgement_n and_o dislike_v in_o affection_n 2_o if_o they_o hunger_n after_o all_o mean_n to_o have_v true_a discipline_n mat._n 5._o 3_o if_o they_o profess_v and_o witness_v as_o they_o be_v call_v against_o this_o false_a government_n 4_o if_o man_n exercise_v a_o holy_a discipline_n among_o themselves_o in_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v one_o a_o other_o 5_o if_o they_o perforce_o and_o by_o compulsion_n yield_v to_o suffer_v such_o as_o usurp_v ecclesiastical_a government_n under_o pretence_n of_o his_o majesty_n law_n these_o thing_n in_o truth_n where_o they_o be_v argue_v and_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a church_n 1_o a_o promise_n of_o life_n be_v make_v to_o such_o math._n 10_o &_o math._n 5._o 2_o other_o sin_n in_o usurp_a over_o they_o defile_v not_o they_o 3_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v for_o discipline_n god_n blessing_n it_o to_o his_o people_n 4_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o time_n of_o popery_n want_v this_o outward_a form_n 5_o this_o outward_a form_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n not_o to_o the_o be_v simple_o of_o christian_n for_o subjection_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n proper_o make_v a_o christian_n yet_o lest_o man_n shall_v imagine_v they_o be_v well_o enough_o that_o lack_v this_o and_o second_o lest_o some_o shall_v think_v we_o plead_v for_o baal_n therefore_o observe_v that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n that_o want_v this_o outward_a government_n be_v in_o great_a misery_n in_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o be_v wonderful_o blemish_v 1_o he_o that_o break_v the_o least_o of_o god_n commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o that_o be_v none_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mat._n 5._o 2_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n right_o administer_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v out_o satan_n from_o reign_v it_o wall_n in_o the_o church_n the_o want_n of_o it_o make_v the_o people_n expose_v to_o every_o danger_n and_o lose_v many_o a_o soul_n 3_o one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n want_v and_o another_o strange_a devise_n of_o man_n bring_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o bring_v other_o ordinance_n of_o god_n out_o of_o request_n and_o in_o time_n expel_v they_o 4_o man_n though_o they_o want_v discipline_n yet_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v such_o duty_n the_o more_o in_o private_a one_o towards_o a_o other_o section_n xiii_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o satan_n chief_o seek_v to_o corrupt_v as_o be_v the_o image_n and_o face_n of_o god_n wherefore_o have_v show_v before_o what_o man_n be_v to_o avoid_v now_o it_o remain_v to_o show_v who_o and_o herein_o first_o of_o read_v minister_n the_o bane_n of_o many_o soul_n and_o in_o spea_v of_o they_o to_o show_v 1_o their_o unlawfulness_n 2_o their_o nullity_n 3_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v join_v withal_o nor_o maintain_v in_o that_o call_n argument_n to_o prove_v their_o unlawfulnesse_n 1_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n priest_n and_o levit_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o clean_a and_o unclean_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a
as_o the_o pearl_n as_o for_o they_o that_o respect_v the_o word_n as_o they_o respect_v a_o other_o history_n or_o never_o busy_v themselves_o about_o either_o knowledge_n faith_n or_o practice_n from_o these_o truth_n the_o heavenly_a manna_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o chaffy_a tradition_n which_o w_n will_v damn_v their_o soul●s_n shall_v be_v send_v they_o thou_o therefore_o must_v love_v the_o truth_n rather_o than_o thy_o cred_a te_fw-mi be_v content_a to_o change_v thy_o mind_n when_o the_o light_n come_v buy_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n 8_o that_o thou_o be_v resolute_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n joh._n 7.17_o though_o it_o cost_v thou_o all_o thou_o have_v for_o he_o that_o hate_v not_o father_n mother_n house_n land_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n sake_n can_v be_v his_o disciple_n man_n must_v cast_v up_o their_o account_n afore_o what_o the_o truth_n will_v cost_v and_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o full_a price_n even_o to_o hate_v their_o life_n for_o christ_n all_o must_v deny_v themselves_o therefore_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n math._n 6._o all_o that_o e●de_n to_o know_v and_o reason_n only_o all_o fearful_a one_o that_o dare_v not_o follow_v the_o light_n darkness_n shall_v cover_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v l_o ke_v paul_n companion_n act._n 9_o that_o hear_v a_o sound_n but_o see_v not_o christ_n neither_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o 9_o that_o man_n hate_v the_o whore_n of_o babel_n thorough_o &_o all_o her_o abomination_n apo._n 14.4_o it_o be_v ●hewed_v who_o she_o be_v &_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o communicate_v with_o she_o apoc._n 14.9.10_o else_o how_o shall_v they_o come_v out_o from_o she_o such_o therefore_o as_o the_o nk_v it_o no_o way_n so_o dangerous_a to_o communicate_v with_o antichrist_n and_o be_v of_o such_o quiet_a disposition_n that_o they_o can_v well_o enough_o brook_v popery_n shall_v be_v like_o the_o scorner_n that_o seek_v wisdom_n but_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o for_o man_n must_v hate_v all_o vain_a inventivention_n that_o will_v have_v the_o truth_n dwell_v with_o they_o 10_o such_o as_o judge_v not_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n either_o by_o the_o please_a of_o our_o sense_n like_v of_o our_o own_o heart_n or_o judgement_n of_o carnal_a reason_n numb_a 15.39_o for_o these_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n nor_o his_o way_n nothing_o but_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o which_o be_v from_o he_o can_v or_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o for_o such_o as_o seek_v for_o carnal_a delight_n rather_o than_o true_a edification_n and_o judge_v by_o themselves_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o approve_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o like_o a_o stranger_n face_n better_o than_o of_o their_o own_o husband_n for_o nature_n go_v a_o whore_v after_o man_n devise_n and_o be_v ever_o fond_a of_o it_o own_o invention_n math._n 15_o like_o the_o jew_n that_o will_v offer_v up_o their_o child_n to_o moloch_n but_o rob_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o tithe_n 11_o such_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v instruct_v of_o very_a babe_n become_v little_a child_n like_o eloquent_a apollo_n that_o be_v content_a to_o be_v catechise_v by_o aquilla_n and_o priscilla_n man_n must_v learn_v the_o truth_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v practise_v and_o many_o truth_n from_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o far_o more_o ignorant_a happy_o ●n_v other_o thing_n than_o thyself_o hum●●ity_n and_o wisdom_n dwell_v together_o paul_n though_o he_o have_v see_v christ_n ●n_o the_o way_n he_o must_v go_v to_o ananias_n to_o learn_v further_a what_o he_o shall_v do_v act._n 9_o such_o therefore_o as_o despise_v learning_n of_o any_o save_o the_o great_a rabbin_n and_o ancient_a father_n and_o will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o any_o ●eane_a personage_n for_o most_o dif●●cuit_n truth_n be_v like_o the_o proud_a corinthians_n 1_o cor._n 12_o doubtless_o such_o shall_v go_v astray_o with_o the_o pharisy_n joh._n 9_o 12_o such_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o try_v the_o spirit_n both_o writing_n and_o speech_n not_o depend_v upon_o any_o 1_o joh._n 4_o 1_o thess_n 5._o for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o may_v er●e_v and_o the_o church_n must_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n upon_o the_o rock_n chr_n st_o wherefore_o such_o as_o ground_n only_o on_o man_n opinion_n or_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v man_n disciple_n and_o god_n may_v just_o deny_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n let_v all_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o popish_a evil_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n it_o give_v way_n to_o all_o superstition_n it_o be_v gross_a negligence_n not_o to_o respect_v what_o seed_n be_v sow_o in_o thy_o soul_n and_o to_o end_v all_o remember_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o that_o man_n depend_v on_o other_o shall_v ever_o be_v uncertain_a for_o man_n do_v change_v and_o vary_v 2_o in_o all_o time_n some_o point_n of_o religion_n very_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v be_v mystery_n to_o the_o learned_a world_n hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a math._n 11._o 13_o receive_v each_o truth_n for_o conscience_n nothing_o for_o singularity_n or_o novelty_n to_o content_v the_o state_n present_a or_o to_o please_v man_n for_o such_o be_v hypocrite_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o offence_n unto_o for_o though_o in_o some_o thing_n corruption_n be_v resireyn_v and_o the_o branch_n cut_v off_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o hereby_o corruption_n be_v dangerous_o nourish_v and_o more_o deep_o lodge_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o will_v break_v out_o at_o last_o with_o much_o violence_n to_o the_o great_a discredit_n of_o the_o profession_n witness_n judas_n saul_n and_o they_o that_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n such_o hang_v upon_o the_o church_n but_o be_v dead_a member_n neither_o let_v any_o think_v we_o desire_v such_o scholar_n and_o follower_n nor_o let_v the_o world_n imagine_v they_o have_v get_v a_o great_a prey_n when_o they_o have_v pervert_v a_o learned_a scholar_n for_o he_o be_v but_o as_o a_o wither_a branch_n that_o christ_n have_v cut_v off_o fit_a enough_o and_o for_o nothing_o else_o fit_a but_o to_o build_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n nor_o let_v god_n servant_n be_v discourage_v as_o though_o they_o be_v quite_o overcome_v when_o they_o lose_v a_o see_v champion_n for_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v good_a he_o leave_v behind_o he_o in_o the_o church_n a_o other_o shall_v inherit_v it_o and_o enjoy_v his_o talon_n even_o he_o that_o have_v most_o afore_o and_o be_v find_v most_o faithful_a see_v thou_o be_v not_o content_a with_o a_o form_n of_o religion_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o such_o a_o one_o as_o come_v near_o the_o lord_n with_o thy_o lip_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thy_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o such_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o in_o all_o age_n which_o make_v man_n ready_a to_o entertain_v will-worship_n and_o any_o devise_n of_o man_n if_o therefore_o thou_o seek_v not_o to_o proceed_v by_o sound_a judgement_n in_o god_n service_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o thou_o have_v warrant_n for_o from_o the_o word_n or_o cold_o worship_n god_n without_o any_o zeal_n or_o chearfulnesse_n or_o without_o true_a reverence_n of_o his_o great_a majesty_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n never_o expect_v the_o lord_n shall_v manifest_v his_o will_n unto_o thou_o in_o these_o truth_n follow_v section_n ii_o thus_o christian_n reader_n thou_o see_v what_o to_o repent_v of_o in_o former_a time_n and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o main_a let_n and_o impediment_n of_o thy_o ●ucrease_n in_o knowledge_n use_v the_o mean_n wherefore_o when_o thou_o dist●●t●●t_v and_o scorn_v happy_o at_o the_o ground_n follow_v see_v thy_o consc_a ence_n accuse_v thou_o not_o in_o some_o want_n of_o preparation_n which_o do_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o have_v the_o same_o heart_n and_o mutual_a love_n according_a together_o for_o pride_n and_o profaneness_n and_o men-pleasing_a chief_o sunder_v the_o affection_n when_o thou_o read_v set_v thy_o self_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o learn_v from_o he_o and_o do_v not_o with_o full_o shut_v thy_o eye_n against_o any_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n now_o that_o with_o more_o facility_n we_o may_v pass_v to_o the_o several_a doubt_n controvert_v i_o will_v propound_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n some_o general_a ground_n from_o whence_o light_n may_v be_v fetch_v to_o determine_v all_o o●_n the_o most_o of_o th●se_a or_o the_o like_a question_n 1_o the_o first_o ground_n that_o all_o will-worship_n
their_o subject_n in_o prevent_v their_o hurt_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n only_o that_o must_v keep_v other_o from_o abuse_v holy_a th●ngs_n now_o the_o lord_n w●ll_n keep_v only_a thing_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a if_o among_o the_o israelite_n a_o ox_n be_v use_v to_o push_v and_o gore_n and_o it_o be_v testify_v to_o the_o owner_n and_o he_o do_v not_o put_v he_o to_o death_n if_o any_o be_v hurt_v by_o he_o the_o owner_n be_v to_o answer_v either_o with_o his_o life_n or_o good_n exod._n 21.29.30_o so_o magistrate_n not_o remove_v danger_n be_v accessary_a to_o all_o the_o fall_v which_o thousand_o catch_n thereby_o 5_o prince_n have_v authority_n to_o compel_v all_o their_o subject_n to_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o only_o according_a to_o his_o will_n so_o do_v josua_n jos_n 24._o so_o do_v asa_n and_o josiah_n so_o do_v moses_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n deu._n 26.5_o so_o do_v the_o great_a king_n nabuchadnezzar_n that_o see_v but_o one_o special_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o deliver_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o do_v ezekiah_n and_o this_o reach_v to_o make_v law_n and_o public_a edict_n that_o bind_v all_o to_o punish_v the_o obstinate_a offender_n with_o death_n to_o send_v for_o man_n with_o command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o do_v the_o former_a prince_n this_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o psal_n 101._o for_o 1_o all_o man_n be_v superstitious_a or_o atheist_n natural_o and_o therefore_o they_o need_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o compass_n and_o draw_v to_o the_o mean_n 2_o all_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o invention_n pollute_v the_o land_n and_o bring_v judgement_n thereupon_o like_o the_o man_n that_o cleave_v to_o baal-peor_n 6_o prince_n have_v authority_n to_o send_v out_o minister_n fit_v with_o gift_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n so_o do_v jehosaphat_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o s●e_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v most_o glory_n in_o the_o publish_n of_o salvation_n that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v set_v up_o that_o none_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o mean_n therefore_o be_v they_o call_v god_n especial_o 7_o prince_n in_o thing_n not_o command_v by_o the_o lord_n but_o leave_v indifferent_a ought_v rather_o then_o otherwise_o to_o make_v distinction_n betwixt_o their_o people_n and_o idolater_n deut._n 4.1.2_o for_o first_o god_n people_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n to_o be_v holy_a unto_o he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n second_o the_o lord_n have_v use_v so_o to_o put_v many_o bar_n betwixt_o we_o and_o idolater_n and_o then_o indeed_o thing_n indifferent_a so_o use_v most_o edify_v the_o church_n three_o idolater_n be_v make_v hereby_o the_o soon_o to_o consider_v of_o their_o religion_n four_o of_o all_o person_n minister_n be_v most_o bind_v to_o abhor_v the_o least_o relic_n of_o idolatry_n and_o can_v be_v least_o force_v to_o the_o use_n thereof_o levit._n 21.5_o they_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n 2_o magistrate_n and_o people_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n to_o sanctify_v the_o priest_n leu._n 21.8_o 8_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v so_o careful_a that_o the_o people_n fall_v not_o back_o to_o idolatry_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o remove_v all_o idolater_n especial_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n deut._n 13.6_o deut._n 17.2_o deut._n 7.2_o exod._n 32_o ex._n 22.20_o 2_o king_n 10_o jehu_n josias_n 2_o king_n 23_o elias_n for_o 1_o these_o pervert_v the_o straight_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n now_o to_o call_v upon_o a_o saint_n or_o a_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v to_o offer_v to_o a_o idol_n therefore_o all_o prince_n shall_v follow_v asaes_n worthy_a example_n 2_o chron._n 1●_n 13_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o prince_n may_v reform_v abuse_n and_o establish_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o their_o people_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o abase_v to_o prince_n rather_o than_o any_o honour_n the_o answer_n be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o procure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n thus_o do_v the_o angel_n 2_o it_o be_v great_a honour_n to_o be_v about_o the_o lord_n in_o any_o place_n 3_o all_o office_n be_v but_o ministery_n 4_o none_o but_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v this_o this_o authority_n though_o the_o scripture_n manifest_a that_o other_o execute_v it_o yet_o with_o all_o they_o do_v it_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n 2_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o d_o rection_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n so_o do_v david_n 3_o by_o draw_v on_o the_o people_n in_o the_o demolish_n of_o idotry_n thus_o thou_o see_v in_o part_n wherein_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n consist_v now_o follow_v to_o show_v wherein_o it_o be_v limit_v in_o the_o position_n follow_v 1_o the_o magistrate_n can_v institute_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n none_o of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n without_o extraordinary_a warrant_n do_v but_o reform_v which_o be_v to_o remove_v superstition_n and_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n 2_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o add_v which_o bind_v direct_o in_o outward_a worship_n 3_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v direction_n for_o as_o much_o service_n as_o he_o require_v of_o man_n and_o will_v accept_v isa_n 29.13_o io._n 2._o what_o better_a colour_n then_o to_o have_v money-changer_n and_o sheep_n in_o the_o temple_n to_o further_o and_o speed_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o dispatch_v the_o unacquainted_a israelite_n that_o come_v from_o far_o but_o this_o as_o all_o humane_a help_v not_o sanctify_v by_o the_o lord_n do_v profane_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o just_o banish_v thence_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n nothing_o may_v come_v near_o the_o lord_n than_o he_o appoint_v and_o all_o that_o come_v from_o man_n be_v filthy_a and_o defile_v both_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o user_n 2_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o free_a neither_o in_o these_o thing_n may_v prince_n command_v what_o they_o please_v 1_o chron._n 28.19_o solomon_n have_v a_o pattern_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o place_n 2_o chron._n 3.1_o so_o for_o the_o order_n of_o man_n to_o these_o and_o these_o office_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v inexpedient_a edify_v not_o act_n 1_o act_v 6_o 1_o corinth_n 10._o 3_o the_o prince_n command_v of_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o usage_n of_o it_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o first_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n which_o show_v the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o prince_n command_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o many_o case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v as_o 1_o if_o the_o party_n can_v be_v resolve_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o than_o the_o lord_n forbid_v to_o use_v they_o 2_o if_o they_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v for_o all_o power_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o 3_o though_o they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o have_v be_v monument_n of_o idolatry_n or_o be_v now_o abuse_v by_o idolater_n in_o state_n of_o divine_a worship_n have_v 2._o 4_o when_o they_o be_v command_v for_o ill_a end_n as_o to_o be_v sign_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o man_n may_v not_o ordain_v new_a sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 4_o prince_n may_v not_o appoint_v significant_a ceremony_n the_o second_o commandment_n forbid_v it_o ezech._n 43.8_o these_o be_v part_n of_o god_n outward_a worship_n for_o they_o be_v religious_a action_n 2_o they_o lessen_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n own_o ordinance_n 3_o there_o be_v no_o such_o example_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o any_o holy_a prince_n that_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n 4_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a teacher_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o all_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n not_o appoint_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v his_o voice_n only_o 5_o as_o these_o abound_v so_o have_v the_o lord_n withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n ezech._n 43.8_o 6_o the_o lord_n account_v nothing_o his_o but_o what_o he_o appoint_v 7_o the_o will_n of_o god_n only_o make_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n 5_o prince_n have_v not_o power_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n isa_n 33.21_o jam._n 4.12_o for_o 1_o they_o can_v make_v a_o thing_n simple_o evil_a 2_o they_o can_v discern_v nor_o punish_v the_o inner_a man_n that_o be_v only_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o lord_n 3_o christian_n be_v not_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o only_o of_o christ_n that_o have_v purchase_v
the_o word_n 4_o appoint_v diocesan_n bishop_n argue_v christ_n jesus_n of_o want_n of_o providence_n as_o though_o he_o have_v not_o foresee_v enough_o what_o be_v needful_a and_o fit_v for_o his_o church_n in_o all_o time_n whereas_o he_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o one_o that_o see_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o instant_n with_o their_o circumstance_n therefore_o can_v not_o but_o see_v what_o dissension_n will_v arise_v in_o his_o church_n after_o his_o departure_n 2_o it_o argue_v christ_n of_o want_n of_o power_n as_o though_o christ_n can_v not_o sufficient_o procure_v the_o weal_n of_o his_o church_n by_o his_o own_o mean_n except_o man_n device_n and_o policy_n concur_v with_o all_o 5_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o carnal_a policy_n to_o devise_v any_o call_n and_o place_n it_o above_o the_o call_n of_o god_n this_o be_v like_o ahaz_n his_o altar_n with_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v mere_o a_o fruit_n of_o carnal_a policy_n and_o place_v above_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n this_o argument_n be_v firm_a for_o thing_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v most_o excellent_a and_o most_o necessary_a therefore_o aught_o to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o order_n above_o all_o man_n best_a invention_n 6_o any_o new_a government_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v a_o former_a be_v a_o despise_v of_o the_o lord_n because_o he_o can_v govern_v without_o it_o ●_o sam._n 8.7_o if_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o well_o in_o the_o church_n 7_o set_v up_o this_o call_n rob_v the_o minister_n of_o their_o call_n and_o be_v therefore_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o minister_n by_o reason_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v not_o right_o introduce_v they_o can_v not_o come_v in_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n christ_n have_v appoint_v that_o be_v by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o must_v be_v no_o further_o nor_o long_o minister_n than_o they_o be_v license_v by_o they_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o gregory_n speak_v of_o universal_a bishop_n as_o be_v give_v to_o these_o so_o much_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o true_a and_o lawful_a minister_n of_o god_n 8_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a and_o cry_a sin_n to_o subject_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &_o member_n of_o christ_n to_o any_o one_o man_n in_o spiritual_a discipline_n what_o then_o be_v it_o to_o subject_v the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v send_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v themselves_o when_o their_o master_n have_v give_v they_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o such_o this_o argument_n be_v firm_a because_o all_o minister_n be_v servant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o lord_n over_o the_o heritage_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v therefore_o to_o encroach_v upon_o christ_n right_a 9_o it_o be_v great_a presumption_n to_o continue_v this_o form_n of_o government_n which_o have_v be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n already_o be_v not_o th●s_a to_o tempt_v god_n will_v not_o the_o burn_a child_n dread_v the_o fire_n can_v long_v experience_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n procure_v so_o much_o at_o our_o hand_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v prefer_v the_o lord_n own_o ordinance_n before_o man_n invention_n 10_o new_a lord_n new_a law_n alter_a the_o governor_n have_v ●t_z not_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_n and_o law_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o discipline_n so_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o now_o in_o such_o request_n but_o man_n must_v make_v canon_n of_o their_o own_o thereby_o to_o hold_v the_o people_n in_o subjection_n 11_o no_o new_a lord_n spiritual_a but_o he_o claim_v further_a authority_n than_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o any_o man_n on_o earth_n so_o have_v the_o pope_n so_o do_v all_o that_o exercise_n lordship_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o when_o man_n have_v once_o past_o the_o bound_n they_o run_v further_o as_o that_o authority_n christ_n give_v and_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o ●pho●d_v their_o kingdom_n withal_o so_o do_v these_o claim_n not_o only_o general_a subjection_n and_o a_o oath_n of_o car●on_n call_v obedience_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n which_o be_v great_a usurpation_n but_o take_v further_a authority_n to_o appoint_v and_o institute_v teach_v ceremony_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o dull_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o phrase_n 12_o they_o that_o erect_v another_o strange_a government_n withdraw_v their_o heart_n from_o christ_n and_o seek_v not_o so_o careful_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o but_o rest_n like_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o king_n this_o we_o see_v general_o among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v and_o be_v in_o popery_n man_n trust_v other_o themselves_o meanwhile_n ignorant_a and_o secure_a so_o do_v our_o ignorant_a nay_o people_n more_o prudent_a to_o trust_v the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o never_o search_v the_o scripture_n than_o self_n to_o know_v such_o thing_n as_o near_o concern_v they_o nor_o will_v credit_v the_o truth_n itself_o preach_v by_o other_o that_o be_v the_o faithful_a ambassador_n of_o christ_n because_o of_o the_o suppose_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n in_o these_o man_n this_o argument_n be_v sound_a because_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o especial_o idol_n and_o corrival_n with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v remove_v 13_o christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n equal_o to_o every_o congregation_n therefore_o none_o may_v lay_v claym_v to_o have_v such_o authority_n as_o our_o ordinary_n challenge_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o special_a promise_n there_o be_v neither_o privilege_n nor_o authority_n now_o ordinary_n have_v no_o special_a promise_n make_v they_o 14_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o take_v any_o thing_n upon_o he_o except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o heaven_n these_o man_n have_v it_o from_o the_o earth_n io._n 3._o 15_o donation_n of_o prince_n be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o exercise_v authority_n over_o their_o fellow_n 1_o because_o it_o be_v direct_o against_o christ_n commandment_n 2_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o have_v both_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o consecrate_v he_o and_o the_o word_n to_o prove_v his_o call_n by_o so_o john_n baptist_n which_o example_n bind_v we_o to_o have_v a_o direct_a word_n for_o every_o call_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n how_o can_v man_n answer_v sound_o and_o thorough_o popish_a argument_n for_o primacy_n or_o overthrow_v that_o opinion_n which_o have_v overthrow_v more_o soul_n than_o any_o heresy_n or_o heathenish_a dream_n ever_o in_o the_o world_n have_v do_v if_o they_o admit_v this_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o diocese_n wherefore_o in_o this_o respect_n i_o be_o persuade_v christian_a reader_n thou_o do_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o minister_n that_o stand_v out_o against_o this_o do_v but_o that_o which_o thou_o and_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v strive_v for_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o privilege_n and_o law_n to_o be_v keep_v entire_a to_o himself_o and_o as_o his_o prophetical_a and_o priestly_a office_n have_v be_v suffer_v for_o so_o must_v man_n suffer_v for_o this_o and_o by_o suffer_v they_o shall_v prevail_v why_o therefore_o do_v any_o speak_v against_o man_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o they_o do_v it_o in_o love_n to_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n s●ewing_v all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o magistrate_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o they_o dissent_v from_o he_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o much_o as_o any_o in_o their_o place_n section_n four_o now_o thou_o see_v christ_n a_o reader_n the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a authority_n without_o any_o licence_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o who_o all_o authority_n be_v commit_v and_o give_v by_o the_o father_n and_o from_o who_o all_o that_o be_v lawful_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n receive_v their_o installing_n fron_n hence_o then_o any_o one_o may_v gather_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o diocesan_n church_n which_o be_v a_o little_a to_o be_v stand_v upon_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o thing_n follow_v a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o first_o to_o show_v what_o we_o understand_v by_o it_o for_o our_o better_a proceed_n by_o diocesan_n church_n i_o understand_v the_o conjoin_v of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o man_n government_n common_o call_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n that_o this_o be_v plain_o divers_a from_o nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o ground_n follow_v 1_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n leave_v any_o such_o canon_n for_o order_v of_o the_o church_n which_o certain_o they_o will_v
shall_v make_v but_o such_o a_o offer_n that_o be_v well_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o thereto_o bind_v themselves_o will_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v glad_a like_o the_o levite_n who_o have_v serve_v micah_n be_v offer_v a_o great_a place_n to_o be_v priest_n to_o the_o tribe_n of_o dan_n make_v no_o question_n why_o think_v brethren_n god_n be_v most_o true_a and_o all-sufficient_a and_o he_o that_o write_v this_o have_v experience_n of_o it_o wherefore_o neglect_v not_o such_o great_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n offer_v unto_o you_o and_o look_v as_o david_n say_v to_o the_o man_n of_o i●dah_n why_o be_v you_o last_v to_o bring_v home_o the_o king_n so_o may_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o why_o be_v you_o so_o backward_o to_o bring_v christ_n into_o his_o kingdom_n as_o your_o place_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o set_v up_o antichrist_n in_o his_o throne_n so_o let_v your_o voluntary_a forsake_v of_o they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o pull_v he_o down_o oh_o think_v what_o a_o blow_n it_o will_v give_v he_o and_o how_o it_o will_v shake_v and_o overthrow_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o his_o house_n you_o know_v not_o how_o many_o may_v be_v win_v by_o this_o you_o know_v well_o samson_n that_o he_o may_v be_v avenge_v on_o the_o lord_n enemy_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n so_o much_o more_o shall_v you_o part_v with_o your_o state_n and_o pomp_n which_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o will_v fade_v like_a as_o the_o grass_n and_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n you_o know_v one_o of_o your_o predecessor_n who_o leave_v off_o his_o bishopric_n as_o too_o heavy_a a_o burden_n for_o he_o how_o shall_v your_o name_n flourish_v in_o all_o after_o age_n whereas_o if_o you_o do_v continue_v you_o make_v yourselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n commit_v in_o and_o by_o those_o calling_n before_o you_o shall_v fulfil_v the_o measure_n of_o your_o iniquity_n you_o shall_v corrupt_v other_o nation_n for_o a_o while_n as_o the_o pope_n do_v and_o then_o know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o either_o you_o shall_v be_v give_v over_o as_o dog_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o beast_n of_o rome_n or_o else_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v in_o terrible_a manner_n against_o you_o you_o can_v but_o discern_v how_o unprofitable_a nay_o how_o hurtsome_a you_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o you_o well_o consider_v but_o the_o present_a time_n oh_o let_v not_o coveteousnesse_n or_o ambition_n make_v you_o stop_v your_o ear_n or_o be_v like_o the_o stiffnecked_a jew_n that_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n at_o the_o sharp_a reproof_n that_o stephen_n give_v they_o but_o harken_v to_o i_o that_o god_n may_v hearken_v to_o you_o take_v these_o thing_n from_o love_n in_o he_o that_o write_v who_o seek_v your_o good_a and_o have_v beg_v it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n hope_n at_o least_o in_o some_o to_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v section_n v._n from_o that_o jurisdiction_n which_o these_o man_n claim_v we_o come_v now_o to_o their_o temporal_a sword_n the_o best_a weapon_n to_o defend_v a_o bad_a cause_n withal_o in_o handle_v whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o spare_v because_o it_o be_v both_o more_o evident_a to_o all_o and_o more_o large_o stand_v upon_o by_o other_o herein_o the_o 1_o ground_n be_v our_o saviour_n refuse_v to_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n betwixt_o two_o brethren_n who_o be_v all-sufficient_a because_o it_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n to_o leave_v a_o example_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o to_o do_v though_o it_o may_v seem_v profitable_a and_o a_o great_a mean_n of_o good_a as_o this_o might_n yet_o it_o prove_v contrary_a for_o thing_n prove_v not_o according_a to_o man_n purpose_v and_o intendment_n of_o they_o but_o to_o the_o lord_n institution_n and_o appoint_v of_o they_o 2_o ground_n christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o not_o a_o external_a kingdom_n as_o learned_a whitaker_n observe_v against_o bellarmine_n but_o internal_a these_o difference_n a●●_n assign_v by_o he_o 1_o outward_a kingdom_n have_v certain_a and_o visible_a king_n christ_n be_v a_o heavenly_a king_n acknowledge_v not_o see_v by_o the_o eye_n 2_o in_o external_a kingdom_n subject_n a●●_n govern_v civil_o christ_n govern_v his_o spiritual_o 3_o externall_n kingdom_n be_v ground_v and_o uphold_v by_o power_n riches_n army_n and_o outward_a succession_n but_o christ_n preserve_v his_o kingdom_n by_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o force_n 4_o outward_a king_n be_v ordain_v for_o outward_a benefit_n of_o this_o present_a life_n christ_n kingdom_n be_v in_o spirit_n and_o inward_a blessing_n wherefore_o christ_n kingdom_n shall_v endure_v ●f_o all_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n be_v against_o it_o as_o ●s_v there_o affirm_v ●n_o h_o his_o first_o question_n whether_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v monarchical_a 3_o our_o saviour_n christ_n direct_o affirm_v that_o he_o send_v his_o disciple_n as_o he_o be_v send_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n before_o they_o go_v their_o embassage_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v and_o therefore_o be_v to_o rule_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o by_o any_o external_a o●_n humane_a power_n 4_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o exercise_v authority_n over_o one_o a_o other_o as_o king_n and_o prince_n as_o be_v show_v before_o this_o place_n be_v firm_a against_o the_o temporal_a sword_n so_o allege_v by_o mr._n whitaker_n what_o have_v a_o bishop_n to_o do_v with_o empire_n or_o government_n a_o priest_n with_o a_o sceptre_n christ_n leave_v no_o such_o power_n nay_o plain_o forbid_v they_o shall_v be_v temporal_a prince_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 5_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o tim._n 2_o say_v no_o man_n that_o go_v a_o warfare_n entangle_v himself_o with_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v please_v he_o that_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o a_o soldier_n whence_o it_o be_v plain_a every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v on_o that_o office_n and_o bend_v himself_o thereunto_o wh●ch_v the_o lord_n have_v assign_v he_o 2._o that_o man_n that_o do_v not_o so_o can_v nor_o do_v please_v the_o lord_n therefore_o to_o entangle_v themselves_o with_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n be_v against_o all_o heavenly_a wisdom_n 6_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o minister_n be_v charge_v not_o to_o rule_v over_o the_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o wh●ch_v place_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o adversary_n have_v the_o like_a for_o they_o against_o elder_n they_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o throttle_v that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n if_o any_o say_v this_o place_n can_v be_v mean_v of_o temporal_a authority_n because_o they_o can_v not_o have_v it_o in_o those_o time_n prince_n be_v so_o adverse_a to_o they_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a first_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o for_o we_o also_o that_o shall_v come_v afterward_o second_o than_o they_o may_v affect_v it_o and_o seek_v it_o and_o over_o the_o church_n after_o a_o sort_n usurp_v it_o the_o people_n stand_v ●n_o such_o awe_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o those_o time_n and_o there_o be_v in_o this_o place_n a_o excellent_a motive_n to_o dissuade_v from_o lording_n ●t_a over_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o challenge_v dominion_n over_o his_o possession_n 2_o there_o be_v as_o excellent_a a_o way_n frew_v whereby_o they_o may_v draw_v on_o the_o people_n and_o b●●ter_v then_o by_o compulsion_n that_o be_v by_o g●ving_v good_a example_n unto_o they_o which_o by_o take_v th●s_n upon_o they_o be_v leave_v off_o 7_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o leave_v their_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v a_o duty_n very_o necessary_a in_o itself_o therefore_o who_o be_v he_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o profit_v the_o people_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o dare_v offer_v to_o take_v this_o charge_n upon_o he_o beside_o these_o plain_a ground_n plain_a reason_n evince_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n hereof_o for_o reas_n 1._o to_o undertake_v such_o another_o call_v as_o make_v a_o man_n unfit_a for_o each_o be_v mere_o unlawful_a and_o ●nprofit●bl●_n herein_o he_o wrong_v the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n so_o do_v th●se_a man_n for_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o ministry_n and_o if_o these_o be_v a_o burden_n great_a enough_o for_o any_o of_o the_o great_a gift_n to_o go_v under_o what_o if_o a_o other_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o same_o man_n shoulder_n sure_o he_o can_v carry_v neither_o but_o must_v necessary_o e●ther_v cast_v off_o the_o
as_o though_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v this_o burden_n and_o undergo_v this_o task_n not_o be_v extraordinary_o qua●●●ed_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o material_a tabernacle_n temple_n or_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v both_o extraordinary_a direction_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v 4_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o licence_n or_o patten●_n from_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v warrant_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o rather_o contrary_a not_o to_o add_v or_o diminish_v from_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n 5_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o absolute_a to_o every_o good_a work_n therefore_o how_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 6_o christ_n leave_v not_o his_o church_n without_o government_n and_o a_o special_a form_n of_o discipline_n for_o that_o be_v confusion_n that_o will_v lay_v open_a the_o church_n to_o all_o danger_n and_o no_o polity_n or_o society_n can_v long_o continue_v wherein_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o observe_v therefore_o it_o can_v possible_o stand_v with_o chr_n sts_v care_n and_o wisdom_n that_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neglect_v 7_o arbitrary_a form_n of_o government_n overthrow_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n who_o vaunt_v himself_o as_o god_n appoint_v what_o law_n he_o will_v and_o decree_n to_o hold_v man_n in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v lord_n it_o over_o king_n and_o prince_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o which_o be_v arbitrary_a will_n ever_o be_v corrupt_v for_o man_n will_n and_o mind_n be_v natural_o so_o vain_a and_o wicked_a want_v a_o law_n to_o direct_v and_o contain_v it_o in_o obedience_n of_o itself_o grow_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o here_o two_o question_n be_v to_o be_v answer_v 1_o whether_o this_o form_n of_o discipline_n institute_v by_o christ_n may_v be_v alter_v the_o answer_n s_o it_o may_v not_o by_o any_o whosoever_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v these_o follow_v 1_o it_o be_v a_o special_a privilege_n of_o christ_n kingly_a office_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n outward_o by_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o word_n chr_n st_o have_v this_o sceptre_n and_o rod_n and_o none_o ●●e_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o that_o be_v prince_n over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n wherefore_o no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o alter_v this_o for_o that_o be_v to_o advance_v man_n above_o christ_n 2_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o foreshow_v his_o people_n what_o shall_v be_v alter_v before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o change_v disturb_v not_o their_o mind_n this_o be_v plain_a for_o thus_o be_v do_v before_o he_o place_v his_o name_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o christ_n come_v before_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v call_v wherefore_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v alter_v this_o he_o will_v have_v tell_v it_o his_o disciple_n else_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o faithful_a a_o prophet_n as_o moses_n who_o show_v that_o covenant_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o christ_n shall_v come_v else_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v all_o thing_n needful_a to_o his_o church_n 3_o the_o lord_n shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n but_o once_o after_o moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n hag._n 2_o heb._n 12_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n afterward_o of_o any_o thing_n touch_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n join_v a_o renew_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o the_o institution_n of_o all_o thing_n any_o way_n needful_a for_o his_o church_n 4_o to_o desire_v a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n be_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o lord_n from_o reign_v over_o we_o 1_o sam._n 8.7_o which_o place_n bind_v in_o ecclesiastical_a as_o firm_o as_o in_o civil_a 1_o because_o the_o lord_n institute_v this_o as_o well_o as_o that_o 2_o there_o be_v no_o express_a commandment_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v ever_o be_v tie_v to_o this_o form_n of_o government_n but_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o king_n &_o his_o duty_n describe_v 3_o the_o people_n desire_v it_o because_o they_o will_v be_v like_o the_o world_n in_o state_n and_o pomp_n 4_o they_o do_v not_o first_o know_v the_o lord_n pleasure_n but_o heady_o follow_v their_o affection_n this_o place_n show_v that_o man_n who_o alter_v the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v into_o another_o form_n lawful_a in_o itself_o despise_v the_o lord_n 2_o that_o such_o exclude_v the_o lord_n from_o reign_v over_o they_o like_o to_o this_o be_v that_o judg._n 8.22_o where_o gideon_n be_v offer_v the_o kingdom_n refuse_v it_o for_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v reign_v over_o they_o which_o plain_o show_v what_o wrong_v they_o do_v to_o the_o lord_n &_o his_o people_n which_o bring_v in_o another_o government_n than_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o lord_n else_o will_v reign_v defend_v his_o people_n from_o all_o spiritual_a enemy_n gentle_o carry_v his_o lamb_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v great_a with_o young_a esay_n 40.11_o whereas_o now_o satan_n be_v every_o where_o let_v in_o by_o seducer_n and_o idle_a shepherd_n the_o lord_n name_n be_v not_o know_v his_o goodness_n &_o mercy_n obscure_v and_o hide_v man_n be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o hinder_v in_o their_o calling_n lose_v their_o money_n and_o maintain_v unprofitable_a drone_n a_o second_o question_n how_o may_v the_o discipline_n of_o chr_n st_o be_v know_v answ_n by_o the●e_n note_n 1_o for_o the_o person_n christ_n precise_o forbid_v any_o one_o man_n to_o exercise_v lordship_n and_o authority_n over_o his_o people_n luk._n 22._o this_o w●ll_n be_v more_o apparent_a hereafter_o therefore_o the_o government_n wherein_o any_o one_o lo●ds_n ●t_a over_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o christ_n but_o where_o there_o be_v equality_n for_o jurisdiction_n 2_o that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a near_a or_o rather_o one_o with_o the_o form_n follow_v by_o the_o apostle_n undoubted_o be_v chr●sts_n now_o such_o be_v not_o primacy_n of_o one_o over_o a_o other_o 3_o that_o in_o the_o which_o man_n proceed_v in_o th●ir_a censure_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o teach_v who_o ought_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o who_o ●oosed_v but_o so_o do_v not_o they_o which_o govern_v by_o popish_a canon_n by_o force_a oath_n but_o such_o as_o proceed_v by_o admonition_n reproof_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o mat._n 18._o 4_o that_o which_o best_a provide_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o most_o further_v every_o man_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o be_v from_o chr●st_n for_o he_o only_o so_o govern_v none_o else_o have_v such_o wisdom_n or_o will_n such_o be_v not_o the_o government_n by_o some_o one_o person_n over_o many_o congregation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a possible_o to_o oversee_v but_o the_o contrary_n 5_o which_o proceed_v not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o worldly_a government_n fear_v man_n with_o outward_a torment_n fine_n imprisonment_n and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o giv_v ng_z man_n over_o to_o satan_n christ_n maintain_v his_o government_n by_o no_o such_o forcible_a mean_n 6_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a or_o much_o opposite_a to_o the_o government_n of_o rome_n for_o antichrist_n corrupt_a 〈◊〉_d sacrament_n and_o all_o and_o ●t_a be_v worder_n ●f_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v corrupt_v by_o wh_z ch_z he_o reign_v most_o and_o most_o effectual_o e●●ablisheth_v his_o kingdom_n among_o man_n by_o all_o which_o man_n not_o prejudicate_v and_o desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o practice_v the_o truth_n may_v understand_v what_o that_o be_v so_o much_o urge_v and_o press_v rather_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n then_o evident_a ground_n of_o scr_n pture_n section_n xii_o satan_n have_v many_o devise_n to_o bring_v in_o error_n among_o man_n to_o be_v entertain_v he_o change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n mat._n 24_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o best_a servant_n 2_o thess_n 2_o and_o of_o the_o church_n he_o come_v under_o pretence_n of_o glorious_a end_n to_o bring_v in_o devise_n of_o man_n wherefore_o that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o what_o power_n it_o have_v herein_o i_o propound_v some_o ground_n 1_o that_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n
the_o lord_n second_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v sound_o preach_v and_o man_n yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o know_a truth_n thereto_o we_o may_v safe_o join_v for_o these_o be_v the_o ●eep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10._o object_n the_o gospel_n be_v not_o faithful_o preach_v many_o truth_n be_v conceal_v answ_n the_o main_a and_o fundamentfull_a truth_n which_o give_v life_n to_o a_o christian_a be_v pure_o and_o whole_o teach_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o fa●th_n and_o repentance_n 2_o other_o circumstantial_a truth_n be_v teach_v too_o 1_o general_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o w●se_n 2_o in_o practice_n in_o that_o man_n do_v abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v sin_n 3_o they_o suffer_v that_o be_v sa●d_v upon_o they_o for_o refusal_n hereunto_o 4_o some_o have_v teach_v th●se_a truth_n controvert_v d_o by_o write_v and_o private_a resolution_n suppose_v ●t_a be_v a_o want_n among_o we_o as_o i_o confess_v man_n have_v be_v too_o wary_a for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o this_o kind_n yet_o notwithstanding_o consider_v each_o want_n do_v not_o bring_v a_o nullity_n of_o the_o ministry_n 3_o reason_n man_n must_v not_o separate_v till_o the_o lord_n separate_v for_o god_n people_n must_v follow_v th●_n lo●d_n not_o go_v before_o he_o and_o they_o must_v not_o be_v holy_a than_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n now_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o s_o parate_v till_o he_o give_v man_n over_o and_o send_v no_o mo●e_n prophet_n to_o turn_v they_o to_o h●m_v for_o till_o then_o though_o man_n have_v forsake_v th●_n lord_n yet_o he_o forsake_v not_o they_o 4_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whersoever_o he_o go_v and_o join_v with_o he_o against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n therefore_o m●n_z shall_v not_o separate_v so_o and_o leave_v christ_n but_o each_o to_o help_v and_o stand_v for_o reformation_n encourage_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v send_v out_o to_o protest_v against_o corruption_n 5_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v sever_v or_o be_v command_v to_o separate_v further_o then_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n to_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n 6_o man_n mourn_v for_o sin_n not_o act_v nor_o join_v in_o consent_n in_o any_o know_a evil_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o other_o sin_n therefore_o lot_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sodoms_n sin_n see_v they_o vex_v his_o righteous_a soul_n 2_o pet._n 2.7_o eze._n 9_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n man_n may_v do_v thus_o 7_o this_o kind_n of_o separation_n obscure_v the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o land_n which_o give_v some_o liberty_n in_o his_o service_n but_o with_o some_o pain_n cost_n and_o other_o cross_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n this_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n to_o bereave_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o so_o great_a mercy_n in_o spiritual_a blessing_n as_o he_o have_v show_v towards_o our_o land_n second_o this_o pass_v rash_a judgement_n upon_o many_o reverend_a preacher_n and_o godly_a people_n three_o man_n hereby_o despise_v and_o so_o loose_a the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o great_a benefit_n in_o the_o wo●ld_n next_o to_o t●e_v ministry_n of_o the_o wo●d_n four_o man_n so_o separate_v as_o they_o join_v to_o no_o reform_a church_n that_o hold_v and_o practise_v the_o same_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o they_o desire_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o obedience_n with_o they_o 8_o whereas_o they_o may_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o suffer_v for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n now_o they_o suffer_v for_o separation_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v 9_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v as_o much_o appear_v in_o any_o of_o the_o professor_n be_v in_o our_o church_n as_o it_o do_v when_o they_o be_v separate_v wh●ch_n shall_v not_o if_o they_o only_o have_v t●e_v ordinance_n of_o god_n 10_o god_n child_n may_v eat_v their_o own_o meat_n though_o dog_n and_o sw●ne_o be_v admit_v through_o the_o negligence_n of_o th●m_n that_o shall_v exerc_n se_fw-mi discip●●n●_n wherefore_o brother_n follow_v after_o truth_n b●t●n_v love_v that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o more_o inward_a pe●c●_n and_o do_v the_o more_o good_a oppose_v error_n b●t_v not_o any_o truth_n fight_v against_o t●e_v world_n but_o s●●rr_v not_o against_o the_o child_n of_o god_n make_v not_o the_o church_n weak_a by_o your_o r●nting_n from_o it_o nor_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o truth_n you_o hold_v and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o you_o seek_v section_n xviii_o because_o it_o be_v so_o often_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n that_o these_o thing_n controvert_v be_v thing_n indifferent_a therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o some_o special_a rule_n for_o discern_v and_o use_v thing_n indifferent_a a_o thing_n indifferent_a proper_o be_v a_o mean_a betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o in_o itself_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a 1_o it_o be_v a_o mean_v seat_v betwixt_o the_o extreme_n have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o either_o extreme_a so_o that_o a_o thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o indifferent_a 2_o betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n therefore_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mean_a in_o respect_n of_o some_o other_o sin_n be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o fornication_n be_v less_o ●vill_a than_o adultery_n yet_o evil_a and_o not_o indifferent_a the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o degree_n of_o goodness_n 3_o in_o itself_o that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o in_o the_o particular_n every_o action_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n so_o that_o the_o goodness_n or_o evil_n of_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v not_o from_o itself_o but_o from_o the_o user_n if_o he_o be_v pure_a or_o impure_a from_o the_o circumstance_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o so_o that_o a_o action_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n may_v be_v evil_a in_o one_o in_o another_o commendable_a the_o law_n of_o man_n can_v make_v the_o th●ngs_n that_o be_v indifferent_a simp_o good_a or_o evil_a ●o●_n t●en_o they_o shall_v change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n which_o man_n can_v what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a the_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a be_v such_o as_o be_v leave_v unto_o man_n free_a cho_n see_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o wisdom_n fa●th_n sobriety_n love_n and_o the_o l●ke_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o h●m_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v why_o some_o thing_n be_v leave_v indifferent_a 1_o because_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v 2_o because_o the_o lo●d_n will_v have_v a●l_o his_o graces_n and_o the_o power_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v the_o more_o exercise_v for_o the_o hard_a th●ngs_n in_o religion_n be_v often_o about_o thing_n indifferent_a 3_o there_o s●ould_v be_v infinite_a rule_n give_v then_o for_o these_o case_n be_v innumerable_a and_o so_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n absolute_o needful_a shall_v be_v hinder_v the_o particular_a kind_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v 1_o meat_n and_o drink_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o itself_o unclean_a 2_o garment_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a 3_o recreation_n 4_o the_o time_n of_o public_a assemble_v together_o upon_o the_o sabbath_n 5_o and_o last_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n may_v do_v without_o impiety_n towards_o god_n or_o wrong_v to_o man_n in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a first_o every_o man_n must_v learn_v the_o right_a use_n from_o the_o word_n 1_o tim._n 4_o for_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v very_o bl●nd_a here●n_n and_o custom_n exceed_v corrupt_a and_o this_o must_v the_o rather_o be_v rememb●●d_v because_o 2_o man_n must_v give_v account_n to_o christ_n for_o his_o use_v thing_n indifferent_a 3_o every_o man_n must_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o h●s_n own_o conscience_n that_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v be_v lawful_a n_o itself_o this_o persuasion_n be_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sp●rit_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o he_o this_o exclud_v doubt_v 1_o that_o be_v sin_n so_o be_v 2_o depend_v upon_o other_o or_o follow_v other_o example_n 3_o when_o man_n be_v persuade_v but_o by_o show_n of_o reason_n or_o of_o man_n not_o by_o sound_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n 4_o each_o man_n must_v be_v very_o wise_a in_o use_v this_o liberty_n 1_o man_n must_v discern_v what_o be_v expedient_a and_o may_v further_o to_o edify_v other_o 2_o man_n must_v discern_v time_n and_o circumstance_n 5_o man_n must_v