lamb_n and_o that_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n they_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n yea_o through_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n they_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v down_o sathan_n like_o lightning_n to_o tread_v upon_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n to_o cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o god_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o principality_n &_o power_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o brownist_n the_o muster_a master_n have_v view_v the_o world_n choose_v his_o soldier_n appoint_v the_o victualler_n select_v out_o the_o sergeant_n of_o the_o band_n have_v bring_v they_o to_o their_o captain_n and_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o march_v on_o under_o his_o conduct_n in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o enemy_n bodily_a and_o ghostly_a to_o the_o confusion_n of_o sathan_n sin_n hell_n and_o all_o what_o wage_n he_o expect_v for_o this_o his_o piece_n of_o service_n be_v best_a know_v unto_o himself_o but_o what_o faithfulness_n he_o have_v use_v in_o his_o deal_n it_o be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o for_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n his_o pack_v be_v notorious_a first_o 18._o that_o the_o victory_n of_o the_o church_n which_o she_o be_v assure_v of_o in_o and_o through_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o restrain_v &_o limit_v for_o our_o author_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o so_o far_o only_o as_o it_o enjoy_v this_o foresay_a government_n of_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 18._o &_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o sanctify_a mean_n for_o satan_n overthrow_n and_o the_o build_n up_o of_o christ_n his_o church_n be_v here_o grant_v no_o otherwise_o than_o this_o word_n be_v preach_v under_o this_o outward_a government_n 39_o last_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o victory_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n be_v here_o apply_v to_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n as_o if_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v true_o faithful_a by_o this_o his_o practice_n he_o will_v conclude_v that_o which_o as_o yet_o remain_v unprove_v viz._n that_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o government_n be_v such_o that_o the_o enjoin_v of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n and_o that_o where_o this_o be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o fight_n against_o fathan_fw-ge no_o strife_n against_o sin_n no_o victory_n no_o church_n apparent_a the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o shall_v help_v he_o herein_o and_o be_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n note_v in_o the_o margin_n do_v cut_v the_o throat_n of_o these_o his_o folly_n for_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o army_n of_o saint_n be_v martial_v here_o on_o earth_n by_o these_o officer_n 14._o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v the_o warrior_n and_o his_o train_n to_o be_v the_o warrior_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n though_o this_o man_n say_v that_o triumph_n be_v make_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o government_n yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v it_o be_v in_o patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o faith_n 12_o and_o obedience_n and_o in_o a_o word_n though_o he_o affirm_v that_o discipline_n be_v all_o in_o all_o yet_o the_o place_n note_v by_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o servant_n overcome_v satan_n do_v not_o once_o mention_v any_o outward_a government_n much_o less_o this_o discipline_n here_o prescribe_v brownist_n further_o 19_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 23_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o the_o earth_n by_o his_o word_n 18_o shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n 23_o and_o whatsoever_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n 18_o now_o this_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o to_o every_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o order_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n and_o lust_n to_o be_v use_v or_o neglect_v as_o they_o will_v but_o in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n he_o have_v set_v down_o both_o a_o order_n of_o proceed_v and_o a_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v use_v answer_n god_n have_v in_o deed_n commit_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o have_v also_o show_v a_o order_n of_o proceed_v which_o assertion_n be_v to_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o these_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v twice_o note_v in_o the_o margin_n that_o the_o number_n of_o testimony_n which_o they_o use_v may_v seem_v great_a than_o it_o be_v but_o here_o we_o have_v to_o mark_v that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v this_o power_n aforesaid_a to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o difference_n make_v between_o the_o people_n &_o the_o governor_n or_o at_o the_o jest_n iâ—_n he_o suppose_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v between_o they_o he_o have_v not_o set_v down_o how_o far_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o people_n be_v extend_v again_o if_o the_o people_n be_v grant_v so_o great_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v think_v that_o the_o officer_n themselves_o i_o mean_v the_o deacon_n &_o releever_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seclude_v which_o be_v grant_v and_o seem_v here_o to_o be_v conclude_v not_o only_o woman_n have_v to_o deal_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o description_n of_o every_o office_n the_o elder_a only_o except_v have_v be_v unperfect_a see_v no_o such_o matter_n have_v be_v mention_v in_o any_o of_o they_o second_o we_o be_v to_o note_v that_o he_o say_v that_o this_o order_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v with_o all_o fidelity_n we_o do_v not_o gainsay_v he_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o when_o they_o be_v not_o due_o execute_v there_o the_o church_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v the_o church_n apparent_a according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o another_o place_n they_o have_v set_v down_o then_o do_v they_o agree_v with_o the_o anabaptist_n &_o donatist_n herein_o 2._o who_o be_v sufficient_o answer_v the_o one_o by_o bullinger_n the_o other_o by_o augustine_n i_o marvel_v that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v and_o content_v to_o revoke_v this_o error_n the_o sum_n of_o who_o answer_n tend_v to_o this_o that_o the_o end_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o the_o officer_n but_o of_o the_o church_n censure_v in_o this_o place_n be_v that_o the_o party_n punish_v may_v be_v amend_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v further_v that_o other_o be_v not_o offend_v and_o make_v worse_o and_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o peace_n therefore_o edification_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o better_a it_o be_v that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v go_v unpunished_a if_o the_o punish_n of_o they_o shall_v damnify_v the_o church_n 5._o again_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o they_o neglect_v to_o proceed_v against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n also_o the_o last_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_o administer_v yet_o judas_n be_v not_o excommunicate_a the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n yet_o contemn_v they_o not_o the_o sacrifice_n sacrament_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n blame_v the_o church_n for_o gross_a corruption_n yet_o be_v he_o circumcise_v therein_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o reason_n as_o by_o other_o by_o they_o produce_v we_o be_v urge_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o always_o proceed_v against_o the_o wicked_a according_a to_o their_o desert_n three_o we_o be_v to_o mark_v that_o he_o ascribe_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o officer_n before_o name_v whereas_o christ_n commit_v this_o power_n not_o to_o the_o elder_n for_o none_o be_v establish_v but_o unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o in_o peter_n they_o all_o be_v represent_v as_o by_o consider_v the_o place_n allege_v out_o of_o matthew_n and_o john_n will_v plain_o appear_v brownist_n and_o if_o the_o fault_n be_v private_a 18._o private_a holy_a &_o love_a admonition_n and_o reproof_n 15_o with_o a_o inward_a desire_n and_o earnest_a care_n to_o win_v their_o brother_n 15_o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o 16._o yet_o to_o take_v two_o or_o three_o other_o brethren_n with_o he_o who_o he_o know_v most_o meet_a to_o that_o purpose_n that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n
in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o their_o treatise_n which_o matter_n if_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o we_o will_v acquit_v they_o from_o schism_n and_o heresy_n but_o if_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o title_n they_o must_v return_v unto_o we_o or_o else_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v not_o as_o they_o pretend_v but_o as_o they_o be_v brownist_n as_o there_o be_v but_o 3._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o one_o lord_n over_o all_o and_o one_o spirit_n so_o be_v there_o but_o 41._o one_o truth_n one_o faith_n one_o salvation_n one_o church_n call_v in_o one_o hope_n join_v in_o one_o profession_n guide_v by_o one_o etc._n rule_n even_o the_o word_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o answer_n in_o this_o first_o sentence_n which_o here_o be_v set_v down_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understande_v what_o there_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o that_o which_o follow_v both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o also_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v the_o matter_n if_o we_o do_v but_o regard_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n thereof_o be_v altogether_o false_a yet_o pack_v up_o with_o evident_a truth_n that_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o may_v free_v the_o other_o of_o suspicion_n the_o manner_n of_o deal_n be_v to_o pester_v the_o margin_n with_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n to_o small_a purpose_n only_o they_o make_v the_o ignorant_a believe_v that_o he_o which_o gainsayeth_a this_o book_n do_v speak_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o how_o vain_o this_o be_v do_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_n see_v the_o nature_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o lord_n thereof_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o as_o god_n be_v ever_o one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o be_v his_o church_n which_o profess_v one_o truth_n hold_v one_o faith_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n our_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v one_o god_n the_o father_n son_n &_o holy_a ghost_n his_o truth_n our_o faith_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o be_v unchangeable_a we_o confess_v likewise_o one_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o joint_o and_o several_o do_v confess_v that_o salvation_n be_v obtain_v in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o this_o church_n comprehend_v in_o it_o both_o angel_n and_o man_n 20._o the_o one_o sort_n continue_v in_o the_o other_o sort_n restore_v unto_o that_o estate_n wherein_o they_o stand_v and_o all_o obtain_v this_o sentence_n of_o be_v perfect_o righteous_a in_o and_o through_o the_o head_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n even_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o they_o say_v must_v be_v guide_v by_o one_o rule_n even_o the_o word_n of_o the_o most_o high_a now_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v take_v for_o if_o they_o mean_v thereby_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v sometime_o take_v as_o deut._n 8._o 3._o &_o heb._n 1._o 3._o we_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o clause_n also_o but_o the_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o margin_n do_v show_v that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o his_o word_n for_o deut._n 6._o 25._o moses_n tell_v the_o israelite_n that_o the_o observe_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n will_v be_v their_o righteousness_n paul_n rom._n 10._o 8._o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n &_o in_o their_o hart_n even_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v preach_v again_o 2._o tim._n 3._o 15._o he_o show_v timothy_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o john_n and_o the_o one_o and_o fiftith_v verse_n affirm_v that_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v his_o word_n he_o shall_v never_o see_v death_n last_o john_n say_v 1._o john_n 2._o 3._o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o place_n do_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v our_o guide_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n during_o their_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n but_o when_o life_n cease_v the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n do_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o thirteen_o chapter_n and_o eight_o verse_n colossian_n the_o first_o chapter_n and_o the_o three_o and_o twentieth_o verse_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o to_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v both_o angel_n in_o heaven_n the_o faithful_a depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o godly_a remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v all_o alike_o govern_v by_o this_o rule_n do_v bewray_v either_o a_o foul_a ignorance_n or_o a_o foolish_a rashness_n which_o rash_a ignorance_n if_o in_o this_o one_o matter_n it_o have_v show_v itself_o only_o it_o have_v be_v more_o tolerable_a than_o it_o can_v be_v when_o it_o allege_v many_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n so_o unseasonablie_o as_o here_o it_o do_v about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o two_o first_o place_n the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genisis_n and_o the_o first_o verse_n apparent_a the_o twentieth_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la and_o the_o three_o verse_n do_v mention_n god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o thing_n but_o they_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o the_o inheritor_n of_o mount_n zion_n his_o church_n wherefore_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o first_o to_o timothy_n the_o second_o chapter_n and_o four_o verse_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a both_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n one_o faith_n &c_n &c_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o be_v save_v england_n by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o this_o place_n of_o paul_n do_v cross_v that_o negative_a of_o they_o we_o deny_v say_v they_o that_o you_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v that_o faith_n which_o they_o beget_v their_o reason_n be_v because_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n be_v not_o join_v with_o their_o discipline_n for_o we_o hold_v that_o faith_n which_o paul_n approve_v as_o for_o the_o testimony_n which_o paul_n give_v of_o epaphroditus_n 25._o that_o he_o be_v his_o brother_n companion_n in_o labour_n and_o fellow_n soldier_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a proof_n of_o that_o whereunto_o it_o be_v refer_v so_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n 41_o say_v that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o father_n even_o god_n which_o christ_n deny_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o verse_n next_o follow_v these_o thing_n be_v speak_v not_o to_o call_v that_o into_o question_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v true_a but_o to_o show_v what_o discretion_n have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o allege_v these_o scripture_n but_o we_o will_v go_v forward_o brownist_n this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v universal_o understand_v contain_v in_o it_o all_o 20_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n that_o have_v ben_fw-mi be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o answer_n most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o god_n extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o belove_a of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v man_n and_o angel_n be_v complete_a in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o wit_n jesus_n christ._n we_o do_v agree_v herein_o yet_o it_o have_v his_o warrant_n such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v here_o prove_v by_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o and_o by_o the_o vision_n of_o john_n revel_v 7._o 9_o which_o place_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o restore_n and_o preservation_n of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o three_o place_n allege_v be_v less_o to_o purpose_n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 2._o write_v unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o his_o age_n paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 10._o 3._o that_o the_o father_n do_v eat_v one_o spiritual_a meat_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o that_o be_v before_o he_o christ_n pray_v for_o his_o apostle_n joh._n 17._o 20._o and_o not_o for_o they_o
apostle_n say_v that_o as_o lively_a stone_n they_o be_v make_v a_o spiritual_a house_n yet_o he_o say_v not_o that_o every_o one_o among_o they_o be_v so_o and_o those_o that_o be_v he_o declare_v from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o wit_n jesus_n christ._n in_o which_o matter_n if_o no_o further_a purity_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o author_n we_o do_v agree_v as_o also_o that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o burden_n &_o his_o order_n be_v bind_v to_o edify_v one_o a_o other_o exhort_v reprove_v and_o comfort_v one_o a_o other_o love_o as_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o faithful_o as_o in_o god_n sight_n the_o neglect_n of_o these_o duty_n have_v breed_v nourish_v &_o continue_v this_o late_a &_o pestilent_a schism_n among_o us._n that_o the_o affect_v of_o office_n the_o wrest_n or_o neglect_v of_o law_n &_o pervert_v of_o truth_n be_v not_o incident_a to_o the_o church_n be_v news_n too_o good_a to_o be_v true_a as_o shall_v appear_v even_o by_o the_o self_n same_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o here_o be_v set_v in_o the_o margin_n as_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o author_n folly_n while_o that_o they_o do_v so_o flat_o gainsay_v that_o which_o they_o shall_v justify_v for_o many_o make_v merchandise_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o cor._n 2._o 17._o and_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n 3_o john_n 9_o then_o be_v there_o affect_v of_o office_n in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v speak_v lie_n through_o hypocrisy_n and_o have_v their_o conscience_n burn_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1._o timoth._n 4._o 2._o and_o some_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n constrain_v man_n to_o be_v circumcise_v galat._n 6._o 12._o then_o be_v there_o pervert_v of_o truth_n the_o corinthian_n be_v negligent_a in_o proceed_v against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n 1._o cor._n 5._o then_o be_v there_o neglect_v of_o law_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o this_o man_n who_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v confirm_v that_o which_o they_o do_v so_o direct_o and_o plain_o deny_v let_v he_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n upon_o himself_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o have_v a_o dream_n let_v he_o tell_v a_o dream_n and_o he_o that_o have_v god_n word_n let_v he_o speak_v god_n word_n faithful_o jer._n 23._o 28._o and_o so_o say_v i_o for_o it_o be_v a_o vile_a abuse_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o man_n when_o a_o dream_n or_o fancy_n be_v countenance_v with_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v overthrow_v it_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n timothy_n dare_v not_o thus_o behave_v himself_o in_o god_n house_n 1._o timoth._n 3._o 15._o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n say_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v freedom_n to_o utter_v his_o complaint_n and_o grief_n yea_o and_o not_o disturb_v the_o peaceable_a order_n of_o the_o church_n by_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o call_n to_o reprove_v transgression_n and_o error_n this_o we_o grant_v of_o our_o own_o accord_n not_o be_v urge_v hereunto_o by_o any_o thing_n mention_v 1._o corinth_n 6._o or_o 14._o 30._o which_o prove_v it_o not_o but_o that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o that_o every_o member_n have_v always_o this_o freedom_n we_o deny_v it_o also_o we_o say_v that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v intrusion_n or_o climb_v up_o a_o other_o way_n into_o the_o sheepfold_a through_o man_n corruption_n then_o by_o the_o election_n of_o those_o to_o who_o election_n do_v belong_v so_o will_v it_o be_v a_o horrible_a confusion_n if_o the_o election_n of_o office_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n as_o in_o this_o platform_n of_o discipline_n they_o do_v teach_v we_o but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v their_o interest_n in_o ordination_n also_o be_v more_o than_o gross_a for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o those_o place_n of_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o lie_v not_o thy_o hand_n rash_o on_o any_o man_n and_o be_v 15._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o at_o crete_n that_o thou_o may_v appoint_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n because_o that_o although_o they_o flat_o gainsay_v the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n by_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o seem_v not_o sufficient_a unto_o some_o to_o infringe_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o election_n also_o 15._o because_o that_o luke_n show_v how_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n appoint_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n 23._o say_v that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o consent_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v say_v caluin_n that_o paul_n do_v grant_v a_o great_a liberty_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n then_o he_o take_v unto_o himself_o for_o which_o purpose_n be_v also_o allege_v cyprian_n who_o will_v 1._o ut_fw-la sacerdos_fw-la plebe_fw-la present_n sub_fw-la omnium_fw-la oculis_fw-la deligatur_fw-la atque_fw-la dignus_fw-la atque_fw-la idoneus_fw-la publico_fw-la iudicio_fw-la comprobetur_fw-la 3._o that_o the_o priest_n when_o the_o people_n be_v present_a be_v choose_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o &_o be_v approve_v to_o be_v sufficient_a &_o meet_a by_o common_a consent_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o say_v that_o even_o these_o authority_n of_o luke_n caluin_n and_o cyprian_n do_v flat_o deny_v that_o election_n shall_v be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n for_o praeesse_fw-la electioni_fw-la debere_fw-la alios_fw-la pastor_n nequid_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la levitatem_fw-la ibid._n vel_fw-la per_fw-la mala_fw-la studia_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la tumultum_fw-la à _fw-la multitudine_fw-la peccetur_fw-la other_o pastor_n ought_v to_o rule_v the_o election_n lest_o the_o multitude_n fail_v either_o through_o lightness_n or_o by_o evil_a practice_n or_o tumult_n so_o that_o howsoever_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o these_o place_n cite_v that_o a_o wise_a people_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o consent_n in_o election_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v tumultuous_a ill_o condition_v or_o void_a of_o gravity_n as_o general_o the_o common_a sort_n be_v faulty_a in_o one_o of_o these_o then_o ought_v other_o pastor_n to_o rule_v yea_o and_o over-rule_v they_o those_o church_n also_o which_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o author_n himself_o be_v most_o reform_v who_o admit_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o weight_n to_o be_v do_v inscia_fw-la vel_fw-la invita_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la yet_o whatsoever_o pertain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v the_o same_o dispose_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o elder_a ship_n so_o that_o election_n be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o people_n consent_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o press_v the_o authority_n of_o chrisostom_n write_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 500_o say_v flat_o that_o neither_o people_n nor_o elder_n be_v to_o elect_v a_o bishop_n 2._o or_o a_o minister_n but_o the_o bishop_n only_o neither_o election_n much_o less_o ordination_n ought_v to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o multitude_n further_a than_o in_o give_v consent_n unto_o the_o pastor_n nor_o at_o all_o to_o be_v regard_v if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o before_o have_v be_v mention_v and_o therefore_o as_o these_o man_n be_v vain_a in_o arrogate_a more_o than_o this_o so_o be_v they_o vain_a in_o censure_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o it_o leave_v not_o this_o election_n unto_o the_o people_n who_o ignorance_n be_v general_o great_a for_o want_v of_o instruction_n &_o who_o head_n be_v general_o very_o tumultuous_a by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o as_o this_o our_o author_n be_v why_o be_v not_o they_o a_o holy_a and_o free_a people_n 3._o indeed_o when_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n have_v gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n they_o say_v you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o they_o but_o i_o doubt_v i_o shall_v injury_n corah_n by_o compare_v these_o man_n unto_o he_o for_o he_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o freedom_n seek_v only_o to_o be_v privilege_v from_o submission_n but_o these_o our_o man_n under_o the_o same_o veil_n content_v not_o themselves_o herewith_o but_o in_o their_o aspire_a mind_n do_v seek_v to_o bring_v not_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o of_o the_o weal_n public_a also_o into_o their_o hand_n for_o obtain_v where_o of_o they_o lay_v this_o platform_n first_o that_o privatman_n be_v to_o erect_v and_o establish_v this_o government_n of_o they_o and_o then_o it_o be_v erect_v that_o all_o matter_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o same_o the_o late_a of_o these_o two_o point_n will_v be_v manifest_a hereafter_o in_o their_o description_n of_o a_o elder_a who_o as_o they_o say_v must_v discern_v between_o plea_n and_o plea_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o touch_v the_o former_a point_n
although_o in_o one_o of_o their_o writing_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v they_o have_v make_v this_o protestation_n we_o purpose_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o state_n otherwise_o then_o by_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n yet_o as_o forget_v themselves_o immediate_o after_o in_o the_o same_o discourse_n they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v but_o one_o form_n of_o government_n in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n unto_o his_o church_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o not_o leave_v it_o arbitrable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prince_n or_o policy_n of_o time_n to_o be_v do_v or_o undo_v but_o make_v it_o by_o a_o double_a right_n inviolable_a both_o by_o his_o word_n and_o his_o testament_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v neither_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o other_o law_n or_o government_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v without_o this_o for_o god_n hold_v they_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o enemy_n which_o have_v not_o his_o son_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o now_o than_o the_o faithful_a be_v command_v to_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n with_o promise_n of_o direction_n &_o protection_n &_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o establish_v his_o law_n &_o ordinance_n among_o they_o but_o faithful_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n thereby_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n now_o this_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a before_o they_o be_v plant_v &_o establish_v in_o this_o order_n consist_v hitherto_o but_o of_o private_a person_n none_o as_o yet_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n &_o function_n therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o god_n command_v his_o faithful_a servant_n be_v as_o yet_o private_a man_n together_o to_o build_v his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o true_a pattern_n of_o christ_n testament_n thus_o far_o they_o but_o here_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v any_o of_o these_o assertion_n we_o read_v of_o asa_n jehosaphat_n jehoiada_n the_o priest_n hezekia_n josia_n &_o other_o some_o of_o they_o pull_v down_o the_o abomination_n of_o juda_n other_o set_v up_o the_o priest_n &_o levit_n in_o their_o place_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n dispose_v they_o as_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n seem_v good_a in_o their_o eye_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n to_o warrant_v a_o private_a man_n in_o purge_v much_o less_o in_o erect_v the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o then_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o man_n will_v they_o tell_v we_o of_o extraordinary_a proceeding_n in_o matter_n of_o extremity_n let_v they_o show_v herein_o some_o extraordinary_a testimony_n from_o god_n to_o warrant_v we_o in_o regard_v they_o otherwise_o here_o be_v in_o trusion_n for_o howsoever_o zerubbabel_n &_o jehosuah_n ezra_n &_o nehemia_n do_v daily_o pray_v for_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o people_n out_o of_o captivity_n &_o be_v most_o willing_a &_o ready_a to_o go_v before_o they_o &_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o jerusalem_n yet_o until_o they_o have_v authority_n commit_v to_o they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n cirus_n darius_n &_o other_o 1._o they_o never_o dare_v attempt_v the_o matter_n 7._o and_o yet_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o these_o be_v no_o common_a person_n 5._o jehosua_n be_v the_o high_a priest_n zerubbabel_n a_o chief_a man_n of_o the_o people_n ezra_n a_o scribe_n of_o the_o law_n &_o nehemia_n a_o great_a man_n yea_o in_o the_o court_n of_o artashast_a but_o they_o all_o know_v full_o well_o that_o moses_n &_o aaron_n the_o prince_n and_o the_o priest_n must_v join_v together_o in_o all_o such_o action_n likewise_o in_o this_o church_n they_o have_v holy_a brownist_n 18_o law_n as_o limit_n and_o bound_n which_o it_o be_v lawful_a at_o no_o hand_n to_o transgress_v they_o have_v law_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o officer_n what_o kind_n of_o they_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v brownist_n this_o tautology_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o so_o unwise_o iterate_v &_o repeat_v but_o it_o be_v as_o foolish_o also_o and_o fond_o prove_v for_o christ_n matth._n 5._o 17._o saying_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o and_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 18._o give_v a_o commandment_n to_o timothy_n which_o commandment_n be_v express_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o three_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n do_v not_o once_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n law_n for_o outward_a direction_n as_o may_v appear_v evident_o to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a judgement_n in_o the_o scripture_n answer_n their_o pastor_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o 2._o teach_v no_o young_a scholar_n 15._o able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o 4._o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n according_a to_o doctrine_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a also_o to_o exhort_v rebuke_v improve_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o say_v against_o it_o he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n that_o love_v goodness_n he_o must_v be_v wise_a righteove_a holy_a temperate_a he_o must_v be_v of_o life_n 8_o unreprovable_a as_o god_n steward_n he_o must_v be_v general_o well_o report_v of_o and_o one_o that_o rule_v his_o own_o household_n under_o obedience_n with_o all_o honesty_n he_o must_v be_v modest_a humble_a meek_a gentle_a and_o love_a he_o must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o 20_o great_a patience_n compassion_n labour_n and_o diligence_n he_o must_v always_o be_v careful_a and_o watchful_a over_o the_o flock_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n with_o all_o willingness_n and_o cheerfulness_n not_o hold_v his_o office_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o do_v his_o duty_n to_o every_o soul_n as_o he_o will_v answer_v before_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n etc._n etc._n answer_n in_o this_o description_n of_o the_o pastor_n office_n as_o the_o author_n have_v set_v down_o some_o thing_n therein_o require_v so_o have_v he_o leave_v other_o matter_n pertain_v by_o his_o own_o doctrine_n thereunto_o altogether_o untouched_a for_o whereas_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o eldership_n wherein_o the_o pastor_n be_v the_o chief_a here_o be_v nothing_o mention_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o if_o the_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n remain_v as_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o elder_n again_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o require_v in_o a_o pastor_n that_o he_o exhort_v rebuke_n and_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n he_o do_v confirm_v herein_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o doctor_n for_o either_o this_o function_n be_v not_o in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o else_o it_o do_v intrude_v into_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n &_o so_o these_o office_n will_v not_o be_v sever_v and_o diverse_a three_o see_v modesty_n humility_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_a and_o all_o we_o see_v how_o unfit_a these_o man_n be_v to_o bear_v any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consider_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o modesty_n meekness_n or_o civil_a honesty_n when_o they_o call_v the_o ministry_n of_o england_n traitor_n to_o christ_n apparent_a the_o pope_n bastard_n wicked_a guide_n antichrist_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n be_v term_v a_o piece_n of_o swine_n flesh_n they_o and_o the_o people_n of_o england_n general_o be_v account_v persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n &_o no_o christian_n last_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o some_o of_o these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n be_v not_o so_o fit_a as_o may_v be_v to_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n for_o nu._n 12._o 3._o do_v speak_v of_o the_o meekness_n of_o moses_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o pastoral_a charge_n esa._n 50._o 4._o set_v forth_o the_o prophet_n diligence_n zach._n 7._o 11._o complain_v of_o the_o people_n obstinacy_n but_o what_o be_v these_o to_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n the_o place_n that_o be_v quote_v 1._o tim._n 2._o 20._o because_o it_o be_v somewhat_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n it_o shall_v be_v answer_v when_o that_o verse_n be_v find_v brownist_n their_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n must_v be_v a_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v 1._o able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o and_o to_o deliver_v sound_a and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n from_o the_o same_o 15._o still_o build_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n work_n 4_o he_o must_v be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o careful_o to_o deliver_v his_o doctrine_n pure_a sound_a and_o plain_a not_o with_o curiosity_n or_o affection_n but_o so_o that_o it_o may_v
may_v be_v confirm_v and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o then_o to_o declare_v the_o matter_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v severelie_o and_o sharp_o to_o reprehend_v gravelie_o to_o admonish_v and_o love_o to_o persuade_v the_o party_n offend_v show_v he_o the_o heinousness_n of_o his_o offence_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o obstinacy_n and_o the_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o this_o prevail_v not_o to_o draw_v he_o to_o repentance_n 16_o then_o be_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o the_o whole_a congregation_n reverentlie_o in_o prayer_n to_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n cast_v he_o out_o of_o their_o congregation_n and_o fellowship_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o lord_n 15_o for_o his_o disobedience_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o commit_v he_o to_o sathan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o such_o be_v his_o goodwill_n and_o pleasure_n further_o 10._o they_o be_v to_o warn_v the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o all_o other_o faithful_a 20_o to_o hold_v he_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n 14._o and_o to_o abstain_v themselves_o from_o his_o society_n as_o not_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o he_o etc._n etc._n unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o of_o necessity_n must_v needs_o as_o his_o wife_n his_o child_n and_o family_n yet_o these_o if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o any_o spiritual_a exercise_n all_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o to_o admonish_v and_o pray_v for_o he_o as_o a_o brother_n prove_v if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o lord_n will_v give_v he_o repentance_n for_o this_o power_n be_v not_o give_v they_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o but_o to_o the_o edification_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v public_a the_o party_n be_v public_o to_o be_v reprove_v and_o admonish_v if_o he_o than_o repent_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o excommunication_n 19_o ut_fw-la supra_fw-la 9_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o party_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o offence_n 18._o viz._n if_o the_o offence_n be_v public_a 12_o public_a 1._o if_o private_a private_a humble_v submissive_a sorrowful_a unfeigned_a give_v glory_n to_o the_o lord_n 2._o there_o must_v great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o admonition_n 24_o that_o they_o be_v not_o captious_a or_o curious_a 50._o find_v fault_n where_o none_o be_v 25_o neither_o yet_o in_o bitterness_n or_o reproach_n 20._o for_o they_o be_v to_o destroy_v and_o not_o to_o save_v our_o brother_n but_o they_o must_v be_v careful_o do_v with_o prayer_n go_v before_o they_o must_v be_v season_v with_o truth_n gravity_n love_n &_o peace_n moreover_o in_o this_o church_n be_v a_o especial_a care_n have_v by_o every_o member_n thereof_o 1._o of_o offence_n 12._o the_o strong_a ought_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o weak_a 19_o nor_o the_o weak_a to_o judge_v the_o strong_a 2._o but_o all_o grace_n here_o be_v give_v to_o the_o service_n and_o edification_n of_o each_o other_o in_o love_n and_o long_o suffer_v answer_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o join_v all_o this_o together_o be_v but_o one_o matter_n viz._n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n thereof_o concern_v the_o which_o i_o say_v with_o they_o that_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v a_o charge_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v unto_o his_o step_n that_o he_o refrain_v from_o offend_v his_o fellow_n member_n lest_o through_o his_o own_o default_n the_o church_n be_v provoke_v to_o proceed_v against_o he_o but_o also_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n her_o order_n of_o proceed_v which_o order_n i_o grant_v to_o be_v here_o set_v down_o in_o part_n namely_o so_o long_o as_o the_o conversation_n of_o man_n be_v in_o question_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n these_o rule_n will_v fail_v for_o although_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o err_v &_o in_o his_o error_n we_o may_v not_o deprive_v he_o of_o admonition_n yet_o if_o his_o error_n do_v prove_v a_o heresy_n after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n at_o the_o utmost_a he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o simple_a error_n may_v be_v heal_v but_o perverseness_n be_v incurable_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o rejection_n be_v not_o in_o a_o bare_a forsake_v of_o he_o but_o in_o restrain_v he_o lest_o that_o by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n the_o simple_a sort_n be_v seduce_v i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n i0_n who_o be_v command_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o cut_v off_o the_o false_a prophet_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o have_v his_o warrant_n for_o the_o suppress_n of_o such_o the_o order_n of_o who_o proceed_n be_v first_o admonition_n than_o excommunication_n afterward_o to_o make_v the_o magistrate_n acquaint_v both_o with_o this_o evil_a and_o with_o his_o duty_n in_o proceed_v against_o it_o for_o i_o will_v not_o urge_v that_o of_o master_n bullinger_n who_o seem_v to_o go_v far_o in_o ask_v this_o question_n viz._n if_o the_o church_n have_v only_a authority_n to_o fly_v from_o and_o not_o to_o chastise_v a_o heretic_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n deprive_v elimas_n of_o his_o sight_n 9_o because_o he_o do_v stubborn_o maintain_v falsehood_n and_o withstand_v the_o truth_n but_o this_o point_n of_o discipline_n have_v in_o wisdom_n be_v pass_v over_o lest_o that_o our_o author_n shall_v therein_o have_v blame_v both_o our_o teacher_n and_o our_o magistrate_n for_o their_o to_o much_o lenity_n in_o this_o schism_n and_o heresy_n now_o as_o touch_v the_o flourish_n that_o be_v make_v with_o a_o great_a show_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n it_o be_v more_o than_o childish_a not_o in_o regard_n of_o apply_v they_o though_o one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o may_v be_v amend_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o vain_a allege_v of_o one_o scripture_n often_o as_o matth._n 18._o 15._o 16._o leviticus_fw-la 19_o 17._o 18._o prou._n 10._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o busi_v himself_o with_o iterate_v so_o many_o quotation_n 17._o brownist_n 11_o in_o this_o church_n be_v the_o truth_n pure_o teach_v 3._o &_o sure_o keep_v 16._o here_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o promise_n 15._o the_o grace_n 12._o the_o glory_n the_o presence_n 7._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 15._o into_o this_o temple_n enter_v no_o unclean_a thing_n 8._o neither_o whatsoever_o work_v abomination_n 1._o or_o lie_v 9_o but_o they_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n 8._o but_o without_o this_o church_n shall_v be_v dog_n and_o enchanter_n and_o whoremonger_n 21._o and_o murderer_n 27._o and_o idolater_n 9_o and_o whosoever_o love_v and_o make_v lie_n 27._o answer_n here_o we_o have_v describe_v unto_o we_o the_o state_n wherein_o this_o visible_a church_n do_v stand_v both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o conenant_n between_o god_n and_o it_o and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sanctimony_n thereof_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n as_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v but_o howsoever_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n approve_v of_o god_n be_v keep_v and_o retain_v therein_o yet_o may_v it_o fall_v out_o that_o some_o one_o member_n thereof_o may_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n as_o matth._n 22._o 13._o nor_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o eccles._n 4._o 17_o and_o although_o the_o church_n have_v this_o dignity_n give_v unto_o it_o through_o a_o especial_a grace_n yet_o some_o one_o man_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n as_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a and_o job_n in_o the_o land_n of_o hus_n the_o visible_a church_n then_o be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o touch_v the_o other_o matter_n viz._n that_o this_o church_n apparent_a be_v commend_v unto_o we_o both_o for_o the_o purity_n thereof_o in_o itself_o and_o also_o for_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o all_o those_o which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o palpable_a grossness_n to_o conceive_v &_o a_o sottish_a folly_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o dream_n for_o be_v all_o they_o clean_o which_o enter_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n these_o man_n themselves_o have_v confess_v the_o contrary_a 21._o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n 16._o who_o
not_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v law_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o dissent_n of_o judgement_n among_o themselves_o or_o else_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n but_o now_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a yet_o the_o caveat_n that_o be_v give_v have_v a_o secret_a meaning_n viz._n a_o grant_n of_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o article_n that_o her_o majesty_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v any_o law_n ecclesiastical_a but_o this_o be_v so_o close_o cover_v i_o mind_n not_o to_o see_v it_o i_o conceive_v the_o best_a namely_o that_o as_o they_o yield_v more_o to_o her_o majesty_n then_o of_o former_a time_n they_o have_v do_v so_o will_v they_o in_o time_n grant_v she_o that_o right_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o her_o royal_a authority_n of_o the_o nine_o article_n they_o say_v that_o the_o law_n ecclesiastical_a wherewith_o our_o assembly_n be_v guide_v be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o cull_v out_o from_o that_o great_a antichrist_n canon_n order_n &_o devilish_a policy_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v the_o execrable_a ware_n of_o antichrist_n statute_n of_o omry_n &_o not_o to_o be_v receive_v or_o obey_v of_o any_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o article_n than_o be_v maintain_v by_o these_o man_n and_o not_o unjust_o impute_v to_o they_o but_o as_o touch_v this_o grievous_a accusation_n we_o be_v here_o also_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v only_o perfect_a the_o decree_n and_o statute_n of_o man_n though_o holy_a yet_o have_v their_o want_n in_o regard_v whereof_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o want_n of_o perfection_n but_o the_o deformity_n of_o these_o law_n do_v seem_v great_a partly_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v dispose_v they_o more_o upright_o and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o other_o who_o have_v a_o malicious_a eye_n in_o behold_v and_o a_o envious_a tongue_n in_o reproach_v they_o unto_o the_o ten_o article_n they_o answer_v that_o they_o neither_o look_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o babel_n our_o false_a church_n for_o so_o they_o term_v it_o nor_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v forsake_v the_o false_a church_n and_o by_o repentance_n come_v under_o christ_n obedience_n to_o serve_v god_n aright_o in_o his_o true_a church_n etc._n etc._n neither_o may_v they_o neglect_v the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o part_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n though_o the_o prince_n shall_v inhibit_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o also_o to_o practise_v the_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v fancy_v though_o her_o majesty_n shall_v inhibit_v the_o one_o or_o command_v the_o other_o so_o that_o this_o article_n be_v not_o wrongful_o father_v upon_o they_o but_o before_o this_o article_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o true_a position_n they_o must_v not_o only_o convince_v our_o church_n as_o out_o of_o the_o which_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o departure_n but_o also_o they_o must_v prove_v that_o a_o private_a man_n may_v attempt_v reformation_n in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o eleven_o article_n they_o say_v first_o that_o the_o presbytery_n may_v not_o excommunicate_v any_o person_n by_o their_o sole_a power_n see_v christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v make_v more_o plain_a in_o a_o other_o place_n where_o one_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o least_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o communicant_a have_v as_o much_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pastor_n second_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o prince_n if_o he_o will_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n in_o the_o church_n the_o which_o two_o position_n be_v consider_v it_o shall_v be_v needless_a to_o open_v what_o these_o man_n will_v have_v but_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o private_a man_n have_v be_v speak_v sufficient_o heretofore_o to_o the_o twelve_o they_o answer_v roundly_o in_o this_o sort_n as_o for_o your_o religion_n church_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v before_o show_v the_o forgery_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o which_o former_a article_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n even_o so_o do_v i_o for_o i_o purpose_v not_o palinodiam_fw-la canâ—re_fw-la only_o i_o say_v that_o among_o these_o twelve_o article_n there_o be_v not_o one_o wherewith_o they_o be_v abuse_v or_o unjust_o charge_v and_o therefore_o be_v their_o exclamation_n before_o mention_v vain_a there_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o foresay_a pamphlet_n other_o twelve_o article_n not_o unlike_a to_o the_o former_a which_o they_o term_v slanderous_a article_n also_o forge_v against_o they_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o which_o be_v these_o 1_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o any_o set_a prayer_n be_v blasphemy_n and_o they_o never_o use_v any_o prayer_n for_o the_o queen_n as_o supreme_a head_n under_o christ_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2_o that_o all_o set_a prayer_n or_o stint_a pray_n or_o read_v service_n be_v but_o mere_a babble_n in_o god_n sight_n and_o plain_a idolatry_n 3_o they_o teach_v there_o be_v no_o head_n or_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o queen_n have_v none_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v law_n ecclesiastical_a 4_o they_o teach_v that_o a_o lie_v man_n may_v beget_v faith_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o public_a administration_n 5_o they_o condemn_v all_o come_n to_o church_n all_o preach_v all_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n and_o say_v that_o all_o the_o minister_n be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o his_o anger_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n 6_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n must_v reform_v the_o church_n and_o not_o tarry_v for_o the_o magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n sue_v not_o to_o court_n and_o parliament_n nor_o wait_v upon_o princess_n pleasure_n but_o we_o make_v christ_n to_o attend_v upon_o prince_n &_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o law_n &_o government_n 7_o that_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n be_v a_o pregnant_a idol_n &_o full_a of_o abomination_n a_o piece_n of_o swine_n flesh_n and_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n 8_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o go_v to_o the_o church_n to_o public_a prayer_n then_o for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v with_o his_o father_n wife_n 9_o those_o that_o will_v not_o refrain_v from_o our_o church_n preach_v or_o service_n they_o give_v unto_o the_o devil_n &_o excommunicate_a 10_o they_o hold_v it_o not_o lawful_a to_o baptise_v child_n among_o we_o they_o never_o have_v any_o sacrament_n among_o they_o 11_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o oath_n to_o be_v examine_v 12_o they_o will_v not_o marry_v among_o we_o in_o our_o church_n but_o resort_n to_o the_o fleet_n &_o to_o other_o place_n to_o be_v marry_v by_o one_o greenwood_n and_o barrow_n all_o which_o whether_o these_o man_n be_v unjust_o blame_v with_o they_o or_o do_v hold_v they_o as_o firm_a as_o they_o do_v the_o former_a article_n i_o leave_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o man_n their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o two_o first_o article_n have_v be_v set_v down_o already_o for_o they_o do_v little_o differ_v from_o those_o two_o position_n set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a place_n likewise_o concern_v the_o three_o article_n we_o have_v have_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o eight_o article_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v needless_a either_o to_o show_v again_o that_o those_o be_v by_o their_o desert_n impute_v unto_o they_o or_o that_o in_o maintain_v they_o their_o warrant_n be_v of_o small_a force_n and_o the_o four_o article_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o ungodly_a calumniation_n against_o they_o y_z t_z they_o hold_v it_o not_o only_o a_o possible_a thing_n for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o beget_v faith_n but_o also_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n &_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o public_a assembly_n wherein_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o he_o y_o it_o be_v leitourgos_n a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o public_a function_n &_o every_o private_a man_n in_o the_o congregation_n both_o have_v equal_a authority_n as_o well_o in_o preach_v as_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n also_o what_o these_o private_a man_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v in_o preach_v whether_o minister_n or_o no_o minister_n unto_o the_o people_n who_o
the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n three_o that_o our_o ministry_n be_v antichristian_a a_o matter_n handle_v pag._n 125._o the_o scurrility_n in_o call_v they_o hireling_n mercenary_a preacher_n etc._n etc._n deserve_v no_o answer_n the_o name_n of_o parson_n vicar_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o ministry_n but_o in_o their_o maintenance_n four_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o popish_a court_n as_o high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o these_o court_n have_v their_o authority_n from_o her_o majesty_n though_o some_o of_o they_o more_o direct_o than_o the_o other_o in_o consideration_n whereof_o to_o call_v the_o lest_o antichristian_a be_v arrogant_a but_o to_o join_v they_o all_o in_o one_o sentence_n &_o to_o dissuade_v her_o majesty_n subject_n from_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o act_n of_o no_o good_a subject_n yet_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o purpose_v not_o to_o give_v judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o such_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n only_o i_o will_v propound_v the_o case_n which_o be_v this_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n have_v agree_v that_o the_o queen_n her_o highness_n &_o successor_n king_n &_o queen_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v have_v full_a power_n by_o letter_n patent_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n to_o name_n and_o authorise_v when_o as_o often_o and_o for_o so_o long_a time_n as_o her_o highness_n her_o heir_n or_o successor_n shall_v think_v meet_v such_o person_n or_o person_n as_o she_o or_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a to_o execute_v under_o she_o etc._n etc._n all_o manner_n jurisdiction_n privilege_n and_o preeminence_n in_o any_o wise_a concern_v any_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n within_o england_n and_o ireland_n etc._n etc._n 1._o eliz._n 1._o now_o her_o majesty_n by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a have_v grant_v her_o letter_n patent_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n for_o the_o two_o court_n of_o high_a commission_n and_o delegate_n and_o by_o the_o say_a authority_n first_o from_o the_o parliament_n and_o then_o from_o her_o majesty_n these_o two_o court_n do_v stand_v and_o not_o by_o any_o other_o right_a or_o authority_n whatsoever_o yet_o these_o two_o court_n of_o high_a commission_n and_o of_o delegate_n be_v here_o term_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a court_n and_o the_o people_n be_v condemn_v to_o be_v antichristian_a which_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o case_n whether_o it_o touch_v her_o majesty_n or_o not_o that_o libel_n rail_v upon_o and_o call_v her_o highness_n authority_n which_o be_v warrant_v by_o her_o broad_a seal_n popish_a antichristian_a etc._n etc._n brownist_n these_o assembly_n be_v not_o rule_v by_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o by_o the_o canon_n injunction_n and_o decree_n of_o those_o antichristian_a and_o popish_a court_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n answer_n the_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o true_a church_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o &c._n &c._n therefore_o etc._n etc._n if_o christ_n have_v in_o his_o last_o will_v set_v down_o a_o perfect_a government_n for_o his_o church_n as_o they_o say_v he_o have_v there_o be_v little_a use_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o direction_n of_o discipline_n under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o argument_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o it_o have_v brownist_n these_o people_n stand_v not_o in_o &_o for_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o all_o of_o they_o remain_v in_o bondage_n to_o these_o egyptian_a and_o babylonishe_n yoke_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o these_o court_n and_o their_o canon_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n answer_n the_o argument_n be_v this_o all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o true_a church_n stand_v in_o and_o for_o their_o christian_n liberty_n to_o practice_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o stand_v not_o for_o their_o christian_n liberty_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n answer_n we_o have_v see_v pag._n 49._o &_o 50._o that_o the_o private_a man_n do_v pass_v the_o bond_n of_o his_o call_n in_o presume_v to_o deal_v with_o public_a reformation_n again_o it_o be_v say_v pag._n 45._o that_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o do_v not_o always_o fall_v out_o that_o every_o member_n have_v that_o freedom_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o christian_n duty_n of_o his_o call_n the_o proposition_n therefore_o be_v false_a as_o for_o the_o assumption_n in_o differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o three_o former_a it_o do_v commend_v the_o great_a facility_n of_o the_o author_n who_o in_o reason_v in_o so_o small_a variety_n of_o matter_n be_v able_a to_o frame_v so_o great_a a_o change_n of_o argument_n which_o yet_o be_v consider_v of_o do_v appear_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n brownist_n these_o assembly_n have_v not_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n can_v take_v from_o they_o viz._n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o to_o reform_v thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o but_o be_v drive_v to_o the_o commissary_n court_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n answer_n the_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o proposition_n fail_v for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v sometime_o without_o outward_a government_n whereof_o read_v pag._n 25._o and_o so_o consequent_o without_o the_o power_n which_o this_o man_n speak_v off_o for_o i_o know_v he_o will_v not_o restrain_v this_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v though_o he_o may_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o christ_n speak_v joh._n 20._o 23._o saying_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v as_o for_o the_o assumption_n it_o be_v most_o untrue_a for_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n which_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o ministry_n to_o bind_v and_o to_o loose_v thereby_o but_o also_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a government_n i_o grant_v that_o every_o several_a congregation_n have_v not_o this_o power_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o in_o no_o age_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o every_o several_a congregation_n have_v this_o authority_n but_o even_o in_o those_o church_n which_o have_v a_o eldership_n the_o same_o be_v not_o in_o every_o assembly_n but_o diverse_a congregation_n be_v order_v by_o one_o seniory_n therefore_o to_o say_v that_o because_o every_o private_a congregation_n have_v not_o this_o power_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o childish_a kind_n of_o reason_v brownist_n these_o assembly_n cast_v out_o sathan_n by_o the_o power_n of_o sathan_n namely_o by_o these_o imp_n of_o antichrist_n the_o bishop_n commissary_n and_o priest_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o and_o for_o all_o their_o reason_n several_a and_o join_v can_v be_v hold_v in_o any_o christian_a judgement_n the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n answer_n in_o this_o last_o argument_n be_v grant_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o before_o be_v deny_v viz._n that_o our_o church_n have_v power_n of_o cast_v out_o but_o it_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n for_o if_o they_o say_v true_a this_o power_n be_v not_o from_o christ_n but_o from_o the_o imp_n of_o antichrist_n etc._n etc._n unto_o which_o accusation_n i_o answer_v the_o end_n wherefore_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o from_o among_o we_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n shall_v be_v that_o the_o offender_n by_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v bring_v unto_o repentance_n now_o for_o the_o order_n hereof_o the_o people_n be_v not_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v their_o voice_n pag._n 47._o etc._n etc._n and_o a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o congregation_n can_v be_v have_v pag._n â—8_o therefore_o neither_o election_n ordination_n excommunication_n nor_o other_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o every_o particular_a congregation_n as_o for_o this_o unchristian_a deal_n in_o condemn_v for_o antichristian_a whatsoever_o be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o humour_n it_o have_v be_v often_o answer_v some_o defect_n there_o be_v in_o our_o government_n we_o challenge_v no_o perfection_n some_o corruption_n there_o be_v oftentimes_o in_o such_o as_o have_v the_o order_n of_o it_o i_o defend_v not_o all_o but_o in_o this_o i_o will_v be_v resolve_v if_o we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n by_o what_o power_n do_v they_o cast_v out_o