shadow_n of_o who_o wing_n i_o have_v ever_o find_v there_o be_v only_a safety_n who_o bless_a assistance_n in_o all_o calamity_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o may_v be_v most_o assize_v of_o his_o patronage_n now_o and_o his_o defence_n be_v my_o shield_n who_o cause_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o who_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n i_o contend_v for_o and_o howsoever_o in_o all_o my_o life_n in_o all_o humane_a learning_n i_o be_v never_o so_o wed_v to_o my_o own_o resolve_n but_o upon_o better_a reason_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v divorce_v from_o they_o yet_o in_o god_n matter_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o teach_v i_o that_o that_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o happiness_n then_o by_o that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o lambeslaine_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v count_v he_o anathema_n or_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v i_o there_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o serve_v 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holy_a scrigture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o coutroversie_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledge_v a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viâ—_n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o due_a and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n discipline_n right_o execute_v and_o all_o other_o performance_n which_o make_v for_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o assembly_n likewise_o they_o have_v all_o such_o officer_n and_o help_n of_o government_n as_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v right_o employ_v may_v serve_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o and_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o preservation_n ofall_v as_o presbyter_n do_v preach_v and_o rule_v and_o deacon_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n i_o say_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v whether_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n or_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o one_o presbytery_n or_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o many_o
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n &_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o emninent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
20._o vers_fw-la the_o 7._o and_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o private_a house_n as_o by_o the_o many_o place_n be_v manifest_a which_o i_o cite_v but_o a_o little_a before_o beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o break_v bread_n be_v no_o temple-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o preach_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o appear_v act_n 4._o 2._o they_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o have_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o assault_v act_v 21._o 28._o for_o be_v but_o suppose_v to_o have_v bring_v greek_n into_o the_o temple_n what_o will_v these_o man_n have_v do_v if_o one_o shall_v have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a ordinance_n and_o a_o new_a worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o legal_a right_n sure_o the_o jew_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n contend_v for_o this_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o not_o every_o day_n yet_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n at_o least_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v never_o without_o preach_v as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n 20._o 7._o and_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o daily_o break_v bread_n together_o and_o that_o in_o several_a and_o particular_a house_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v for_o a_o few_o house_n can_v not_o have_v hold_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o if_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v contain_v under_o one_o roof_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v in_o diverse_a and_o several_a chamber_n or_o room_n so_o that_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o one_o the_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v still_o several_a congregation_n as_o under_o the_o roof_n of_o paul_n there_o be_v diverse_a meeting_n place_n where_o man_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v call_v several_a church_n and_o they_o that_o meet_v there_o several_a congregation_n though_o under_o one_o roof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o place_n under_o one_o covert_n make_v always_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v in_o the_o several_a committee_n at_o westminster_n where_o every_o committee_n of_o both_o house_n have_v their_o several_a room_n and_o equal_a authority_n and_o be_v yet_o all_o but_o one_o parliament_n though_o distribute_v into_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n so_o here_o they_o have_v several_a assembly_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n as_o be_v declare_v and_o reason_n itself_o without_o any_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v this_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o all_o preach_v and_o that_o daily_a and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a room_n to_o preach_v in_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a auditory_n or_o assembly_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v preach_v to_o the_o wall_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n will_v all_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n all_o hair_n of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n the_o place_n above_o specify_v do_v declare_v and_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o resolve_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o truth_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o receive_a opinion_n but_o may_v evident_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n as_o the_o many_o committee_n in_o both_o house_n be_v in_o divers_a room_n and_o make_v divers_a assembly_n and_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n among_o themselves_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o parliament_n and_o all_o those_o several_a committee_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o great_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o the_o parliament_n and_o all_o this_o without_o confusion_n yea_o with_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o concern_v this_o argument_n mr_n knollys_n before_o he_o come_v to_o answer_v it_o make_v a_o little_a suck_a preamble_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o have_v one_o argument_n which_o be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n then_o all_o the_o other_o which_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v page_n 64._o thus_o he_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n be_v as_o follow_v i_o will_v set_v down_o all_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o doctor_n prove_v his_o minor_n which_o he_o say_v it_o manifest_a from_o act_n 2._o 46._o and_o chapter_n the_o 5._o 12._o 42._o and_o chapter_n 3._o 11._o 12._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produoe_v page_n 64_o 65_o 66._o in_o all_o which_o discourse_n the_o doctor_n give_v you_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o minor_a proposition_n which_o be_v his_o manner_n of_o discourse_v through_o his_o book_n this_o argument_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o deny_v it_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o doctor_n will_v prove_v for_o act_v the_o 2._o verse_n 42._o 46._o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o act_v the_o 3._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n can_v together_o to_o they_o in_o the_o porch_n which_o be_v call_v solomon_n act_v the_o 5._o 12._o and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n so_o that_o these_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o meet_v together_o in_o several_a place_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n do_v express_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v â—â—re_o together_o act_v the_o 2._o v._o 42_o 44_o 46._o yea_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o minor_a proposition_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o refutation_n of_o what_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v touch_v the_o first_o proposition_n thus_o profound_a mr_n knollys_n confute_v my_o argument_n i_o have_v set_v down_o all_o his_o word_n at_o large_a and_o as_o he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v my_o argument_n so_o i_o in_o like_a manner_n entreat_v he_o that_o he_o will_v but_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o and_o advise_o weight_n whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o all_o my_o discourse_n but_o my_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o proof_n of_o what_o
be_v a_o mighty_a company_n for_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n with_o one_o accord_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v due_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n this_o city_n be_v no_o contemptible_a one_o as_o appear_v from_o that_o i_o say_v before_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o credit_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v any_o one_o pastor_n able_a to_o teach_v they_o all_o which_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o send_v two_o of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n so_o that_o all_o this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v easy_o persuade_v beside_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n have_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n than_o the_o independent_o in_o our_o day_n who_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v convert_v any_o though_o they_o have_v pervert_v and_o seduce_v many_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o primitive_a minister_n there_o be_v immediate_o send_v of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o speak_v in_o all_o language_n and_o do_v miracle_n such_o as_o none_o can_v do_v but_o those_o that_o come_v from_o god_n as_o nicodemus_n say_v unto_o christ_n that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o john_n 3._o 2._o for_o they_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n with_o their_o word_n and_o shadow_n they_o raise_v the_o dead_a make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v wonderful_a withal_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n after_o a_o miserable_a life_n here_o and_o do_v also_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o order_v their_o way_n and_o conversation_n here_o so_o that_o they_o may_v live_v with_o honour_n and_o die_v with_o comfort_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o all_o man_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o after_o death_n and_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n as_o they_o do_v good_a wherever_o they_o come_v so_o they_o live_v so_o holy_o and_o unblamable_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o be_v man_n of_o such_o integrity_n sincerity_n and_o of_o such_o plain_a upright_a deal_n as_o the_o people_n that_o behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o see_v withal_o their_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o they_o do_v say_v of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o convert_v whole_a city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yea_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o they_o to_o bring_v whole_a nation_n in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o with_o a_o few_o miracle_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o we_o may_v see_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n and_o from_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n the_o 15._o verse_n 18._o 19_o where_o the_o apostle_n abundant_o declare_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o miracle_n of_o those_o time_n who_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v even_o to_o the_o convert_n of_o whole_a country_n and_o city_n and_o so_o they_o prevail_v in_o this_o city_n of_o samaria_n that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o be_v speedy_o convert_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o all_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o what_o rational_a man_n will_v think_v or_o can_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o royal_a city_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o church_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n as_o be_v apparent_a from_o act_n the_o 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o titus_n the_o 1._o and_o now_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o two_o mother_n city_n of_o palestine_n jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n enumerate_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o also_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v all_o subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o class_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n w_z ch_z be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v a_o illustrious_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o it_o also_o there_o be_v constitute_v a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v many_o presbyter_n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n and_o those_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v act_v the_o 14._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yea_o paul_n plant_v this_o church_n and_o apollo_n with_o barnabas_n and_o the_o presbyter_n water_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n for_o one_o pastor_n or_o minister_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o own_o flock_n at_o least_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n or_o a_o doctor_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v feed_v one_o congregation_n now_o in_o that_o they_o have_v many_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o many_o extraordinary_a teacher_n in_o it_o with_o all_o good_a reason_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n which_o will_v yet_o more_o abundant_o appear_v from_o its_o first_o constitution_n or_o plant_n for_o we_o read_v of_o multitude_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o that_o city_n that_o believe_v act_v the_o 18._o verse_n 5._o 7_o 8._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o beside_o justus_n crispus_n also_o and_o all_o his_o household_n and_o many_o corinthian_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o lord_n also_o say_v that_o he_o have_v many_o people_n in_o that_o city_n ver_fw-la 10._o which_o by_o the_o diligent_a preach_v of_o paul_n for_o eighteen_o month_n together_o be_v convert_v verse_n 11._o for_o who_o further_a build_v up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n paul_n apollo_n timothy_n cephas_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a &_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n beside_o their_o own_o presbyter_n be_v all_o constant_o employ_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3_o &_o 4._o all_o the_o which_o import_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n beside_o both_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n show_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o deceitful_a teacher_n seducer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o also_o have_v their_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n there_o be_v also_o many_o vain_a instructer_n and_o idle_a teacher_n who_o though_o they_o keep_v the_o foundation_n yet_o build_v upon_o it_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n now_o all_o reason_n will_v suggest_v that_o pastor_n of_o such_o several_a mind_n and_o teach_v such_o several_a &_o discrepant_a doctrine_n have_v all_o of_o they_o scholar_n &_o follower_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n whereof_o their_o several_a pastor_n be_v as_o now_o we_o see_v in_o the_o several_a sect_n in_o our_o time_n &_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o meeting_n for_o the_o convention_n of_o their_o officer_n with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o more_o choice_a people_n for_o discipline_n beside_o as_o we_o have_v express_v mention_n of_o a_o church_n in_o aquila_n and_o priscylla_n house_n 1_o cor._n 16._o so_o there_o be_v many_o other_o meet_v place_n in_o corinth_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o in_o express_a word_n there_o
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n with_o authority_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o as_o the_o people_n than_o do_v patient_o wait_v till_o the_o determine_n of_o that_o difference_n without_o make_v of_o any_o rent_n schism_n or_o separation_n one_o from_o another_o and_o do_v then_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o decree_n without_o any_o reluctation_n but_o observe_v they_o all_o willing_o after_o the_o debate_n so_o ought_v all_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o example_n with_o patience_n to_o wait_v without_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o division_n till_o thing_n be_v full_o discuss_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o such_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o then_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v themselves_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n for_o a_o example_n of_o imitation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o differ_v and_o dissent_v opinion_n between_o church_n and_o church_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o christian_a country_n or_o any_o old_a one_o revive_v as_o it_o have_v its_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n that_o all_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n shall_v follow_v it_o so_o this_o way_n of_o rule_v be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o other_o for_o as_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n have_v be_v ever_o govern_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o have_v ever_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n and_o counsel_n to_o superior_a upon_o either_o public_a grievance_n or_o upon_o any_o difference_n between_o province_n and_o province_n and_o county_n and_o county_n or_o between_o corporation_n and_o corporation_n or_o city_n and_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o oppression_n or_o impeachment_n or_o encroachment_n of_o each_o on_o the_o other_o liberty_n or_o through_o injustice_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o each_o of_o they_o from_o some_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n but_o in_o that_o also_o the_o several_a corporation_n that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v so_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a or_o above_o name_v occasion_n and_o although_o they_o all_o enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o several_a province_n county_n corporation_n and_o city_n in_o any_o kingdom_n do_v so_o as_o they_o can_v several_o and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v give_v a_o law_n each_o to_o other_o yet_o as_o in_o a_o general_a council_n in_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o knight_n and_o baron_n and_o burgess_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o representative_a body_n in_o a_o parliament_n or_o diet_n may_v be_v so_o assemble_v together_o not_o only_o redress_v any_o abuse_n and_o punish_v delinquents_n but_o also_o for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o those_o several_a doâ—inâ—ons_n for_o the_o future_a give_v law_n to_o each_o province_n county_n city_n and_o corporation_n yea_o and_o unto_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o enact_v penal_a statute_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a country_n under_o they_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n although_o in_o it_o the_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n among_o themselves_o can_v give_v law_n to_o each_o other_o severally_z and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o prescribe_v to_o each_o other_o a_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o with_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o a_o exemplary_a way_n by_o well_o do_v yet_o all_o these_o several_a church_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a council_n as_o they_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o and_o have_v from_o each_o of_o they_o deligate_v and_o send_v their_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o so_o many_o burgess_n of_o their_o several_a city_n and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o council_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17._o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcise_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o form_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o gracious_o bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v so_o to_o believe_v because_o the_o apostle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o of_o the_o presbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v count_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a &_o ordinary_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o â—it_a then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a councillor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o counsel_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a prelate_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
and_o humane_a learning_n yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o for_o this_o i._o s._n his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o church_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o decree_n valid_a and_o bind_a whereas_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n ratify_v those_o decree_n and_o so_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o presbyter_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n but_o as_o apostles_n stle_v with_o a_o transcendent_a power_n and_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o that_o session_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n which_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o and_o therefore_o their_o presence_n only_o as_o apostles_n make_v their_o decree_n bind_v which_o opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o howsoever_o it_o be_v very_o erroneous_a as_o i_o have_v often_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v point_v blank_a against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o i._o s._n who_o place_n all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n rob_v both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n his_o brethren_n they_o place_v all_o authority_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o deprive_v the_o presbyter_n of_o it_o and_o count_v they_o but_o ordinary_a man_n and_o not_o infallible_o there_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o which_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o they_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o these_o man_n be_v but_o babel_n builder_n who_o tongue_n and_o language_n be_v divide_v and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n for_o they_o be_v diametrical_o fight_v one_o against_o ano_fw-la there_o so_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o those_o man_n that_o begin_v once_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n like_o the_o midianitâ—s_v they_o destroy_v one_o a_o other_o but_o this_o have_v general_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v that_o study_n to_o invent_v engine_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o truth_n yet_o all_o the_o vapour_n of_o their_o brain_n can_v so_o much_o as_o cloud_v so_o bright_a â—_o sun_n but_o it_o will_v evermore_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o dazzle_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o see_v the_o people_n general_o so_o harden_v by_o obstinacy_n that_o they_o can_v yet_o discern_v into_o the_o craft_n and_o juggle_n of_o the_o illdefendents_a predicant_o who_o while_o they_o give_v the_o people_n or_o church_n power_n and_o interest_n to_o humour_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o hatred_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o build_v up_o their_o diana_n temple_n of_o independency_n hope_v by_o raise_v it_o to_o ruin_v the_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v and_o in_o fine_a by_o this_o mean_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o mâ—â—re_a anarchy_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o howsoever_o the_o illdefendents_a seek_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o this_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o they_o make_v it_o burn_v the_o bright_a as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n have_v do_v by_o their_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o have_v reply_v to_o what_o both_o these_o gentleman_n master_n hanserdo_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o three_o proposition_n i_o come_v now_o to_o my_o four_o which_o i_o will_v first_o set_v down_o with_o their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o then_o make_v my_o reply_n as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o all_o their_o former_a cavil_v and_o i_o will_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o order_n first_o answer_v to_o hanserdo_v and_o then_o to_o i._o s._n my_o four_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o there_o need_v no_o great_a dispute_n for_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o mother_n church_n must_v give_v a_o example_n of_o government_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n now_o then_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o this_o mother_n church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n and_o by_o her_o first_o constitution_n be_v consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n or_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o mother_n church_n be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o that_o misprision_n and_o mistake_n that_o she_o be_v consist_v of_o but_o as_o many_o as_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n they_o take_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o imitation_n and_o teach_v all_o their_o several_a congregation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o power_n among_o themselves_o independent_a and_o to_o govern_v with_o as_o absolute_a a_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o the_o which_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o appeal_n as_o all_o that_o know_v their_o tenant_n can_v witness_v so_o that_o this_o last_o proposition_n be_v strengthen_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n now_o to_o this_o my_o four_o proposition_n and_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n thus_o repli_v page_n 14._o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n deny_v but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n but_o the_o doctor_n know_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o a_o common_a council_n consistory_n college_n or_o court_n of_o presbyter_n and_o this_o they_o have_v not_o grant_v neither_o have_v the_o doctor_n prove_v and_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o proposition_n touch_v the_o first_o question_n this_o be_v all_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o this_o my_o last_o proposition_n in_o the_o which_o answer_v of_o he_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v what_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n grant_v and_o assent_v unto_o and_o what_o both_o he_o and_o they_o all_o deny_v at_o least_o as_o he_o say_v for_o he_o personate_v they_o all_o he_o grant_v in_o behalf_n of_o they_o all_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v but_o by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o master_n hanserdo_n reckon_v before_o his_o host_n for_o i._o s._n be_v one_o of_o the_o brethren_n and_o yet_o he_o page_n 13._o assert_v that_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o bind_o presidentiall_a now_o what_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v if_o mr_n knollys_n be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n be_v these_o two_o thing_n viz._n the_o first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n second_o they_o deny_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v prove_v it_o that_o all_o the_o brethren_n deny_v as_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o my_o brother_n burton_n none_o of_o tne_v mean_a of_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v it_o yea_o he_o not_o only_o grant_v it_o but_o by_o argument_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o mr_n hanserdo_v in_o this_o also_o his_o assertion_n
principale_a and_o the_o choice_a one_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n both_o for_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n and_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o upon_o any_o scandal_n so_o that_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v either_o man_n or_o woman_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a rank_n and_o quality_n without_o the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n of_o the_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o oppose_v the_o entrance_n of_o any_o though_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o mere_a jealousy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o godly_a they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o those_o congregation_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o this_o their_o practice_n and_o therefore_o plead_v ignorance_n in_o the_o business_n but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v i_o write_v nothing_o in_o my_o first_o book_n concern_v woman_n vote_v of_o it_o in_o church_n i_o shall_v recite_v some_o two_o or_o three_o story_n omit_v many_o to_o prove_v their_o 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neighbour_n very_o godly_a who_o be_v much_o enamour_a with_o the_o new_a way_n of_o church-fellowship_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n not_o that_o i_o speak_v of_o before_o and_o be_v to_o make_v his_o confession_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o his_o evidence_n and_o have_v to_o satisfy_v the_o church_n do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v two_o of_o the_o woman_n in_o that_o assembly_n oppose_v his_o admission_n so_o that_o without_o their_o good_a like_n he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n and_o he_o apply_v himself_o unto_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o the_o elder_n give_v many_o sign_n of_o his_o true_a conversion_n so_o that_o they_o relate_v unto_o he_o that_o for_o their_o part_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o he_o in_o way_n of_o opposition_n but_o wish_v he_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o those_o sister_n tell_v he_o that_o without_o their_o consent_n they_o can_v not_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellowship_n whereupon_o he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o he_o court_v they_o for_o their_o favour_n sometime_o he_o expostulate_v with_o they_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o adverse_a to_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v their_o consent_n demand_v of_o they_o if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o conversation_n and_o they_o reply_v no_o but_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v godly_a and_o sanctify_a and_o fit_a for_o church_n fellowship_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o he_o be_v ever_o admit_v in_o that_o congregation_n i_o know_v not_o but_o at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o the_o sister_n do_v not_o give_v their_o consent_n and_o they_o can_v allege_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o their_o not_o agree_v to_o his_o admission_n but_o that_o they_o conceive_v he_o be_v not_o godly_a the_o three_o story_n be_v of_o one_o that_o be_v repute_v a_o very_a honest_a and_o godly_a man_n among_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n and_o who_o have_v also_o walk_v sometime_o among_o they_o in_o one_o of_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v a_o join_a member_n and_o he_o bring_v in_o his_o evidence_n and_o make_v the_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n satisfactory_a enough_o to_o many_o of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o himself_o fit_a for_o member-ship_n a_o marry_a woman_n rise_v up_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o profess_v before_o they_o all_o she_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v fit_a tobe_n admit_v as_o a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o use_v some_o trivial_a reason_n for_o she_o not_o assent_v to_o his_o admssion_n and_o for_o that_o time_n he_o can_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o give_v the_o good_a sister_n plenary_a satisfaction_n and_o whether_o he_o be_v yet_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o he_o be_v by_o the_o woman_n at_o that_o time_n put_v off_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v with_o the_o other_o two_o story_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o produce_v many_o such_o precedent_n more_o now_o i_o refer_v this_o to_o any_o understanding_n man_n judgement_n whether_o the_o key_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o the_o woman_n girdle_n and_o whether_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n be_v always_o to_o be_v credit_v either_o in_o their_o denial_n or_o affirmation_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o five_o query_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o six_o and_o last_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o practise_v and_o preach_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o the_o which_o query_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._o s._n answer_v as_o two_o juggler_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 19_o those_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v for_o matter_n and_o form_n true_a church_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o christ_n word_n do_v set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o for_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n this_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o my_o sixth_o query_n now_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o my_o query_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o from_o this_o his_o answer_n i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o their_o new_a congregation_n do_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n they_o fail_v both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o true_a church_n and_o
let_v they_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o saint_n paul_n write_v to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o write_v to_o all_o church_n and_o proclaim_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o so_o that_o god_n have_v command_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n they_o shall_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o our_o day_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n they_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o make_v learned_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o dispute_v question_n and_o debate_n of_o matter_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la as_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v and_o other_o of_o they_o set_v â—orth_o and_o print_v learned_a treatise_n in_o polemicall_a divinity_n with_o great_a applause_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n who_o cite_v their_o authority_n and_o quote_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n as_o classical_a author_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ludibry_n of_o religion_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o shall_v more_o honour_v the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a of_o that_o sex_n than_o myself_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_o they_o become_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o proclaim_v a_o shame_n i_o can_v but_o exceed_o blame_v they_o and_o those_o minister_n that_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o such_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o special_a care_n in_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a of_o woman_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o foresee_v the_o confusion_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v he_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o 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 in_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 11._o 12._o he_o say_v let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n for_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v than_o eve_n and_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o apostle_n again_o and_o again_o twice_o in_o these_o few_o word_n enjoin_v they_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n i_o suffer_v not_o say_v he_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silene_n and_o he_o give_v his_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n because_o say_v he_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v not_o by_o the_o woman_n nor_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v usurp_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o masculine_a sex_n especial_o in_o god_n matter_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o man_n her_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o that_o superiority_n that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v establish_v upon_o the_o man_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o do_v now_o re-establish_a upon_o he_o again_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n after_o all_o thing_n through_o sin_n have_v be_v disorder_v and_o confuse_a and_o command_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v both_o subject_n and_o silent_a especial_o in_o the_o church_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n be_v because_o the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o adam_n fall_n as_o he_o accuse_v she_o and_o her_o dispute_v and_o voice_n of_o it_o then_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o she_o so_o do_v s._n paul_n conclude_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o hold_v her_o peace_n &_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o aught_o to_o learn_v in_o silence_n at_o home_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o come_v to_o voice_n it_o once_o again_o in_o the_o church_n as_o eve_n bring_v confusion_n upon_o mankind_n by_o her_o disputation_n and_o reason_n so_o these_o with_o their_o loquacity_n and_o babble_n and_o confusion_n of_o voice_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o have_v pretty_o well_o already_o begin_v to_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n here_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 14._o command_v they_o silence_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o viril_n sex_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o understand_a creature_n whether_o or_o no_o to_o make_v large_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o church_n as_o many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n do_v and_o dispute_v and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whither_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o either_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o either_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o hinder_v their_o come_n in_o or_o have_v their_o voice_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v exercise_n and_o usurp_v authority_n over_o those_o they_o so_o deal_v with_o and_o therefore_a they_o do_v against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v usurp_v this_o authority_n and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o have_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v or_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o great_a contumacy_n against_o god_n and_o ought_v serious_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o their_o temerity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o intermedle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o speedy_a course_n take_v by_o authority_n to_o forbid_v such_o disorder_n we_o may_v promise_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o confusion_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n when_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n intermeddle_v in_o government_n and_o matter_n of_o state_n that_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n be_v very_o craze_a and_o not_o far_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o we_o need_v not_o look_v into_o many_o age_n or_o country_n for_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o if_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o kingdom_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o fatal_a unto_o they_o what_o may_v any_o man_n think_v in_o time_n will_v become_v of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o the_o woman_n have_v get_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n affair_n certain_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o this_o their_o do_v be_v against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o never_o be_v it_o yet_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o well_o govern_v city_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n that_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v officer_n or_o burgess_n or_o make_v of_o freeman_n or_o disfranchise_v of_o they_o or_o be_v permit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o rule_v and_o give_v law_n to_o other_o out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o that_o sex_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o wel-governed_n church_n and_o state_n and_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o know_v their_o
a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o bind_v all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o both_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n learned_o infer_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a opinion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o church_n fellowship_n from_o the_o example_n of_o philip_n ananias_n paul_n in_o baptise_v the_o gaoler_n and_o lydia_n and_o peter_n baptise_v of_o cornelius_n and_o admit_v of_o he_o and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o those_o condition_n they_o propound_v and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n or_o mere_a extravagant_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n or_o a_o leaden_a rule_n that_o they_o may_v either_o work_v and_o mould_n it_o or_o bend_v it_o into_o what_o fashion_n they_o please_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o experience_a christian_n but_o by_o the_o way_n also_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o my_o brother_n burton_n grant_v viz._n that_o the_o receive_n of_o those_o gentile_n and_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o by_o peter_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v to_o make_v they_o one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n from_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o be_v man_n baptize_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n either_o after_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o incorporate_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n both_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o member_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n those_o that_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n may_v also_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v but_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o sheepfold_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n of_o it_o and_o king_n that_o govern_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v admit_v member_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o they_o be_v admit_v whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o may_v communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n that_o any_o of_o christ_n subject_n can_v challenge_v and_o all_o this_o i_o learn_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o so_o long_o as_o he_o hold_v out_o any_o truth_n unto_o i_o i_o will_v listen_v unto_o as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o point_n but_o no_o far_o again_o as_o all_o those_o viz._n the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o minister_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n urge_v by_o the_o brethren_n so_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o upon_o christ_n own_o condition_n viz._n faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n have_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n speak_v thus_o much_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o whereas_o they_o peremptory_o affirm_v from_o the_o interrogation_n of_o peter_n to_o those_o that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o where_o he_o say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v power_n also_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o in_o so_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o a_o very_a groundless_a illation_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o interrogation_n plain_o manifest_v the_o contrary_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o other_o precedent_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 33._o 34._o saint_n paul_n say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o which_o interrogation_n do_v not_o imply_v as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o answer_v that_o any_o creature_n can_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n or_o that_o any_o creature_n can_v condemn_v or_o that_o any_o creature_n can_v separate_v the_o elect_a from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n another_o instance_n to_o omit_v many_o we_o have_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o peter_n act_v 8._o 35._o where_o the_o eunuch_n say_v unto_o philip_n see_v here_o be_v water_n what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v i_o demand_v of_o any_o whither_o or_o no_o this_o interrogation_n of_o he_o do_v not_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o creature_n now_o can_v hinder_v i_o from_o baptism_n see_v that_o we_o have_v water_v that_o element_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o it_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v and_o so_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o philip_n answer_n to_o he_o who_o say_v nothing_o can_v hinder_v his_o baptism_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n if_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n whereupon_o the_o eunuch_n answer_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v forthwith_o baptize_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o that_o inference_n they_o will_v gather_v from_o peter_n word_n can_v ground_o be_v make_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n to_o hinder_v any_o as_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o peter_n own_o word_n and_o reason_n when_o he_o be_v question_v about_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o act_n the_o story_n whereof_o be_v there_o set_v down_o at_o large_a with_o peter_n answer_n to_o all_o their_o objection_n who_o tell_v they_o for_o 12._o that_o the_o spirit_n bid_v he_o go_v with_o those_o that_o come_v from_o cornelius_n nothing_o doubt_v etc._n etc._n say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o that_o with_o a_o irresistible_a reason_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o god_n give_v they_o the_o like_a gift_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o we_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n all_o the_o which_o discourse_n of_o peter_n and_o this_o his_o reason_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o his_o interrogation_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptiâ—ed_v do_v not_o imply_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o to_o have_v hinder_v their_o baptism_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o believe_v for_o if_o peter_n himself_o shall_v have_v refuse_v it_o he_o have_v be_v disobedient_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v doubt_v which_o he_o be_v forbid_v and_o withal_o have_v resist_v in_o as_o much_o as_o have_v be_v in_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o say_v saint_n peter_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n from_o which_o i_o gather_v and_o that_o by_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v into_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n without_o they_o walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o and_o without_o the_o make_n of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n and_o withstander_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o if_o they_o do_v
consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollery_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o phatisee_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a &_o eleganter_fw-la way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o such_o how_o glorious_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o appear_v and_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v teach_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n better_o than_o he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o neither_o saint_n paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o be_v join_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v except_o they_o walk_v sometime_o in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v approbation_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o conversation_n first_o and_o after_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v member_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o this_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n teach_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o teach_v their_o new_a way_n their_o newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v gal._n 1._o verse_n 8._o 9_o to_o be_v accurse_v saint_n john_n also_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n verse_n 9_o 10._o say_v whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n he_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o that_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o independent_a minister_n teach_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o join_v and_o jumble_v of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a borne_n truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v sometime_o in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepherd_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a bottle_n and_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confess_v and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n and_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n
he_o may_v also_o true_o be_v say_v of_o cretensis_n and_o all_o those_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o word_n be_v sword_n and_o spear_n who_o all_o fight_n rather_o with_o their_o heel_n then_o with_o their_o head_n and_o kick_v rather_o than_o argue_v and_o whip_v rather_o than_o answer_v whether_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n though_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o gray_a head_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o their_o deal_n be_v so_o palpable_o unjust_a and_o their_o opinion_n so_o schismatical_a heretical_a and_o erroneous_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o as_o know_v what_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n my_o brother_n burton_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pretend_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o god_n word_n for_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o affirm_v moreover_o in_o the_o five_o page_n that_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o several_a congregation_n be_v all_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o both_o which_o assertion_n of_o his_o be_v most_o false_a as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o all_o those_o that_o know_v their_o practice_n and_o will_v vouchsafe_v but_o to_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n where_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n in_o all_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o any_o of_o their_o new_a practice_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n how_o then_o can_v the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o it_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o way_n as_o by_o their_o practice_n will_v be_v evidence_v therefore_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o will_v brief_o examine_v some_o of_o their_o proceed_n and_o first_o whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o all_o their_o church_n be_v dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o this_o i_o say_v be_v most_o false_a for_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n whatsoever_o they_o publish_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o people_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o method_n well_o know_v so_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o of_o their_o church_n breast_n and_o be_v at_o their_o pleasure_n whether_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o confer_v or_o consult_v with_o each_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v at_o any_o time_n 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despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n he_o call_v they_o rage_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n wander_v star_n to_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o against_o who_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v execute_v judgement_n for_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n and_o for_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n still_v they_o murmurer_n complayner_n who_o mouth_n speak_v great_a swell_a word_n have_v man_n person_n in_o admiration_n because_o of_o advantage_n desire_v all_o man_n to_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o foretold_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o mocker_n in_o the_o last_o time_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o ungodly_a lust_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o know_v who_o these_o man_n both_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o he_o say_v they_o be_v such_o 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sam._n 12._o v._n 23._o god_n forbid_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_v against_o the_o lord_n in_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o holy_a prophet_n make_v it_o a_o sin_n in_o either_o minister_n or_o people_n not_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o brethren_n and_o especial_o those_o in_o authority_n for_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n the_o lord_n tell_v a_o heathen_a king_n that_o abraham_n his_o servant_n shall_v pray_v for_o he_o yea_o father_n abraham_n pray_v for_o the_o very_a sodomite_n and_o the_o kingdom_n in_o which_o they_o dwell_v gen._n 18._o and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v in_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n have_v a_o command_n from_o god_n himself_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o very_a babylon_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o same_o and_o we_o have_v read_v what_o supplication_n daniel_n ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n put_v up_o in_o behalf_n of_o those_o heathen_a prince_n under_o which_o 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thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n tend_v also_o for_o the_o peace_n quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o they_o all_o and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o all_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o those_o in_o authority_n and_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n do_v ever_o most_o diligent_o observe_v and_o follow_v pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n night_n and_o day_n whereas_o the_o sectary_n be_v never_o in_o private_a hear_v pray_v for_o either_o king_n or_o parliament_n or_o the_o scot_n or_o assembly_n how_o wicked_a a_o thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o in_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o what_o a_o part_n of_o unrighteousness_n be_v it_o in_o they_o daily_o to_o omit_v this_o duty_n who_o will_v neither_o pray_v with_o their_o brethren_n nor_o for_o they_o but_z separate_z from_o all_o their_o society_n as_o from_o a_o people_n unholy_a yea_o how_o impious_a and_o rebellious_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o in_o they_o against_o both_o god_n and_o all_o authority_n to_o say_v and_o that_o in_o a_o disdainful_a manner_n even_o in_o their_o public_a meet_v place_n and_o congregation_n that_o neither_o the_o parliament_n nor_o assembly_n be_v worthy_a their_o prayer_n yea_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o that_o not_o only_o private_o but_o in_o their_o congregation_n public_o sure_o if_o either_o the_o parliament_n or_o assembly_n or_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n or_o the_o persecute_v jew_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o for_o we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n yea_o for_o our_o enemy_n and_o those_o that_o persecute_v we_o and_o
be_v mention_v and_o therefore_o if_o i_o in_o god_n quarrel_n and_o cause_n be_v a_o little_a more_o earnest_a and_o use_v a_o little_a more_o tartness_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o wave_v in_o my_o own_o it_o may_v with_o any_o good_a nature_n easy_o plead_v excuse_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v my_o epistle_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o all_o to_o consider_v three_o passage_n omit_v many_o i_o shall_v here_o set_v before_o your_o eye_n the_o one_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o answer_n the_o other_o out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o flagellum_fw-la the_o three_o out_o of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n vindiciae_fw-la that_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o these_o man_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v wrong_v your_o cause_n before_o you_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n master_n knollys_n thus_o speak_v upon_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o his_o book_n a_o moderate_a answer_n unto_o doctor_n bastwicks_n book_n wherein_o the_o manner_n how_o some_o 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prove_v it_o by_o argument_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n assent_v unto_o i._o s._n his_o doctrine_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a if_o you_o look_v into_o it_o in_o which_o you_o shall_v find_v also_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o at_o that_o time_n when_o according_a to_o his_o own_o reckon_n there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n his_o word_n be_v these_o say_v that_o though_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n altogether_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o the_o learning_n of_o all_o these_o your_o great_a champion_n you_o will_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n 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and_o justice_n against_o the_o independent_a party_n and_o they_o notwithstanding_o still_o challenge_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o independency_n although_o i_o say_v it_o be_v make_v apparent_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o just_o challenge_v or_o claim_v any_o right_n thereunto_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o his_o church_n they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o groundless_a challenge_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o they_o will_v be_v either_o soli_fw-la aut_fw-la nulli_fw-la will_v admit_v of_o no_o fair_a accommodation_n as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n break_v out_o into_o open_a hostility_n and_o war_n against_o their_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a unto_o covenant_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v brief_o set_v down_o in_o the_o schismatic_n sift_v set_v forth_o by_o mr._n john_n vicarâ—_n and_o let_v fly_v their_o arrow_n and_o quill_n at_o we_o and_o with_o the_o 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will_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o speedy_o if_o these_o rover_n may_v go_v on_o without_o control_n and_o resistance_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o combat_n the_o presbyterian_o hitherto_o have_v use_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_n by_o which_o they_o challenge_v a_o title_n and_o right_a to_o independency_n and_o withal_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o plead_n before_o they_o come_v to_o hostility_n with_o the_o name_n of_o some_o of_o their_o chief_a advocate_n and_o patron_n who_o live_v sometime_o in_o the_o low-countries_n among_o the_o country_n courtier_n there_o where_o they_o become_v excellent_a proficient_n in_o their_o art_n and_o where_o they_o learn_v this_o lesson_n perfect_o well_o viz._n how_o to_o spread_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o independent_o butter_n 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church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n be_v independent_a promise_a and_o that_o faithful_o withal_o the_o other_o judge_n that_o if_o they_o can_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n witness_n and_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n the_o charter_n of_o the_o great_a king_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o controversy_n than_o shall_v speedy_o be_v decide_v between_o they_o and_o that_o they_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o honest_o whereupon_o first_o thomas_n goodwin_n a_o sturdy_a advocate_n produce_v for_o witness_v the_o first_o v._o of_o the_o 2._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n in_o these_o word_n when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v they_o be_v all_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n ergo_fw-la say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n 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in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o argue_v if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v against_o the_o independent_o those_o homothumadon_n brethren_n all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o and_o their_o itinerary_a preacher_n those_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n those_o name_n be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n on_o one_o of_o their_o feast_n day_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o independent_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n then_o can_v meet_v at_o all_o time_n in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o their_o ordinance_n will_v not_o all_o the_o independent_o laugh_v at_o any_o presbyterian_a that_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v when_o they_o themselves_o boast_v that_o there_o be_v million_o of_o they_o in_o london_n now_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v true_o inform_v there_o be_v million_o of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n only_o that_o be_v present_a together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o the_o other_o believer_n be_v in_o their_o other_o meet_v place_n yea_o beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v now_o name_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 5._o that_o at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n here_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o these_o and_o all_o these_o be_v then_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v by_o many_o witness_n prove_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o believer_n or_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n how_o therefore_o with_o any_o honesty_n can_v the_o independent_o conclude_v from_o epi_n to_o auto_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o ever_o after_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v never_o any_o fight_n against_o he_o but_o shall_v i_o yield_v unto_o they_o which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n will_v it_o follow_v in_o any_o sound_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o after_o all_o still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v infinite_o daily_o increase_v i_o trow_v not_o for_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o so_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v will_v be_v but_o to_o prove_v fighter_n against_o all_o reason_n yea_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o express_a scripture_n as_o will_v forthwith_o appear_v for_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o then_o that_o company_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o place_n spacious_a enough_o for_o to_o break_v bread_n in_o they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v in_o many_o several_a house_n they_o have_v their_o meeting_n to_o communicate_v in_o therefore_o at_o that_o very_a time_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o disciple_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v speedy_o and_o ready_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a and_o alone_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o walk_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o must_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n nothing_o i_o say_v of_o all_o this_o be_v either_o practise_v in_o this_o mother-church_n or_o any_o daughter-church_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n but_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v most_o certain_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o their_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v without_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o that_o upon_o offer_v themselves_o the_o second_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o instant_a time_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o those_o express_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n then_o but_o it_o will_v far_o more_o illustrious_o yet_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o divers_a other_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a indefinite_o set_v down_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v tell_v which_o add_v no_o small_a emphasis_n unto_o the_o expression_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o require_v of_o all_o their_o member_n in_o these_o our_o time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o only_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n now_o what_o understanding_n man_n can_v easy_o believe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o daily_a increase_n of_o believer_n make_v that_o they_o can_v all_o still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o other_o new_a addition_n and_o that_o of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o beside_o woman_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o now_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o they_o be_v then_o force_v for_o want_n of_o a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o divers_a several_a house_n how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o daily_a then_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n may_v any_o one_o imagine_v when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o daily_a addition_n of_o believer_n but_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o add_v unto_o the_o
in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v in_o many_o place_n make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o how_o in_o any_o ordinary_a man_n understanding_n can_v many_o congregation_n be_v one_o political_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o associate_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n there_o as_o this_o 21._o ch_z testify_v and_o the_o 15._o chap._n and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n all_o which_o have_v the_o government_n over_o that_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v any_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundant_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v yet_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o scripture_n very_o common_a reason_n overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n in_o which_o there_o be_v never_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n who_o daily_o expect_v the_o messiah_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o he_o come_v have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n at_o his_o command_n to_o go_v and_o come_v at_o pleasure_n who_o powerful_a preach_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o satan_n be_v see_v fall_n down_o like_o iightning_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o kingdom_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o all_o who_o efficacious_a preach_n and_o miracle_n we_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o at_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o time_n beside_o daily_a addition_n add_v unto_o that_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v daily_o increase_v of_o believer_n upon_o increase_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v yet_o prevail_v to_o convert_v no_o more_o in_o future_a time_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o incredible_a and_o true_o for_o any_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o error_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v it_o record_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o very_a weak_a believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n beside_o the_o strong_a it_o be_v a_o open_a and_o wilful_a fight_v against_o god_n and_o a_o resist_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o all_o these_o be_v convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o numberless_a multitude_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o thâ—s_n brigade_n of_o argument_n militate_v against_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n sectary_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v for_o ever_o serve_v to_o vanquish_v they_o all_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o field_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o every_o one_o a_o church_n or_o church_n several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o as_o all_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n do_v now_o here_o in_o london_n but_o all_o those_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o subordinate_a and_o be_v combine_v together_o make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n within_o that_o precinct_n the_o example_n of_o which_o mother-church_n be_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n for_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o concern_v the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o air_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v or_o be_v speedy_o blow_v away_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o breath_n of_o truth_n now_o my_o other_o company_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n they_o militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v they_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v now_o though_o by_o their_o grant_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o day_n as_o in_o the_o follow_a skirmish_n will_v appear_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o sconce_n of_o error_n to_o which_o they_o have_v betake_v themselves_o can_v defend_v their_o cause_n i_o shall_v with_o one_o company_n at_o this_o time_n beat_v they_o out_o of_o that_o hold_n and_o full_o vanquish_v they_o in_o the_o pitch_a field_n it_o be_v record_v act._n 2._o v._n 42._o of_o all_o those_o new_a convert_n which_o be_v in_o many_o assembly_n &_o in_o many_o house_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n this_o very_a troop_n alone_o serve_v for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o what_o bulwark_n soever_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o for_o shelter_n for_o if_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v in_o they_o several_o whatsoever_o do_v make_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n than_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a so_o that_o to_o any_o rational_a man_n this_o question_n be_v also_o out_o of_o controversy_n for_o let_v any_o man_n but_o due_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o thâ—y_o each_o of_o they_o several_o may_v as_o true_o challenge_v the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v they_o communicate_v in_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o church_n a_o complete_a church_n or_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n by_o lawful_a minister_n can_v make_v any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o by_o this_o one_o company_n and_o by_o this_o very_a argument_n all_o the_o whible_a reserve_v of_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v and_o that_o place_n of_o truth_n maintain_v against_o they_o all_o viz._n that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o every_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o independent_a and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o truth_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o all_o sort_n of_o independent_o that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o some_o one_o college_n of_o presbyter_n make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o precinct_n but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n which_o have_v neither_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o these_o encounter_n and_o frequent_a skirmish_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o host_n the_o general_n of_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v vanquish_v all_o the_o force_n both_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o and_o all_o the_o burtonian_a sectary_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v not_o only_o the_o field_n of_o truth_n but_o these_o
two_o sconce_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n will_v be_v full_o make_v good_a and_o withal_o it_o will_v be_v maintain_v that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n that_o be_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n who_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a by_o all_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v who_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n it_o be_v that_o every_o congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v it_o great_a or_o small_a aught_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a church_n or_o body_n by_o itself_o exercise_v all_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v reference_n or_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o congregation_n for_o matter_n of_o government_n no_o far_o then_o please_v themselves_o and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n there_o be_v innumerable_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n for_o those_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o do_v affirm_v be_v but_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o entire_a church_n these_o be_v their_o word_n by_o all_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o appointment_n that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o some_o precinct_n shall_v all_o of_o they_o within_o that_o jurisdiction_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o in_o common_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a corporation_n and_o therefore_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n may_v without_o any_o offence_n or_o diviation_n from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v by_o i_o to_o any_o civil_a corporation_n as_o that_o of_o london_n or_o the_o like_a for_o though_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n spend_v much_o time_n and_o many_o word_n to_o no_o purpose_n about_o my_o simile_n yet_o it_o will_v stand_v for_o ever_o immovable_a and_o serve_v to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n for_o that_o very_a end_n i_o propound_v it_o viz._n to_o declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n yea_o by_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n pag_n the_o four_o of_o his_o pamphlet_n it_o be_v authorize_v for_o he_o there_o after_o much_o babble_n thus_o express_v himself_o concern_v this_o point_n when_o say_v he_o we_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o device_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o we_o may_v find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o they_o in_o thing_n here_o below_o which_o be_v make_v after_o they_o but_o we_o can_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a composure_n from_o these_o earthly_a thing_n thus_o j._n s._n speak_v there_o so_o that_o i_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n and_o original_a church_n find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o heavenly_a composure_n and_o that_o device_n of_o god_n as_o he_o grollish_o call_v it_o it_o be_v then_o no_o sin_n in_o i_o in_o i._o s._n his_o opinion_n to_o find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n below_o and_o therefore_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v have_v save_v all_o that_o labour_n they_o needless_o spend_v about_o that_o simile_n which_o will_v ever_o stand_v good_a against_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o the_o elucidating_a and_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o independent_o which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o and_o there_o before_o all_o the_o pother_n they_o make_v about_o that_o simile_n be_v but_o to_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o to_o vent_v their_o own_o vanity_n but_o from_o all_o this_o dispute_n that_o i_o may_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v nationall_n church_n which_o the_o independent_o deny_v i_o far_a gather_v that_o if_o many_o hundred_o congregation_n be_v combine_v together_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o any_o great_a city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o any_o large_a jurisdiction_n may_v all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o may_v take_v its_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o city_n or_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o thousand_o parish_n yea_o ten_o thousand_o all_o of_o they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n in_o what_o kingdom_n nation_n province_n country_n or_o commonwealth_n soever_o they_o be_v may_v not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o those_o several_a country_n be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o under_o some_o grand_a presbytery_n take_v their_o several_a name_n and_o denomination_n either_o from_o those_o respective_a nation_n or_o language_n and_o be_v call_v either_o the_o greek_a church_n or_o the_o hebrew_n church_n or_o the_o latin_a church_n or_o the_o french_a church_n or_o the_o dutch_a church_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n ireland_n or_o or_o such_o a_o provincial_n church_n or_o such_o a_o nationall_n church_n i_o say_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o if_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n come_v in_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o of_o they_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v not_o as_o well_o from_o those_o several_a nation_n take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o nation_n as_o they_o may_v take_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n or_o from_o any_o other_o city_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o become_v nationall_n church_n i_o desire_v therefore_o any_o man_n to_o give_v i_o a_o good_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o natural_a posterity_n for_o he_o be_v only_o in_o that_o regard_n a_o father_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o challenge_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a parentage_n in_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o child_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o beleif_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o day_n abraham_n by_o faith_n see_v and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o believer_n do_v and_o therefore_o they_o likewise_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o child_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o abraham_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o call_v nationall_n church_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o with_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n deny_v for_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o glorious_a promise_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o gentile_n as_o that_o in_o isaiah_n 19_o for_o 23_o 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n shall_v there_o be_v a_o highway_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o assyria_n and_o the_o assyrian_a shall_v come_v into_o egypt_n and_o the_o egyptian_a into_o assyria_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v serve_v with_o the_o assyrian_n in_o that_o day_n shall_v israel_n be_v the_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o with_o assyria_n even_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n here_o all_o these_o three_o nation_n be_v call_v three_o sister_n church_n if_o we_o mark_v the_o coherence_n and_o for_o far_a proof_n of_o nationall_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v isaiah_n 55._o 5._o thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n which_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o which_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o both_o god_n call_v of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o nation_n answer_v to_o that_o call_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o gospel_n time_n psal_n 22._o 27
and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v worship_v before_o thou_o and_o psal_n 72._o it_o be_v say_v all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o psal_n 86._o 9_o all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorify_v thy_o name_n innumerable_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o nationall_n church_n for_o all_o nation_n be_v christ_n by_o donation_n psal_n 2._o 8._o ask_v of_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o christ_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o conquest_n who_o have_v vanquish_v the_o strong_a man_n and_o disarm_v he_o and_o vindicate_v the_o nation_n into_o his_o own_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o purchase_n also_o viz._n all_o the_o elect_a of_o they_o for_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n 1_o pet._n 1._o act_n 20._o yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o call_n for_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n into_o all_o nation_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v in_o matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o many_o of_o they_o obey_v the_o call_n and_o be_v he_o by_o covenant_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o revel_v 11._o v._n 15._o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o paul_n in_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o rom_n speak_v unto_o all_o the_o gentile_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n say_v for_o 17._o that_o some_o of_o the_o natural_a branch_n be_v break_v off_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o nation_n be_v equal_a in_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o respect_n so_o that_o as_o that_o be_v a_o national_a church_n so_o be_v they_o and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep_n fold_n one_o church_n consist_v of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o one_o nationall_n church_n because_o all_o the_o tribe_n in_o that_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o visible_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o same_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o live_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o government_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n ecclesiastic_a or_o ecclesiastical_a commonwealth_n so_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v all_o those_o kingdom_n nation_n country_n and_o province_n that_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o come_v under_o the_o government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a high_a priest_n and_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o do_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o government_n he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o particular_a consociation_n and_o community_n in_o any_o country_n nation_n or_o province_n or_o kingdom_n receive_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o several_a country_n &_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o church_n eatholick_n be_v a_o homogenial_a and_o similar_v body_n retain_v the_o name_n of_o church_n into_o what_o city_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n soever_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o for_o as_o those_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o have_v its_o name_n from_o thence_o so_o may_v the_o many_o parish_n and_o village_n which_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o their_o several_a bound_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o christian_a faith_n make_v but_o one_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o through_o that_o country_n combine_v together_o under_o one_o government_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a for_o as_o for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v mere_o as_o a_o humane_a and_o politic_a ordinance_n as_o many_o conceive_v and_o therefore_o will_v make_v provincial_n church_n and_o parish_n church_n a_o humane_a invention_n for_o in_o the_o 32._o of_o deut._n v._n 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o division_n and_o give_v their_o several_a name_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n yea_o he_o have_v set_v the_o bound_n of_o every_o man_n as_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_v 17._o where_o he_o say_v verse_n 26._o that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o divers_a nation_n and_o those_o nation_n into_o several_a province_n and_o county_n and_o those_o county_n into_o so_o many_o hundred_o and_o wapentake_v or_o rape_n or_o tribe_n and_o all_o these_o into_o so_o many_o several_a parish_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n own_o appointment_n for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v divide_v the_o nation_n &_o tohave_v set_v they_o their_o bound_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v no_o reason_n why_o parish_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v account_v god_n ordinance_n as_o parish_n synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o city_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v god_n ordinance_n now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o for_o so_o by_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n esteem_v and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o new-england_n all_o their_o several_a town_n as_o that_o of_o plymouth_n bostorne_n cambridge_n etc._n etc._n have_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o all_o the_o people_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o no_o far_o that_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o their_o government_n be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o several_a church_n and_o of_o no_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o the_o division_n of_o our_o parish_n and_o city_n and_o those_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o every_o city_n village_n and_o country_n be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o we_o and_o yet_o be_v call_v god_n ordinance_n and_o true_o i_o know_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o our_o parish_n church_n shall_v not_o far_o rather_o and_o with_o far_o great_a reason_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n than_o those_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o our_o several_a parish_n dwell_v within_o such_o and_o such_o limit_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v all_o well_o and_o familiar_o know_v one_o to_o a_o other_o and_o every_o week_n once_o at_o least_o see_v all_o one_o a_o other_o face_n and_o can_v daily_o meet_v together_o for_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n dwell_v many_o of_o they_o twenty_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o some_o threescore_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o all_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o great_a distance_n one_o from_o another_o scatter_v here_o and_o there_o so_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o one_o watch_n over_o a_o other_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o behold_v one_o a_o other_o conversation_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o for_o my_o particular_a i_o know_v that_o the_o parochial_a or_o parishional_a assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o ordinance_n have_v precedent_n for_o it_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o many_o both_o in_o city_n and_o village_n but_o we_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v now_o in_o our_o new_a church_n in_o all_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o all_o our_o parochial_a meeting_n be_v far_o more_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o by_o the_o same_o
council_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o make_v a_o new_a choice_n for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o will_v speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a and_o wise_a man_n such_o as_o love_v their_o religion_n and_o country_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o any_o sectary_n whatsoever_o whether_o independent_a antinomian_n anabaptist_n seeker_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o fugitive_n that_o have_v run_v over_o into_o holland_n or_o new-england_n to_o set_v up_o new_a church_n there_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o without_o doubt_n will_v with_o all_o their_o ability_n and_o power_n labour_n to_o maintain_v their_o several_a faction_n all_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o ruineâ—of_o this_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o our_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v they_o be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o ever_o the_o papist_n be_v yea_o the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o they_o be_v more_o destructive_a to_o all_o government_n then_o ever_o those_o of_o the_o jesuit_n be_v or_o the_o most_o inveterate_a papist_n that_o ever_o yet_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n and_o if_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o sit_v in_o parliament_n i_o shall_v ever_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o land_n that_o any_o sectary_n what_o ever_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n especial_o it_o be_v daily_o perceive_v that_o all_o the_o sectary_n through_o the_o land_n have_v their_o encouragement_n from_o some_o of_o they_o to_o do_v mischief_n every_o where_o but_o if_o the_o people_n through_o the_o kingdom_n will_v not_o humble_o perition_n the_o parliament_n that_o all_o such_o with_o all_o minor_n and_o novice_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v proclaim_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o a_o curse_n to_o that_o people_n who_o have_v child_n for_o their_o prince_n isa_n 3._o whether_o they_o be_v child_n in_o respect_n of_o year_n or_o discretion_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a presage_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n ruin_n where_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o divide_v among_o themselves_o but_o their_o counsel_n also_o which_o they_o be_v through_o the_o whole_a land_n in_o all_o their_o committee_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o sectary_n and_o independent_o on_o all_o side_n who_o be_v the_o only_a fomenter_n of_o faction_n and_o division_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v get_v all_o the_o wealth_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o land_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n with_o most_o of_o the_o strength_n with_o the_o ruin_n and_o misery_n of_o many_o the_o lord_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v timely_o see_v into_o their_o danger_n and_o petition_v the_o great_a council_n that_o all_o the_o sectary_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o ofall_v office_n and_o committee_n and_o place_n of_o trust_n through_o the_o kingdom_n but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v brag_v of_o any_o service_n do_v for_o the_o state_n it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a actor_n in_o that_o employment_n but_o ten_o to_o one_o better_a christian_n then_o themselves_o do_v the_o work_n though_o they_o have_v get_v all_o the_o honour_n from_o they_o and_o have_v be_v ever_o well_o pay_v for_o it_o when_o the_o other_o want_v their_o money_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v be_v so_o well_o regard_v already_o above_o other_o they_o may_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o be_v latisfy_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o before_o the_o war_n begin_v be_v worth_a any_o thing_n yet_o now_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a when_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v to_o great_a estate_n and_o be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o parliament_n and_o faithfull_a to_o it_o with_o few_o self_n end_v then_o they_o have_v be_v be_v many_o of_o they_o destitute_a of_o livelihood_n and_o many_o more_o of_o they_o by_o the_o calumny_n and_o lie_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n be_v now_o in_o disgrace_n and_o all_o their_o service_n be_v forget_v all_o the_o which_o thing_n beside_o the_o dangerousnesse_n of_o these_o man_n doctrine_n shall_v teach_v all_o man_n to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v both_o their_o teach_n and_o teacher_n and_o complice_n and_o abetter_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a out_o of_o my_o love_n to_o my_o country_n and_o out_o of_o my_o desire_n of_o all_o man_n salvation_n to_o speak_v if_o my_o word_n shall_v find_v any_o esteem_n or_o any_o shall_v for_o sake_n the_o error_n of_o their_o new_a way_n by_o see_v the_o truth_n i_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o count_v myself_o happy_a but_o if_o man_n resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o by-path_n of_o ignorance_n i_o will_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 38._o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a let_v he_o be_v ignorant_a still_o the_o utter_a rout_v of_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n with_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o their_o hirarchy_n that_o new_a babel_n more_o groundless_a than_o that_o of_o the_o prelate_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o beseem_v brethren_n wish_v they_o with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long_a suffering_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o love_n and_o use_v a_o forceable_a argument_n to_o move_v they_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o salvation_n we_o all_o worship_n one_o god_n we_o be_v all_o consecrate_a to_o he_o with_o one_o baptism_n and_o we_o all_o hope_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a glory_n therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o be_v you_o also_o of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o love_n and_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o this_o exhortation_n there_o be_v now_o singular_a use_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o this_o distract_a nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o the_o division_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o the_o division_n of_o a_o family_n destroy_v it_o the_o division_n between_o brethren_n bring_v a_o confusion_n among_o they_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n &_o opinion_n have_v make_v a_o difference_n in_o affection_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n make_v the_o disciple_n desire_v that_o fire_n may_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o end_v that_o controversy_n the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n between_o we_o make_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o bring_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n fetch_v it_o out_o of_o hell_n to_o blow_v up_o the_o parliament_n and_o because_o that_o have_v not_o the_o desire_a effect_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n still_o remain_v make_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o affection_n from_o we_o so_o great_a that_o nothing_o can_v expiate_v their_o indignation_n against_o we_o but_o the_o utter_a internetion_n and_o destruction_n of_o we_o all_o and_o this_o and_o this_o only_a next_o unto_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o fatal_a calamity_n this_o miserable_a kingdom_n be_v now_o imbroyl_v with_o and_o therefore_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n among_o brethren_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o get_v a_o right_n understand_v one_o of_o another_o and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o and_o ever_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o say_n of_o abraham_n to_o lot_n gen._n 13._o let_v not_o we_o contend_v together_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v now_o among_o brethren_n there_o can_v not_o be_v such_o bitter_a expression_n one_o against_o another_o and_o such_o alienation_n of_o affection_n as_o be_v now_o too_o frequent_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n we_o be_v command_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o be_v in_o in_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12._o 18._o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o discord_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5_o the_o of_o the_o galathian_o verse_n 15._o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o the_o 20._o verse_n hatred_n say_v the_o apostle_n variance_n emulation_n strife_n heresy_n etc._n etc._n and_o
envy_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o double_a misery_n follow_v those_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n misery_n here_o and_o misery_n hereafter_o it_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o heaven_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n that_o will_v inevitable_o come_v upon_o that_o land_n kingdom_n and_o church_n where_o those_o variance_n and_o heartburning_n be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o such_o difference_n in_o affection_n put_v i_o chief_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o see_v and_o try_v if_o by_o any_o possible_a mean_n i_o can_v by_o show_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o brethren_n lie_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o a_o good_a accord_n among_o they_o resolve_v with_o myself_o by_o god_n assistance_n whatsoever_o other_o do_v to_o observe_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o ability_n the_o royal_a law_n jan._n 2._o 8._o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o right_n understand_v one_o of_o another_o opinion_n the_o world_n will_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o invective_n in_o every_o pamphlet_n one_o against_o another_o and_o such_o variance_n among_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o with_o nigh_a relation_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o misunderstanding_n of_o each_o other_o opinion_n and_o the_o mis-prisian_a of_o each_o other_o intention_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o this_o diversity_n of_o affection_n which_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o holy_a profession_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o christian_a religion_n every_o where_o too_o much_o vent_v itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o abraham_n say_v unto_o lot_n so_o say_v i_o to_o all_o those_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o wish_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n let_v not_o we_o contend_v especial_o with_o evil_a language_n for_o we_o be_v brethren_n we_o have_v one_o father_n we_o worship_v one_o god_n we_o have_v one_o light_n one_o truth_n one_o way_n and_o this_o i_o profess_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o contend_v not_o for_o victory_n but_o for_o that_o ancient_a light_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n jude_n 3_o for_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o john_n 2._o for_o 14._o for_o the_o old_a way_n verse_n 6._o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14._o and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v never_o prevail_v in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o those_o undeceiveable_a mark_n as_o be_v able_a for_o ever_o to_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o peter_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v pure_o and_o sincere_o both_o preach_v and_o believe_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o requisite_n that_o make_v she_o a_o true_a church_n and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n that_o i_o have_v dedicate_v this_o treatise_n to_o no_o man_n nor_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o any_o authority_n no_o mortal_a creature_n i_o presume_v will_v blame_v i_o know_v my_o reason_n for_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o king_n against_o papal_a usurpation_n i_o dedicate_v my_o book_n unto_o the_o king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n suppose_v myself_o safe_a under_o his_o protection_n who_o honour_n and_o imperial_a dignity_n i_o maintain_v but_o all_o man_n know_v what_o misery_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o i_o my_o wife_n and_o many_o small_a child_n come_v upon_o i_o by_o it_o through_o the_o power_n and_o exorbitant_a authority_n of_o the_o prelate_n so_o that_o for_o my_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n i_o have_v a_o prison_n for_o my_o reward_n and_o the_o scorn_v and_o contumely_n of_o the_o world_n to_o comfort_v i_o in_o it_o and_o when_o i_o most_o humble_o petition_v his_o highness_n complain_v against_o the_o injustice_n do_v i_o and_o most_o submissive_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n who_o be_v the_o caesar_n to_o who_o only_o i_o can_v then_o appeal_v that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v i_o one_o of_o these_o humble_a request_n either_o that_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v please_v but_o for_o one_o hour_n to_o give_v i_o a_o hear_n of_o my_o just_a defence_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o at_o lest_o he_o will_v then_o grant_v i_o that_o liberty_n in_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o deny_v not_o to_o crow_n and_o kite_n and_o other_o vermin_n that_o i_o may_v provide_v for_o my_o young_a one_o and_o if_o his_o highness_n will_v not_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v unto_o either_o of_o the_o former_a just_a demand_n that_o then_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o depart_v the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o go_v into_o any_o other_o country_n where_o i_o may_v enjoy_v my_o liberty_n and_o provide_v for_o my_o poor_a distress_a family_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o equal_a petition_n put_v up_o to_o any_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o his_o majesty_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o yield_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o my_o request_n nor_o to_o any_o other_o petition_v put_v up_o either_o by_o my_o poor_a distress_a wife_n or_o calamitous_a child_n so_o that_o without_o any_o wrong_n unto_o his_o majesty_n i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o paul_n find_v more_o favour_n from_o a_o heathen_a roman_a caesar_n than_o i_o have_v from_o a_o christian_a king_n the_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n after_o i_o see_v all_o possibility_n of_o relief_n be_v now_o take_v from_o i_o i_o write_v my_o apology_n to_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o discover_v unto_o they_o their_o unjust_a proceed_n in_o their_o court_n and_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n towards_o myself_o and_o give_v they_o my_o reason_n of_o all_o i_o speak_v without_o any_o offensive_a language_n and_o without_o any_o perturbation_n of_o spirit_n and_o dedicate_v this_o my_o book_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n expect_v aid_n and_o relief_n from_o they_o and_o indeed_o i_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o succour_n from_o any_o other_o nor_o know_v none_o to_o who_o i_o can_v better_o apply_v myself_o earnest_o implore_v their_o patronage_n but_o they_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v of_o patron_n become_v my_o unjust_a judge_n and_o after_o they_o have_v make_v i_o a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_n of_o the_o world_n send_v i_o into_o banishment_n where_o i_o live_v a_o live_a death_n and_o a_o die_a life_n and_o suffer_v such_o intolerable_a misery_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o will_v exceed_v belief_n to_o relate_v and_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o particular_n be_v true_o know_v the_o world_n never_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o there_o i_o have_v end_v my_o doleful_a life_n have_v not_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n call_v this_o parliament_n and_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o redeem_v i_o from_o my_o captivity_n for_o the_o which_o incomparable_a favour_n i_o do_v as_o of_o duty_n i_o be_o ever_o bind_v profess_v myself_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o all_o their_o most_o just_a and_o honourable_a employment_n i_o hope_v with_o all_o fidelity_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v in_o life_n and_o death_n show_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o without_o all_o by-respect_n shall_v ever_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o my_o country_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o and_o shall_v never_o by_o god_n assistance_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o concernment_n that_o shall_v be_v unbeseeming_a a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_n now_o because_o by_o my_o sad_a experience_n i_o find_v that_o i_o can_v neither_o from_o king_n nor_o noble_n have_v protection_n i_o resolve_v never_o any_o more_o in_o god_n matter_n to_o shroud_v myself_o under_o any_o covert_n but_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o i_o with_o a_o assure_a confidence_n promise_v myself_o especial_o when_o i_o now_o maintain_v the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n &_o king_n of_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o lawgiver_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v lay_v who_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n in_o all_o this_o dispute_n between_o i_o and_o mr._n walter_n montague_n i_o have_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o power_n maintain_v under_o the_o
of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o the_o independent_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o it_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n &_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o out_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o 1._o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n &_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20._o 17._o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o life_n i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o
tongue_n and_o true_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n or_o about_o the_o text_n as_o there_o be_v not_o here_o i_o conceive_v it_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o man_n to_o insert_v sentence_n either_o of_o greek_a or_o latin_a except_o very_o var_o for_o it_o but_o pudder_n the_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o language_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n either_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a or_o roman_a father_n in_o all_o their_o write_n or_o sermon_n to_o use_v any_o but_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n without_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o and_o that_o with_o interpretation_n i_o say_v therefore_o those_o flash_n be_v except_v i_o have_v punctual_o set_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o any_o of_o my_o argument_n both_o here_o and_o every_o where_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o party_n may_v complain_v that_o i_o have_v not_o set_v down_o their_o word_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o so_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o he_o who_o hack_v and_o minse_v my_o argument_n at_o pleasure_n pick_v and_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o either_o whole_o omit_v the_o other_o or_o slight_v of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n both_o of_o mr_n knollys_n j._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o wherein_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o candid_o with_o the_o people_n for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o delude_v they_o and_o mere_o play_v the_o juggler_n this_o large_a discourse_n of_o master_n knollys_n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v have_v but_o little_a substance_n in_o it_o it_o consist_v of_o absurdity_n and_o contradition_n and_o flat_a denial_n of_o that_o which_o he_o often_o grant_v in_o brief_a if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o due_o consider_v every_o passage_n of_o his_o answer_n with_o whathe_n grant_v in_o the_o three_o and_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o pamplet_n he_o will_v speedy_o perceive_v that_o while_o he_o labour_v to_o confute_v other_o he_o give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v that_o opinion_n which_o both_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n labour_n to_o maintain_v and_o withal_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_n he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o futility_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o of_o his_o party_n that_o believe_v &_o take_v every_o word_n of_o he_o for_o a_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o destructive_a totheir_o own_a cause_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n these_o be_v his_o word_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o deny_v in_o his_o answer_n and_o what_o he_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o error_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n first_o he_o deny_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v have_v a_o absolute_n jurisdiction_n within_o himself_o and_o have_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o particular_a congregation_n he_o deney_v also_o that_o saint_n john_n know_v any_o court_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o time_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v these_o first_o because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v second_o it_o be_v not_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o his_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v and_o therefore_o how_o say_v god_n can_v the_o dâ—_n affirm_v that_o diotrephes_n asm_v theypower_v to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n &_o c_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n he_o say_v have_v he_o do_v so_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v convent_v before_o they_o which_o he_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n beside_o saint_n john_n will_v then_o have_v write_v rather_o to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o they_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n than_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o his_o evil_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o therefore_o when_o the_o presbytery_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n common_a council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v and_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n that_o he_o prat_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n now_o when_o neither_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o presbytry_n nor_o by_o saint_n john_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o diotrephes_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o presbytry_n and_o that_o saint_n john_n then_o know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o in_o his_o time_n and_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v they_o good_a and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o affert_v that_o saint_n john_n wâ—it_n to_o the_o church_n and_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o that_o that_o congregation_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o assertion_n be_v because_o say_v he_o this_o church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o diotrephes_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n have_v over_o their_o member_n have_v thus_o brief_o set_v down_o what_o master_n knollys_n both_o deny_v and_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o each_o i_o shall_v now_o answer_v to_o every_o several_a branch_n in_o order_n and_o if_o i_o be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n i_o crave_v pardon_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o about_o the_o principle_n question_n now_o in_o debate_n but_o that_o it_o will_v give_v the_o more_o light_n to_o the_o wholo_fw-la follow_v discourse_n for_o answer_v therefore_o to_o his_o reason_n of_o my_o mistake_n in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n that_o diotrephes_n have_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o all_o the_o primative_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church_n by_o name_n in_o which_o diotrephes_n be_v presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 15._o and_o 20._o and_o 21._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o tit._n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o the_o 1._o epist_n oâ—_n pet._n chap_n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o and_o the_o 13._o of_o the_o heb._n and_o saint_n james_n the_o 5._o and_o the_o 3._o epistle_n of_o saint_n john_n which_o master_n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_o evident_a from_o all_o those_o several_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v with_o in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n give_v they_o in_o common_a to_o look_v unto_o the_o flock_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n which_o word_n feed_v include_v the_o key_n to_o wit_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n and_o from_o the_o which_o charge_n they_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o among_o we_o daily_o do_v
leave_v the_o poor_a sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o say_v when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v when_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o which_o master_n knollys_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v there_o his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o very_o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o any_o man_n that_o if_o any_o great_a grazier_n have_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o many_o several_a walk_n and_o place_n of_o pasturage_n to_o feed_v they_o in_o and_o have_v several_a pastor_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o not_o a_o few_o shepherd_n can_v feed_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o give_v they_o all_o a_o charge_n in_o common_a of_o look_v to_o his_o sheep_n and_o feed_v they_o although_o all_o those_o several_a pastor_n be_v to_o have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o all_o those_o sheep_n that_o have_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o several_a walk_n and_o graze_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v his_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o special_a for_o he_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a over_o the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o particular_a inspection_n and_o care_n for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o flock_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o his_o master_n pleasure_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o other_o fellow_n pastor_n or_o their_o flock_n all_o this_o i_o say_v good_a reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n all_o who_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a all_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o confess_v for_o all_o those_o church_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o govern_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o common_a council_n of_o their_o elder_n this_o presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o ward_n or_o walk_v commit_v unto_o his_o care_n and_o that_o elder_a have_v such_o a_o circuit_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o three_o elder_n have_v such_o a_o precinct_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n with_o this_o proviso_n always_o that_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o sheep_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v order_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a presbyter_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o well_o regulate_v way_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o every_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n and_o every_o particular_a congregation_n under_o they_o several_o will_v have_v govern_v as_o please_v themselves_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o college_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o diotrephes_n here_o for_o which_o he_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n john_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytry_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o they_o master_n knollys_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o same_o do_v accord_n who_o cite_v my_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o my_o book_n deduce_v from_o they_o four_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o set_v down_o after_o i_o have_v relate_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o before_o say_v he_o the_o doctor_n come_v to_o prove_v his_o four_o particular_a proposition_n he_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o several_a presbyter_n and_o produce_v divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o two_o sheet_n be_v spend_v whole_o in_o prove_v thereof_o from_o the_o 12_o page_n to_o the_o 29._o these_o word_n mr_n knollys_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n now_o hear_v his_o answer_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v only_o prove_v first_o that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o that_o thou_o ordain_v elder_n city_n by_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o second_o that_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v the_o 20._o ver_fw-la 25._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o philippy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o those_o several_a church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o 17._o 24._o who_o be_v their_o guide_v obey_v your_o guide_v four_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n god_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o four_o conclusion_n master_n knolleys_n gather_v out_o of_o my_o argument_n but_o with_o all_o add_v say_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v dependent_a upon_o a_o supreme_a judicature_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o church_n this_o say_v mr._n knollys_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v his_o expression_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v prove_v first_o etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o four_o conclusion_n now_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n in_o so_o speak_v all_o which_o shall_v â—t_a be_v grant_v as_o if_o he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a courtesy_n and_o favour_n to_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a woâ—ds_n declare_v o_o be_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n sufficient_o ev_v need_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v except_o he_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o have_v perspicuous_o and_o in_o foe_n maul_v term_n set_v own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o college_n &_o presbyte_v ie_fw-fr of_o elder_n orda_fw-mi n_v and_o constitute_v in_o very_a church_n or_o city_n who_o be_v to_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a congreâ—ations_n within_o their_o â—râ—cin_n â—s_v w_z ch_n m_n knollys_n himself_o consent_v unto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o 4_o conclusion_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v any_o time_n of_o deny_v or_o not_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a jestament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o be_v so_o many_o several_a eccle_n aâ—â—icall_a corpo_fw-it ation_n and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v right_o apply_v and_o allege_v now_o have_v be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o business_n be_v in_o question_n and_o agitation_n for_o mr_n knollys_n to_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o dislike_n and_o gainsaying_n but_o when_o he_o confirm_v what_o i_o prove_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o his_o four_o conclusion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o man_n to_o say_v all_o which_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v when_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n these_o be_v
clear_a to_o i_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n and_o name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o aristocracy_n or_o signory_n or_o court_n that_o be_v a_o company_n or_o senate_n or_o council_n of_o grave_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v order_v and_o command_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n be_v put_v and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o civil_a polity_n and_o government_n so_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a by_o a_o presbytery_n we_o understand_v a_o religious_a grave_a solid_a learned_a and_o wise_a council_n of_o divine_n and_o minister_n or_o man_n of_o inveterate_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o command_n with_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o which_o man_n likewise_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o and_o be_v hereunto_o call_v by_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n which_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a people_n can_v do_v and_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o they_o all_o and_o for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n over_o the_o church_n for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o king_n and_o ruler_n be_v by_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o borrow_a speech_n call_v pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v say_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o word_n be_v understand_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o moderate_a authority_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n over_o they_o so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v call_v the_o pastor_n and_o shepherd_n yea_o and_o steward_n over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v they_o by_o which_o metaphor_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o of_o preach_v and_o rule_v and_o have_v the_o government_n over_o those_o flock_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o must_v always_o exercise_v according_a to_o god_n word_n they_o must_v feed_v they_o and_o rule_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o after_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 24._o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o may_v not_o usurp_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n or_o power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n as_o if_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o flock_n depend_v on_o they_o which_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o their_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o shall_v comfort_v they_o and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o use_v all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o be_v possible_a like_o good_a shepherd_n to_o preserve_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o straggle_v and_o stray_v not_o from_o christ_n fold_n and_o run_v not_o into_o the_o byway_n and_o thicket_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o be_v corrupt_v with_o noisome_a food_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o among_o they_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o they_o bring_v and_o reduce_v they_o into_o order_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o sick_a feeble_a poor_a or_o weak_a that_o they_o cure_n relieve_v comfort_n and_o restore_v such_o and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o that_o be_v infect_v or_o scabby_a that_o they_o remove_v such_o from_o the_o sound_n till_o they_o be_v recover_v or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o break_a or_o wound_v that_o they_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o with_o all_o lenity_n and_o humanity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o common_a council_n govern_z and_o order_v their_o flock_n and_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o particular_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n under_o their_o presbytery_n and_o charge_n assume_v not_o any_o sole_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o themselves_o over_o the_o flock_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n without_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o that_o presbytery_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n under_o who_o command_n they_o be_v and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o a_o common_a council_n of_o godly_a grave_a learned_a and_o experience_a minister_n shall_v ever_o be_v more_o able_a to_o manage_v and_o order_v a_o government_n than_o two_o or_o three_o unexperienced_a man_n or_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o young_a people_n of_o which_o most_o congregation_n consist_v in_o who_o the_o sap_n of_o youth_n be_v not_o yet_o dry_v up_o or_o if_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o ripe_a year_n yet_o they_o know_v little_a what_o belong_v to_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o govern_v as_o man_n both_o of_o know_a learning_n ancient_a experience_n and_o honesty_n and_o approve_a judgement_n and_o integrity_n as_o a_o whole_a college_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a presbyter_n common_o be_v who_o by_o god_n himself_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o all_o ordinary_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o 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all_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n in_o awe_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o john_n the_o baptist_n from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n or_o a_o mighty_a city_n of_o believer_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o 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jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o these_o first_o argument_n of_o i_o by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n of_o s._n john_n there_o be_v more_o convert_v and_o make_v christian_n and_o believeres_fw-la in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n master_n knollys_n answer_v by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o i._o s._n by_o deny_v they_o be_v christian_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v i_o will_v therefore_o reply_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o order_n begin_v first_o with_o master_n knollys_n who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 8._o i_o do_v deny_v the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o these_o argument_n say_v he_o neither_o have_v the_o doctor_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o believer_n nor_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n speak_v no_o such_o thing_n those_o place_n in_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n tell_v we_o of_o very_o many_o who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n but_o do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o scripture_n witness_v act._n 9_o 31._o that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act._n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n who_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_n the_o 2._o 42_o 43_o 44._o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n 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that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n be_v christian_n and_o believer_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o such_o multitude_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n the_o dint_n and_o force_n of_o the_o which_o argument_n he_o think_v he_o sufficient_o evade_v by_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n at_o all_o so_o that_o if_o this_o answer_n be_v well_o look_v into_o and_o examine_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o while_o he_o boast_v and_o glori_v that_o he_o have_v beat_v up_o my_o quarter_n he_o beat_v up_o saint_n johns_n quarter_n yea_o christ_n quarter_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n quarter_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n and_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o now_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o none_o be_v well_o baptize_v and_o make_v christian_n indeed_o but_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n than_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v before_o christ_n ascension_n be_v no_o true_a christian_n nor_o no_o christian_n in_o these_o our_o time_n nor_o many_o generation_n before_o we_o who_o be_v not_o baptize_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n and_o by_o these_o his_o fond_a cavil_v he_o overthrow_v the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o all_o divine_a and_o humane_a authority_n and_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o true_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o impious_a ignorance_n with_o such_o impudent_a confidence_n my_o eye_n yet_o never_o behold_v before_o i._n s._n and_o his_o complice_n come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o strange_n i_o ecee_o that_o such_o man_n as_o he_o and_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v suffer_v by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o go_v unpunished_a who_o may_v shame_v they_o all_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o all_o christian_a religion_n for_o i_o 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take_v notice_n what_o he_o answer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n 1._o johns_n baptism_n be_v into_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v in_o christum_fw-la moriturum_fw-la not_o in_o christum_fw-la mortuum_fw-la this_o be_v j._n s._n his_o first_o answer_n true_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o look_v on_o all_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o argument_n will_v wonder_v what_o the_o man_n mean_v by_o they_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n he_o utter_v these_o word_n for_o they_o be_v a_o manifest_a fight_v against_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o all_o the_o judicious_a and_o learned_a will_n well_o perceive_v and_o i_o have_v hear_v both_o learned_a &_o pious_a man_n say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o i._o s._n do_v well_o understand_v himself_o when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n and_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o opinion_n for_o he_o confess_v in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n at_o the_o well_n &_o who_o know_v but_o the_o man_n may_v then_o be_v somewhat_o distemper_v in_o his_o brain_n and_o so_o may_v do_v the_o action_n of_o a_o man_n craze_a and_o his_o very_a language_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n speak_v as_o much_o both_o in_o this_o his_o answer_n and_o in_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o his_o book_n as_o in_o their_o due_a place_n will_v appear_v yea_o the_o very_a title_n also_o and_o his_o epistle_n be_v senseless_a call_v his_o pamphlet_n flagellum_fw-la flagelli_fw-la and_o the_o beat_n up_o of_o doctor_n bastwicks_n quarter_n when_o he_o never_o come_v nigh_o they_o and_o the_o take_a hold_n and_o shake_n of_o the_o pillar_n of_o his_o discourse_n when_o he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v they_o with_o many_o such_o other_o expression_n all_o which_o have_v no_o correspondency_n among_o themselves_o and_o show_v that_o the_o man_n be_v either_o a_o very_a stranger_n in_o rhetoric_n not_o know_v how_o to_o keep_v himself_o to_o his_o metaphor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o be_v craze_a indeed_o and_o true_o so_o every_o one_o will_v conceive_v if_o they_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v all_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n especial_o this_o answer_n of_o he_o to_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n no_o believer_n which_o he_o do_v by_o very_o senseless_a reason_n the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o have_v relate_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n to_o die_v and_o not_o dead_a and_o therefore_o in_o his_o opinion_n they_o be_v no_o christian_n i_o omit_v his_o latin_a expression_n as_o think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n in_o he_o to_o insert_v latin_a sentence_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n especial_o in_o handle_v point_n of_o divinity_n &_o those_o of_o great_a concernment_n which_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v set_v before_o they_o in_o perspicuous_a and_o plain_a term_n but_o now_o take_v notice_n how_o the_o man_n contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o answer_n for_o the_o drift_n of_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n and_o yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n then_o they_o be_v christian_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n for_o jesus_n christ_n be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13._o and_o he_o be_v ever_o the_o messiah_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n that_o rock_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v mat._n 16._o so_o that_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o while_o he_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a whether_o before_o his_o nativity_n death_n or_o ascension_n or_o after_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n therefore_o he_o contradict_v himself_o in_o say_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o make_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o the_o passeover_n in_o egypt_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o otherwise_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n celebrate_v by_o christ_n himself_o before_o his_o passion_n and_o in_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o it_o be_v after_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o christian_n then_o as_o well_o as_o after_o his_o death_n which_o i_o think_v i._n s._n will_v not_o dare_v affirm_v but_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o the_o well_o ground_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v his_o adversary_n in_o this_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinth_n 11._o 23_o 24_o 25._o make_v they_o all_o one_o for_o substance_n and_o as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o same_o for_o essence_n before_o christ_n death_n that_o it_o be_v after_o so_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n