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 purturbation_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 capacity_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 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 assure_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 lamb_n slay_v 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 he_o then_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o will_v account_v he_o accurse_v for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o believe_v god_n and_o faith_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o bond_n without_o any_o either_o angelical_a or_o humane_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n and_o father_n and_o whatsoever_o i_o find_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o cleave_v close_o to_o it_o against_o all_o humane_a reason_n suppose_v such_o man_n none_o of_o god_n nor_o faith_n true_a friend_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o bond_n except_o they_o have_v reason_n humane_a authority_n counsel_n and_o father_n and_o vain_a tradition_n join_v with_o they_o for_o surety_n again_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v i_o that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o a_o presbyterian_a one_o i_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a submit_v myself_o to_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o be_v most_o confident_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v warrant_v in_o god_n word_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v the_o rule_n and_o square_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n manner_n and_o government_n and_o here_o i_o must_v mind_v all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v this_o book_n that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n of_o i_o but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v once_o and_o again_o suffer_v for_o and_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v read_v my_o elenchus_n religionis_fw-la papisticis_fw-la or_o my_o flagellum_fw-la pontificis_fw-la or_o my_o apology_n or_o any_o of_o my_o latin_a book_n in_o all_o those_o they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o my_o suffering_n be_v this_o and_o this_o only_a that_o i_o maintain_v that_o all_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o in_o those_o book_n i_o have_v clear_o and_o full_o through_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a yea_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o bill_n of_o information_n put_v up_o against_o i_o in_o the_o star-chamber_n they_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n i_o give_v there_o of_o this_o my_o tenant_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o star-chamber_n so_o that_o i_o stand_v to_o my_o principle_n and_o be_o no_o starter_n and_o if_o then_o among_o god_n people_n it_o be_v think_v a_o opinion_n worthy_a the_o suffering_n for_o and_o my_o christian_a brethren_n deem_v i_o worthy_a of_o honour_n for_o it_o and_o afford_v i_o their_o prayer_n and_o show_v i_o
officer_n and_o in_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n where_o and_o within_o these_o limit_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v all_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n terminate_v and_o this_o they_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n joint_o and_o by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o establish_v and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o people_n or_o the_o congregation_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o commission_n or_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v for_o saint_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n now_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o city_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o command_v timothy_n again_o and_o again_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o v._n 12_o 13._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o command_n without_o spot_n unblameable_a till_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o timothy_n and_o all_o minister_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n bind_v to_o maintain_v that_o government_n unblameable_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n by_o joint_a consent_n and_o a_o common-counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n without_o their_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o diotrephes_n assume_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o his_o will_n &_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n &_o signify_v to_o the_o church_n epist_n 3._o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o word_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n for_o he_o say_v s._n john_n content_v not_o himself_o only_o to_o prate_v malicious_o against_o we_o but_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n nor_o suffer_v other_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o he_o say_v saint_n john_n but_o for_o you_o say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n follow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n that_o power_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o exercise_v only_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o which_o say_v saint_n john_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o shall_v call_v diotrephes_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v to_o i_o not_o long_o since_o whereas_o if_o the_o place_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o for_o the_o which_o he_o be_v by_o saint_n john_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o in_o he_o all_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytry_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n into_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n but_o of_o this_o business_n when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sufficient_o confirm_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a 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_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbytererum_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 do_v wonder_n 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 centory_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o first_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 quâ_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 here_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 counsel_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 antequà m_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fierent_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 cephae_fw-la communi_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 the_o very_a word_n before_o coat_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 communi_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 humane_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 hirarchicall_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 but_o 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
command_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20.21_o and_o matth._n 18.15_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 &_o the_o re-establish_a 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 &_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 and_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 chapter_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 sixth_o chapter_n in_o choose_v of_o 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 perpetuated_n 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 and_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 eminent_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 chrispus_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 as_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 arbitrement_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 the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o name_n be_v
worship_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v and_o by_o evident_a argument_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o temple_n those_o discriminate_n and_o distinguish_v ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n interpreter_n gather_v from_o the_o ensue_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v interpret_v by_o all_o divine_n of_o sacramental_a bread_n which_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_o so_o expound_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a upon_o act_n the_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 4.2_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 21.28_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 never_o be_v without_o preach_v as_o we_o see_v in_o act._n 20.7_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-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 commit_v 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 &_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 commit_v 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 have_v thus_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o by_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o assembly_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o undertake_v because_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v say_v that_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o before_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o several_a assembly_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o waste_v and_o scatter_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o after_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v never_o be_v evince_v and_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o we_o must_v ever_o look_v upon_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o be_v original_o and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o not_o what_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o through_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n and_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n for_o government_n of_o church_n be_v often_o change_v from_o their_o primordiall_a state_n through_o many_o casualty_n as_o it_o happen_v often_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reformation_n thing_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o original_a pattern_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o by_o occasion_n they_o vary_v or_o change_v through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o she_o be_v in_o her_o youth_n and_o in_o she_o most_o flourish_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v she_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o many_o assembly_n and_o all_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n government_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v in_o our_o reformation_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o first_o constitution_n but_o because_o i_o say_v they_o think_v it_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o god-willing_o make_v it_o evident_a and_o not_o only_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o even_o in_o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o first_o out_o of_o that_o very_a place_n our_o brethren_n bring_v against_o we_o and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a the_o place_n be_v in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4._o in_o these_o word_n and_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n verse_n 3_o as_o for_o saul_n he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n from_o
so_o to_o believe_v as_o have_v receive_v authority_n because_o the_o aopstle_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 councillor_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_v age_n and_o of_o the_o prerbyter_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 account_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_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 sit_v 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 counsellor_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 council_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 there_o 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 authourity_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 bishop_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 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 and_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-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 apostollicall_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 of_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 they_o 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 common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o this_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 counsel_n of_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n &_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o i_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 &_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 presbytry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a cale_fw-la intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n i_o look_v upon_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbyter_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slit_v as_o the_o fag_n end_v of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n &_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n whersoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o
it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a ver_fw-la 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o counsel_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la inthe_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v all_o the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o four_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 presbitry_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 confi_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 presbitry_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 and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admitring_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n viz._n whether_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o already_o congregat_v assembly_n of_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principle_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church-fellowship_n peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o and_o admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o society_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v enter_v in_o by_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o this_o question_n branch_v itself_o into_o these_o several_a query_n the_o first_o whether_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n there_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v ever_o leave_v their_o own_o ordinary_a charge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o whereto_o they_o be_v fix_v with_o a_o command_n not_o to_o leave_v they_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a way_n or_o a_o new_a bear_v truth_n or_o a_o new_a light_n do_v run_v about_o and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n well-affected_n former_o to_o their_o several_a minister_n as_o of_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v as_o who_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o feed_v they_o still_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o say_v the_o first_o quere_z be_v whether_o there_o be_v precept_n or_o example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o any_o true_a minister_n so_o do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n &_o primitive_a time_n that_o any_o believe_a christian_n be_v in_o great_a number_n congregat_v from_o among_o other_o believe_a christian_n and_o mould_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a body_n and_o church_n from_o they_o and_o who_o have_v no_o church-fellowship_n with_o the_o other_o congregation_n nor_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v independent_a from_o they_o and_o absolute_a among_o themselves_o and_o whether_o this_o way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o make_v devision_n and_o schism_n in_o
of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n 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 s._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 and_o 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 as_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 forth_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 &_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 &_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 cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 11.12_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 agun_fw-ge 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 silence_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 if_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 the_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 virill_a 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_o 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 tanght_n 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 &_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 &_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
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 newborn_a 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 some_o time_n 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-shepheard_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 &_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 boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la 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 &_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 by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o
〈◊〉_d 164â—_n man_n day_n be_v vain_a and_o as_o a_o flower_n they_o fade_v here_o be_v one_o proclaim_v whereon_o man_n life_n be_v stay_v his_o suffering_n change_n comfort_n in_o strict_a thrall_n shen_n god_n alone_a preserve_v and_o govern_v all_o independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n or_o a_o treatise_n concern_v church-government_n occasion_v by_o the_o distraction_n of_o these_o time_n wherein_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o postscript_n discover_v the_o uncharitable_a deal_n of_o the_o independent_o towards_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o the_o fraud_n and_o juggle_n of_o many_o of_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o the_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n not_o only_o to_o their_o own_o detriment_n but_o the_o hurt_n of_o church_n and_o state_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n by_o john_n bastwick_n dr_n in_o physic_n 2_o corin_z 13.8_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a london_n print_v by_o john_n macock_n for_o michael_n spark_n junior_a and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o blue_a bible_n in_o green-arbour_n 1645._o a_o treatise_n prove_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a 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 &_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 peace_n with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12.18_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o discord_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5_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 hacred_a say_v the_o apostle_n variance_n emulation_n strife_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 2.8_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 judas_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 these_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
without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a corporation_n through_o all_o county_n and_o the_o which_o corporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a company_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o affembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o and_o several_a association_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_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 for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n 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 presbytrie_n or_o counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v 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 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 and_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 if_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 and_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 our_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 assemâ—â—â—â—â—_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-followship_a especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o satrament_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 â—_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
the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o 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 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_n 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 of_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 vers_fw-la 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_v 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_n 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 in_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o several_a charge_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v here_o to_o be_v answer_v unto_o make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v they_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n give_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o pprophecy_n act_v 19.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o 8.18_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o heal_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.14_o 15._o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n mark_v 16.18_o let_v say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n let_v they_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a and_o heal_v they_o let_v they_o by_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o disciple_n enable_v they_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o a_o true_a presbytery_n then_o will_v they_o be_v a_o right_a assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o the_o apostle_n successor_n but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v to_o other_o nor_o yet_o have_v for_o themselves_o in_o store_n any_o of_o the_o true_a apostle_n any_o of_o the_o right_a presbyter_n gift_n and_o character_n we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o such_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a word_n in_o print_n before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o desire_v there_o may_v be_v special_a notice_n take_v of_o this_o objection_n and_o such_o like_a for_o for_o aught_o that_o i_o know_v if_o any_o man_n will_v argue_v after_o this_o manner_n all_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o no_o man_n will_v have_v any_o creed_n or_o belief_n except_o he_o may_v make_v his_o own_o article_n as_o thomas_n do_v who_o say_v unless_o i_o put_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n and_o my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o as_o the_o jew_n say_v unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n thou_o that_o save_v other_o now_o save_v thyself_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o thou_o do_v this_o miracle_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v persuade_v we_o here_o we_o see_v they_o will_v make_v their_o own_o article_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v no_o creed_n the_o jew_n have_v learn_v this_o method_n of_o dispute_v from_o the_o devil_n who_o at_o his_o meeting_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o at_o his_o first_o assault_n thus_o dispute_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o and_o will_v have_v the_o world_n so_o believe_v and_o i_o too_o on_o thou_o then_o command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n do_v this_o miracle_n first_o but_o thou_o
but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n i_o must_v answer_v to_o some_o objection_n make_v by_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o the_o first_o of_o the_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o word_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o argument_n be_v these_o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n together_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o men_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o believer_n do_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n include_v or_o confine_v which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o learned_a man_n as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v shall_v so_o argue_v for_o this_o must_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o argument_n if_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o be_v not_o so_o numerous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o these_o in_o peter_n company_n be_v all_o that_o church_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v their_o meaning_n or_o else_o their_o argument_n conclude_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o invalidity_n of_o the_o which_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equallize_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n &_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21.22_o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church-officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o
and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o the_o multitude_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o greek_n only_o and_o the_o hebrew_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v specify_v and_o this_o every_o rational_a man_n can_v easy_o perceive_v again_o by_o multitude_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o confuse_a company_n go_v in_o a_o tumultuous_a way_n but_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o rational_a man_n of_o each_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v for_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v common_o see_v in_o those_o that_o go_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o petition_n to_o any_o council_n they_o send_v a_o compitent_a multitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o able_a man_n to_o grace_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o not_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o negotiate_v it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o mighty_a confusion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o both_o those_o party_n that_o come_v to_o negotiate_v this_o business_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o if_o any_o man_n will_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n and_o every_o individual_a believe_a greek_a that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o hebrew_n church_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o one_o person_n except_v be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n together_o before_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v judge_v that_o this_o man_n that_o shall_v thus_o argue_v be_v very_o much_o craze_a in_o his_o brain_n but_o much_o more_o will_v it_o argue_v a_o great_a imbecility_n of_o wit_n and_o judgement_n in_o any_o one_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o and_o unless_o they_o can_v so_o conclude_v the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n nor_o of_o any_o validity_n to_o evince_n and_o prove_v the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v yield_v unto_o the_o brethren_n these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o believe_a greek_n and_o all_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n none_o except_v be_v all_o before_o the_o apostle_n in_o one_o place_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o every_o several_a nation_n be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o number_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o business_n for_o they_o be_v no_o party_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o a_o mere_a fallacy_n to_o delude_v unstable_a soul_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o bladder_n be_v lantern_n second_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o by_o multitude_n here_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o then_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o many_o year_n after_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v all_o still_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o yet_o they_o must_v grant_v it_o if_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o principle_n but_o from_o this_o murmur_a between_o the_o greek_n &_o the_o hebrew_n i_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n can_v frame_v a_o argument_n to_o overthrow_v our_o brethren_n tenant_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o comfort_n for_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o london_n between_o the_o dutch_a and_o the_o french_a about_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o about_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o practice_n concern_v religion_n &_o they_o shall_v all_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o learned_a assembly_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o will_v not_o all_o man_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o city_n so_o it_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v against_o our_o brethren_n that_o every_o several_a nation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n apart_o as_o well_o as_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n where_o they_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o and_o from_o warrantable_a reason_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o for_o this_o my_o belief_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o reason_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n but_o have_v there_o be_v but_o one_o nation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o many_o thousand_o believer_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v there_o be_v can_v not_o all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o squib_n which_o only_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o then_o vanish_v in_o the_o air_n to_o say_v no_o more_o and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a objection_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o ever_o hear_v from_o they_o to_o the_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o give_v my_o several_a answer_n which_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a against_o they_o all_o and_o now_o i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o divers_a miracle_n daily_o wrought_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o discple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n &_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n no_o nor_o in_o a_o few_o but_o be_v of_o necessity_n force_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n under_o the_o persecution_n &_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o for_o prove_v of_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v still_o but_o the_o first_o conclusion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o then_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o ensue_a story_n of_o the_o same_o book_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o &_o 6_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v relate_v how_o the_o holy_a apostle_n employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n also_o of_o tongue_n and_o language_n and_o the_o effect_n also_o of_o their_o ministry_n preach_v and_o miracle_n be_v there_o set_v down_o at_o large_a and_o it_o be_v specify_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o first_o miracle_n when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o several_a nation_n hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o every_o one_o in_o their_o several_a tongue_n and_o language_n who_o be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o be_v galileane_o that_o they_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o from_o their_o amazement_n it_o be_v say_v they_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n the_o sermon_n itself_o be_v there_o set_v down_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o
that_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v &_o preach_v jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o preach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o preach_v be_v set_v down_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la the_o 46._o where_o it_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o by_o all_o interpreter_n be_v understand_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o the_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n be_v wont_v usual_o to_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n be_v frequent_a mention_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o roman_n verse_n the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 16._o vers_fw-la 19_o col._n 4.14_o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 20._o say_v that_o he_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o they_o but_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n as_o well_o private_a as_o public_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o church_n also_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o church_n but_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o six_o chapter_n where_o in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3_o and_z 7_o verses_z it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o assail_v it_o within_o as_o here_o with_o civil_a discord_n and_o difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o in_o other_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o dissension_n in_o opinion_n by_o sect_n schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o these_o his_o wile_n and_o craft_n he_o first_o bring_v in_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o afterward_o diversity_n of_o affection_n and_o that_o among_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o in_o fine_a he_o may_v bring_v ruin_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n raise_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_n who_o complain_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n as_o either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v deaconess_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o abservable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o college_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o controversy_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n set_v before_o they_o decide_v all_o debate_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precedent_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n here_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o business_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pretend_v their_o own_o independent_a authority_n though_o several_a congregation_n or_o challenge_v a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o determine_v of_o difference_n among_o themselves_o or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n within_o themselves_o to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o will_v be_v order_v or_o that_o they_o challenge_v any_o such_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o all_o appeal_v unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a nation_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o edification_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o truth_n more_o evident_o yet_o appear_v i_o will_v first_o out_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n frame_v several_a argument_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o the_o ensue_a history_n and_o out_o of_o all_o these_o six_o chapter_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o the_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n join_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o
place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergò_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v the_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n &_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_n very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 21_o 22._o and_o from_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 2._o &_o 4._o chap._n 8._o verse_n 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a &_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n &_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2_o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_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 bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o v._n 12._o &_o v._o 42._o &_o chap._n 3._o v._n 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a
whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o beleiver_n leave_v than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o must_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o evince_n and_o make_v good_a that_o this_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o beleiver_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o yet_o remain_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o more_o people_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o two_o for_o persecution_n be_v the_o bellows_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o blow_v every_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n so_o that_o this_o their_o division_n prove_v their_o multiplycation_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v few_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o before_o for_o although_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o this_o persecution_n be_v very_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o persecutor_n as_o reach_v to_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n of_o all_o sort_n chap._n 22._o verse_n 4._o and_o although_o i_o shall_v likewise_o accord_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o sort_n both_o preacher_n and_o christian_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o all_o the_o region_n etc._n etc._n except_o the_o apostle_n both_o which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v yield_v unto_o for_o some_o reason_n follow_v but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o grant_v all_o this_o yet_o i_o affirm_v that_o this_o persecution_n rather_o make_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o few_o then_o there_o be_v before_o though_o they_o may_v be_v small_a and_o lesser_a than_o so_o to_o waste_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o paucity_n as_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n for_o this_o their_o division_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o multiplication_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o even_o as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o england_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n power_n when_o any_o assembly_n of_o those_o they_o call_v puritan_n be_v at_o any_o time_n find_v together_o they_o be_v hale_v before_o authority_n as_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n can_v witness_v and_o these_o people_n be_v all_o scatter_a yet_o so_o as_o they_o still_o have_v their_o meeting_n in_o less_o number_n and_o whereas_o before_o they_o meet_v perhaps_o a_o hundred_o in_o a_o company_n now_o this_o hundred_o be_v divide_v into_o three_o or_o four_o several_a assembly_n which_o be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n for_o in_o all_o these_o they_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o full_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o most_o crowd_a aslembly_n but_o this_o they_o do_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v such_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o for_o common_o if_o man_n see_v a_o good_a company_n of_o people_n go_v into_o a_o house_n and_o none_o of_o they_o come_v out_o again_o they_o will_v by_o and_o by_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v something_o there_o to_o be_v do_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o exercise_n of_o religion_n or_o some_o consultation_n and_o plot_v about_o some_o design_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o take_v more_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o examine_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o concourse_n and_o to_o pry_v into_o their_o proceed_n whereas_o if_o they_o come_v but_o in_o slender_a company_n they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v some_o ordinary_a entertainment_n and_o think_v no_o far_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o then_o more_o peaceable_o enjoy_v the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n one_o of_o another_o without_o any_o interruption_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v come_v in_o great_a assembly_n and_o company_n and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o beleiver_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o persecution_n they_o can_v not_o now_o meet_v in_o the_o temple_n nor_o possible_o at_o their_o wont_a meeting_n house_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n no_o terror_n can_v make_v they_o forsake_v the_o company_v of_o themselves_o together_o for_o in_o that_o persecution_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n we_o find_v the_o church_n assemble_v in_o several_a place_n for_o they_o be_v pray_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n verse_n 12._o there_o be_v one_o congregation_n to_o which_o peter_n come_v and_o relate_v unto_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o delivery_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o james_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o there_o be_v another_o assembly_n and_o without_o doubt_n peter_n go_v unto_o a_o three_o for_o he_o will_v not_o go_v among_o the_o enemy_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o in_o this_o persecution_n also_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a as_o then_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n be_v idle_a who_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o as_o many_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v preach_v unto_o they_o all_o and_o then_o to_o what_o end_n or_o purpose_n do_v all_o the_o other_o apostle_n tarry_v in_o jerusalem_n who_o in_o all_o their_o motion_n and_o stay_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_v and_o support_v the_o church_n there_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o rage_n of_o this_o persecution_n when_o they_o have_v scatter_v their_o other_o teacher_n from_o they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n at_o this_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o diminish_v or_o scatter_v though_o all_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n save_v the_o apostle_n be_v and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o persecution_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o christian_n promiscuous_o and_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v except_o the_o apostle_n as_o our_o brethren_n conceive_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o the_o persecute_v jew_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n we_o shall_v ever_o observe_v that_o they_o chief_o aim_v at_o the_o take_v away_o and_o extirpate_v of_o their_o teacher_n and_o minister_n and_o those_o that_o instruct_v they_o so_o the_o jew_n malice_n be_v great_a against_o the_o prophet_n in_o all_o age_n as_o we_o may_v see_v mat._n 5._o ver_fw-la 12._o for_o so_o they_o persecute_v the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o 23._o of_o matthew_n our_o saviour_n say_v verse_n 29._o woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n because_o you_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o you_o witness_v unto_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n and_o some_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v kill_v and_o crucify_v etc._n etc._n here_o our_o saviour_n christ_n declare_v what_o method_n they_o have_v former_o use_v in_o their_o persecution_n and_o that_o be_v chief_o to_o persecute_v their_o teacher_n and_o what_o method_n they_o will_v for_o the_o future_a take_v and_o that_o be_v principal_o to_o kill_v and_o crucify_v the_o prophet_n wiseman_n and_o scribe_n which_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n be_v here_o in_o this_o persecution_n manifest_o fulfil_v for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o viz._n their_o teacher_n scatter_v abroad_o and_o persecute_v except_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v i_o say_v ever_o the_o method_n and_o custom_n of_o persecutor_n to_o aim_v principal_o at_o the_o root_n out_o and_o take_v away_o of_o those_o they_o suppose_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o this_o enrage_a they_o against_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o make_v they_o at_o this_o time_n so_o mischievous_o to_o
do_v when_o the_o prelate_n be_v in_o their_o ruff_n but_o out_o of_o this_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v twelve_o of_o the_o most_o able_a painfull_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o preach_v and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o hot_a persecution_n there_o be_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n the_o most_o able_a painful_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n for_o this_o syllogism_n all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o clear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v say_v as_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v no_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v either_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o they_o be_v force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o be_v they_o force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o may_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o disputation_n especial_o relinquish_v be_v manifest_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v also_o apparent_a from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o their_o preacher_n only_o be_v scatter_v and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_v the_o apostle_n mathias_n chap._n 1._o and_o many_o more_o that_o instruct_v the_o people_n but_o for_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n they_o remain_v still_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v firm_a but_o i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o evince_v that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n together_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o place_n follow_v will_v suffice_v and_o first_o that_o in_o the_o 9_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o all_o juden_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v all_o edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v out_o of_o which_o word_n it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o bellows_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n think_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o it_o make_v it_o but_o more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o far_a to_o spread_v its_o ray_n for_o by_o blow_v and_o puff_v at_o it_o they_o spread_v it_o the_o more_o and_o extend_v it_o here_o and_o there_o far_o abroad_o as_o we_o see_v by_o this_o persecution_n and_o scatter_n of_o those_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o their_o dispersion_n by_o which_o the_o persecuter_n have_v think_v to_o have_v waste_v the_o church_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n every_o where_n and_o here_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v great_a and_o violent_a by_o so_o much_o it_o be_v less_o durable_a for_o this_o great_a persecution_n be_v but_o short_a and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v by_o persecution_n will_v upon_o the_o cease_n of_o it_o return_v again_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o most_o people_n common_o do_v to_o their_o own_o country_n city_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n after_o persecution_n and_o this_o also_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v god_n so_o much_o favour_v the_o lover_n and_o prefessor_n of_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n so_o preserve_v comfort_v and_o follow_v with_o so_o many_o mercy_n and_o uphold_v in_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n never_o forsake_v nor_o never_o leave_v they_o but_o if_o those_o that_o be_v scatter_v have_v never_o return_v that_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o weak_z the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o text_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o decrease_v after_o the_o dispersion_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v that_o church_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o who_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o ast_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v they_o of_o necessity_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_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 and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o her_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v indivers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n after_o the_o persecution_n 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 together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_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 assembly_n if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n beside_o
apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15_o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplycation_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_v of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22_o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v that_o word_n ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v about_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v all_o this_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o have_v out_o of_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v and_o out_o of_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n no_o not_o in_o a_o few_o whether_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o by_o this_o and_o the_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o argument_n out_o of_o both_o
church_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o all_o those_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o accord_v unto_o this_o now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n how_o can_v they_o be_v true_o say_v to_o deny_v disclaim_v and_o preach_v against_o christ_n kingly_a government_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o church_n and_o how_o can_v that_o people_n be_v say_v true_o to_o deny_v christ_n kingly_a government_n who_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n practise_v this_o doctrine_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o word_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o government_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o a_o unjust_a and_o unchristian_a calumny_n lay_v both_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_n doubtless_o all_o charitable_a mind_a christian_n if_o they_o consider_v allthing_n aright_o will_v not_o think_v so_o dishonourable_o neither_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n nor_o of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o ministry_n for_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v free_v from_o that_o heavy_a accusation_n by_o christ_n own_o testimony_n who_o when_o it_o be_v relate_v unto_o he_o by_o saint_n john_n mark_v 9_o ver_fw-la 38._o that_o they_o have_v see_v one_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o his_o name_n which_o follow_v they_o not_o and_o that_o the_o disciple_n have_v forbid_v he_o because_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o our_o saviour_n christ_n reply_v forbid_v he_o not_o say_v he_o for_o whosoever_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n now_o these_o minister_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n they_o can_v be_v eâ—â—â—emed_v enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v against_o christ_n but_o for_o he_o and_o ought_v high_o to_o be_v honour_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thes_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 13._o and_o singular_o to_o be_v belove_v and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v malign_v and_o reproach_v especial_o by_o brethren_n who_o owe_v all_o their_o conversion_n next_o unto_o god_n to_o their_o ministry_n yea_o both_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n of_o all_o the_o new_a congregat_v church_n be_v behold_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o conversion_n for_o they_o admit_v none_o into_o their_o assembly_n but_o believer_n and_o they_o be_v make_v believer_n and_o convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v friend_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o his_o enemy_n and_o they_o ought_v all_o of_o they_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o father_n and_o on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o their_o mother_n and_o on_o the_o believer_n of_o england_n as_o their_o brethren_n and_o ought_v not_o thus_o unchristian_o and_o ungrateful_o to_o cast_v dirt_n in_o all_o their_o face_n saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o phillippian_o chap._n 1._o have_v these_o word_n some_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n even_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n and_o some_o also_o of_o good_a will_n the_o one_o preach_v christ_n of_o contention_n and_o not_o sincere_o think_v to_o add_v affliction_n to_o my_o bond_n but_o the_o other_o of_o love_n what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o i_o will_v rejoice_v s._n paul_n speak_v here_o of_o such_o as_o preach_v pure_a doctrine_n though_o not_o with_o a_o pure_a mind_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o count_v they_o not_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v the_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n who_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o their_o own_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o he_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o in_o this_o place_n he_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v pure_o preach_v though_o it_o be_v of_o envy_n now_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n pure_o but_o of_o sincerity_n and_o of_o love_n and_o mingle_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o follow_v their_o commission_n how_o can_v any_o man_n without_o intolerable_a injustice_n proclaim_v they_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o presbiterian_o who_o they_o persuade_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v prove_v more_o cruel_a taskmaster_n than_o the_o prelate_n yea_o and_o they_o have_v general_o possess_v the_o people_n with_o so_o prejudicate_a a_o opinion_n of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o will_v more_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o than_o ever_o the_o bishop_n do_v and_o causeless_o have_v move_v the_o people_n to_o hate_v the_o name_n of_o presbitry_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v they_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a presbitry_n and_o by_o this_o make_v themselves_o presbiterian_o as_o well_v as_o the_o other_o what_o justice_n or_o equity_n than_o be_v there_o in_o their_o deal_n to_o make_v their_o brethren_n odious_a to_o the_o world_n for_o endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o a_o presbitry_n after_o god_n word_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v presbiterian_o and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o a_o presbitry_n of_o their_o own_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n be_v odious_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o but_o that_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v as_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o their_o brethren_n for_o they_o also_o be_v presbiterian_o but_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v the_o better_o appear_v whether_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o independent_a minister_n be_v most_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o accusation_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n together_o and_o that_o both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o their_o several_a study_n and_o eudeavour_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o any_o to_o judge_v which_o of_o their_o government_n and_o which_o of_o the_o minister_n be_v more_o intolerable_a and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o those_o foul_a reproach_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v asperse_v with_o by_o their_o brethren_n for_o he_o have_v a_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o a_o very_a dim_a sight_n that_o can_v discern_v whether_o those_o that_o advance_v christ_n their_o king_n word_n and_o law_n only_o and_o follow_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o primitive_a preacher_n or_o those_o that_o set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o do_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n he_o i_o say_v that_o can_v judge_v which_o of_o these_o most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n either_o those_o that_o obey_v christ_n law_n or_o those_o that_o observe_v their_o own_o neglect_v christ_n be_v of_o a_o very_a shallow_a capacity_n but_o now_o let_v we_o compare_v they_o together_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o christ_n commission_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o receive_v all_o into_o the_o church_n that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o but_o desire_n to_o be_v admit_v they_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o christ_n in_o his_o commission_n unto_o they_o have_v give_v they_o auhority_n so_o to_o do_v neither_o do_v he_o ever_o say_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n admit_v none_o into_o the_o church_n although_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v without_o they_o walk_v with_o you_o some_o day_n week_n month_n or_o year_n that_o you_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o after_o you_o have_v have_v some_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o they_o see_v then_o that_o they_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o the_o
evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o law_n and_o come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o condition_n receive_v they_o not_o into_o your_o assembly_n nor_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o member_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o christ_n commission_n nor_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n nor_o any_o precedent_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o sacred_a authority_n and_o therefore_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o primitive_a minister_n admit_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o but_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o baptize_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church-without_a any_o gainsay_n or_o question_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o lake_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o eunuch_n desire_v baptism_n but_o philip_n grant_v it_o the_o gaoler_n do_v but_o ask_v paul_n and_o silas_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o say_v believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o gaoler_n and_o all_o his_o be_v straightway_o baptize_v act_v 16._o ver_fw-la 31_o 32_o 33._o that_o be_v they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o either_o walk_v any_o time_n with_o the_o church_n for_o their_o approbation_n or_o without_o either_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n or_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n notwithstanding_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o as_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o independent_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v none_o of_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n and_o they_o can_v then_o see_v how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n without_o their_o new_a light_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v then_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n set_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n in_o all_o those_o primitive_a church_n so_o he_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o true_a protestant_a church_n through_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v and_o be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o new_a way_n so_o that_o any_o understanding_n christian_n may_v gather_v that_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n be_v no_o way_n requisite_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingly_a government_n for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n will_v have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o holy_a thost_n who_o bring_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n 1._o into_o their_o memory_n will_v have_v suggest_v all_o these_o thing_n the_o new_a way_n the_o new_a bear_v truth_n the_o new_a light_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v record_v if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n but_o when_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o bless_a apostle_n have_v prescribe_v any_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o call_v for_o they_o nor_o require_v they_o of_o any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v or_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o ingenuous_a mind_a christian_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o than_o christ_n i_o refer_v it_o also_o to_o any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a christian_n to_o weigh_n and_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o demand_v of_o any_o moderate_a christian_n therefore_o and_o let_v he_o answer_v i_o candid_o whether_o of_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n most_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o only_a lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o both_o in_o their_o teach_n and_o believe_v follow_v his_o commission_n and_o word_n and_o teach_v nothing_o nor_o believe_v nothing_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v but_o what_o christ_n their_o king_n command_v they_o or_o those_o that_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n add_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o he_o will_v deal_v impartial_o he_o will_v answer_v i_o that_o those_o minister_n and_o that_o people_n most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n and_o most_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n that_o own_o his_o law_n and_o that_o only_a for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o christ_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o john_n 10._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n they_o will_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n christ_n voice_n only_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o they_o only_a that_o obey_v it_o advance_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o set_v he_o up_o on_o his_o throne_n which_o when_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o they_o more_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n than_o they_o for_o the_o independent_o to_o christ_n law_n and_o commission_n add_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n and_o enjoin_v all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n beside_o their_o believe_a &_o be_v baptize_v to_o walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n for_o approbation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n never_o command_v and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o these_o their_o tradition_n they_o will_v not_o permit_v or_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o church_n as_o join_v member_n which_o they_o call_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o count_v of_o all_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o man_n without_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o the_o pharisee_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o pope_n himself_o &_o the_o prelate_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o idolatry_n before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v just_o abhor_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o the_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o his_o royalty_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o all_o other_o popery_n under_o whatsoever_o name_n or_o title_n it_o be_v intrude_v upon_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v eliminate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o popery_n to_o bring_v in_o new_a way_n and_o new_o bear_v truth_n and_o new_a light_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o assembly_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_n saint_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n blame_v those_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o that_o will_v have_v join_v but_o the_o
when_o they_o be_v upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o difference_n in_o opinion_n cast_v out_o then_o they_o congregate_v a_o new_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o turn_v pastor_n the_o which_o bless_a be_v god_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o germany_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v see_v since_o the_o first_o reformation_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o church_n by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o their_o presbyter_n where_o they_o find_v such_o brotherly_a deal_n and_o where_o they_o have_v their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o conceive_v wrong_a or_o injury_n and_o have_v right_a and_o justice_n do_v they_o make_v they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o manner_n of_o government_n without_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n and_o true_o if_o thing_n be_v but_o mature_o weigh_v all_o man_n will_v ready_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o reproach_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n neither_o will_v they_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o way_n of_o disdain_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v more_o call_v presbiterian_o then_o the_o independent_a minister_n for_o they_o also_o be_v presbiterian_o and_o labour_n to_o set_v up_o a_o presbiterian_a government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o profess_v in_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o contend_v for_o the_o ancient_a presbitry_n so_o that_o they_o also_o be_v presbiterian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o if_o the_o one_o be_v make_v hateful_a and_o formidable_a to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o solid_a man_n the_o other_o also_o may_v be_v make_v as_o odious_a and_o hateful_a for_o if_o that_o odium_fw-la and_o hatred_n they_o bring_v upon_o the_o presbitry_n be_v for_o the_o only_a fear_n they_o have_v conceive_v the_o presbyter_n will_v lord_n it_o too_o much_o over_o they_o and_o that_o only_o i_o say_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o so_o terrify_v the_o people_n from_o that_o government_n let_v all_o man_n here_o consider_v and_o compare_v each_o kind_n of_o presbitry_n together_o both_o that_o of_o the_o dependent_a and_o that_o of_o the_o independent_a for_o if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n in_o the_o infancy_n and_o very_o first_o beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o their_o government_n assume_v unto_o every_o several_a congregation_n and_o presbitry_n of_o they_o a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n and_o if_o they_o already_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o proclaim_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o congregation_n profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o they_o be_v once_o establish_v by_o authority_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o assembly_n and_o if_o now_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o into_o their_o several_a assembly_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a believer_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v admit_v member_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o propound_v without_o either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o their_o so_o do_v which_o be_v the_o great_a tyranny_n of_o the_o world_n how_o will_v these_o man_n lord_n it_o if_o their_o government_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o parliament_n it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v that_o godly_a christian_n and_o people_n of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o holy_a conversation_n against_o who_o they_o have_v no_o exception_n either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n upon_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v join_v member_n only_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o this_o very_a reason_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o not_o admission_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v their_o church_n over_o butden_v with_o poor_a and_o other_o desire_v that_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o congregation_n and_o go_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o assembly_n to_o entreat_v this_o favour_n that_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v among_o they_o for_o answer_v it_o be_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v baptize_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v infant_n of_o their_o join_a member_n which_o be_v their_o practice_n and_o wish_v they_o first_o to_o be_v make_v join_v member_n in_o one_o of_o their_o church_n whereupon_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o congregation_n fit_a for_o they_o to_o join_v to_o than_o to_o that_o pastor_n assembly_n that_o have_v give_v they_o this_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v join_v member_n for_o answer_n it_o be_v reply_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v pastor_n consist_v of_o great_a personage_n knight_n lady_n and_o rich_a merchant_n and_o such_o people_n as_o they_o be_v but_o poor_a can_v not_o walk_v so_o suitable_o with_o they_o withal_o he_o say_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n wherefore_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o other_o congregation_n among_o poor_a people_n where_o they_o may_v better_o walk_v and_o more_o comfortable_o in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o last_o news_n i_o hear_v of_o this_o business_n be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v neither_o baptize_v nor_o the_o poor_a man_n admit_v to_o be_v joint_a member_n of_o that_o congregation_n what_o their_o minister_n have_v do_v since_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o well_o perceive_v it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o get_v into_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n as_o to_o get_v into_o suttons-hospitall_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o only_a occasion_n that_o make_v some_o walk_n so_o long_o in_o many_o congregation_n before_o they_o come_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n for_o if_o they_o be_v rich_a they_o be_v speedy_o receive_v nay_o invite_v to_o be_v member_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o many_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n have_v leave_v their_o native_a country_n and_o transporttd_v themselves_o over_o into_o new-england_n where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n there_o in_o their_o purity_n they_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o go_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v before_o they_o go_v thither_o to_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o come_v there_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a they_o make_v they_o walk_v some_o a_o year_n some_o more_o yea_o some_o six_o or_o seven_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o baptize_v none_o of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v there_o before_o their_o parent_n be_v join_v member_n and_o except_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o condition_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v admit_v and_o sometime_o the_o man_n only_o be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o sometime_o the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o the_o man_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o both_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v believer_n and_o baptize_v and_o after_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n a_o very_a small_a offence_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a but_o for_o story_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o multiply_v they_o but_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o this_o kind_n from_o those_o place_n and_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v in_o new-england_n and_o man_n both_o then_o and_o now_o no_o way_n evil_o affect_v either_o to_o the_o place_n or_o people_n serve_v god_n there_o but_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a they_o lord_n it_o there_o over_o god_n poor_a clergy_n in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v see_v it_o here_o in_o england_n in_o their_o congregation_n what_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o rich_a and_o poor_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o sin_n in_o saint_n james_n his_o time_n high_o blame_v in_o christian_n james_n 2._o and_o as_o in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o poor_a they_o be_v very_o lofty_a and_o look_v for_o great_a observance_n and_o attendance_n from_o they_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v so_o likewise_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v displease_v they_o if_o they_o speak_v a_o word_n amiss_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n precedent_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v bring_v many_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o
god_n clergy_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o none_o though_o believer_n and_o already_o baptize_v but_o such_o as_o will_v come_v in_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o poor_a either_o altogether_o or_o as_o long_o as_o please_v they_o without_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o upon_o every_o slender_a occasion_n i_o say_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o most_o diabolical_a tyranny_n &_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o moderate_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o if_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o at_o one_o blast_n to_o proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v not_o more_o than_o a_o diotrephian_a prelatical_a and_o papal_a authority_n there_o be_v never_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n there_o be_v never_o any_o know_v now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n do_v so_o timely_o begin_v their_o absolute_a lord_v of_o it_o what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o their_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o authority_n their_o ministry_n and_o government_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o they_o invite_v all_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o buy_v milk_n yea_o to_o come_v in_o and_o buy_v milk_n without_o money_n isa_n 55.1_o and_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o encourage_v the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o say_v not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o intimate_v unto_o the_o poor_a that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o heaven_n as_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o the_o poor_a be_v with_o he_o as_o acceptable_a as_o the_o rich_a if_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o christ_n require_v in_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o his_o church_n now_o when_o these_o presbyter_n already_o make_v so_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o between_o believer_n and_o believer_n as_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o but_o at_o their_o own_o time_n and_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n and_o inheritance_n which_o when_o they_o daily_o do_v it_o and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o their_o rule_n and_o domination_n be_v more_o prelatical_a and_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o from_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n they_o can_v never_o expect_v any_o appeal_n for_o relief_n and_o redress_n whatsoever_o wrong_a or_o injury_n they_o have_v sustain_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o shall_v so_o traduce_v the_o presbitry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o think_v they_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n from_o who_o they_o may_v ever_o expect_v far_o better_a measure_n than_o ever_o they_o can_v from_o the_o independent_a presbitry_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v once_o be_v establish_v will_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o enslave_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n upon_o both_o church_n and_o state_n but_o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o have_v compare_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o presbyter_n independent_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o now_o likewise_o here_o to_o paragonate_v they_o together_o in_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v in_o that_o regard_n also_o which_o of_o their_o endeavour_n tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o and_o which_o of_o they_o do_v more_o real_o and_o true_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n but_o to_o the_o peace_n also_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n over_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o one_o true_a christian_n religion_n eph._n 4._o so_o that_o this_o only_a may_v be_v establish_v through_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o erroneous_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o make_v disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o public_o be_v tolerate_v the_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o in_o all_o their_o bitter_a rail_n and_o intolerable_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n the_o storm_a of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o of_o the_o arraignment_n of_o persecution_n and_o in_o many_o more_o of_o their_o scurrilous_a writing_n plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v as_o judiansme_n turkism_n popery_n paganism_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sect_n and_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o their_o diabolical_a tenant_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n who_o suffer_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o and_o the_o example_n of_o poland_n transsilvania_n and_o holland_n those_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o parable_n where_o christ_n command_v that_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o use_v or_o abuse_v rather_o some_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o they_o conceive_v make_v all_o for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o all_o which_o their_o pretence_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o answer_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o some_o ground_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o produce_v some_o example_n of_o god_n dear_a child_n friend_n and_o servant_n out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o must_v be_v the_o warrant_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v before_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 1_o cor._n 10._o rom._n 15._o and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n serant_n we_o be_v ever_o teach_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o his_o seed_n who_o example_n all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o their_o child_n oughtto_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n for_o imitation_n the_o lord_n call_v abraham_n as_o it_o be_v in_o joshua_n 24._o out_o of_o his_o father_n terah_n house_n and_o from_o his_o kindred_n when_o they_o serve_v other_o god_n &_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o genesis_n and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o special_a in_o the_o 17._o of_o genesis_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o lord_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n and_o set_v down_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v that_o abraham_n shall_v walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a and_o that_o then_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n all_o sufficient_a to_o provide_v for_o he_o and_o protect_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v which_o covenant_n the_o lord_n ever_o keep_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n walk_v upright_o before_o he_o as_o he_o will_v do_v to_o all_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n walk_v in_o father_n abraham_n step_n and_o of_o abraham_n the_o lord_n say_v this_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o shall_v i_o hide_v from_o abraham_n that_o which_o i_o do_v see_v that_o abraham_n shall_v become_v a_o great_a and_o a_o mighty_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o
of_o israel_n be_v leave_v to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o all_o age_n for_o imitation_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n only_o among_o they_o and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n their_o redeemer_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n have_v enjoin_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o such_o as_o will_v have_v all_o religion_n tolerare_v do_v exceed_o forget_v themselves_o and_o be_v high_o unthankful_a to_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o redeemer_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o story_n of_o the_o judge_n the_o book_n follow_v that_o of_o joshua_n when_o this_o generation_n be_v dead_a and_o that_o they_o have_v forget_v their_o covenant_n and_o begin_v to_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o they_o bring_v down_o all_o those_o plague_n upon_o themselves_o by_o it_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o for_o that_o they_o set_v up_o those_o religion_n the_o heathen_n have_v serve_v their_o god_n by_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o six_o chapter_n for_o when_o the_o people_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o the_o midianite_n the_o lord_n send_v a_o prophet_n unto_o they_o first_o who_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o judgement_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o have_v serve_v the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v they_o and_o afterward_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n unto_o gideon_n and_o command_v he_o to_o break_v down_o the_o altar_n of_o baal_n which_o his_o father_n have_v and_o to_o cut_v down_o the_o grove_n that_o be_v by_o it_o and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o first_o place_n gideon_n be_v enjoin_v to_o root_v out_o idolatry_n and_o then_o to_o set_v up_o god_n true_a worship_n only_o here_o we_o find_v no_o toleration_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o the_o true_a religion_n when_o they_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n make_v inquiry_n after_o he_o that_o have_v break_v down_o the_o altar_n and_o cut_v down_o the_o grove_n and_o will_v have_v put_v he_o to_o death_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o joash_n the_o father_n of_o gideon_n say_v to_o all_o that_o stand_v against_o he_o will_v you_o plead_v for_o baal_n will_v you_o save_v he_o he_o that_o will_v plead_v for_o he_o let_v he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o morning_n if_o he_o be_v a_o god_n let_v he_o plead_v for_o himself_o because_o one_o have_v cast_v down_o his_o altar_n here_o we_o find_v no_o toleration_n of_o baal_n religion_n but_o that_o they_o that_o will_v plead_v for_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o sure_o those_o that_o will_v plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n do_v no_o less_o than_o fight_n against_o god_n but_o now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o elias_n do_v 1_o king_n 18._o ver_fw-la 21._o who_o be_v count_v as_o the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n with_o baal_n priest_n and_o what_o he_o say_v to_o all_o those_o of_o his_o time_n how_o long_o say_v he_o to_o the_o people_n will_v you_o halt_v between_o two_o religion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o the_o holy_a prophet_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o god_n have_v miraculons_o manifest_v from_o heaven_n that_o elias_n his_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o which_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n have_v establish_v all_o baal_n priest_n be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o that_o by_o elias_n his_o command_n who_o say_v take_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n let_v none_o of_o they_o escape_n and_o they_o take_v they_o and_o elias_n take_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o brook_n kishon_n and_o slay_v they_o there_o and_o so_o upon_o all_o reformation_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v cast_v out_o but_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o we_o may_v see_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n and_o those_o of_o nehemiah_n and_o ezra_n and_o through_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o second_o of_o jeremiah_n complain_v against_o his_o people_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n that_o be_v they_o have_v forsake_v the_o true_a god_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o forsake_v their_o maker_n and_o have_v be_v more_o unconstant_a than_o the_o very_a heathen_a who_o have_v not_o forsake_v their_o idol_n god_n and_o therefore_o for_o this_o their_o rebellion_n and_o ingratitude_n the_o prophet_n denounce_v all_o those_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n against_o they_o as_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n do_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o the_o lord_n more_o complain_v of_o than_o that_o of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o toleration_n of_o many_o religion_n among_o they_o as_o be_v most_o abundant_o set_v down_o both_o in_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n all_o which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n so_o that_o if_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v imitate_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n they_o must_v look_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o plague_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o just_a provoke_v of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o anger_v now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o we_o have_v sad_a experience_n already_o what_o the_o tolerate_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o dagon_n of_o gingerbread_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v if_o god_n be_v god_n and_o the_o christian_n religion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n than_o let_v that_o and_o that_o only_o be_v set_v up_o among_o christian_n and_o no_o other_o tolerate_v for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v speedy_o bring_v the_o plague_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o as_o we_o may_v well_o perceive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o but_o a_o few_o year_n what_o good_a effect_n they_o will_v produce_v for_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n can_v be_v please_v unto_o god_n no_o more_o in_o our_o time_n than_o it_o be_v among_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o friend_n of_o christ_n nor_o lover_n of_o religion_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v for_o neither_o abraham_n isaac_n nor_o jacob_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v it_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n ever_o endure_v it_o but_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n give_v especial_a charge_n to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n and_o forewarn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n ever_o describe_v they_o by_o their_o crafty_a deal_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o in_o all-seeming_a holiness_n and_o feign_a simplicity_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n wish_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o so_o far_o be_v the_o holy_a apostle_n from_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n they_o invay_v against_o they_o and_o that_o continual_o as_o false_a apostle_n and_o deceiver_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o receive_v no_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o gal._n 1._o and_o bid_v the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o sure_o if_o all_o the_o prophet_n &_o apostle_n do_v command_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n they_o never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o christian_n to_o set_v up_o babylon_n among_o they_o and_o to_o tolerate_v the_o confusion_n and_o mingle_v together_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o against_o the_o scripture_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o against_o all_o solid_a reason_n and_o sound_a judgement_n nay_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_o in_o write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n he_o blame_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n