as_o yet_o any_o particular_a visible_a form_v church_n for_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o branch_n and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n dialect_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o church_n body_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o my_o brother_n burtons_n unsound_a principle_n and_o this_o his_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o confident_a upon_o his_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o when_o he_o make_v not_o such_o haste_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v when_o he_o write_v this_o his_o book_n against_o i_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n he_o do_v about_o the_o 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diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a
esteem_v of_o to_o be_v godly_a as_o walk_v unblamable_o be_v also_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n before_o they_o know_v they_o yet_o after_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o be_v first_o by_o their_o mean_n seduce_v from_o our_o church_n after_o some_o time_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o congregation_n also_o into_o wicked_a and_o desperate_a opinion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o become_v so_o profane_a and_o beastly_a yea_o so_o atheistical_a as_o it_o will_v exceed_v ordinary_a belief_n to_o relate_v and_o true_o if_o i_o have_v not_o very_o good_a witness_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v beside_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o because_o if_o occasion_n serve_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v many_o precedent_n of_o fearful_a apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o that_o be_v their_o scholar_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n i_o be_o the_o willing_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o i_o 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their_o congregation_n have_v thus_o set_v down_o what_o order_n i_o will_v proceed_v in_o i_o come_v now_o 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 admit_v 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 `_o believer_n select_a and_o choose_v the_o most_o principal_a 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_o affect_v 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 and_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 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may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o second_o quere_z the_o three_o be_v whether_o for_o make_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n or_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v requisite_a the_o four_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o one_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n a_o private_a solemn_a covenant_n be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n the_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o which_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o their_o member-ship_n and_o admission_n there_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n about_o a_o public_a covenant_n for_o we_o have_v precedent_n of_o that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o public_a reformation_n the_o five_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o the_o woman_n have_v all_o their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n both_o for_o election_n and_o reprobation_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o man_n and_o whether_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o woman_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a for_o
tongue_n and_o true_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n or_o about_o the_o text_n as_o there_o be_v not_o here_o i_o conceive_v it_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o man_n to_o insert_v sentence_n either_o of_o greek_a or_o latin_a except_o very_o var_o for_o it_o but_o pudder_n the_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o language_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n either_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a or_o roman_a father_n in_o all_o their_o write_n or_o sermon_n to_o use_v any_o but_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n without_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o and_o that_o with_o interpretation_n i_o say_v therefore_o those_o flash_n be_v except_v i_o have_v punctual_o set_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o any_o of_o my_o argument_n both_o here_o and_o every_o where_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o party_n may_v complain_v that_o i_o have_v not_o set_v down_o their_o word_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o so_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o he_o who_o hack_v and_o minse_v my_o argument_n at_o pleasure_n pick_v and_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o either_o whole_o omit_v the_o other_o or_o slight_v of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n both_o of_o mr_n knollys_n j._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o wherein_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o candid_o with_o the_o people_n for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o delude_v they_o and_o mere_o play_v the_o juggler_n this_o large_a discourse_n of_o master_n knollys_n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v have_v but_o little_a substance_n in_o it_o it_o consist_v of_o absurdity_n and_o contradition_n and_o flat_a denial_n of_o that_o which_o he_o often_o grant_v in_o brief_a if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o due_o consider_v every_o passage_n of_o his_o answer_n with_o whathe_n grant_v in_o the_o three_o and_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o pamplet_n he_o will_v speedy_o perceive_v that_o while_o he_o labour_v to_o confute_v other_o he_o give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v that_o opinion_n which_o both_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n labour_n to_o maintain_v and_o withal_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_n he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o futility_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o of_o his_o party_n that_o believe_v &_o take_v every_o word_n of_o he_o for_o a_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o destructive_a totheir_o own_a cause_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n these_o be_v his_o word_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o deny_v in_o his_o answer_n and_o what_o he_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o error_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n first_o he_o deny_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v have_v a_o absolute_n jurisdiction_n within_o himself_o and_o have_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o particular_a congregation_n he_o deney_v also_o that_o saint_n john_n know_v any_o court_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o time_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v these_o first_o because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v second_o it_o be_v not_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o his_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v and_o therefore_o how_o say_v god_n can_v the_o dâ—_n affirm_v that_o diotrephes_n asm_v theypower_v to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n &_o c_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n he_o say_v have_v he_o do_v so_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v convent_v before_o they_o which_o he_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n beside_o saint_n john_n will_v then_o have_v write_v rather_o to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o they_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n than_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o his_o evil_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o therefore_o when_o the_o presbytery_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n common_a council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v and_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n that_o he_o prat_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n now_o when_o neither_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o presbytry_n nor_o by_o saint_n john_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o diotrephes_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o presbytry_n and_o that_o saint_n john_n then_o know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o in_o his_o time_n and_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v they_o good_a and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o affert_v that_o saint_n john_n wâ—it_n to_o the_o church_n and_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o that_o that_o congregation_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o assertion_n be_v because_o say_v he_o this_o church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o diotrephes_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n have_v over_o their_o member_n have_v thus_o brief_o set_v down_o what_o master_n knollys_n both_o deny_v and_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o each_o i_o shall_v now_o answer_v to_o every_o several_a branch_n in_o order_n and_o if_o i_o be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n i_o crave_v pardon_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o about_o the_o principle_n question_n now_o in_o debate_n but_o that_o it_o will_v give_v the_o more_o light_n to_o the_o wholo_fw-la follow_v discourse_n for_o answer_v therefore_o to_o his_o reason_n of_o my_o mistake_n in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n that_o diotrephes_n have_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o all_o the_o primative_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church_n by_o name_n in_o which_o diotrephes_n be_v presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 15._o and_o 20._o and_o 21._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o tit._n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o the_o 1._o epist_n oâ—_n pet._n chap_n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o and_o the_o 13._o of_o the_o heb._n and_o saint_n james_n the_o 5._o and_o the_o 3._o epistle_n of_o saint_n john_n which_o master_n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_o evident_a from_o all_o those_o several_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v with_o in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n give_v they_o in_o common_a to_o look_v unto_o the_o flock_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n which_o word_n feed_v include_v the_o key_n to_o wit_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n and_o from_o the_o which_o charge_n they_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o among_o we_o daily_o do_v
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
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of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o the_o place_n where_o these_o scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n be_v and_o where_o christ_n then_o be_v and_o where_o all_o those_o people_n be_v be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n well_o know_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n to_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o so_o that_o all_o man_n now_o may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o may_v also_o behold_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n which_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n unless_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o inhabitant_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o grollery_n yea_o madness_n to_o suppose_v or_o think_v and_o 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last_o argument_n as_o it_o be_v page_n 9_o 10._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o note_n say_v he_o a_o absurdity_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o discourse_n where_o the_o doctor_n have_v get_v a_o multiply_a glass_n in_o his_o hand_n go_v on_o to_o make_v strange_a discovery_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n pag._n 36._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o when_o as_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o you_o affirm_v before_o page_n 32._o and_o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o what_o ever_o you_o determine_v of_o it_o here_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n act_n 2._o last_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sequel_n you_o reckon_v this_o to_o the_o apostle_n also_o express_o page_v 56._o judge_n if_o here_o be_v not_o false_a muster_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o give_v we_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v your_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o to_o talk_n of_o a_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o he_o if_o i_o shall_v discover_v all_o the_o error_n that_o be_v in_o this_o reply_n i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a volume_n but_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n childishness_n and_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o very_a read_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o large_a in_o 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shadow_n and_o vapour_n like_o a_o conqueror_n as_o i._n s._n do_v here_o but_o now_o for_o answer_v brief_o i_o affirm_v that_o i._o s._n in_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o his_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v against_o i_o as_o he_o do_v against_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o very_a scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n i_o make_v by_o my_o multiply_a glass_n as_o he_o ridiculous_o speak_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n be_v no_o false_a muster_n as_o he_o childish_o scible_v for_o i_o discover_v only_o and_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o increase_v of_o christian_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n assert_v john_n the_o 4._o where_o it_o be_v record_v vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jesusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n now_o the_o make_n of_o more_o disciple_n be_v the_o add_v of_o more_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o not_o only_o to_o i_o but_o to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o i_o to_o affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o while_o i._o s._n labour_v to_o confute_v my_o argument_n he_o fight_v indeed_o against_o the_o evangelist_n that_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n but_o say_v he_o here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n the_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n these_o in_o i._n s._n his_o opinion_n be_v paradox_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o ludibry_a in_o his_o dialect_n yet_o both_o these_o truth_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v clear_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o wound_v i_o he_o vulnerate_v saint_n john_n and_o blaspheme_v for_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o deny_v the_o scripture_n that_o assert_n that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v more_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o of_o unbeliever_n and_o of_o enemy_n they_o be_v make_v disciple_n christian_n and_o friend_n and_o therefore_o take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o
such_o as_o have_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o upon_o the_o read_n of_o any_o book_n or_o hearig_n of_o any_o argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a side_n their_o heart_n may_v not_o like_o the_o heart_n of_o ahaz_n isai_n the_o 7._o 1._o when_o he_o hear_v of_o the_o confederacy_n of_o syria_n and_o ephraim_n be_v move_v as_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n be_v move_v with_o the_o wind_n this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o author_n who_o word_n i_o have_v relate_v in_o their_o full_a length_n and_o extent_n not_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o show_v all_o the_o error_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o just_a volume_n though_o occasonal_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o some_o of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o according_a to_o his_o description_n of_o a_o church_n which_o he_o have_v take_v out_o of_o master_n cotteos_n book_n of_o new_a england_n none_o of_o the_o congregationall_a church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o if_o that_o also_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v be_v true_a than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o i_o say_v before_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v all_o this_o occasional_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n land_n afford_v i_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o major_a proposition_n which_o be_v that_o all_z those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o those_o several_a house_n at_o jerusalem_n every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o because_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v better_o sound_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n ear_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o hear_v one_o of_o their_o own_o great_a rabbye_n who_o they_o usual_o call_v giant_n and_o tall_a fellow_n then_o to_o hear_v i_o who_o at_o pleasure_n they_o style_v a_o pigmy_n and_o dwarf_n from_o his_o word_n therefore_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o he_o assert_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o then_o much_o more_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n have_v among_o they_o also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v likewise_o all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n within_o themselves_o which_o the_o independent_o confess_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o i_o say_v and_o that_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o company_n do_v constitute_v a_o complete_a visible_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o or_o two_o or_o three_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o at_o least_o twelve_o if_o not_o half_o twelve_o score_n yea_o innumerable_a in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o respective_o and_o several_o they_o have_v also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v arr_o sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v ergo_fw-la all_n and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o argument_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o upon_o their_o very_a word_n and_o corroborate_v with_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o what_o people_n say_v they_o in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v thus_o the_o independent_o speak_v and_o therefore_o without_o they_o will_v renounce_v their_o own_o principle_n and_o abjure_v all_o reason_n and_o the_o very_a light_n of_o understand_v give_v they_o of_o god_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o have_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v requisite_a and_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o form_a church_n for_o there_o be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o such_o minister_n and_o officer_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o that_o to_o the_o enâ—_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o vers_fw-la the_o last_o they_o have_v also_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n all_o those_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o ordinance_n the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o think_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o one_o of_o their_o new_a congregation_n a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n they_o have_v all_o the_o bless_a apostle_n among_o they_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o other_o preacher_n abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o gift_n as_o who_o have_v go_v in_o and_o out_o with_o christ_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o he_o and_o johns_n ministry_n the_o mean_a of_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n and_o they_o have_v among_o they_o also_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n many_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o all_o of_o they_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n therefore_o they_o be_v visible_a church_n i_o do_v not_o with_o the_o author_n say_v mystical_a body_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v visible_a saint_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v together_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o that_o with_o the_o holy_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o many_o complete_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n that_o which_o the_o independent_o hold_v ever_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o congregation_n they_o be_v visible_a and_o miraculous_a saint_n not_o ordinary_a one_o as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v among_o they_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o incomparable_a sanctify_a &_o transcendent_a endowment_n viz_o the_o holy_a apostle_n all_o the_o which_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o infallible_o who_o have_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o which_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v all_o other_o church_n and_o gather_v and_o form_v church_n both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v and_o as_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o have_v the_o material_n both_o for_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o true_a complete_a form_v church_n so_o tâ—â—y_o have_v likewise_o that_o which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n for_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a and_o combine_v together_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n as_o that_o of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n those_o seal_a ordinance_n and_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n among_o
nothing_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o himself_o or_o say_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o grollish_o deni_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o he_o do_v not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o but_o oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n insuccee_v time_n as_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o which_o government_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o mould_v up_o all_o their_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n within_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n as_o be_v complete_a within_o itself_o so_o ought_v every_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o authority_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o have_v dependency_n on_o any_o other_o for_o in_o all_o particular_n they_o avow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a form_v church_n and_o the_o same_o they_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o idependents_n beside_o himself_o that_o i_o ever_o have_v read_v or_o talk_v with_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n say_v that_o the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o confess_v &_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a church_n for_o that_o that_o be_v deficient_a and_o deform_a that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o a_o form_a church_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o above_o say_v than_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o entire_a church_n as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o gather_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o here_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n beside_o it_o must_v come_v in_o by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o i_o maintain_v he_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o all_o hold_v the_o contrary_a but_o contradict_v himself_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v of_o necessity_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o till_o there_o be_v necessity_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n so_o that_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o a_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o etc._n etc._n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n confute_v all_o his_o brethren_n who_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n hold_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostolic_a church_n be_v perfect_a form_v church_n and_o absolute_a within_o themselves_o and_o independent_a where_o as_o he_o blame_v they_o all_o of_o imperfection_n and_o say_v they_o must_v all_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a platform_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oppose_a of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o contradict_v of_o himself_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a for_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o he_o here_o accuse_v it_o of_o imperfection_n and_o fayling_n and_o therefore_o not_o form_v for_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o it_o want_v deacon_n and_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n at_o any_o time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o his_o learning_n must_v have_v not_o only_o a_o good_a discipline_n but_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n page_n 11._o now_o a_o church_n according_a to_o their_o description_n true_o form_v and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n and_o two_o to_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o send_v i_o word_n which_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o peculiar-pastor_n of_o this_o form_a church_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n or_o who_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o who_o be_v their_o deacon_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o be_v that_o that_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v make_v all_o that_o i_o require_v of_o he_o clear_o appear_v than_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o church_n have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o or_o but_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o any_o particular_a covenant_n but_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o and_o church_n officer_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a and_o nothing_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o with_o any_o such_o covenant_n which_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v make_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o without_o which_o in_o their_o language_n it_o can_v be_v adistinct_a and_o formal_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v from_o which_o i_o do_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v and_o that_o from_o the_o new_a light_n i_o have_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o well_o form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o be_v impious_a either_o to_o think_v or_o say_v or_o if_o they_o be_v that_o then_o there_o may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o but_o serve_v their_o flock_n and_o congregation_n in_o common_a so_o that_o all_o the_o babble_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o delude_v poor_a people_n when_o they_o demand_n such_o thing_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o god_n never_o require_v at_o his_o
likewise_o want_v nothing_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n but_o have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n now_o i_o shall_v never_o beleevethat_o those_o glorious_a church_n found_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o every_o city_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n appoint_v they_o the_o which_o church_n also_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o complete_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o well_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o impiety_n to_o think_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o they_o and_o how_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o notwithstanding_o do_v all_o proclaim_v they_o but_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n both_o in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v all_o complete_v at_o their_o first_o sound_v and_o constitution_n and_o be_v all_o complete_a within_o themselves_o as_o have_v plenary_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o much_o more_o have_v all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o s._n paul_n who_o blame_v they_o for_o not_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o some_o of_o the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o christ_n himself_o for_o otherwise_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n may_v have_v reply_v and_o answer_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o complete_o mould_v up_o at_o their_o first_o sound_n and_o that_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o none_o of_o these_o church_n pretend_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o can_v they_o for_o saint_n paul_n have_v give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n a_o caveat_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o wolf_n that_o will_v rise_v up_o among_o they_o after_o his_o departure_n and_o have_v arm_v they_o likewise_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n and_o that_o church_n execute_v its_o power_n in_o find_v out_o of_o false_a teacher_n and_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o though_o the_o other_o be_v blame_v so_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o their_o duty_n and_o not_o execute_v of_o their_o discipline_n be_v that_o that_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v give_v they_o in_o cast_v out_o of_o those_o corrupt_a member_n from_o among_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v their_o fail_n and_o for_o this_o be_v they_o blame_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o discipline_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n but_o their_o negligence_n and_o their_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n be_v their_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n inferior_a to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o power_n or_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n bold_o and_o without_o all_o reason_n affirm_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n the_o which_o if_o it_o can_v take_v away_o the_o very_a life_n of_o offender_n as_o it_o do_v they_o for_o lie_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o it_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o any_o corrupt_a member_n and_o scandalous_a person_n if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o among_o they_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_a but_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o want_n of_o discipline_n or_o power_n in_o that_o church_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o open_a delinquent_n and_o scandalous_a person_n for_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o will_v suffer_v none_o in_o the_o least_o to_o transgress_v it_o without_o question_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o conceive_v but_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o they_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n the_o â—1_n where_o they_o question_v peter_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o learned_a and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o the_o punishment_n also_o that_o be_v inflict_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n strike_v so_o great_a a_o terror_n of_o offend_v into_o all_o the_o ghurch_n as_o it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o in_o public_a be_v vicious_a and_o therefore_o that_o make_v they_o all_o afraid_a of_o public_a open_a and_o scandal_n withal_o it_o be_v record_v that_o they_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o be_v all_o true_a convert_n and_o saint_n indeed_o now_o no_o church_n use_v to_o cast_v out_o saint_n and_o man_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o goodness_n and_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a which_o when_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o excommunication_n or_o at_o least_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o time_n for_o discipline_n in_o any_o church_n be_v as_o magistracy_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o good_a but_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v rom._n the_o 13._o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o well_o doer_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n use_v the_o sword_n only_o against_o offender_n and_o delinquent_n so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n only_o in_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n which_o be_v sole_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a and_o scandalous_a person_n there_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n beside_o all_o man_n know_v that_o discipline_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o other_o and_o be_v but_o the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v another_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o court_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o that_o court_n be_v a_o other_o and_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o authority_n make_v it_o not_o a_o court_n nor_o give_v not_o the_o power_n to_o it_o but_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o court_n invest_v with_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o parliament_n the_o great_a and_o supreme_a court_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o cut_n off_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n head_n give_v not_o power_n to_o the_o parliament_n but_o declare_v the_o power_n they_o have_v by_o their_o first_o constitution_n for_o they_o be_v a_o court_n before_o and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o execution_n before_o but_o upon_o this_o occasion_n they_o exercise_v it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o this_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n as_o they_o have_v not_o do_v for_o these_o many_o year_n before_o that_o the_o great_a court_n have_v want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n all_o man_n that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o say_v that_o great_a council_n
and_o in_o the_o baptist_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o matth._n 3._o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o all_o the_o bless_a trinity_n as_o by_o the_o immediate_a descension_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o dove_n who_o be_v the_o person_n baptize_v with_o a_o voice_n from_o god_n the_o father_n out_o of_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o that_o christ_n god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v sanctify_v and_o confirm_v this_o ordinance_n not_o only_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n who_o be_v also_o baptize_v by_o john_n but_o to_o all_o those_o in_o all_o future_a age_n that_o shall_v be_v baptize_v by_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n which_o he_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v they_o matth._n 28._o to_o all_o which_o he_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o good_a christian_n believe_v that_o christ_n be_v well_o baptize_v and_o if_o he_o be_v well_o baptize_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o likewise_o well_o baptize_v and_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n for_o both_o john_n and_o the_o disciple_n have_v their_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o christ_n himself_o for_o their_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n and_o a_o mission_n from_o he_o be_v of_o any_o force_n to_o ratify_v and_o ascertain_v any_o ordinance_n than_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v authentic_a and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n except_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o all_o those_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o administer_v unto_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o of_o who_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n matth._n 12._o ver_fw-la 49_o 50._o behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n &_o sister_n and_o mother_n except_o i_o say_v they_o believe_v all_o these_o can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n which_o be_v impiety_n to_o think_v now_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n christ_n jesus_n with_o his_o mother_n brethren_n and_o sister_n with_o all_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o this_o their_o shepherd_n and_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o follow_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o with_o all_o john_n disciple_n and_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o his_o and_o christ_n disciple_n ministry_n can_v as_o well_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a form_a congregation_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o a_o few_o other_o of_o their_o conceit_a member_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v see_v no_o good_a reason_n but_o that_o christ_n the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o so_o many_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n with_o he_o shall_v not_o all_o of_o they_o as_o well_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n as_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o one_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o assert_v in_o express_a term_n that_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o temerity_n i_o know_v not_o what_o either_o blasphemy_n or_o rashness_n be_v in_o any_o the_o ildependents_n have_v unchurch_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o all_o church_n but_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o now_o they_o unchurch_n all_o those_o glorious_a christian_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n we_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o wonder_v at_o least_o we_o may_v not_o take_v it_o in_o ill_a part_n that_o they_o unchurch_n we_o and_o deny_v our_o church_n here_o in_o england_n and_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o they_o say_v the_o same_o of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o have_v so_o good_a company_n we_o may_v the_o more_o quiet_o sit_v down_o when_o we_o be_v so_o like_o our_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o all_o the_o which_o they_o say_v they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n these_o word_n may_v not_o slight_o be_v pass_v over_o we_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o man_n ordinary_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o slight_a or_o little_a regard_n especial_o if_o they_o speak_v those_o word_n from_o the_o judgement_n of_o deliberation_n and_o not_o upon_o extemporary_a passion_n or_o except_o they_o be_v in_o very_o great_a haste_n and_o then_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o excuse_v if_o they_o pass_v by_o their_o best_a friend_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o otherwise_o if_o they_o speak_v it_o out_o of_o seriosity_n that_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o slight_v they_o regard_v they_o not_o or_o despise_v they_o but_o i_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n though_o he_o think_v very_o unworthy_o of_o i_o then_o that_o he_o shall_v slight_v his_o best_a friend_n jesus_n christ_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n time_n especial_o when_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o only_o labour_v to_o set_v he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n and_o count_v all_o his_o dissent_v brethren_n from_o his_o way_n enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o harbour_v a_o more_o favourable_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a opinion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n then_o that_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o serious_a thought_n he_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v his_o word_n we_o say_v he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n i_o therefore_o conceive_v more_o venerable_o of_o he_o as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o haste_n when_o he_o thus_o speak_v and_o print_v for_o so_o he_o intimate_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n therefore_o say_v he_o i_o haste_v at_o length_n as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n a_o charitable_a gentleman_n towards_o a_o brother_n though_o not_o well_o 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godly_a conscionable_a and_o learned_a minister_n as_o they_o do_v thus_o meet_v together_o so_o they_o have_v ever_o since_o laborious_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o god_n herein_o and_o they_o have_v not_o conclude_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o bring_v their_o warrant_n for_o out_o of_o god_n word_n be_v take_v from_o the_o example_n practice_n precept_n and_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n for_o that_o government_n which_o they_o stand_v for_o and_o humble_o desire_v to_o have_v settle_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o can_v it_o be_v just_o say_v that_o if_o man_n wait_v patient_o while_o these_o truth_n be_v discuss_v which_o have_v be_v the_o long_o by_o reason_n that_o daily_a opposition_n and_o many_o cavil_v argumentation_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v against_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o by_o some_o 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these_o glorious_a and_o true_o precious_a christian_n have_v none_o of_o these_o panic_n fear_v the_o illdependents_a of_o our_o time_n be_v trouble_v with_o but_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o wait_v upon_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n without_o make_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n any_o rent_n and_o separation_n from_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o this_o their_o do_v be_v leave_v for_o our_o example_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o not_o under_o a_o semblance_n and_o show_v of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o preformation_n to_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n and_o separate_v assembly_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o my_o brother_n burtons_n cavil_n against_o my_o first_o querie_n and_o for_o answer_v likewise_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v by_o he_o to_o i_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o see_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v concern_v my_o second_o querie_n viz._n touch_v the_o requisite_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v member_n the_o reader_n may_v look_v back_o to_o the_o query_n by_o which_o he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v the_o grollery_n of_o the_o man_n as_o for_o i._o s._n he_o answer_v to_o that_o query_n although_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o of_o new_a gather_v church_n that_o he_o know_v none_o such_o who_o hold_v it_o so_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v i._o s._n be_v but_o a_o catachumenos_n in_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n while_o he_o undertake_v to_o instruct_v other_o in_o it_o but_o my_o brother_n burton_n he_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o all_o the_o illdependent_a discipline_n both_o for_o the_o theory_n and_o practic_n who_o answer_v thus_o to_o my_o second_o query_n page_n 14._o i_o pray_v say_v he_o what_o harm_n be_v in_o that_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o answer_v 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be_v this_o to_o know_v those_o well_o say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a nor_o do_v we_o so_o much_o look_v at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n this_o be_v all_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o quâ—ry_n which_o he_o call_v a_o caption_n but_o for_o answer_v i_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v produce_v some_o command_n or_o example_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o this_o their_o practice_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n for_o that_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_n obedience_n and_o where_o our_o king_n christ_n jesus_n have_v cease_v to_o command_v there_o all_o his_o servant_n must_v cease_v
principale_a and_o the_o choice_a one_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n both_o for_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n and_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o upon_o any_o scandal_n so_o that_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v either_o man_n or_o woman_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a rank_n and_o quality_n without_o the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n of_o the_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o oppose_v the_o entrance_n of_o any_o though_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o mere_a jealousy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o godly_a they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o those_o congregation_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o this_o their_o practice_n and_o therefore_o plead_v ignorance_n in_o the_o business_n but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v i_o write_v nothing_o in_o my_o first_o book_n concern_v woman_n vote_v of_o it_o in_o church_n i_o shall_v recite_v some_o two_o or_o three_o story_n omit_v many_o to_o prove_v their_o practice_n in_o those_o day_n and_o what_o i_o shall_v relate_v and_o much_o more_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n whensoever_o the_o independent_o shall_v put_v i_o upon_o it_o and_o withal_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v never_o great_a juggle_n than_o have_v be_v among_o those_o of_o the_o congregational-way_n in_o admit_v of_o member_n the_o story_n brief_o be_v these_o a_o gentlewoman_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n come_v up_o to_o london_n since_o these_o new_a light_n break_v out_o be_v so_o infatuate_v with_o they_o that_o she_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o join_v herself_o to_o one_o of_o the_o prime_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n concern_v the_o which_o gentlewoman_n i_o can_v say_v thus_o much_o upon_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o that_o whatsoever_o she_o be_v now_o before_o she_o become_v a_o independent_a she_o be_v a_o woman_n not_o only_o of_o a_o immaculate_a life_n and_o 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she_o have_v with_o he_o signify_v with_o all_o that_o she_o have_v ever_o love_v the_o saint_n and_o brethren_n a_o sufficient_a token_n of_o conversion_n and_o of_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n disciple_n if_o either_o christ_n own_o testimony_n or_o saint_n johns_n may_v be_v believe_v yet_o when_o she_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o her_o confession_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o produce_v her_o evidence_n a_o wench_n rise_v up_o in_o the_o congregation_n and_o profess_v before_o they_o all_o that_o she_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o her_o evidence_n that_o she_o be_v a_o believer_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pharisee_n for_o all_o outward_a performance_n can_v say_v as_o much_o as_o she_o do_v or_o use_v word_n to_o this_o effect_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n can_v not_o admit_v she_o for_o the_o sister_n be_v not_o satisfy_v so_o that_o the_o gentlewoman_n since_o join_v herself_o to_o another_o congregation_n an_o other_o precedent_n be_v of_o a_o young_a man_n repute_v among_o his_o 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whereupon_o he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o they_o and_o sometime_o he_o court_v they_o for_o their_o favour_n sometime_o he_o expostulate_v with_o they_o desire_v to_o know_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o adverse_a to_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v their_o consent_n demand_v of_o they_o if_o they_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o conversation_n and_o they_o reply_v no_o but_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v godly_a and_o sanctify_a and_o fit_a for_o church_n fellowship_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o he_o be_v ever_o admit_v in_o that_o congregation_n i_o know_v not_o but_o at_o that_o time_n he_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o the_o sister_n do_v not_o give_v their_o consent_n and_o they_o can_v allege_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o their_o not_o agree_v to_o his_o admission_n but_o that_o they_o conceive_v he_o be_v not_o godly_a the_o three_o story_n be_v of_o one_o that_o be_v repute_v a_o very_a 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woman_n at_o that_o time_n put_v off_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v with_o the_o other_o two_o story_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o produce_v many_o such_o precedent_n more_o now_o i_o refer_v this_o to_o any_o understanding_n man_n judgement_n whether_o the_o key_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o the_o woman_n girdle_n and_o whether_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n be_v always_o to_o be_v credit_v either_o in_o their_o denial_n or_o affirmation_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o five_o query_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o six_o and_o last_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o practise_v and_o preach_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o the_o which_o query_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._o s._n answer_v as_o two_o juggler_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 19_o those_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v for_o matter_n and_o form_n true_a church_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o christ_n word_n do_v set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o for_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n this_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o my_o sixth_o query_n now_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o my_o query_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o from_o this_o his_o answer_n i_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o their_o new_a congregation_n do_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n they_o fail_v both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o true_a church_n and_o
as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n but_o so_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n where_o i_o observe_v a_o notable_a contradiction_n to_o usurp_v his_o one_o language_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n to_o reconcile_v it_o but_o now_o to_o speak_v brief_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o these_o my_o brother_n burtons_n grollery_n first_o whereas_o he_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n unchristian_n and_o unchurche_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n he_o be_v very_o erroneous_a in_o so_o do_v and_o deal_v most_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o with_o all_o those_o glorious_a saint_n for_o they_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o he_o or_o any_o independent_o in_o the_o world_n as_o who_o all_o of_o they_o have_v christ_n own_o testimony_n for_o their_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v sufficient_a character_n ever_o to_o make_v any_o people_n good_a christian_n and_o of_o all_o they_o our_o saviour_n say_v luke_n 7._o 29_o 30._o that_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o counsel_n against_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n do_v that_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptistâ—_n repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o witness_n they_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o in_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o a_o notorious_a papist_n and_o a_o calumniator_n aught_o to_o be_v reprove_v especial_o by_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n which_o hold_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v believer_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o first_o grollery_n his_o second_o be_v that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v page_n the_o twenty_o of_o his_o book_n where_o answer_v unto_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n viz._n because_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o our_o church_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o he_o there_o thus_o reply_n if_o you_o say_v he_o mean_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v well_o but_o do_v not_o you_o know_v say_v he_o that_o there_o dre_fw-mi three_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o gospel_n pure_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v and_o discipline_n right_o practise_v all_o which_o mark_v to_o gather_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v yet_o to_o seek_v so_o that_o by_o these_o word_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o his_o opinion_n the_o gospel-form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v to_o have_v discipline_n right_o practise_v so_o that_o where_o discipline_n be_v want_v by_o his_o learning_n there_o be_v no_o true_a gospel_n form_v church_n but_o before_o i_o answer_v to_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o better_a know_v the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o my_o brother_n burton_n yet_o he_o in_o set_v they_o all_o down_o omit_v that_o of_o discipline_n say_v act_v 2._o 42._o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o unerring_a description_n of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o three_o essential_a mark_n in_o god_n dialect_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n although_o there_o be_v no_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o i_o gather_v that_o discipline_n though_o a_o most_o excellent_a ordinance_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o have_v long_o since_o be_v obtain_v have_v not_o the_o ildependents_n hinder_v it_o make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o will_v ever_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o point_n rather_o than_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o withal_o i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o all_o the_o sectary_n can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v true_o call_v upon_o all_o which_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o true_a form_v church_n yea_o and_o the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o learning_n than_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a form_v church_n but_o a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n for_o he_o everywhere_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o discipline_n there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v right_o practise_v if_o that_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o at_o all_o as_o he_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o that_o mark_v it_o do_v not_o make_v for_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o gospel_n form_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o if_o excommunication_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o all_o the_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n time_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o gospel_n form_n for_o synagogue_n and_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o one_o and_o in_o all_o the_o synagogue_n they_o have_v excommunication_n as_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a and_o for_o instance_n these_o john_n 9_o 22._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v argue_v already_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o fourti_v verse_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o cast_v out_o the_o young_a man_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n verse_n 35._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n many_o place_n more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n even_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o in_o john_n time_n howsoever_o it_o be_v abuse_v as_o excommunication_n daily_o be_v among_o all_o the_o sectary_n at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o we_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v all_o thing_n this_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o from_o they_o bring_v into_o all_o christian_a church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o take_v a_o great_a journey_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o john_n baptist_n church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v have_v i_o go_v to_o visit_v all_o the_o other_o christian_a church_n to_o find_v in_o they_o excommunication_n that_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n i_o will_v leave_v that_o journey_n to_o their_o itinerary_n independent_a predicant_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v and_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o the_o christian_a synagogue_n and_o church_n among_o the_o which_o john_n baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o both_o converse_v preach_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o office_n of_o true_a pastor_n and_o in_o those_o synagogue_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o i_o find_v the_o gospel_n
a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o bind_v all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o both_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n learned_o infer_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a opinion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o sole_a authority_n of_o admit_v member_n into_o church_n fellowship_n from_o the_o example_n of_o philip_n ananias_n paul_n in_o baptise_v the_o gaoler_n and_o lydia_n and_o peter_n baptise_v of_o cornelius_n and_o admit_v of_o he_o and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o those_o condition_n they_o propound_v and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n or_o mere_a extravagant_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o with_o the_o papist_n to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o nose_n of_o wax_n or_o a_o leaden_a rule_n that_o they_o may_v either_o work_v and_o mould_n it_o or_o bend_v it_o into_o what_o fashion_n they_o please_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o experience_a christian_n but_o by_o the_o way_n also_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o my_o brother_n burton_n grant_v viz._n that_o the_o receive_n of_o those_o gentile_n and_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o by_o peter_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v to_o make_v they_o one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n from_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o be_v man_n baptize_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n either_o after_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o incorporate_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n both_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o member_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n those_o that_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n may_v also_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v but_o one_o flock_n and_o one_o sheepfold_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n of_o it_o and_o king_n that_o govern_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v admit_v member_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o they_o be_v admit_v whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a or_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o may_v communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n that_o any_o of_o christ_n subject_n can_v challenge_v and_o all_o this_o i_o learn_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o so_o long_o as_o he_o hold_v out_o any_o truth_n unto_o i_o i_o will_v listen_v unto_o as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o point_n but_o no_o far_o again_o as_o all_o those_o viz._n the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o minister_n evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n urge_v by_o the_o brethren_n so_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o upon_o christ_n own_o condition_n viz._n faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n have_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n speak_v thus_o much_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o whereas_o they_o peremptory_o affirm_v from_o the_o interrogation_n of_o peter_n to_o those_o that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o where_o he_o say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v power_n also_o of_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o in_o so_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o a_o very_a groundless_a illation_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o interrogation_n plain_o manifest_v the_o contrary_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o other_o precedent_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n in_o the_o eight_o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 33._o 34._o saint_n paul_n say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v who_o 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say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o that_o with_o a_o irresistible_a reason_n ver_fw-la 17._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o god_n give_v they_o the_o like_a gift_n as_o he_o do_v unto_o we_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n all_o the_o which_o discourse_n of_o peter_n and_o this_o his_o reason_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o his_o interrogation_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptiâ—ed_v do_v not_o imply_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n will_v have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o to_o have_v hinder_v their_o baptism_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o believe_v for_o if_o peter_n himself_o shall_v have_v refuse_v it_o he_o have_v be_v disobedient_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v doubt_v which_o he_o be_v forbid_v and_o withal_o have_v resist_v in_o as_o much_o as_o have_v be_v in_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o so_o say_v saint_n peter_n what_o be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v withstand_v god_n from_o which_o i_o gather_v and_o that_o by_o very_o good_a reason_n that_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v into_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n without_o they_o walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o and_o without_o the_o make_n of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n and_o withstander_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o if_o they_o do_v
he_o may_v also_o true_o be_v say_v of_o cretensis_n and_o all_o those_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o word_n be_v sword_n and_o spear_n who_o all_o fight_n rather_o with_o their_o heel_n then_o with_o their_o head_n and_o kick_v rather_o than_o argue_v and_o whip_v rather_o than_o answer_v whether_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n though_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o gray_a head_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o their_o deal_n be_v so_o palpable_o unjust_a and_o their_o opinion_n so_o schismatical_a heretical_a and_o erroneous_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o as_o know_v what_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n my_o brother_n burton_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pretend_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o will_v make_v the_o 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church_n proceed_n that_o church_n may_v refuse_v it_o if_o it_o please_v they_o but_o if_o to_o gratify_v their_o desire_n that_o church_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o other_o church_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o proceed_n all_o this_o be_v but_o gratis_o and_o out_o of_o their_o good_a nature_n they_o have_v still_o no_o power_n to_o call_v that_o church_n in_o question_n that_o have_v do_v the_o wrong_n if_o that_o church_n stand_v upon_o its_o point_n and_o privilege_n and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n then_o forsooth_o they_o will_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o that_o church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v the_o high_a censure_n any_o one_o church_n can_v proceed_v to_o against_o another_o church_n be_v not_o this_o i_o pray_v fine_a dependency_n what_o more_o unrighteous_a deal_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o profess_v themselves_o independent_o and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n and_o when_o that_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n they_o have_v no_o more_o real_a dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o than_o we_o have_v with_o they_o yea_o what_o a_o great_a unrighteousness_n be_v this_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o a_o communion_n among_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n when_o it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o more_o union_n and_o communion_n nor_o true_a friendship_n among_o they_o then_o be_v between_o herod_n and_o pilate_n they_o refuse_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n each_o to_o other_o in_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v deadly_a enemy_n one_o to_o another_o as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v although_o they_o all_o agree_v together_o to_o persecute_v the_o presbyterian_o as_o herod_n and_o pilate_n do_v well_o accord_n to_o persecute_v christ_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v hear_v the_o independent_o protest_v against_o the_o brownist_n anabaptist_n antinomian_o and_o seeker_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o new_a fraternity_n proclaim_v they_o all_o sectary_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o have_v hear_v those_o several_a society_n rail_v against_o all_o the_o independent_o especial_o those_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a esteem_n of_o any_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n then_o of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v unanimous_o accuse_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n of_o as_o great_a tyranny_n as_o the_o prelate_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n here_o among_o we_o have_v their_o different_a law_n and_o custom_n every_o one_o of_o they_o dissent_v more_o or_o less_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a church_n yea_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o other_o practice_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n know_v not_o that_o the_o woman_n in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n have_v their_o voice_n there_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o also_o have_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o their_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o their_o new_a church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v page_n the_o five_o when_o as_o they_o all_o of_o they_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o independent_a what_o unrighteousness_n then_o be_v this_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o in_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o affirm_v that_o in_o all_o their_o church_n there_o be_v a_o dependent_a independency_n or_o a_o independent_a dependency_n which_o be_v but_o a_o contradictory_n bull_n at_o best_a at_o the_o bait_v whereof_o a_o man_n if_o he_o regard_v not_o mispending_a his_o time_n may_v make_v far_o better_a sport_n than_o he_o do_v some_o year_n since_o in_o bait_v the_o pope_n bull._n the_o truth_n be_v as_o their_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a babel_n so_o all_o their_o language_n be_v confound_v and_o they_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n principle_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v all_o real_o independent_a and_o therefore_o whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n where_o they_o be_v so_o unrighteous_a in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v and_o practise_v another_o and_o when_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o do_v i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a reader_n but_o the_o unrighteousness_n of_o their_o way_n will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v if_o we_o but_o look_v into_o some_o other_o of_o their_o practice_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o instance_n the_o very_a
be_v mention_v and_o therefore_o if_o i_o in_o god_n quarrel_n and_o cause_n be_v a_o little_a more_o earnest_a and_o use_v a_o little_a more_o tartness_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o wave_v in_o my_o own_o it_o may_v with_o any_o good_a nature_n easy_o plead_v excuse_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v my_o epistle_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o all_o to_o consider_v three_o passage_n omit_v many_o i_o shall_v here_o set_v before_o your_o eye_n the_o one_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o answer_n the_o other_o out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o flagellum_fw-la the_o three_o out_o of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n vindiciae_fw-la that_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o these_o man_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v wrong_v your_o cause_n before_o you_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n master_n knollys_n thus_o speak_v upon_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o his_o book_n a_o moderate_a answer_n unto_o doctor_n bastwicks_n book_n wherein_o the_o manner_n how_o some_o church_n in_o this_o city_n be_v gather_v and_o upon_o what_o term_v their_o member_n be_v admit_v that_o so_o both_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v how_o near_o some_o `_o believer_n who_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v come_v in_o their_o practice_n to_o these_o apostolical_a rule_n which_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o doctor_n as_o god_n method_n in_o gather_v church_n and_o admit_v member_n these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n and_o in_o the_o nineteenth_o and_o twenty_o page_n he_o more_o full_o there_o testify_v his_o good_a like_n of_o that_o method_n for_o gather_v of_o church_n that_o i_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n propound_v and_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o their_o congregation_n be_v gather_v after_o that_o method_n or_o manner_n or_o come_v very_o nigh_o unto_o it_o by_o all_o which_o his_o expression_n and_o by_o that_o their_o practice_n he_o declare_v that_o in_o his_o judgement_n i_o 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prove_v it_o by_o argument_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o 9_o and_o 10._o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n assent_v unto_o i._o s._n his_o doctrine_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a if_o you_o look_v into_o it_o in_o which_o you_o shall_v find_v also_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o at_o that_o time_n when_o according_a to_o his_o own_o reckon_n there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n his_o word_n be_v these_o say_v that_o though_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n altogether_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o the_o learning_n of_o all_o these_o your_o great_a champion_n you_o will_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n evident_o perceive_v that_o they_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v your_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n and_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o that_o while_o they_o all_o come_v out_o to_o maintain_v it_o for_o mr_n knollys_n as_o i_o say_v even_o now_o he_o fight_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o understanding_n and_o oppose_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o in_o his_o judgement_n allow_v of_o and_o for_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n they_o have_v ignorant_o murder_v your_o cause_n for_o all_o the_o contention_n hitherto_o both_o in_o the_o synod_n between_o the_o reverend_a presbyter_n there_o and_o the_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n and_o between_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o presbyterian_o through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v be_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o all_o the_o independent_o in_o england_n hold_v be_v never_o at_o first_o and_o last_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o assert_v moreover_o that_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o government_n and_o do_v peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n be_v bind_o presidentiall_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o imitation_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n but_o of_o all_o the_o sectary_n that_o i_o know_v yea_o the_o orthodox_n presbyterian_o do_v all_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o i._n s._n say_v that_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o bind_o presidential_a wicked_o compare_v it_o to_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n that_o indigested_a mole_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n so_o that_o he_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o imperfect_a pattern_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v leave_v arbitrary_a for_o any_o church_n or_o state_n to_o set_v up_o what_o kind_n of_o church_n government_n they_o please_v now_o whither_o or_o no_o this_o opinion_n of_o his_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o all_o divinity_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v yea_o to_o the_o very_a tenant_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o those_o among_o you_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o thing_n that_o differ_v so_o that_o you_o may_v see_v that_o this_o champion_n also_o of_o you_o have_v absolute_o overthrow_v your_o own_o principle_n when_o he_o come_v out_o to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v your_o cause_n my_o brother_n burton_n also_o have_v give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o that_o cause_n he_o come_v out_o so_o desperate_o to_o maintain_v for_o all_o the_o independent_o through_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v of_o with_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n brethren_n in_o the_o assembly_n by_o all_o their_o argument_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n acknowledge_v that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n that_o then_o they_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n and_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o reason_n for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o those_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v if_o they_o make_v all_o but_o one_o entire_a
meaning_n as_o they_o put_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v of_o a_o place_n howsoever_o it_o creep_v in_o in_o our_o translation_n all_o this_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o evince_v this_o also_o that_o they_o lay_v that_o foundation_n of_o their_o new_a fabric_n only_o in_o the_o air_n or_o chimaera_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o for_o the_o word_n in_o roman_a character_n they_o be_v homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la and_o now_o i_o will_v relate_v how_o philip_n nye_n a_o very_a busy_a advocate_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o independency_n and_o what_o his_o testimony_n be_v who_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o assertion_n he_o fly_v to_o the_o same_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n then_o after_o he_o come_v in_o jeremy_n burrough_n a_o stout_a advocate_n who_o be_v demand_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n for_o the_o make_n of_o affidavit_fw-la to_o what_o they_o have_v plead_v he_o also_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o with_o a_o great_a outice_n say_v and_o they_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n then_o come_v in_o sydrack_n sympson_n a_o brave_a burly_n and_o well_o spread_v advocate_n who_o be_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n request_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n produce_v the_o very_a same_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v before_o cry_v out_o pleno_fw-la ore_fw-la &_o pingui_fw-la ore_fw-la voce_fw-la that_o they_o be_v altogether_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n i_o will_v not_o mention_v the_o other_o advocate_n for_o they_o be_v all_o at_o their_o homothumadon_n and_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o thus_o do_v these_o brave_a pleader_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o argue_v their_o cause_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n also_o into_o the_o court_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o their_o witness_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v from_o first_o to_o last_o as_o on_o purpose_n show_v this_o as_o if_o his_o scope_n have_v be_v before_o to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o they_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o this_o their_o reason_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o substance_n that_o all_o those_o restless_a spirit_a rabbi_n have_v for_o this_o great_a war_n and_o contention_n between_o we_o and_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n and_o that_o their_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v this_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o state_n to_o the_o seduce_a and_o mislead_v of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a soul_n to_o the_o utter_a ruine_n of_o many_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o set_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n on_o fire_n which_o with_o all_o their_o tear_n if_o ever_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v they_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o they_o can_v never_o quench_v and_o for_o the_o better_a deceive_v of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v so_o accustom_v their_o mouth_n to_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la that_o very_a sagomour_n will_n that_o have_v no_o more_o greek_a in_o he_o then_o a_o horse_n upon_o every_o occasion_n come_v out_o with_o his_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n which_o concern_v not_o only_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n but_o be_v of_o everlasting_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o they_o continual_o trifle_v and_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o cat_n usual_o do_v one_o with_o a_o other_o who_o when_o they_o have_v spend_v all_o their_o strength_n with_o fight_v and_o when_o they_o can_v neither_o scratch_v nor_o bite_v any_o long_o than_o they_o spit_v one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v ugly_a face_n even_o so_o do_v these_o man_n with_o we_o when_o they_o have_v torment_v themselves_o &_o spend_v their_o force_n in_o wrangle_v have_v never_o a_o argument_n leave_v to_o maintain_v their_o groundless_a wicked_a and_o divide_v opinion_n than_o they_o stand_v stare_v on_o we_o &_o as_o a_o last_o refuge_n come_v out_o with_o their_o homothumadon_v epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o thus_o spit_v a_o little_a greek_a in_o our_o face_n which_o the_o delude_a people_n not_o understanding_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n get_v on_o the_o independent_o side_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n yeâ—_n of_o their_o whole_a army_n lie_v here_o and_o depend_v upon_o this_o fort_n i_o mean_v these_o word_n of_o the_o heavenly_a charter_n i_o will_v take_v the_o more_o pain_n for_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o wickedness_n and_o vanity_n for_o it_o be_v no_o better_a of_o all_o these_o homothumadon_n impostor_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o make_v some_o stay_n in_o explayn_v the_o mind_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o because_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o key_n and_o inlet_n for_o the_o open_n and_o the_o better_a make_v way_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a dispute_n so_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n may_v from_o the_o unfolding_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o juggle_n of_o these_o ungodly_a man_n but_o first_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o reverend_a judge_n sit_v in_o the_o court_n i_o mean_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n where_o this_o cause_n be_v full_o hear_v and_o debate_v where_o the_o homothumadon_n have_v liberty_n full_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o &_o to_o bring_v in_o whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n howsoever_o they_o have_v false_o give_v out_o to_o the_o contrary_a now_o for_o answer_v to_o their_o reason_n above_o mention_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n reply_v that_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v rather_o to_o show_v the_o early_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n jer._n 32._o 39_o of_o give_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n by_o his_o so_o frequent_a mention_v homothumadon_n &_o epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la as_o adjunct_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n meeting_n then_o as_o our_o brethren_n suggest_v to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n against_o this_o assertion_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o there_o be_v most_o excellent_a reason_n for_o this_o reply_n &_o answer_v of_o the_o reverend_a &_o learned_a assembly_n to_o their_o wicked_a cavil_n for_o so_o i_o may_v true_o call_v it_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n in_o the_o world_n which_o all_o the_o homothumadon_v minister_n and_o predicant_o and_o itinerary_a preacer_n be_v most_o deep_o guilty_a of_o who_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o people_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v and_o most_o abominable_o cheat_v they_o especial_o the_o silly_a woman_n now_o if_o we_o do_v due_o examine_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o native_a sense_n and_o true_a meaning_n it_o will_v most_o manifest_o appear_v that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a assembly_n be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a and_o solid_a reason_n which_o all_o the_o slight_a of_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n and_o their_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v simple_a soul_n will_v be_v make_v more_o orient_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o colour_n first_o therefore_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o its_o original_a language_n and_o then_o give_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o tongue_n act_v the_o second_o v._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o translation_n be_v this_o when_o the_o day_n of_o
which_o word_n there_o likewise_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v understand_v that_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n with_o all_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v all_o meet_a in_o any_o one_o place_n for_o all_o understanding_n forbid_v man_n so_o to_o argue_v or_o conceive_v or_o believe_v for_o they_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n can_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o together_o no_o not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o they_o beside_o they_o be_v all_o in_o their_o several_a country_n and_o abode_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o before_o this_o time_n herod_n and_o pilate_n be_v not_o so_o love_a one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o come_v together_o but_o it_o be_v relate_v they_o be_v altogether_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v that_o wheresoever_o they_o dwell_v or_o in_o what_o coast_n or_o region_n soever_o their_o habitation_n be_v they_o all_o agree_v upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o wicked_a design_n to_o be_v enemy_n of_o christ_n &_o in_o this_o wicked_a resolution_n they_o be_v epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la that_o be_v they_o all_o well_o accord_v and_o assent_v together_o to_o put_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n to_o death_n and_o to_o cast_v of_o his_o government_n so_o that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o mental_a meeting_n together_o and_o not_o a_o topical_a local_a and_o bodily_a meeting_n or_o convening_n of_o all_o those_o king_n in_o any_o one_o place_n by_o which_o in_o all_o their_o consultation_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o carry_v on_o their_o wicked_a design_n and_o unlawful_a business_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o unum_fw-la though_o they_o do_v it_o in_o several_a place_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la there_o as_o when_o any_o man_n do_v carry_v on_o a_o good_a design_n though_o they_o be_v in_o diveâ—s_n and_o several_a place_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o now_o with_o we_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o divers_a committee_n in_o both_o house_n assemble_v themselves_o daily_o epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la and_o be_v but_o one_o parliament_n though_o they_o meet_v in_o two_o several_a room_n and_o more_o and_o so_o a_o thousand_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v say_v to_o meet_v homothumadòn_n epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la every_o lord_n day_n though_o they_o be_v in_o never_o so_o many_o distinct_a place_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o common_a design_n to_o serve_v god_n on_o that_o day_n so_o that_o all_o reason_n to_o any_o intelligible_a man_n from_o that_o i_o have_v say_v will_v clear_o evince_v that_o by_o epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la be_v mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n with_o this_o deliberate_a design_n and_o for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o celebrate_v that_o feast_n unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o that_o day_n the_o jew_n also_o through_o all_o indaea_n and_o from_o the_o region_n round_o about_o be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o that_o feast_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o and_o to_o offer_v up_o that_o service_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o his_o name_n and_o the_o which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o several_a synagogue_n and_o meet_v place_n in_o the_o same_o employment_n the_o apostle_n be_v of_o all_o the_o which_o i_o affirm_v it_o may_v be_v as_o real_o and_o true_o say_v that_o they_o all_o meet_v homothumadòn_n epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la as_o of_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o yet_o no_o rational_a man_n will_v from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v or_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n no_o more_o can_v any_o understand_a creature_n or_o well_o ground_v solid_a christian_n gather_v that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v all_o homothumadon_n with_o one_o accord_n epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la that_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o all_o gather_v from_o the_o word_n i_o assert_v that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o man_n will_v argue_v that_o he_o have_v little_a brain_n in_o his_o head_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a by_o god_n assistance_n to_o maintain_v against_o all_o the_o sectary_n and_o homothumadòn_n independent_o that_o by_o epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la be_v to_o be_v understand_v either_o some_o design_n whether_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n or_o a_o bad_a which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n apparent_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la in_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o time_n of_o their_o meeting_n then_o of_o the_o place_n all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o undertake_v by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n to_o make_v good_a against_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o to_o prove_v withal_o that_o they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o most_o wicked_o for_o the_o delude_n of_o the_o people_n to_o gather_v and_o conclude_v from_o epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o or_o at_o any_o time_n after_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 or_o congregation_n for_o indeed_o to_o make_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o this_o from_o epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la be_v not_o only_o to_o fight_v against_o all_o the_o light_n of_o sound_a reason_n but_o to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lie_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o god_n will_v brief_o make_v appear_v but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o that_o shall_v i_o for_o disputation_n sake_n grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o by_o epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la in_o that_o text_n be_v mean_v in_o one_o place_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v a_o meeting_n or_o convening_n of_o the_o person_n of_o any_o people_n together_o but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o place_n or_o at_o a_o place_n as_o we_o usual_o speak_v will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o because_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n will_v hold_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v then_o no_o more_o in_o that_o company_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o it_o will_v hold_v hundred_o of_o thousand_o or_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o meet_v there_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o that_o church_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o that_o for_o ever_o after_o there_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o intelligible_a independent_a but_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v say_v that_o he_o that_o shall_v so_o conclude_v speak_v against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o all_o understanding_n that_o dictate_v the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o make_v that_o inference_n the_o homothumadon_n brethren_n make_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v neither_o then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o at_o any_o time_n after_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o now_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o wickedness_n of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o in_o this_o may_v be_v right_o call_v homothumadon_n in_o that_o they_o do_v with_o one_o accord_n and_o with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n conspire_v together_o to_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o persist_v epì_n to_o autô_o in_o that_o their_o wicked_a design_n and_o that_o with_o one_o accord_n i_o shall_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o reason_n which_o all_o that_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n shall_v see_v more_o full_o set_v down_o afterward_o i_o say_v therefore_o they_o extreme_o show_v their_o vanity_n and_o wicked_a purpose_n in_o this_o that_o they_o all_o conclude_v from_o epì_n to_o autò_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o ever_o after_o in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o
in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o argue_v if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v against_o the_o independent_o those_o homothumadon_n brethren_n all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o and_o their_o itinerary_a preacher_n those_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n those_o name_n be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n on_o one_o of_o their_o feast_n day_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o independent_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n then_o can_v meet_v at_o all_o time_n in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o their_o ordinance_n will_v not_o all_o the_o independent_o laugh_v at_o any_o presbyterian_a that_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v when_o they_o themselves_o boast_v that_o there_o be_v million_o of_o they_o in_o london_n now_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v true_o inform_v there_o be_v million_o of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n only_o that_o be_v present_a together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o the_o other_o believer_n be_v in_o their_o other_o meet_v place_n yea_o beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v now_o name_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 5._o that_o at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n here_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o these_o and_o all_o these_o be_v then_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v by_o many_o witness_n prove_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o believer_n or_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n how_o therefore_o with_o any_o honesty_n can_v the_o independent_o conclude_v from_o epi_n to_o auto_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o ever_o after_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v never_o any_o fight_n against_o he_o but_o shall_v i_o yield_v unto_o they_o which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n will_v it_o follow_v in_o any_o sound_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o after_o all_o still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v infinite_o daily_o increase_v i_o trow_v not_o for_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o so_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v will_v be_v but_o to_o prove_v fighter_n against_o all_o reason_n yea_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o express_a scripture_n as_o will_v forthwith_o appear_v for_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o then_o that_o company_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o place_n spacious_a enough_o for_o to_o break_v bread_n in_o they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v in_o many_o several_a house_n they_o have_v their_o meeting_n to_o communicate_v in_o therefore_o at_o that_o very_a time_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o disciple_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v speedy_o and_o ready_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a and_o alone_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o walk_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o must_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n nothing_o i_o say_v of_o all_o this_o be_v either_o practise_v in_o this_o mother-church_n or_o any_o daughter-church_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n but_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v most_o certain_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o their_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v without_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o that_o upon_o offer_v themselves_o the_o second_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o instant_a time_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o those_o express_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n then_o but_o it_o will_v far_o more_o illustrious_o yet_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o divers_a other_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a indefinite_o set_v down_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v tell_v which_o add_v no_o small_a emphasis_n unto_o the_o expression_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o require_v of_o all_o their_o member_n in_o these_o our_o time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o only_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n now_o what_o understanding_n man_n can_v easy_o believe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o daily_a increase_n of_o believer_n make_v that_o they_o can_v all_o still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o other_o new_a addition_n and_o that_o of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o beside_o woman_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o now_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o they_o be_v then_o force_v for_o want_n of_o a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o divers_a several_a house_n how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o daily_a then_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n may_v any_o one_o imagine_v when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o daily_a addition_n of_o believer_n but_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o add_v unto_o the_o
in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v in_o many_o place_n make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o how_o in_o any_o ordinary_a man_n understanding_n can_v many_o congregation_n be_v one_o political_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o associate_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n there_o as_o this_o 21._o ch_z testify_v and_o the_o 15._o chap._n and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n all_o which_o have_v the_o government_n over_o that_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v any_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundant_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v yet_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o scripture_n very_o common_a reason_n overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n in_o which_o there_o be_v never_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n who_o daily_o expect_v the_o messiah_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o he_o come_v have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n at_o his_o command_n to_o go_v and_o come_v at_o pleasure_n who_o powerful_a preach_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o satan_n be_v see_v fall_n down_o like_o iightning_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o kingdom_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o all_o who_o efficacious_a preach_n and_o miracle_n we_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o at_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o time_n beside_o daily_a addition_n add_v unto_o that_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v daily_o increase_v of_o believer_n upon_o increase_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v yet_o prevail_v to_o convert_v no_o more_o in_o future_a time_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o incredible_a and_o true_o for_o any_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o error_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v it_o record_v there_o 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gather_a church_n do_v now_o here_o in_o london_n but_o all_o those_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o subordinate_a and_o be_v combine_v together_o make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n within_o that_o precinct_n the_o example_n of_o which_o mother-church_n be_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n for_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o concern_v the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o air_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v or_o be_v speedy_o blow_v away_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o breath_n of_o truth_n now_o my_o other_o company_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n they_o militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v they_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v now_o though_o by_o their_o grant_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o day_n as_o in_o the_o follow_a skirmish_n will_v appear_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o sconce_n of_o error_n to_o which_o they_o have_v betake_v themselves_o can_v defend_v their_o cause_n i_o shall_v with_o one_o company_n at_o this_o time_n beat_v they_o out_o of_o that_o hold_n and_o full_o vanquish_v they_o in_o the_o pitch_a field_n it_o be_v record_v act._n 2._o v._n 42._o of_o all_o those_o new_a convert_n which_o be_v in_o many_o assembly_n &_o in_o many_o house_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n this_o very_a troop_n alone_o serve_v for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o what_o bulwark_n soever_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o for_o shelter_n for_o if_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v in_o they_o several_o whatsoever_o do_v make_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n than_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a so_o that_o to_o any_o rational_a man_n this_o question_n be_v also_o out_o of_o controversy_n for_o let_v any_o man_n but_o due_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o thâ—y_o each_o of_o they_o several_o may_v as_o true_o challenge_v the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v they_o communicate_v in_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o church_n a_o complete_a church_n or_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n by_o lawful_a minister_n can_v make_v any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o by_o this_o one_o company_n and_o by_o this_o very_a argument_n all_o the_o whible_a reserve_v of_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v and_o that_o place_n of_o truth_n maintain_v against_o they_o all_o viz._n that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o every_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o independent_a and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o truth_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o all_o sort_n of_o independent_o that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o some_o one_o college_n of_o presbyter_n make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o precinct_n but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n which_o have_v neither_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o these_o encounter_n and_o frequent_a skirmish_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o host_n the_o general_n of_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v vanquish_v all_o the_o force_n both_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o and_o all_o the_o burtonian_a sectary_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v not_o only_o the_o field_n of_o truth_n but_o these_o
two_o sconce_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n will_v be_v full_o make_v good_a and_o withal_o it_o will_v be_v maintain_v that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n that_o be_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n who_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a by_o all_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v who_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n it_o be_v that_o every_o congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v it_o great_a or_o small_a aught_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a church_n or_o body_n by_o itself_o exercise_v all_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v reference_n or_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o congregation_n for_o matter_n of_o government_n no_o far_o then_o please_v themselves_o and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n there_o be_v innumerable_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n for_o those_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o do_v affirm_v be_v but_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o entire_a church_n these_o be_v their_o word_n by_o all_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o appointment_n that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o some_o precinct_n shall_v all_o of_o they_o within_o that_o jurisdiction_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o in_o common_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a corporation_n and_o therefore_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n may_v without_o any_o offence_n or_o diviation_n from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v by_o i_o to_o any_o civil_a corporation_n as_o that_o of_o london_n or_o the_o like_a for_o though_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n spend_v much_o time_n and_o many_o word_n to_o no_o purpose_n about_o my_o simile_n yet_o it_o will_v stand_v for_o ever_o immovable_a and_o serve_v to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n for_o that_o very_a end_n i_o propound_v it_o viz._n to_o declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n yea_o by_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n pag_n the_o four_o of_o his_o pamphlet_n it_o be_v authorize_v for_o he_o there_o after_o much_o babble_n thus_o express_v himself_o concern_v this_o point_n when_o say_v he_o we_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o device_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o we_o may_v find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o they_o in_o thing_n here_o below_o which_o be_v make_v after_o they_o but_o we_o can_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a composure_n from_o these_o earthly_a thing_n thus_o j._n s._n speak_v there_o so_o that_o i_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n and_o original_a church_n find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o heavenly_a composure_n and_o that_o device_n of_o god_n as_o he_o grollish_o call_v it_o it_o be_v then_o no_o sin_n in_o i_o in_o i._o s._n his_o opinion_n to_o find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n below_o and_o therefore_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v have_v save_v all_o that_o labour_n they_o needless_o spend_v about_o that_o simile_n which_o will_v ever_o stand_v good_a against_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o the_o elucidating_a and_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o independent_o which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o and_o there_o before_o all_o the_o pother_n they_o make_v about_o that_o simile_n be_v but_o to_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o to_o vent_v their_o own_o vanity_n but_o from_o all_o this_o dispute_n that_o i_o may_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v nationall_n church_n which_o the_o independent_o deny_v i_o far_a gather_v that_o if_o many_o hundred_o congregation_n be_v combine_v together_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o any_o great_a city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o any_o large_a jurisdiction_n may_v all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o may_v take_v its_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o city_n or_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o thousand_o parish_n yea_o ten_o thousand_o all_o of_o they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n in_o what_o kingdom_n nation_n province_n country_n or_o commonwealth_n soever_o they_o be_v may_v not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o those_o several_a country_n be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o under_o some_o grand_a presbytery_n take_v their_o several_a name_n and_o denomination_n either_o from_o those_o respective_a nation_n or_o language_n and_o be_v call_v either_o the_o greek_a church_n or_o the_o hebrew_n church_n or_o the_o latin_a church_n or_o the_o french_a church_n or_o the_o dutch_a church_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n ireland_n or_o or_o such_o a_o provincial_n church_n or_o such_o a_o nationall_n church_n i_o say_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o if_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n come_v in_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o of_o they_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v not_o as_o well_o from_o those_o several_a nation_n take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o nation_n as_o they_o may_v take_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n or_o from_o any_o other_o city_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o become_v nationall_n church_n i_o desire_v therefore_o any_o man_n to_o give_v i_o a_o good_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o natural_a posterity_n for_o he_o be_v only_o in_o that_o regard_n a_o father_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o challenge_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a parentage_n in_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o child_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o beleif_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o day_n abraham_n by_o faith_n see_v and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o believer_n do_v and_o therefore_o they_o likewise_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o child_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o abraham_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o call_v nationall_n church_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o with_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n deny_v for_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o glorious_a promise_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o gentile_n as_o that_o in_o isaiah_n 19_o for_o 23_o 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n shall_v there_o be_v a_o highway_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o assyria_n and_o the_o assyrian_a shall_v come_v into_o egypt_n and_o the_o egyptian_a into_o assyria_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v serve_v with_o the_o assyrian_n in_o that_o day_n shall_v israel_n be_v the_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o with_o assyria_n even_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n here_o all_o these_o three_o nation_n be_v call_v three_o sister_n church_n if_o we_o mark_v the_o coherence_n and_o for_o far_a proof_n of_o nationall_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v isaiah_n 55._o 5._o thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n which_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o which_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o both_o god_n call_v of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o nation_n answer_v to_o that_o call_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o gospel_n time_n psal_n 22._o 27
and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v worship_v before_o thou_o and_o psal_n 72._o it_o be_v say_v all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o psal_n 86._o 9_o all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorify_v thy_o name_n innumerable_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o nationall_n church_n for_o all_o nation_n be_v christ_n by_o donation_n psal_n 2._o 8._o ask_v of_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o christ_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o conquest_n who_o have_v vanquish_v the_o strong_a man_n and_o disarm_v he_o and_o vindicate_v the_o nation_n into_o his_o own_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o purchase_n also_o viz._n all_o the_o elect_a of_o they_o for_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n 1_o pet._n 1._o act_n 20._o yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o call_n for_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n into_o all_o nation_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v in_o matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o many_o of_o they_o obey_v the_o call_n and_o be_v he_o by_o covenant_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o revel_v 11._o v._n 15._o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o paul_n in_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o rom_n speak_v unto_o all_o the_o gentile_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n say_v for_o 17._o that_o some_o of_o the_o natural_a branch_n be_v break_v off_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o nation_n be_v equal_a in_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o respect_n so_o that_o as_o that_o be_v a_o national_a church_n so_o be_v they_o and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep_n fold_n one_o church_n consist_v of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o one_o nationall_n church_n because_o all_o the_o tribe_n in_o that_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o visible_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o same_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o live_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o government_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n ecclesiastic_a or_o ecclesiastical_a commonwealth_n so_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v all_o those_o kingdom_n nation_n country_n and_o province_n that_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o come_v under_o the_o government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a high_a priest_n and_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o do_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o government_n he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o particular_a consociation_n and_o community_n in_o any_o country_n nation_n or_o province_n or_o kingdom_n receive_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o several_a country_n &_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o church_n eatholick_n be_v a_o homogenial_a and_o similar_v body_n retain_v the_o name_n of_o church_n into_o what_o city_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n soever_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o for_o as_o those_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o have_v its_o name_n from_o thence_o so_o may_v the_o many_o parish_n and_o village_n which_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o their_o several_a bound_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o christian_a faith_n make_v but_o one_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o through_o that_o country_n combine_v together_o under_o one_o government_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a for_o as_o for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v mere_o as_o a_o humane_a and_o politic_a ordinance_n as_o many_o conceive_v and_o therefore_o will_v make_v provincial_n church_n and_o parish_n church_n a_o humane_a invention_n for_o in_o the_o 32._o of_o deut._n v._n 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o division_n and_o give_v their_o several_a name_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n yea_o he_o have_v set_v the_o bound_n of_o every_o man_n as_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_v 17._o where_o he_o say_v verse_n 26._o that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o divers_a nation_n and_o those_o nation_n into_o several_a province_n and_o county_n and_o those_o county_n into_o so_o many_o hundred_o and_o wapentake_v or_o rape_n or_o tribe_n and_o all_o these_o into_o so_o many_o several_a parish_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n own_o appointment_n for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v divide_v the_o nation_n &_o tohave_v set_v they_o their_o bound_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v no_o reason_n why_o parish_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v account_v god_n ordinance_n as_o parish_n synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o city_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v god_n ordinance_n now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o for_o so_o by_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n esteem_v and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o new-england_n all_o their_o several_a town_n as_o that_o of_o plymouth_n bostorne_n cambridge_n etc._n etc._n have_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o all_o the_o people_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o no_o far_o that_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o their_o government_n be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o several_a church_n and_o of_o no_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o the_o division_n of_o our_o parish_n and_o city_n and_o those_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o every_o city_n village_n and_o country_n be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o we_o and_o yet_o be_v call_v god_n ordinance_n and_o true_o i_o know_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o our_o parish_n church_n shall_v not_o far_o rather_o and_o with_o far_o great_a reason_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n than_o those_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o our_o several_a parish_n dwell_v within_o such_o and_o such_o limit_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v all_o well_o and_o familiar_o know_v one_o to_o a_o other_o and_o every_o week_n once_o at_o least_o see_v all_o one_o a_o other_o face_n and_o can_v daily_o meet_v together_o for_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n dwell_v many_o of_o they_o twenty_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o some_o threescore_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o all_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o great_a distance_n one_o from_o another_o scatter_v here_o and_o there_o so_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o one_o watch_n over_o a_o other_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o behold_v one_o a_o other_o conversation_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o for_o my_o particular_a i_o know_v that_o the_o parochial_a or_o parishional_a assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o ordinance_n have_v precedent_n for_o it_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o many_o both_o in_o city_n and_o village_n but_o we_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v now_o in_o our_o new_a church_n in_o all_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o all_o our_o parochial_a meeting_n be_v far_o more_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o by_o the_o same_o
argument_n i_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o through_o the_o world_n at_o least_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v national_a church_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v especial_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o requisite_n that_o make_v a_o national_a church_n for_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o national_a church_n first_o a_o national_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n second_o a_o national_a union_n in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n in_o the_o same_o community_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n have_v all_o by_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o a_o national_a union_n and_o agreement_n they_o have_v accord_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o this_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o a_o way_n appoint_v by_o he_o of_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v but_o they_o hold_v only_o a_o congregationall_a presbytery_n and_o we_o hold_v and_o that_o from_o all_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o many_o precedent_n both_o city_n classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a presbytery_n and_o ecumenical_a also_o upon_o occasion_n for_o of_o these_o kind_n of_o presbytery_n both_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o ecclesiastical_a history_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o some_o precedent_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o one_o we_o have_v divine_a institution_n for_o it_o and_o many_o example_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n of_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n institution_n nor_o none_o of_o his_o device_n nor_o composure_n that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o i._n s._n his_o rhetoric_n but_o a_o mere_a figment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o now_o i_o be_o to_o answer_v to_o something_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v concern_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pag._n 6._o 7._o of_o his_o book_n if_o you_o say_v he_o have_v not_o a_o good_a presbytery_n where_o shall_v he_o viz._n that_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v go_v to_o complain_v he_o may_v go_v and_o appeal_v high_o you_o will_v say_v and_o what_o if_o the_o high_a the_o worse_o good_a brother_n say_v he_o either_o provide_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n a_o honest_a godly_a presbytery_n that_o may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o angel_n to_o gather_v out_o of_o christ_n kingdom_n every_o thing_n that_o offend_v or_o else_o let_v there_o be_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o tender_a conscience_n and_o some_o provision_n make_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v by_o be_v force_v to_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o the_o scandalous_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o be_v a_o double_a if_o propound_v mere_o to_o amuse_v the_o people_n for_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o man_n that_o the_o parliament_n the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n endeavour_v to_o cast_v out_o all_o scandalous_a minister_n so_o far_o as_o their_o power_n extend_v through_o the_o kingdom_n if_o by_o information_n and_o sufficient_a witness_n they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o every_o conscientious_a and_o intelligible_a man_n may_v see_v there_o be_v very_o small_a ground_n for_o the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n either_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o any_o of_o that_o fraternity_n that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o good_a presbytery_n set_v up_o and_o as_o little_a when_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o godly_a if_o offend_v may_v go_v and_o appeal_v high_a for_o either_o he_o himself_o or_o they_o to_o make_v such_o a_o supposition_n what_o if_o the_o high_a the_o worse_o if_o i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o these_o doubt_n be_v conceive_v nourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o faction_n my_o brother_n burton_n with_o his_o complice_n will_v call_v it_o rail_v therefore_o to_o avoid_v ifit_n be_v possible_a their_o unjust_a censure_n i_o only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o both_o he_o and_o all_o his_o brethren_n use_v a_o uncharitable_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o be_v the_o best_a construction_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o thus_o they_o may_v traduce_v any_o man_n yea_o any_o government_n or_o any_o way_n of_o god_n at_o pleasure_n with_o a_o detract_n if_o but_o here_o lie_v the_o mystery_n the_o only_a way_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o associate_n have_v to_o advance_v independency_n be_v to_o cloud_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n under_o dark_a expression_n and_o to_o eclipse_v those_o shine_a light_n the_o faithful_a godly_a minister_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o understanding_n of_o many_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o error_n obscurity_n and_o darkness_n as_o in_o a_o mantle_n and_o the_o ungrounded_a and_o unwarrantable_a notion_n of_o independency_n be_v receive_v by_o they_o as_o new_a light_n they_o be_v very_o please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o man_n natural_o have_v a_o ambitious_a boundless_a spirit_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n will_v not_o be_v limit_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v without_o bound_n teach_v that_o it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v practice_n and_o preach_v abroad_o their_o several_a opinion_n call_v it_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v such_o a_o light_n that_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o darkness_n will_v willing_o walk_v in_o but_o shall_v the_o independent_o obtain_v their_o desire_n wherever_o this_o new_a light_n be_v set_v up_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o other_o liberty_n then_o that_o which_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o eve_n gain_v for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o god_n command_n which_o be_v to_o enslave_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v teach_v seek_v and_o join_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o sectary_n and_o libertine_n plead_v and_o stand_v for_o will_v bring_v confusion_n and_o a_o irrevocable_a curse_n on_o those_o kingdom_n and_o country_n as_o shall_v tolerate_v so_o great_a abomination_n and_o cause_v the_o lord_n who_o hate_v laodicean_n lukewarmenesse_n in_o religion_n to_o spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n revel_v 3._o 15._o 16._o but_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o whatsoever_o with_o his_o if_n he_o can_v plead_v against_o our_o presbyter_n may_v be_v say_v with_o much_o more_o and_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n against_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a or_o heretical_a for_o from_o they_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n by_o any_o among_o they_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o therefore_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o argue_v against_o our_o presbyter_n be_v as_o altogether_o uncharitable_a so_o but_o trifle_v but_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v upon_o i_o to_o provide_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n a_o honest_a and_o godly_a presbytery_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n account_n all_o the_o orthodox_n faithful_a and_o godly_a presbyter_n in_o the_o land_n at_o this_o day_n who_o differ_v from_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v be_v neither_o honest_a nor_o godly_a for_o if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o honest_a &_o godly_a presbyter_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v strange_a he_o shall_v speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o want_v for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v intimate_v for_o why_o otherwise_o shall_v he_o make_v such_o a_o request_n to_o i_o of_o provide_v a_o honest_a &_o godly_a presbytery_n if_o he_o or_o they_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o godly_a presbytery_n already_o who_o notwithstanding_o he_o know_v have_v no_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o true_o all_o his_o argumentation_n be_v very_o uncharitable_a &_o no_o way_n beseem_v a_o brother_n for_o charity_n be_v kind_a and_o think_v no_o evil_a 1_o cor._n 13._o 4._o 5._o but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o set_v up_o in_o this_o land_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n do_v he_o and_o the_o independent_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n unfeigned_o desire_v such_o a_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o &_o establish_v why_o
envy_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o double_a misery_n follow_v those_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n misery_n here_o and_o misery_n hereafter_o it_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o heaven_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n that_o will_v inevitable_o come_v upon_o that_o land_n kingdom_n and_o church_n where_o those_o variance_n and_o heartburning_n be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o such_o difference_n in_o affection_n put_v i_o chief_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o see_v and_o try_v if_o by_o any_o possible_a mean_n i_o can_v by_o show_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o brethren_n lie_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o a_o good_a accord_n among_o they_o resolve_v with_o myself_o by_o god_n assistance_n whatsoever_o other_o do_v to_o observe_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o ability_n the_o royal_a law_n jan._n 2._o 8._o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o right_n understand_v one_o of_o another_o opinion_n the_o world_n will_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o invective_n in_o every_o pamphlet_n one_o against_o another_o and_o such_o variance_n among_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o with_o nigh_a relation_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o misunderstanding_n of_o each_o other_o opinion_n and_o the_o mis-prisian_a of_o each_o other_o intention_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o this_o diversity_n of_o affection_n which_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o holy_a profession_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o christian_a religion_n every_o where_o too_o much_o vent_v itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o abraham_n say_v unto_o lot_n so_o say_v i_o to_o all_o those_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o wish_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n let_v not_o we_o contend_v especial_o with_o evil_a language_n for_o we_o be_v brethren_n we_o have_v one_o father_n we_o worship_v one_o god_n we_o have_v one_o light_n one_o truth_n one_o way_n and_o this_o i_o profess_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o contend_v not_o for_o victory_n but_o for_o that_o ancient_a light_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n jude_n 3_o for_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o john_n 2._o for_o 14._o for_o the_o old_a way_n verse_n 6._o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14._o and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v never_o prevail_v in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o those_o undeceiveable_a mark_n as_o be_v able_a for_o ever_o to_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o peter_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v pure_o and_o sincere_o both_o preach_v and_o believe_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o requisite_n that_o make_v she_o a_o true_a church_n and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n that_o i_o have_v dedicate_v this_o treatise_n to_o no_o man_n nor_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o any_o authority_n no_o mortal_a creature_n i_o presume_v will_v blame_v i_o know_v my_o reason_n for_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o king_n against_o papal_a usurpation_n i_o dedicate_v my_o book_n unto_o the_o king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n suppose_v myself_o safe_a under_o his_o protection_n who_o honour_n and_o imperial_a dignity_n i_o maintain_v but_o all_o man_n know_v what_o misery_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o i_o my_o wife_n and_o many_o small_a child_n come_v upon_o i_o by_o it_o through_o the_o power_n and_o exorbitant_a authority_n of_o the_o prelate_n so_o that_o for_o my_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n i_o have_v a_o prison_n for_o my_o reward_n and_o the_o scorn_v and_o contumely_n of_o the_o world_n to_o comfort_v i_o in_o it_o and_o when_o i_o most_o humble_o petition_v his_o highness_n complain_v against_o the_o injustice_n do_v i_o and_o most_o submissive_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n who_o be_v the_o caesar_n to_o who_o only_o i_o can_v then_o appeal_v that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v i_o one_o of_o these_o humble_a request_n either_o that_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v please_v but_o for_o one_o hour_n to_o give_v i_o a_o hear_n of_o my_o just_a defence_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o at_o lest_o he_o will_v then_o grant_v i_o that_o liberty_n in_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o deny_v not_o to_o crow_n and_o kite_n and_o other_o vermin_n that_o i_o may_v provide_v for_o my_o young_a one_o and_o if_o his_o highness_n will_v not_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v unto_o either_o of_o the_o former_a just_a demand_n that_o then_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o depart_v the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o go_v into_o any_o other_o country_n where_o i_o may_v enjoy_v my_o liberty_n and_o provide_v for_o my_o poor_a distress_a family_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o equal_a petition_n put_v up_o to_o any_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o his_o majesty_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o yield_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o my_o request_n nor_o to_o any_o other_o petition_v put_v up_o either_o by_o my_o poor_a distress_a wife_n or_o calamitous_a child_n so_o that_o without_o any_o wrong_n unto_o his_o majesty_n i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o paul_n find_v more_o favour_n from_o a_o heathen_a roman_a caesar_n than_o i_o have_v from_o a_o christian_a king_n the_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n after_o i_o see_v all_o possibility_n of_o relief_n be_v now_o take_v from_o i_o i_o write_v my_o apology_n to_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o discover_v unto_o they_o their_o unjust_a proceed_n in_o their_o court_n and_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n towards_o myself_o and_o give_v they_o my_o reason_n of_o all_o i_o speak_v without_o any_o offensive_a language_n and_o without_o any_o perturbation_n of_o spirit_n and_o dedicate_v this_o my_o book_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n expect_v aid_n and_o relief_n from_o they_o and_o indeed_o i_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o succour_n from_o any_o other_o nor_o know_v none_o to_o who_o i_o can_v better_o apply_v myself_o earnest_o implore_v their_o patronage_n but_o they_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v of_o patron_n become_v my_o unjust_a judge_n and_o after_o they_o have_v make_v i_o a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_n of_o the_o world_n send_v i_o into_o banishment_n where_o i_o live_v a_o live_a death_n and_o a_o die_a life_n and_o suffer_v such_o intolerable_a misery_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o will_v exceed_v belief_n to_o relate_v and_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o particular_n be_v true_o know_v the_o world_n never_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o there_o i_o have_v end_v my_o doleful_a life_n have_v not_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n call_v this_o parliament_n and_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o redeem_v i_o from_o my_o captivity_n for_o the_o which_o incomparable_a favour_n i_o do_v as_o of_o duty_n i_o be_o ever_o bind_v profess_v myself_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o all_o their_o most_o just_a and_o honourable_a employment_n i_o hope_v with_o all_o fidelity_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v in_o life_n and_o death_n show_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o without_o all_o by-respect_n shall_v ever_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o my_o country_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o and_o shall_v never_o by_o god_n assistance_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o concernment_n that_o shall_v be_v unbeseeming_a a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_n now_o because_o by_o my_o sad_a experience_n i_o find_v that_o i_o can_v neither_o from_o king_n nor_o noble_n have_v protection_n i_o resolve_v never_o any_o more_o in_o god_n matter_n to_o shroud_v myself_o under_o any_o covert_n but_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o i_o with_o a_o assure_a confidence_n promise_v myself_o especial_o when_o i_o now_o maintain_v the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n &_o king_n of_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o lawgiver_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v lay_v who_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n in_o all_o this_o dispute_n between_o i_o and_o mr._n walter_n montague_n i_o have_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o power_n maintain_v under_o the_o
shadow_n of_o who_o wing_n i_o have_v ever_o find_v there_o be_v only_a safety_n who_o bless_a assistance_n in_o all_o calamity_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o may_v be_v most_o assize_v of_o his_o patronage_n now_o and_o his_o defence_n be_v my_o shield_n who_o cause_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o who_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n i_o contend_v for_o and_o howsoever_o in_o all_o my_o life_n in_o all_o humane_a learning_n i_o be_v never_o so_o wed_v to_o my_o own_o resolve_n but_o upon_o better_a reason_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v divorce_v from_o they_o yet_o in_o god_n matter_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o teach_v i_o that_o that_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o happiness_n then_o by_o that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o lambeslaine_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v count_v he_o anathema_n or_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v i_o there_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o serve_v 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'_v 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 â—aine_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 papisticiae_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 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 hrivie_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 and_o i_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n many_o courtesy_n when_o we_o find_v little_a favour_n from_o our_o own_o brethren_n which_o their_o humanity_n i_o must_v never_o forget_v but_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n for_o ever_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v if_o then_o this_o my_o opinion_n be_v think_v orthodox_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o applause_n i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o a_o truth_n than_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n now_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a then_o it_o be_v good_a now_o for_o the_o change_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v change_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o truth_n but_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n the_o warrant_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n this_o word_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o my_o christian_a brethren_n in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o question_n now_o agitate_a among_o god_n people_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n concern_v church-government_n to_o take_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o those_o noble_a bâ—reans_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o either_o side_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scrigture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o coutroversie_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledge_v a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viâ—_n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o due_a and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n discipline_n right_o execute_v and_o all_o other_o performance_n which_o make_v for_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o assembly_n likewise_o they_o have_v all_o such_o officer_n and_o help_n of_o government_n as_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v right_o employ_v may_v serve_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o and_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o preservation_n ofall_v as_o presbyter_n do_v preach_v and_o rule_v and_o deacon_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n i_o say_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v whether_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n or_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o one_o presbytery_n or_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o many_o
epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13._o 7._o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o taking_z the_o over_z sight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21._o 17._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v they_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigble_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_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 it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o 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 unto_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._o 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 the_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 say_v he_o 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_a 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 and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytory_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n and_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 his_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_v 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 duâ—ly_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 govenment_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 presbytery_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 i_o must_v here_o make_v reply_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n his_o practice_n which_o be_v occasion_v as_o i_o relate_v before_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o discourse_n between_o i_o and_o a_o independent_a who_o affirm_v that_o diotriphes_n be_v the_o patriarch_n of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o which_o opinion_n of_o his_o mr_n knollys_n do_v seem_v to_o favour_n as_o by_o his_o word_n may_v appear_v but_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a
leave_v the_o poor_a sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o say_v when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v when_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o which_o master_n knollys_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v there_o his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o very_o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o any_o man_n that_o if_o any_o great_a grazier_n have_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o many_o several_a walk_n and_o place_n of_o pasturage_n to_o feed_v they_o in_o and_o have_v several_a pastor_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o not_o a_o few_o shepherd_n can_v feed_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o give_v they_o all_o a_o charge_n in_o common_a of_o look_v to_o his_o sheep_n and_o feed_v they_o although_o all_o those_o several_a pastor_n be_v to_o have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o all_o those_o sheep_n that_o have_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o several_a walk_n and_o graze_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v his_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o special_a for_o he_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a over_o the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o particular_a inspection_n and_o care_n for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o flock_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o his_o master_n pleasure_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o other_o fellow_n pastor_n or_o their_o flock_n all_o this_o i_o say_v good_a reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n all_o who_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a all_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o confess_v for_o all_o those_o church_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o govern_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o common_a council_n of_o their_o elder_n this_o presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o ward_n or_o walk_v commit_v unto_o his_o care_n and_o that_o elder_a have_v such_o a_o circuit_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o three_o elder_n have_v such_o a_o precinct_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n with_o this_o proviso_n always_o that_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o sheep_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v order_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a presbyter_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o well_o regulate_v way_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o every_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n and_o every_o particular_a congregation_n under_o they_o several_o will_v have_v govern_v as_o please_v themselves_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o college_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o diotrephes_n here_o for_o which_o he_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n john_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytry_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o they_o master_n knollys_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o same_o do_v accord_n who_o cite_v my_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o my_o book_n deduce_v from_o they_o four_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o set_v down_o after_o i_o have_v relate_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o before_o say_v he_o the_o doctor_n come_v to_o prove_v his_o four_o particular_a proposition_n he_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o several_a presbyter_n and_o produce_v divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o two_o sheet_n be_v spend_v whole_o in_o prove_v thereof_o from_o the_o 12_o page_n to_o the_o 29._o these_o word_n mr_n knollys_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n now_o hear_v his_o answer_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v only_o prove_v first_o that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o that_o thou_o ordain_v elder_n city_n by_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o second_o that_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v the_o 20._o ver_fw-la 25._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o philippy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o those_o several_a church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o 17._o 24._o who_o be_v their_o guide_v obey_v your_o guide_v four_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n god_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o four_o conclusion_n master_n knolleys_n gather_v out_o of_o my_o argument_n but_o with_o all_o add_v say_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v dependent_a upon_o a_o supreme_a judicature_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o church_n this_o say_v mr._n knollys_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v his_o expression_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v prove_v first_o etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o four_o conclusion_n now_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n in_o so_o speak_v all_o which_o shall_v â—t_a be_v grant_v as_o if_o he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a courtesy_n and_o favour_n to_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a woâ—ds_n declare_v o_o be_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n sufficient_o ev_v need_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v except_o he_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o have_v perspicuous_o and_o in_o foe_n maul_v term_n set_v own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o college_n &_o presbyte_v ie_fw-fr of_o elder_n orda_fw-mi n_v and_o constitute_v in_o very_a church_n or_o city_n who_o be_v to_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a congreâ—ations_n within_o their_o â—râ—cin_n â—s_v w_z ch_n m_n knollys_n himself_o consent_v unto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o 4_o conclusion_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v any_o time_n of_o deny_v or_o not_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a jestament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o be_v so_o many_o several_a eccle_n aâ—â—icall_a corpo_fw-it ation_n and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v right_o apply_v and_o allege_v now_o have_v be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o business_n be_v in_o question_n and_o agitation_n for_o mr_n knollys_n to_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o dislike_n and_o gainsaying_n but_o when_o he_o confirm_v what_o i_o prove_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o his_o four_o conclusion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o man_n to_o say_v all_o which_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v when_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n these_o be_v
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o 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in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o emninent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
all_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n in_o awe_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o john_n the_o baptist_n from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n or_o a_o mighty_a city_n of_o believer_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n there_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v edify_v &_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v no_o one_o place_n or_o house_n that_o can_v contain_v a_o whole_a city_n or_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o if_o any_o great_a place_n can_v contain_v they_o they_o can_v not_o all_o be_v edify_v and_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o the_o very_a great_a raw-boned_a build_n of_o paul_n itself_o be_v cram_v full_a of_o people_n and_o have_v a_o preacher_n of_o the_o strong_a lung_n in_o the_o city_n half_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v and_o be_v edify_v as_o daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o five_o such_o building_n as_o paul_n can_v not_o have_v contain_v their_o very_a body_n within_o their_o wall_n much_o less_o receive_v they_o or_o entertain_v they_o for_o edification_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_a i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v no_o intelligible_a man_n will_v doubt_v of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o place_n above_o produce_v for_o our_o saviour_n say_v except_v the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a handful_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o be_v believer_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n do_v necessary_o follow_v but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o argue_v yet_o further_o after_o this_o manner_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v a_o tyrannical_a king_n in_o awe_n and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o all_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o there_o of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n must_v be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n but_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v herod_n himself_o the_o tyrant_n in_o awe_n all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n beside_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a understanding_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o rational_a creature_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v manifest_a prove_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o such_o as_o will_v call_v in_o question_n truth_n itself_o i_o may_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n above_o mention_v draw_v many_o more_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n but_o because_o i_o study_v brevity_n these_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o these_o first_o argument_n of_o i_o by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n of_o s._n john_n there_o be_v more_o convert_v and_o make_v christian_n and_o believeres_fw-la in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n master_n knollys_n answer_v by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o i._o s._n by_o deny_v they_o be_v christian_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v i_o will_v therefore_o reply_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o order_n begin_v first_o with_o master_n knollys_n who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 8._o i_o do_v deny_v the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o these_o argument_n say_v he_o neither_o have_v the_o doctor_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o believer_n nor_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n speak_v no_o such_o thing_n those_o place_n in_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n tell_v we_o of_o very_o many_o who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n but_o do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o scripture_n witness_v act._n 9_o 31._o that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act._n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n who_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_n the_o 2._o 42_o 43_o 44._o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o johns_n ministerythen_a can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o here_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n whether_o from_o the_o forego_v place_n which_o i_o quote_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n &_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n deduce_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o believer_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o demand_v i_o say_v of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a
whether_o those_o scripture_n i_o cite_v with_o the_o argument_n deduce_v from_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v and_o persuade_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o learning_n will_v say_v they_o do_v but_o for_o answer_v master_n knollys_n himself_o grant_v that_o very_a many_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o none_o be_v baptize_v then_o but_o believer_n as_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o say_v he_o the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o say_v he_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v of_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o if_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o any_o argument_n with_o a_o senseless_a reason_n or_o two_o and_o a_o it_o may_v be_v be_v a_o sufficient_a conviction_n of_o a_o truth_n than_o master_n knollys_n will_v be_v a_o very_a precious_a disputant_n and_o to_o say_v bellarmine_n thou_o lie_v will_v be_v enough_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o papist_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o high_a concernment_n there_o be_v more_o require_v then_o bare_a denial_n and_o vain_a evasion_n and_o maybe_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o tell_v master_n knollis_n that_o he_o trifle_n in_o divinity_n and_o deal_v not_o like_o a_o serious_a nor_o learned_a christian_a nor_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o this_o be_v not_o in_o question_n between_o i_o and_o the_o independent_o how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n through_o all_o judaea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o be_v resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v be_v never_o controvert_v between_o we_o for_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o judaea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o to_o the_o ministry_n &_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n return_v home_o again_o to_o their_o several_a habitation_n and_o there_o remain_v and_o abode_n as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o johns_n preach_v and_o baptism_n after_o they_o be_v baptize_v repair_v to_o their_o several_a house_n &_o habitation_n in_o that_o city_n and_o remain_v there_o wait_v upon_o the_o public_a ordinance_n this_o i_o conceive_v all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o understanding_n believe_v and_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o speak_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v numberless_a and_o therefore_o be_v more_o than_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n yea_o they_o be_v innumerable_a &_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o look_v back_o to_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v out_o of_o which_o i_o frame_v my_o argument_n and_o consider_v the_o ensue_a scripture_n and_o reason_n from_o they_o he_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o master_n knollys_n be_v a_o mere_a quibler_n and_o a_o man_n no_o way_n fit_a for_o either_o disputation_n or_o any_o serious_a employment_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n that_o come_v from_o all_o quarter_n to_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o john_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v to_o avoid_v mistake_n do_v specify_v the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o which_o they_o come_v with_o the_o number_n indefinite_o set_v down_o that_o 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say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o council_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v so_o that_o now_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o three_o witness_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n himself_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o if_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n except_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n that_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o many_o more_o than_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n which_o fond_a conceit_n of_o mr_n knollys_n be_v yet_o more_o evident_o refute_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n from_o out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o nicodemus_n and_o of_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o of_o many_o other_o ruler_n and_o of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o child_n that_o cry_v hosanna_n and_o that_o receive_v christ_n into_o the_o city_n with_o all_o their_o acclamation_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o most_o of_o which_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n and_o his_o cavil_n be_v apparent_o manifest_a and_o this_o truth_n sufficient_o clear_a to_o all_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o church_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o good_a christian_n i_o be_o confident_a will_n ever_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v credit_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o unto_o mr_n knollys_n and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n than_o they_o will_v not_o only_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o by_o the_o very_a ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n but_o that_o mr_n knollys_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a creature_n as_o who_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o oppose_v also_o all_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o spirit_n say_v jerusalem_n and_o all_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n except_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o all_o these_o be_v inhabitant_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o confute_v all_o the_o evangelist_n whether_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o a_o very_a precious_a disputant_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober-minded_n christian_n that_o love_v sincerity_n truth_n and_o plain_a deal_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n and_o what_o a_o vain_a caviller_n he_o be_v that_o thus_o abuse_v precious_a time_n to_o abuse_v himself_o and_o miserable_o to_o delude_v ignorant_a people_n but_o for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n of_o my_o minor_n i_o will_v produce_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n more_o out_o of_o the_o eleven_o of_o mark_n where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o two_o great_a company_n and_o party_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o
the_o sum_n of_o my_o argument_n be_v this_o where_o there_o be_v a_o infinitemultitude_n or_o a_o mighty_a city_n of_o believer_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n there_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o second_o be_v this_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v a_o tyrannical_a king_n in_o awe_n and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o terror_n into_o they_o all_o as_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n there_o of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o they_o must_v be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_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 in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o very_a baptism_n of_o john_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 congregation_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o argument_n which_o i_o make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o sound_a reason_n as_o they_o that_o have_v read_v my_o book_n with_o judgement_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v acknowledge_v now_o hear_v how_o j._n s._n set_v they_o down_o with_o his_o answer_n to_o they_o pag._n the_o 8._o and_o 9_o of_o his_o book_n the_o doctor_n first_o proposition_n be_v say_v he_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n for_o proof_n whereof_o say_v he_o he_o bring_v the_o multitude_n of_o convert_v to_o johns_n baptism_n the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o judaea_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o say_v he_o all_o become_v christian_n or_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o johns_n baptism_n be_v into_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o i._n s._n set_v down_o my_o argument_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v not_o candid_o do_v of_o he_o for_o the_o ignorant_a reader_n can_v see_v into_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o argument_n they_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o obscure_a term_n and_o set_v down_o also_o to_o the_o half_n the_o whole_a truth_n not_o be_v specify_v for_o not_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o have_v ever_o see_v or_o read_v my_o book_n &_o i_o dare_v say_v not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o of_o the_o independent_o have_v ever_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v into_o it_o for_o i_o be_v make_v so_o odious_a unto_o they_o by_o their_o blast_a language_n as_o they_o abhor_v my_o very_a name_n with_o all_o howsoever_o they_o boast_v at_o the_o first_o come_v of_o it_o out_o that_o there_o be_v twenty_o pen_n at_o work_n in_o answer_v of_o it_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o ever_o appear_v till_o three_o month_n after_o it_o be_v print_v now_o all_o the_o copy_n that_o be_v print_v be_v all_o go_v in_o one_o week_n so_o that_o the_o answer_n come_v out_o so_o long_o after_o and_o my_o argument_n not_o be_v know_v to_o the_o people_n and_o be_v in_o this_o obscure_a manner_n and_o in_o such_o dark_a expression_n and_o but_o to_o the_o half_n set_v down_o every_o vulgar_a understanding_n can_v never_o see_v into_o the_o weight_n and_o strength_n of_o they_o especial_o they_o have_v not_o my_o book_n before_o they_o and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n all_o the_o independent_o ordinary_o use_v this_o method_n in_o their_o pretend_a answer_n as_o first_o to_o let_v the_o book_n they_o reply_v unto_o be_v forget_v and_o after_o that_o to_o blurte_v out_o something_o against_o they_o conceal_v the_o truth_n and_o then_o they_o crow_v out_o as_o victor_n and_o conqueror_n that_o they_o have_v beat_v up_o our_o quarter_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o pillar_n of_o our_o discourse_n as_o i_o s._n do_v vain_o in_o this_o his_o pamplet_n when_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o intelligible_a man_n that_o he_o have_v only_o cast_v a_o squib_n or_o two_o at_o they_o and_o then_o as_o a_o mere_a fresh_a water_n soldier_n speedy_o run_v away_o and_o leave_v that_o work_n to_o other_o as_o he_o unaduised_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n and_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n confess_v sayn_v indisposition_n of_o body_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v his_o want_n of_o wit_n learning_n honesty_n and_o courage_n as_o i_o haveset_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o compare_v his_o express_v of_o my_o meaning_n with_o it_o i_o will_v also_o set_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o they_o which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v we_o answer_v to_o your_o reason_n and_o then_o set_v down_o his_o own_o word_n in_o their_o full_a length_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v my_o fair_a deal_n with_o he_o for_o i._o s._n do_v not_o here_o deny_v my_o minor_a as_o master_n knollys_n do_v or_o accuse_v i_o of_o false_a muster_n as_o he_o vain_o and_o impious_o do_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o second_o argument_n but_o plain_o deni_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n be_v christian_n to_o who_o my_o brother_n burton_n assent_v page_n 16._o of_o his_o book_n say_v that_o those_o believer_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n into_o christ_n to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o church_n as_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n christian_n be_v these_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n formal_a word_n who_o not_o only_o assent_v to_o i._o s._n in_o this_o his_o opinion_n but_o also_o bring_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o papist_n to_o confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o in_o this_o the_o independent_o agree_v with_o the_o papist_n to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o maintain_v their_o abominable_a error_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o move_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o book_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o say_v `as_v for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o this_o be_v his_o expression_n there_o concern_v the_o which_o in_o due_a place_n sure_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v think_v they_o christian_n he_o will_v have_v deem_v they_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o in_o this_o he_o agree_v with_o i._n s._n and_o the_o papist_n now_o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o sum_n of_o i._o s._n his_o argument_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n by_o which_o he_o deni_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v christian_n the_o first_o be_v because_o say_v he_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o die_v and_o not_o dead_a therefore_o in_o his_o dialect_n they_o be_v no_o christian_n the_o second_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o thy_o be_v no_o christian_o the_o three_o they_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n then_o the_o jew_n that_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n but_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n ergo_fw-la they_o also_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v no_o christian_n the_o four_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v not_o perfect_a ergo_fw-la those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n the_o five_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n do_v not_o only_a hasitate_n but_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n do_v fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptiser_n the_o lord_n jesus_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v no_o christian_n six_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n neither_o be_v they_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o christian_n and_o this_o argument_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o answer_n or_o else_o he_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o deny_v my_o argument_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o
bring_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o by_o that_o work_n of_o conversion_n they_o be_v add_v to_o it_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v this_o day_n take_v any_o of_o our_o minister_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n sheep_n out_o of_o their_o fold_n and_o steal_v they_o away_o as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n daily_o do_v and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o new_a congregation_n may_v not_o that_o independent_a minister_n without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o without_o any_o error_n true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v add_v so_o many_o more_o to_o his_o new_a church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o his_o member_n be_v thus_o increase_v and_o if_o another_o minister_n be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o a_o teacher_n in_o that_o congregation_n or_o succeed_v he_o if_o he_o also_o shall_v run_v plunder_v about_o both_o city_n and_o country_n as_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o poor_a silly_a sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n then_o the_o other_o do_v as_o they_o be_v notable_a cunning_a thief_n may_v not_o it_o true_o be_v say_v of_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_v that_o he_o also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o still_o the_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o increase_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o any_o blame_n or_o error_n in_o that_o i_o say_v those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o make_v disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v former_o convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n but_o say_v j._n s._n how_o can_v christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o say_v he_o when_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o the_o doctor_n affirm_v pag._n 32._o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o thus_o he_o show_v his_o acumen_n or_o rather_o his_o vanity_n in_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n and_o abuse_v i_o for_o he_o that_o have_v ever_o read_v my_o book_n and_o look_v but_o in_o the_o 31_o page_n towards_o the_o low_a part_n shall_v find_v these_o word_n that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n and_o be_v baptize_v it_o must_v therefore_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o all_o the_o common_a people_n promiscuous_o or_o for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n and_o of_o all_o profession_n as_o publican_n soldier_n and_o the_o ordinary_a inhabitant_n these_o be_v my_o very_a word_n there_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n say_v that_o i_o take_v not_o the_o word_n synecdochical_o bely_v i_o befool_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o reader_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o fancy_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o his_o whible_n cavil_v i_o say_v christ_n convert_v those_o he_o make_v his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n out_o of_o the_o remmant_n or_o remainder_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unconvert_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o that_o work_n he_o add_v more_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o though_o the_o mother_n church_n as_o the_o other_o be_v daughter_n church_n through_o all_o juda_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n for_o the_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n do_v not_o exclude_v as_o this_o man_n fond_o conceit_n particular_a church_n from_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n do_v deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n do_v partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_n do_v hold_v and_o therefore_o take_v jerusalem_n synecdochical_o as_o i_o then_o do_v it_o be_v also_o here_o to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o then_o christ_n do_v make_v mo_z disciple_n out_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o remain_v yet_o unconvert_v than_o john_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o particular_a mother_n church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n which_o as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o moral_a worship_n govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n as_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o relate_v which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n all_o those_o synagogue_n and_o several_a church_n be_v all_o combine_v together_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n after_o which_o manner_n all_o the_o other_o city_n church_n bring_v judea_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o this_o mother_n church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v govern_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n that_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n both_o in_o judea_n and_o israel_n as_o that_o of_o samaria_n and_o into_o this_o mould_n do_v the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n cast_v all_o they_o convert_v therefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o john_n and_o that_o he_o add_v they_o unto_o that_o church_n i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v warrant_n for_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o back_v and_o corroborate_v also_o by_o all_o sound_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n to_o say_v that_o in_o so_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o paradox_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o ludibre_fw-fr in_o i_o and_o a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n then_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n and_o matter_n of_o laughter_n in_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n for_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n i_o refer_v myself_o therefore_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o honest_a godly_a mind_a man_n whether_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o as_o well_o censure_v and_o traduce_v by_o this_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fellow_n as_o myself_o and_o whether_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o second_o paradox_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o childish_a and_o impious_a as_o this_o where_o he_o say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o answer_v let_v i._n s._n take_v notice_n that_o in_o say_v christ_n make_v â—mo_fw-la disciple_n than_o the_o baptist_n and_o in_o make_v they_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o marvellous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n as_o i._o s._n unlearned_o infer_v for_o in_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o due_a honour_n and_o affirm_v he_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o so_o speak_v i_o detract_v nothing_o from_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o any_o man_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o christ_n ministry_n viz._n the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o work_n proper_o and_o primary_o belong_v unto_o he_o though_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n it_o may_v also_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o mistake_n be_v in_o i._n s._n and_o not_o in_o i_o for_o he_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o instrumental_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v a_o prevaricator_n in_o many_o respect_n sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o man_n for_o here_o he_o give_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o then_o he_o false_o accuse_v i_o of_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v when_o there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o will_v make_v i_o guilty_a of_o his_o own_o sin_n which_o i_o be_o free_a from_o as_o all_o they_o that_o read_v my_o book_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v by_o he_o may_v see_v and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_o
this_o also_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n where_o by_o this_o juggle_a craft_n of_o he_o he_o labour_v to_o seduce_v the_o poor_a people_n but_o for_o far_a answer_n i_o have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o if_o i._o s._n will_v apply_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v of_o disciple_n to_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o he_o do_v i_o do_v not_o conceive_v it_o any_o paradox_n in_o i_o or_o any_o mistake_n or_o anticipation_n to_o apply_v that_o work_n unto_o christ_n ministry_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o the_o master_n be_v ever_o more_o to_o be_v honour_v then_o the_o servant_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o paradox_n in_o i_o in_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o he_o do_v gather_v daily_o some_o of_o they_o into_o his_o fold_n and_o add_v many_o more_o sheep_n to_o those_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v convert_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o paradox_n in_o i_o to_o give_v as_o much_o honour_n to_o the_o master_n as_o i._o s._n do_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v a_o work_n primary_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v great_a rashness_n therefore_o and_o very_o unchristian_a deal_n in_o i._n s._n to_o make_v i_o a_o subject_n of_o his_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_a for_o well_o do_v and_o to_o make_v that_o a_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o i_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n for_o to_o give_v christ_n his_o due_a honour_n be_v a_o virtue_n now_o the_o honour_n of_o convert_v of_o man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v his_o proper_a work_n and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o he_o first_o and_o last_o to_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3._o he_o make_v the_o church_n grow_v and_o multiply_v into_o mighty_a number_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o it_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v severe_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o that_o deserve_o not_o only_o for_o abuse_v his_o brethren_n make_v they_o offender_n when_o they_o be_v not_o but_o chief_o for_o anticipate_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v only_o due_a unto_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o give_v it_o and_o attribute_v it_o unto_o man_n as_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o independent_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o victory_n which_o only_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o the_o party_n which_o they_o call_v the_o pray_a army_n and_o so_o he_o ascribe_v that_o honour_n that_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n which_o indeed_o pertain_v unto_o they_o only_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n and_o accuse_v i_o as_o of_o a_o anticipation_n and_o mistake_n say_v i_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v to_o i._o s._n that_o i_o be_o a_o very_a erroneous_a man_n and_o very_o unjust_a that_o i_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n himself_o and_o ascribe_v that_o work_n unto_o he_o which_o say_v i._o s._n belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o error_n in_o say_v that_o christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o death_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o error_n for_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n none_o can_v come_v unto_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v but_o his_o instrument_n he_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v the_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o therefore_o i._n s._n or_o my_o sâ—lfe_n be_v the_o most_o erroneous_a in_o their_o opinion_n and_o speak_v most_o paradox_n about_o this_o point_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n in_o divinity_n then_o i._n s._n or_o any_o of_o his_o fra_n ternity_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o i._o s._n that_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n have_v of_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o any_o help_n from_o christ_n add_v many_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o i_o yet_o never_o do_v do_v this_o i_o pray_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o wise_a man_n exclude_v christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o his_o death_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o obstacle_n or_o hindrance_n to_o his_o work_n of_o convert_v man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n death_n that_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o add_v to_o the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o disciple_n i_o be_o confident_a none_o that_o be_v not_o senseless_a will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o so_o speak_v neither_o be_v there_o such_o a_o gulf_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n but_o that_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v christ_n may_v add_v and_o the_o apostle_n also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v saint_n luke_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n work_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o add_v man_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v his_o work_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o he_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o always_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n in_o i_o nor_o no_o paradox_n as_o i._n s._n fond_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n ministry_n be_v add_v to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n so_o that_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o i_o to_o say_v that_o of_o christ_n then_o that_o be_v afterward_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n for_o although_o the_o very_a word_n be_v not_o express_v â—et_o that_o be_v set_v down_o that_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n it_o be_v his_o work_n so_o that_o the_o disputation_n now_o be_v not_o about_o word_n &_o term_n of_o expression_n but_o about_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n viz._n about_o believer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o when_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n &_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n than_o any_o rational_a man_n may_v without_o any_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o any_o error_n or_o paradox_n conclude_v that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v add_v then_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v after_o his_o ascension_n be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o he_o that_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o understanding_n shall_v behold_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o shall_v but_o due_o consider_v my_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o will_v not_o gather_v that_o i_o make_v false_a muster_n as_o this_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n i._o s._n childish_o speak_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v shrewd_o suspect_v the_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o his_o rhetoric_n of_o this_o novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o will_v also_o evident_o gather_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o withal_o he_o will_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n and_o this_o i._o s._n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v
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 equalise_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 jude_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 the_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 and_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 beleiver_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._o 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 council_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_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n 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 that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
worship_n for_o here_o in_o express_a word_n the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v specify_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o candid_a or_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 3000._o christian_n that_o be_v new_o convert_v may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la all_o that_o believe_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o christ_n ministry_n and_o miracle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n before_o christ_n suffering_n and_o all_o that_o be_v after_o his_o resurrection_n convert_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v yet_o all_o meet_v 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 and_o to_o edification_n i_o refer_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v argue_v against_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v within_o these_o seven_o year_n all_o the_o independent_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o but_o one_o church_n still_o of_o indeperdent_n in_o london_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n will_v not_o the_o brethren_n make_v themselves_o as_o merry_a with_o such_o a_o way_n of_o dispute_v as_o they_o have_v make_v other_o sad_a with_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v yes_o doubtless_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v not_o to_o their_o own_o honour_n to_o speak_v but_o favourable_o of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o that_o time_n this_o place_n of_o scripture_n speak_v of_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n specify_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o these_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v and_o accord_n also_o unto_o they_o that_o all_o these_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o on_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v grant_v they_o for_o divers_a reason_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o although_o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n yet_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v some_o of_o they_o do_v daily_o meet_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o several_a employment_n and_o other_o in_o private_a and_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o sacrament_n in_o several_a house_n from_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o then_o when_o there_o be_v new_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n they_o have_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v they_o be_v still_o distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o have_v their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n in_o several_a house_n and_o place_n beside_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o those_o several_a house_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o 41._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o the_o 47._o but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o silence_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v nothing_o and_o shall_v i_o grantto_n our_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o and_o that_o these_o three_o thousand_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o ten_o thousand_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o more_o to_o they_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o more_o to_o all_o these_o will_v any_o may_v think_v or_o believe_v that_o ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n much_o less_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o think_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o abdicate_v his_o understanding_n will_v so_o conclude_v so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argumentation_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o have_v defend_v themselves_o and_o wound_v the_o truth_n they_o wound_v themselves_o and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o tenant_n as_o god_n willing_a i_o shall_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o out_o of_o chap._n 5._o our_o brethren_n conceive_v they_o have_v a_o very_a strong_a and_o invincible_a argument_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o after_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v miraculous_o take_v away_o for_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n ergo_fw-la say_v they_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v meet_v be_v set_v down_o viz._n in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o it_o be_v further_o specify_v that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o that_o place_n this_o be_v their_o argument_n faithful_o and_o true_o set_v down_o and_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o their_o cause_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o argue_v have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o beseem_v grave_a man_n to_o trifle_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o all_o the_o beleiver_n that_o then_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o passion_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o peter_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o five_o thousand_o after_o by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o after_o the_o new_a addition_n of_o so_o many_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n that_o the_o five_o chapter_n speak_v of_o shall_v i_o say_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o may_v yet_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o all_o reason_n forbid_v i_o to_o yield_v to_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o 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and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n &_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v 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believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n in_o succeed_a age_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o 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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 they_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_n that_o this_o man_n thatshould_n 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 and_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 tenent_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o 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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 disciple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n and_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 and_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 and_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 &_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 galilean_n 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 remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n god_n work_v with_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o believer_n that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v convert_v and_o such_o as_o be_v former_o baptize_v three_o thousand_o more_o a_o great_a miracle_n all_o which_o with_o the_o many_o other_o that_o be_v convert_v afterward_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o of_o a_o world_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n before_o this_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n conceive_v that_o all_o these_o can_v meet_v 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 let_v we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o 3._o and_o 4._o chapter_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o miracle_n that_o be_v
wrought_v upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110._o psalm_n verse_n 3._o be_v now_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n his_o willing_a people_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o tobe_n pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_v those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o her_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 5._o c._n as_o of_o ananias_n &_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v downdead_o and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n &_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o maglinant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v thefirst_n be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v still_o but_o one_o church_n the_o second_o that_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o contrary_a party_n the_o pharisaical_a malignant_a crew_n the_o three_o that_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o multitude_n no_o small_a company_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o be_v a_o new_a increase_n and_o that_o a_o great_a one_o the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o very_a captain_n and_o officer_n be_v awe_v and_o keep_v in_o fear_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o those_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n be_v afraid_a of_o his_o servant_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o party_n of_o believer_n do_v balance_v the_o number_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o pharisacall_a party_n if_o not_o by_o far_o exceed_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o all_o probability_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n and_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n 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 and_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 beliver_v 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_o mention_v 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._o 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 in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 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
word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o to_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n any_o long_o leave_v about_o this_o point_n for_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v not_o gainsay_v but_o god_n have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v it_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n that_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v upon_o that_o new_a miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o peter_n &_o john_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gainsay_v but_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o everlasting_a truth_n by_o all_o christian_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o this_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n or_o a_o new_a act_n and_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o now_o five_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o put_v and_o join_v together_o make_v up_o eight_o thousand_o which_o be_v all_o add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o former_a that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o my_o addition_n as_o mr._n knollys_n fond_o and_o childish_o conclude_v and_o his_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v my_o mistake_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o senseless_a for_o say_v he_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n take_v notice_n i_o pray_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o expression_n some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o say_v he_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o and_o it_o stand_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n they_o be_v not_o as_o any_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v although_o i_o do_v not_o set_v it_o down_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o all_o those_o eight_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o mr_n knollys_n here_o commit_v a_o double_a error_n first_o in_o make_v that_o my_o opinion_n and_o ascribe_v that_o to_o i_o which_o i_o only_o then_o relate_v as_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o then_o leave_v it_o in_o medio_fw-la that_o be_v his_o first_o error_n his_o second_o be_v worse_o for_o whereas_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o second_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o act_n master_n knollys_n peremptory_o affirm_v they_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o &_o so_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n who_o declare_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o at_o one_o time_n &_o five_o at_o another_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o 5._o thousand_o in_o all_o as_o m._n knollys_n assert_v then_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o so_o then_o i_o have_v commit_v no_o error_n neither_o can_v m._n knollys_n convince_v i_o of_o a_o error_n if_o i_o have_v say_v it_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n have_v be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n the_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o number_n of_o man_n according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n be_v five_o thousand_o and_o if_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o man_n than_o not_o woman_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v always_o take_v for_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o matth._n 15._o verse_n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o they_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v four_o thousandman_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o among_o these_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n knollys_n &_o by_o his_o own_o interpretation_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n mount_v in_o all_o but_o to_o five_o thousand_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o do_v not_o and_o be_v all_o man_n as_o he_o accord_v to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v he_o raise_v a_o new_a and_o needless_a cavil_n against_o i_o because_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o i_o do_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o relate_v it_o as_o my_o own_o judgement_n neither_o do_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o woman_n among_o those_o eight_o thousand_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n but_o be_v i_o of_o as_o contentious_a a_o spirit_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n i_o can_v bring_v better_a reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n then_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n can_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o mr._n knollys_n himself_o seem_v but_o faint_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o the_o 3._o thousand_o be_v woman_n &_o thus_o he_o trifle_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o first_o argument_n say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n now_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o woman_n make_v no_o real_a conviction_n of_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v but_o a_o naked_a and_o groundless_a supposition_n of_o a_o mistake_n especial_o when_o there_o may_v be_v many_o solid_a reason_n produce_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o such_o kind_n of_o trifling_n be_v not_o sufferable_a in_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o fear_n god_n for_o vain_a jangle_n and_o needless_a contention_n about_o word_n be_v that_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o minister_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o it_o trouble_v i_o not_o a_o little_a that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o vain_a kind_n of_o creature_n who_o cheese_n babble_n be_v about_o word_n but_o notwithstanding_o i_o see_v a_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o in_o this_o the_o man_n show_v but_o his_o ignorance_n and_o while_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o be_v very_o acute_a he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a child_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n give_v some_o man_n rope_n enough_o and_o they_o will_v hang_v themselves_o even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o take_v that_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o run_v out_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o entangle_v himself_o on_o every_o side_n as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v as_o here_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o and_o he_o deny_v withal_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v prove_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o assert_v moreover_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o all_o those_o convert_n amout_v but_o to_o five_o thousand_o and_o he_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o confute_v himself_o i_o desire_v all_o therefore_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n he_o have_v confident_o conclude_v there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o another_o company_n among_o the_o which_o he_o say_v some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v woman_n so_o that_o by_o his_o own_o concession_n here_o be_v two_o distinct_a number_n or_o company_n one_o consist_v of_o 5._o thousand_o
i_o say_v as_o he_o affirm_v and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v through_o my_o whole_a book_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v upon_o mature_a examination_n perceive_v that_o i_o have_v good_a authority_n for_o what_o i_o say_v then_o let_v he_o judge_n whether_o or_o no_o m._n knollys_n &_o all_o his_o complice_n that_o thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n traduce_v i_o be_v not_o a_o generation_n of_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o whether_o both_o mr_n knollys_n and_o all_o his_o confederate_n be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o calumniator_n &_o raylor_n and_o liar_n rather_o than_o saint_n for_o i_o bless_v god_n i_o have_v both_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n for_o all_o that_o i_o say_v and_o i_o speak_v it_o here_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o if_o i_o have_v ever_o see_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o what_o they_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v about_o their_o church_n i_o will_v rather_o have_v suffer_v any_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n then_o ever_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n against_o their_o way_n much_o less_o have_v write_v against_o it_o but_o find_v it_o not_o only_o a_o novel_a opinion_n but_o heretical_a &_o indeed_o the_o very_a source_n of_o all_o heresy_n and_o error_n and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o speedy_o look_v unto_o will_v not_o only_o bring_v down_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n and_o overthrow_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n through_o city_n and_o country_n and_o bring_v a_o miserable_a desolation_n and_o utter_a ruin_n upon_o the_o 3_o kingdom_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n prevent_v and_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o no_o other_o put_v i_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o oppose_v the_o error_n of_o the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o in_o this_o course_n i_o be_o now_o in_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o will_v persevere_v in_o with_o all_o my_o endeavour_n to_o the_o last_o period_n of_o my_o day_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v here_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o although_o i_o have_v former_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o the_o fond_a cavil_v of_o the_o independent_o concern_v their_o several_a meeting_n together_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n which_o the_o reader_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v say_v be_v satisfactory_a enough_o to_o any_o that_o know_v what_o reason_n be_v yet_o here_o again_o for_o master_n knollys_n far_a satisfaction_n if_o he_o will_v with_o any_o thing_n be_v satisfy_v i_o answer_v as_o follow_v to_o what_o he_o childish_o babble_n against_o this_o argument_n of_o i_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n etc._n etc._n one_o will_v have_v expect_v that_o when_o master_n knollys_n begin_v with_o this_o word_n first_o which_o among_o learned_a and_o rational_a man_n in_o dispute_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o relation_n have_v ever_o reference_n to_o some_o second_o answer_n at_o lest_o if_o not_o a_o three_o and_o four_o that_o he_o have_v have_v some_o second_o and_o three_o reserve_v of_o reason_n at_o least_o to_o have_v fall_v upon_o my_o argument_n with_o this_o i_o say_v all_o wise_a man_n will_v have_v imagine_v and_o yet_o there_o follow_v neither_o a_o second_o three_o or_o four_o answer_n but_o howsoever_o he_o may_v speak_v nonsense_n by_o his_o call_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o independency_n i_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n against_o he_o for_o that_o i_o will_v examine_v only_o the_o futility_n of_o his_o denial_n which_o he_o call_v a_o reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n not_o only_o of_o himself_o but_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v a_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n as_o at_o other_o time_n as_o will_v forth_o with_o appear_v for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o i_o do_v not_o in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a term_n declare_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o abominable_o false_a and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n as_o we_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o see_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o master_n knollys_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n set_v down_o in_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v then_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 ordinance_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o they_o may_v still_o likewise_o all_o meet_v together_o either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o solomon_n porch_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n i_o say_v shall_v i_o to_o gratify_v master_n knollys_n grant_v he_o all_o this_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o new_a addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o other_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o many_o thousand_o that_o then_o they_o can_v still_o do_v the_o same_o but_o i_o can_v grant_v all_o this_o for_o it_o will_v be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o daily_a experience_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o eight_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n yea_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v this_o to_o master_n knollys_n both_o he_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o fraternity_n will_v laugh_v at_o i_o &_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v conclude_v that_o i_o be_v indeed_o a_o mad_a man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o i_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o the_o believer_n and_o convert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v never_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o either_o baptize_v or_o break_v bread_n in_o either_o of_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o magistrate_n have_v ever_o endure_v or_o suffer_v it_o and_o yet_o both_o these_o be_v the_o discriminate_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v distinguish_v from_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o vnbeleever_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n in_o any_o private_a house_n that_o can_v contain_v such_o a_o multitude_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n accord_v to_o say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n or_o place_n large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o the_o very_a scripture_n also_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n in_o many_o place_n yea_o master_n knollys_n assent_v to_o this_o though_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o he_o say_v at_o any_o time_n but_o because_o he_o perhaps_o will_v believe_v himself_o rather_o then_o i_o and_o because_o also_o his_o follower_n and_o scholar_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o word_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o reason_n produce_v by_o i_o let_v they_o i_o pray_v hear_v what_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_v the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_fw-la not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n from_o the_o which_o all_o learned_a man_n may_v easy_o perceive_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o feebleness_n of_o error_n for_o while_o the_o man_n labour_v to_o enervate_v my_o argument_n he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o overthrow_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o confirm_v my_o opinion_n for_o by_o his_o own_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n
and_o that_o their_o were_z more_o precious_a church_n in_o that_o street_n then_o in_o all_o england_n beside_o and_o he_o do_v confident_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_v no_o soon_o pass_v from_o he_o but_o turn_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n i_o see_v many_o of_o the_o independent_o go_v into_o the_o nagshead_n a_o tavern_n a_o little_a above_o coleman-streete_n there_o they_o call_v their_o parliament_n and_o make_v committee_n and_o chayre-man_n for_o prepare_v of_o business_n for_o the_o great_a council_n and_o for_o the_o advise_v of_o they_o what_o to_o do_v and_o there_o they_o order_n how_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o meeting_n house_n also_o whither_o the_o saint_n resort_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o consult_v together_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n &_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a drink_a school_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o they_o say_v they_o be_v all_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o they_o must_v have_v a_o pure_a drink_a school_n but_o pass_v from_o toleration-streete_n and_o leave_v their_o drink_a school_n and_o they_o together_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o practice_n and_o what_o master_n knollys_n say_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o approve_a gift_n come_v to_o sojourn_v in_o this_o city_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o daily_o 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 i_o demand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o independent_o now_o whether_o or_o no_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o those_o gift_a man_n preach_v they_o have_v not_o a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o gather_a church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o he_o have_v not_o there_o â—n_v his_o meeting_n house_n a_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o they_o have_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n among_o they_o they_o have_v not_o a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o deny_v it_o yea_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o as_o many_o place_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v that_o in_o all_o those_o they_o have_v a_o several_a church_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n &_o this_o very_a reason_n will_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o this_o city_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n not_o only_o because_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o but_o because_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v convince_v he_o of_o it_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n every_o man_n will_v conclude_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o because_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o yea_o and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o master_n knollys_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o mr_n knollys_n notwithstanding_o do_v wicked_o deny_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o so_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o and_o fight_n against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v severe_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o wicked_a impostor_n and_o deceiver_n and_o aught_o indeed_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o all_o their_o congregation_n as_o a_o juggler_n and_o a_o false_a prophet_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 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 together_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 and_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_n willing_a 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 whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_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 believer_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_n 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 multiplication_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
but_o before_o we_o read_v of_o no_o violence_n offer_v unto_o the_o people_n only_o they_o rail_v on_o they_o revile_v and_o reproach_v they_o as_o all_o wicked_a man_n who_o tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n use_v to_o do_v on_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a the_o same_o method_n do_v the_o prelate_n here_o in_o england_n use_v they_o chief_o and_o more_o principal_o persecute_v the_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n and_o minister_n every_o where_o and_o such_o as_o they_o think_v best_o able_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o select_v but_o here_o and_o there_o some_o private_a family_n for_o to_o scare_v other_o and_o this_o method_n antichrist_n and_o his_o complice_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a except_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o all_o their_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n the_o apostle_n only_o except_v be_v scatter_v for_o the_o word_n all_o in_o this_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o all_o the_o believer_n or_o of_o all_o the_o teacher_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n except_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o teacher_n and_o that_o for_o many_o reason_n the_o first_o if_o all_o the_o believer_n have_v be_v scatter_v and_o none_o leave_v to_o what_o end_n then_o shall_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v remain_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o wall_n neither_o will_v they_o have_v remain_v there_o idle_a but_o will_v rather_o have_v shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n as_o christ_n command_v they_o for_o a_o witness_n against_o they_o luke_n 10._o and_o will_v have_v depart_v and_o have_v go_v away_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o teacher_n as_o all_o good_a reason_n persuade_v a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o this_o particle_n all_o be_v always_o exceptive_a or_o take_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o in_o the_o large_a extent_n as_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n imply_v and_o will_v have_v it_o then_o there_o shall_v not_o one_o believer_n have_v be_v leave_v in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_o against_o the_o text_n for_o vers_fw-la 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o saul_n break_v into_o house_n hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n and_o this_o he_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o act_v 26._o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o scatter_v abroad_o for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o prison_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v gather_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v in_o their_o several_a house_n or_o else_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v have_v no_o harbour_n for_o if_o all_o their_o friend_n have_v be_v scatter_v by_o this_o tempest_n and_o if_o all_o the_o sheep_n have_v be_v drive_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a flock_n disperse_v their_o pastor_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v follow_v they_o for_o he_o will_v be_v count_v a_o very_a bad_a shepherd_n that_o shall_v not_o follow_v or_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a sheep_n that_o be_v scatter_v by_o the_o wolf_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o who_o care_n he_o have_v commit_v his_o sheep_n and_o his_o lamb_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v they_o will_v relinquish_v their_o care_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o dwell_v among_o a_o company_n of_o wolf_n from_o who_o they_o can_v expect_v no_o fair_a measure_n then_o among_o the_o sheep_n but_o in_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n still_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n i_o rather_o gather_v and_o that_o without_o all_o controversy_n they_o continue_v there_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o they_o may_v comfort_v and_o support_v the_o church_n there_o and_o refresh_v the_o believer_n in_o this_o heat_n of_o persecution_n when_o they_o want_v the_o help_n of_o their_o other_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n three_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o text_n they_o be_v only_o the_o preacher_n that_o be_v scatter_v for_o verse_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n which_o expression_n in_o the_o original_a as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o innumerable_a place_n signify_v such_o teacher_n as_o be_v minister_n by_o office_n and_o such_o as_o preach_v by_o way_n of_o sermon_n to_o a_o multitude_n though_o they_o may_v likewise_o in_o private_a conference_n instruct_v which_o their_o public_a ministry_n do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n may_v teach_v and_o instruct_v one_o another_o as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n teach_v apollo_n and_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v to_o instruct_v one_o another_o col._n 3._o verse_n 16._o yet_o this_o text_n speak_v not_o of_o such_o a_o teach_n but_o of_o preach_v they_o go_v every_o where_o say_v the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n for_o teach_v may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o preach_v be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n they_o may_v both_o public_o preach_v and_o in_o private_a converse_n also_o instruct_v other_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v whether_o they_o be_v send_v out_o by_o persecution_n or_o by_o mission_n as_o i_o do_v conceive_v of_o any_o of_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o be_v not_o many_o year_n since_o drive_v from_o their_o habitation_n and_o that_o be_v persecute_v out_o of_o their_o place_n by_o the_o prelate_n that_o they_o may_v have_v preach_v public_o in_o any_o congregation_n as_o minister_n and_o man_n in_o office_n and_o may_v also_o have_v instruct_v private_o but_o the_o one_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v their_o office_n and_o the_o other_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o may_v a_o well_o gift_a private_a christian_n instruct_v and_o teach_v other_o upon_o occasion_n and_o in_o private_a conference_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n but_o he_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o preach_v which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o one_o in_o office_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o pastor_n and_o such_o as_o for_o their_o sufficient_a learning_n and_o ability_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordain_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o this_o office_n and_o such_o only_o be_v those_o that_o be_v scatter_v except_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o all_o probability_n these_o minister_n and_o preacher_n that_o we_o scatter_v be_v those_o that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_n of_o mathias_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o more_o so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v gather_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n yet_o remain_v in_o their_o several_a habitation_n and_o dwelling_n except_o those_o that_o be_v hale_v to_o prison_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n yet_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v all_o the_o apostle_n abide_v and_o continue_v still_o among_o they_o all_o which_o make_v exceed_v strong_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n still_o in_o jerusalem_n which_o of_o necessity_n be_v force_v to_o divide_v their_o assembly_n into_o more_o distribution_n and_o less_o congregation_n then_o former_o and_o therefore_o rather_o multiply_v their_o assembly_n then_o otherwise_o that_o by_o such_o privacy_n they_o may_v avoid_v persecution_n as_o in_o our_o time_n good_a christian_n here_o in_o london_n be_v wont_a 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 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 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 indaea_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_n 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 persecutor_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 th'heir_n 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 professor_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 weaken_n 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 plaee_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 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 then_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o &_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 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 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 common_a understanding_n and_o ordinary_a reason_n which_o confirm_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o 2_o 3._o and_o 5._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o in_o express_a word_n signify_v that_o they_o meet_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v true_a and_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n of_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n be_v multiply_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o a_o increase_n in_o number_n and_o multitude_n and_o not_o in_o measure_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n and_o can_v being_n apply_v unto_o person_n be_v otherwise_o take_v whatsoever_o it_o may_v of_o sin_n and_o grace_n and_o then_o
also_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o need_v require_v so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v and_o true_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galatian_n be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o where_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n he_o use_v this_o reason_n that_o if_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o man_n it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v it_o he_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o himself_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a i_o immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o but_o i_o go_v into_o arabia_n then_o after_o three_o year_n i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n and_o abode_n with_o he_o fifteen_o day_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n beside_o the_o singular_a testimony_n we_o have_v that_o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o saint_n paul_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n against_o the_o papist_n we_o may_v evident_o gather_v against_o the_o independent_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o either_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o say_v that_o he_o be_v with_o peter_n fifteen_o day_n but_o in_o all_o that_o time_n see_v none_o of_o the_o apostle_n save_o james_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o so_o employ_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a ministery_n asthey_v have_v not_o so_o much_o spare_v time_n to_o visit_v paul_n and_o that_o paul_n also_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v there_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o visit_v they_o and_o for_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o idle_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o continue_v resident_a for_o many_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o they_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n and_o that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o there_o be_v frequent_a testimony_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o as_o yet_o do_v i_o ever_o hear_v it_o scruple_v or_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o there_o or_o no_o when_o paul_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o see_v none_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v absent_a or_o be_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o other_o place_n and_o for_o saint_n paul_n we_o read_v that_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v he_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o into_o their_o assembly_n to_o preach_v and_o that_o he_o preach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o he_o that_o give_v so_o strict_a a_o charge_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n he_o himself_o without_o all_o doubt_n will_v not_o neglect_v his_o duty_n who_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o all_o the_o presbyter_n for_o their_o imitation_n in_o their_o diligent_a preach_n and_o he_o ordinary_o preach_v by_o the_o day_n and_o by_o the_o night_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o sure_o the_o time_n he_o remain_v with_o peter_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o preach_v as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o &_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o their_o particular_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v very_o sedulous_a in_o preach_v as_o who_o have_v both_o strength_n of_o body_n and_o god_n special_a assistance_n and_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n always_o to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v as_o of_o charity_n i_o be_o bind_v that_o paul_n be_v daily_o in_o one_o assembly_n or_o other_o now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o of_o necessity_n paul_n must_v have_v see_v the_o other_o apostle_n there_o as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o james_n for_o they_o also_o be_v good_a churchman_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o prelate_n dialect_n and_o they_o never_o leave_v the_o word_n but_o be_v always_o take_v up_o either_o in_o pray_v or_o preach_v among_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n will_v daily_o upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v be_v with_o their_o flock_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n see_v they_o not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v evident_o apparent_a there_o be_v more_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o place_n or_o two_o more_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n act_v 12._o verse_n 24._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiplp_v here_o also_o we_o have_v another_o good_a effect_n of_o a_o new_a sierce_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o increase_v the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o the_o persecutor_n be_v take_v away_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o multiply_v after_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_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 meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o a_o double_a persecution_n the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o mnltiply_v that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_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
to_o this_o last_o argument_n page_n 9_o be_v these_o as_o for_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o mention_v act_n 21._o verse_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infinitus_fw-la and_o though_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v numerum_fw-la decem_fw-la millium_fw-la yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v as_o luke_n 12._o 1._o and_o beza_n both_o according_a to_o the_o old_a and_o new_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a into_o latin_a read_v it_o millia_fw-la thousand_o not_o deâ—em_fw-la millia_fw-la and_o so_o we_o have_v it_o in_o our_o english_a bibles_n translate_v thousand_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n 22._o will_v make_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o there_o we_o thus_o read_v the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o so_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o thousand_o but_o they_o can_v yea_o must_v assemble_v together_o neither_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a from_o those_o scripture_n he_o produce_v page_n 26._o to_o wit_n act_v the_o 1._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 2_o 4._o and_o chap._n 8_o ver_fw-la 1._o that_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 in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o twelve_o be_v name_v indeed_o in_o act_n 6._o 2._o 4._o but_o not_o a_o hundred_o beside_o no_o not_o any_o one_o preacher_n but_o they_o twelve_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o place_n act_v the_o 1._o 21_o 22._o and_o act_v the_o 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o there_o be_v not_o any_o word_n concern_v preacher_n or_o minister_n only_o some_o direction_n touch_v the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o mention_a act_n 6._o v._o 2._o and_o although_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v preach_v the_o word_n act_v 8._o ver_fw-la 4._o yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v preacher_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n this_o mr._n knollys_n have_v to_o reply_v who_o word_n i_o have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n and_o with_o how_o little_a reason_n these_o man_n â—ight_a against_o the_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o idle_a opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o â—ould_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o word_n and_o denial_n and_o sottish_a evasion_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v any_o apparent_a truth_n than_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n will_v not_o want_v they_o in_o oppose_v the_o most_o ground_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o uphold_v and_o maintenance_n of_o their_o fond_a and_o grollish_a error_n but_o now_o to_o examine_v his_o word_n that_o the_o truth_n may_v more_o evident_o appear_v and_o that_o my_o argument_n stand_v firm_a and_o good_a notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o contarry_a first_o he_o babble_n about_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o it_o come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infinitus_fw-la but_o what_o be_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thus_o to_o trifle_v about_o word_n if_o not_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a people_n only_o to_o cloud_v the_o truth_n which_o nevertheless_o break_v forth_o more_o illustrious_o for_o the_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v of_o my_o argument_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o will_v by_o the_o seqnell_n appear_v for_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o come_v from_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v infinite_a in_o the_o concrete_a as_o he_o affirm_v then_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v the_o abstract_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n for_o darkness_n be_v more_o than_o dark_a and_o signifi_v the_o extremity_n and_o profundity_n of_o dark_a and_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o abstract_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n than_o it_o denote_v and_o signify_v a_o great_a number_n than_o ten_o thousand_o rather_o than_o a_o less_o by_o how_o much_o myriad_o a_o infinite_a and_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o people_n signify_v more_o than_o a_o finite_a then_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o 12._o of_o luke_n be_v translate_v when_o there_o be_v gather_v together_o say_v the_o translation_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n insomuch_o that_o they_o tread_v one_o upon_o another_o etc._n etc._n a_o innumerable_a company_n therefore_o signify_v rather_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o than_o a_o less_o number_n in_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o the_o best_a interpretes_n say_v positus_fw-la est_fw-la definitus_fw-la vumerus_fw-la pro_fw-la infinito_fw-la a_o definite_a and_o a_o certain_a number_n for_o a_o infinite_a other_o interpret_v the_o word_n thus_o innumer_n ae_z turbae_fw-la multitudo_fw-la amultitude_n of_o immumerable_a people_n so_o that_o by_o this_o his_o vain_a jangle_n about_o the_o word_n he_o gain_v nothing_o yea_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o he_o himself_o confess_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v he_o quot_v the_o 12._o of_o luke_n the_o place_n above_o mention_v and_o bring_v bezas_n his_o version_n and_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o and_o after_o that_o he_o abuse_v his_o own_o reason_n to_o confute_v saint_n luke_n who_o record_v the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n to_o paul_n say_v thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o believe_a jew_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o word_n of_o luke_n master_n knollys_n learned_o reply_v that_o the_o following_z vers_n 22._o will_v make_v it_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o there_o say_v he_o we_o thus_o read_v the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o so_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o ten_o thousand_o but_o they_o can_v yea_o must_v assemble_v together_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o argue_v not_o only_o against_o i_o but_o confute_v saint_n luke_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o master_n knollys_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n gainsaith_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o and_o his_o fraternity_n make_v nothing_o of_o of_o my_o argument_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n upon_o all_o occasion_n for_o in_o express_a word_n the_o spirit_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o associate_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a say_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v not_o so_o many_o believere_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o he_o produce_v bezas_n his_o version_n and_o our_o english_a translation_n to_o confirm_v his_o error_n which_o kind_n of_o silly_a argue_v of_o his_o if_o it_o be_v good_a than_o not_o only_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n may_v easy_o be_v overthrow_v but_o all_o heresy_n be_v establish_v but_o i_o pray_v see_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n beza_n say_v he_o and_o the_o english_a interpreter_n have_v not_o translate_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ten_o thousand_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o original_a if_o such_o kind_n of_o dispute_v be_v allow_v of_o in_o the_o congregationall_a way_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_v hereafter_o that_o they_o tumble_v daily_o into_o so_o many_o hideous_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n but_o of_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o argument_n more_o by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n take_v notice_n of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n howsoever_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v take_v for_o soâ—â—_n great_a number_n that_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v now_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o any_o intelligible_a and_o judicious_a man_n whether_o in_o this_o master_n knollys_n do_v not_o plain_o oppose_v
they_o all_o as_o no_o christian_n but_o a_o deform_a church_n and_o not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n peremptory_o affirm_v and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pag._n 11._o that_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o they_o all_o profess_v they_o read_v of_o no_o form_a church_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o expr_fw-la sly_a set_v down_o for_o the_o time_n of_o it_o act_v the_o 2._o so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n be_v deform_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o all_o christian_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mould_v up_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n among_o they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_a congregation_n a_o pastor_n &_o a_o teacher_n and_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n and_o five_o or_o six_o brethren_n more_o and_o three_o or_o four_o sister_n can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n now_o be_v there_o any_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o brutish_a as_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o where_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v james_n and_o john_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n two_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n those_o bonaerge_n those_o son_n of_o thunder_n and_o eight_o or_o nine_o elder_n with_o seventy_o disciple_n all_o saint_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n with_o multitude_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o woman_n that_o follow_v christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o have_v also_o a_o decon_n among_o they_o judas_n by_o name_n that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n when_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o their_o whible_a congregation_n so_o qualify_v as_o former_o can_v make_v a_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n scholar_n and_o follower_n can_v as_o well_o make_v a_o form_v church_n as_o a_o few_o in_o our_o new_a found_v or_o rather_o confound_v congregation_n be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o they_o that_o shall_v peremptory_o and_o rash_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n i_o proclaim_v they_o guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v most_o condign_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a and_o facinorous_a crime_n they_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o against_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o king_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v abominate_v as_o a_o company_n of_o false_a teacher_n calumniator_n and_o horrid_a seducer_n how_o godly_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o wrold_a to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n be_v aught_o by_o christ_n saint_n and_o servant_n to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o company_n of_o grand_a impostor_n and_o juggler_n so_o the_o poor_a and_o despise_a presbyterian_o who_o they_o term_v sinner_n and_o carnal_a people_n and_o man_n of_o earth_n and_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v like_o their_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o baptize_v by_o they_o for_o they_o pronounce_v of_o we_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o saint_n but_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o best_a but_o convert_n in_o part_n as_o if_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n wrought_v his_o work_n to_o the_o half_n this_o i_o say_v may_v comfort_v all_o we_o the_o poor_a despise_a presbyterian_o for_o the_o same_o they_o say_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n and_o their_o ministry_n and_o such_o as_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o in_o their_o babble_n there_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n till_o that_o we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n nor_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 1._o in_o their_o learning_n be_v a_o form_v church_n nor_o all_o the_o other_o worshipper_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o act._n 2._o nor_o think_v worthy_a by_o they_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o by_o this_o bold_a assertion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n they_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v the_o truth_n but_o indeed_o many_o of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o tribe_n howsoever_o they_o pretend_v they_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o who_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o this_o their_o pain_n for_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o learn_a of_o they_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o disavow_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o all_o their_o writing_n and_o dispute_n declare_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n affirm_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o they_o oppose_v many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o for_o this_o their_o temerity_n i_o be_o most_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v high_o blame_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a of_o that_o party_n and_o true_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n there_o be_v then_o none_o upon_o earth_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v a_o form_a church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n they_o can_v not_o have_v give_v a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n for_o all_o learned_a christian_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n that_o must_v make_v other_o true_a form_v church_n for_o they_o can_v give_v and_o communicate_v that_o to_o other_o that_o they_o have_v not_o themselves_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o now_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n than_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o form_v after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n so_o that_o what_o make_v the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n a_o true_a form_v church_n make_v all_o the_o other_o a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n if_o the_o same_o cause_n can_v produce_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a and_o indeed_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n or_o form_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n or_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n they_o will_v soon_o and_o without_o any_o difficulty_n perceive_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v as_o well_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o the_o hundred_o &_o twenty_o name_n and_o those_o three_o thousand_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o â—alls_v the_o first_o form_v church_n for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n â—imes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
i_o can_v prove_v 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 to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâ—en_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o 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and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o major_n no_o well_o ground_v christian_n will_v deny_v it_o especial_o the_o independent_o can_v gain_v say_v it_o for_o if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v and_o teach_v then_o much_o more_o where_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o which_o also_o they_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o by_o lawful_a minister_n and_o officer_n appoint_v and_o send_v by_o god_n himself_o i_o say_v by_o far_o better_a reason_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o visible_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o all_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a man_n will_v easy_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v 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the_o author_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concering_n this_o business_n who_o word_n i_o will_v set_v down_o at_o large_a desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o own_o expression_n rather_o than_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o accuse_v i_o to_o have_v pick_v and_o choose_v what_o make_v most_o for_o i_o and_o against_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o object_n it_o may_v possible_o here_o be_v object_v how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n answ_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_a by_o this_o ensue_a argument_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o two_o or_o three_o so_o join_v together_o do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v thou_o take_v two_o or_o three_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n 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 loe_o here_o be_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v by_o they_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o consequent_a can_v be_v deny_v for_o what_o people_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v neither_o be_v this_o destitute_a of_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o it_o humfred_n de_fw-fr religione_fw-la vera_fw-la conservanda_fw-la pag._n 24._o ecclesiam_fw-la cum_fw-la dico_fw-la non_fw-la unum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aut_fw-la ministrum_fw-la sed_fw-la legitimum_fw-la ac_fw-la christianum_fw-la catum_fw-la nomino_fw-la et_fw-la innuo_fw-la beside_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n will_v prove_v the_o consequent_a a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n &_o unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n this_o definition_n though_o it_o proper_o look_v upon_o a_o complete_a church_n it_o be_v appliable_a to_o two_o or_o three_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o object_n but_o be_v it_o like_o that_o two_o or_o three_o there_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n mention_v vers_fw-la 17._o to_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n answ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o so_o take_v for_o because_o the_o church_n do_v frequent_o consist_v of_o many_o but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o take_v as_o the_o very_a coherence_n of_o the_o word_n show_v beside_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v thus_o if_o two_o or_o three_o may_v meet_v together_o clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n than_o two_o or_o three_o may_v be_v the_o church_n mention_v vers_fw-la 17._o but_o two_o or_o three_o may_v meet_v together_o clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n for_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n as_o the_o text_n speak_v 1._o e._n clothe_v with_o his_o power_n for_o name_n signify_v power_n in_o several_a scripture_n prov._n the_o 18._o 10._o philip._n 2._o 10._o and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o therefore_o two_o or_o three_o may_v be_v the_o church_n there_o mention_v 3._o object_n but_o such_o a_o company_n be_v destitute_a of_o officer_n can_v be_v no_o church_n answ_n if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v they_o can_v have_v be_v no_o complete_a church_n i_o will_v have_v consent_v but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o church_n be_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la a_o man_n that_o want_v a_o hand_n or_o foot_n or_o both_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o man_n though_o a_o maim_a man_n officer_n do_v not_o concur_v to_o the_o esse_fw-la or_o being_n of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o well_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o otherwise_o put_v case_n the_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n die_v then_o must_v the_o church_n be_v unchurch_v and_o so_o toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la as_o such_o a_o thing_n happen_v which_o in_o time_n of_o mortality_n may_v be_v often_o again_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n even_o before_o it_o have_v any_o officer_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o church_n without_o they_o it_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n a_o company_n believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o ephes_n 1._o 1._o and_o it_o have_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n viz._n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o themselves_o together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n i_o have_v speak_v some_o thing_n the_o more_o in_o this_o particular_a to_o strengthen_v
they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v and_o no_o where_o else_o that_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o independent_o consider_v by_o themselves_o respective_o &_o apart_o may_v proper_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v call_v church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o enjoy_v but_o some_o of_o the_o above_o mention_v ordinance_n and_o privilege_n that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v complete_o partake_v in_o than_o all_o good_a reason_n will_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o several_a assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o that_o as_o i_o say_v before_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o better_a reason_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 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intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
or_o for_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o exact_v of_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o complete_n and_o mould_v of_o they_o into_o church_n body_n pro_fw-la per_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v perfect_o convert_v and_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o yet_o that_o for_o some_o want_v they_o make_v no_o separation_n rend_v or_o schism_n from_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o they_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n open_o and_o that_o in_o all_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o yet_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o distinction_n of_o officer_n nor_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o of_o their_o requisite_n so_o that_o from_o the_o pious_a and_o godly_a example_n of_o those_o glorious_a saint_n i_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o rent_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v among_o brethren_n for_o some_o fail_n in_o any_o church_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n not_o only_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n but_o a_o very_a want_n of_o officer_n themselves_o and_o of_o a_o good_a discipline_n also_o in_o any_o church_n or_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v make_v rent_n and_o division_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o withal_o i_o learn_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o fail_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o want_n of_o some_o chief_a officer_n and_o member_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o form_v church_n although_o it_o want_v both_o officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n they_o now_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v member_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o he_o now_o preach_v be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n divinity_n and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o he_o write_v as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o those_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a want_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n officer_n which_o we_o may_v long_o since_o have_v enjoy_v have_v not_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n hinder_v our_o happy_a begin_v reformation_n especial_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v when_o there_o be_v no_o fail_v or_o want_n in_o any_o dominative_a or_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o where_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n requisite_a to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v daily_o public_o teach_v in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o congregation_n and_o church_n all_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v we_o want_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v that_o discipline_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n yea_o the_o independent_o themselves_z hold_v that_o officer_n in_o a_o church_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o it_o as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n apparent_o delucidate_v for_o they_o say_v though_o the_o officer_n all_o dye_n yet_o the_o church_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v discipline_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n i_o maintain_v that_o in_o all_o he_o assert_v he_o be_v not_o only_o exceed_v erroneous_a and_o ignorant_a but_o understand_v not_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v all_o against_o he_o in_o those_o his_o assertion_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v it_o in_o their_o writing_n that_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n if_o their_o concession_n be_v true_a nor_o any_o church_n officer_n which_o be_v point_n blank_a against_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o opinion_n they_o confess_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n viz_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n they_o acknowledge_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v equal_a power_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n as_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v both_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o their_o several_a church_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a right_n &_o impeach_v neither_o of_o they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o they_o do_v also_o confess_v that_o as_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n do_v excommunicate_a hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o and_o other_o so_o may_v the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o like_a occasion_n give_v they_o and_o may_v have_v put_v any_o church_n not_o only_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n but_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o also_o to_o have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n as_o both_o paul_n do_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v all_o well_o constitute_v and_o well_o and_o perfect_a form_v church_n by_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n so_o as_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o independent_o do_v accord_n unto_o and_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o perfect_a church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n before_o the_o incestuous_a person_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o they_o will_v say_v of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaiâ—tans_n and_o that_o of_o baalam_n and_o jezabell_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o and_o before_o those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n appear_v and_o all_o the_o other_o offender_n there_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v any_o perfection_n to_o those_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o deformity_n to_o they_o all_o to_o have_v such_o creature_n and_o fail_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v repute_v their_o great_a sin_n to_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o in_o their_o bowel_n which_o by_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o have_v power_n to_o have_v cast_v out_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o those_o church_n at_o their_o first_o plantation_n and_o sound_n have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o all_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o several_a church_n both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o this_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n but_o be_v all_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n the_o first_o day_n contrary_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v likewise_o by_o the_o independent_o and_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n himself_o that_o where_o there_o be_v church_n officer_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n with_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o few_o visible_a saint_n if_o they_o amount_v but_o to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v but_o ten_o or_o twelve_o gather_v together_o according_a to_o their_o method_n that_o there_o be_v a_o complete_a form_v church_n where_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o this_o church_n be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n the_o which_o
be_v a_o mighty_a company_n for_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n with_o one_o accord_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v due_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n this_o city_n be_v no_o contemptible_a one_o as_o appear_v from_o that_o i_o say_v before_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o credit_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o city_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o neither_o be_v any_o one_o pastor_n able_a to_o teach_v they_o all_o which_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o send_v two_o of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n so_o that_o all_o this_o show_v there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v easy_o persuade_v beside_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n have_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n than_o the_o independent_o in_o our_o day_n who_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v convert_v any_o though_o they_o have_v pervert_v and_o seduce_v many_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o primitive_a minister_n there_o be_v immediate_o send_v of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o speak_v in_o all_o language_n and_o do_v miracle_n such_o as_o none_o can_v do_v but_o those_o that_o come_v from_o god_n as_o nicodemus_n say_v unto_o christ_n that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o john_n 3._o 2._o for_o they_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n with_o their_o word_n and_o shadow_n they_o raise_v the_o dead_a make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v wonderful_a withal_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n after_o a_o miserable_a life_n here_o and_o do_v also_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o order_v their_o way_n and_o conversation_n here_o so_o that_o they_o may_v live_v with_o honour_n and_o die_v with_o comfort_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o all_o man_n both_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o after_o death_n and_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n as_o they_o do_v good_a wherever_o they_o come_v so_o they_o live_v so_o holy_o and_o unblamable_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o be_v man_n of_o such_o integrity_n sincerity_n and_o of_o such_o plain_a upright_a deal_n as_o the_o people_n that_o behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o see_v withal_o their_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o they_o do_v say_v of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o convert_v whole_a city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yea_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o they_o to_o bring_v whole_a nation_n in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o with_o a_o few_o miracle_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o we_o may_v see_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n and_o from_o that_o of_o paul_n rom._n the_o 15._o verse_n 18._o 19_o where_o the_o apostle_n abundant_o declare_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o miracle_n of_o those_o time_n who_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v even_o to_o the_o convert_n of_o whole_a country_n and_o city_n and_o so_o they_o prevail_v in_o this_o city_n of_o samaria_n that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o be_v speedy_o convert_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o all_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o what_o rational_a man_n will_v think_v or_o can_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o royal_a city_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o church_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n as_o be_v apparent_a from_o act_n the_o 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o titus_n the_o 1._o and_o now_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o two_o mother_n city_n of_o palestine_n jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n enumerate_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o prove_v that_o they_o also_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v all_o subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o class_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n w_z ch_z be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v a_o illustrious_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o it_o also_o there_o be_v constitute_v a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v many_o presbyter_n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n and_o those_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v act_v the_o 14._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yea_o paul_n plant_v this_o church_n and_o apollo_n with_o barnabas_n and_o the_o presbyter_n water_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n for_o one_o pastor_n or_o minister_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o own_o flock_n at_o least_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n or_o a_o doctor_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v feed_v one_o congregation_n now_o in_o that_o they_o have_v many_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o many_o extraordinary_a teacher_n in_o it_o with_o all_o good_a reason_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n which_o will_v yet_o more_o abundant_o appear_v from_o its_o first_o constitution_n or_o plant_n for_o we_o read_v of_o multitude_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o that_o city_n that_o believe_v act_v the_o 18._o verse_n 5._o 7_o 8._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o beside_o justus_n crispus_n also_o and_o all_o his_o household_n and_o many_o corinthian_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o lord_n also_o say_v that_o he_o have_v many_o people_n in_o that_o city_n ver_fw-la 10._o which_o by_o the_o diligent_a preach_v of_o paul_n for_o eighteen_o month_n together_o be_v convert_v verse_n 11._o for_o who_o further_a build_v up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n paul_n apollo_n timothy_n cephas_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a &_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n beside_o their_o own_o presbyter_n be_v all_o constant_o employ_v in_o season_n &_o out_o of_o season_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3_o &_o 4._o all_o the_o which_o import_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o city_n beside_o both_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n show_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o deceitful_a teacher_n seducer_n and_o false_a apostle_n which_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o also_o have_v their_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n there_o be_v also_o many_o vain_a instructer_n and_o idle_a teacher_n who_o though_o they_o keep_v the_o foundation_n yet_o build_v upon_o it_o wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n now_o all_o reason_n will_v suggest_v that_o pastor_n of_o such_o several_a mind_n and_o teach_v such_o several_a &_o discrepant_a doctrine_n have_v all_o of_o they_o scholar_n &_o follower_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n whereof_o their_o several_a pastor_n be_v as_o now_o we_o see_v in_o the_o several_a sect_n in_o our_o time_n &_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o meeting_n for_o the_o convention_n of_o their_o officer_n with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o more_o choice_a people_n for_o discipline_n beside_o as_o we_o have_v express_v mention_n of_o a_o church_n in_o aquila_n and_o priscylla_n house_n 1_o cor._n 16._o so_o there_o be_v many_o other_o meet_v place_n in_o corinth_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o in_o express_a word_n there_o
that_o church_n be_v whole_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n likewise_o and_o authority_n of_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o we_o far_o learn_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o although_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n govern_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n conclude_a his_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o those_o asian_a church_n rev._n the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v he_o who_o make_v the_o particular_a or_o singular_a church_n he_o write_v to_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o church_n not_o one_o only_a as_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n only_o he_o do_v make_v that_o one_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o particular_a to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a classical_a or_o collegiate_n church_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o epiphonemicall_a conclusion_n to_o every_o church_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o in_o particular_a do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o as_o of_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o church_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la one_o church_n have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o be_v classical_o or_o collegiate_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la to_o the_o which_o argument_n the_o independent_o answer_v by_o deny_v of_o the_o assumption_n say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequentér_n as_o well_o as_o antecedentér_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o they_o cite_v junius_n his_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o denial_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n they_o produce_v also_o master_n bains_n his_o authority_n to_o as_o little_a end_n christ_n say_v he_o do_v not_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o church_n precede_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o collective_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o singular_a church_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n both_o several_o and_o joint_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o make_v to_o this_o argument_n page_n 133._o and_o if_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v never_o want_v answer_n and_o reply_v but_o we_o look_v for_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o word_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v our_o argument_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o gainsay_n the_o argument_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o the_o other_o six_o church_n and_o true_o he_o grant_v the_o argument_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o antecedenter_v so_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o worâ—â—_n may_v be_v take_v antecedenter_n as_o well_o as_o consequenter_fw-la that_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o follow_v viz_o both_o way_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o require_v and_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o argument_n i_o labour_v to_o prove_v for_o who_o ever_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n bid_v they_o watch_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o man_n so_o who_o ever_o yet_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o church_n there_o christ_n have_v as_o well_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o their_o example_n be_v forewarn_v lest_o they_o likewise_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o all_o man_n know_v that_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 though_o primary_o principal_o and_o antecedenter_v he_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n assembly_n or_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n as_o first_o to_o those_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v yet_o call_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o other_o also_o as_o consist_v of_o many_o several_a company_n and_o several_a congregation_n yet_o be_v all_o combine_a together_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o subordinate_a to_o each_o of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v but_o for_o one_o church_n within_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v to_o they_o all_o several_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o number_n of_o multitude_n as_o to_o many_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o write_v to_o they_o all_o as_o particular_a and_o singular_a church_n because_o though_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o classical_a way_n and_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o those_o epistle_n shall_v as_o well_o be_v consider_v collective_o as_o the_o word_n angel_n now_o all_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o the_o very_a independent_a minister_n themselves_o hold_v that_o by_o angel_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o each_o of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o those_o several_a epistle_n may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o interpret_v collective_o for_o many_o minister_n then_o the_o word_n church_n also_o may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o church_n for_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o pastor_n and_o â—lock_n be_v relative_n and_o have_v reference_n one_o to_o another_o now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n than_o there_o must_v likewise_o be_v many_o flock_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o those_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o constitution_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n we_o find_v many_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n a_o whole_a college_n of_o they_o act_v the_o 20_o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o 28._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o that_o church_n so_o in_o the_o other_o six_o for_o in_o express_a word_n paul_n say_v that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n public_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o house_n which_o be_v by_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v to_o signify_v many_o several_a congregation_n in_o that_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o when_o the_o independent_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o therefore_o several_a church_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o expression_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o they_o have_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o meet_v place_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o have_v both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n have_v obtain_v so_o much_o
favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o employ_v the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n night_n and_o day_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o faithful_a and_o laborious_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o well_o antecedenter_n as_o consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o the_o word_n angel_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o now_o than_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o the_o independent_o opinion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v take_v collective_o the_o word_n church_n by_o as_o good_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v many_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n in_o that_o church_n by_o all_o which_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o one_o church_n may_v have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o what_o master_n baines_n think_v to_o the_o contrary_a who_o judgement_n in_o this_o business_n be_v very_o erroneous_a how_o orthodox_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o other_o writing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n though_o of_o never_o so_o greatlearning_n or_o part_n no_o not_o a_o angel_n that_o shall_v ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n make_v i_o believe_v or_o embrace_v any_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o sound_a reason_n as_o this_o novel_a tenant_n and_o whimsy_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v and_o true_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n who_o by_o his_o induction_n of_o so_o many_o church_n and_o by_o that_o nigh_o relation_n he_o affirm_v they_o all_o have_v each_o to_o other_o and_o among_o themselves_o conclude_v they_o be_v all_o dependent_a for_o if_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o nigh_o a_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o be_v between_o member_n and_o 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compact_n they_o common_o continue_v their_o ancient_a dimension_n and_o limit_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o secular_a power_n extend_v itself_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o policy_n the_o same_o limit_n do_v the_o ecclesiastical_a ever_o observe_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n under_o they_o all_o who_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n be_v call_v citizen_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o several_a city_n as_o all_o history_n relate_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o annal_n of_o time_n all_o man_n may_v find_v that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o change_n of_o all_o government_n from_o democratiall_a to_o aristocratical_a and_o from_o both_o to_o monarchy_n that_o as_o far_o as_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n extend_v themselves_o before_o their_o changc_n the_o monarchsor_n king_n that_o either_o invade_v those_o government_n or_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o election_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n extend_v their_o sole_a power_n to_o the_o extreme_a limit_n of_o those_o several_a government_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n rule_v those_o several_a country_n which_o before_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o state_n senate_n elder_n or_o judge_n as_o we_o see_v it_o happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n after_o the_o government_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v change_v into_o a_o monarchy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n for_o when_o caesar_n have_v invade_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o have_v make_v himself_o perpetuus_n dictator_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a aristocracy_n extend_v its_o self_n before_o the_o change_n so_o far_o do_v his_o sole_a power_n expatiate_v and_o extend_v itself_o after_o the_o alteration_n and_o the_o same_o power_n do_v all_o the_o succeed_a emperor_n exercise_v to_o the_o extreme_a bound_n of_o that_o empire_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o as_o all_o history_n declare_v even_o so_o when_o the_o several_a presbytery_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v through_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n change_v into_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a presbytery_n extend_v themselves_o so_o far_o do_v the_o several_a bishop_n appoint_v over_o they_o extend_v their_o sole_a power_n and_o exercise_v their_o sole_a authority_n hence_o arise_v so_o many_o broil_n contention_n and_o digladiation_n among_o those_o several_a bishop_n about_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a sea_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n be_v full_a all_o the_o which_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o declare_v
while_o with_o their_o scribble_n they_o trouble_v the_o world_n in_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o hear_v yet_o how_o he_o cavil_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o then_o all_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o must_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o in_o regard_n also_o that_o that_o church_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o resolution_n of_o that_o church_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o can_v ever_o say_v in_o these_o respect_n say_v he_o it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a and_o perfect_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n make_v a_o noise_n to_o little_a purpose_n contradict_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n that_o i_o ever_o yet_o read_v or_o talk_v with_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o form_n and_o govern_v all_o their_o church_n and_o labour_n to_o reduce_v all_o to_o that_o pattern_n and_o ground_n all_o their_o proceed_n upon_o the_o platform_n of_o that_o church_n and_o do_v all_o as_o they_o affirm_v in_o imitation_n of_o that_o hold_v synod_n to_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o his_o word_n sufficient_o declare_v for_o which_o his_o grollery_n i_o believe_v all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n will_v give_v he_o little_a thanks_n and_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o so_o great_a haste_n in_o answer_v i_o who_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n say_v i_o haste_v at_o last_o as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n canis_fw-la festinans_fw-la caecos_fw-la parit_fw-la catulos_fw-la and_o will_v have_v cause_n at_o leisure_n to_o repent_v for_o he_o have_v by_o this_o his_o juggle_n and_o conjure_v quite_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o new_a babble_n of_o independency_n which_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v so_o busy_a and_o diligent_a to_o lay_v erect_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v and_o that_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v his_o trifle_a reason_n of_o this_o his_o gainsaying_n and_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o church_n for_o than_o say_v he_o every_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o all_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o one_o church_n and_o to_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o can_v be_v there_o be_v none_o now_o infallible_o guide_v thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n out_o of_o the_o acumen_n of_o his_o wit_n dispute_v at_o randoun_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n do_v the_o prelate_n in_o their_o generation_n dispute_v against_o the_o godly_a people_n they_o term_v puritan_n when_o they_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o that_o they_o all_o receive_v it_o either_o sit_v or_o use_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o christian_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o the_o apostle_n example_n rather_o then_o antichrist_n as_o a_o pattern_n set_v down_o to_o they_o of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o prelate_n and_o those_o of_o that_o faction_n reply_v that_o if_o the_o puritan_n will_v make_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o pattern_n for_o their_o imitation_n then_o they_o must_v always_o celebrate_v it_o in_o a_o evening_n and_o that_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o not_o in_o public_a and_o then_o they_o must_v never_o exceed_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o communicant_n and_o they_o must_v be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o other_o toy_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v my_o brother_n burton_n now_o trifle_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o as_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o require_v so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o their_o imitate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v liberty_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o deacon_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n &_o to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a for_o their_o occasion_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o likewise_o if_o they_o have_v need_n of_o deacon_n may_v make_v choice_n of_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o whether_o few_o or_o more_o and_o as_o often_o as_o their_o occasion_n require_v no_o church_n be_v limit_v for_o the_o number_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o church_n ordain_v the_o deacon_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o in_o all_o church_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o as_o upon_o any_o difference_n among_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o it_o happen_v then_o between_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n act_n 6._o about_o their_o widow_n who_o they_o think_v be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a administration_n they_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o redress_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o such_o or_o the_o like_a difference_n to_o appeal_v unto_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o as_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n so_o when_o the_o presbyter_n command_v or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o people_n be_v to_o yield_v willing_a subjection_n &_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n their_o pattern_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n and_o all_o these_o be_v combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o imitation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o they_o and_o as_o upon_o occasion_n then_o certain_a man_n go_v down_o from_o judaea_n to_o antioch_n act_v 15._o 1._o and_o trouble_v the_o people_n there_o and_o in_o other_o church_n with_o word_n subvert_v their_o soul_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n vers_fw-la 24._o pretend_v they_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o command_n from_o they_o of_o their_o so_o do_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n send_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o business_n in_o debate_n &_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o resolution_n without_o make_v any_o rent_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o other_o church_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o dispute_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o argument_n and_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v 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and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
himself_o his_o good_a friend_n his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n the_o mighty_a potentate_n the_o sole_a and_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v in_o very_o great_a haste_n indeed_o and_o giddy_a withal_o in_o his_o brain_n or_o in_o some_o distraction_n he_o will_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v think_v he_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o those_o likewise_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n with_o christ_n mother_n brethren_n and_o sister_n worthy_a to_o be_v esteem_v a_o form_v church_n or_o church_n yet_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n pass_v by_o they_o all_o say_v we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o at_o this_o day_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o they_o absolute_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n when_o they_o do_v the_o same_o to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n time_n sure_o that_o subject_a that_o shall_v pass_v by_o his_o king_n and_o sovereign_a and_o all_o his_o retinue_n and_o courtier_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o and_o they_o and_o shall_v yield_v he_o no_o reverence_n will_v be_v think_v craze_a in_o his_o brain_n especial_o if_o he_o shall_v in_o a_o slight_a manner_n say_v he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o all_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v such_o a_o expression_n from_o he_o will_v not_o only_o judge_v such_o a_o one_o a_o very_a unbred_a man_n and_o a_o uncivil_a fellow_n but_o that_o deserve_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v teach_v better_a manner_n and_o without_o doubt_n a_o king_n that_o shall_v understand_v of_o such_o a_o subject_a if_o he_o at_o any_o time_n have_v need_n of_o his_o favour_n will_v reply_v unto_o he_o sir_n you_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o i_o and_o my_o 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he_o utter_v these_o word_n or_o exceed_o distemper_v in_o his_o brain_n for_o otherwise_o christ_n have_v be_v worthy_a to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o if_o his_o follower_n have_v not_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o preach_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v we_o not_o do_v wondrous_a work_n mat._n 7._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o to_o who_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v reply_v depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o doubtless_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n deep_o repent_v not_o of_o these_o their_o word_n and_o of_o all_o their_o evil_a deal_n in_o seduce_v and_o mis-leading_a of_o the_o poor_a people_n and_o of_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o will_v not_o yet_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o follower_n nor_o of_o their_o brethren_n at_o this_o day_n through_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o whatsoever_o both_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n shall_v pretend_v as_o that_o they_o have_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v wondrous_a work_n in_o gather_v of_o new_a church_n and_o preach_v up_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o publish_n of_o new_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o of_o new_a light_n and_o place_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o say_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v in_o this_o kind_n pretend_v except_o they_o all_o repent_v of_o this_o their_o wickedness_n and_o uncharitable_a deal_n towards_o all_o their_o christian_a brethren_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o christ_n will_v say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o profess_v he_o will_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n and_o they_o all_o likewise_o perish_v for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n that_o have_v not_o resign_v his_o understanding_n think_v less_o of_o this_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v say_v unto_o they_o at_o that_o day_n you_o have_v teach_v it_o in_o your_o congregation_n and_o print_v in_o your_o book_n set_v forth_o by_o authority_n by_o all_o your_o consent_n and_o that_o upon_o deliberation_n that_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o all_o those_o multitude_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o my_o disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n these_o will_v he_o say_v be_v your_o own_o word_n and_o that_o in_o capital_a letter_n nay_o you_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n for_o so_o j._n s._n speak_v page_n 8_o and_o 9_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n give_v many_o reason_n there_o to_o the_o contrary_a assert_v that_o by_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n they_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n much_o less_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o least_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v his_o expression_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v much_o applaud_v by_o all_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o usual_o say_v of_o he_o when_o he_o ride_v through_o the_o street_n there_o go_v he_o that_o beat_v up_o doctor_n bastwicks_n quarter_n approve_v of_o this_o good_a work_n of_o he_o in_o unchristian_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o my_o servant_n john_n the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n and_o send_v by_o i_o and_o my_o father_n to_o baptize_v they_o and_o of_o mr._n burton_n they_o never_o speak_v but_o in_o high_a praise_n blessing_n god_n that_o he_o have_v answer_v bastwicks_n book_n which_o he_o write_v in_o defence_n and_o maintenace_n of_o my_o honour_n and_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o be_v baptize_v in_o my_o name_n so_o that_o all_o those_o book_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o my_o dishonour_n and_o the_o disrepute_n of_o my_o follower_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o you_o all_o and_o in_o they_o you_o say_v you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o multitude_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n now_o among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n i_o be_v one_o and_o my_o disciple_n and_o my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o you_o slight_v we_o all_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o we_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n you_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o and_o deny_v we_o now_o those_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o i_o and_o my_o disciple_n and_o of_o my_o brethren_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n and_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o follow_v i_o while_o i_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o deny_v they_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o before_o my_o father_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o that_o despise_v my_o disciple_n and_o my_o follower_n despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o yea_o whosoever_o shall_v despise_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_a that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o
synod_n now_o present_a and_o their_o employment_n likewise_o be_v of_o a_o other_o nature_n then_o that_o of_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o a_o synod_n and_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v never_o any_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o yet_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v a_o synod_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o they_o several_o and_o so_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o definition_n and_o therefore_o remain_v not_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n that_o the_o congregationall_a church_n can_v enjoy_v for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o but_o many_o time_n after_o in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n or_o when_o there_o remain_v but_o one_o alive_a as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v dependent_a if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n or_o else_o be_v no_o church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v ordinance_n that_o near_o concern_v every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o that_o alone_a for_o how_o can_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n try_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v or_o put_v over_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o those_o science_n art_n faculty_n and_o history_n and_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o latin_a greek_a hebrew_n and_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o in_o some_o competency_n be_v require_v in_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n over_o they_o when_o i_o say_v not_o any_o one_o in_o those_o congregation_n many_o time_n have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o art_n and_o science_n in_o all_o which_o a_o minister_n ought_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v verse_v in_o if_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o high_a call_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o have_v such_o intelligible_a member_n who_o when_o they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o elder_n to_o perform_v &_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n who_o never_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o hold_v and_o teach_v so_o that_o when_o any_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o other_o church_n officer_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o permit_v not_o the_o common_a people_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o but_o always_o desire_v elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o other_o congregation_n to_o do_v it_o without_o who_o help_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v have_v it_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n but_o i_o will_v first_o speak_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n the_o which_o howsoever_o in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o unlearned_a independent_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v of_o small_a weight_n and_o but_o a_o compliment_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n account_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o for_o 1_o 2_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n master_n henry_n jacob_n by_o name_n who_o first_o baptize_v their_o new_a gather_a church_n with_o that_o compellation_n of_o independent_a church_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n exceed_o urge_v to_o overthrow_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n err_v in_o the_o foundation_n not_o have_v the_o due_a and_o right_a imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o of_o his_o other_o opinion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v for_o those_o that_o impose_v hand_n upon_o the_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v presbyter_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o can_v urge_v this_o place_n for_o their_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o also_o may_v not_o much_o more_o make_v use_n of_o it_o against_o they_o it_o be_v god_n own_o institution_n and_o to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n end_n in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o this_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o presbytery_n be_v want_v in_o any_o church_n that_o church_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o obtain_v or_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n of_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o often_o in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o at_o many_o other_o time_n also_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o mortality_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o when_o but_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v alive_a which_o frequent_o happen_v among_o they_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v crave_v the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v dependent_a for_o not_o any_o one_o elder_a alone_a and_o by_o himself_o can_v ordain_v a_o other_o there_o must_v be_v more_o together_o for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v just_o do_v and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v of_o many_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n and_o view_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o a_o establish_a presbytery_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v many_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o they_o appoint_v over_o they_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a and_o all_o those_o several_a presbytery_n have_v in_o each_o of_o they_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n within_o themselves_o in_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o corporation_n or_o committee_n have_v their_o precedent_n and_o chaire-man_n with_o all_o other_o officer_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o abundance_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o officer_n dye_v within_o their_o several_a preeinct_n they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n present_o go_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o new_a one_o and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v who_o if_o their_o precedent_n die_v or_o any_o of_o their_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o their_o common_a council_n or_o any_o of_o their_o other_o officer_n they_o forthwith_o make_v election_n of_o other_o out_o of_o some_o of_o their_o freeman_n or_o of_o man_n well_o know_v to_o they_o for_o sufficiency_n wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o all_o other_o ability_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o corporation_n for_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o
authority_n within_o themselves_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o they_o have_v usual_o choice_n enough_o of_o man_n fit_a for_o their_o employment_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n who_o collective_o take_v be_v all_o collegiat_o and_o classical_o govern_v and_o depend_v upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v single_a congregation_n only_o as_o the_o independent_o will_v persuade_v the_o delude_a people_n they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v for_o the_o many_o reason_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_v specify_v so_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o sufficient_o now_o appear_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n that_o no_o particular_a congregation_n can_v enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n within_o itself_o without_o dependency_n upon_o other_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n which_o can_v in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n be_v enjoy_v without_o it_o be_v presbyterate_v to_o use_v their_o own_o expression_n that_o be_v to_o say_v except_o it_o have_v their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o church_n officer_n within_o itself_o annex_v to_o it_o for_o they_o among_o the_o independent_o that_o hold_v that_o excommunication_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n understand_v it_o then_o only_o to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o entire_a and_o a_o whole_a congregation_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o their_o elder_n &_o their_o other_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n without_o the_o elder_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o nor_o the_o elder_n without_o the_o people_n and_o they_o of_o the_o independent_a party_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o they_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o church_n government_n which_o have_v retard_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o new_a noddle_n lest_o that_o by_o it_o they_o shall_v loose_v many_o of_o their_o disciple_n and_o follower_n which_o they_o well_o know_v will_v soon_o break_v of_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o humour_v they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_n and_o therefore_o they_o cunning_o juggle_v with_o the_o people_n and_o fain_a pretence_n when_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v mean_v christianly_o and_o honest_o they_o will_v long_o since_o have_v bring_v in_o their_o new_a noddle_n of_o church_n government_n but_o fear_v what_o will_v ensue_v and_o which_o will_v not_o be_v for_o their_o profit_n and_o honour_n they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v delay_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o seduce_a of_o many_o but_o i_o say_v those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o hold_v that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n only_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n from_o their_o vote_n and_o that_o for_o many_o inconvenience_n as_o they_o suppose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o remove_v for_o all_o that_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v yet_o i_o say_v on_o all_o side_n they_o agree_v that_o without_o the_o presbyter_n consent_v none_o can_v be_v excommunicate_v be_v they_o never_o so_o scandalous_a so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o any_o congregation_n be_v without_o their_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n also_o neither_o can_v they_o ordain_v they_o within_o themselves_o without_o help_n from_o other_o church_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o therefore_o they_o want_v this_o ordinance_n till_o their_o new_a supply_n and_o that_o they_o must_v crave_v from_o other_o church_n when_o their_o officer_n be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v still_o be_v dependent_a but_o now_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o their_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v again_o recrute_v and_o make_v up_o again_o or_o presbyterate_v and_o complete_a in_o respect_n of_o both_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o or_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o few_o more_o which_o be_v a_o pretty_a full_a church_n and_o congregation_n among_o they_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o they_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n will_v forth_o with_o ensue_v upon_o it_o yea_o under_o how_o intolerable_a a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n will_v many_o oppress_a christian_n by_o this_o mean_n groan_v under_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v unjust_o and_o wrongful_o injure_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o any_o other_o court_n or_o church-tribunall_n for_o redress_n or_o relief_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o wrong_v or_o injure_v or_o damnify_v by_o they_o for_o if_o the_o formidable_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pass_v once_o against_o any_o person_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n they_o throw_v and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o communion_n not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o devil_n therefore_o if_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n be_v once_o inflict_v upon_o any_o member_n by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o some_o of_o the_o ii-dependents_a will_v have_v it_o or_o by_o two_o or_o three_o presbyter_n only_o as_o other_o contend_v the_o misery_n and_o grievance_n be_v never_o the_o less_o nor_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o that_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n the_o less_o avoidable_o as_o will_v daily_o appear_v for_o if_o all_o the_o congregation_n pass_v this_o sentence_n many_o of_o the_o member_n who_o have_v their_o vote_n be_v private_a man_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unlearned_a and_o unexperienced_a through_o want_n of_o year_n part_n education_n and_o breed_n and_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n they_o be_v many_o time_n so_o intricate_a so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o rule_n unto_o the_o case_n for_o the_o inflict_a of_o a_o just_a censure_n and_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n also_o to_o bear_v a_o peculiar_a hatred_n or_o ill_a will_n unto_o their_o person_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o passion_n to_o do_v unjustice_n or_o may_v be_v overawe_v by_o fear_n or_o threaten_n of_o some_o other_o in_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v the_o enemy_n to_o the_o party_n in_o question_n so_o that_o they_o be_v powerful_a man_n rich_a in_o estate_n among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a people_n who_o dependency_n may_v be_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v either_o child_n servant_n workman_n or_o tenant_n of_o which_o most_o of_o the_o congregation_n consist_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o displease_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v their_o friend_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o go_v with_o the_o strong_a side_n may_v pass_v this_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o most_o unjust_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v &_o this_o must_v go_v for_o currant_n if_o the_o most_o voice_n carry_v it_o and_o from_o they_o the_o party_n unjust_o deal_v with_o have_v no_o appeal_n but_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v against_o he_o must_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n under_o this_o heavy_a doom_n which_o i_o believe_v in_o every_o understand_a man_n judgement_n will_v seem_v a_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o of_o this_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o above_o two_o or_o three_o and_o many_o time_n none_o of_o the_o learn_a wise_a and_o honest_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o be_v liable_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o the_o other_o be_v because_o of_o particular_a relation_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o their_o congregation_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o support_v who_o they_o ordinary_o dare_v not_o displease_v for_o they_o know_v the_o fickleness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n will_v disgust_v they_o and_o alienate_v their_o affection_n from_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o cause_n also_o of_o withdraw_v their_o contribution_n and_o supply_n by_o which_o they_o support_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n and_o common_o when_o any_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n fall_v of_o from_o a_o minister_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o place_n yet_o he_o will_v withdraw_v many_o yea_o of_o themselves_o the_o unstable_a people_n will_v take_v occasion_n by_o other_o example_n to_o slight_v and_o neglect_v their_o minister_n as_o hourly_a experience_n teach_v we_o for_o humour_n not_o they_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v go_v yea_o but_o
which_o the_o lord_n preserve_v his_o people_n from_o and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o all_o cordial_a and_o understand_a man_n to_o oppose_v with_o all_o their_o might_n as_o they_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n end_n all_o the_o which_o the_o whimsicall_a opinion_n of_o independency_n will_v hinder_v which_o indeed_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o anarchy_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o atheism_n or_o a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o nigh_a ally_n one_o from_o another_o and_o to_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o man_n as_o our_o small_a and_o little_a experience_n of_o that_o way_n have_v by_o woeful_a trial_n and_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o definition_n in_o discover_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o that_o set_v down_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n with_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o it_o to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v subject_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o government_n as_o the_o independent_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o their_o definition_n viz._n their_o particular_a explicit_a holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o not_o only_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o make_v it_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o reason_n above_o specify_v as_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n our_o father_n nor_o no_o example_n in_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o have_v no_o other_o but_o the_o general_a covenant_n which_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o allow_v as_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o god_n himself_o though_o they_o reject_v that_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o independent_o as_o be_v a_o humane_a ordinance_n which_o all_o christian_n in_o god_n service_n ought_v to_o abhor_v as_o not_o command_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n who_o voice_n only_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v and_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v to_o set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o be_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o mighty_a councillor_n and_o the_o sole_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v accord_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o independent_o that_o this_o their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v indeed_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n as_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o people_n than_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o their_o own_o congregation_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n to_o aver_v and_o maintain_v but_o beside_o this_o their_o unwarrantable_a covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n they_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n which_o they_o hold_v not_o only_o requisite_a but_o god_n ordinance_n also_o as_o first_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o week_n month_n and_o perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o for_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o behaviour_n and_o manner_n and_o except_o they_o can_v please_v the_o whole_a church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o admittance_n at_o last_o second_o after_o their_o good_a like_n of_o their_o carriage_n they_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o dislike_v they_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v three_o after_o this_o they_o require_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o all_o which_o if_o the_o congregation_n approve_v not_o of_o as_o sufficient_a they_o can_v be_v yet_o admit_v last_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v must_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o else_o by_o their_o charter_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o church-communion_n with_o they_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v they_o require_v in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n before_o any_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o joint_a member_n among_o they_o never_o a_o one_o of_o the_o which_o condition_n or_o injunction_n not_o withstand_v have_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a flavery_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n beside_o this_o their_o particular_a explicet_fw-la covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v they_o only_o require_v without_o any_o of_o their_o other_o grollery_n be_v a_o bondage_n too_o unsufferable_a for_o in_o that_o their_o covenant_n as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o some_o of_o they_o when_o in_o familiar_a manner_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o friendship_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o method_n of_o admit_v of_o their_o joint_a member_n and_o especial_o what_o the_o covenant_n import_v and_o what_o they_o promise_v in_o it_o and_o what_o by_o it_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o and_o for_o answer_v they_o reply_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n first_o that_o they_o promise_v and_o by_o this_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o in_o all_o church_n fellowship_n as_o to_o be_v helpefull_a one_o to_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o to_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o stand_v one_o by_o another_o without_o desertion_n of_o each_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o willing_a subjection_n and_o conformity_n not_o only_o to_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v among_o they_o but_o also_o willing_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o such_o new_a light_n for_o the_o future_a that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n discover_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o the_o independent_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n they_o require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n and_o which_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_n to_o perform_v the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o if_o they_o be_v single_a person_n either_o bachelor_n or_o maiden_n widow_n or_o widower_n they_o may_v not_o marry_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a covenant_n be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o remove_v their_o habitation_n and_o dwelling_n though_o never_o so_o advantageous_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o traffic_n and_o trade_n into_o any_o remote_a place_n from_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v comprise_v under_o this_o covenant_n which_o they_o keep_v among_o themselves_o as_o arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la as_o secret_n of_o their_o kingdom_n all_o the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v serious_o look_v into_o contain_v in_o they_o so_o many_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o exceed_o advantageous_a unto_o themselves_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o party_n and_o the_o more_o corroborate_n their_o combination_n as_o those_o that_o be_v judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v but_o be_v there_o no_o other_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n in_o their_o whole_a religion_n but_o this_o of_o their_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o appertinance_n belong_v thereto_o as_o among_o other_o their_o blind_a obedience_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o great_a yoke_n of_o servitude_n put_v upon_o poor_a people_n under_o antichrist_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o papist_n oft_o time_n scour_v over_o old_a holy_a day_n with_o new_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o new_a one_o even_o so_o the_o independent_o furbush_n over_o old_a error_n with_o new_a varnish_n to_o make_v they_o more_o specious_a to_o the_o delude_a people_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o as_o new_a truth_n and_o set_v they_o up_o as_o new_a light_n when_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o ancient_a error_n and_o very_a popery_n itself_o in_o a_o new_a attire_n as_o
be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o wilful_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n reign_v every_o ceremony_n they_o bring_v in_o be_v except_v against_o as_o a_o human_a tradition_n and_o that_o worthy_o and_o every_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n be_v reject_v as_o popery_n and_o will-worship_n be_v abhor_v as_o antichristian_a and_o to_o serve_v god_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o by_o a_o service_n establish_v only_o by_o humane_a authority_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o thing_n displease_v unto_o god_n and_o think_v unsufferable_a and_o to_o have_v prelate_n set_v over_o they_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n be_v think_v the_o high_a point_n of_o tyranny_n and_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o root_n and_o branch_n with_o all_o their_o trumpery_n and_o appertinance_n all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o with_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n petition_v the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o many_o of_o they_o have_v venture_v their_o life_n in_o the_o just_a defence_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o have_v offer_v their_o estate_n and_o expose_v themselves_o and_o they_o to_z great_a danger_n in_o this_o good_a quarrel_n which_o will_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o they_o all_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o they_o will_v be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o nation_n to_o do_v the_o like_a yet_o behold_v every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n revive_v now_o and_o bring_v in_o among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o contend_v for_o with_o all_o severity_n and_o eagerness_n as_o for_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o ding_o they_o be_v but_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v necessary_o follow_v that_o their_o whole_a service_n and_o discipline_n with_o all_o their_o concomitant_n be_v but_o their_o own_o appointment_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n or_o pattern_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o new_a england_n &_o in_o their_o new_a congregation_n here_o they_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o poor_a people_n in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v as_o ever_o the_o lordly_a prelate_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o supercilious_a behaviour_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n swallow_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o god_n ordinance_n and_o bind_v themselves_o by_o their_o unholy_a covenant_n to_o observe_v they_o which_o in_o any_o understanding_n man_n judgement_n that_o know_v what_o his_o christian_a liberty_n be_v and_o in_o the_o which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o be_v the_o most_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o the_o world_n yet_o ever_o see_v and_o thus_o have_v brief_o discover_v some_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o definition_n and_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o will_v have_v and_o evince_v also_o that_o according_a to_o that_o there_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o congregationall_a church_n if_o they_o will_v be_v include_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o description_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o my_o last_o and_o main_a conclusion_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v from_o their_o own_o argument_n for_o thus_o they_o dispute_v against_o we_o those_o assembly_n say_v they_o or_o church_n in_o which_o the_o member_n be_v not_o visible_a saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_a together_o into_o their_o several_a congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n they_o be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v make_v companion_n with_o such_o kind_n of_o saint_n as_o job_n will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n be_v tagg_n rag_n with_o who_o godly_a soul_n can_v no_o more_o converse_v then_o with_o heathen_n but_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o unless_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o ildependents_a doctrine_n they_o teach_v their_o disciple_n concern_v our_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n as_o in_o that_o of_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burtons_n especial_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o capital_a argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o maintain_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o upon_o which_o they_o ground_n the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o which_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o vouchsafe_v to_o read_v this_o book_n shall_v find_v in_o many_o place_n discover_v i_o will_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o against_o themselves_o to_o prove_v that_o their_o church_n and_o new_a gather_v congregation_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n as_o the_o several_a ensue_a argument_n will_v declare_v which_o i_o desire_v the_o independent_o themselves_o will_v without_o any_o prejudice_n serious_o consider_v and_o ponder_v that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o in_o time_n repent_v of_o all_o their_o unrighteous_a and_o uncharitable_a deal_n towards_o their_o brethren_n i_o thus_o argue_v those_o church_n and_o congregation_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_a together_o into_o their_o several_a assembly_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o wicked_a conspiracy_n and_o combination_n against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o but_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o ildependents_a false_o pretend_v they_o sever_v themselves_o from_o our_o public_a assembly_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v gainsay_v it_o the_o minor_a therefore_o be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o as_o for_o the_o minor_a i_o thus_o evince_v it_o those_o church_n and_o congregation_n who_o member_n be_v raylor_n réviler_n slanderer_n covenant-breaker_n with_o god_n and_o man_n ordinary_a liar_n notorious_a calumniator_n and_o false_a accuser_n such_o as_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devil_n heretic_n open_a seducer_n and_o causer_n of_o division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o special_a command_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o and_o to_o shun_v and_o be_v prohibit_v to_o receive_v into_o their_o house_n or_o bid_v god_n speed_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o be_v no_o visible_a saint_n nor_o good_a damon_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n it_o be_v ground_v upon_o godsown_a word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n for_o
church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v act_n the_o second_o that_o consist_v only_o of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n also_o of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v pag._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o those_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n within_o themselves_o and_o want_v discipline_n may_v be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o the_o church_n here_o of_o jorusalem_n be_v which_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n have_v no_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o dictinstion_n of_o officer_n &_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o it_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n &_o that_o because_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v draw_v these_o two_o infallibleconclusion_n the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o they_o want_v both_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o although_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n this_o first_o conclusion_n i_o say_v i_o infallible_o gather_v from_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v that_o have_v both_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a performance_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o all_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n for_o substance_n but_o all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o only_a glory_n in_o outward_a performance_n &_o consist_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n ergo._n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n &_o my_o brother_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o all_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o master_n hanserdo_v i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n ensue_a and_o after_o i_o have_v dispatch_v that_o work_n i_o will_v then_o in_o like_a manner_n reply_v to_o whatsoever_o either_o master_n knollys_n i._n s._n or_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o large_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o my_o foregoing_a reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n speak_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a in_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o proposition_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o jndependent_o assent_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o will_v then_o also_o faithful_o relate_v their_o own_o word_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n make_v against_o my_o argument_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n my_o second_o proposition_n now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v far_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o â—hose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church-communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o place_n in_o the_o same_o story_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n to_o this_o proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n thus_o reply_v to_o which_o i_o also_o say_v he_o consent_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v neither_o bathe_v the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o therein_o i_o must_v manifest_v my_o dissent_n from_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n promise_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v sound_o prove_v it_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o reply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o do_v that_o insert_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o it_o with_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v and_o answer_v to_o they_o all_o in_o order_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o that_o shall_v without_o prejudice_n read_v my_o foregoing_a argument_n and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v write_v will_v conclude_v that_o master_n hanserdo_n be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o of_o as_o little_a honesty_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v credit_v in_o what_o either_o he_o say_v or_o write_v neither_o ought_v master_n knollys_n in_o this_o controversy_n especial_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o be_v both_o party_n witness_n jury_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v gather_v and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o by_o scripture_n sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n abundant_o evince_v it_o all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o understand_a christian_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v grant_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o challenge_v master_n knollys_n his_o promise_n and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o error_n and_o so_o relinquish_v his_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o can_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o not_o keep_v his_o word_n for_o david_n describe_v a_o
of_o these_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v say_v he_o or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o the_o other_o church_n of_o judaea_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_a act_n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n he_o say_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o so_o that_o in_o the_o reckon_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o now_o i_o refer_v myself_o unto_o the_o judicious_a and_o godly_a reader_n whether_o these_o man_n have_v not_o make_v false_a muster_n or_o not_o to_o use_v some_o of_o i._n s._n his_o language_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n have_v not_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o and_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o do_v most_o sacrilegious_o unjust_o and_o wicked_o in_o thus_o rob_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o member_n for_o first_o they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o those_o devout_a man_n and_o true_a worshipper_n in_o jerusalem_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o second_o whereas_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n verse_n 47._o that_o beside_o those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o those_o likewise_o and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v relate_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n they_o cut_v off_o three_o thousand_o of_o these_o also_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o great_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n than_o be_v before_o all_o those_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o subduct_v and_o pare_v off_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o be_v relate_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 all_o those_o likewise_o they_o defalcate_v with_o all_o the_o other_o increase_v of_o multitude_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o with_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o record_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o but_o cast_v up_o the_o whole_a sum_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o total_a reckon_n and_o number_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o to_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v do_v out_o of_o their_o perverse_a wilful_a and_o obstinate_a wickedness_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v deceive_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a people_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o thus_o to_o juggle_v who_o they_o can_v not_o delude_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o true_o inform_v and_o do_v not_o they_o and_o their_o complice_n withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o they_o in_o unrighteousness_n for_o be_v the_o people_n true_o inform_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o all_o intelligible_a yea_o but_o ordinary_a understand_a man_n and_o woman_n yea_o very_a child_n will_v conclude_v that_o they_o can_v not_o then_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v still_o but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v combine_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o it_o this_o i_o affirm_v every_o rational_a creature_n will_v from_o ground_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v if_o they_o be_v right_o instruct_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o dishonesty_n both_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o all_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n thus_o to_o abuse_v the_o people_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o in_o they_o all_o to_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o deal_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o i._o s._n that_o groll_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o second_o proposition_n for_o he_o must_v be_v answer_v also_o or_o else_o he_o will_v exceed_o triumph_v in_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o flagelli_fw-la he_o have_v these_o word_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o be_o not_o say_v he_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a thus_o i._n s._n express_v his_o non-satisfaction_n in_o that_o place_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n for_o far_a answer_n he_o thus_o declare_v himself_o first_o say_v he_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o church_n speak_v of_o act_n the_o 15._o 4._o i_o deny_v and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a presumption_n and_o beg_v of_o the_o question_n to_o say_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o minister_a church_n especial_o if_o you_o reckon_v all_o johns_n disciple_n and_o convert_n to_o those_o believer_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n after_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n ere_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n so_o for_o any_o thing_n have_v yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o the_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v not_o so_o many_o after_o you_o have_v cut_v off_o johns_n convert_n i_o mean_v those_o that_o do_v stick_v in_o johns_n baptism_n which_o be_v multitude_n and_o temporary_a believer_n which_o cease_v to_o walk_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o and_o stranger_n which_o do_v afterward_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o several_a country_n those_o that_o do_v remain_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grâ—w_v up_o unto_o church_n fellowship_n and_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o former_a beg_n and_o presumption_n that_o which_o sollowe_v viz._n that_o this_o proposition_n be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n viz._n that_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o what_o say_v i_o s._n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o not_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v often_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a sir_n i._o s._n dispute_v who_o word_n be_v a_o very_a farrago_fw-la of_o error_n and_o vanity_n by_o which_o he_o sufficient_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o master_n saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o who_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v and_o confident_a i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o arrogant_a and_o a_o more_o presumptuoas_n sot_n that_o ever_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n than_o this_o i._o s._n and_o who_o word_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o ignorance_n and_o full_a of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o self_n conceitednesse_n and_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n for_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o
possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v and_o that_o they_o 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 do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v those_o three_o thousand_o convert_n unto_o we_o as_o not_o only_o skilful_a in_o the_o theory_n of_o church-fellowship_n but_o also_o exceed_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o it_o whether_o therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a also_o in_o that_o j._n s._n say_v it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v when_o the_o scripture_n report_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o impartial_a reader_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v give_v their_o verdict_n against_o i._n s._n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n fellowship_n that_o be_v omit_v by_o they_o and_o although_o i_o love_v not_o such_o as_o will_v groundless_o be_v suspicious_a as_o i._o s._n be_v here_o and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o independnnt_n will_v never_o be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o those_o three_o thousand_o and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v i_o continue_v in_o this_o belief_n for_o what_o i_o already_o know_v in_o their_o daily_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n they_o make_v notwithstanding_o so_o great_a a_o noy_n about_o therefore_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n not_o only_o to_o censure_v their_o christian_n brethren_n that_o live_v harmelesse_o by_o they_o but_o to_o suspect_v all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o christ_n death_n yea_o and_o to_o suspect_v even_o those_o three_o thousand_o also_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o adjudge_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n to_o be_v all_o ignorant_a what_o church_n government_n and_o church_n fellowship_n be_v i_o leave_v it_o likewise_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prudent_a &_o advise_v reader_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a dependent_n thus_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n as_o well_o as_o the_o congregationall_a predicant_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o concern_v church_n fellowship_n when_o not_o withstand_v it_o be_v record_v of_o those_o minister_n that_o they_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o practise_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n act_v the_o 20._o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o the_o build_n up_o of_o believer_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i._o s._n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v still_o full_a of_o suspicion_n and_o yet_o never_o satisfy_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o confute_v their_o erroneous_a novelty_n for_o although_o i_o have_v sufficient_o confirm_v my_o first_o proposition_n and_o prove_v by_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v good_a christian_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o i._n s._n page_n 11._o say_n he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a and_o mr_n knollys_n in_o his_o 11._o page_n affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v though_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o evident_o prove_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n such_o a_o brood_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o age_n that_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v christ_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n with_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o faithful_a minister_n can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o jew_n but_o they_o ever_o resist_v his_o spirit_n act_v 7._o neither_o can_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o satisfy_v all_o gainsayer_n but_o they_o will_v still_o be_v doubt_v among_o the_o which_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v with_o many_o of_o their_o fraternity_n may_v well_o be_v number_v but_o for_o all_o such_o christian_n as_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o from_o that_o satisfaction_n they_o will_v learn_v to_o abhor_v the_o error_n of_o all_o the_o sectary_n and_o straggler_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o decline_v &_o shun_v their_o company_n and_o fellowship_n and_o for_o all_o such_o as_o they_o be_v that_o will_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n i_o desire_v ever_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o not_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v ever_o scepticall_a and_o ever_o learning_n yet_o never_o attain_v or_o come_v to_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o other_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o for_o all_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o study_n to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v a_o company_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n from_o who_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v for_o all_o such_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o notwithstanding_o i_o say_v i_o have_v very_o little_a hope_n ever_o to_o satisfy_v any_o such_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v think_v to_o go_v about_o a_o impossible_a work_n if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v it_o yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v sâ—e_v my_o fair_a deal_v with_o i._o s._n because_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n i_o will_v therefore_o add_v a_o few_o reason_n more_o or_o at_o least_o call_v some_o of_o the_o former_a brief_o to_o his_o mind_n which_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n will_v persuade_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o satisfy_v he_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v satisfy_v and_o content_v other_o and_o to_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v produce_v i_o will_v also_o add_v some_o testimony_n of_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n or_o conviction_n at_o least_o all_o such_o as_o have_v read_v i._o s._n his_o learned_a work_n know_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o cut_v of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n passion_n and_o ascension_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o calendar_n and_o roll_n of_o the_o saint_n absolute_o deny_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_n all_o this_o i_o say_v those_o that_o have_v read_v his_o scruple_n very_o well_o know_v they_o know_v likewise_o that_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o saint_n peter_n though_o he_o uncharitable_o say_v that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v so_o that_o here_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n we_o have_v a_o very_a ample_a congregation_n consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o
chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n true_a believer_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n all_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o those_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o these_o be_v without_o doubt_n great_a number_n they_o be_v indefinite_o set_v down_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o find_v a_o new_a addition_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o convert_v and_o withal_o i_o may_v tell_v i._o s._n that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n that_o the_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_n be_v all_o man_n likewise_o for_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n conceive_v of_o those_o convert_n but_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n say_v in_o terminis_fw-la that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o convert_n be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o publish_n and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o people_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v make_v know_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o to_o all_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o neighbour_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o their_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o nurtrature_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v then_o as_o docible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o give_v attendance_n unto_o wholesome_a and_o sound_a word_n and_o to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o our_o giddy-headed_a people_n and_o woman_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v novelty_n especial_o we_o may_v with_o all_o reason_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v this_o that_o they_o will_v then_o be_v the_o soon_o persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n it_o come_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o with_o such_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n for_o the_o jew_n have_v often_o before_o desire_a sign_n and_o miracle_n say_v unto_o christ_n what_o sign_n she_o west_n thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o intimate_v that_o if_o he_o can_v show_v unto_o they_o any_o sign_n that_o then_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v in_o thou_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v thyself_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v persuade_v we_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o then_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n do_v daily_o gratify_v they_o with_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o that_o the_o very_a high_a priest_n and_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v upon_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n that_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a miracle_n i_o say_v therefore_o when_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concomitate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n it_o can_v be_v doubâ—ed_v but_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v those_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o yield_v the_o more_o credit_n unto_o their_o husbund_n and_o master_n instruction_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o many_o woman_n luke_n 23._o ver_fw-la 27_o 28._o that_o mourn_v for_o christ_n when_o they_o carry_v he_o to_o crucify_a and_o if_o we_o look_v also_o into_o the_o story_n of_o holy_a writ_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n &_o those_o honourable_a one_o which_o minister_v daily_o unto_o he_o now_o than_o if_o we_o believe_v which_o we_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o as_o many_o believe_a woman_n convert_v as_o man_n as_o we_o may_v for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a than_o we_o have_v already_o sixteen_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o the_o new_a stile_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n stand_v then_o at_o a_o stay_n for_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o dreadful_a death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o miracle_n believer_n say_v the_o text_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n now_o this_o word_n multitude_n as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o all_o language_n it_o ever_o signify_v some_o great_a company_n or_o some_o great_a assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n or_o a_o bad_a therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o here_o many_o new_a great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n beside_o all_o those_o before_o specify_v and_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n v._n 7._o it_o be_v record_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 in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n which_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o second_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n itself_o where_o be_v specify_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o in_o no_o small_a company_n in_o that_o very_a church_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n three_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o multiply_v great_o both_o the_o word_n have_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o they_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o great_o to_o show_v the_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o they_o as_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v say_v that_o the_o number_n can_v not_o be_v set_v down_o four_o it_o be_v say_v also_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n not_o a_o few_o but_o a_o great_a company_n also_o of_o the_o priest_n those_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o of_o these_o word_n have_v weight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v but_o a_o little_a ponder_v will_v create_v belief_n from_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n man_n that_o there_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o after_o their_o conversion_n infinite_n of_o people_n daily_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o preach_v of_o these_o priest_n also_o of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o harbour_v this_o opinion_n that_o now_o they_o be_v as_o diligent_a consider_v the_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o themselves_o to_o convert_v and_o bring_v man_n unto_o he_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o to_o dissuade_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v he_o this_o i_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n bind_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v now_o convert_v will_v study_v to_o convert_v other_o for_o we_o see_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o andrew_n have_v find_v christ_n john_n 1._o he_o bring_v his_o brother_n simon_n to_o he_o and_o after_o christ_n have_v call_v philip_n unto_o he_o he_o find_v nathaniel_n bring_v he_o also_o unto_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v ever_o operative_a and_o fruitful_a and_o will_v loose_v no_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o gain_v friend_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v real_o and_o true_o convert_v they_o will_v ever_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v other_o yea_o they_o be_v bind_v unto_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o relate_v unto_o peter_n that_o the_o devil_n sought_n to_o winnow_v he_o as_o wheat_n and_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v add_v withal_o this_o lesson_n unto_o simon_n peter_n say_v when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n this_o duty_n lie_v not_o only_o upon_o simon_n peter_n but_o it_o
lie_v to_o this_o day_n upon_o all_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o all_o those_o priest_n know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o duty_n lie_v also_o upon_o they_o and_o that_o by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n long_o before_o give_v they_o who_o have_v say_v that_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n from_o their_o mouth_n now_o than_o if_o all_o christian_n and_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o age_n study_v to_o teach_v their_o friend_n and_o family_n the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o we_o see_v in_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n and_o joshua_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o they_o have_v a_o special_a command_n also_o to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o see_v deut._n the_o sixth_o and_o deut._n the_o eleven_o and_o when_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o people_n true_o convert_v to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o we_o see_v it_o likewise_o in_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n how_o quick_o she_o bring_v her_o neighbour_n and_o fellow_n citizen_n unto_o christ_n after_o she_o be_v convert_v then_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o think_v yea_o we_o ought_v much_o more_o to_o believe_v that_o these_o priest_n be_v thus_o wonderful_o convert_v spend_v their_o strength_n and_o might_n now_o to_o gain_v disciple_n unto_o christ_n and_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o have_v be_v his_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n and_o the_o people_n without_o all_o controversy_n will_v be_v the_o ready_a by_o far_a to_o give_v heed_n unto_o what_o they_o teach_v they_o because_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v learned_a and_o in_o that_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o god_n himself_o to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o god_n from_o their_o mouth_n who_o say_v that_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o christ_n himself_o send_v the_o leper_n at_o any_o time_n when_o he_o have_v cure_v they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o the_o priest_n be_v in_o great_a esteem_n among_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o do_v mighty_o prevail_v with_o they_o so_o that_o they_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v they_o now_o when_o the_o people_n see_v that_o their_o priest_n in_o great_a company_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_n they_o still_o follow_v their_o pastor_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o the_o law_n of_o love_n bind_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o abundance_n of_o the_o people_n also_o be_v daily_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v and_o this_o ordinary_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n to_o believe_v for_o we_o see_v here_o among_o we_o what_o mischief_n a_o few_o whible_n and_o unlearned_a fellow_n that_o be_v minister_n have_v do_v in_o seduce_v of_o the_o people_n after_o they_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n upon_o who_o they_o still_o depend_v and_o what_o distraction_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n a_o few_o unstable_a and_o unconstant_a presbyter_n hourly_o make_v when_o for_o base_a end_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o principle_n and_o turn_v independent_a praedicant_o and_o itinerany_n preacher_n we_o see_v i_o say_v that_o they_o have_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n with_o the_o leaven_n of_o their_o doctrine_n &_o with_o their_o sottish_a wicked_a and_o groundless_a opinion_n sour_v the_o whole_a lump_n of_o the_o sweet_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o seduce_v many_o thousand_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n if_o their_o gloriation_n be_v true_a now_o if_o a_o few_o illiterate_a seducer_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v mislead_v and_o pervert_v such_o multitude_n with_o their_o novelty_n and_o that_o without_o any_o miracle_n without_o all_o controversy_n that_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v convert_v preach_v then_o unto_o all_o the_o people_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o glad_a tiding_n and_o not_o their_o own_o fantasy_n and_o the_o people_n see_v it_o also_o daily_o confirm_v unto_o they_o with_o such_o stupendous_a miracle_n they_o prevail_v great_o to_o the_o convert_n of_o thousand_o for_o the_o example_n of_o such_o man_n as_o the_o priest_n be_v wrought_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o people_n yea_o we_o see_v how_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n when_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n whether_o magistrate_n minister_n or_o people_n embrace_v any_o new_a opinion_n what_o way_n they_o go_v the_o common_a people_n ordinary_o follow_v whether_o it_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n rather_o follow_v example_n then_o precept_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o when_o moses_n be_v but_o go_v up_o into_o the_o mount_n and_o that_o aaron_n have_v build_v they_o a_o calf_n they_o all_o begin_v to_o dance_v about_o it_o and_o when_o jeroboam_n set_v up_o his_o calf_n ten_o tribe_n revolt_v with_o he_o yea_o it_o be_v say_v he_o cause_v all_o israel_n to_o sin_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o daily_o among_o we_o if_o these_o groll_v seduce_v but_o any_o giddy-headed_a gentlewoman_n that_o be_v rich_a or_o but_o any_o inferior_a lady_n and_o make_v they_o but_o turn_v independent_o what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o &_o by_o through_o the_o kingdom_n of_o it_o and_o how_o stagger_v other_o poor_a unstable_a woman_n begin_v to_o be_v but_o if_o any_o great_a noble_a man_n or_o courtier_n or_o parliament_n man_n or_o some_o of_o our_o temporize_a presbyterian_a minister_n but_o turn_v independent_o or_o be_v but_o rumour_v to_o favour_v that_o way_n we_o see_v what_o revolt_n among_o unsettle_a and_o ungrounded_a people_n their_o example_n make_v in_o many_o place_n whereas_o the_o true_o godly_a &_o such_o as_o be_v well_o ground_v know_v that_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o usual_o change_v themselves_o into_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousnee_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o seduce_v yet_o i_o say_v such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v right_o instruct_v be_v not_o move_v but_o they_o abhor_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o cleave_v the_o fast_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v of_o such_o discern_a spirit_n as_o they_o can_v well_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v for_o base_a end_n and_o worldly_a respect_n that_o many_o have_v turn_v independent_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o independent_o have_v persuade_v many_o if_o they_o will_v prosper_v in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o shall_v turn_v to_o their_o party_n for_o that_o be_v as_o they_o say_v the_o thrive_a way_n and_o it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o also_o that_o very_o few_o but_o independent_o be_v either_o great_o countenance_v or_o prefer_v or_o at_o any_o time_n reward_v for_o any_o service_n they_o have_v do_v their_o country_n now_o every_o generous_a spirit_n especial_o a_o constant_a well_o ground_v christian_n detest_v and_o abominate_v all_o such_o base_a deal_n and_o such_o base_a fellow_n as_o will_v be_v of_o any_o religion_n for_o earthly_a fade_a momentary_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o therefore_o stand_v more_o stout_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o ancient_a principle_n yet_o such_o as_o have_v a_o mind_n speedy_o to_o get_v into_o the_o chair_n of_o preferment_n or_o to_o be_v in_o any_o office_n or_o to_o grow_v rich_a they_o turn_v independent_o and_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o whereas_o the_o independent_o brag_v that_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n be_v independent_o they_o notorious_o belie_v they_o but_o this_o i_o dare_v presume_v that_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n can_v from_o his_o great_a and_o rich_a independent_a friend_n procure_v a_o yearly_a and_o certain_a pension_n to_o be_v confirm_v upon_o my_o lord_n tapps_n that_o upon_o that_o condition_n he_o will_v turn_v independent_a and_o so_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v one_o lord_n of_o their_o party_n and_o then_o also_o sir_n i._o s._n may_v haply_o attain_v unto_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v my_o lord_n tapps_n his_o chaplain_n which_o he_o be_v very_o fit_a for_o and_o may_v also_o reside_v in_o cambridge_n where_o he_o may_v so_o indoctrinate_a his_o plumbeous_a cerebrocity_n as_o he_o may_v speedy_o be_v able_a to_o divisinate_v a_o snail_n pie_n or_o a_o mushroom_n into_o two_o particle_n but_o to_o be_v serious_a if_o a_o few_o obscure_a presbyter_n here_o among_o we_o that_o be_v never_o real_o guilty_a either_o of_o learning_n or_o honesty_n revolt_a once_o from_o the_o truth_n through_o covetousness_n and_o other_o base_a end_n have_v notwithstanding_o with_o their_o feign_a holiness_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n devour_v so_o many_o widow_n house_n
and_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v such_o multitude_n of_o simple_a people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n what_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v all_o man_n think_v those_o learned_a rabbi_n those_o priest_n with_o all_o the_o apostle_n daily_o convert_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o their_o doctrine_n be_v so_o crown_v with_o so_o many_o miracle_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v never_o have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o convert_v innumerable_a company_n yet_o common_a reason_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v convert_v many_o thousand_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o matt._n 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o in_o jordan_n and_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n and_o when_o it_o far_o also_o record_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o miracle_n and_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o when_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n it_o relate_v the_o conversion_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n say_v that_o more_o multitude_n both_o of_o believer_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o that_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 all_o these_o place_n witness_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o can_v not_o now_o be_v tell_v for_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o by_o three_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n and_o five_o thousand_o they_o can_v speedy_o be_v reckon_v but_o when_o the_o increase_n grow_v so_o great_a they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o set_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v by_o whole_a sale_n not_o in_o enumerate_v parcel_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o numberless_a company_n say_v multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v mighty_a congregation_n and_o great_a assembly_n of_o both_o sex_n in_o such_o abundance_n come_v in_o as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tell_v and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n and_o set_v down_o in_o general_a term_n that_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 also_o obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o no_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n or_o room_n spacious_a enough_o to_o contain_v the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o place_n can_v have_v hold_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o yet_o than_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v then_o have_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v it_o that_o in_o one_o of_o our_o church_n here_o in_o london_n which_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v hold_v half_o ten_o thousand_o that_o half_a of_o they_o ordinary_o not_o well_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n though_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a pair_n of_o lung_n yea_o i_o hear_v man_n daily_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o minister_n preach_v they_o stand_v so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o three_o thousand_o then_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v in_o less_o assembly_n where_o all_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v ever_o to_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n especial_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n as_o i_o have_v quote_v say_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o relate_v that_o if_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v at_o last_o satisfy_v sir_n i._o s._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v say_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n but_o if_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o write_v will_v not_o satisfy_v his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o take_v his_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n i_o shall_v now_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o a_o corollary_n desire_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n saint_n hanserdo_n two_o faithful_a brethren_n of_o his_o society_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o business_n it_o may_v be_v i._o s._n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o such_o approve_a witness_n and_o great_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v i_o can_v but_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n because_o all_o the_o illdependents_a judge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o honest_a man_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v a_o very_a venerable_a opinion_n of_o they_o both_o for_o their_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o erudition_n i_o entreat_v i._n s._n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n sapientum_fw-la octavum_fw-la it_o may_v be_v his_o word_n may_v satisfy_v his_o scrupulous_a and_o tender_a conscience_n who_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a book_n say_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o most_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a how_o es_a to_o communicate_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_z 10._o &_o 11._o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o they_o both_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n cencern_v the_o number_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o now_o then_o when_o there_o be_v but_o about_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n soul_n at_o the_o first_o and_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o at_o last_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n they_o be_v then_o force_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o company_n as_o have_v no_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a or_o day_n by_o day_n according_a to_o saint_n hanserdoe_v learning_n that_o be_v in_o innumerable_a place_n i_o say_v when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o seraphical_a doctor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n and_o childhood_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v many_o ass_n bly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n how_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_v and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judaea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o be_v abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_n unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o
cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o their_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n or_o care_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o yea_o act._n 15._o 2._o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o verse_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o preebyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governor_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o their_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_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 verse_n 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 council_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_a 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 in_o the_o 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_n 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 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 then_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 according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o will_v faithful_o set_v down_o whâ—t_a master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o mr_n hanserdo_v who_o pag._n 11._o and_o 12._o thus_o repli_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o word_n of_o this_o scripture_n act_v 11._o ver_fw-la 27._o say_v he_o which_o the_o doctor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n be_v these_o ver_fw-la 30._o and_o send_v it_o viz._n the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n say_v the_o doctor_n we_o see_v that_o
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a relief_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n or_o state_n be_v send_v and_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o wisdom_n in_o those_o man_n hand_n i_o say_v that_o this_o power_n â—esideth_v of_o dispose_v the_o treasury_n or_o revenue_n they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o state_n as_o at_o this_o day_n it_o reside_v with_o all_o the_o former_a essential_a property_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o they_o only_o and_o be_v sole_o exercise_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o master_n knollys_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a court_n because_o the_o contribution_n collection_n and_o excise_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._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 and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n in_o their_o new_a church_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o accord_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o take_v their_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o gather_v into_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n have_v act_v and_o manage_v they_o only_o as_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o by_o a_o special_a dispensation_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o only_o peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o as_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a governor_n so_o that_o while_o master_n knollys_n fight_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o i_o he_o with_o the_o same_o weapon_n wound_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n who_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o extraordinary_a man_n take_v their_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n and_o of_o call_v synod_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o discover_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o futility_n as_o for_o his_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n because_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n they_o be_v foolish_a and_o vain_a and_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v of_o my_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v as_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
send_v to_o samaria_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n the_o 8._o and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n by_o that_o church_n there_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v send_v again_o to_o antioch_n syria_n &_o galatia_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dependent_a as_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o m._n knollys_n be_v altogether_o in_o error_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a neither_o be_v that_o true_a also_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n any_o far_a than_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v a_o special_a caution_n &_o caveat_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a christ_n but_o also_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o who_o bid_v all_o the_o gentile_n beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o any_o as_o come_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o decree_n yea_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n gal_n 1._o verse_n 7_o 8._o give_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n a_o special_a charge_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v he_o accurse_v and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o 11._o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a apostle_n although_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoin_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o they_o warn_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n though_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v not_o according_a to_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n and_o command_v they_o withal_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n jude_n in_o his_o and_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o be_v commend_v for_o discover_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o proof_n and_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o christ_n who_o minister_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v and_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n apocalyp_v the_o 2._o verse_n 1._o who_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o and_o who_o preserve_v and_o protect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o as_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n sufficient_o declare_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o master_n knollys_n fond_o say_v who_o be_v their_o fellow_n servant_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transaction_n of_o all_o the_o business_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o much_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o council_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o i_o say_v in_o my_o argument_n and_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o by_o god_n assistance_n more_o abundant_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o master_n knollys_n who_o think_v all_o man_n shall_v take_v for_o a_o oracle_n every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o pen_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o never_o so_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o just_a control_n as_o that_o other_o of_o his_o expression_n be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a error_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o satan_n neither_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o when_o he_o temporize_v among_o the_o galatian_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n church_n as_o he_o erroneous_o and_o ignorant_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o who_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 2_o cor._n 4._o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o themselves_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n if_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o his_o church_n and_o his_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o timothy_n aver_v ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_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 the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o therefore_o i_o say_v church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o special_a prohibition_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v over_o they_o that_o be_v their_o subject_n how_o then_o can_v mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n church_n every_o man_n i_o conceive_v that_o have_v any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o with_o deliberation_n shall_v read_v mr_n knollys_n scribble_n will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o frontless_a man_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n he_o will_v never_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o error_n and_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v he_o ever_o have_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n in_o my_o first_o book_n that_o they_o act_v in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n but_o because_o mr_n knollys_n be_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v about_o that_o point_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n if_o not_o to_o he_o at_o least_o to_o other_o i_o will_v here_o prove_v that_o point_n a_o little_a more_o full_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v brief_o also_o answer_v mr_n knollys_n his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o fufferage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o that_o whole_a business_n do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n but_o as_o presbyter_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o ordinary_a counsel_n and_o synod_n for_o first_o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n though_o both_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o be_v at_o that_o time_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ver_fw-la 2._o as_o servant_n of_o that_o presbytery_n who_o willing_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o act_v as_o
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
and_o presbyter_n may_n any_o man_n suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o synod_n and_o shall_v then_o and_o there_o have_v hear_v they_o dispute_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o they_o and_o to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n can_v bear_v and_o therefore_o decree_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n i_o say_v it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n it_o will_v have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o heat_n and_o rage_n as_o they_o will_v have_v set_v the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o uproar_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o life_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n there_o and_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v side_v with_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o will_v have_v incense_v they_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n because_o they_o grant_v great_a privilege_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o give_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n still_o observe_v and_o strict_o keep_v so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v from_o judaea_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v urge_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n among_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o i_o say_v if_o these_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n have_v all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n how_o many_o soever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o use_v master_n knollys_n expression_n be_v present_a as_o he_o groundlesse_o affirm_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o vote_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o they_o will_v have_v vote_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o this_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v have_v stain_n paul_n for_o this_o their_o jealousy_n only_o that_o he_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o if_o the_o brethren_n in_o jerusalem_n those_o believe_a jew_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n say_v have_v then_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v assent_v and_o vote_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o it_o as_o master_n knollys_n against_o all_o reason_n say_v they_o do_v for_o than_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o paul_n for_o instruct_v the_o gentile_n and_o all_o people_n in_o their_o christian_n liberty_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n make_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o paul_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o he_o yet_o urge_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v decree_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o whole_a church_n and_o multitude_n as_o many_o as_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o shall_v have_v vote_v with_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o to_o free_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o they_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o saint_n paul_n for_o observe_v their_o order_n and_o decree_n and_o for_o obey_v their_o injunction_n but_o when_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o for_o but_o hear_v he_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n &_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o the_o multitude_n can_v be_v understand_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o he_o grollish_o assert_v can_v they_o have_v all_o possible_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o than_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o decree_n and_o be_v offend_v with_o other_o for_o observe_v what_o they_o themselves_o have_v command_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n there_o first_o all_o sister_n be_v exclude_v for_o they_o be_v not_o number_v among_o they_o and_o so_o then_o not_o all_o the_o believer_n for_o sister_n also_o be_v believer_n and_o of_o the_o multitude_n and_o second_o all_o those_o zealot_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n have_v no_o vote_n in_o that_o synod_n and_o be_v not_o present_v there_o for_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o saint_n paul_n for_o preach_v according_a to_o those_o decree_n make_v and_o vote_v there_o so_o that_o mr_n knollys_n in_o time_n may_v come_v to_o see_v his_o error_n and_o by_o brethren_n there_o and_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v very_o well_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v viz._n prophet_n and_o choose_a man_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n for_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n be_v convert_v and_o be_v member_n there_o though_o not_o fix_v officer_n and_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n as_o the_o other_o be_v who_o synecdochical_o be_v call_v the_o church_n a_o part_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n from_o among_o who_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v go_v and_o have_v teach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o and_o with_o these_o also_o may_v be_v reckon_v those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o that_o council_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v the_o brethren_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o text_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v so_o that_o to_o all_o man_n that_o read_v but_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n with_o judgement_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o by_o brethren_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o multitude_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v some_o choose_a man_n man_n of_o eminency_n for_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n prophet_n who_o dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o business_n there_o and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v for_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o not_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n daily_o though_o false_o assert_v and_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n and_o rot_a foundation_n lay_v in_o their_o own_o brain_n will_v erect_v and_o build_v their_o new_a confuse_a babel_n of_o independency_n admit_v all_o people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n but_o also_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o dependency_n upon_o other_o church_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o mere_a anarchy_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o two_o conclusion_n will_v evident_o ensue_v and_o plain_o arise_v first_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o equal_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o likewise_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o and_o upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n second_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o brethren_n nor_o sister_n in_o those_o day_n be_v to_o have_v their_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admission_n of_o member_n
run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n 1_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o a_o committee_n and_o only_o prepare_v the_o business_n and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o can_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v ratify_v the_o decree_n make_v in_o that_o council_n he_o in_o the_o same_o page_n produce_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o fond_a conceit_n say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n for_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n withal_o say_v he_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v about_o and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o verse_n 22._o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a i._n s._n say_v and_o unsayes_a determine_v and_o conclude_v and_o then_o go_v from_o his_o resolution_n again_o affirm_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v with_o one_o accord_n together_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n and_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forget_v himself_o he_o come_v in_o with_o his_o perhaps_o as_o a_o man_n doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o his_o opinion_n and_o altogether_o in_o uncertainty_n say_v that_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o dispute_n while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o here_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o he_o make_v it_o suspicious_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a there_o or_o not_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n discretion_n and_o wisdom_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o for_o the_o church_n assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o so_o he_o learned_o conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o all_o this_o his_o babble_n that_o they_o be_v all_o there_o and_o they_o be_v not_o there_o where_o can_v any_o man_n find_v this_o creature_n and_o what_o man_n of_o understanding_n be_v he_o that_o shall_v behold_v the_o levity_n vanity_n rashness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o fellow_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o that_o one_o have_v need_v to_o instruct_v he_o instead_o of_o confute_v he_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o any_o man_n unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o be_v i._o s._n his_o wise_a expression_n concern_v i_o in_o his_o 16._o page_n which_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o may_v not_o fit_o be_v apply_v to_o himself_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a who_o while_o he_o will_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o understand_v not_o neither_o what_o he_o say_v nor_o whereof_o he_o affirm_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o scarce_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n appear_v upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o learning_n a_o more_o unlearned_a payr_n of_o wicked_a trifler_n then_o this_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o i._o s._n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v first_o positive_o set_v down_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o he_o after_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v present_a there_o or_o no_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n the_o second_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n without_o which_o there_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o council_n as_o he_o prattle_v and_o without_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v ratify_v his_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o say_v he_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o conclude_v the_o ambassador_n of_o france_n and_o swede_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o city_n of_o london_n entertain_v they_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v as_o well_o send_v unto_o the_o city_n of_o london_n as_o to_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n again_o the_o city_n of_o london_n assent_v unto_o whatsoever_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n accord_v unto_o to_o gratify_v those_o ambassador_n after_o they_o have_v make_v they_o acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v ergo_fw-la all_o the_o city_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o citizen_n have_v not_o only_o their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n in_o those_o great_a business_n and_o be_v judge_n also_o in_o the_o parliament_n but_o they_o be_v altogether_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n can_v have_v ratify_v nothing_o without_o they_o will_v not_o all_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o man_n thus_o argue_v gather_v that_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v make_v such_o inference_n from_o such_o premise_n and_o shall_v so_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v craze_a in_o his_o brain_n or_o else_o a_o very_a ninnie_n and_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdoe_v dispute_v and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o man_n he_o understand_v by_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n agree_v and_o according_a with_o hanserdo_v in_o this_o sottish_a opinion_n who_o hold_v that_o by_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o that_o counsel_n and_o ratify_v the_o decree_n without_o the_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v valid_a whereas_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o hanserdo_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o impossibility_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o that_o by_o multitude_n there_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v some_o choice_n and_o select_a man_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v who_o be_v call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v furnish_v with_o good_a store_n and_o of_o which_o that_o great_a council_n only_o consist_v and_o who_o debate_v and_o argue_v con_fw-mi and_o pro_fw-la about_o the_o business_n in_o controversy_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o seven_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v peter_n rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o then_o all_o the_o multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o give_v audience_n to_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o james_n after_o they_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n give_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o church_n assent_v so_o that_o out_o of_o all_o these_o word_n it_o necessary_o and_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o brethren_n there_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o the_o common_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v brethren_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o sister_n
be_v exclude_v who_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n permit_v to_o vote_n in_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o there_o for_o woman_n be_v part_n of_o the_o multitude_n neither_o be_v the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1._o and_o this_o be_v accord_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a i._o s._n that_o confident_a disputant_n who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o from_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n there_o be_v neither_o woman_n nor_o weak_a brethren_n there_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o concession_n the_o weak_a be_v not_o admit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o in_o the_o council_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n and_o church_n and_o multitude_n there_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v necessary_o to_o understand_v the_o learned_a and_o godly_a prophet_n minister_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n chief_a and_o eminent_a one_o such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v and_o with_o they_o be_v to_o be_v join_v the_o other_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n with_o those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o antioch_n which_o be_v all_o consider_v together_o make_v up_o a_o great_a number_n and_o multitude_n all_o the_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n v._o 3._o the_o scripture_n there_o speak_v synecdochical_o and_o take_v a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v do_v that_o synod_n consist_v and_o not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n w_z ch_n be_v not_o member_n fit_a for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o order_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n much_o less_o to_o woman_n &_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o synecdochical_o as_o before_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o eminent_a minister_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v commissioner_n there_o and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elders_n he_o which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o voter_n in_o that_o synod_n which_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o the_o full_a dispute_n on_o both_o side_n for_o none_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o have_v not_o full_o hear_v the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n on_o both_o side_n which_o i._o s._n acknowledge_v the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v nor_o can_v judge_v of_o because_o they_o be_v intricate_a ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n nor_o give_v their_o voice_n there_o upon_o no_o term_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o full_o &_o understand_o hear_v now_o the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v neither_o can_v they_o have_v understand_v if_o they_o have_v hear_v both_o which_o i._o s._n accord_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o weak_a brethren_n can_v be_v mean_v much_o less_o the_o sister_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o with_o deliberation_n weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o very_a reason_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v every_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o none_o can_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o plead_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o controversy_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n which_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o such_o as_o sylas_n and_o judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v verse_n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o none_o but_o they_o that_o manage_v the_o disputation_n and_o hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n be_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n which_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v do_v neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v any_o raw_a head_a boy_n or_o giddy_a brain_a creature_n or_o minor_n in_o it_o or_o any_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o run_v out_o and_o in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o that_o great_a council_n be_v like_o a_o pigeon_n house_n where_o they_o be_v continual_o flutter_v out_o and_o flutter_v in_o for_o that_o council_n consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o be_v holy_a grave_a and_o approve_v all_o prophet_n such_o as_o sylas_n judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v such_o as_o for_o gravity_n and_o experience_n be_v think_v fit_a companion_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o consultation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o council_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o venerable_a precious_a godly_a and_o staid_a man_n of_o who_o we_o can_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o synod_n negligent_o or_o to_o the_o half_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o sit_v close_o and_o diligent_o to_o the_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o session_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o that_o as_o they_o meet_v altogether_o at_o a_o set_a hour_n or_o time_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o consultation_n and_o dispute_n as_o long_o as_o any_o other_o sit_v and_o till_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o agreement_n think_v fit_a to_o sit_v to_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o till_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v be_v it_o few_o or_o more_o day_n or_o week_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o record_v how_o long_o the_o council_n continue_v yet_o we_o read_v not_o where_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n but_o that_o they_o sit_v altogether_o in_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o commissioner_n till_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o dispute_v and_o none_o but_o they_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v but_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n above_o specify_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o weak_a brethren_n nor_o the_o sister_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n from_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o go_v upon_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o do_v which_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o god_n notwithstanding_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o for_o as_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o account_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o a_o committee_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o which_o as_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o decree_n they_o have_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o divest_v the_o apostle_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v it_o and_o place_n it_o upon_o the_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n perpetrate_v against_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o deal_n and_o proceed_v of_o i._o s._n be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o apostle_n so_o this_o his_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o divine_a
and_o humane_a learning_n yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o for_o this_o i._o s._n his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o church_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o decree_n valid_a and_o bind_a whereas_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n by_o their_o infallible_a authority_n ratify_v those_o decree_n and_o so_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o presbyter_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n but_o as_o apostles_n stle_v with_o a_o transcendent_a power_n and_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v in_o that_o session_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n which_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o and_o therefore_o their_o presence_n only_o as_o apostles_n make_v their_o decree_n bind_v which_o opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o howsoever_o it_o be_v very_o erroneous_a as_o i_o have_v often_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n yet_o it_o be_v point_v blank_a against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o i._o s._n who_o place_n all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o people_n rob_v both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n his_o brethren_n they_o place_v all_o authority_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o deprive_v the_o presbyter_n of_o it_o and_o count_v they_o but_o ordinary_a man_n and_o not_o infallible_o there_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o which_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o they_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o these_o man_n be_v but_o babel_n builder_n who_o tongue_n and_o language_n be_v divide_v and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n for_o they_o be_v diametrical_o fight_v one_o against_o ano_fw-la there_o so_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o those_o man_n that_o begin_v once_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o truth_n like_o the_o midianitâ—s_v they_o destroy_v one_o a_o other_o but_o this_o have_v general_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v that_o study_n to_o invent_v engine_n to_o beat_v down_o the_o truth_n yet_o all_o the_o vapour_n of_o their_o brain_n can_v so_o much_o as_o cloud_v so_o bright_a â—_o sun_n but_o it_o will_v evermore_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o dazzle_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o see_v the_o people_n general_o so_o harden_v by_o obstinacy_n that_o they_o can_v yet_o discern_v into_o the_o craft_n and_o juggle_n of_o the_o illdefendents_a predicant_o who_o while_o they_o give_v the_o people_n or_o church_n power_n and_o interest_n to_o humour_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o 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independent_a way_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a in_o england_n and_o i_o far_o undertake_v if_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v call_v i_o and_o all_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n before_o they_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v better_a able_a in_o half_a a_o day_n space_n to_o deliver_v in_o what_o model_n they_o will_v set_v up_o if_o they_o will_v deal_v ingenuous_o before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o speak_v their_o conscience_n than_o they_o all_o put_v together_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v i_o may_v perhaps_o be_v think_v something_o presumptuous_a but_o j._n s._n his_o fond_a expression_n make_v i_o speak_v that_o i_o do_v which_o notwithstanding_o i_o still_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v there_o be_v one_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o none_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v very_o trivial_o of_o i_o after_o he_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o 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his_o might_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o confound_v ten_o thousand_o such_o as_o he_o be_v and_o to_o teach_v both_o he_o and_o all_o his_o complice_n whether_o assemble_v or_o not_o assemble_v that_o their_o tenant_n be_v most_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a and_o i_o hope_v that_o succeed_a age_n will_v say_v that_o god_n enable_v i_o to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o my_o undertake_n for_o in_o his_o might_n i_o shall_v ever_o come_v out_o against_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o all_o their_o reply_v to_o my_o query_n and_o first_o whereas_o they_o babble_v about_o the_o general_a state_v of_o the_o question_n and_o divide_v those_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v join_v together_o and_o make_v but_o one_o general_a question_n of_o they_o show_v themselves_o but_o trifler_n and_o not_o serious_a christian_n for_o i_o never_o make_v any_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v gather_v church_n for_o god_n in_o all_o age_n 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i_o say_v and_o affirm_v that_o neither_o my_o brother_n burton_n nor_o i._n s._n nor_o any_o predicant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n can_v show_v i_o any_o one_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o be_v the_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v gather_v church_n as_o both_o j._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n deceitful_o make_v it_o now_o whereas_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n he_o compare_v our_o church_n and_o congregation_n with_o the_o popish_a assembly_n and_o say_v that_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o protestant_n and_o that_o their_o gather_n of_o people_n out_o of_o our_o minister_n flock_n be_v as_o tolerable_a as_o gather_v they_o out_o of_o popish_a parish_n and_o assembly_n for_o this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o deal_v most_o uncharitable_o and_o unchristian_o with_o his_o brethren_n for_o he_o himself_o in_o his_o book_n call_v babel_n no_o bethell_n have_v there_o by_o the_o help_n of_o learned_a calvin_n and_o chemnicius_n and_o other_o orthodox_n writer_n prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v both_o idolatricall_a and_o heretical_a and_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o that_o all_o the_o papist_n live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o their_o faith_n and_o belief_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n so_o that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o his_o notion_n be_v as_o infidel_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o from_o among_o the_o papist_n be_v to_o open_a their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n &_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n and_o as_o bring_v man_n out_o of_o heathenish_a idolatry_n or_o from_o jewish_a obstinacy_n from_o the_o company_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o which_o all_o 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our_o parish_n and_o church_n be_v purge_v both_o of_o the_o service_n book_n &_o hierarchy_n and_o all_o popish_a superstition_n as_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o 13._o page_n of_o his_o uncharitable_a pamphle_n and_o therefore_o this_o his_o instance_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o our_o congregation_n who_o believe_v in_o god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o answer_n not_o to_o the_o question_n and_o for_o his_o other_o instance_n in_o the_o 13._o page_z where_o he_o ask_v i_o if_o i_o know_v not_o that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o a_o church_n when_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_v gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o it_o a_o christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o answer_v i_o say_v first_o that_o i_o
of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o believe_a repentance_n and_o baptism_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v here_o be_v nothing_o record_v of_o walk_v any_o time_n for_o they_o be_v sudden_o admit_v here_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o practice_n and_o prattle_v of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o mother_n church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o produce_v a_o example_n or_o two_o more_o omit_v many_o through_o the_o acts._n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o sudden_a and_o miraculous_a death_n of_o ananias_n &_o saphira_n and_o through_o the_o other_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o all_o these_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n by_o the_o apostle_n sole_a authority_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v entertain_v without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o now_o require_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v the_o independent_o by_o the_o way_n that_o at_o this_o time_n also_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v have_v challenge_v a_o right_a to_o have_v propound_v those_o condition_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v urge_v upon_o the_o people_n for_o they_o may_v have_v suspect_v that_o this_o sudden_a conversion_n proceed_v more_o from_o the_o miracle_n then_o from_o any_o sound_a conviction_n of_o they_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v have_v urge_v that_o it_o be_v now_o very_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v propound_v some_o other_o condition_n of_o admission_n than_o they_o have_v former_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v requisite_a and_o convenient_a that_o they_o shall_v now_o walk_v sometime_o in_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v more_o &_o better_a assurance_n of_o their_o real_a and_o true_a conversion_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v therefore_o before_o their_o admission_n be_v urge_v to_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o church_n communion_n especial_o they_o see_v now_o before_o their_o eye_n a_o precedent_n of_o so_o gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o false_a deal_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o what_o a_o consternation_n come_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o it_o and_o by_o the_o which_o also_o god_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v they_o may_v then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n if_o at_o any_o time_n have_v urge_v all_o those_o condition_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v well_o have_v add_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o all_o which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n communion_n without_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o admit_v member_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o when_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n daily_o swarve_v from_o in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v prevaricator_n both_o against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o they_o make_v themselves_o offender_n in_o a_o elevate_a nature_n now_o i_o will_v add_v one_o example_n more_o of_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o church_n chap._n 6._o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_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 all_o these_o also_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n sole_a authority_n admit_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o here_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n have_v urge_v the_o impose_v of_o new_a condition_n of_o admit_v member_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v do_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o priest_n for_o they_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o have_v be_v christ_n enemy_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o â—ad_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o his_o crucify_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o disciple_n be_v afraid_a of_o paul_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n because_o he_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v unwilling_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o joint_a member_n with_o they_o they_o have_v very_o good_a warrant_n here_o of_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v desire_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o church-fellowship_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o that_o they_o may_v also_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o be_v receive_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v they_o may_v have_v urge_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o have_v be_v as_o well_o afraid_a of_o these_o priest_n as_o they_o be_v of_o paul_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v here_o of_o all_o those_o priest_n as_o they_o do_v of_o paul_n act_v 9_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n and_o without_o their_o either_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o fellowship_n some_o time_n or_o without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o without_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o impose_v other_o law_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v trangrâ—ssors_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n against_o both_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o refuse_v none_o and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o congregational_a by-path_n that_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o set_v before_o they_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n still_o persist_v in_o their_o unwarrantable_a practice_n against_o both_o the_o precâ—pâ—_n and_o precedent_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o his_o blessed_a apostle_n they_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o iâ—_n they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o that_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o these_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n speedy_o repent_v and_o relinguish_v thâ—se_a theâ—â—_n rebellious_a course_n they_o will_v high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n &_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o come_v out_o in_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o who_o know_v but_o as_o he_o let_v the_o devil_n loose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o sceva_n those_o exorcist_n for_o abuse_v his_o authority_n and_o use_v his_o nâ—mâ—_n for_o all_o their_o wicked_a deal_n i_o say_v who_o know_v but_o the_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n may_v in_o
let_v they_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o saint_n paul_n write_v to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o write_v to_o all_o church_n and_o proclaim_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o so_o that_o god_n have_v command_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n they_o shall_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o our_o day_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n they_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o make_v learned_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o dispute_v question_n and_o debate_n of_o matter_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la as_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v and_o other_o of_o they_o set_v â—orth_o and_o print_v learned_a treatise_n in_o polemicall_a divinity_n with_o great_a applause_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n who_o cite_v their_o authority_n and_o quote_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n as_o classical_a author_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ludibry_n of_o religion_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o shall_v more_o honour_v the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a of_o that_o sex_n than_o myself_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_o they_o become_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o proclaim_v a_o shame_n i_o can_v but_o exceed_o blame_v they_o and_o those_o minister_n that_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o such_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o special_a care_n in_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a of_o woman_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o foresee_v the_o confusion_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v he_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 11._o 12._o he_o say_v let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n for_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v than_o eve_n and_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o apostle_n again_o and_o again_o twice_o in_o these_o few_o word_n enjoin_v they_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n i_o suffer_v not_o say_v he_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silene_n and_o he_o give_v his_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n because_o say_v he_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v not_o by_o the_o woman_n nor_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v usurp_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o masculine_a sex_n especial_o in_o god_n matter_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o man_n her_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o that_o superiority_n that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v establish_v upon_o the_o man_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o do_v now_o re-establish_a upon_o he_o again_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n after_o all_o thing_n through_o sin_n have_v be_v disorder_v and_o confuse_a and_o command_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v both_o subject_n and_o silent_a especial_o in_o the_o church_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n be_v because_o the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o adam_n fall_n as_o he_o accuse_v she_o and_o her_o dispute_v and_o voice_n of_o it_o then_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o she_o so_o do_v s._n paul_n conclude_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o hold_v her_o peace_n &_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o aught_o to_o learn_v in_o silence_n at_o home_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o come_v to_o voice_n it_o once_o again_o in_o the_o church_n as_o eve_n bring_v confusion_n upon_o mankind_n by_o her_o disputation_n and_o reason_n so_o these_o with_o their_o loquacity_n and_o babble_n and_o confusion_n of_o voice_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o have_v pretty_o well_o already_o begin_v to_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n here_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v out_o of_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 14._o command_v they_o silence_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o viril_n sex_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o understand_a creature_n whether_o or_o no_o to_o make_v large_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o church_n as_o many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n do_v and_o dispute_v and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whither_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o either_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o either_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o hinder_v their_o come_n in_o or_o have_v their_o voice_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v exercise_n and_o usurp_v authority_n over_o those_o they_o so_o deal_v with_o and_o therefore_a they_o do_v against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v usurp_v this_o authority_n and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o have_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v or_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o great_a contumacy_n against_o god_n and_o ought_v serious_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o their_o temerity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o intermedle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o speedy_a course_n take_v by_o authority_n to_o forbid_v such_o disorder_n we_o may_v promise_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o confusion_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n when_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n intermeddle_v in_o government_n and_o matter_n of_o state_n that_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n be_v very_o craze_a and_o not_o far_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o we_o need_v not_o look_v into_o many_o age_n or_o country_n for_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o if_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o kingdom_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o fatal_a unto_o they_o what_o may_v any_o man_n think_v in_o time_n will_v become_v of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o the_o woman_n have_v get_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n affair_n certain_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o this_o their_o do_v be_v against_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o never_o be_v it_o yet_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o well_o govern_v city_n or_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n that_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v officer_n or_o burgess_n or_o make_v of_o freeman_n or_o disfranchise_v of_o they_o or_o be_v permit_v so_o much_o as_o to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n with_o they_o much_o less_o to_o rule_v and_o give_v law_n to_o other_o out_o of_o their_o own_o house_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o that_o sex_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o wel-governed_n church_n and_o state_n and_o as_o the_o woman_n ought_v to_o know_v their_o
their_o husband_n go_v out_o one_o way_n the_o wife_z another_z their_o child_n to_o this_o assembly_n their_o servant_n to_o that_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n which_o paul_n blame_v in_o they_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n the_o three_o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n and_o so_o they_o flutter_v about_o like_o a_o company_n of_o chicking_n without_o either_o head_n or_o wit_n and_o none_o will_v be_v under_o obedience_n to_o either_o parent_n or_o master_n not_o withstand_v god_n have_v command_v child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n no_o far_o than_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o young_a and_o whether_o i_o have_v wrong_v the_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o report_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o distract_a family_n in_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v now_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o new_a teacher_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o affection_n one_o from_o another_o of_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o nigh_a relation_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o their_o march_n as_o i_o say_v before_o make_v some_o poor_a weak_a skirmish_n against_o my_o force_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o garrison_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n which_o i_o have_v former_o bring_v into_o the_o field_n pretend_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o not_o bind_v because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v admit_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n form_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o their_o trifle_n without_o some_o answer_n unto_o their_o bravado_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v good_a in_o this_o place_n before_o i_o march_v on_o to_o fight_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o boast_v &_o vapour_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o encounter_v they_o or_o look_v upon_o their_o most_o material_a reserve_v which_o be_v concern_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o which_o they_o especial_o pitch_v upon_o conceive_v they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o i_o for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o ground_n good_a viz._n that_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o admit_v any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n do_v not_o reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o people_n also_o have_v a_o hand_n as_o well_o in_o their_o admission_n as_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v dislike_v the_o reception_n of_o any_o that_o then_o the_o minister_n can_v by_o their_o own_o and_o sole_a authority_n admit_v they_o though_o never_o so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o their_o encounter_n for_o to_o what_o end_n otherwise_o shall_v it_o be_v make_v yea_o their_o very_a word_n manifest_a as_o much_o which_o be_v these_o first_o master_n knollys_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o thus_o declare_v himself_o that_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n say_v he_o viz._n of_o the_o admittance_n of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v to_o hinder_v their_o admittance_n to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o liberty_n but_o because_o they_o have_v no_o just_a objection_n to_o declare_v to_o peter_n now_o that_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o declare_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v just_o have_v hinder_v do_v appear_v by_o the_o question_n the_o apostle_n expound_v say_v he_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v propound_v verse_n 47._o can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o brethren_n or_o disciple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o except_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o case_n that_o such_o person_n have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v until_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversation_n and_o there_o produce_v a_o plain_a instance_n to_o prove_v this_o out_o of_o act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n but_o they_o be_v all_o afraid_a of_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n thus_o master_n knollys_n speak_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o like_a case_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n because_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o daughter-churche_n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o disciple_n or_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o declare_v their_o fear_n and_o their_o ground_n thereof_o against_o paul_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v he_o make_v good_a that_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o brethren_n may_v admit_v member_n and_o cast_v out_o member_n and_o that_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o his_o word_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n to_o which_o i_o will_v by_o and_o by_o give_v my_o answer_n after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o also_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n and_o then_o i_o will_v reply_v to_o they_o both_o in_o order_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 17._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o preach_v and_o instrumental_o to_o convert_v soul_n which_o chief_o pertain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church-government_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o here_o let_v peter_n himself_o who_o word_n you_o allege_v resolve_v we_o who_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o wonderful_o fall_v on_o all_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n which_o word_n imply_v that_o if_o any_o exception_n can_v have_v be_v make_v it_o be_v in_o those_o jew_n present_a to_o give_v forth_o their_o allegation_n why_o those_o believe_a gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o become_v one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n so_o as_o your_o observation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o first_o peter_n be_v send_v to_o and_o â—ot_n the_o church_n and_o second_o peter_n command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v again_o this_o example_n be_v extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o your_o instance_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8._o 8._o of_o lydia_n act._n 16._o as_o many_o other_o be_v mere_a extravagant_o we_o faith_n he_o speak_v of_o church_n constitute_v not_o of_o single_a convert_n here_o and_o there_o one_o not_o yet_o join_v into_o a_o particular_a church-body_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n declare_v himself_o who_o word_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o and_o all_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o those_o example_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n deal_n they_o make_v all_o these_o example_n either_o extravagant_o or_o extraordinary_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v from_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n and_o peter_n question_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o infer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n lay_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n hand_n but_o in_o the_o people_n also_o as_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o bring_v in_o their_o exception_n against_o any_o for_o their_o not_o admission_n so_o that_o these_o man_n at_o pleasure_n will_v make_v the_o same_o scripture_n they_o except_v against_o as_o not_o authoritative_a and_o bind_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o be_v bind_o presidentiall_a for_o themselves_o so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n it_o make_v for_o their_o grollery_n and_o serve_v their_o turn_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o
not_o speedy_o repent_v for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o relinquish_v their_o ungodly_a unchristian_a and_o unbrother_o practise_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o he_o avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o that_o speedy_o luke_n 17._o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o impious_a cavil_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o hanserdo_v now_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o master_n knollys_n bring_v it_o quite_o overthrow_v their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v point_n bank_n against_o it_o and_o their_o practice_n for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o extreme_a refuge_n upon_o just_a offence_n yet_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o business_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n so_o that_o those_o that_o complain_v may_v not_o be_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o judge_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o know_v a_o maxim_n that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o beside_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o never_o read_v inall_n the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellow_n ship_n or_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o but_o paul_n &_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a persecutor_n and_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n i_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o any_o church_n may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o may_v fear_v such_o a_o one_o and_o suspect_v he_o and_o complain_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v do_v but_o power_n they_o have_v none_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o church-fellowship_n if_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n examine_v of_o the_o business_n they_o find_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o convert_v from_o his_o sinful_a course_n for_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o their_o good_a like_n or_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o they_o he_o may_v appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v god_n steward_n and_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v fit_a and_o for_o this_o his_o so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o presbyter_n accept_v of_o his_o appeal_n they_o have_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o when_o the_o disciple_n fear_v paul_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v he_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o forth_o with_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o his_o appeal_n admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o now_o impose_v upon_o their_o member_n as_o by_o this_o very_a example_n and_o instance_n of_o mr._n knollys_n do_v abundant_o appear_v which_o make_v whole_o against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o tenant_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n lie_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n only_o and_o sole_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o make_v steward_n and_o overseer_n and_o guide_v of_o his_o church_n his_o house_n which_o when_o they_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n they_o only_o and_o not_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n both_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o all_o the_o example_n i_o have_v produce_v and_o by_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o saint_n paul_n allege_v by_o master_n knollys_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n but_o against_o their_o good_a like_n it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v clear_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v ever_o safe_a to_o abide_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o perpetual_a security_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o all_o that_o mr._n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n and_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o look_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n &_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o footstep_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o congregate_a of_o their_o assembly_n as_o for_o christ_n disciple_n they_o be_v all_o send_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o go_v not_o to_o gather_v in_o convert_a man_n from_o among_o convert_a man_n for_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n we_o never_o read_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o fold_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n that_o any_o true_a pastor_n come_v into_o the_o fold_n and_o flock_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o best_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n and_o the_o most_o wholesome_a and_o mould_v they_o into_o a_o independent_a fold_n by_o themselves_o as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v away_o of_o other_o sheep_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15._o and_o preach_v christ_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o before_o and_o plant_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n himself_o and_o leave_v apollo_n to_o water_v it_o and_o commit_v all_o the_o flock_n that_o he_o have_v gather_v as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o command_v both_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o in_o they_o all_o shepherd_n and_o fold_n to_o keep_v unity_n and_o love_n one_o with_o another_o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o 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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 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 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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 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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_v and_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o demand_v of_o any_o 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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 voiyce_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 and_o be_v baptize_v to_o walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n for_o 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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 ceremonial_a law_n with_o the_o gospel_n and_o call_v it_o a_o pervert_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o wish_n that_o such_o teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o gal._n 5._o v._n 12._o and_o blame_v likewise_o those_o galatian_n that_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n say_v oh_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o they_o only_o urge_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o god_n by_o moses_n have_v appoint_v to_o remain_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n but_o be_v now_o abrogate_a they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o tradition_n they_o be_v no_o new_a bear_v light_n no_o new_a way_n no_o new_a truth_n now_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o displease_v or_o god_n rather_o with_o the_o galatian_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n the_o one_o for_o bring_v in_o or_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o for_o admit_v of_o they_o how_o high_o will_v god_n have_v be_v displease_v with_o they_o if_o they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o invention_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o have_v bring_v in_o new_a bear_v truth_n and_o intrude_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n without_o doubt_v the_o apostle_n will_v most_o sharp_o have_v reprove_v they_o and_o have_v give_v special_a caveat_n against_o they_o as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o which_o be_v chief_o spend_v in_o condemn_v all_o humane_a tradition_n yea_o in_o his_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n verse_n 8_o 9_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o though_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v unto_o they_o otherwise_o than_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v count_v he_o accurse_v and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v unto_o you_o otherwise_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v but_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v the_o church_n that_o christian_n and_o believer_n though_o baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o have_v first_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o have_v 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 solemn_a private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o all_o this_o do_v ever_o the_o apostle_n teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n embrace_v or_o believe_v and_o therefore_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o many_o place_n he_o reprove_v those_o that_o make_v schism_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n and_o sect_n into_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n and_o six_o verse_n under_o his_o own_o and_o apollo_n name_n he_o set_v a_o example_n before_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n of_o preach_v prescribe_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v learn_v in_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o presume_v or_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o enjoin_v all_o christian_n to_o reject_v all_o way_n of_o teach_v that_o have_v not_o god_n word_n for_o their_o warrant_n now_o in_o all_o god_n word_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o write_v that_o after_o man_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o for_o their_o approbation_n and_o without_o they_o have_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n none_o of_o all_o this_o be_v write_v in_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o corinth_n c._n 11_o v._n 4._o the_o apostle_n signify_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o no_o man_n can_v teach_v the_o gospel_n &_o the_o thing_n of_o of_o heaven_n more_o exact_o than_o he_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v teach_v they_o nor_o set_v before_o they_o a_o more_o perfect_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o that_o they_o 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consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollery_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o phatisee_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a &_o eleganter_fw-la way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n 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day_n at_o her_o first_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n when_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a popish_a faction_n in_o the_o court_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a realm_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o when_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o endeavour_n for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o toleration_n of_o that_o religion_n as_o now_o there_o be_v for_o the_o set_n up_o a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sect_n and_o such_o reason_n there_o be_v then_o give_v for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o catholic_a religion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v if_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v rehearse_v there_o be_v few_o of_o those_o that_o now_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o can_v give_v the_o like_a but_o better_a i_o be_o most_o confident_a they_o cannon_n give_v for_o if_o multitude_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n arm_v with_o strength_n &_o power_n also_o and_o they_o all_o furnish_v with_o malice_n and_o resolution_n to_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o employment_n of_o their_o strength_n 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write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_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 say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o 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his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o