Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n authority_n church_n faith_n 3,863 5 5.1916 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

There are 23 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v the_o
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o advance_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n that_o his_o apostle_n give_v witness_v to_o he_o answer_v i_o answer_v yes_o for_o they_o make_v the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o underling_n and_o disciple_n they_o reply_v reply_n but_o the_o protestant_n do_v magnify_v every_o one_o himself_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o church_n answer_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o we_o go_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n go_v by_o that_o rule_n we_o will_v follow_v she_o as_o soon_o yea_o soon_o than_o any_o particular_a man_n three_o this_o weaken_v and_o indeed_o overthrow_v religion_n set_v it_o upon_o man_n a_o ground_n weakeand_a insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v both_o ourselves_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o towards_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v with_o a_o even_a hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o tribute_n money_n give_v unto_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n scripture_n so_o must_v we_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o esteem_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o god_n own_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o 22._o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17_o second_o church_n esteem_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n that_o be_v as_o the_o keeper_n and_o uphoulder_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.16_o not_o that_o light_n but_o a_o witness_n of_o that_o light_n john_n 1.8_o she_o be_v to_o inquire_v search_n propound_v expound_v pronounce_v teach_v approve_v &_o judge_v according_a to_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o not_o otherwise_o she_o be_v as_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n that_o propound_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v he_o they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o that_o christ_n john_n 4.42_o so_o the_o church_n propound_v and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o look_v into_o it_o and_o hear_v it_o speak_v than_o we_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v scripture_n how_o then_o do_v we_o know_v which_o be_v scripture_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o content_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o their_o own_o light_n god_n speak_v and_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v we_o then_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v scripture_n no_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o say_v so_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o second_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o we_o together_o with_o the_o word_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o be_v true_a 1_o john_n 5.6_o three_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o be_v first_o confirm_v john_n 20.30_o 31._o four_o we_o know_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n that_o be_v that_o congregation_n that_o true_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o first_o not_o every_o company_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n but_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o second_o not_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o she_o say_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o three_o that_o which_o be_v so_o believe_v be_v not_o chief_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o she_o say_v so_o but_o in_o a_o second_o place_n aftre_fw-la the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o four_a not_o formal_o or_o essential_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o outward_a instrument_n only_o five_o and_o that_o which_o she_o do_v say_v so_o she_o speak_v not_o infallible_o but_o with_o some_o fayling_n error_n and_o imperfection_n man_n corruption_n still_o betray_v its_o self_n even_o when_o he_o be_v much_o enlighten_v sixthly_a that_o which_o she_o speak_v without_o error_n be_v not_o absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o but_o conditional_o because_o she_o speak_v according_a
yet_o of_o his_o own_o by_o possession_n and_o feeling_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n must_v have_v judgement_n of_o his_o own_o too_o for_o faith_n without_o judgement_n be_v blind_a presumption_n and_o must_v i_o not_o rest_v on_o my_o faith_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o why_o not_o on_o my_o own_o judgement_n too_o that_o be_v on_o god_n judgement_n which_o he_o have_v endue_v my_o mind_n and_o soul_n withal_o object_n 6_o last_o it_o be_v object_v this_o be_v strange_a say_v they_o we_o hear_v they_o confess_v that_o every_o man_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o enlighten_v yet_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o assure_v himself_o have_v one_o answ_n no_o more_o warrant_n than_o another_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v full_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n fundamental_a so_o far_o we_o do_v acquit_v all_o the_o faithful_a from_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n final_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o strangeness_n at_o all_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v this_o point_n the_o five_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o plainness_n sake_n concern_v person_n we_o have_v do_v concern_v thing_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n matter_n of_o substance_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o have_v speak_v namely_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n therein_o which_o be_v the_o last_o point_n concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n for_o though_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n either_o express_o or_o at_o least_o by_o sound_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n yet_o because_o some_o have_v fond_o imagine_v and_o confident_o avouch_v that_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n power_n to_o ordain_v they_o and_o because_o some_o church_n have_v usurp_v and_o encroach_v upon_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n then_o ever_o be_v grant_v or_o comit_v to_o they_o from_o god_n therefore_o in_o handle_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o point_n also_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o concern_v faith_n teach_v we_o what_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v other_o concern_v obedience_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o practice_v in_o each_o of_o these_o the_o church_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n where_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n go_v before_o and_o where_o she_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o according_o but_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o any_o thing_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o kind_n there_o the_o church_n must_v be_v silent_a too_o and_o not_o desire_v to_o speak_v we_o will_v deliver_v the_o matter_n plain_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o doct._n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o decree_n and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n either_o for_o faith_n or_o for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n the_o place_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n for_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o head_n first_o sort_n some_o place_n ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o the_o second_o sort_n commend_v we_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o itself_o the_o three_o sort_n condemn_v all_o add_v to_o scripture_n and_o the_o last_o sort_n condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v the_o first_o that_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o alone_o they_o be_v these_o james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o ordain_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o give_v law_n law_n i_o say_v of_o the_o high_a kind_n such_o as_o we_o must_v live_v and_o be_v save_v by_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o give_v these_o law_n he_o only_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v for_o so_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v there_o describe_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o lawgiver_n now_o the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v give_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o therein_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o meaning_n therefore_o beside_o those_o in_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n another_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v matth._n 23.8_o 10._o be_v not_o call_v doctor_n and_o be_v not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o doctor_n and_o master_n and_o who_o be_v that_o but_o christ_n himself_o now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v our_o doctor_n and_o to_o be_v our_o master_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a doctor_n and_o master_n he_o alone_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o joh._n 1.18_o the_o office_n of_o reveal_v god_n to_o man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o christ_n he_o only_o declare_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v there_o employ_v because_o he_o only_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o he_o only_o be_v of_o ability_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v it_o so_o that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o reveal_v any_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n he_o must_v show_v that_o he_o come_v out_o of_o god_n bosom_n else_o he_o neither_o must_v nor_o can_v speak_v in_o this_o business_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v already_o reveal_v that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o which_o ever_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n be_v precise_o tie_v and_o and_o confine_v to_o this_o scantling_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n teacher_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o what_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v first_o teach_v the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o minister_n be_v forbid_v to_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o matth._n 20.28_o that_o and_o nothing_o beside_o that_o yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n special_a and_o chief_a deputy_n on_o earth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v that_o to_o the_o people_n john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o the_o text_n say_v in_o the_o 14._o verse_n that_o he_o shall_v glorify_v christ_n in_o this_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v if_o he_o teach_v aught_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n much_o more_o if_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o so_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v tie_v to_o this_o scantling_n too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o deut._n 18.15_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n unto_o thou_o like_v unto_o i_o from_o among_o you_o even_o of_o your_o brethren_n unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v and_o this_o prophet_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n prove_v act_n 3.17_o and_o this_o be_v after_o confirm_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n own_o sheep_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n john_n 10.6.27_o and_o his_o only_a and_o not_o a_o stranger_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o scripture_n script_n the_o second_o sort_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v such_o as_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o
proportion_n in_o like_a case_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v salvation_n speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o father_n john_n 12.49_o 50._o and_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n john_n 16.13_o if_o christ_n do_v tie_v himself_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n and_o nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n have_v not_o great_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n therefore_o as_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o beside_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n so_o by_o proportion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a the_o church_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o herein_o but_o by_o direction_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v horrible_a presumption_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a so_o the_o papist_n themselves_o sometime_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o testimony_n o●_n the_o truth_n consist_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ●_o and_o the_o prelate_n joint_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n alone_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o do_v the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o revelation_n no_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v before_o if_o you_o compare_v john_n 14.26_o with_o john_n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o christ_n promise_v to_o send_v shall_v teach_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o decree_v nothing_o beside_o the_o scripture_n because_o she_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o spirit_n last_o when_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o the_o church_n be_v reas_n 7_o we_o to_o receive_v they_o hand_n over_o head_n or_o upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o you_o say_v ha●d_a ou●r_n head_n without_o examination_n that_o be_v a_o graceless_a speech_n and_o utter_o unlawful_a be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o try_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o then_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n how_o must_v they_o be_v try_v and_o by_o what_o rule_n either_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o say_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o make_v her_o judge_n in_o she_o own_o cause_n than_o it_o must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n do_v paul_n doctrine_n act_n 17.11_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o he_o teach_v so_o the_o thing_n the_o church_n decree_n must_v be_v try_v by_o scripture_n and_o if_o that_o can_v approve_v they_o as_o be_v not_o there_o find_v they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o impose_v they_o to_o be_v disclaim_v so_o we_o see_v in_o reason_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o authority_n to_o decree_v anything_o or_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n ●yth_v 〈◊〉_d faith_n o●_n for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o scrip●●●_n the_o ●irst_n us●_n 〈…〉_z of_o reproof_n of_o sundry_a popish_a practice_n and_o position_n not_o to_o name_v all_o for_o indeed_o if_o this_o point_n be_v well_o understand_v it_o raze_v and_o over_o throw_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o popery_n here_o than_o we_o see_v first_o that_o the_o church_n can_v coin_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n why_o be_v any_o man_n so_o graceless_a to_o do_v so_o yes_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o and_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o their_o practice_n make_v they_o guilty_a of_o it_o faith_n pope_n pius_n the_o four_o propound_v a_o creed_n and_o tie_v his_o child_n the_o papist_n to_o it_o wherein_z after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n he_o add_v twelve_o more_o of_o his_o own_o concern_v tradition_n &_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n ob._n but_o say_v they_o why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o you_o that_o have_v your_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n have_v their_o several_a confession_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beside_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n and_o yet_o profess_v and_o believe_v answ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o like_a comparison_n for_o we_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creed_n yet_o we_o believe_v nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_o prove_v by_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n but_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o show_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o be_v matter_n beside_o scripture_n which_o they_o obtrude_v on_o the_o people_n mere_o or_o at_o least_o principal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o church_n than_o no_o authority_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n new_o to_o be_v make_v faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o only_o as_o thus_o if_o any_o article_n have_v be_v neglect_v obscure_a and_o lie_v hide_v in_o former_a time_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v not_o well_o understand_v then_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v it_o upon_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o such_o place_n 54._o as_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o revive_v and_o renew_v those_o that_o be_v before_o and_o that_o not_o beside_o the_o word_n but_o with_o and_o by_o the_o word_n this_o may_v be_v clear_v by_o a_o instance_n the_o article_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v for_o many_o year_n before_o christ_n come_v but_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n come_v they_o revive_v it_o and_o yet_o make_v no_o new_a article_n of_o it_o but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v near_a home_n after_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v again_o obscure_v &_o lie_v hide_v for_o many_o year_n till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o luther_n and_o other_o which_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o that_o clear_a light_n that_o it_o be_v in_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o be_v this_o to_o make_v new_a article_n no_o but_o to_o revive_v and_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v that_o which_o have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v a_o long_a time_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n may_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o second_o position_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v to_o ordain_v and_o decree_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n beside_o scripture_n but_o do_v the_o papist_n do_v this_o yes_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v here_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o it_o as_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n be_v certain_a as_o themselves_o confess_v and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v admit_v more_o second_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v book_n that_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a then_o also_o she_o have_v power_n aswell_o to_o reject_v some_o that_o be_v canonical_a for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o build_v have_v also_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o maim_n and_o mangle_v the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o she_o list_v herself_o what_o a_o horrible_a wrong_n be_v this_o to_o god_n three_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n hear_v his_o voice_n they_o do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v it_o last_o as_o a_o gold_n smith_n take_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o try_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o the_o touch_n stone_n and_o before_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a gold_n he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a gold_n for_o if_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v counterfeit_a all_o the_o gold_n smith_n that_o be_v can_v make_v it_o true_a so_o must_v the_o church_n cry_v which_o be_v canonical_a
a_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o betwixt_o the_o same_o church_n in_o another_o respect_n we_o consider_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o three_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o we_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o general_a we_o have_v before_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n second_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n and_o state_n allot_v to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o first_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o fight_n or_o warfare_n the_o second_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o crown_n or_o triumph_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n militant_a in_o the_o second_o the_o church_n triumphant_a of_o this_o we_o speak_v the_o last_o time_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o respect_n invisible_a and_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v visible_a and_o sometime_o see_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o invisible_a sometime_o not_o see_v to_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o flourish_a &_o prosperous_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n as_o that_o first_o her_o member_n be_v many_o in_o number_n second_o they_o have_v a_o outward_a form_n of_o settle_a government_n three_o their_o religion_n be_v countenance_v at_o least_o not_o violent_o oppose_v by_o the_o state_n and_o authority_n where_o they_o live_v four_o they_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n five_o they_o have_v public_a and_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o ordinary_a and_o seasonable_a time_n and_o in_o due_a and_o convenient_a place_n where_o the_o minister_n teach_v the_o word_n and_o where_o the_o people_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v and_o discipline_n execute_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o that_o without_o danger_n and_o without_o prohibition_n i_o say_v the_o church_n do_v ofttimes_o attain_v to_o this_o state_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o it_o be_v call_v visible_a on_o the_o other_o side_n sometime_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o low_a and_o distress_a estate_n that_o scarce_o any_o of_o these_o be_v find_v there_o but_o rather_o all_o quite_o contrary_a first_o their_o number_n be_v small_a second_o they_o have_v no_o such_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n settle_v among_o they_o at_o least_o not_o so_o exercise_v as_o that_o thereby_o the_o world_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a society_n three_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v distaste_v disgrace_v deride_v hate_v and_o persecute_v even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n four_o their_o profession_n be_v secret_a five_o their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n for_o religious_a exercise_n be_v seldom_o or_o none_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a private_a at_o such_o uncertain_a time_n and_o in_o such_o privy_a and_o close_a place_n as_o they_o can_v light_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v best_o and_o fit_a for_o their_o own_o safety_n last_o they_o be_v deprive_v and_o debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v call_v a_o invisible_a church_n so_o you_o see_v in_o general_n how_o the_o state_n stand_v between_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o particular_a sense_n first_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v invisible_a in_o these_o five_o sense_n first_o it_o be_v invisible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o see_v nor_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o whosoever_o see_v it_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o better_a light_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n second_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a grace_n it_o be_v endue_v withal_o as_o their_o election_n faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o be_v not_o visible_a at_o all_o and_o so_o it_o be_v invisible_a even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v most_o visible_a three_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n eye_n four_o the_o church_n be_v invisible_a in_o this_o respect_n because_o that_o congregation_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o sometime_o no_o better_a than_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o persecute_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n indeed_o and_o so_o upon_o trial_n prove_v a_o false_a church_n and_o so_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n while_o the_o false_a church_n entertain_v man_n eye_n and_o thought_n dote_v upon_o she_o delude_v they_o and_o blear_a and_o dazel_v their_o sight_n they_o can_v nor_o do_v not_o look_v after_o any_o other_o and_o so_o the_o right_a and_o true_a church_n lie_v hide_v from_o their_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o paint_a harlot_n carry_v away_o man_n eye_n from_o behold_v the_o modest_a spouse_n so_o while_o man_n dote_v upon_o the_o paint_a show_n of_o a_o false_a church_n they_o can_v behold_v the_o true_a last_o the_o church_n be_v invisible_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o though_o there_o be_v some_o true_a professor_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o public_a profession_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o be_v very_o secret_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a outward_a testimony_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n in_o these_o five_o respect_n the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v invisible_a mark_v this_o well_o for_o herein_o stand_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n the_o church_n say_v they_o must_v be_v so_o notorious_o visible_a that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o and_o they_o must_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o must_v carry_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o join_v himself_o opposite_a to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o church_n be_v sometime_o invisible_a in_o these_o respect_n before_o set_v down_o so_o howsoever_o there_o may_v be_v always_o a_o church_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v always_o so_o notorious_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n further_o we_o must_v consider_v potential_o that_o the_o church_n do_v sometime_o signify_v the_o universal_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n sometime_o only_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n on_o earth_n when_o it_o signify_v the_o universal_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v simple_o invisible_a and_o that_o both_o actual_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o see_v and_o also_o potential_o that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v see_v as_o in_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o sense_n we_o have_v show_v for_o first_o neither_o can_v the_o natural_a man_n see_v they_o nor_o second_o can_v their_o grace_n be_v see_v neither_o three_o can_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o they_o be_v see_v be_v already_o in_o heaven_n second_o sort_n when_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v invisible_a either_o simple_o or_o after_o a_o sort_n simple_o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o church_n on_o earth_n invisible_a but_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sense_n only_o or_o else_o after_o a_o sort_n that_o be_v as_o oppose_v to_o famous_a visiblenesse_n general_o pretend_v by_o the_o papist_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n always_o open_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o in_o such_o outward_a show_n state_n and_o carriage_n that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v general_o know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o any_o faithful_a man_n may_v point_v with_o his_o finger_n to_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o say_v bold_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o may_v see_v and_o know_v which_o be_v that_o holy_a society_n among_o man_n where_o he_o may_v safe_o and_o where_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o for_o his_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o
outward_a face_n nor_o appearance_n of_o it_o to_o man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o the_o church_n be_v so_o distress_a and_o god_n glory_n so_o hide_v and_o true_a religion_n so_o decay_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o grieve_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v then_o as_o true_a a_o be_v as_o ever_o they_o have_v though_o not_o in_o that_o evidence_n and_o approbation_n before_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o god_n see_v it_o elias_n poor_a man_n see_v none_o leave_v with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v but_o god_n see_v many_o thousand_o what_o if_o all_o be_v so_o desolate_a as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o time_n that_o thou_o can_v see_v none_o of_o god_n church_n but_o thyself_o that_o thou_o can_v see_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thou_o can_v safe_o join_v withal_o yet_o know_v god_n have_v his_o church_n happy_o many_o thousand_o though_o they_o make_v little_a profession_n for_o the_o time_n that_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o judge_v by_o sight_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v this_o comfort_n and_o satisfy_v we_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a time_n that_o be_v the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o papist_n demand_n use_v 3_o when_o they_o ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n or_o what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o our_o ancestor_n that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o we_o ask_v they_o where_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v in_o antichrists_n time_n that_o be_v when_o they_o think_v antichrist_n shall_v be_v they_o answer_v it_o shall_v be_v much_o obscure_v then_o but_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n then_o or_o not_o yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o there_o shall_v else_o their_o own_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n perpetuity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n why_o then_o may_v not_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o popery_n who_o we_o call_v antichrist_n though_o it_o be_v much_o obscure_v we_o have_v a_o church_n among_o they_o that_o do_v profess_v our_o religion_n though_o much_o obscure_v by_o they_o even_o before_o luther_n time_n to_o the_o second_o demand_n concern_v our_o father_n that_o live_v in_o their_o church_n what_o be_v become_v of_o they_o say_v the_o papist_n be_v they_o damn_v we_o answer_v many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o live_v among_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o the_o rest_n we_o leave_v they_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a hope_n of_o many_o that_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n that_o live_v before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o before_o the_o order_n of_o the_o poison_a jesuit_n come_v up_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o they_o as_o also_o for_o this_o point_n the_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o general_a point_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o many_o respect_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v this_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o appearance_n to_o the_o world_n in_o this_o state_n we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v sometime_o visible_a to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a hardly_o to_o be_v see_v of_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o the_o last_o lecture_n now_o it_o remain_v that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o point_n chief_o in_o question_n therefore_o leave_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o god_n he_o only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n believe_v it_o and_o esteem_v reverent_o thereof_o we_o proceed_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o may_v and_o be_v know_v not_o to_o god_n only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o especial_o of_o the_o invisible_a make_v the_o way_n plain_a before_o we_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v find_v out_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o difficulty_n at_o all_o church_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o must_v handle_v these_o point_n first_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o the_o member_n of_o it_o four_a the_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o it_o five_o the_o government_n of_o it_o sixthly_a the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seventhly_a the_o adversary_n of_o it_o eighthly_a the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o us._n first_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v this_o namely_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v it_o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o this_o definition_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o public_a profession_n and_o three_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n they_o must_v profess_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o the_o first_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o congregation_n consist_v of_o diverse_a person_n one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n now_o whether_o this_o company_n be_v great_a or_o small_a three_o thousand_o or_o but_o three_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v a_o company_n more_o or_o few_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o definition_n require_v they_o be_v a_o church_n second_o it_o be_v a_o company_n call_v for_o so_o you_o may_v remember_v that_o i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o church_n have_v her_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a from_o call_v now_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a call_n one_o outward_a the_o oath_n inward_a those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o outward_a calling_n be_v visible_a member_n if_o they_o obey_v the_o outward_a call_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v repute_v in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v true_a and_o saving-member_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o they_o must_v be_v call_v not_o outward_o only_a but_o inward_o too_o and_o must_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o both_o three_o a_o company_n of_o people_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v definitive_o as_o discover_v what_o company_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o that_o be_v universal_o understand_v but_o indefinite_o and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o capacity_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o part_n even_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n stranger_n join_v with_o the_o jew_n be_v repute_v of_o that_o church_n exod._n 12._o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v beat_v down_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o any_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n if_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o definition_n may_v make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n and_o a_o company_n call_v and_o a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o wherein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o must_v make_v profession_n second_o that_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a three_o that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o public_a profession_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o profession_n for_o a_o church_n be_v visible_a only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v visible_a but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v not_o visible_a but_o only_o by_o profession_n so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o
profession_n second_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a or_o open_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v so_o public_a and_o open_a that_o there_o may_v be_v notice_n take_v that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o religion_n else_o they_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o look_v as_o their_o profession_n be_v more_o or_o less_o public_a so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a three_o as_o they_o must_v public_o profess_v so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o profession_n and_o that_o intend_v first_o their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o none_o or_o of_o a_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a religion_n and_o second_o it_o intend_v their_o associate_a or_o sort_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n grow_v into_o and_o live_v in_o a_o love_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o three_o it_o intend_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n some_o join_v for_o fashion_n some_o for_o fear_n some_o for_o hope_n of_o gain_n and_o some_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o all_o these_o do_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v force_v yea_o if_o they_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o they_o though_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o religion_n which_o this_o company_n make_v profession_n of_o must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o without_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n there_o be_v diverse_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o diverse_a church_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o which_o embrace_v that_o true_a religion_n 249._o so_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n under_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o profess_v that_o one_o true_a religion_n let_v they_o profess_v whatsoever_o religion_n they_o will_v beside_o they_o can_v just_o be_v repute_v true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o so_o discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n whatsoever_o company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o same_o congregation_n and_o company_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v general_o in_o all_o congregation_n whatsoever_o of_o that_o quality_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o from_o the_o best_a to_o the_o worst_a for_o first_o whereas_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n of_o god_n religion_n through_o the_o world_n do_v concur_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o common_a save_a faith_n church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o may_v be_v term_v a_o true_a universal_a visible_a church_n so_o also_o every_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profess_v the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o one_o settle_a congregation_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n and_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o province_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v a_o provincial_n a_o parochial_a or_o a_o domestical_a church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n church_n though_o one_o be_v universal_a and_o the_o other_o particular_a for_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o scripture_n first_o for_o a_o provincial_n or_o national_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o nation_n you_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n act._n 9.31_o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_v in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v provincial_a church_n name_v by_o the_o country_n they_o be_v in_o as_o judea_n samaria_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n the_o seven_o church_n there_o mention_v be_v national_n church_n as_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n church_n second_o for_o a_o parochial_a or_o parish_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o they_o in_o act._n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o town_n church_n three_o for_o a_o domestical_a church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o colos_n 4.15_o we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nimphas_n though_o these_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v repute_v invisible_a church_n except_o they_o may_v be_v so_o open_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o notorious_o know_v as_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n house_n then_o they_o may_v be_v call_v domestical_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o division_n that_o some_o church_n be_v either_o universal_a visible_a church_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o whole_a land_n or_o in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n visible_a second_o whereas_o some_o church_n be_v more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o yet_o both_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n though_o one_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o the_o other_o less_o visible_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v notorious_o know_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v know_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1.8_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v come_v abroad_o among_o all_o rom._n 16.19_o so_o that_o this_o church_n be_v more_o visible_a other_o church_n be_v less_o know_v as_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n &_o crect_n which_o be_v only_o name_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o now_o because_o they_o be_v only_o mention_v therefore_o they_o be_v less_o know_v and_o so_o less_o visible_a &_o yet_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o three_o whereas_o some_o church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n more_o pure_o and_o sincere_o other_o more_z corrupt_o pure_a yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o pure_a not_o more_o true_a the_o other_o less_o instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n some_o church_n there_o be_v more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o all_o true_a church_n church_n more_o pure_a be_v smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n all_o commend_v in_o they_o nothing_o disprayse_v church_n less_o pure_a be_v ephesus_n pergamus_n and_o thiatira_n in_o which_o church_n some_o thing_n be_v commend_v some_o thing_n discommend_v church_n yet_o less_o pure_a be_v sardis_n and_o laodicea_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o commend_v but_o all_o thing_n disprayse_v so_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o these_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n more_o pure_o some_o less_o pure_o and_o some_o more_o corrupt_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o and_o last_o perfect_a whereas_o some_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o some_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n other_o be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v not_o such_o a_o form_n establish_v for_o government_n yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o the_o other_o less_o perfect_a instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n first_o for_o they_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a as_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n be_v bishop_n there_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n there_o the_o apostle_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o consultation_n
together_o act._n 15.2_o &_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o be_v also_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 17.28_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o overseer_n second_o some_o be_v less_o perfect_a as_o the_o church_n in_o creta_n which_o have_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n on_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o able_a to_o bear_v act._n 15.19_o yet_o these_o be_v true_a church_n so_o that_o though_o some_o visible_a church_n be_v universal_a some_o particular_a some_o more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o know_v some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a and_o some_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o ripeness_n some_o in_o their_o infancy_n less_o perfect_a yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o note_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o first_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v a_o set_a place_n choose_v where_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v his_o name_n that_o be_v where_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v and_o he_o dwell_v there_o that_o be_v as_o a_o father_n or_o as_o a_o master_n of_o the_o family_n beget_v child_n and_o rule_v and_o govern_v that_o family_n by_o his_o word_n now_o what_o be_v this_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o that_o where_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v there_o god_n himself_o be_v present_a as_o in_o his_o true_a visible_a church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o joint_o to_o profess_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o what_o be_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v but_o his_o church_n for_o so_o in_o revel_v 2.1_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o seven_o visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o and_o this_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o other_o but_o wheresoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v etc._n etc._n be_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o general_o in_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o house_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v any_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v that_o hear_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o embrace_v but_o outward_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o describe_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n in_o christ_n that_o sanctify_v they_o saint_n by_o call_v that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v profession_n at_o the_o least_o to_o be_v so_o with_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o every_o place_n which_o phrase_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n general_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o profession_n of_o god_n religion_n so_o that_o those_o that_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o the_o church_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o candlestick_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o not_o only_a experience_n teach_v but_o christ_n himself_o teach_v it_o mat._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o company_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n and_o those_o instance_n allege_v of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a some_o less_o some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a some_o more_o perfect_a some_o more_o imperfect_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o true_a church_n prove_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o observation_n clear_o and_o direct_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o save_a reas_n 1_o truth_n or_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o thereby_o make_v it_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o that_o embrace_v it_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n profess_v god_n reas_n 2_o truth_n there_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n matth._n 18.20_o but_o christ_n be_v present_v no_o where_o in_o such_o a_o special_a manner_n but_o in_o his_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o company_n be_v a_o true_a church_n again_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n rom._n 10.13_o but_o none_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n three_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o prophet_n and_o reas_n 3_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.10_o that_o be_v on_o that_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o there_o christ_n be_v honour_v and_o obey_v public_o as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o be_v his_o visible_a body_n five_o there_o among_o such_o a_o company_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n matth._n 16.19_o six_o there_o his_o voice_n be_v open_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v therefore_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o be_v his_o fold_n joh._n 10.27_o seven_o all_o other_o society_n and_o company_n consist_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v such_o a_o call_v or_o mystery_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o therefore_o they_o that_o public_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o they_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n eight_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o by_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n for_o other_o company_n of_o man_n either_o profess_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o whatsoever_o company_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n last_o the_o particular_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.37_o 38._o he_o believe_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n if_o this_o profession_n in_o particular_a make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o more_o in_o general_n do_v it_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o lie_v
church_n govern_v by_o the_o word_n not_o else_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o good_a king_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v always_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o decide_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o god_n word_n decide_v but_o this_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n must_v be_v wary_o use_v because_o it_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o chief_a governor_n be_v and_o therefore_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o king_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n because_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v chief_a governor_n second_o they_o except_v &_o say_v the_o universal_a visible_a church_n have_v a_o visible_a head_n now_o where_o be_v this_o visible_a head_n christ_n be_v not_o visible_a i_o answer_v yes_o christ_n be_v visible_a for_o first_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v in_o this_o dispensation_n of_o time_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v see_v if_o the_o king_n after_o he_o be_v crown_v shall_v keep_v himself_o in_o his_o closet_n all_o his_o life_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o a_o visible_a king_n too_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o his_o subject_n so_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n visible_a where_o the_o saint_n see_v he_o and_o where_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o too_o and_o that_o with_o these_o eye_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v visible_a though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o we_o now_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o be_v visible_a daily_o in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o these_o christ_n be_v among_o we_o and_o in_o our_o sight_n crucify_v gal._n 3.1_o three_o he_o be_v once_o visible_a and_o see_v on_o earth_n for_o many_o year_n and_o shall_v be_v see_v by_o every_o eye_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o that_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n four_o his_o minister_n together_o with_o lawful_a magistrate_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n visible_o represent_v he_o among_o us._n so_o that_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v every_o day_n among_o us._n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n the_o second_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o god_n church_n in_o use_n 2_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o head_n and_o that_o many_o way_n first_o way_n it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o nearness_n it_o have_v with_o christ_n last_o it_o show_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n first_o it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n for_o see_v it_o have_v such_o a_o glorious_a head_n as_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v therefore_o the_o body_n must_v needs_o be_v glorious_a too_o the_o great_a kingdom_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n even_o as_o far_o as_o their_o governor_n come_v short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o mortal_a and_o sinful_a man_n come_v short_a of_o the_o eternal_a and_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n have_v a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o head_n that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a head_n so_o have_v the_o church_n in_o her_o measure_n a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n the_o body_n of_o body_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a body_n in_o the_o world_n second_o it_o show_v the_o near_a conjunction_n the_o church_n have_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n there_o be_v no_o conjunction_n so_o near_o as_o this_o let_v any_o or_o all_o the_o society_n in_o the_o world_n show_v i_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n as_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n servant_n have_v their_o lord_n company_n their_o master_n city_n their_o major_n subject_n their_o king_n sheep_n their_o shepherd_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o the_o church_n have_v christ_n to_o be_v her_o head_n and_o this_o be_v the_o near_a conjunction_n that_o can_v be_v other_o governor_n of_o other_o society_n those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o or_o conjoin_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o company_n may_v have_v hurt_v and_o yet_o they_o not_o know_v of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o they_o do_v not_o affect_v it_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v affect_v it_o it_o be_v but_o for_o conscience_n of_o their_o place_n only_o but_o christ_n know_v the_o harm_n and_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v to_o his_o church_n and_o affect_v they_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o act._n 9_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o take_v the_o injury_n that_o saul_n offer_v to_o his_o church_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o of_o necessity_n christ_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o harm_n do_v to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n be_v of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o head_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o member_n this_o the_o church_n consider_v and_o receive_v inestimable_a comfort_n by_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o for_o by_o this_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o christ_n near_a presence_n to_o they_o in_o their_o affliction_n by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n and_o also_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o will_v relieve_v they_o of_o the_o wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o and_o revenge_v they_o on_o their_o enemy_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o also_o he_o will_v merciful_o recompense_v all_o our_o releever_n as_o if_o they_o have_v relieve_v he_o on_o earth_n in_o his_o great_a extremity_n this_o point_n be_v marvelous_a comfortable_a to_o all_o such_o as_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v live_v member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n three_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o safety_n which_o we_o have_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v against_o christ_n than_o they_o may_v prevail_v against_o we_o too_o but_o the_o one_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o too_o second_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v prevail_v against_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v pass_v do_v for_o it_o be_v do_v already_o for_o christ_n our_o head_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o head_n be_v above_o water_n the_o body_n can_v possible_o be_v drown_v i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n three_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o certain_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o the_o head_n be_v there_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v also_o joh._n 17.24_o yea_o we_o be_v already_o by_o communication_n with_o he_o in_o heavenly_a place_n ephes_n 2.6_o because_o he_o be_v our_o head_n be_v there_o already_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n that_o see_v christ_n be_v the_o use_v 3_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o we_o must_v labour_v so_o to_o esteem_v he_o and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o reverence_v he_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o as_o our_o head_n first_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o head_n to_o convey_v life_n sense_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n let_v we_o therefore_o wait_v upon_o our_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o for_o his_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n and_o discipline_n too_o and_o also_o let_v we_o defy_v all_o other_o direction_n and_o all_o other_o counsel_n that_o do_v not_o agree_v either_o particular_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o general_a with_o his_o reveal_v will_n all_o direction_n therefore_o that_o be_v against_o christ_n and_o against_o his_o word_n though_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o head_n christ_n it_o be_v israel_n perverseness_n 1_o sam._n 8.7_o and_o the_o jew_n wilfulness_n luk._n 19.14_o that_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n
rest_n western_a church_n second_o according_a to_o their_o language_n and_o so_o some_o be_v greek_a and_o some_o latin_a church_n and_o because_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o the_o eastern_a church_n use_v the_o greek_a tongue_n therefore_o usual_o the_o eastern_a have_v be_v call_v the_o greek_a church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n most_o of_o the_o famous_a western_a church_n have_v use_v the_o latin_a tongue_n and_o have_v therefore_o be_v call_v the_o latin_a church_n the_o eastern_a church_n have_v the_o precedence_n both_o for_o time_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o they_o but_o because_o some_o both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n have_v be_v heretical_a and_o schismatical_a be_v therefore_o this_o general_a point_n offer_v itself_o by_o the_o way_n to_o be_v discuss_v viz._n whether_o schismatical_a or_o heretical_a church_n may_v be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n which_o general_n be_v clear_v will_v give_v great_a light_n to_o the_o right_n censure_v of_o particular_a church_n first_o for_o schismatical_a church_n that_o be_v such_o as_o embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o common_a save_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o yet_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o those_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o sometime_o they_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o schism_n be_v sometime_o pride_n discontent_n weakness_n wilfulness_n pretend_a zeal_n a_o factious_a spirit_n always_o it_o be_v satan_n instigation_n and_o man_n acceptation_n whatsoever_o the_o cause_n be_v and_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o schism_n be_v though_o they_o be_v just_o condemn_v as_o schismatical_a in_o regard_n they_o be_v rend_v from_o the_o outward_a fellowship_n of_o such_o visible_a congregation_n as_o they_o belong_v unto_o yet_o because_o they_o hold_v correspondency_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o according_o profess_v the_o same_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n such_o be_v the_o donatist_n of_o old_a and_o such_o be_v the_o brownist_n at_o this_o day_n but_o you_o will_v say_v ob._n thus_o we_o give_v they_o great_a vantage_n and_o cause_n of_o rejoice_v for_o they_o utter_o deny_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o we_o account_v they_o to_o be_v such_o the_o stander_n by_o may_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o be_v of_o their_o church_n then_o of_o our_o there_o be_v being_n confess_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n even_o by_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o and_o we_o be_v not_o so_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n by_o they_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o they_o deny_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n and_o it_o make_v their_o schism_n the_o more_o damnable_a that_o we_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o call_v they_o brethren_n it_o be_v our_o ingenuousnesse_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o stander_n by_o if_o they_o have_v grace_n and_o religion_n shall_v rather_o join_v with_o we_o we_o so_o love_o and_o charitable_o carry_v ourselves_o like_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n even_o to_o our_o revile_v adversary_n then_o with_o they_o that_o be_v so_o bitter_a &_o uncharitable_a censurer_n and_o merciless_a judge_n of_o we_o they_o know_v we_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o he_o crucify_v as_o our_o only_a saviour_n &_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o our_o church_n into_o his_o name_n and_o they_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o be_v rebaptise_v by_o which_o very_a practice_n of_o they_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o which_o in_o word_n they_o deny_v namely_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a baptism_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o a_o false_a church_n where_o there_o be_v true_a sacrament_n there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v further_o hereafter_o heretic_n so_o much_o for_o schismatical_a church_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o come_v to_o heretical_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o hold_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v any_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n a_o particular_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n except_o he_o join_v with_o his_o error_n obstinacy_n and_o that_o he_o wilful_o persist_v therein_o against_o the_o admonition_n and_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o a_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v heretical_a till_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n and_o this_o obstinacy_n must_v be_v in_o all_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o chief_a &_o great_a part_n of_o they_o so_o that_o none_o of_o note_n among_o they_o do_v testify_v their_o dissent_n from_o they_o nor_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o their_o heresy_n but_o if_o any_o of_o note_n be_v find_v among_o they_o though_o but_o few_o that_o do_v open_o contradict_v the_o rest_n that_o church_n till_o separation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o sound_n from_o the_o unsound_a be_v rather_o in_o charity_n to_o be_v well_o think_v of_o because_o of_o the_o right_a believer_n then_o in_o zeal_n to_o be_v utter_o condemn_v as_o heretical_a because_o of_o the_o misbeliever_n though_o they_o be_v the_o great_a part_n now_o heresy_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n foundation_n first_o such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n second_o such_o as_o affirm_v it_o in_o express_a word_n but_o yet_o hold_v some_o cross_a position_n which_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n do_v overthrow_v it_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v know_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n be_v and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n propound_v it_o first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 3.11_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v then_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n second_o jesus_n christ_n god_n the_o foundation_n mat._n 16.16_o 18._o and_o simon_n peter_n answer_v thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n in_o both_o which_o place_n he_o be_v express_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o foundation_n three_o jesus_n christ_n man_n the_o foundation_n 1_o john_n 4.2_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o there_o by_o implication_n he_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o foundation_n too_o for_o they_o that_o so_o believe_v be_v of_o god_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v within_o the_o foundation_n and_o contrary_o they_o that_o do_v not_o so_o believe_v be_v not_o of_o god_n verse_n 3._o that_o be_v be_v not_o within_o the_o foundation_n four_o christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o foundation_n act_v 4.12_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o among_o man_n there_o be_v give_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v and_o there_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o express_o as_o the_o foundation_n for_o look_v in_o the_o 11._o verse_n and_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v the_o stone_n cast_v aside_o of_o the_o builder_n and_o be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n last_o christ_n the_o foundation_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n colos_n 2.7_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v as_o true_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o by_o a_o borrow_a kind_n of_o speech_n be_v call_v the_o foundation_n itself_o ephes_n 2.19_o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o salvation_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a of_o the_o definition_n without_o this_o clause_n as_o make_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a description_n of_o the_o foundation_n to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o foundation_n be_v not_o enough_o unless_o this_o be_v add_v to_o make_v it_o complete_a as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o teach_v concern_v he_o his_o nature_n office_n birth_n life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o the_o layer_n of_o this_o foundation_n make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n or_o line_n that_o they_o work_v by_o they_o prove_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v by_o the_o scripture_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n act_n 26.22_o 23._o witness_v both_o to_o small_a and_o
though_o they_o live_v under_o the_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n we_o will_v take_v our_o pattern_n by_o that_o of_o constantinople_n where_o there_o be_v a_o patriarch_n at_o this_o day_n who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n both_o of_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o their_o religion_n now_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n first_o because_o they_o affirm_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o second_o their_o error_n do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o for_o the_o first_o they_o hold_v so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a catholic_a faith_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o whole_a creed_n that_o we_o profess_v they_o retain_v also_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o point_n they_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o we_o but_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n they_o agree_v hold_v the_o foundation_n firm_a and_o sure_a christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n they_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o popish_a religion_n they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o they_o will_v fetch_v most_o willing_o from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o greek_a father_n of_o who_o some_o being_n more_o sound_a other_o less_a their_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o sincere_a as_o it_o shall_v therefore_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proof_n be_v whether_o their_o error_n be_v such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o error_n of_o free_a will_n intercession_n of_o saint_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o popish_a opinion_n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o maintain_v altogether_o so_o obstinate_o as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v church_n but_o their_o main_a error_n be_v their_o deny_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o son_n this_o they_o express_o deny_v now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o person_n be_v a_o most_o profound_a and_o principal_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o very_o wary_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o error_n therein_o be_v dangerous_a and_o fearful_a and_o near_o to_o blasphemy_n and_o this_o very_a error_n haply_o if_o it_o be_v thorough_o sift_v will_v be_v prove_v to_o overthrow_v by_o consequence_n the_o foundation_n yet_o see_v first_o it_o do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o see_v second_o we_o hear_v they_o do_v not_o either_o absolute_o oppose_v herein_o to_o the_o know_a truth_n or_o omit_v the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o profess_v that_o upon_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v yield_v and_o three_o see_v they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o express_a word_n we_o dare_v hardly_o charge_v they_o for_o heretical_a church_n much_o less_o to_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n at_o all_o but_o that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o church_n believe_v otherwise_o aright_o in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o manifold_a error_n and_o ignorances_n may_v be_v all_o save_v undoubted_o use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o that_o in_o two_o point_n first_o in_o that_o they_o presume_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n affirm_v that_o no_o church_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n we_o see_v here_o that_o these_o be_v true_a church_n and_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a church_n popish-church_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o his_o jurisdiction_n yea_o they_o hate_v and_o defy_v it_o so_o that_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v false_a when_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v gather_v under_o the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n whereas_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o we_o see_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o gather_v under_o that_o head_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o former_a time_n a_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n do_v in_o ambition_n seek_v the_o title_n of_o head_n or_o universal_a bishop_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n withstand_v he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o title_n shall_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n and_o it_o prove_v true_a for_o not_o long_o after_o one_o that_o succeed_v that_o pope_n take_v this_o title_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v indeed_o antichrist_n i_o say_v that_o a_o patriarch_n in_o ambition_n seek_v it_o but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v low_o enough_o his_o head_n be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n who_o then_o think_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o church_n but_o though_o he_o miss_v of_o that_o the_o church_n still_o continue_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n &_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o never_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n second_o answer_v it_o meet_v with_o they_o for_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_v of_o these_o church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v both_o heretical_a &_o schismatical_a say_v they_o what_o if_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o still_o they_o may_v be_v true_a church_n as_o we_o show_v before_o for_o heresy_n as_o i_o will_v not_o precise_o condemn_v they_o so_o neither_o can_v i_o altogether_o acquitte_v they_o but_o as_o for_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o none_o rome_n but_o only_o they_o be_v rend_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o quarrel_n because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v their_o neck_n under_o the_o pope_n yoke_n and_o see_v they_o and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o body_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o their_o estate_n shall_v be_v judge_v schismatical_a bishop_n except_o they_o have_v depart_v when_o they_o have_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n but_o they_o be_v never_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n one_o thing_n there_o be_v find_v in_o these_o greek_a church_n which_o the_o papist_n take_v in_o their_o state_n to_o be_v a_o chief_a note_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v succession_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v as_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n as_o in_o rome_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n succession_n in_o rome_n be_v a_o certain_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o good_a succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o at_o rome_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v they_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o either_o let_v they_o disclaim_v this_o in_o the_o one_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o the_o other_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v this_o succession_n in_o the_o greek_a church_n of_o purpose_n to_o abate_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n build_v so_o direct_o upon_o that_o allegation_n it_o will_v else_o have_v be_v a_o far_o more_o colourable_a plea_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o the_o use_v 2_o reason_n in_o other_o do_v plain_o answer_v themselves_o turk_n the_o second_o use_n teach_v we_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n he_o have_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n these_o greek_a church_n have_v live_v many_o a_o hundred_o year_n under_o the_o government_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n that_o buy_v and_o sell_v they_o and_o their_o child_n and_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n the_o foul_a idol_n that_o the_o world_n afford_v in_o regard_n of_o government_n they_o live_v under_o what_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n be_v it_o what_o a_o bloody_a service_n how_o many_o persecution_n disgrace_n indignity_n tax_n and_o oppression_n horrible_a wrong_n and_o miserable_a slavery_n do_v they_o undergo_v they_o be_v buy_v sell_v imprison_a and_o put_v to_o death_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v what_o slavery_n they_o live_v in_o and_o yet_o behold_v god_n have_v uphold_v his_o church_n among_o they_o all_o to_o this_o day_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o israel_n preservation_n under_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v not_o more_o miraculous_a than_o this_o of_o these_o christian_n under_o the_o turk_n so_o likewise_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n christ_n
reason_n first_o where_o there_o be_v many_o particular_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n some_o general_a notion_n or_o apprehension_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o general_a humane_a nature_n in_o which_o they_o must_v all_o meet_v and_o be_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o we_o have_v many_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o all_o may_v right_o be_v term_v and_o comprehend_v under_o one_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n live_v in_o a_o city_n or_o about_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o we_o compare_v revel_v 2.1_o with_o act_n 20_o 17._o why_o may_v not_o therefore_o all_o parochial_a church_n of_o any_o one_o land_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o land_n or_o nation_n three_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v national_a the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_o so_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o their_o stead_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v public_o and_o general_o embrace_v the_o save_a ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o national_n church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v a_o church_n of_o england_n now_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v a_o jewish_a church_n heretofore_o last_o whereas_o i_o speak_v of_o our_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o sound_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o better_a part_n the_o whole_a take_v the_o denomination_n from_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v true_a but_o in_o some_o part_n that_o be_v in_o our_o most_o religious_a and_o best_a order_a congregation_n that_o they_o be_v so_o than_o i_o hope_v charity_n will_v grant_v i_o be_o sure_a reason_n will_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v lawful_o take_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n else_o no_o part_n 〈◊〉_d congregation_n can_v be_v right_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n for_o it_o be_v so_o call_v proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a believe_v and_o live_v member_n that_o be_v therein_o though_o the_o great_a part_n oft_o time_n be_v hypocrite_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o note_n be_v set_v upright_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o reas_n 1_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o or_o four_o shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n church_n the_o reason_n before_o mention_v prove_v the_o greek_a roman_a and_o lutheran_n church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o prove_v we_o sufficient_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o we_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o in_o this_o we_o have_v undertake_v more_o that_o be_v that_o our_o church_n be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v hold_v to_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o measure_n be_v from_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o the_o word_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o according_o profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o word_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n profess_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v handle_v it_o before_o in_o deliver_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o the_o assumption_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v they_o pure_o or_o no_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o a_o church_n be_v esteem_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o pureness_n of_o these_o mark_n where_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o sound_a church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v less_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o less_o sound_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v pure_a without_o tradition_n or_o man_n invention_n answ_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v a_o sound_a visible_a church_n we_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o separatist_n that_o we_o preach_v canon_n and_o man_n constitution_n as_o god_n wor●_n but_o we_o answer_v these_o be_v not_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n but_o only_o serve_v for_o some_o passage_n and_o carriage_n touch_v god_n service_n answ_n special_o in_o church_n government_n second_o they_o say_v we_o suppress_v some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n as_o discipline_n i_o answer_v all_o that_o we_o know_v we_o teach_v express_o and_o impartial_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fayling_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o all_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n pure_o teach_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n still_o stand_v good_a that_o the_o word_n teach_v among_o we_o so_o also_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v among_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o circumstance_n as_o we_o know_v none_o neither_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o action_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assumption_n likewise_o obedience_n be_v true_o profess_v thereunto_o at_o least_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o a_o great_a many_o too_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o note_n stand_v firm_a and_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o the_o invisible_a take_v it_o thus_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n make_v they_o the_o true_a church_n invisible_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o learn_v in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n and_o by_o they_o profess_v joint_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n make_v they_o a_o true_a and_o in_o that_o proportionable_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o call_v respective_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o they_o public_o and_o joint_o profess_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n believe_v and_o obey_v but_o our_o church_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o embrace_v and_o thereby_o be_v make_v a_o true_a church_n visible_a even_o that_o whole_a truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o by_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o joint_a confession_n of_o our_o church_n yea_o our_o very_a adversary_n may_v witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o aynsworthe_n say_v 11._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o doctrine_n have_v save_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a and_o so_o johnson_n acknowledge_v that_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n by_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o here_o they_o have_v attain_a unto_o only_o set_v they_o a_o part_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v who_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a invisible_a church_n our_o church_n
on_o earth_n for_o the_o reas_n 4_o world_n sake_n that_o must_v stand_v till_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o dissolution_n but_o it_o can_v stand_v long_o than_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o it_o for_o who_o sake_n only_o it_o be_v uphold_v for_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o show_v isa_n 6.13_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o can_v be_v utter_o destroy_v five_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o nursery_n for_o heaven_n reas_n 5_o now_o in_o heaven_n be_v many_o mansion_n to_o be_v fill_v up_o every_o day_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a supply_n from_o the_o nursery_n on_o earth_n six_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a war_n betwixt_o the_o reas_n 6_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a the_o serpent_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n so_o likewise_o the_o faithful_a the_o woman_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n too_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n first_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n truth_n be_v elder_a than_o falsehood_n righteousness_n be_v before_o sin_n god_n church_n be_v ancient_a than_o all_o profane_a assembly_n whatsoever_o cain_n be_v ancient_a be_v of_o the_o malignant_a church_n but_o his_o parent_n the_o church_n in_o paradise_n be_v ancient_a eve_n and_o adam_n hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o so_o commit_v sin_n soon_o after_o the_o creation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n before_o their_o fall_n when_o they_o believe_v and_o rest_v on_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o be_v righteous_a the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n before_o that_o ●ie_v else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pervert_v with_o his_o lye_n this_o serve_v first_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n that_o charge_v we_o with_o novelty_n to_o be_v a_o new_a sect_n and_o challenge_v antiquity_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o true_a church_n which_o be_v both_o lie_v for_o they_o be_v the_o novellist_n not_o we_o we_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n before_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v novelty_n and_o a_o new_a sect._n second_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a be_v most_o true_a as_o be_v immediate_o and_o original_o from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n the_o pure_a hand_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n and_o contrary_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v less_o ancient_a be_v from_o some_o corrupt_a channel_n degenerate_a from_o the_o original_a sincerity_n now_o our_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v be_v most_o ancient_a and_o most_o pure_a and_o therefore_o let_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n hide_v their_o head_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o themselves_o and_o yield_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o pure_a truth_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v most_o true_a and_o right_o ancient_a use_v 2_o second_o as_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o it_o prove_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o it_o shall_v continue_v by_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o all_o other_o congregation_n so_o it_o shall_v see_v the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o all_o other_o congregation_n but_o itself_o shall_v continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o by_o a_o continual_a succession_n where_o the_o father_n be_v go_v there_o child_n shall_v stand_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o child_n child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o shall_v be_v many_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o these_o change_n if_o the_o church_n fail_v in_o paradise_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o of_o paradise_n if_o israel_n fall_v away_o yet_o judah_n shall_v stand_v if_o the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o yet_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o though_o popery_n turkism_n and_o judaism_n and_o paganism_n abound_v and_o fill_v the_o world_n and_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o shelter_v his_o church_n in_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v both_o from_o their_o persecution_n and_o infection_n the_o three_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o faithful_a use_v 3_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o continuance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o estate_n and_o none_o else_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a prosperity_n like_a to_o a_o green_a bay_a tree_n but_o in_o time_n and_o sometime_o very_o quick_o they_o shall_v vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n and_o consume_v as_o the_o fat_a of_o lamb_n and_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v of_o they_o but_o the_o faithful_a shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o psal_n 102.28_o they_o may_v be_v afflict_v persecute_a and_o distress_a on_o every_o side_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v forsake_v nor_o give_v over_o utter_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o wicked_a murder_n some_o of_o they_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v some_o of_o they_o remain_v still_o let_v persecutor_n draw_v out_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n child_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v or_o can_v yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v some_o that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o bloody_a hand_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n truth_n as_o some_o be_v take_v away_o god_n will_v still_o send_v they_o a_o new_a supply_n so_o than_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v second_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o they_o need_v not_o say_v on_o their_o deathbed_n as_o worldling_n do_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o my_o child_n and_o good_n after_o i_o be_o go_v they_o need_v not_o say_v so_o of_o their_o spiritual_a good_n let_v god_n alone_o with_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o he_o the_o faithful_a seed_n shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o fatherly_a providence_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o themselves_o be_v seize_v on_o in_o their_o life_n time_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o they_o to_o the_o right_a heir_n heir_n of_o his_o own_o beget_n add_v raise_v up_o he_o will_v find_v heir_n for_o they_o successive_o from_o age_n to_o age_n to_o the_o last_o end_n then_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o shall_v come_v and_o he_o shall_v stand_v last_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n on_o earth_n begin_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o last_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n finish_v it_o up_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n have_v continue_v and_o maintain_v it_o by_o his_o own_o power_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o end_n then_o no_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n yet_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o here_o so_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o far_o safe_a and_o happy_a and_o more_o glorious_a estate_n than_o ever_o it_o do_v in_o this_o world_n psal_n 102.28_o use_v 4_o the_o four_o use_n be_v for_o discouragement_n to_o wicked_a man_n and_o persecutor_n in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v against_o god_n church_n what_o can_v they_o do_v against_o it_o root_n it_o out_o as_o many_o time_n they_o say_v they_o will_v no_o do_v they_o what_o they_o can_v by_o themselves_o by_o their_o instrument_n they_o can_v never_o root_v it_o out_o let_v king_n and_o ruler_n and_o gentile_n and_o people_n fret_v and_o rage_n and_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o
as_o unto_o christ_n philem_n 4.5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n give_v thanks_n to_o god_n for_o the_o love_n and_o faith_n which_o philemon_n have_v towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o towards_o all_o saint_n that_o which_o philemon_n do_v to_o the_o poor_a saint_n he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o religion_n they_o do_v profess_v four_o these_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v do_v chief_o to_o those_o to_o who_o we_o be_v tie_v by_o a_o further_a band_n beside_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o first_o of_o all_o to_o our_o teacher_n gal._n 6.6_o we_o must_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o all_o our_o good_n it_o be_v a_o hiperbolicall_a speech_n note_v that_o we_o be_v especial_o bind_v to_o they_o second_o minister_n to_o their_o fellow-minister_n be_v tie_v in_o a_o special_a band_n gal._n 2.9_o james_n and_o cephas_n and_o john_n when_o they_o know_v of_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n they_o give_v unto_o i_o and_o barnabas_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n so_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o those_o with_o who_o we_o communicate_v in_o their_o good_n and_o thing_n rom._n 15.26_o 27._o if_o the_o gentile_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thing_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o minister_v to_o they_o in_o their_o carnal_a thing_n four_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o temptation_n or_o tribulation_n we_o must_v have_v a_o especial_a care_n to_o minister_v comfort_n unto_o they_o revel_v 1.9_o i_o john_n even_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o cor._n 1.7_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o suffering_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v also_o of_o the_o consolation_n we_o must_v be_v companion_n and_o partner_n with_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n five_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o bring_v in_o no_o confusion_n as_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o hold_v a_o community_n in_o possession_n but_o we_o must_v hold_v it_o only_o in_o use_n for_o community_n in_o possession_n be_v free_a as_o we_o may_v see_v act_v 4.34_o 35._o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o distribute_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o need_n and_o act_n 5.4_o while_o it_o remain_v appertain_v it_o not_o to_o thou_o sai_z peter_z to_o ananias_n and_o after_o it_o be_v sell_v be_v it_o not_o in_o thy_o own_o power_n they_o make_v all_o thing_n common_a that_o be_v in_o use_n not_o in_o possession_n for_o it_o be_v their_o own_o before_o they_o sell_v it_o and_o before_o they_o give_v it_o and_o they_o do_v it_o voluntary_o not_o by_o constraint_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o bring_v in_o this_o communion_n of_o possession_n but_o of_o use_v only_o as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n have_v a_o house_n now_o he_o communicate_v the_o use_n of_o this_o house_n to_o another_o but_o yet_o keep_v the_o possession_n to_o himself_o last_o this_o communion_n reach_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n too_o heaven_n for_o no_o doubt_n they_o in_o general_n pray_v for_o we_o and_o we_o in_o general_n give_v thanks_n for_o they_o the_o general_a state_n of_o each_o require_v this_o duty_n but_o in_o particular_a neither_o do_v they_o pray_v for_o we_o nor_o we_o give_v thanks_n for_o they_o therefore_o he_o that_o extend_v this_o further_a do_v that_o which_o be_v prejudicial_a both_o to_o their_o state_n and_o we_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o open_n of_o the_o point_n god_n the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communion_n be_v these_o first_o there_o be_v particular_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o spirit_n four_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o last_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o the_o faithful_a first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n may_v be_v the_o more_o sound_o sufficient_o and_o effectual_o perform_v to_o his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v do_v when_o all_o the_o faithful_a join_v together_o to_o lift_v at_o it_o as_o with_o one_o shoulder_n as_o it_o be_v in_o zeph._n 3_o 9_o for_o so_o the_o word_n consent_n in_o that_o place_n do_v signify_v in_o the_o original_a and_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 15.6_o and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o one_o particular_a place_n or_o assembly_n but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n in_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n both_o here_o in_o england_n and_o also_o in_o france_n and_o germany_n and_o all_o other_o place_n where_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v call_v upon_o for_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o place_n do_v in_o effect_n and_o for_o substance_n the_o same_o duty_n to_o god_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v sound_o effectual_o and_o sufficient_o perform_v now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o perform_v there_o must_v be_v this_o communion_n among_o the_o faithful_a the_o second_o particular_a reason_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v because_o god_n be_v the_o common_a father_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a matth._n 6.9_o and_o the_o faithful_a they_o be_v all_o brethren_n matth._n 23.8_o 9_o and_o therefore_o as_o brethren_n that_o have_v one_o father_n they_o be_v to_o hold_v and_o exercise_v this_o communion_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n and_o first_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n christ_n the_o faithful_a they_o be_v the_o body_n or_o member_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o grow_v up_o in_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o head_n that_o be_v christ_n by_o who_o all_o the_o body_n be_v couple_v and_o knit_v together_o etc._n etc._n now_o look_v what_o communion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o member_n that_o belong_v to_o one_o head_n the_o same_o be_v among_o the_o faithful_a second_o he_o be_v the_o head_n cornerstone_n and_o we_o be_v all_o live_a stone_n of_o the_o same_o building_n 1._o pet._n 2.7_o now_o look_v as_o the_o head_n cornerstone_n make_v all_o the_o building_n hang_v fast_o together_o so_o we_o be_v fasten_v together_o in_o christ_n three_o it_o be_v so_o because_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o joh._n 17.20_o 21._o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o the_o father_n and_o himself_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v effect_v three_o it_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o spirit_n spirit_n we_o communicate_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n 1._o cor._n 12.4_o and_o 11.13_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o verse_n 11._o all_o these_o thing_n work_v the_o selfsame_o spirit_n and_o verse_n 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n etc._n etc._n one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o work_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o their_o near_a communion_n the_o heathen_a account_v it_o a_o near_a fellowship_n and_o friendship_n for_o one_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o two_o body_n but_o this_o be_v a_o far_o near_a communion_n than_o that_o this_o be_v a_o near_a communion_n then_o that_o of_o man_n and_o wife_n for_o they_o twain_o be_v one_o flesh_n but_o these_o be_v all_o one_o spirit_n for_o look_v how_o it_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o we_o be_v join_v to_o he_o so_o proportionable_o be_v we_o join_v one_o with_o another_o but_o we_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o 1._o cor._n 6.17_o so_o we_o be_v only_o one_o spirit_n among_o ourselves_o so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o faithful_a have_v a_o mutual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o respect_n the_o four_o reason_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o because_o of_o our_o necessity_n every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v need_n of_o every_o grace_n but_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o every_o grace_n in_o himself_o at_o least_o not_o to_o receive_v and_o distribute_v too_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v many_o member_n and_o yet_o all_o in_o one_o body_n that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v their_o several_a gift_n one_o to_o receive_v in_o one_o kind_n another_o to_o give_v in_o another_o kind_n that_o so_o all_o our_o want_n may_v be_v supply_v second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a there_o be_v this_o communion_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o help_n that_o if_o one_o fall_v into_o sin_n another_o may_v help_v he_o up_o again_o and_o that_o they_o may_v build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n three_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n
the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o gal._n 6.10_o do_v good_a to_o all_o especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n likewise_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n 2._o cor._n 6.17_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o separate_v yourselves_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v none_o unclean_a thing_n etc._n etc._n last_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o control_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o romish_a use_v 6_o antichrist_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o saint_n but_o as_o his_o slave_n he_o will_v not_o use_v they_o as_o fellow_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v antichrist_n he_o will_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o none_o must_v bless_v he_o this_o be_v abominable_a pride_n and_o insolency_n not_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o seven_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o argument_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v the_o church_n we_o turn_v aside_o to_o expound_v the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o there_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v we_o find_v six_o adjunct_n or_o epithet_n that_o the_o church_n be_v qualify_v withal_o first_o that_o it_o be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o catholic_a four_a that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o christ_n fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o six_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o the_o five_o former_a be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o article_n of_o which_o you_o have_v also_o heatd_v the_o six_o and_o last_o whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v be_v not_o plain_o lay_v down_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v direct_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o this_o clause_n grow_v from_o the_o article_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o know_v manifest_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o to_o the_o outward_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o doctr._n we_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o faithful_a the_o true_a church_n be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n &_o themselves_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o their_o person_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n of_o other_o man_n and_o likewise_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v see_v as_o well_o as_o the_o the_o profession_n of_o other_o man_n yea_o but_o their_o save_a grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v but_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o you_o see_v how_o the_o note_n stand_v first_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o three_o they_o be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o prove_v first_o god_n know_v they_o mala._n 3.16_o god_n have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v before_o he_o of_o those_o that_o be_v he_o john_n 10.14_o i_o know_v i_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o in_o joh._n 13.18_o he_o say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v choose_v 2._o tim._n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o this_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o god_n own_o secret_a counsel_n to_o know_v who_o be_v his_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n for_o thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o verse_n 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n yet_o in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o be_v know_v to_o god_n by_o name_n thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n themselves_o second_o they_o be_v know_v to_o themselves_o 1._o joh._n 3.14.19_o we_o know_v we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v before_o he_o assure_v our_o heart_n and_o 1._o joh._n 4.13_o 16._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v in_o us._n here_o you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o they_o do_v certain_o know_v each_o other_o to_o be_v so_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v know_v you_o or_o you_o i_o certain_o to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n but_o that_o all_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o state_n and_o particular_o every_o one_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v of_o it_o it_o three_o none_o but_o god_n and_o they_o know_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o revel_v 2.17_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_a neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o within_o and_o the_o circumcision_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a exception_n against_o all_o outward_a show_n and_o testification_n whatsoever_o as_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o make_v any_o certain_a proof_n to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o true_a circumcision_n and_o jew_n indeed_o that_o be_v who_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o right_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o heart_n which_o god_n alone_o and_o themselves_o know_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v express_o say_v they_o be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o 1._o king_n 19.10_o 18._o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.3_o 4._o the_o prophet_n heliah_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v alone_o he_o see_v no_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o seven_o thousand_o which_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n if_o any_o can_v have_v discern_v they_o than_o the_o prophet_n may_v that_o be_v their_o teacher_n but_o he_o know_v no_o such_o no_o nor_o scarce_o any_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o therefore_o only_o god_n and_o themselves_o know_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o that_o whereby_o they_o be_v reas_n 1_o know_v to_o man_n that_o be_v their_o profession_n be_v common_a to_o hyprocrite_n as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o for_o hypocrite_n may_v go_v as_o far_o in_o show_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o best_a therefore_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o second_o that_o whereby_o true_a believer_n be_v distinguish_v reas_n 2_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o inward_a affection_n can_v be_v see_v by_o man_n for_o the_o faithful_a may_v fall_v as_o low_a in_o sin_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o wicked_a and_o yet_o have_v truth_n in_o their_o heart_n still_o but_o none_o know_v the_o heart_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o therefore_o none_o know_v this_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o three_o sin_n be_v a_o secret_a thing_n in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o he_o may_v bear_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o harbour_v secret_o some_o sin_n that_o may_v utter_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n therefore_o none_o can_v know_v who_o be_v god_n but_o god_n and_o themselves_o four_o there_o be_v certain_a inward_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n reas_n 4_o which_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n especial_o god_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o a_o man_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o close_a secret_n not_o to_o be_v discern_v outwad_o only_o these_o be_v know_v to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v they_o reu._n 2.17_o the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o that_o hold_v this_o opinion_n that_o we_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n may_v know_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o such_o and_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v where_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o may_v bold_o affirm_v it_o too_o as_o of_o david_n abraham_n peter_n paul_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o must_v meddle_v no_o further_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n we_o may_v say_v of_o other_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v god_n but_o we_o can_v say_v that_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o joh._n 21.21_o 22._o when_o peter_n will_v inquire_v of_o another_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v our_o
that_o outward_a government_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o use_v 4_o four_o see_v there_o be_v a_o outward_a government_n necessary_a in_o god_n church_n for_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o then_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v content_a with_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v for_o though_o it_o concern_v not_o our_o life_n yet_o it_o concern_v our_o health_n though_o it_o concern_v not_o the_o be_v yet_o it_o concern_v the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o his_o place_n both_o those_o that_o govern_v that_o they_o govern_v according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o those_o that_o obey_v that_o they_o obey_v according_a to_o god_n word_n use_v 5_o last_o this_o reprove_v those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o not_o as_o man_n and_o minister_n to_o exercise_v this_o government_n but_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o against_o god_n word_n to_o devise_v a_o new_a government_n so_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v not_o only_o exercise_v the_o government_n as_o a_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o lord_n the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v direct_o against_o it_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o where_o he_o give_v all_o minister_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v be_v head_n and_o lord_n over_o all_o church_n on_o earth_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n though_o we_o say_v he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o mean_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o i_o have_v say_v heretofore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v harsh_a and_o dangerous_a yet_o this_o word_n ministerial_a qualify_v it_o well_o if_o it_o be_v sober_o understand_v it_o may_v agree_v to_o a_o particular_a but_o never_o to_o the_o general_a church_n over_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_v it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o fifteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o enter_v into_o the_o business_n concern_v church_n government_n in_o handle_v whereof_o we_o propound_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o discourse_v upon_o first_o of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasional_o bring_v forth_o in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o three_o former_a we_o have_v already_o hear_v now_o we_o be_v as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o word_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-governement_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o such_o a_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v behooveful_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o use_n to_o have_v a_o long_a desire_n after_o it_o he_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v where_o it_o be_v be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o he_o may_v come_v by_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v your_o pure_a mind_n in_o this_o case_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church-government_n you_o have_v see_v also_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o you_o will_v cast_v about_o to_o see_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o your_o desire_n i_o will_v propound_v it_o here_o by_o way_n of_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n in_o every_o particular_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o it_o be_v find_v any_o where_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o must_v have_v god_n own_o warrant_n and_o ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n but_o in_o his_o word_n second_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o church_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n it_o must_v be_v fashion_v to_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o who_o be_v to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o house_n but_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n and_o who_o shall_v prescribe_v order_n for_o this_o house_n the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o this_o house_n and_o we_o can_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n spirit_n reveal_v god_n mind_n only_o by_o god_n word_n therefore_o we_o must_v do_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o all_o other_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n in_o religion_n fly_v to_o the_o golden_a rule_n isai_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o god_n word_n must_v be_v consult_v withal_o and_o what_o that_o faith_n must_v be_v embrace_v if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n in_o it_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o no_o light_n be_v in_o we_o at_o all_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v second_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n they_o testify_v of_o i_o not_o only_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o or_o what_o he_o be_v but_o of_o his_o mind_n what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o all_o our_o course_n position_n now_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o what_o order_n it_o take_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v true_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o these_o two_o position_n first_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n as_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n how_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o second_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o set_v particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o two_o position_n be_v well_o understand_v do_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o point_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n the_o other_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o contradiction_n and_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v by_o this_o distinction_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o general_a another_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a the_o affirmative_a position_n say_v that_o it_o be_v whole_o set_v down_o there_o in_o the_o general_a and_o partly_o in_o the_o particular_a the_o negative_a say_v it_o be_v not_o there_o whole_o in_o every_o particular_a these_o position_n i_o purpose_v to_o deliver_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n that_o so_o i_o may_v speak_v the_o more_o plentiful_o upon_o they_o observation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o your_o understanding_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v this_o namely_o doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-goverment_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v this_o doctrine_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o god_n matth._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o first_o we_o must_v here_o presuppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o have_v teach_v before_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o have_v also_o before_o show_v and_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o they_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o even_o in_o their_o write_n at_o least_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v
his_o instrument_n have_v a_o special_a delight_n in_o disturb_v this_o peace_n and_o spare_v no_o mean_n but_o seek_v all_o advantage_n for_o the_o sow_v of_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v too_o apprehensive_a of_o it_o else_o he_o can_v not_o do_v we_o that_o harm_n he_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v so_o apprehensive_a of_o dissension_n among_o ourselves_o now_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v endanger_v in_o many_o case_n endanger_v so_o especial_o in_o these_o first_o when_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o one_o minister_n before_o another_o one_o to_o paul_n another_o to_o cephas_n etc._n etc._n this_o come_v of_o a_o carnal_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o thus_o they_o wrong_v themselves_o and_o the_o minister_n too_o themselves_o in_o that_o they_o be_v hinder_v hereby_o from_o the_o good_a they_o may_v have_v and_o their_o minister_n because_o that_o they_o make_v contention_n betwixt_o they_o where_o otherwise_o none_o will_v be_v second_o this_o peace_n be_v endanger_v in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n some_o breed_n and_o make_v faction_n for_o one_o against_o another_o as_o their_o affection_n lead_v they_o three_o it_o be_v endanger_v in_o decide_v controversy_n either_o of_o religion_n or_o state_n one_o will_v be_v cross_v and_o thwart_v another_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n and_o strife_n yea_o happy_o rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n if_o it_o may_v not_o go_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o let_v god_n child_n be_v admonish_v to_o have_v no_o part_n in_o such_o contention_n but_o let_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v have_v peace_n in_o themselves_o for_o we_o be_v call_v to_o peace_n to_o mind_n and_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n if_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o seek_v for_o may_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o be_v obtain_v it_o be_v well_o let_v god_n have_v the_o glory_n and_o ourselves_o may_v comfortable_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v have_v without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v they_o may_v have_v comfort_n for_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o conscience_n in_o seek_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o let_v they_o bewaille_fw-fr the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o those_o corruption_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o redress_n thus_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o dissension_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v break_v the_o four_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n business_n be_v rule_n that_o whosoever_o have_v any_o right_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o such_o duty_n be_v not_o contemn_v nor_o rsterain_v of_o their_o right_n but_o that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o business_n and_o permit_v to_o speak_v and_o do_v free_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o then_o the_o lord_n be_v best_a please_v with_o a_o business_n when_o it_o be_v joint_o perform_v by_o everyone_n that_o be_v authorise_v by_o himself_o thereto_o the_o magistrate_n must_v not_o neglect_v the_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n must_v neglect_v the_o magistrate_n the_o pastor_n must_v not_o neglect_v the_o flock_n nor_o must_v the_o flock_n neglect_v the_o pastor_n but_o every_o man_n must_v have_v his_o due_a and_o do_v his_o duty_n look_v into_o act._n 15.23_o and_o see_v how_o the_o business_n be_v carry_v there_o the_o apostle_n break_v and_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o that_o business_n every_o man_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v he_o ofttime_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o diotrephes_n find_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o three_o epistle_n of_o john_n that_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o to_o sway_v all_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n there_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v sometime_o in_o a_o church_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wring_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o pass_v by_o another_o authority_n only_o he_o may_v complain_v and_o publish_v what_o other_o have_v do_v himself_o can_v have_v no_o further_o hold_v in_o they_o here_o likewise_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v last_o many_o abuse_n their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o so_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v for_o the_o weak_a brother_n have_v his_o interest_n in_o my_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o rule_n the_o five_o and_o last_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v so_o carry_v as_o best_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o may_v be_v fit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n wherein_o we_o live_v i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o think_v that_o we_o will_v draw_v religion_n to_o the_o bent_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o say_v must_v not_o cross_v the_o well_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o cause_v innovation_n and_o change_n and_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n special_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v never_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n that_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o religion_n shall_v overthrow_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o temporal_a state_n but_o that_o caesar_n shall_v have_v as_o well_o that_o which_o be_v caesar_n as_o god_n that_o which_o be_v go_n i_o speak_v of_o a_o politic_a state_n already_o establish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o confirm_v by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o maintain_v by_o the_o ancient_a use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n there_o religion_n come_v in_o afterward_o it_o must_v be_v frame_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n except_o wherein_o religion_n be_v plain_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n no_o doubt_n be_v as_o careful_a of_o civil_a christian_a state_n as_o moses_n be_v of_o the_o jewish_a policy_n but_o there_o church-government_n be_v fit_v to_o their_o civil_a state_n and_o so_o must_v we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o both_o civil_a state_n and_o their_o church-government_n be_v each_o of_o they_o direct_o and_o equal_o from_o god_n true_a and_o be_v not_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 13.1_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v not_o now_o so_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v from_o god_n too_o and_o therefore_o by_o proportion_n where_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v ratify_v by_o use_n religion_n come_v in_o afterward_o in_o all_o equity_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v to_o be_v carry_v according_o for_o the_o outward_a passage_n of_o it_o when_o the_o apostle_n peter_n persuade_v the_o scatter_a jew_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2.3_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a warning_n to_o they_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a carriage_n much_o less_o in_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n they_o must_v not_o cross_v that_o unless_o that_o cross_a religion_n as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v make_v many_o become_v anabaptist_n and_o despiser_n of_o government_n and_o in_o many_o place_n it_o have_v make_v religion_n fare_v the_o worse_o and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o to_o be_v traduce_v for_o rebellious_a troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a people_n enemy_n to_o the_o state_n so_o much_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n business_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o general_a head_n they_o namely_o the_o end_n that_o must_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o do_v these_o duty_n that_o must_v be_v good_a too_o it_o must_v be_v do_v with_o a_o single_a end_n and_o a_o sincere_a affection_n and_o intention_n free_a from_o all_o sinister_a respect_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o there_o be_v two_o good_a end_n which_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o action_n concern_v church-government_n the_o first_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o second_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o our_o brethren_n first_o we_o must_v aim_v whole_o and_o only_o at_o god_n glory_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v let_v all_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v god_n business_n his_o gift_n and_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n of_o purpose_n appoint_v for_o his_o glory_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o require_v a_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o
perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v in_o such_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o opposition_n in_o this_o point_n for_o that_o sufficiency_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o scripture_n it_o disanull_v all_o such_o power_n challenge_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n disanull_v that_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a as_o we_o will_v prove_v by_o these_o place_n follow_v john_n 20.31_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n all_o thing_n that_o christ_n speak_v and_o do_v be_v not_o write_v yet_o there_o be_v enough_o write_v for_o quantity_n and_o enough_o for_o power_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o so_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o sufficient_a enough_o for_o all_o matter_n of_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o the_o whole_a scripture_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v and_o to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n here_o be_v reckon_v up_o such_o special_a work_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o teach_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o these_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n true_a say_v the_o papist_n they_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v profitable_a to_o these_o but_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a yes_o it_o be_v sufficient_a too_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o profitable_a to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o that_o thereby_o the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o every_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o mean_v so_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o 15._o verse_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o child_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o absolute_o forbid_v any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n from_o scripture_n as_o in_o deut_n 4.2_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v put_v nothing_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o commend_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o and_o pro._n 30.6_o put_v nothing_o unto_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n revel_v 22.18_o 19_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n now_o than_o if_o the_o church_n can_v decree_v any_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n and_o not_o add_v to_o scripture_n nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o than_o they_o may_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o prohibition_n but_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a as_o it_o be_v than_o this_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o point_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n galat._n 3.15_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n testament_n no_o man_n will_v add_v to_o it_o much_o less_o to_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n the_o last_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v those_o that_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n esa_n 29.13_o it_o be_v a_o sore_a complaint_n which_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o against_o the_o people_n there_o because_o the_o religion_n they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o matth._n 15.9_o christ_n utter_o reject_v this_o worship_n as_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a when_o they_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n and_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4._o scripture_n if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o it_o be_v self-conceit_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n yea_o and_o not_o only_a when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o ordinary_a man_n but_o if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o apostle_n nay_o a_o angel_n if_o they_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n not_o only_o that_o be_v against_o this_o but_o beside_o this_o which_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n hold_v he_o accurse_v galat._n 1.8_o 9_o so_o that_o if_o any_o either_o apostle_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n deliver_v or_o teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n that_o be_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v but_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v accurse_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v draw_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o carry_v always_o a_o just_a correspondency_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v of_o who_o saying_n man_n no_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o god_n speak_v faith_n hear_v it_o and_o most_o willing_o and_o sweet_o believe_v and_o embrace_v it_o but_o what_o any_o else_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v man_n or_o church_n or_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v not_o powerful_a to_o beget_v save_v faith_n so_o also_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o refuse_v it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o suspect_v it_o because_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o word_n and_o god_n speak_v it_o not_o second_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o state_n reas_n 2_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v this_o god_n have_v endue_v our_o conscience_n through_o his_o mercy_n and_o ordinance_n with_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v the_o conscience_n well_o rectify_v yield_v to_o it_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n to_o be_v a_o bind_a law_n which_o necessary_o must_v be_v obey_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n be_v impose_v by_o man_n only_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o prescript_n of_o god_n the_o conscience_n feel_v not_o the_o command_a power_n of_o god_n to_o oversway_v it_o and_o therefore_o may_v and_o must_v and_o do_v take_v the_o benefit_n of_o her_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o corinth_n 3.23_o be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o property_n of_o the_o reas_n 3_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o they_o be_v matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v such_o a_o sure_a ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o they_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n upon_o they_o now_o the_o church_n be_v itself_o subject_a to_o error_n where_o i●_n build_v not_o upon_o scripture_n be_v unable_a therefore_o to_o afford_v any_o such_o warrant_n therefore_o without_o and_o beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n in_o such_o thing_n reas_n 4_o four_o that_o which_o the_o church_n do_v herein_o in_o ordane_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n she_o do_v enjoin_v it_o with_o condition_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o let_v they_o be_v accurse_v that_o do_v it_o not_o but_o damnation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v threaten_v by_o any_o but_o those_o that_o have_v power_n to_o inflict_v it_o but_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n of_o herself_o to_o inflict_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o she_o to_o threaten_v it_o the_o church_n indeed_o threaten_v it_o in_o excommunication_n but_o that_o be_v not_o of_o herself_o but_o under_o god_n and_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v also_o able_a to_o inflict_v it_o as_o he_o be_v to_o threaten_v it_o in_o his_o word_n but_o we_o speak_v here_o of_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n and_o therein_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o inflict_v no_o not_o instrumental_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n therefore_o not_o to_o threaten_v damnation_n and_o so_o consequent_o not_o to_o decree_v any_o such_o thing_n reas_n 5_o the_o five_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o a_o rule_n of_o
book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a sacrament_n new_a intercessor_n new_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n second_o even_o to_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v as_o to_o cross_n procession_n ring_v of_o bell_n penance_n and_o such_o like_a they_o have_v ascribe_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n drive_v away_o of_o devil_n and_o such_o like_a gracious_a effect_n wherein_o consist_v no_o small_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o four_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n custom_n custom_n we_o know_v prevail_v much_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o many_o time_n they_o be_v very_o approvable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v vary_a from_o but_o upon_o good_a occasion_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yield_v to_o custom_n have_v breed_v much_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v among_o we_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n by_o play_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o field_n after_o the_o exercise_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o that_o man_n think_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o custom_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a motive_n apt_a to_o over_o sway_v the_o natural_a man_n but_o of_o themselves_o beside_o scripture_n they_o be_v no_o spiritual_a motive_n to_o the_o true_a believer_n custom_n the_o ancient_a father_n tie_v up_o custom_n in_o religion_n thus_o short_a that_o they_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o custom_n agree_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v else_o to_o be_v reject_v now_o what_o be_v truth_n our_o saviour_n say_v god_n word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17_o 17._o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o must_v be_v abolish_v even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n who_o the_o papist_n will_v seem_v to_o allege_v for_o these_o thing_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v custom_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o but_o how_o do_v he_o allege_v they_o against_o contention_n because_o contention_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o custom_n beside_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o last_o point_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n tradition_n be_v one_o my_o pillar_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o they_o leave_v they_o once_o they_o will_v quick_o leave_v their_o religion_n too_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v tradition_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n it_o intend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o before_o father_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o so_o we_o willing_o embrace_v tradition_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o speech_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o do_v make_v for_o tradition_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n intend_v they_o that_o be_v unwritten_a verity_n and_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n than_o so_o there_o be_v no_o build_n on_o they_o if_o they_o be_v verity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v and_o be_v unwritten_a we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o ob._n to_o his_o point_n we_o say_v first_o either_o there_o be_v no_o such_o tradition_n at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v needless_a consider_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o if_o they_o be_v needful_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o certain_o they_o be_v but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o certain_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o i_o mean_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n yes_o say_v they_o for_o substance_n you_o have_v something_o by_o tradition_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n we_o answer_v we_o have_v not_o these_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n for_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 10.14_o and_o second_o for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o what_o place_n in_o the_o word_n say_v that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a i_o answer_v every_o book_n bear_v witness_n of_o itself_o and_o this_o place_n of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v canonical_a three_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n we_o have_v reu._n 1.10_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n so_o that_o we_o have_v scripture_n enough_o for_o these_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v a_o humble_a mind_a man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o they_o be_v needless_a for_o suppose_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o what_o need_v unwritten_a tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 2._o indeed_o before_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o the_o word_n be_v now_o write_v and_o have_v be_v now_o write_v these_o 1610._o year_n and_o as_o much_o write_v as_o ever_o shall_v be_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 3._o three_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a for_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v aught_o by_o tradition_n or_o that_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v they_o either_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la answe_n for_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n whereupon_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n leave_v tradition_n and_o epistle_n i_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o diversity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o teach_v but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n 4._o look_v what_o he_o preach_v he_o write_v and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o history_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o that_o to_o repose_v my_o salvation_n upon_o last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o certain_a the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o damnable_a presumption_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o by_o name_n call_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a &_o equal_v they_o both_o in_o authority_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n &_o in_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o write_a word_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o religion_n will_v easy_o decide_v this_o controversy_n if_o we_o add_v here_o to_o determination_n of_o counsel_n consent_n of_o father_n decree_n of_o pope_n and_o other_o patch_n and_o feigning_n of_o popish_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v this_o that_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o or_o if_o there_o be_v they_o be_v not_o beside_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o it_o or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v beside_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o substance_n nor_o salvation_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v frame_v by_o and_o what_o every_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o and_o that_o be_v
the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o paganism_n the_o turck_n their_o alcoran_n the_o jew_n their_o talmud_n the_o papist_n their_o catechism_n counsel_n custom_n and_o tradition_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o this_o this_o will_v show_v they_o all_o to_o be_v stark_o counterfeit_v very_a dross_n and_o filth_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v once_o look_v after_o much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o precious_a golden_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o last_o yet_o mistake_v not_o as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o salvation_n be_v express_o in_o the_o word_n same_o that_o be_v by_o name_n and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n as_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o to_o be_v deduct_v by_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a reason_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v those_o thing_n that_o concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o miracle_n or_o discipline_n either_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n as_o it_o contain_v altogether_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o do_v miracle_n matth._n 10.1_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o &c_n &c_n and_o mark_v 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.9.10_o to_o another_o be_v give_v the_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n that_o plant_v it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n their_o doctrine_n and_o write_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o power_n be_v restrain_v and_o what_o church_n soever_o challenge_v this_o power_n therein_o may_v just_o be_v censure_v for_o anti-christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o second_o or_o discipline_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o second_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o ceremony_n we_o understand_v the_o time_n place_n and_o gesture_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n we_o will_v contrive_v the_o whole_a business_n into_o this_o observation_n every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n within_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o note_n doct._n first_o i_o say_v every_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o invisible_a not_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o one_o settle_v outward_a state_n can_v have_v no_o such_o order_n second_o i_o say_v particular_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o general_a visible_a church_n can_v so_o be_v proper_o assign_v to_o a_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o common_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o outward_a rite_n three_o i_o say_v have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v ceretaine_n rite_n four_o i_o say_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o church_n business_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n five_o i_o say_v they_o must_v be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o one_o church_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v another_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v except_o their_o case_n be_v very_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o note_n be_v clear_a we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n act_n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o touch_v circumcision_n a_o outward_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v withal_o about_o it_o and_o according_o they_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o 23._o verse_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o show_v their_o power_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n be_v perpetual_a the_o course_n must_v be_v perpetual_a too_o and_o they_o show_v their_o power_n both_o in_o disannul_v some_o ceremony_n as_o circumcision_n vers_fw-la 10._o as_o abstaming_a from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n verse_n 20._o which_o be_v certain_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o the_o apostle_n show_v of_o meat_n 1_o corinth_n 8.8_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o only_a in_o thing_n needful_a as_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o already_o which_o be_v general_o understand_v of_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o plain_a enough_o for_o after_o verse_n 3_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v they_o other_o ordinance_n keep_v which_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v they_o before_o concern_v the_o uncover_v of_o the_o man_n head_n and_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o woman_n head_n which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o comeliness_n sake_n he_o do_v there_o enjoin_v they_o and_o verse_n 20_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v certain_a other_o ordinance_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o their_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n which_o be_v a_o most_o pestilent_a religion_n &_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n admit_v no_o colour_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v reject_v mahomet_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o mahomet_n we_o must_v reject_v christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v have_v show_v himself_o a_o ruler_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sore_a enemy_n preserve_v his_o faith_n and_o church_n even_o whe●e_v satan_n throne_n be_v world_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o of_o pergamus_n reu._n 2.13_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n so_o consider_v that_o it_o general_o abound_v and_o swarm_n overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o place_n the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v a_o remnant_n that_o stick_v close_o unto_o he_o and_o that_o follow_v not_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o have_v 7000._o in_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n rom._n 11.4_o so_o he_o have_v many_o thousand_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o mahomet_n three_o religion_n consider_v the_o pleasingness_n of_o that_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n a_o great_a enchanter_n of_o nature_n yet_o still_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v some_o that_o choose_v rather_o with_o moses_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v for_o a_o season_n all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o ever_o mahomet_n can_v ever_o promise_v or_o bestow_v upon_o they_o sure_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o such_o flourish_a church_n in_o achaia_n macedonia_n corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n shall_v come_v to_o that_o miserable_a ruin_n and_o desolation_n that_o mahomet_n us._n shall_v reign_v among_o they_o so_o general_o in_o christ_n own_o territory_n and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o unprofitablenes_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n so_o free_o offer_v they_o and_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o fear_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o the_o like_a befall_v not_o we_o for_o our_o unprofitablenesse_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o yet_o withal_o see_v how_o in_o wrath_n god_n remember_v mercy_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o satan_n turk_n and_o mahomet_n and_o other_o instrument_n he_o pluck_v out_o some_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v professor_n of_o his_o save_a faith_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n both_o improper_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v observation_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o western_a and_o latin_a church_n which_o be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n some_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o sundry_a other_o that_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o other_o renounce_v his_o headship_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o deformity_n corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a in_o every_o particular_a look_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n so_o be_v the_o daughter_n ezech._n 16.44_o we_o will_v deliver_v her_o state_n in_o two_o observation_n first_o we_o will_v show_v what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o charity_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n second_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n too_o and_o find_v judgement_n against_o it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o church_n doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v just_o repute_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n consider_v right_o of_o the_o note_n first_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o say_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v it_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v judge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o we_o say_v not_o a_o sound_a church_n no_o that_o we_o flat_o deny_v as_o untrue_a but_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o a_o man_n though_o he_o be_v wound_v faint_a and_o die_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o life_n in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o true_a live_a man_n not_o a_o false_a though_o he_o be_v a_o unsound_a and_o die_a man_n church_n three_o we_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o popish_a faction_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n in_o that_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o right_a belief_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o faction_n do_v and_o these_o be_v mingle_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o ●●ue_a church_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o be_v in_o our_o saviors_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v a_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o sway_v all_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o their_o course_n marry_o simeon_n anna_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n and_o a_o few_o more_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n join_v or_o rather_o they_o with_o he_o as_o live_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o whole_a be_v right_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o they_o doubtless_o it_o may_v and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v right_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o better_a spirit_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o papacy_n and_o popish_a faction_n alone_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o a_o true_a church_n be_v these_o first_o reas_n 1_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n direct_o affirm_v every_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o it_o yea_o church_n in_o outward_a show_n of_o word_n they_o express_o affirm_v it_o still_o and_o therefore_o may_v true_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a enough_o rom._n 1.8_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v no_o sound_n arguement_fw-fr that_o they_o be_v so_o still_o i_o answer_v that_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n that_o must_v make_v a_o congregation_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o become_v a_o false_a one_o and_o with_o more_o charity_n and_o love_n be_v such_o to_o be_v censure_v that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n than_o other_o congregation_n hold_v the_o same_o error_n that_o be_v but_o only_o come_v on_o in_o the_o say_v and_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v thorough_o possess_v of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o a_o church_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fall_v away_o from_o her_o first_o love_n revel_v 2.5_o and_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o love_v and_o yet_o be_v dead_a reu._n 3_o 1._o and_o yet_o god_n call_v they_o true_a church_n still_o a_o church_n in_o apostasy_n that_o be_v fall_v not_o utter_o fall_v be_v still_o a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a and_o die_a church_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n so_o long_o it_o may_v be_v still_o entitle_v a_o true_a church_n well_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o in_o outward_a show_n at_o least_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o this_o they_o do_v they_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o sound_v of_o word_n they_o profess_v the_o same_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o creed_n that_o we_o do_v yea_o they_o profess_v in_o word_n the_o very_a same_o foundation_n before_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o very_a same_o term_n in_o effect_n look_v into_o the_o rhemists_n testament_n &_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o upon_o those_o place_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o &_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v right_o acknowledge_v
and_o worse_a course_n the_o four_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v she_o be_v this_o we_o ourselves_o here_o have_v our_o new_a birth_n even_o in_o this_o church_n and_o by_o this_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v love_v and_o kind_o affect_v and_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o dutiful_o unto_o she_o as_o the_o child_n to_o the_o mother_n that_o bear_v he_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v within_o her_o communion_n but_o go_v from_o she_o how_o just_o may_v we_o fear_v to_o mislead_v and_o either_o relapse_n into_o former_a or_o run_v into_o new_a error_n five_o many_o of_o our_o adversary_n be_v here_o beget_v too_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o best_a of_o our_o separtist_n have_v they_o learn_v and_o attain_a unto_o in_o our_o church_n therefore_o the_o great_a be_v their_o sin_n first_o to_o fly_v from_o we_o second_o to_o deny_v she_o to_o be_v their_o mother_n and_o three_o to_o pursue_v she_o with_o so_o many_o obloquy_n and_o repreache_n as_o if_o she_o be_v no_o church_n of_o god_n sixthly_a our_o church_n have_v be_v plant_v and_o seal_v up_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o precious_a and_o glorious_a martyr_n which_o of_o we_o be_v not_o very_o persuade_v that_o bradford_n latimer_n &c_n &c_n be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o triumphant_a church_n in_o heaven_n then_o desire_v to_o be_v and_o to_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o same_o visible_a militant_a church_n on_o earth_n renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o here_o and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o heaven_n seven_o consider_v what_o a_o shelter_n our_o church_n have_v be_v to_o many_o afflict_a church_n french_a and_o dutch_a &c_n &c_n if_o they_o be_v god_n true_a church_n fly_v for_o succour_n to_o we_o and_o be_v safe_a under_o our_o shadow_n shall_v not_o we_o joyful_o and_o glad_o continue_v under_o it_o but_o fly_v away_o if_o persecution_n shall_v come_v we_o will_v be_v glad_a in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o shelter_n let_v we_o not_o be_v alienate_v from_o that_o good_a estate_n because_o we_o have_v it_o which_o if_o we_o want_v we_o will_v esteem_v most_o precious_a and_o undergo_v any_o labour_n to_o recover_v it_o eight_o consider_v the_o miraculous_a plant_n and_o preserve_v of_o our_o church_n for_o many_o year_n first_o plant_v by_o king_n edward_n a_o child_n then_o preserve_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n be_v but_o a_o woman_n against_o the_o whole_a rabble_n of_o god_n enemy_n pope_n and_o spaniard_n and_o satan_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o instrument_n this_o be_v no_o small_a token_n that_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o we_o as_o of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v motive_n to_o we_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o nine_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n acknowledge_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o rejoice_v for_o we_o yea_o even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o against_o we_o for_o discipline_n as_o beza_n yet_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o state_n even_o as_o it_o be_v to_o many_o generation_n they_o be_v wise_a religious_a impartial_a yet_o they_o approve_v we_o me_n think_v it_o shall_v astonish_v the_o separatist_n that_o all_o be_v for_o we_o but_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o wise_a than_o all_o other_o sure_o it_o shall_v much_o encourage_v we_o to_o keep_v our_o hold_n and_o to_o have_v they_o in_o great_a jealous_o because_o they_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o will_v deceive_v us._n last_o who_o be_v they_o that_o condemn_v we_o none_o but_o papist_n and_o some_o hot_a turbulent_a spirit_n that_o have_v a_o great_a felicity_n in_o overthrow_v the_o society_n of_o other_o church_n and_o yet_o can_v thorough_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o their_o own_o church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o instruction_n respect_n second_o this_o teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o that_o in_o two_o kind_n first_o that_o god_n have_v be_v so_o favourable_a to_o this_o land_n as_o to_o enlighten_v the_o people_n thereof_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o now_o they_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n heretofore_o they_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n in_o heathenism_n popery_n &_o gross_a ignorance_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n a_o light_n a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a light_n even_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v shine_v on_o they_o and_o do_v shine_v on_o they_o so_o that_o they_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n how_o many_o nation_n be_v still_o overwhelm_v some_o with_o paganism_n some_o with_o judaism_n some_o with_o mahometisme_n and_o some_o with_o popery_n but_o our_o nation_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o profess_v but_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n practise_v too_o this_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v thankful_a to_o he_o for_o it_o second_o it_o teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o our_o birth_n and_o life_n have_v be_v respi●ed_v to_o these_o time_n of_o light_n if_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v watch_v we_o a_o good_a time_n we_o can_v have_v have_v no_o better_a than_o this_o if_o we_o have_v be_v bear_v a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n since_o what_o time_n of_o blindness_n have_v we_o be_v bear_v in_o but_o now_o ●h●_n we_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v in_o this_o great_a light_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o true_a and_o in_o a_o sound_n visible_a church_n except_o we_o will_v wilful_o neglect_v such_o mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o may_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o while_o we_o have_v this_o light_n let_v we_o labour_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o let_v we_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o this_o light_n let_v we_o live_v more_o gracious_o and_o holy_o than_o those_o that_o want_v this_o light_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o man_n life_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o religion_n last_o use_n let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o light_n to_o ou●_n poor_a posterity_n that_o be_v yet_o unborn_a that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o well_o provide_v for_o herein_o as_o we_o be_v even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n by_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o entreat_v god_n not_o only_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v in_o our_o day_n but_o that_o it_o may_v continue_v to_o our_o child_n and_o to_o our_o child_n child_n so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o use_n of_o instruction_n reproof_n the_o other_o use_v for_o reproof_n though_o they_o have_v be_v handle_v heretofore_o by_o the_o way_n yet_o in_o the_o next_o lecture_n i_o will_v handle_v they_o purposely_o the_o nine_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o last_o lecture_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o so_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o speak_v in_o particular_a of_o our_o own_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o we_o deliver_v this_o observation_n concern_v the_o same_o namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v though_o it_o have_v many_o fail_n and_o weakness_n in_o it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n i_o do_v explain_v this_o observation_n and_o make_v proof_n of_o it_o by_o sundry_a reason_n i_o have_v also_o enter_v into_o the_o use_n thereof_o which_o i_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o for_o instruction_n the_o second_o for_o reproof_n we_o have_v handle_v the_o first_o sort_n and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o use_n papist_n and_o they_o be_v of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o two_o sort_n of_o adversary_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o separatist_n for_o we_o be_v close_o beset_v and_o hardly_o assault_v on_o both_o side_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n exclaim_n that_o we_o be_v no_o church_n or_o a_o false_a one_o because_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o the_o separatist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n exclaim_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o have_v separate_v from_o we_o and_o yet_o neither_o do_v the_o papist_n acknowledge_v the_o separatist_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o the_o separatist_n acknowledge_v the_o papist_n to_o be_v so_o manasseth_n against_o ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n against_o manasseth_n and_o both_o against_o judah_n
indirect_a allegation_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o god_n commandment_n bid_v we_o to_o do_v well_o and_o from_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o do_v well_o which_o rather_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o then_o imply_v any_o ability_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o in_o ourselves_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n we_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 3.20_o 28_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gal._n 2.16_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n &c_n &c_n and_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a james_n 2.24_o you_o see_v then_o how_o that_o of_o work_n a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o of_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o former_a except_o they_o will_v blaspheme_v and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v contradict_v himself_o but_o be_v plain_o speak_v of_o another_o say_v that_o be_v dead_a verse_n 90._o whereas_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o another_o justification_n that_o be_v before_o man_n as_o verse_n 18._o whereas_o this_o be_v before_o god_n ●ule_n the_o four_o instance_n christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n we_o hold_v and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o revel_v 8.3_o another_o angel_n come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n have_v a_o golden_a censor_n and_o much_o odour_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n who_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o law_n exod._n 28.38_o do_v appear_v before_o god_n make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o show_n of_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n neither_o for_o any_o one_o no_o nor_o for_o all_o the_o saint_n together_o to_o do_v the_o like_a rule_n the_o five_o instance_n the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n john_n 4.23.24_o that_o all_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n require_v even_o such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o exod._n 20.4_o 5._o thou_o shall_v make_v thou_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o &c_n &c_n this_o second_o commandment_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o this_o that_o the_o papist_n leave_v it_o out_o in_o some_o of_o their_o catechism_n and_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o commandment_n by_o divide_v the_o last_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tit●le_a of_o scripture_n for_o image_n neither_o precept_n dispensation_n exception_n or_o example_n approve_v ●rule_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v fearful_o threaten_v and_o strange_o punish_v the_o six_o instance_n our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n our_o communion_n be_v warrant_v by_o god_n word_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25_o &c_n &c_n whereas_o their_o mass_n have_v no_o warrant_n at_o all_o in_o the_o word_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o it_o find_v there_o nor_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n rule_n nor_o any_o intimation_n of_o repeat_v it_o but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v hebr._n 10.10_o 14._o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n once_o make_v with_o one_o offering_n &c_n &c_n the_o seven_o instance_n our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n our_o prayer_n make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n be_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o 15._o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o &c_n &c_n and_o so_o for_o the_o word_n to_o be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o have_v his_o warrant_n matth._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o prou._n 9.4_o 5._o who_o be_v simple_a let_v he_o come_v hither_o &c_n &c_n and_o esa_n 55.1.3_o loe_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n &c_n &c_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v so_o likewise_o have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n his_o warrant_n joh._n 9.35_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o our_o saviour_n require_v a_o explicit_a and_o particular_a faith_n in_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o &c_n &c_n that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 7.6_o give_v you_o not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n &c_n &c_n be_v a_o malicious_a pervert_v of_o christ_n word_n to_o his_o people_n destruction_n and_o their_o own_o ruin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o oar_n full_a weight_n in_o this_o second_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o try_v they_o in_o the_o three_o balance_n bal●_n the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o powerful_a to_o work_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o our_o call_n and_o the_o end_n of_o ●●_o what_o cold_a devotion_n will_v there_o be_v in_o we_o and_o what_o hourly_a prayer_n and_o little_a faith_n and_o less_o reverence_n as_o deal_v with_o man_n and_o not_o with_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o five_o instance_n rule_n if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n without_o image_n it_o work_v in_o we_o spiritualnesse_n and_o truth_n for_o we_o present_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o worship_n naked_o without_o any_o image_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o before_o a_o pure_a spirit_n we_o be_v stir_v up_o thereby_o and_o grow_v by_o use_n to_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o his_o own_o image_n to_o be_v spiritual_a man_n and_o spiritual_o mind_v &_o spiritual_o affect_v our_o understanding_n will_n thought_n desire_n meditation_n and_o course_n will_v be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a lift_v up_o to_o a_o high_a strain_n in_o affection_n and_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o to_o be_v true_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n against_o all_o carelessness_n and_o hypocrisy_n rule_n and_o formality_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n six_o our_o spiritual_a and_o true_a communion_n with_o christ_n against_o their_o mass_n by_o this_o communion_n christ_n spiritual_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o mystical_a body_n here_o faith_n do_v her_o right_a office_n in_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n sound_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n whereas_o in_o the_o mass_n there_o be_v but_o the_o flesh_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n profit_v nothing_o and_o the_o bodily_a eye_n and_o hand_n and_o mouth_n and_o belly_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o &_o faith_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o seven_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v carry_v open_o rule_n and_o not_o in_o a_o cloud_n then_o all_o be_v do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a will_n desire_n devotion_n affection_n and_o endevoure_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n as_o may_v best_o beseem_v he_o and_o