absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n none_o will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v savour_v ill_a among_o any_o serious_a solid_a christian_n for_o i_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o this_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o find_v it_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n christ_n command_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v and_o recommend_v it_o now_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v they_o and_o maintain_v they_o again_o after_o the_o apostasy_n in_o their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a purity_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v now_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o like_a holy_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o be_v now_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n minister_v to_o we_o therefore_o what_o can_v any_o christianly_o or_o rational_o object_v against_o it_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o old_a be_v undeniable_a what_o kind_n of_o ground_n than_o can_v any_o such_o opposer_n have_v for_o to_o such_o as_o scruple_v at_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v our_o principle_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n or_o imitation_n more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n see_v as_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v people_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v do_v but_o as_o truth_n move_v and_o draw_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v also_o no_o less_o needful_a when_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a as_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v wrong_n be_v remove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a cherish_v and_o encourage_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o ought_v now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o to_o be_v order_n &_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v first_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o second_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v three_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o a_o other_o than_o the_o oppressive_a and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a then_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v proper_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n for_o some_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o at_o least_o afraid_a of_o the_o very_a word_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o like_a pretence_n have_v be_v the_o great_a weapon_n wherewith_o antichrist_n and_o the_o apostate_n christian_n have_v be_v these_o many_o generation_n persecute_v the_o woman_n and_o war_a against_o the_o manchild_n and_o indeed_o great_a dispute_n have_v be_v among_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n in_o the_o apostasy_n concern_v this_o church_n what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v so_o account_v which_o i_o find_v not_o my_o place_n at_o present_a to_o dive_v much_o in_o but_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_a testimony_n the_o word_n church_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o gather_v company_n or_o assembly_n of_o certain_a people_n call_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v which_o be_v that_o the_o translator_n render_v church_n which_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n evoco_fw-la i_o call_v out_o of_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voco_fw-la i_o call_v now_o though_o the_o english_a word_n church_n be_v only_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n yet_o the_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v so_o render_v be_v take_v in_o general_a for_o every_o gather_v or_o meet_v together_o of_o people_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o town-clark_n of_o the_o ephesian_n dismiss_v the_o tumult_n that_o be_v gather_v there_o together_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act_v 19_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o church_n a_o church_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o meeting_n or_o gather_v of_o certain_a people_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o religious_a sense_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n whereby_o as_o a_o body_n they_o become_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a relation_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o conjunct_a interest_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o propagate_a these_o principle_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v right_a and_o therefore_o have_v a_o certain_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o on_o another_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v all_o occasion_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o break_v this_o their_o conjunct_a interest_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o or_o bring_v infamy_n contempt_n or_o contumely_n upon_o it_o or_o give_v such_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v or_o may_v be_v band_v together_o to_o undo_v they_o just_a occasion_n against_o they_o to_o decry_v and_o defame_v they_o now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v that_o church_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n whereof_o christ_n true_o be_v the_o head_n from_o snch_n as_o false_o pretend_v thereto_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o principle_n &_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n &_o order_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o the_o way_n and_o method_n they_o take_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v which_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o clear_v all_o mistake_v forasmuch_o as_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n among_o true_a christian_n which_o move_v they_o to_o gather_v together_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n define_v the_o church_n in_o his_o salutation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n so_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o a_o church_n meeting_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n claim_v towards_o those_o that_o have_v or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o member_n who_o own_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o go_v under_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o denomination_n who_o escape_n fault_n and_o error_n may_v by_o our_o adversary_n just_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o if_o not_o seasonable_o and_o christian_o reprove_v reclaim_v or_o condemn_v for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o far_o less_o who_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reprove_v instruct_v or_o reclaim_v they_o as_o fellow_z member_n or_o brethren_n yet_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o remove_v the_o general_a reproach_n from_o the_o christian_a name_n with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o
13._o 7._o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o judas_n 8._o likewise_o also_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n i_o may_v at_o length_n enlarge_v if_o needful_a upon_o these_o passage_n any_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n but_o that_o what_o be_v say_v may_v satisfy_v such_o as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n then_o that_o the_o ancient_a apostle_n &_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n upon_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor-imposition_n upon_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a prentence_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o thus_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v in_o this_o place_n three_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v need_v no_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v &_o do_v well_o to_o exercise_v the_o like_a government_n upon_o the_o very_a like_o occasion_n for_o even_o reason_n may_v teach_v we_o that_o what_o prove_v good_a &_o wholesome_a cure_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n will_v not_o now_o the_o very_a like_o distemper_n fall_v in_o prove_v hurtful_a and_o poisonable_a especial_o if_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n not_o only_o allow_v we_o but_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v manifest_a though_o we_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n now_o fall_v in_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v that_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a with_o we_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v sharer_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o consolation_n that_o afterward_o fall_v away_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n that_o some_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o some_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o strive_v to_o sow_v division_n labour_v to_o stumble_v the_o weak_a and_o to_o cause_n offence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o then_o be_v more_o suitable_a and_o more_o christian_n then_o to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o labour_n and_o travail_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o remove_n all_o that_o be_v hurtful_a even_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o walk_v with_o jesus_n do_v before_o we_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a now_o must_v not_o they_o be_v admonish_v rebuke_v and_o withdraw_v from_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a or_o be_v such_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n that_o all_o iniquity_n must_v go_v unreproved_a must_v it_o be_v heresy_n or_o oppression_n to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o in_o love_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o corrupt_a no_o defile_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o careful_o and_o christian_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o restore_v they_o if_o possible_a and_o for_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o incurable_a i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n as_o a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o authorise_v a_o practice_n now_o that_o will_v deny_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o usefulness_n hereof_o but_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v as_o some_o have_v do_v do_v not_o you_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o the_o command_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o you_o now_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o you_o be_v again_o authorize_v and_o lead_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n do_v you_o not_o forbear_v some_o thing_n both_o practise_v and_o command_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n well_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n weaken_v this_o objection_n but_o present_v it_o in_o its_o full_a vigour_n and_o strength_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v clear_o and_o distinct_o answer_v thus_o first_o season_n and_o time_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o though_o it_o may_v cause_v thing_n to_o alter_v as_o to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o not_o usefulness_n of_o they_o second_o thing_n command_v and_o practise_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n fall_v of_o themselves_o whenas_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v be_v remove_v as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n now_o for_o the_o decision_n about_o circumcision_n see_v there_o be_v none_o contend_v for_o it_o neither_o as_o to_o the_o order_n concern_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n see_v there_o be_v now_o no_o such_o occasion_n yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o command_v enjoin_v in_o the_o same_o place_n act_v 15._o 20._o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n be_v now_o make_v void_a see_v there_o be_v daily_a need_n for_o its_o stand_n in_o force_n because_o it_o yet_o remain_v as_o a_o temptation_n man_n be_v incident_a to_o we_o confess_v indeed_o we_o be_v against_o such_o as_o from_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o if_o it_o be_v seasonable_a now_o to_o debate_v it_o we_o find_v but_o few_o to_o deal_v with_o who_o practice_n be_v so_o exact_o square_v seek_v to_o uphold_v custom_n form_n or_o shadow_n when_o the_o use_v for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v be_v remove_v or_o the_o substance_n itself_o know_v and_o witness_v as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o elsewhere_o answer_v our_o opposer_n in_o the_o case_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o bread_n and_o wine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o objection_n as_o to_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o wide_a in_o respect_n of_o such_o thing_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o substance_n of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n yea_o without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o people_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o own_o and_o believe_v original_o and_o principal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n have_v constrain_v our_o understanding_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v great_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v in_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a believe_v and_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n the_o same_o truth_n so_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o that_o from_o the_o letter_n have_v have_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v thereby_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n receive_v occasion_n to_o have_v they_o reveal_v in_o the_o life_n for_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v though_o often_o calumniate_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n so_o then_o i_o hope_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v i_o now_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a profitable_a yea_o and_o
he_o place_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v the_o refuse_v of_o hear_v it_o to_o draw_v so_o deep_a a_o censure_n after_o it_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v to_o follow_v the_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o apart_o though_o the_o matter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o so_o as_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o intrinsic_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o the_o transgressor_n to_o hear_v that_o one_o as_o well_o as_o all_o for_o that_o one_o advise_v he_o to_o that_o whiâ—h_n be_v right_n and_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a and_o they_o do_v but_o homologate_v or_o confirm_v that_o which_o that_o one_o have_v already_o assert_v yet_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n will_v not_o have_v a_o brother_n cut_v off_o or_o repute_v a_o publican_n for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o but_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o 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the_o thing_n at_o present_a in_o hand_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o real_o true_a as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v than_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v also_o necessary_o follow_v that_o such_o who_o real_o and_o true_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v right_o to_o exercise_v this_o order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v practice_v order_n and_o government_n we_o need_v but_o to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v a_o few_o pregnant_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n from_o verse_n 13_o to_o the_o end_n where_o at_o the_o very_a first_o meet_v the_o apostle_n and_o brother_n hold_v together_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n they_o begin_v orderly_a to_o appoint_v one_o to_o fulfil_v the_o place_n of_o judas_n it_o may_v be_v think_v this_o be_v a_o needless_a ceremony_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n countenance_v it_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v of_o these_o two_o man_n or_o of_o he_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n do_v not_o fall_v contradict_v their_o inward_a freedom_n or_o impose_v upon_o it_o but_o both_o agree_v very_o well_o together_o the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n and_o move_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o same_o in_o submit_v to_o their_o appointment_n moreover_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o may_v read_v act_n 6._o so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v a_o opport_n unity_n how_o they_o wise_o give_v order_n concern_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o appoint_v some_o man_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o here_o be_v order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v then_o as_o some_o say_v now_o we_o will_v give_v our_o charity_n to_o who_o we_o see_v cause_n and_o we_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o your_o appointment_n and_o order_n whether_o will_v god_n have_v approve_v of_o such_o yea_o or_o nay_o query_n three_o when_o that_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n fall_v in_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a or_o not_o to_o circumcise_v the_o gentile_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n see_v not_o meet_v to_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n they_o do_v not_o judge_v as_o one_o confuse_o suppose_v that_o this_o difference_n in_o a_o â—â—tward_a exercise_n will_v commend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n nay_o they_o take_v another_o method_n it_o be_v say_v express_o act_v 15._o 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o after_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v about_o it_o no_o doubt_n then_o there_o be_v here_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n tell_v their_o judgement_n and_o come_v also_o to_o a_o positive_a conclusion_n sure_o some_o behove_v to_o submit_v else_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v agree_v so_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n and_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v undeniable_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n practise_v a_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o and_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v they_o do_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n concur_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o singular_a practice_n but_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o doctrinal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o these_o follow_a testimony_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 15_o for_o though_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o instructer_n in_o christ_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n 16._o wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o 17_o for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o timotheus_n who_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n and_o faithful_a in_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v bring_v you_o into_o remembrance_n of_o my_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o i_o teach_v every_o where_o in_o every_o church_n here_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o absolute_a first_o in_o that_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o second_o in_o that_o he_o send_v a_o teacher_n yea_o a_o minister_n and_o eminent_a bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v apostate_n and_o dissent_v spirit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o give_v paul_n occasion_n thus_o to_o write_v as_o he_o testify_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n how_o he_o be_v judge_v by_o some_o of_o they_o he_o show_v how_o they_o be_v grow_v high_a ver_fw-la 8._o now_o you_o be_v full_a now_o you_o be_v rich_a you_o have_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o we_o etc._n etc._n may_v not_o these_o dissenter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v reason_v thus_o against_o paul_n do_v not_o this_o paul_n teach_v we_o at_o first_o to_o mind_v the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o follow_v that_o for_o no_o doubt_n that_o be_v paul_n doctrine_n but_o now_o he_o begin_v to_o lord_n over_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v be_v follower_n of_o he_o may_v not_o they_o have_v judge_v the_o belove_a timothy_n to_o be_v far_o out_o of_o his_o place_n may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o god_n that_o move_v thou_o and_o send_v thou_o here_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o lordly_a paul_n that_o seek_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n it_o seem_v thou_o come_v not_o here_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o with_o we_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o to_o mind_v we_o to_o follow_v paul_n way_n and_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v with_o he_o nor_o with_o his_o mâ—ssenger_n nor_o with_o none_o of_o your_o order_n and_o so_o forth_o do_v not_o this_o run_v very_o plausible_a i_o question_v not_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reason_v among_o
how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v among_o we_o when_o such_o virtue_n as_o which_o still_o accompany_v the_o truth_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v to_o be_v want_v shall_v we_o affirm_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o and_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v no_o less_o tendency_n moreover_o beside_o the_o enforce_v and_o intrinsic_a reason_n of_o this_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n approbation_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 6._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n if_o it_o be_v object_v do_v you_o reckon_v all_o unjust_a that_o be_v not_o of_o you_o think_v you_o all_o other_o people_n void_a of_o justice_n i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v he_o do_v not_o reckon_v all_o other_o unjust_a that_o have_v not_o receive_v then_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n moral_a and_o just_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o paul_n commend_v the_o nobility_n of_o festus_n he_o reckon_v they_o there_o unjust_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o comparative_o with_o they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o just_a principle_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o account_v they_o who_o be_v lest_o esteem_a in_o the_o church_n capable_a to_o decide_v such_o matter_n yet_o he_o suppose_v it_o safe_a to_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n though_o it_o be_v by_o take_v wrong_n or_o suffer_v wrong_n then_o to_o go_v before_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o hope_v though_o many_o occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v fall_v in_o among_o we_o since_o we_o 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true_a acknowledgement_n he_o that_o have_v be_v mistake_v or_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o have_v frequent_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o to_o the_o often_o refresh_v and_o confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v his_o promise_v among_o we_o in_o restore_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n now_o suppose_v any_o shall_v be_v so_o pettish_a or_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o agree_v in_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o unbeliever_n for_o though_o i_o reckon_v they_o not_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o heathen_a of_o old_a because_o they_o profess_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n yet_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n must_v be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o he_o that_o so_o appeal_v to_o they_o from_o his_o brethren_n i_o say_v such_o as_o so_o do_v first_o commit_v a_o certain_a hurt_n and_o evil_a in_o stain_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o that_o outward_a matter_n for_o which_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o run_v a_o hazard_n not_o know_v whether_o thing_n shall_v carry_v as_o they_o expect_v if_o they_o lose_v they_o have_v a_o double_a prejudice_n if_o they_o gain_v it_o be_v a_o too_o dear_a rate_n even_o with_o the_o hurt_a of_o truth_n be_v reputation_n which_o their_o outward_a advantage_n can_v make_v up_o if_o then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o even_o a_o spiritual_a good_a far_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v a_o positive_a evil_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o dye_n as_o to_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o good_a land_n and_o give_v the_o uncircumcised_a a_o occasion_n to_o rejoice_v out_o of_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o outward_a gain_n it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o suffer_v loss_n as_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o argue_v in_o the_o place_n above_o mention_v indeed_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o have_v be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o we_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o all_o nor_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v betwixt_o his_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o covet_v to_o meddle_v in_o their_o matter_n be_v persuade_v that_o either_o they_o or_o their_o cause_n be_v naught_o think_v praise_n to_o go_v d_o among_o all_o those_o that_o have_v go_v from_o we_o either_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o be_v so_o mind_v towards_o we_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v let_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o something_n or_o person_n have_v have_v this_o unanimous_a testimony_n concern_v we_o that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright-hearted_n people_n but_o whatever_o sense_n our_o enemy_n or_o apostate_n have_v of_o we_o who_o look_v asquaint_v on_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o aright_o in_o those_o they_o love_v not_o or_o be_v prejudicate_v against_o this_o we_o can_v say_v in_o the_o last_o place_n beside_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture_n above_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o daily_o abound_v to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o government_n the_o lord_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o do_v more_o &_o more_o commend_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v confident_o testify_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o hereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o which_o in_o due_a time_n will_v yet_o more_o appear_v that_o as_o through_o our_o faithful_a testimony_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o antichristian_a and_o apostatise_v generation_n the_o national_a ministry_n have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a blow_n by_o our_o discover_v and_o witness_v against_o their_o force_a maintenance_n and_o tithe_n against_o which_o we_o have_v testify_v by_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n of_o all_o kind_n as_o our_o chronicle_n shall_v make_v know_v to_o generation_n to_o come_v so_o that_o their_o kingdom_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o thousand_o begin_v to_o totter_v and_o loose_v its_o strength_n and_o shall_v assure_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n through_o truth_n be_v prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v we_o by_o come_v to_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o kingdom_n who_o judge_n for_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o such_o as_o preach_v for_o hire_n and_o by_o not_o minister_a occasion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v heap_v up_o riches_n and_o live_v in_o excess_n lust_n and_o riot_n by_o feed_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o iniquity_n 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