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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n according_a doctrine_n word_n 3,266 5 3.9423 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41202 A brief refutation of the errors tolleration, erastianism, independency and separation delivered in some sermons from I Job. 4. I, preach'd in the year 1652 : to which are added four sermons preach'd on several occasions / by Mr. James Fergusson ... Fergusson, James, 1621-1667. 1692 (1692) Wing F777; ESTC R21916 200,444 386

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trust_n act_n 17._o 11._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v by_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o thess_n 1_o epistle_n ch_z 5._o v._n 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v say_v despise_v not_o prophecying_n so_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n whatever_o be_v their_o fair_a pretence_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o foul_a error_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o second_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o word_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a ground_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o be_v build_v 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otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o there_o be_v toleration_n whatever_o be_v people_n difference_n let_v they_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o light_n we_o say_v again_o that_o what_o paul_n say_v of_o mutual_a forbearance_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o error_n but_o it_o must_v only_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o that_o be_v error_n of_o infirmity_n as_o rome_n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o and_o that_o the_o opposite_a meaning_n can_v be_v right_a because_o it_o be_v contrair_a to_o the_o current_n of_o many_o other_o scripture_n which_o command_v heretic_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n so_o this_o be_v another_o way_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o much_o now_o for_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o in_o the_o study_n of_o god_n word_n that_o you_o may_v attain_v to_o know_v god_n mind_n in_o it_o and_o so_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o think_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o other_o mark_n which_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o doctrine_n but_o the_o time_n be_v now_o end_v i_o shall_v only_o name_v they_o first_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n will_v have_v holiness_n follow_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o 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church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
suppress_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v not_o christ_n perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n yea_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v nothing_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o necessity_n to_o have_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o under_o the_o new_a the_o second_o argument_n we_o bring_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o native_a end_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a to_o wit_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 12._o to_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n to_o repentance_n matth_n 18._o 15._o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o so_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a original_a church_n government_n who_o end_n be_v spiritual_a can_v be_v no_o humane_a ordinance_n for_o such_o produce_v no_o supernatural_a effect_n therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o high_a warrant_n for_o it_o than_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o this_o that_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o make_v this_o argument_n that_o government_n who_o substantial_a part_n be_v all_o set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o alter_v it_o or_o put_v a_o other_o in_o its_o place_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o alter_v it_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v reckon_v up_o five_o thing_n first_o that_o church_n officer_n have_v their_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n thess_n 5_o 12._o 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o ruler_n or_o a_o officer_n with_o power_n to_o rule_v establish_v in_o god_n house_n what_o they_o say_v that_o by_o rule_v there_o be_v mean_v preach_v because_o minister_n guide_v people_n by_o preach_v be_v a_o frivolous_a exception_n and_o that_o because_o of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o rule_v be_v another_o thing_n and_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o exception_n affirm_v but_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o clear_a place_n for_o it_o in_o heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o there_o be_v officer_n establish_v with_o power_n to_o rule_n and_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o submit_v and_o give_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o so_o there_o be_v ruler_n officer_n establish_v in_o god_n church_n second_o the_o court_n and_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n and_o for_o this_o see_v matth_n 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n the_o adversary_n be_v so_o shamless_a that_o they_o say_v by_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o complaint_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o here_o mean_v and_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o judicatory_a here_o mean_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v member_n and_o therefore_o in_o five_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v whatever_o you_o to_o wit_v the_o apostle_n shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n give_v no_o power_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o sit_v in_o civil_a court_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o civil_a business_n the_o three_o substantial_a of_o church_n government_n that_o have_v warrant_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o subordination_n of_o lesser_a judicatory_n to_o great_a and_o this_o be_v warrant_v in_o act_n 15_o 2._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v up_o from_o antioch_n to_o a_o general_n council_n at_o jerusalem_n because_o the_o controversy_n in_o hand_n can_v not_o be_v end_v at_o antioch_n where_o there_o be_v a_o court_n with_o power_n they_o determine_v the_o question_n censure_v the_o schismatic_n give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o liar_n v._n 24._o the_o four_o substantial_a of_o this_o government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o censure_n 1._o by_o private_a admonition_n then_o more_o public_a matth_n 18._o 15._o the_o five_o thing_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o their_o censure_n which_o be_v not_o bodily_a as_o take_v way_n the_o life_n but_o spiritual_a to_o wit_n admonition_n reproof_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n matth_n 18_o 17_o let_v he_o he_o unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n and_o see_v he_o have_v do_v so_o what_o man_n dare_v alter_v it_o take_v any_o prudential_a way_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o charge_n give_v to_o preserve_v all_o these_o inviolable_a till_o christ_n come_v 1_o tim_n 5._o 21._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n so_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o till_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o argument_n there_o be_v a_o four_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o last_o which_o be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o house_n without_o any_o particular_a government_n only_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o appoint_v what_o government_n they_o please_v it_o will_v reflect_v much_o on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n his_o vinyard_n his_o garden_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o law_n to_o govern_v no_o court_n to_o guide_v this_o kingdom_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v by_o who_o and_o how_o it_o please_v he_o best_o 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rent_v of_o the_o church_n error_n 2._o second_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o scandalous_a person_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n defile_v the_o ordinance_n unto_o all_o who_o communicate_v know_v such_o to_o be_v there_o error_n 3._o three_o that_o a_o minister_n scandalous_a though_o not_o judicial_o prove_v such_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n so_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o receive_v either_o word_n or_o sacrament_n at_o his_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v in_o discipline_n with_o he_o error_n 4._o four_o that_o there_o be_v no_o special_a tie_n upon_o people_n to_o countenance_v the_o ordinance_n in_o that_o congregation_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n but_o a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o go_v constant_o where_o they_o may_v be_v most_o edify_v though_o with_o the_o discouragement_n of_o those_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o strengthen_v i_o have_v only_o mention_v these_o tenet_n without_o refutation_n be_v confident_a that_o none_o of_o christ_n minister_n to_o who_o herein_o 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immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o 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leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o make_v this_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o make_v much_o for_o it_o show_v he_o be_v do_v that_o which_o scripture_n foretell_v the_o messiah_n will_v do_v isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o in_o their_o word_n he_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o truth_n take_v from_o christ_n own_o low_a condition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o follower_n which_o make_v many_o bear_n off_o he_o for_o they_o expect_v a_o glorious_a messiah_n a_o great_a earthly_a monarch_n and_o because_o christ_n be_v but_o obscure_a and_o mean_a therefore_o they_o stumble_v and_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v blessed_n be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v in_o i_o the_o word_n render_v here_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v 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on_o the_o finger_n to_o make_v he_o more_o warry_a and_o to_o scar_n all_o justify_v person_n in_o time_n come_v from_o do_v the_o like_a we_o may_v so_o run_v through_o all_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n as_o that_o of_o independency_n whereby_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o presbytry_n o_o say_v they_o to_o put_v power_n in_o presbytry_n and_o make_v they_o receive_v appeal_n from_o congregation_n it_o be_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o nothing_o be_v better_a than_o that_o every_o congregation_n have_v complete_a power_n within_o themselves_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o guide_n not_o be_v countable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o christ_n this_o seem_v a_o specious_a bait_n for_o such_o as_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o when_o it_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o will_v be_v find_v most_o contrary_a to_o truth_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o a_o particular_a flock_n shall_v err_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v 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which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v accompany_v error_n be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o place_n that_o we_o already_o cite_v 2_o thess_n 2_o 2._o when_o we_o look_v on_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o foul_a error_n even_o when_o they_o be_v colour_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v if_o there_o be_v this_o hazard_n than_o you_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o righteous_a fear_n always_o i_o will_v seek_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v
that_o be_v censure_v so_o in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 3._o 14_o note_n that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o 1_o cor_n 5._o 5._o excommunication_n serve_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o mortify_v its_o lust_n and_o so_o although_o the_o word_n be_v only_o the_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o soul_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v exercise_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o word_n may_v work_v the_o better_a the_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n we_o have_v to_o establish_v a_o church_n government_n by_o divine_a right_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n practice_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o command_v give_v they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v then_o shall_v be_v a_o rule_n now_o and_o they_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n because_o the_o 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god_n yea_o to_o the_o bring_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n own_o house_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o the_o royal_a diadem_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o who_o have_v get_v good_a of_o truth_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v for_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a truth_n the_o question_n be_v concern_v ch●ists_n kingdom_n if_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o distinct_a from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v ●is_n own_o law_n office-bearer_n court_n censure_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o his_o word_n or_o if_o all_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o that_o purpose_n be_v to_o scra●ched_a out_o and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v what_o law_n rule_n court_n he_o please_v in_o christ_n house_n so_o it_o be_v a_o point_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v avow_v and_o a_o point_n of_o truth_n worth_a the_o suster_n for_o and_o which_o some_o have_v suffer_v for_o and_o boast_v in_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v this_o advantage_n beyond_o other_o truth_n that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o it_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a point_n he_o be_v accuse_v on_o by_o p●late_n and_o he_o avow_v it_o luke_n 23._o 3._o that_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n though_o not_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o point_n be_v chief_o lay_v to_o christ_n charge_n in_o john_n 18._o 33._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o and_o this_o be_v the_o p●int_n that_o be_v drive_v home_o by_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n john_n 19_o it_o be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v the_o point_n that_o straighten_a pilate_n most_o and_o put_v he_o to_o it_o to_o make_v christ_n suffer_v joh._n 19_o so_o this_o point_n have_v this_o advantage_n that_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n christ_n 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speak_v of_o for_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n must_v be_v expon_v according_a to_o the_o first_o part_n howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v now_o certain_o that_o be_v mean_v of_o other_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v before_o add_v and_o so_o this_o five_o thousand_o must_v be_v a_o new_a number_n five_o in_o act_n 5._o 14._o beside_o all_o these_o it_o be_v say_v and_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o six_o in_o act._n 6._o 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n they_o multiply_v and_o multiply_v great_o and_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n but_o the_o leader_n and_o priest_n also_o who_o doubtless_o will_v bring_v multitude_n with_o they_o by_o their_o example_n now_o all_o 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those_o far_a country_n be_v godly_a man_n who_o come_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n his_o come_n who_o be_v then_o expect_v yet_o they_o be_v dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o that_o time_n and_o for_o this_o see_v act_n 2._o 5._o and_o there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n so_o they_o have_v take_v up_o house_n and_o be_v dwell_v there_o and_o in_o five_o 14._o where_o peter_n begin_v his_o preach_a he_o say_v you_o man_n of_o judea_n and_o all_o you_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v this_o know_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n second_o we_o answer_v dwell_v where_o they_o please_v they_o be_v member_n of_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o appear_v from_o several_a thing_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o any_o but_o member_n of_o that_o church_n so_o in_o verse_n 47._o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n daily_o second_o in_o verse_n 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n etc._n etc._n three_o in_o verse_n 45._o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o give_v their_o good_n into_o the_o church_n treasury_n for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o four_o we_o find_v in_o act._n 6._o 5._o that_o they_o all_o join_v in_o choose_v the_o deacon_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n now_o sure_a these_o be_v action_n that_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o church-member_n this_o for_o their_o first_o objection_n their_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o say_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v express_o that_o they_o do_v meet_v all_o at_o one_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o evince_v our_o argument_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n do_v come_v together_o as_o for_o instance_n act._n 2._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v also_o say_v act._n 6._o 2._o then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 5._o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n now_o to_o take_v off_o this_o exception_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a of_o their_o objection_n first_o consider_v what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o their_o number_n and_o what_o thousand_o be_v in_o this_o church_n and_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n conceive_v how_o it_o can_v be_v possible_a that_o all_o those_o shall_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n in_o one_o place_n must_v be_v take_v in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o learned_a that_o the_o word_n here_o turn_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v a_o meeting_n together_o in_o one_o room_n but_o the_o agree_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o judgement_n in_o one_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o they_o cite_v act._n 4._o 25_o 26_o why_o do_v the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o the_o people_n imagine_v vain_a thing_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n stand_v up_o and_o the_o ruler_n be_v gather_v together_o against_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v there_o turn_v in_o one_o place_n which_o be_v here_o turn_v gather_v together_o and_o certain_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v prove_v that_o herod_n pontius_n pilate_n jew_n and_o gentile_n do_v all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n to_o consult_v about_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o they_o agree_v in_o one_o judgement_n and_o hearty_a affection_n about_o it_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n may_v well_o be_v take_v thus_o in_o t●is_n other_o place_n but_o yet_o to_o speak_v to_o these_o place_n further_a for_o act._n 2._o 1._o that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n it_o make_v nothing_o against_o our_o argument_n for_o the_o number_n be_v not_o then_o so_o great_a as_o we_o show_v it_o grow_v afterward_o and_o so_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n the_o same_o answer_n we_o give_v to_o that_o in_o verse_n 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n they_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o the_o full_a number_n that_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o so_o that_o although_o they_o may_v all_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o afterward_o they_o can_v not_o and_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o point_n they_o bring_v it_o for_o it_o be_v only_o mention_v they_o come_v to_o the_o temple_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o congregation_n partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n for_o it_o be_v say_v afterward_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n mean_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o from_o house_n to_o house_n in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n so_o that_o place_n make_v more_o against_o our_o opposite_n than_o against_o we_o for_o the_o other_o place_n in_o act._n 6._o 5._o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n be_v come_v to_o a_o great_a extent_n yet_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o whole_a multitude_n to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n can_v be_v mean_v all_o before_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o we_o say_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v mean_v a_o great_a multitude_n as_o in_o that_o of_o luke_n 8._o 37._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gadarens_n round_o about_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o man_n and_o mother-son_n or_o every_o individual_a person_n come_v out_o to_o meet_v christ_n but_o only_o a_o great_a multitude_n or_o otherwise_o the_o whole_a multitude_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a as_o luke_n 1._o 10._o and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n be_v pray_v without_o when_o zacharias_n be_v offer_v incense_n now_o this_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v that_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o but_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n that_o be_v present_a this_o for_o their_o second_o objection_n their_o three_o objection_n be_v this_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v such_o before_o the_o persecution_n that_o fall_v out_o act._n 8_o 1._o yet_o when_o that_o persecution_n come_v there_o
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o el●ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o me●_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o ●aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o james_n add_v somewhat_o to_o wit_n that_o however_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o to_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n they_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v &c_n &c_n v_a 20._o and_o therefore_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n intend_v to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v full_o to_o the_o point_n which_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o that_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o pen_v scripture_n four_o because_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o act_n 15._o 22._o 23._o act._n 16._o 4._o act._n 21._o 25._o now_o
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o this_o government_n by_o clear_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n else_o we_o must_v cast_v at_o many_o point_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o scripture_n consequence_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o change_v of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o ground_v a_o material_a point_n to_o wit_n the_o resurrection_n upon_o scripture_n consequence_n mark_v 12._o 26._o 2._o we_o must_v not_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o set_v down_o his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n we_o perchance_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o have_v cast_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o so_o many_o head_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o controversy_n shall_v have_v be_v shun_v but_o he_o have_v think_v otherwise_o the_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v scatter_v the_o parcel_n of_o every_o truth_n through_o his_o book_n intermix_v it_o with_o other_o subject_n as_o the_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o this_o to_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o search_v out_o his_o mind_n from_o scripture_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o come_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o this_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o you_o will_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o we_o be_v contest_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a concernment_n what_o will_v become_v think_v you_o of_o particular_a congregation_n if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n what_o division_n strife_n heresy_n schism_n will_v ensue_v if_o people_n be_v inform_v of_o these_o contest_v that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o where_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v follow_v the_o one_o half_a rent_v from_o the_o other_o excommunicate_v one_o 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