by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o newborn_a truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n &_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n &_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o
can_v not_o do_v it_o ergo._n so_o in_o like_a manner_n these_o man_n argue_v except_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n upon_o their_o disciple_n can_v enable_v they_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o heal_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n we_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v true_a elder_n but_o let_v they_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o a_o true_a presbytery_n see_v the_o vanity_n of_o these_o man_n and_o the_o instability_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n miracle_n will_v make_v they_o believe_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o may_v credit_n their_o own_o word_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a christian_n have_v extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a gift_n that_o ravish_v the_o world_n then_o into_o admiration_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o understand_a christian_n that_o those_o wonder-working_a miracle_n be_v but_o temporary_a as_o the_o miraculous_a feed_n of_o the_o people_n with_o manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o they_o be_v fellow-communers_a with_o the_o angel_n and_o continue_v but_o till_o they_o come_v into_o the_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n so_o those_o miracle_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n continue_v but_o for_o a_o time_n till_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v which_o be_v once_o do_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v leave_v to_o posterity_n and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v tie_v and_o command_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v 1_o cor._n 4.6_o and_o forbid_v in_o gal._n 1.8_o 9_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v though_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o after_o i_o say_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n be_v confirm_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o miracle_n cease_v and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o antichrist_n in_o 2_o thess_n chap._n 2._o that_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o strong_a delusion_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenes_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v so_o that_o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o deal_n of_o these_o man_n who_o in_o these_o day_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n when_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v forwarn_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o false_a delusion_n and_o command_v to_o the_o contrary_n show_v we_o some_o miracle_n say_v they_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a presbyter_n so_o deal_v the_o jew_n with_o christ_n what_o sign_n show_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o but_o when_o christ_n have_v show_v they_o sign_n upon_o sign_n and_o miracle_n upon_o miracle_n be_v they_o ever_o the_o more_o convince_v do_v those_o miracle_n create_v belief_n in_o they_o no_o sure_o but_o rather_o harden_v they_o and_o make_v they_o blaspheme_v when_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o say_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n so_o without_o doubt_n if_o the_o presbyter_n have_v those_o gift_n of_o miracle_n that_o they_o can_v gratify_v these_o man_n with_o daily_a prodigy_n and_o work_n of_o wonder_n they_o will_v then_o say_v they_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n abhor_v they_o the_o more_o there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n that_o he_o must_v rise_v early_o and_o never_o go_v to_o bed_n that_o will_v please_v all_o man_n and_o true_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o difficult_a but_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o any_o state_n or_o great_a council_n be_v it_o never_o so_o wise_a to_o please_v all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o god_n himself_o nor_o moses_n nor_o aaron_n his_o servant_n can_v please_v the_o israelite_n though_o they_o see_v never_o such_o wonder_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n to_o confirm_v their_o authority_n yea_o they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o their_o face_n that_o they_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o afterward_o they_o cast_v off_o god_n own_o government_n and_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o lord_n complain_v to_o samuel_n in_o 1_o samuel_n and_o will_v set_v up_o a_o government_n after_o the_o model_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o that_o book_n and_o not_o long_o after_o they_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o jeroboam_n time_n and_o teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n complain_v isay_n 29._o after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o reject_v god_n commandment_n as_o christ_n say_v matth._n 15._o and_o mark_v 7._o so_o that_o what_o they_o think_v best_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v ever_o best_o please_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o write_a word_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o often_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n command_v to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o say_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o in_o these_o day_n they_o content_v not_o themselves_o with_o that_o ordinance_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o say_v come_v show_v we_o some_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v a_o right_a presbytery_n our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o jew_n concern_v s._n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o himself_o john_n say_v he_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v behold_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v both_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o method_n or_o way_n god_n use_v to_o convert_v they_o they_o cavile_v against_o it_o and_o be_v never_o satisfy_v always_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o stephen_n tell_v they_o in_o act_n 7._o so_o now_o in_o these_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o miracle_n and_o a_o new_a way_n of_o teach_v but_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o listen_v after_o or_o to_o give_v heed_n to_o miracle_n and_o be_v send_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o and_o be_v command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5._o yea_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n luke_n 16._o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o miracle_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o can_v the_o presbyter_n do_v all_o those_o miracle_n these_o man_n desire_v they_o will_v the_o more_o reprocah_n they_o and_o exclaim_v against_o they_o &_o affirm_v they_o wrought_v by_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o jew_n tell_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o these_o man_n not_o only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o miracle_n but_o in_o all_o external_a performance_n for_o i_o be_o instruct_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o that_o the_o deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n shall_v come_v forth_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o for_o outward_a appearance_n shall_v equalise_v if_o not_o exceed_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o special_a command_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o and_o for_o my_o particular_a if_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o of_o never_o such_o seem_a sanctity_n sufficient_a ability_n unblameable_a life_n shall_v come_v forth_o and_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n manner_n or_o government_n then_o that_o i_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o shall_v confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n with_o never_o so_o many_o miracle_n i_o will_v still_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o write_a word_n and_o will_v never_o believe_v contrary_a to_o that_o though_o i_o shall_v undergo_v the_o great_a misery_n or_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o great_a want_n by_o it_o that_o any_o man_n ever_o see_v for_o i_o know_v that_o all_o these_o momentary_a trial_n and_o affliction_n be_v not_o worthy_a that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o for_o this_o very_a point_n of_o the_o
and_o i_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n many_o courtesy_n when_o we_o find_v little_a favour_n from_o our_o own_o brethren_n which_o their_o humanity_n i_o must_v never_o forget_v but_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n for_o ever_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v if_o then_o this_o my_o opinion_n be_v think_v orthodox_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o applause_n i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o a_o truth_n than_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n now_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a then_o it_o be_v good_a now_o for_o the_o change_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v change_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o truth_n but_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n the_o warrant_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n this_o word_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o my_o christian_a brethren_n in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o question_n now_o agitate_a among_o god_n people_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n concern_v church-government_n to_o take_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o those_o noble_a berean_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o either_o side_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o controversy_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledgeing_a a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o due_a and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n discipline_n right_o execute_v and_o all_o other_o performance_n which_o make_v for_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o assembly_n likewise_o they_o have_v all_o such_o office_n and_o help_n of_o government_n as_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v right_o employ_v may_v serve_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o and_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o as_o presbytor_n elder_n deacon_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n i_o say_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v whether_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n or_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o one_o presbytery_n or_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o many_o presbyter_n together_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o it_o be_v to_o depend_v and_o to_o which_o in_o all_o weighty_a business_n they_o be_v to_o appeal_v for_o any_o injury_n or_o conceive_a wrong_n or_o scandal_n or_o for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o church-discipline_n upon_o incorrigable_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n as_o admonition_n for_o give_v offence_n suspension_n from_o the_o ordinance_n till_o amendment_n and_o reformornation_n or_o if_o obstinate_a excommunion_n or_o whether_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n be_v they_o never_o so_o small_a several_o or_o consider_v a_o part_n and_o by_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v full_a and_o plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o great_a council_n or_o presbytery_n for_o transact_v or_o determine_v all_o difference_n about_o faith_n or_o manner_n among_o themselves_o or_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o grievance_n or_o abuse_n or_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o the_o party_n offend_v conceive_v they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o injury_n or_o wrong_n do_v they_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o two_o presbyter_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o as_o ample_a authority_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 17._o and_o to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o question_n which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v propound_v it_o in_o a_o simile_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o government_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n and_o of_o many_o other_o great_a city_n through_o the_o kingdom_n be_v call_v corporation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v majestracy_n and_o have_v in_o they_o a_o secular_a or_o civil_a signory_n or_o presbytry_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a principality_n and_o this_o government_n by_o which_o all_o citizen_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n who_o only_o by_o such_o other_o officer_n as_o they_o shall_v allegate_v be_v to_o manage_v and_o exercise_v this_o government_n so_o that_o all_o particular_a citizen_n and_o all_o the_o company_n of_o several_a tradesman_n be_v in_o their_o particular_a ward_n precinct_n and_o fellowship_n by_o their_o constitution_n and_o charter_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o counsel_n and_o be_v to_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o they_o upon_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n or_o conceive_v wrong_v or_o when_o it_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o stand_v unto_o their_o arbitrement_n now_o then_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o these_o several_a corporation_n whether_o the_o company_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v all_o their_o officer_n and_o exercise_v also_o a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o
without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a corporation_n through_o all_o county_n and_o the_o which_o corporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a company_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o affembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o and_o several_a association_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytrie_n or_o counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o the_o mother-churche_n be_v first_o govern_v all_o the_o daughter-churche_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v so_o govern_v and_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o of_o those_o primitive_a church_n as_o in_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n all_o of_o they_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o government_n then_o our_o brethren_n must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n ever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v several_a and_o independent_a presbytery_n neither_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v can_v they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n and_o warrantable_a authority_n that_o as_o the_o mother-church_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o great_a glory_n be_v govern_v so_o all_o other_o church_n must_v likewise_o be_v regulate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n isay_n 2._o v._o 3._o we_o must_v have_v both_o our_o law_n from_o thence_o and_o our_o pattern_n of_o government_n and_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o pattern_n of_o their_o proceed_n now_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v handle_v in_o good_a order_n and_o in_o a_o methodical_a way_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o whole_a disputation_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n into_o these_o four_o proposition_n and_o prove_v they_o in_o order_n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assemâ—â—â—â—â—_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o church-followship_a especial_o of_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o satrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o act_v 8._o v._o â—_o the_o second_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n the_o three_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n govern_v order_v and_o rule_v this_o church_n joint_o and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n and_o presbytery_n the_o four_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n
the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a to_o i_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n and_o name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o aristocracy_n or_o signory_n or_o court_n that_o be_v a_o company_n or_o senate_n or_o council_n of_o grave_n wise_a and_o understand_a man_n invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v order_v and_o command_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n be_v put_v and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o civil_a polity_n and_o government_n so_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a by_o a_o presbytery_n we_o understand_v a_o religious_a grave_a solid_a learned_a and_o wise_a council_n of_o divine_n and_o minister_n or_o man_n of_o inveterate_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o command_n with_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o which_o man_n likewise_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o and_o be_v hereunto_o call_v by_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n which_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a people_n can_v do_v and_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o they_o all_o and_o for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n over_o the_o church_n for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o king_n and_o ruler_n be_v by_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o borrow_a speech_n call_v pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v say_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o word_n be_v understand_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o moderate_a authority_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n over_o they_o so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v call_v the_o pastor_n and_o shepherd_n yea_o and_o steward_n over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v they_o by_o which_o metaphor_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o of_o preach_v and_o rule_v and_o have_v the_o government_n over_o those_o flock_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o must_v always_o exercise_v according_a to_o god_n word_n they_o must_v feed_v they_o and_o rule_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o after_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 24._o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o may_v not_o usurp_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n or_o power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n as_o if_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o flock_n depend_v on_o they_o which_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o their_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o shall_v comfort_v they_o and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o use_v all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o be_v possible_a like_o good_a shepherd_n to_o preserve_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o straggle_v and_o stray_v not_o from_o christ_n fold_n and_o run_v not_o into_o the_o byway_n and_o thicket_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o be_v corrupt_v with_o noisome_a food_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o among_o they_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o they_o bring_v and_o reduce_v they_o into_o order_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o sick_a feeble_a poor_a or_o weak_a that_o they_o cure_n relieve_v comfort_n and_o restore_v such_o and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o that_o be_v infect_v or_o scabby_a that_o they_o remove_v such_o from_o the_o sound_n till_o they_o be_v recover_v or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o break_a or_o wound_v that_o they_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o with_o all_o lenity_n and_o humanity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o common_a council_n govern_v and_o order_v their_o flock_n and_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o particular_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n under_o their_o presbytery_n and_o charge_n assume_v not_o any_o sole_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o themselves_o over_o the_o flock_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n without_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o that_o presbytery_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n under_o who_o command_n they_o be_v and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o a_o common_a council_n of_o godly_a grave_a learned_a and_o experience_a minister_n shall_v ever_o be_v more_o able_a to_o manage_v and_o order_v a_o government_n than_o two_o or_o three_o unexperienced_a man_n or_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o young_a people_n of_o which_o most_o congregation_n consist_v in_o who_o the_o sap_n of_o youth_n be_v not_o yet_o dry_v up_o or_o if_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o ripe_a year_n yet_o they_o know_v little_a what_o belong_v to_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o govern_v as_o man_n both_o of_o know_a learning_n ancient_a experience_n and_o honesty_n and_o approve_a judgement_n and_o integrity_n as_o a_o whole_a college_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a presbyter_n common_o be_v who_o by_o god_n himself_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o all_o ordinary_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o several_a charge_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v here_o to_o be_v answer_v unto_o make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v they_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n give_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o pprophecy_n act_v 19.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o 8.18_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o heal_v the_o sick_a james_n 5.14_o 15._o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n mark_v 16.18_o let_v say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n let_v they_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a and_o heal_v they_o let_v they_o by_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o disciple_n enable_v they_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o a_o true_a presbytery_n then_o will_v they_o be_v a_o right_a assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o the_o apostle_n successor_n but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v to_o other_o nor_o yet_o have_v for_o themselves_o in_o store_n any_o of_o the_o true_a apostle_n any_o of_o the_o right_a presbyter_n gift_n and_o character_n we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o such_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a word_n in_o print_n before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o desire_v there_o may_v be_v special_a notice_n take_v of_o this_o objection_n and_o such_o like_a for_o for_o aught_o that_o i_o know_v if_o any_o man_n will_v argue_v after_o this_o manner_n all_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o no_o man_n will_v have_v any_o creed_n or_o belief_n except_o he_o may_v make_v his_o own_o article_n as_o thomas_n do_v who_o say_v unless_o i_o put_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n and_o my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o as_o the_o jew_n say_v unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n thou_o that_o save_v other_o now_o save_v thyself_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o thou_o do_v this_o miracle_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v persuade_v we_o here_o we_o see_v they_o will_v make_v their_o own_o article_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v no_o creed_n the_o jew_n have_v learn_v this_o method_n of_o dispute_v from_o the_o devil_n who_o at_o his_o meeting_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o at_o his_o first_o assault_n thus_o dispute_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o and_o will_v have_v the_o world_n so_o believe_v and_o i_o too_o on_o thou_o then_o command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n do_v this_o miracle_n first_o but_o thou_o
not_o have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o whereas_o the_o pharisee_n say_v none_o but_o the_o curse_a people_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n in_o this_o very_a chapter_n we_o find_v one_o ruler_n one_o nicodemus_n verse_n 50._o none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o in_o john_n 12.42_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o verse_n 11._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v away_o and_o believe_v on_o jesus_n here_o be_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o verse_n 19_o the_o pharisee_n therefore_o say_v among_o themselves_o perceive_v you_o how_o you_o prevail_v nothing_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o these_o word_n the_o pharisee_n speak_v in_o private_a among_o themselves_o deliberate_o and_o confess_v that_o the_o world_n of_o man_n be_v turn_v christian_n all_o jerusalem_n swarm_v with_o believer_n without_o doubt_v all_o these_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o indeed_o through_o all_o the_o evangelist_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v matth._n 7.29_o because_o he_o teach_v they_o as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o do_v such_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o john_n 7.31_o they_o confess_v none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n and_o in_o chap._n 12._o verse_n 11._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o raise_n up_o lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a make_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o people_n follow_v he_o and_o do_v so_o high_o honour_v he_o and_o magnify_v he_o and_o do_v receive_v he_o come_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o such_o a_o acclamation_n cry_v hosanna_n as_o in_o this_o 12_o chapter_n be_v specify_v and_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o matth._n 21.8_o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n spread_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o way_n and_o other_o cut_v down_o branch_n and_o the_o people_n that_o go_v before_o &_o they_o that_o come_v after_o cry_v hosanna_n &_o say_v this_o be_v jesus_n the_o prophet_n of_o nazareth_n they_o all_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o confess_v he_o before_o the_o world_n now_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o shall_v confess_v i_o and_o own_v i_o before_o man_n i_o will_v confess_v and_o own_v he_o before_o my_o father_n in_o heaven_n here_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n of_o believer_n and_o confessor_n yea_o the_o very_a child_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o open_o and_o in_o the_o temple_n cry_v hosanna_n and_o christ_n himself_o allow_v of_o their_o testimony_n and_o avouch_v they_o do_v well_o and_o according_o as_o be_v write_v and_o in_o luke_n 19.47_o 48._o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o teach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o they_o may_v do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o universality_n therefore_o of_o the_o people_n by_o all_o these_o place_n be_v believer_n and_o such_o as_o follow_v christ_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v wonder_v how_o that_o jerusalem_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a city_n can_v contain_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o improbable_a it_o be_v that_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n can_v contain_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o the_o great_a miracle_n at_o his_o suffer_v and_o at_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o apparition_n of_o so_o many_o that_o rose_n from_o their_o grave_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n make_v a_o great_a increase_n and_o addition_n of_o disciple_n and_o new_a believer_n so_o that_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o augment_v we_o find_v no_o diminution_n but_o if_o some_o that_o follow_v christ_n for_o bread_n that_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n leave_v follow_v he_o yet_o in_o those_o place_n we_o read_v again_o and_o again_o of_o numberless_a company_n that_o daily_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v force_v to_o baptize_v in_o several_a place_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o john_n 3.23_o after_o these_o day_n come_v jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n into_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o there_o he_o tarry_v with_o they_o and_o baptize_v and_o john_n also_o be_v baptise_v in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o &_o they_o come_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o very_a reason_n will_v tell_v all_o man_n that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o none_o be_v baptise_a but_o believer_n that_o must_v take_v up_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n or_o thereabouts_o for_o our_o saviour_n have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o 70._o disciple_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 9_o of_o luke_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o john_n have_v also_o many_o disciple_n though_o not_o so_o many_o as_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o many_o of_o they_o in_o work_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o the_o very_a devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o as_o they_o rejoice_o confess_v to_o christ_n when_o they_o return_v to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o these_o miracle_n wrought_v so_o with_o the_o very_a disciple_n they_o prevail_v much_o more_o general_o with_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v so_o that_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptise_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o inform_v we_o and_o of_o necessity_n so_o many_o minister_n must_v have_v several_a place_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o several_a place_n to_o baptise_v in_o for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v great_a confusion_n for_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v speak_v at_o once_o and_o all_o these_o disciple_n be_v take_v up_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n and_o have_v their_o hand_n full_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o sufficient_o declare_v in_o express_a word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n disciple_n baptise_a in_o judaea_n and_o john_n in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v too_o little_a water_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o in_o other_o place_n which_o expression_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o among_o those_o that_o come_v to_o be_v baptise_a multitude_n of_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o compare_v time_n with_o time_n which_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consider_v the_o divers_a passage_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o like_a division_n of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n some_o stand_n for_o christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o other_o that_o be_v of_o the_o pharisaical_a faction_n and_o of_o the_o high_a priest_n company_n as_o be_v even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n between_o they_o they_o call_v cavilier_n and_o those_o they_o call_v parliamentier_n now_o what_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o place_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n can_v contain_v all_o the_o parliamentier_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o what_o ten_o place_n can_v hold_v all_o those_o of_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n that_o contend_v for_o their_o bishop_n and_o service_n and_o all_o their_o other_o trumpery_n and_o accoutrement_n and_o yet_o although_o they_o be_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a assembly_n they_o be_v still_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o all_o of_o they_o of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o place_n change_v not_o their_o complexion_n so_o it_o alter_v not_o their_o faith_n nor_o manner_n but_o they_o continue_v still_o malignant_n and_o remain_v all_o member_n of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o in_o these_o day_n all_o that_o wish_v well_o unto_o the_o true_a religion_n through_o both_o city_n and_o kingdom_n and_o love_v their_o country_n stand_v for_o the_o parliament_n so_o in_o those_o day_n those_o that_o love_v zion_n and_o
but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n i_o must_v answer_v to_o some_o objection_n make_v by_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o the_o first_o of_o the_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o word_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o argument_n be_v these_o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n together_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o men_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o believer_n do_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n include_v or_o confine_v which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o learned_a man_n as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v shall_v so_o argue_v for_o this_o must_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o argument_n if_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o be_v not_o so_o numerous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o these_o in_o peter_n company_n be_v all_o that_o church_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v their_o meaning_n or_o else_o their_o argument_n conclude_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o invalidity_n of_o the_o which_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equallize_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o this_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n &_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21.22_o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church-officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o
place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergò_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v the_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n &_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_n very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 21_o 22._o and_o from_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 2._o &_o 4._o chap._n 8._o verse_n 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a &_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n &_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a and_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2_o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o v._n 12._o &_o v._o 42._o &_o chap._n 3._o v._n 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a
persecute_v their_o minister_n and_o teacher_n neither_o do_v i_o read_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n before_o this_o persecution_n that_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o massacre_v of_o the_o common_a people_n they_o have_v slay_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o stone_v stephen_n and_o after_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v how_o herod_n slay_v james_n and_o because_o it_o please_v the_o jew_n he_o proceed_v to_o take_v peter_n they_o always_o have_v their_o eye_n upon_o their_o teacher_n and_o hale_v they_o to_o prison_n as_o they_o do_v peter_n and_o john_n in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o act_n but_o for_o the_o people_n the_o only_a punishment_n they_o undergo_v till_o this_o persecution_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n if_o any_o of_o they_o do_v public_o profess_v christ_n indeed_o in_o this_o persecution_n their_o violence_n extend_v to_o the_o hale_v of_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n but_o before_o we_o read_v of_o no_o violence_n offer_v unto_o the_o people_n only_o they_o rail_v on_o they_o revile_v and_o reproach_v they_o as_o all_o wicked_a man_n who_o tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n use_v to_o do_v on_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a the_o same_o method_n do_v the_o prelate_n here_o in_o england_n use_v they_o chief_o and_o more_o principal_o persecute_v the_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n and_o minister_n every_o where_o and_o such_o as_o they_o think_v best_o able_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o select_v but_o here_o and_o there_o some_o private_a family_n for_o to_o scare_v other_o and_o this_o method_n antichrist_n and_o his_o complice_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a except_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o all_o their_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n the_o apostle_n only_o except_v be_v scatter_v for_o the_o word_n all_o in_o this_o 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if_o this_o particle_n all_o be_v always_o exceptive_a or_o take_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o in_o the_o large_a extent_n as_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n imply_v and_o will_v have_v it_o then_o there_o shall_v not_o one_o believer_n have_v be_v leave_v in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_o against_o the_o text_n for_o vers_fw-la 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o saul_n break_v into_o house_n hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n and_o this_o he_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o act_v 26._o ver_fw-la 10._o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o scatter_v abroad_o for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o prison_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v gather_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v in_o their_o several_a house_n or_o else_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v have_v no_o harbour_n for_o if_o all_o their_o friend_n have_v be_v scatter_v by_o this_o tempest_n and_o if_o all_o the_o sheep_n have_v be_v drive_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a flock_n disperse_v their_o pastor_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v follow_v they_o for_o he_o will_v be_v count_v a_o very_a bad_a shepherd_a that_o shall_v not_o follow_v or_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a sheep_n that_o be_v scatter_v by_o the_o wolf_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o who_o care_n he_o have_v commit_v his_o sheep_n and_o his_o lamb_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v they_o will_v relinquish_v their_o care_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o dwell_v among_o a_o company_n of_o wolf_n from_o who_o they_o can_v expect_v no_o fair_a measure_n then_o among_o the_o sheep_n but_o in_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n still_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n i_o rather_o gather_v and_o that_o without_o all_o controversy_n they_o continue_v there_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o they_o may_v comfort_v and_o support_v the_o church_n there_o and_o refresh_v the_o believer_n in_o this_o heat_n of_o persecution_n when_o they_o want_v the_o help_n of_o their_o other_o faithful_a minister_n and_o pastor_n three_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o text_n they_o be_v only_o the_o preacher_n that_o be_v scatter_v for_o verse_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n which_o expression_n in_o the_o original_a as_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o innumetable_a place_n signify_v such_o teacher_n as_o be_v minister_n by_o office_n and_o such_o as_o preach_v by_o way_n of_o sermon_n to_o a_o multitude_n though_o they_o may_v likewise_o in_o private_a conference_n instruct_v which_o their_o public_a ministry_n do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n may_v teach_v and_o instruct_v one_o another_o as_o aquilla_n and_o priscilla_n teach_v apollo_n and_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v to_o instruct_v one_o another_o col._n 3._o ver_fw-la 16._o yet_o this_o text_n speak_v not_o of_o such_o a_o teach_n but_o of_o preach_v they_o go_v every_o where_o say_v the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n for_o teach_v may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o preach_v be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n for_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n they_o may_v both_o public_o preach_v and_o in_o private_a converse_n also_o instruct_v other_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v whether_o they_o be_v send_v out_o by_o persecution_n or_o by_o mission_n as_o i_o do_v conceive_v of_o any_o of_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o be_v not_o many_o year_n since_o drive_v from_o their_o habitation_n and_o that_o be_v persecute_v out_o of_o their_o place_n by_o the_o prelate_n that_o they_o may_v have_v preach_v public_o in_o any_o congregration_n as_o minister_n and_o man_n in_o office_n and_o may_v also_o have_v instruct_v private_o but_o the_o one_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v their_o office_n and_o the_o other_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o may_v a_o well_o gift_a private_a christian_n instruct_v and_o teach_v other_o upon_o occasion_n and_o in_o private_a conference_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n but_o he_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o preach_v which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o one_o in_o office_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o pastor_n and_o such_o as_o for_o their_o sufficient_a learning_n and_o ability_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordain_v and_o set_v a_o part_n to_o this_o office_n and_o such_o only_o be_v those_o that_o be_v scatter_v except_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o all_o probability_n these_o minister_n and_o preacher_n that_o be_v scatter_v be_v those_o that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_n of_o mathias_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o more_o so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v gather_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n yet_o remain_v in_o their_o several_a habitation_n and_o dwelling_n except_o those_o that_o be_v hale_v to_o prison_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n yet_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v all_o the_o apostle_n abide_v and_o continue_v still_o among_o they_o all_o which_o make_v exceed_v strong_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n still_o in_o jerusalem_n which_o of_o necessity_n be_v force_v to_o divide_v their_o assembly_n into_o more_o distribution_n and_o less_o congregation_n then_o former_o and_o therefore_o rather_o multiply_v their_o assembly_n then_o otherwise_o that_o by_o such_o privacy_n they_o may_v avoid_v persecution_n as_o in_o our_o time_n good_a christian_n here_o in_o london_n be_v wont_a to_o
apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15_o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplycation_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_v of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22_o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v that_o word_n ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v about_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o 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the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n &_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n 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grand_a civil_a presbytry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a cale_fw-la intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n i_o look_v upon_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbyter_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slit_v as_o the_o fag_n end_v of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n &_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n whersoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o
the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o that_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 that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v god_n testimony_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o which_o he_o give_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o that_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 then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o abraham_n tolerate_v neither_o in_o his_o child_n nor_o in_o his_o household_n any_o religion_n contrary_a unto_o that_o that_o god_n have_v teach_v he_o nor_o suffer_v no_o idolatry_n nor_o sect_n in_o his_o family_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v to_o walk_v upright_o before_o god_n for_o it_o have_v be_v unjust_a deal_n with_o god_n so_o to_o have_v do_v for_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v to_o walk_v perfect_o and_o sincere_o before_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_v of_o a_o false_a god_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n which_o also_o be_v idolatry_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n but_o abraham_n set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o he_o come_v as_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o his_o life_n do_v abundant_o declare_v and_o so_o do_v isaac_n after_o he_o and_o jacob_n after_o he_o as_o in_o the_o 33._o of_o gen._n do_v appear_v where_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 and_o be_v clean_a and_o change_v your_o garment_n and_o let_v we_o arise_v and_o go_v up_o to_o bethel_n and_o i_o will_v make_v there_o a_o altar_n unto_o god_n who_o answer_v i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o distress_n and_o be_v with_o i_o in_o the_o way_n which_o i_o go_v and_o they_o give_v unto_o jacob_n all_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o jacob_n hide_v they_o under_o the_o oak_n that_o be_v at_o sechem_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o city_n which_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o pursue_v after_o the_o son_n of_o jacob._n in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v a_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n with_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n that_o do_v redound_v to_o all_o those_o people_n &_o nation_n that_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o root_v out_o all_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n out_o of_o their_o family_n &_o country_n for_o jacob_n give_v no_o toleration_n in_o his_o house_n nor_o among_o his_o people_n for_o all_o religion_n or_o for_o any_o other_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v he_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o only_a within_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o bury_v all_o the_o idol_n of_o what_o price_n and_o how_o rich_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o he_o find_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o his_o so_o do_v for_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o his_o faithful_a service_n bless_v he_o and_o protect_v he_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o all_o his_o provoke_v enemy_n for_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o pursue_v he_o and_o if_o we_o take_v notice_n in_o our_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v and_o that_o through_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n ever_o follow_v that_o people_n and_o those_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o their_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o country_n with_o special_a blessing_n and_o singular_a favour_n that_o purge_v their_o country_n from_o idolatry_n and_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o all_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o ever_o purge_v their_o country_n from_o idolatry_n and_o root_v out_o idolater_n but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v present_o appease_v by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v always_o record_v to_o the_o eternal_a praise_n and_o honour_n of_o those_o king_n ruler_n and_o judge_n that_o be_v most_o forward_o in_o reformation_n and_o that_o set_v more_o thorough_o upon_o that_o good_a work_n of_o reformation_n and_o those_o that_o do_v thing_n but_o to_o the_o half_n in_o reformation_n have_v not_o so_o honourable_a a_o testimony_n in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o god_n have_v ever_o be_v please_v when_o idolatry_n have_v be_v root_v out_o and_o idolater_n put_v to_o death_n there_o be_v many_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n among_o other_o that_o in_o the_o 32._o of_o exodus_fw-la how_o high_o be_v god_n displease_v there_o with_o the_o make_n of_o that_o calf_n and_o how_o well_o be_v he_o please_v when_o execution_n be_v do_v upon_o the_o contriver_n and_o author_n of_o that_o idolatry_n that_o place_n sufficient_o declare_v yea_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o deuteronomie_n the_o lord_n declare_v how_o much_o he_o detest_v idolatry_n &_o all_o false_a worship_n give_v a_o dispensation_n to_o child_n for_o disobedience_n to_o their_o parent_n who_o by_o his_o law_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o god_n matter_n so_o that_o if_o those_o of_o their_o nigh_a relation_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o entice_v any_o to_o idolatry_n or_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o false_a god_n or_o the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o false_a manner_n or_o shall_v endeavour_v but_o to_o bring_v in_o another_o riligion_n than_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v bring_v they_o forth_o and_o have_v justice_n do_v against_o they_o so_o that_o god_n abhor_v that_o any_o religion_n among_o his_o own_o people_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v or_o set_v up_o beside_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v command_v and_o he_o have_v forbid_v in_o his_o law_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v to_o themselves_o any_o grave_a image_n or_o set_v up_o any_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o but_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v ordain_v and_o enjoin_v and_o command_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n we_o see_v likewise_o what_o joshua_n do_v according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o all_o christian_n magistrate_n chap._n 24._o ver_fw-la 14.15_o 16._o now_o therefore_o say_v he_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o serve_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v that_o be_v on_o the_o 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that_o both_o he_o and_o his_o household_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n only_o and_o set_v up_o his_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o people_n likewise_o assent_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o tolerate_v no_o other_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v we_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o make_v we_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o tolerate_v no_o other_o service_n among_o they_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o appoint_v and_o this_o example_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o people_n
the_o order_n of_o all_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n do_v so_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o by_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o shall_v give_v toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o their_o several_a country_n and_o jurisdiction_n so_o that_o his_o people_n be_v scatter_v here_o and_o there_o through_o other_o nation_n by_o their_o sin_n yet_o find_v this_o favour_n that_o they_o also_o for_o the_o most_o part_n enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o religion_n though_o they_o meet_v sometime_o with_o most_o hot_a persecution_n but_o all_o this_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n alone_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o his_o over-swaying_a providence_n and_o guidance_n who_o ever_o preserve_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n though_o it_o be_v in_o babylon_n itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o the_o heathen_a neither_o will_v that_o toleration_n 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and_o to_o find_v out_o those_o that_o be_v idolater_n to_o punish_v they_o as_o any_o wise_a governor_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v use_v of_o the_o like_a query_n to_o find_v out_o man_n not_o well_o affect_v to_o religion_n or_o to_o their_o country_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n as_o if_o now_o any_o officer_n or_o commander_n under_o the_o parliament_n shall_v say_v to_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v jealous_a of_o be_v desirous_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o find_v they_o out_o choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o king_n or_o the_o parliament_n but_o for_o myself_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o parliament_n will_v not_o any_o by_o and_o by_o gather_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o only_a to_o find_v out_o malignant_n to_o punish_v they_o even_o so_o joshua_n a_o wise_a and_o religious_a governor_n do_v the_o same_o not_o that_o he_o over_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o that_o have_v be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o against_o their_o own_o example_n for_o in_o the_o 22._o of_o joshua_n we_o read_v that_o because_o the_o people_n have_v build_v but_o a_o altar_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o jordan_n they_o intend_v forthwith_o to_o make_v war_n upon_o they_o a_o precedent_n to_o teach_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v fight_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v go_v out_o to_o battle_n against_o they_o and_o have_v destroy_v they_o have_v they_o not_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o they_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o bring_v in_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a cavil_n now_o for_o that_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o gamaliel_n speech_n act_v 5._o ver_fw-la 38_o 39_o where_o he_o say_v refrain_v from_o these_o man_n speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o let_v they_o alone_o for_o if_o this_o counsel_n or_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o least_o happy_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n ergo_fw-la all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v this_o objection_n have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o that_o thus_o argue_v may_v well_o be_v make_v fellow_n of_o gotham-colledge_n as_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o their_o primer_n in_o polititick_n nor_o their_o catechism_n in_o divinity_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a with_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n out_o of_o man_n foolishness_n to_o procure_v safety_n for_o his_o own_o people_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o out_o of_o achitaphels_n wisdom_n to_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o himself_o and_o to_o turn_v his_o wisdom_n into_o foolishness_n for_o that_o which_o gamaliel_n speak_v be_v neither_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n nor_o as_o a_o christian_a for_o he_o will_v never_o be_v think_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o hear_v of_o any_o commotion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v the_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o suppress_v it_o shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o naught_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v oppose_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o let_v they_o alone_o will_v not_o all_o the_o world_n think_v this_o man_n a_o ninny_n that_o shall_v thus_o speak_v and_o a_o man_n unworthy_a to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n in_o any_o state_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n if_o he_o hear_v of_o any_o insurrection_n he_o will_v forthwith_o use_v the_o weapon_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o first_o seek_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o then_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o use_v the_o sword_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o this_o man_n will_v be_v think_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o not_o he_o that_o with_o gamaliel_n shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v on_o to_o do_v mischief_n neither_o do_v he_o answer_v as_o a_o christian_n for_o what_o christian_n that_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o new_a monstrous_a religion_n new_o print_v &_o new_o come_v forth_o as_o there_o be_v many_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v sell_v about_o town_n and_o country_n for_o penny_n apiece_o and_o shall_v understand_v that_o some_o of_o those_o ancient_a heresy_n be_v again_o revive_v as_o that_o of_o the_o arian_n pelagian_o or_o nestorian_n shall_v say_v let_v they_o alone_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o man_n they_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o they_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o lest_o you_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o so_o let_v the_o seducer_n go_v on_o without_o question_v they_o or_o suppress_v their_o heresy_n will_v not_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o he_o say_v sure_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v thus_o answer_v do_v not_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_n for_o a_o good_a christian_n like_o the_o good_a berean_o will_v say_v come_v let_v we_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v these_o new_a doctrine_n new_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n ch_n 15._o in_o that_o assembly_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v of_o god_n let_v we_o forthwith_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v suppress_v they_o and_o not_o say_v without_o examine_v of_o they_o as_o wise_a gamaliel_n let_v they_o alone_o that_o be_v not_o god_n method_n for_o god_n send_v his_o people_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa_n 8_o and_o proclaim_v that_o all_o that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o that_o all_o opinion_n not_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n be_v but_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v or_o suffer_v so_o that_o for_o any_o man_n to_o gather_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n from_o gamaliels_n speech_n be_v but_o to_o prove_v himself_o a_o mere_a groll_n and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o urge_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 22._o where_n answer_v the_o sadducee_n he_o say_v you_o doc_fw-fr err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n v._o 29._o from_o whence_o the_o independent_a brethren_n conclude_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v they_o only_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o yet_o tolerate_v
they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o magnify_v our_o independent_a brethren_n for_o their_o great_a learning_n some_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v scholar_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o i_o for_o my_o part_n believe_v it_o for_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n come_v with_o all_o man_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o if_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o illation_n from_o they_o as_o these_o be_v proceed_v not_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n never_o any_o do_v for_o what_o learned_a man_n that_o know_v what_o christ_n office_n be_v in_o take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o when_o he_o become_v a_o mediator_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o redemption_n will_v argue_v as_o these_o man_n do_v especial_o when_o christ_n have_v so_o often_o in_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o come_v then_o to_o save_v those_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v that_o employment_n till_o his_o next_o come_n when_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v these_o man_n will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o for_o so_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o maintain_v their_o own_o baggatelly_n beside_o christ_n come_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n for_o we_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o people_n and_o take_v no_o way_n the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n upon_o he_o but_o in_o scourge_v out_o the_o buyer_n &_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n that_o i_o remember_v and_o say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n or_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n only_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o law_n unto_o his_o people_n malachy_n the_o 4._o by_o his_o servant_n moses_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o law_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o punish_v all_o seducer_n and_o who_o shall_v have_v perform_v that_o work_n of_o justice_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v do_v not_o give_v liberty_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v out_o of_o this_o place_n argue_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o christ_n tolerate_v adultery_n and_o injustice_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v unto_o those_o that_o bring_v the_o woman_n to_o he_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n and_o when_o her_o accuser_n be_v go_v say_v unto_o the_o woman_n woman_n where_o be_v thy_o accuser_n go_v thy_o way_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v a_o toleration_n for_o all_o adulterer_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o luke_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o complain_v of_o unjustice_n do_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o brother_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o speak_v unto_o his_o brother_n that_o he_o will_v divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o to_o who_o our_o saviour_n answer_v man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n among_o you_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v toleration_n of_o all_o injustice_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o of_o the_o tare_n that_o spring_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n a_o argument_n which_o they_o much_o depend_v on_o ergo_fw-la all_o wicked_a man_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o no_o justice_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o till_o doomsday_n &_o they_o be_v to_o live_v without_o molestation_n and_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o because_o christ_n say_v let_v the_o good_a corn_n and_o the_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n who_o will_v not_o admire_v to_o hear_v any_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o either_o folly_n or_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v conclude_v among_o all_o learned_a man_n that_o simbolica_fw-la theologianon_n est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la and_o that_o the_o parable_n infer_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o private_a man_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o magistrate_n office_n or_o rash_o to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o place_n of_o ruler_n and_o governor_n but_o true_o all_o such_o consequence_n may_v as_o well_o be_v gather_v from_o every_o one_o of_o the_o above_o specify_v scripture_n as_o they_o gather_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o the_o sadducee_n and_o from_o the_o parable_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o argumentation_n as_o these_o be_v but_o poor_a prop_n to_o uphold_v their_o tenent_n for_o godhath_a give_v we_o that_o be_v christian_n both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o serve_n of_o he_o and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v direct_v what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o the_o punish_n of_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n and_o offender_n whether_o they_o be_v delinquent_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o although_o christian_n by_o the_o gospel_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o free_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o say_v to_o the_o israelite_n be_v you_o holy_a as_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v also_o to_o all_o christian_n be_v you_o holy_a as_o i_o be_o holy_a 1_o pet._n 1_o so_o that_o although_o the_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v yet_o the_o substance_n remain_v still_o in_o force_n and_o although_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o judicial_a law_n be_v take_v away_o and_o christian_n be_v not_o 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