13._o 7._o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o judas_n 8._o likewise_o also_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n i_o may_v at_o length_n enlarge_v if_o needful_a upon_o these_o passage_n any_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n but_o that_o what_o be_v say_v may_v satisfy_v such_o as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n then_o that_o the_o ancient_a apostle_n &_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n upon_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor-imposition_n upon_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a prentence_n of_o liberty_n so_o 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consolation_n that_o afterward_o fall_v away_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n that_o some_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o some_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o strive_v to_o sow_v division_n labour_v to_o stumble_v the_o weak_a and_o to_o cause_n offence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o then_o be_v more_o suitable_a and_o more_o christian_n then_o to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o labour_n and_o travail_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o remove_n all_o that_o be_v hurtful_a even_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o walk_v with_o jesus_n do_v before_o we_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a now_o must_v not_o they_o be_v admonish_v rebuke_v and_o withdraw_v from_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a or_o be_v such_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n that_o all_o iniquity_n must_v go_v unreproved_a must_v it_o be_v heresy_n or_o oppression_n to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o in_o love_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o corrupt_a no_o defile_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o careful_o and_o christian_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o restore_v they_o if_o possible_a and_o for_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o incurable_a i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n as_o a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o authorise_v a_o practice_n now_o that_o will_v deny_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o usefulness_n hereof_o but_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v as_o some_o have_v do_v do_v not_o you_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o the_o command_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o you_o now_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o you_o be_v again_o authorize_v and_o lead_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n do_v you_o not_o forbear_v some_o thing_n both_o practise_v and_o command_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n well_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n weaken_v this_o objection_n but_o present_v it_o in_o its_o full_a vigour_n and_o strength_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v clear_o and_o distinct_o answer_v thus_o first_o season_n and_o time_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o though_o it_o may_v cause_v thing_n to_o alter_v as_o to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o not_o usefulness_n of_o they_o second_o thing_n command_v and_o practise_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n fall_v of_o themselves_o whenas_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v be_v remove_v as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n now_o for_o the_o decision_n about_o circumcision_n see_v there_o be_v none_o contend_v for_o it_o neither_o as_o to_o the_o order_n concern_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n see_v there_o be_v now_o no_o such_o occasion_n yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o command_v enjoin_v in_o the_o same_o place_n act_v 15._o 20._o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n be_v now_o make_v void_a see_v there_o be_v daily_a need_n for_o its_o stand_n in_o force_n because_o it_o yet_o remain_v as_o a_o temptation_n man_n be_v incident_a to_o we_o confess_v indeed_o we_o be_v against_o such_o as_o from_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o if_o it_o be_v seasonable_a now_o to_o debate_v it_o we_o find_v but_o few_o to_o deal_v with_o who_o practice_n be_v so_o exact_o square_v seek_v to_o uphold_v custom_n form_n or_o shadow_n when_o the_o use_v for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v be_v remove_v or_o the_o substance_n itself_o know_v and_o witness_v as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o elsewhere_o answer_v our_o opposer_n in_o the_o case_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o bread_n and_o wine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o objection_n as_o to_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o wide_a in_o respect_n of_o such_o thing_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o substance_n of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n yea_o without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o people_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o own_o and_o believe_v original_o and_o principal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n have_v constrain_v our_o understanding_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v great_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v in_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a believe_v and_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n the_o same_o truth_n so_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o that_o from_o the_o letter_n have_v have_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v thereby_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n receive_v occasion_n to_o have_v they_o reveal_v in_o the_o life_n for_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v though_o often_o calumniate_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n so_o then_o i_o hope_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v i_o now_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a profitable_a yea_o and_o
the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n and_o other_o libertine_n the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o pretend_a church_n equal_o refuse_v and_o refute_v in_o a_o twofold_n apology_n for_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n call_v in_o derision_n quaker_n wherein_o they_o be_v vindicated_n from_o those_o that_o accuse_v they_o of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o such_o as_o calumniate_v they_o with_o tyranny_n and_o imposition_n on_o the_o other_o show_v that_o as_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v restore_v by_o their_o testimony_n so_o be_v also_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n reestablish_v among_o they_o and_o settle_v upon_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n by_o robert_n barclay_n phil._n 2._o 3._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v another_o better_a than_o themselves_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v print_a in_o the_o year_n 1676._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o his_o fall_a state_n and_o so_o averse_a be_v he_o from_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a and_o even_a path_n of_o truth_n that_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o be_v inclinable_a to_o lean_a either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o the_o left_a yea_o such_o as_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v obtain_v a_o entrance_n in_o this_o way_n be_v daily_o molest_v and_o set_v upon_o on_o all_o hand_n some_o strive_v to_o draw_v they_o the_o one_o way_n some_o the_o other_o and_o if_o through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n they_o be_v keep_v faithful_a and_o stable_a then_o be_v they_o calumniate_v on_o bothside_n each_o liken_v or_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o enemy_n those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v observe_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n but_o especial_o those_o who_o place_n it_o have_v be_v to_o reform_v and_o restore_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o decay_v or_o any_o considerable_a time_n have_v be_v liable_a to_o such_o censure_n hence_o those_o that_o set_v about_o repair_v of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v necessitate_v to_o work_n with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o defend_v with_o the_o other_o christ_n be_v accuse_v of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o samaritan_n and_o by_o the_o samaritan_n quarrel_v for_o be_v a_o jew_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v whip_v &_o imprison_v by_o the_o gentile_n and_o upbraid_v with_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o teach_v their_o custom_n the_o same_o paul_n be_v hale_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v kill_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o break_v the_o law_n and_o defile_v the_o temple_n with_o the_o gentile_n the_o like_a have_v also_o befall_v these_o faithful_a witness_n and_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o in_o this_o day_n to_o witness_v for_o his_o truth_n which_o have_v long_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v but_o now_o be_v again_o reveal_v and_o many_o bring_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o who_o thereby_o be_v come_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o people_n thus_o gather_v have_v not_o want_v those_o trial_n that_o usual_o accompany_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n &_o on_o the_o left_a each_o characterize_n they_o in_o such_o term_n as_o they_o haâ—e_v judge_v will_v prove_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o false_a witness_n against_o their_o lord_n do_v not_o agree_v neither_o do_v these_o against_o we_o some_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v foolish_a mad_a creature_n other_o to_o be_v deep_o subtle_a politition_n vizard_n some_o to_o be_v 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give_v they_o of_o christ_n for_o the_o gather_v building_n up_o and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o power_n and_o authority_n they_o also_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o other_o be_v that_o privilege_n give_v to_o every_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v teach_v thereof_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o both_o these_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n wrought_v effectual_o towards_o the_o same_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o do_v as_o in_o their_o nature_n they_o may_v and_o in_o their_o use_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o good_a harmony_n very_o well_o consist_v together_o but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n they_o be_v make_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o destroy_v one_o another_o for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o authority_n &_o power_n that_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n while_o it_o be_v annex_v &_o entail_v to_o a_o outward_a ordination_n and_o succession_n of_o teacher_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o cloak_n and_o cover_v all_o manner_n of_o abuse_n even_o the_o height_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o succession_n these_o man_n claim_v the_o like_a infallibility_n that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o any_o inward_a work_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n will_v needs_o oblige_v all_o other_o to_o acquiesce_v and_o agree_v to_o their_o conclusion_n however_o different_a from_o or_o contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o for_o any_o to_o call_v such_o conclusion_n in_o question_n or_o examine_v they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o heinous_a heresy_n deserve_v death_n etc._n etc._n or_o while_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n be_v whole_o bind_v up_o to_o these_o thing_n already_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o if_o god_n have_v speak_v his_o last_o word_n there_o to_o his_o people_n revelation_n we_o be_v put_v with_o our_o own_o natural_a understanding_n to_o debate_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o force_v to_o interpret_v they_o not_o as_o they_o plain_o speak_v but_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o a_o certain_a faith_n make_v by_o man_n not_o so_o much_o contrive_v to_o answer_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v strain_v to_o vindicate_v it_o which_o to_o doubt_v of_o be_v also_o count_v heresy_n deserve_v no_o less_o than_o ejection_n out_o of_o our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o be_v rob_v of_o the_o common_a aid_n our_o nativity_n entitle_v we_o to_o and_o on_o this_o hand_n we_o may_v bold_o say_v both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o inward_a motion_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o
absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n none_o will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v savour_v ill_a among_o any_o serious_a solid_a christian_n for_o i_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o this_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o find_v it_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n christ_n command_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v and_o recommend_v it_o now_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v they_o and_o maintain_v they_o again_o after_o the_o apostasy_n in_o their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a purity_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v now_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o like_a holy_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o be_v now_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n minister_v to_o we_o therefore_o what_o can_v any_o christianly_o or_o rational_o object_v against_o it_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o old_a be_v undeniable_a what_o kind_n of_o ground_n than_o can_v any_o such_o opposer_n have_v for_o to_o such_o as_o scruple_v at_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v our_o principle_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n or_o imitation_n more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n see_v as_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v people_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v do_v but_o as_o truth_n move_v and_o draw_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v also_o no_o less_o needful_a when_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a as_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v wrong_n be_v remove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a cherish_v and_o encourage_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o ought_v now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o to_o be_v order_n &_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v first_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o second_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v three_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o a_o other_o than_o the_o oppressive_a and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a then_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v proper_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n for_o some_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o at_o least_o afraid_a of_o the_o very_a word_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o like_a pretence_n have_v be_v the_o great_a weapon_n wherewith_o antichrist_n and_o the_o apostate_n christian_n have_v be_v these_o many_o generation_n persecute_v the_o woman_n and_o war_a against_o the_o manchild_n and_o indeed_o great_a dispute_n have_v be_v among_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n in_o the_o apostasy_n concern_v this_o church_n what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v so_o account_v which_o i_o find_v not_o my_o place_n at_o present_a to_o dive_v much_o in_o but_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_a testimony_n the_o word_n church_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o gather_v company_n or_o assembly_n of_o certain_a people_n call_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v which_o be_v that_o the_o translator_n render_v church_n which_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n evoco_fw-la i_o call_v out_o of_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voco_fw-la i_o call_v now_o though_o the_o english_a word_n church_n be_v only_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n yet_o the_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v so_o render_v be_v take_v in_o general_a for_o every_o gather_v or_o meet_v together_o of_o people_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o town-clark_n of_o the_o ephesian_n dismiss_v the_o tumult_n that_o be_v gather_v there_o together_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act_v 19_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o church_n a_o church_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o meeting_n or_o gather_v of_o certain_a people_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o religious_a sense_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n whereby_o as_o a_o body_n they_o become_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a relation_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o conjunct_a interest_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o propagate_a these_o principle_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v right_a and_o therefore_o have_v a_o certain_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o on_o another_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v all_o occasion_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o break_v this_o their_o conjunct_a interest_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o or_o bring_v infamy_n contempt_n or_o contumely_n upon_o it_o or_o give_v such_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v or_o may_v be_v band_v together_o to_o undo_v they_o just_a occasion_n against_o they_o to_o decry_v and_o defame_v they_o now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v that_o church_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n whereof_o christ_n true_o be_v the_o head_n from_o snch_n as_o false_o pretend_v thereto_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o principle_n &_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n &_o order_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o the_o way_n and_o method_n they_o take_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v which_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o clear_v all_o mistake_v forasmuch_o as_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n among_o true_a christian_n which_o move_v they_o to_o gather_v together_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n define_v the_o church_n in_o his_o salutation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n so_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o a_o church_n meeting_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n claim_v towards_o those_o that_o have_v or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o member_n who_o own_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o go_v under_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o denomination_n who_o escape_n fault_n and_o error_n may_v by_o our_o adversary_n just_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o if_o not_o seasonable_o and_o christian_o reprove_v reclaim_v or_o condemn_v for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o far_o less_o who_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reprove_v instruct_v or_o reclaim_v they_o as_o fellow_z member_n or_o brethren_n yet_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o remove_v the_o general_a reproach_n from_o the_o christian_a name_n with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o
how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v among_o we_o when_o such_o virtue_n as_o which_o still_o accompany_v the_o truth_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v to_o be_v want_v shall_v we_o affirm_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o and_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v no_o less_o tendency_n moreover_o beside_o the_o enforce_v and_o intrinsic_a reason_n of_o this_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n approbation_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 6._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n if_o it_o be_v object_v do_v you_o reckon_v all_o unjust_a that_o be_v not_o of_o you_o think_v you_o all_o other_o people_n void_a of_o justice_n i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v he_o do_v not_o reckon_v all_o other_o unjust_a that_o have_v not_o receive_v then_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n moral_a and_o just_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o paul_n commend_v the_o nobility_n of_o festus_n he_o reckon_v they_o there_o unjust_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o comparative_o with_o they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o just_a principle_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o account_v they_o who_o be_v lest_o esteem_a in_o the_o church_n capable_a to_o decide_v such_o matter_n yet_o he_o suppose_v it_o safe_a to_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n though_o it_o be_v by_o take_v wrong_n or_o suffer_v wrong_n then_o to_o go_v before_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o hope_v though_o many_o occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v fall_v in_o among_o we_o since_o we_o 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true_a acknowledgement_n he_o that_o have_v be_v mistake_v or_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o have_v frequent_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o to_o the_o often_o refresh_v and_o confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v his_o promise_v among_o we_o in_o restore_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n now_o suppose_v any_o shall_v be_v so_o pettish_a or_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o agree_v in_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o unbeliever_n for_o though_o i_o reckon_v they_o not_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o heathen_a of_o old_a because_o they_o profess_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n yet_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n must_v be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o he_o that_o so_o appeal_v to_o they_o from_o his_o brethren_n i_o say_v such_o as_o so_o do_v first_o commit_v a_o certain_a hurt_n and_o evil_a in_o stain_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o that_o outward_a matter_n for_o which_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o run_v a_o hazard_n not_o know_v whether_o thing_n shall_v carry_v as_o they_o expect_v if_o they_o lose_v they_o have_v a_o double_a prejudice_n if_o they_o gain_v it_o be_v a_o too_o dear_a rate_n even_o with_o the_o hurt_a of_o truth_n be_v reputation_n which_o their_o outward_a advantage_n can_v make_v up_o if_o then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o even_o a_o spiritual_a good_a far_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v a_o positive_a evil_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o dye_n as_o to_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o good_a land_n and_o give_v the_o uncircumcised_a a_o occasion_n to_o rejoice_v out_o of_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o outward_a gain_n it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o suffer_v loss_n as_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o argue_v in_o the_o place_n above_o mention_v indeed_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o have_v be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o we_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o all_o nor_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v betwixt_o his_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o covet_v to_o meddle_v in_o their_o matter_n be_v persuade_v that_o either_o they_o or_o their_o cause_n be_v naught_o think_v praise_n to_o go_v d_o among_o all_o those_o that_o have_v go_v from_o we_o either_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o be_v so_o mind_v towards_o we_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v let_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o something_n or_o person_n have_v have_v this_o unanimous_a testimony_n concern_v we_o that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright-hearted_n people_n but_o whatever_o sense_n our_o enemy_n or_o apostate_n have_v of_o we_o who_o look_v asquaint_v on_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o aright_o in_o those_o they_o love_v not_o or_o be_v prejudicate_v against_o this_o we_o can_v say_v in_o the_o last_o place_n beside_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture_n above_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o daily_o abound_v to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o government_n the_o lord_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o do_v more_o &_o more_o commend_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v confident_o testify_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o hereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o which_o in_o due_a time_n will_v yet_o more_o appear_v that_o as_o through_o our_o faithful_a testimony_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o antichristian_a and_o apostatise_v generation_n the_o national_a ministry_n have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a blow_n by_o our_o discover_v and_o witness_v against_o their_o force_a maintenance_n and_o tithe_n against_o which_o we_o have_v testify_v by_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n of_o all_o kind_n as_o our_o chronicle_n shall_v make_v know_v to_o generation_n to_o come_v so_o that_o their_o kingdom_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o thousand_o begin_v to_o totter_v and_o loose_v its_o strength_n and_o shall_v assure_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n through_o truth_n be_v prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v we_o by_o come_v to_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o kingdom_n who_o judge_n for_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o such_o as_o preach_v for_o hire_n and_o by_o not_o minister_a occasion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v heap_v up_o riches_n and_o live_v in_o excess_n lust_n and_o riot_n by_o feed_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o iniquity_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o people_n for_o as_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o our_o faithful_a witness_v and_o keep_v to_o it_o the_o nation_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o disburden_v of_o that_o deceitful_a tribe_n of_o lawyer_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n who_o by_o their_o many_o trick_n and_o endless_a intricacy_n have_v render_v justice_n in_o their_o method_n burdensome_a to_o honest_a man_n and_o seek_v not_o so_o much_o to_o put_v a_o end_n as_o to_o foment_n controversy_n and_o contention_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v still_o feed_v and_o uphold_v and_o their_o trade_n keep_v up_o whereas_o by_o truth_n be_v propagation_n as_o many_o of_o these_o controversy_n will_v die_v by_o man_n come_v to_o be_v less_o contentious_a so_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v the_o
shall_v suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o irregularity_n and_o abomination_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o more_o to_o say_v against_o we_o but_o the_o solid_a and_o real_a reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o way_n herein_o will_v sufficient_o plead_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n and_o moreover_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v we_o both_o against_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o other_o four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o needful_a then_o to_o preserve_v man_n and_o woman_n in_o righteousness_n after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o also_o nothing_o more_o certain_a then_o that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n seek_v daily_o how_o he_o may_v draw_v back_o again_o and_o catch_v those_o who_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n escape_v his_o snare_n and_o know_v deliverance_n from_o they_o therefore_o do_v we_o also_o meet_v together_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v if_o any_o have_v fall_v under_o his_o temptation_n that_o we_o may_v restore_v they_o again_o if_o possible_a or_o otherwise_o separate_v they_o from_o we_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o we_o may_v be_v just_o blame_v as_o such_o among_o who_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o commit_v any_o evil_a unreproved_a indeed_o this_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o libertinism_n which_o some_o have_v false_o accuse_v we_o of_o and_o which_o have_v be_v our_o care_n all_o along_o as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o have_v we_o seek_v always_o to_o keep_v the_o house_n clean_o by_o faithful_o reprove_v and_o remove_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o scandal_n follow_v thereupon_o private_a thing_n private_o &_o public_a thing_n public_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o propagate_v hurt_v and_o defile_v people_n mind_n with_o tell_v they_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v yet_o do_v we_o not_o so_o cover_v over_o or_o smooth_v over_o any_o wickedness_n as_o not_o to_o deal_v roundly_o with_o the_o person_n guilty_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o their_o acknowledgement_n before_o all_o to_o who_o knowledge_n it_o have_v come_v yet_o judge_v we_o not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o tell_v that_o in_o gath_n or_o publish_v that_o in_o the_o street_n of_o askelon_n which_o make_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a rejoice_v or_o strengthen_v atheist_n and_o ranter_n in_o their_o obduredness_n who_o feed_v more_o upon_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o imitate_v their_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o where_o we_o find_v a_o unfeigned_a return_v to_o the_o lord_n we_o desire_v not_o to_o remember_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v forget_v nor_o yet_o to_o throw_v offence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v stumble_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o our_o care_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n also_o be_v most_o needful_a and_o a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o government_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o as_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o divers_a scripture_n heretofore_o mention_v section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o respect_v outward_a thing_n and_o its_o authority_n in_o condemn_v or_o remove_v such_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v evil_a as_o be_v those_o which_o none_o will_v ready_o justify_v the_o necessity_n of_o which_o thing_n be_v such_o that_o few_o but_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o care_n and_o order_n in_o these_o case_n to_o be_v commendable_a and_o expedient_a now_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v thing_n of_o another_o kind_n which_o either_o very_o be_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o wherein_o people_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o act_n or_o forbear_v of_o they_o in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n how_o far_o her_o authority_n reach_v or_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o examination_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n second_o if_o so_o in_o what_o case_n and_o respect_n she_o may_v so_o do_v three_o wherein_o consist_v the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o last_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n or_o contention_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o will_v also_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o in_o this_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligattry_n upon_o believer_n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v and_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o first_o all_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v hold_v doctrinal_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o these_o that_o believe_v they_o matter_n of_o conscience_n we_o know_v the_o papist_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n such_o as_o be_v zealous_a among_o they_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v to_o angel_n saint_n and_o image_n yea_o and_o to_o the_o eucharist_n as_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v real_o christ_n jesus_n &_o so_o do_v other_o place_n conscience_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o wrong_a now_o i_o say_v we_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n without_o any_o constraint_n or_o worldly_a respect_n but_o by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o truth_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o its_o power_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o heart_n these_o priâ—â—â—â—â—es_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o practice_n necssary_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o inward_a and_o the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o now_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o so_o engage_v with_o we_o shall_v arise_v to_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o these_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o be_v one_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o body_n have_v power_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o declare_v this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o therefore_o we_o pronounce_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v wrong_n with_o which_o we_o can_v have_v unity_n nor_o yet_o any_o more_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o those_o as_o hold_v they_o and_o so_o such_o cut_n themselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n by_o dissolve_v the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n now_o this_o can_v be_v account_v tyranny_n and_o oppression_n no_o more_o then_o in_o a_o civil_a society_n if_o one_o of_o the_o society_n shall_v contradict_v one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n upon_o which_o the_o society_n be_v contract_v it_o can_v be_v reckon_v a_o breach_n or_o iniquity_n in_o the_o whole_a society_n to_o declare_v that_o such_o contradictor_n have_v do_v wrong_n and_o forfeit_v their_o right_n in_o that_o society_n in_o case_n by_o the_o original_a constitution_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o contradiction_n imply_v such_o a_o forfeiture_n as_o usual_o it_o be_v and_o will_v no_o doubt_n hold_v in_o religious_a matter_n as_o if_o a_o body_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o fellowship_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o believe_v otherways_o natural_o scatter_v himself_o for_o that_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v he_o be_v take_v away_o and_o so_o those_o that_o abide_v constant_a in_o declare_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v and_o in_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o witness_v of_o he_o to_o other_o if_o need_v be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o do_v he_o no_o injury_n i_o shall_v make_v the_o supposition_n in_o the_o general_n and_o let_v every_o people_n make_v the_o application_n to_o themselves_o abstract_v from_o we_o and_o then_o let_v conscience_n and_o reason_n in_o every_o impartial_a reader_n declare_v whether_o or_o not_o it_o do_v
accord_v as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n 4_o for_o as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n and_o all_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n 5_o so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 6_o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n 7_o or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v 8_o or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n if_o any_o than_o shall_v quarrel_v his_o brother_n for_o exercise_v that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o body_n christ_n have_v call_v he_o to_o and_o will_v force_v he_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o office_n he_o do_v though_o he_o be_v not_o call_v to_o it_o here_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o impose_v upon_o it_o now_o all_o schism_n and_o jar_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o twofold_a respect_n either_o when_o any_o person_n or_o person_n assume_v another_o or_o a_o high_a place_n in_o the_o body_n then_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v in_o and_o so_o exercise_v a_o office_n or_o go_v about_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v or_o whenas_o any_o true_o exercise_v in_o their_o place_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o other_o rise_z up_z and_o judge_v they_o and_o will_v draw_v they_o from_o it_o both_o of_o which_o case_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o where_o some_o judge_v paul_n wrongous_o 3_o john_n 9_o where_o one_o exalt_v himself_o above_o his_o place_n judge_v who_o he_o ought_v not_o we_o see_v then_o what_o diversity_n be_v most_o usual_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o divers_a place_n that_o the_o several_a member_n have_v in_o the_o same_o body_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o it_o and_o every_o one_o be_v here_o in_o his_o own_o station_n in_o stand_v therein_o be_v his_o strength_n &_o perfection_n and_o to_o be_v in_o another_o though_o high_a and_o more_o eminent_a will_v but_o weaken_v and_o hurt_v he_o and_o so_o in_o this_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n that_o there_o may_v neither_o be_v a_o covet_v nor_o aspire_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n nor_o yet_o a_o despise_v or_o condemn_v on_o the_o other_o but_o beside_o the_o forbearance_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v most_o ordinary_a &_o universal_a and_o for_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o there_o be_v and_o will_v still_o be_v a_o need_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o gather_v or_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n also_o that_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v universal_o whereof_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n the_o first_o be_v in_o suffer_v circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o divers_a other_o of_o the_o legal_a and_o ceremonial_a purification_n and_o custom_n as_o may_v appear_v act_n 21._o v_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o certain_a day_n rom._n 14._o 5._o and_o the_o three_o in_o the_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o cor._n 8._o throughout_o here_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o and_o recommend_v a_o forbearance_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o for_o he_o say_v not_o any_o where_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o these_o thing_n such_o weak_a one_o be_v exercise_v in_o be_v thing_n indispensible_o necessary_a or_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o they_o have_v not_o be_v under_o such_o scruple_n provide_v it_o have_v be_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o true_a clearness_n and_o so_o of_o faith_n next_o again_o these_o act_n of_o forbearance_n be_v do_v in_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o such_o upon_o who_o the_o ancient_n and_o true_o deserve_v in_o its_o season_n veneration_n of_o the_o law_n have_v such_o a_o deep_a impression_n that_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o dispense_v with_o all_o its_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n and_o to_o such_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o a_o twofold_a forbearance_n first_o a_o certain_a compliance_n by_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v gather_v out_o from_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o see_v over_o these_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v condescend_v somewhat_o to_o their_o countryman_n and_o brethren_n who_o be_v weak_a two_o the_o like_a forbearance_n in_o the_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v they_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o allow_v for_o such_o weak_a one_o to_o propagate_v these_o scruple_n or_o draw_v other_o into_o they_o and_o that_o whenas_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o want_v this_o occasion_n will_v have_v be_v exercise_v this_o liberty_n or_o plead_v for_o it_o the_o apostle_n do_v down-right_o condemn_v it_o as_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v in_o all_o the_o three_o instance_n abovementioned_a first_o in_o that_o of_o circumcision_n gal._n 5._o 2_o 4._o behold_v i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o christ_n be_v become_v of_o none_o effect_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o of_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o positive_a may_v not_o some_o here_o have_v pretend_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v say_v though_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v dispense_v with_o circumcision_n in_o i_o yet_o if_o i_o find_v a_o scruple_n in_o myself_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o it_o out_o of_o tenderness_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a in_o i_o to_o do_v it_o more_o than_o in_o the_o jew_n that_o believe_v we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v here_o for_o such_o reason_v second_o as_o to_o observation_n gal._n 4._o 9_o 10_o 11._o may_v not_o they_o have_v answer_v what_o if_o we_o regard_v a_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n must_v we_o not_o then_o be_v not_o this_o thy_o own_o word_n we_o see_v that_o do_v not_o hold_v here_o because_o in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o return_v to_o the_o beggarly_a element_n three_o as_o to_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 3._o here_o we_o see_v that_o be_v account_v a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n which_o in_o another_o respect_n be_v christian-forbearance_n and_o therefore_o now_o and_o that_o in_o the_o general_a respect_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n vers._n 4._o for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o we_o see_v that_o in_o these_o particular_a thing_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o wariness_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o sometime_o forbearance_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n may_v be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o downright_a judge_v i_o suppose_v if_o any_o now_o shall_v arise_v and_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o claim_v a_o liberty_n for_o circumcision_n and_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o all_o christian_n will_v not_o with_o one_o voice_n condemn_v it_o and_o so_o as_o to_o day_n and_o meat_n how_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n judge_v it_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o certain_a such_o case_n which_o may_v fall_v in_o and_o a_o liberty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n which_o break_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o i_o observe_v at_o large_a before_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o spirit_n they_o come_v from_o and_o the_o occasion_n from_o whence_o and_o their_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o observe_v section_n seven_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n see_v then_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o both_o some_o may_v assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n than_o they_o ought_v and_o other_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o a_o liberty_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o
of_o what_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v in_o this_o treatise_n resolve_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o a_o visible_a people_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n that_o consist_v not_o of_o any_o society_n visible_o unite_v gather_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o unite_v in_o the_o joint_a performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o meet_v together_o pray_v preach_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v and_o still_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o this_o government_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o consist_v of_o certain_a meeting_n appoint_v principal_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v act_n of_o worship_n if_o the_o spirit_n move_v thereunto_o three_o the_o object_n of_o this_o government_n be_v twofold_a outward_o and_o inward_o the_o outward_o relate_v main_o to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a where_o may_v be_v also_o include_v marriage_n and_o the_o remove_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o thing_n undeniable_o wrong_a the_o inward_o respect_v a_o apostasy_n either_o in_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o have_v a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o either_o in_o deny_v some_o truth_n already_o receive_v and_o believe_v or_o assert_v new_a doctrine_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v which_o again_o to_o subdivide_v may_v either_o be_v in_o thing_n fundamental_a and_o of_o great_a moment_n or_o in_o thing_n of_o less_o weight_n in_o themselves_o yet_o proceed_v from_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o which_o in_o the_o natural_a and_o certain_a consequence_n of_o they_o tend_v to_o make_v schism_n division_n animosity_n and_o in_o sum_n to_o break_v that_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n that_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o be_v uphold_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o here_o come_v also_o under_o this_o consideration_n all_o emulation_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n and_o evil-surmisings_a four_o that_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o definition_n above_o give_v of_o it_o there_o will_v in_o such_o case_n of_o difference_n and_o controversy_n still_o be_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n either_o in_o one_o or_o other_o few_o or_o more_o five_o that_o this_o infallible_a judgement_n be_v only_o and_o unalterable_o annex_v and_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n meet_v or_o assembly_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o settle_a ordination_n office_n place_n or_o station_n that_o such_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o church_n no_o man_n man_n nor_o meet_v stand_v or_o be_v invest_v in_o any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o other_o term_n then_o so_o long_o as_o he_o or_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o live_a sense_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n which_o whosoever_o one_o or_o more_o inward_o depart_v from_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la lose_v all_o authority_n office_n or_o certain_a discern_v he_o or_o they_o former_o have_v have_v though_o retain_v the_o true_a principle_n and_o sound_a form_n and_o may_v be_v not_o fall_v into_o any_o gross_a practice_n as_o may_v declare_v they_o general_o to_o be_v thus_o wither_v and_o decay_a six_o that_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n have_v ordinary_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o such_o case_n through_o the_o elder_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o general_a meeting_n who_o testimony_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o reject_v without_o good_a cause_n neither_o be_v their_o take_n upon_o they_o real_o to_o decide_v any_o just_a ground_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o imposition_n or_o to_o quarrel_v their_o judgement_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v decay_v and_o have_v lose_v their_o discern_v as_o above_o seven_o that_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v in_o such_o case_n be_v no_o detract_n from_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n see_v the_o spirit_n have_v lead_v some_o heretofore_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v and_o that_o every_o pretence_n of_o unclearness_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o disobedience_n see_v that_o may_v proceed_v from_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n yet_o say_v i_o not_o any_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o before_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o who_o be_v every_o right_n will_v not_o want_v clearness_n in_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o last_o that_o these_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n taint_v with_o imposition_n or_o contrary_a to_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o fundamental_o differ_v from_o the_o usurpation_n both_o of_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n robert_n barclay_n the_o end_n end_n john_n owen_n charge_v we_o with_o so_o much_o ignorance_n that_o though_o he_o write_v against_o we_o in_o latin_a he_o fear_v we_o will_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o thomas_n danson_n about_o the_o sametime_o accuse_v we_o of_o be_v jesuit_n send_v from_o abroad_o under_o this_o vizard_n vizard_n so_o say_v james_n durham_n a_o note_a man_n among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o his_o exposition_n upon_o the_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15_o 16_o 17._o w._n m._n in_o his_o query_n query_n yet_o this_o not_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o inwâ—rd_n and_o invisible_a to_o wit_n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n where_o by_o we_o also_o have_v unity_n with_o the_o upright_a seed_n in_o all_o even_o in_o those_o who_o understand_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o enlighten_v but_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v this_o be_v as_o a_o outward_a bond_n and_o if_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v darken_v through_o disobedience_n which_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o outward_a bond_n so_o it_o do_v in_o the_o inward_a inward_a for_o some_o pope_n have_v be_v know_v to_o deny_v or_o at_o least_o to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n &_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n resurrection_n west_n conf._n of_o faith_n chap._n