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scripture_n acknowledge_v church_n zion_n 52 3 10.4895 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26759 The utter routing of the whole army of all the Independents and Sectaries, with the totall overthrow of their hierarchy ..., or, Independency not Gods ordinance in which all the frontires of the Presbytery ... are defended ... / by John Bastvvick, captain in the Presbyterian army. Bastwick, John, 1593-1654. 1646 (1646) Wing B1072; ESTC R10739 685,011 796

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whether_o those_o scripture_n i_o cite_v with_o the_o argument_n deduce_v from_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v and_o persuade_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o learning_n will_v say_v they_o do_v but_o for_o answer_v master_n knollys_n himself_o grant_v that_o very_a many_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o none_o be_v baptize_v then_o but_o believer_n as_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o say_v he_o the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o say_v he_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v of_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o if_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o any_o argument_n with_o a_o senseless_a reason_n or_o two_o and_o a_o it_o may_v be_v be_v a_o sufficient_a conviction_n of_o a_o truth_n than_o master_n knollys_n will_v be_v a_o very_a precious_a disputant_n and_o to_o say_v bellarmine_n thou_o lie_v will_v be_v enough_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o papist_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o high_a concernment_n there_o be_v more_o require_v then_o bare_a denial_n and_o vain_a evasion_n and_o maybe_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o tell_v master_n knollis_n that_o he_o trifle_n in_o divinity_n and_o deal_v not_o like_o a_o serious_a nor_o learned_a christian_a nor_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o this_o be_v not_o in_o question_n between_o i_o and_o the_o independent_o how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n through_o all_o judaea_n and_o 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that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o 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themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_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 congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
as_o yet_o any_o particular_a visible_a form_v church_n for_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o branch_n and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n dialect_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o church_n body_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o my_o brother_n burtons_n unsound_a principle_n and_o this_o his_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o confident_a upon_o his_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o when_o he_o make_v not_o such_o haste_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v when_o he_o write_v this_o his_o book_n against_o i_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n he_o do_v about_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o be_o assure_v he_o will_v be_v high_o condemn_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o his_o party_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o know_v be_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n he_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o several_a congregation_n or_o church_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n howsoever_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o title_n unto_o our_o assembly_n i_o say_v if_o he_o shall_v but_o accord_v that_o both_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o church_n body_n though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n then_o likewise_o of_o necessity_n it_o will_v follow_v and_o he_o must_v yield_v unto_o it_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n because_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v all_o particular_a congregation_n and_o church_n that_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o they_o do_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n i_o say_v all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v part_n of_o that_o nationall_n city_n or_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n as_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v one_o of_o those_o conclusion_n i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n principle_n and_o for_o the_o better_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o same_o have_v all_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v challenge_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v then_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a have_v the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o it_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n officer_n so_o have_v every_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o that_o church_n though_o but_o a_o part_n and_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n enjoy_v all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v and_o therefore_o when_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n viz_o every_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o consider_v and_o as_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o either_o of_o those_o congregation_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o enjoy_v or_o can_v challenge_v for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o complete_a church_n than_o it_o follow_v and_o that_o necessary_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o the_o independent_o confess_v that_o all_o those_o congregation_n &_o assembly_n several_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o premise_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o undertake_v which_o be_v to_o prove_v those_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o i_o do_v by_o this_o argument_n all_o such_o assembly_n &_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a
church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v act_n the_o second_o that_o consist_v only_o of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n also_o of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v pag._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o those_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n within_o themselves_o and_o want_v discipline_n may_v be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o the_o church_n here_o of_o jorusalem_n be_v which_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n have_v no_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o dictinstion_n of_o officer_n &_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o it_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n &_o that_o because_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v draw_v these_o two_o infallibleconclusion_n the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o they_o want_v both_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o although_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n this_o first_o conclusion_n i_o say_v i_o infallible_o gather_v from_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v that_o have_v both_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a performance_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o all_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n for_o substance_n but_o all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o only_a glory_n in_o outward_a performance_n &_o consist_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n ergo._n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n &_o my_o brother_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o all_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_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 save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o master_n hanserdo_v i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n ensue_a and_o after_o i_o have_v dispatch_v that_o work_n i_o will_v then_o in_o like_a manner_n reply_v to_o whatsoever_o either_o master_n knollys_n i._n s._n or_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o large_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o my_o foregoing_a reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n speak_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a in_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o proposition_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o jndependent_o assent_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o will_v then_o also_o faithful_o relate_v their_o own_o word_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n make_v against_o my_o argument_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n my_o second_o proposition_n now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v far_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o ●hose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church-communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o place_n in_o the_o same_o story_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n to_o this_o proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n thus_o reply_v to_o which_o i_o also_o say_v he_o consent_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v neither_o bathe_v the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o therein_o i_o must_v manifest_v my_o dissent_n from_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n promise_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v sound_o prove_v it_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o reply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o do_v that_o insert_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o it_o with_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v and_o answer_v to_o they_o all_o in_o order_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o that_o shall_v without_o prejudice_n read_v my_o foregoing_a argument_n and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v write_v will_v conclude_v that_o master_n hanserdo_n be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o of_o as_o little_a honesty_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v credit_v in_o what_o either_o he_o say_v or_o write_v neither_o ought_v master_n knollys_n in_o this_o controversy_n especial_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o be_v both_o party_n witness_n jury_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v gather_v and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o by_o scripture_n sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n abundant_o evince_v it_o all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o understand_a christian_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v grant_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o challenge_v master_n knollys_n his_o promise_n and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o error_n and_o so_o relinquish_v his_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o can_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o not_o keep_v his_o word_n for_o david_n describe_v a_o
true_a saint_n psal_n 15._o verse_n 4._o say_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o now_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o saint_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o promise_n he_o will_v abandon_v his_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o because_o master_n knollys_n so_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o shall_v desirehim_v and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fellowship_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n who_o esteem_v of_o himself_o as_o none_o of_o the_o weak_a brethren_n but_o account_v himself_o a_o champion_n and_o therefore_o come_v out_o to_o dare_v all_o the_o world_n of_o presbyterian_o and_o yet_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o his_o book_n be_v allow_v of_o and_o high_o approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v it_o be_v license_v by_o their_o bachelor_n of_o the_o black-art_a of_o il-dependency_n that_o shotten_a herring_n in_o divinity_n who_o allow_v of_o all_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n and_o set_v his_o imprimatur_fw-la to_o they_o so_o that_o what_o he_o license_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o they_o all_o now_o i_o desire_v mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o society_n to_o listen_v unto_o their_o great_a rabbi_n old_a harry_n my_o courteous_a and_o learned_a brother_n who_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o first_o form_v church_n say_v he_o we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o church_n and_o they_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n together_o shall_fw-mi 1._o and_o in_o the_o temple_n ver_fw-la 44._o 46._o grow_v from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o five_o thousand_o ch_z 4._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n which_o assemble_v together_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o though_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o diverse_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v yet_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o this_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v abundant_o satisfy_v mr_n knollys_n and_o all_o man_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n add_v the_o testimony_n likewise_o of_o another_o faithful_a brother_n against_o who_o i_o presume_v mr_n knollys_n can_v have_v no_o just_a exception_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o approve_a and_o seraphical_a witness_n the_o brethren_n can_v never_o doubt_v of_o it_o any_o more_o and_o this_o witness_n be_v one_o saint_n hanserdo_v one_o of_o saint_n george_n for_o england_n his_o chaplain_n a_o man_n worthy_a of_o esteem_n who_o usual_o preach_v on_o horseback_n to_o the_o country_n courtier_n all_o the_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v mr_n knollys_n will_v give_v great_a heed_n to_o saint_n hanserdo_n testimony_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o he_o touch_v this_o point_n in_o the_o ten_o page_n of_o his_o learned_a book_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n domatim_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o which_o two_o testimony_n the_o one_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n the_o other_o of_o saint_n hanserdo_n all_o intelligible_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a credit_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n or_o those_o of_o his_o party_n shall_v affirm_v either_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n or_o what_o they_o shall_v relate_v concern_v other_o man_n for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o touch_v themselves_o viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n mean_v all_o the_o illdependents_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o concern_v myself_o of_o who_o he_o say_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n now_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o his_o assertion_n i_o have_v not_o only_o from_o scripture_n prove_v it_o but_o from_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n hanserdos_n their_o own_o concession_n make_v it_o good_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v to_o all_o the_o world_n accuse_v master_n knollys_n of_o calumny_n and_o dishonesty_n and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o he_o of_o a_o apparent_a untruth_n in_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdoe_v testimony_n do_v it_o for_o i_o for_o in_o their_o above_o mention_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o that_o in_o book_n approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o that_o way_n in_o those_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n conceptis_fw-la verbis_fw-la say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v but_o one_o entire_a church_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o where_o to_o break_v bread_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v and_o saint_n hanserdos_n his_o testimony_n be_v as_o full_a as_o my_o brother_n burtons_n for_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n meet_v day_n by_o day_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o brake_n bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o do_v communicate_v from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o saint_n hanserdos_n witness_v to_o prove_v many_o assembly_n be_v most_o evident_a so_o that_o both_o these_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v may_v congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v moreover_o that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n now_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o regard_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o master_n knollys_n or_o any_o of_o his_o faction_n when_o he_o and_o they_o at_o pleasure_n dare_v publish_v such_o notorious_a untruth_n as_o these_o for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o my_o brother_n burton_n notwithstanding_o and_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v in_o express_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n assert_v that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o yea_o but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n for_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o for_o want_n of_o so_o spacious_a a_o room_n as_o can_v contain_v they_o all_o to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o for_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n they_o be_v not_o
to_o be_v regard_v for_o all_o they_o of_o that_o fraternity_n be_v general_o so_o give_v to_o tell_v untruth_n that_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o believe_v they_o neither_o when_o they_o say_v true_a nor_o when_o they_o lie_v for_o they_o will_v lie_v by_o the_o day_n &_o by_o the_o night_n but_o out_o of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o brethren_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v what_o they_o both_o grant_v and_o first_o to_o consider_v my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n for_o he_o in_o they_o accord_v to_o these_o three_o thing_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n second_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a company_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o that_o church_n which_o do_v daily_o communicate_v in_o god_n ordinance_n several_o three_o he_o assert_v that_o all_o those_o company_n in_o those_o several_a private_a house_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n in_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n due_o to_o weigh_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o my_o second_o proposition_n and_o there_o he_o aaknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o grant_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o diverse_a congregation_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v a_o congregation_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o he_o grant_v also_o they_o have_v a_o assembly_n in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o he_o acknowledge_v moreover_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n here_o hanserdo_n assign_v innumerable_a place_n more_o than_o the_o temple_n and_o solomon_n porch_n wherein_o the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n communicate_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o day_n and_o those_o place_n be_v as_o he_o assign_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n for_o so_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o all_o interpreter_n and_o confess_v by_o mr_n knollys_n so_o that_o when_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o beside_o the_o temple_n and_o solomon_n porch_n wherein_o they_o meet_v every_o day_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n they_o break_v bread_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o also_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n than_o he_o in_o this_o do_v accord_n with_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o master_n knollys_n nevertheless_o deny_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v it_o when_o saint_n hanserdo_v nevertheless_o una_fw-la fidelia_fw-la dvos_fw-la parietes_fw-la have_v do_v both_o for_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n there_o second_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o first_o 5_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n so_o that_o master_n knollys_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o hereafter_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n when_o they_o shall_v due_o and_o mature_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v acknowledge_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o their_o pain_n for_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o independent_o principle_n but_o total_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n through_o the_o world_n preach_v up_o and_o publish_v in_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n that_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o no_o not_o in_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o this_o doctrine_n they_o have_v broach_v to_o all_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v persuade_v they_o that_o this_o be_v god_n way_n and_o the_o gospel_n way_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o they_o call_v it_o the_o congregationall_a way_n affirm_v that_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n and_o precinct_n consist_v but_o of_o as_o many_o as_o do_v all_o meet_a in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o call_v god_n ordinance_n and_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n both_o assemble_v and_o not_o assemble_v have_v be_v hear_v say_v and_o promise_n that_o if_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v unto_o they_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o diverse_a assembly_n of_o believer_n either_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n that_o then_o they_o will_v relinquish_v their_o opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v not_o any_o warrant_n and_o foot_n in_o god_n word_n and_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o concern_v the_o combine_v of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o their_o dependency_n upon_o it_o and_o their_o make_n of_o a_o subordination_n of_o many_o assembly_n under_o one_o aristocracy_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o many_o elder_n be_v god_n ordinance_n this_o i_o say_v all_o the_o independent_o that_o i_o have_v ever_o talk_v with_o or_o or_o by_o relation_n hear_v of_o have_v promise_v and_o by_o protestation_n engage_v themselves_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n either_o in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o primtive_a church_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n among_o the_o brethren_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o although_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o that_o one_o presbytery_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o which_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v be_v that_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a debate_n and_o because_o also_o mr_n knollys_n have_v so_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n of_o believer_n there_o for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o man_n and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o brethren_n may_v be_v the_o more_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o the_o simple_a people_n also_o may_v be_v undeceive_v i_o shall_v desire_v they_o all_o serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v thus_o much_o of_o they_o both_o that_o they_o withhold_v much_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o i_o say_v i_o desire_v all_o man_n advise_o to_o weigh_n what_o they_o be_v both_o constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v first_o therefore_o i_o will_v again_o set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o will_v repeat_v saint_n hanserdoe_v expression_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o word_n be_v these_o they_o be_v say_v he_o constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o diverse_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o grant_v that_o those_o several_a company_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o master_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o all_z the_o believer_n say_v he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o day_n by_o day_n these_o be_v saint_n hanserdoe_v own_o word_n now_o i_o
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_v and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judaea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o be_v abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_n unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o
office_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v they_o first_o in_o the_o mother-church_n jerusalem_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n say_v the_o prophet_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 yea_o they_o give_v those_o officer_n their_o name_n and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a office_n as_o be_v manifest_a act_v the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n they_o also_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o all_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o denounce_v war_n and_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thess_n 1._o verse_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n likewise_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_n and_o extreme_a refuge_n and_o relief_n and_o help_n all_o appeal_n be_v make_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o book_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n upon_o earth_n in_o god_n matter_n in_o who_o hand_n all_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o reside_v and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o they_o the_o which_o example_n of_o they_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o precedent_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o in_o that_o controversy_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o antioch_n through_o false_a teacher_n by_o who_o that_o heresy_n be_v broach_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o by_o which_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a lewes_z who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n because_o they_o do_v neglect_v those_o ceremony_n whereupon_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o for_o the_o decide_n and_o determine_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o know_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o dogmatic_a diatacticall_a and_o critical_a yea_o authoritative_a and_o command_a who_o enter_v into_o a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o reason_n argument_n and_o disputation_n and_o find_v by_o disquisition_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n not_o pretend_v any_o new_a revelation_n or_o new_a light_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o superlative_a assistance_n in_o the_o decide_n that_o debate_n but_o only_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o first_o show_v and_o put_v forth_o their_o dogmatic_a power_n confute_v and_o convince_a the_o heresy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n second_o they_o declare_v their_o diatacticall_a authority_n make_v a_o practical_a canon_n or_o law_n for_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o three_o they_o exercise_v their_o critical_a power_n and_o judiciary_n authority_n verse_n 24._o condemn_a and_o brand_a those_o teacher_n with_o that_o infamous_a and_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n four_o and_o last_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v their_o imparative_fw-it and_o authoritative_a power_n in_o send_v those_o decree_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o do_v this_o and_o live_v v._o 29._o for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v which_o when_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o there_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n likewise_o remain_v and_o reside_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o they_o exercise_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n ever_o run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n last_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n have_v for_o they_o bring_v the_o money_n always_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4._o and_o afterward_o all_o the_o money_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o all_o church_n as_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n lay_v which_o they_o never_o give_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o relinquish_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n give_v direction_n to_o their_o several_a deacon_n how_o to_o distribute_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o common_a emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o alm_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o judaea_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o only_o and_o whole_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o now_o then_o when_o the_o contribution_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n 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reckon_v before_o his_o host_n but_o whereas_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o their_o denial_n then_o i_o be_o may_v speak_v according_a to_o his_o information_n and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o blame_v worthy_a as_o in_o the_o former_a of_o his_o conclusion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n material_a or_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o can_v name_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o tell_v i_o discourse_v with_o they_o that_o by_o read_v of_o my_o book_n they_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o to_o my_o knowledge_n all_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o but_o whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o abundant_o evince_v there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o 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whole_a army_n of_o the_o independent_o against_o he_o in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o its_o government_n to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o have_v be_v all_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o illdependents_n whether_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o profess_v that_o then_o the_o cause_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o day_n be_v the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n assent_v unto_o in_o the_o forego_n word_n so_o that_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o one_o another_o mind_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o 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and_o assent_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a from_o all_o which_o when_o j._n s._n most_o rash_o and_o wicked_o dissent_v i_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n who_o i_o hope_v will_v whip_v he_o out_o of_o their_o assembly_n with_o his_o foolish_a flagello_fw-la flagelli_fw-la for_o thus_o sottish_o beat_v up_o of_o all_o their_o quarter_n and_o renounce_v all_o the_o independent_o principle_n while_o he_o labour_v to_o maintain_v they_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o i._o s._n his_o grollery_n to_o the_o former_a proposition_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n concern_v hanserdo_a i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o as_o they_o be_v very_o confuse_v in_o their_o reply_n jumble_v thing_n together_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a leap_v backward_o and_o forward_o pick_v and_o choose_v snatch_v and_o carp_n yea_o and_o trifle_v about_o word_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a defendant_n be_v so_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o saintlike_a with_o the_o people_n who_o they_o desire_v to_o delude_v and_o therefore_o they_o pass_v over_o the_o most_o material_a argument_n never_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o and_o slight_v all_o as_o not_o worthy_a the_o answer_n to_o and_o by_o such_o art_n as_o these_o be_v they_o most_o prodigious_o abuse_v the_o well_o mind_a people_n and_o by_o these_o their_o unchristian_a unbrother_o and_o wicked_a deal_n they_o every_o day_n broach_v their_o error_n with_o more_o facility_n and_o abuse_v all_o their_o ignorant_a and_o credulous_a follower_n to_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o many_o of_o their_o poor_a soul_n some_o of_o the_o which_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v be_v man_n
priest_n be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n relate_v there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o more_o congregation_n of_o the_o ordinary_a people_n and_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v yet_o reckon_v upon_o a_o new_a account_n and_o upon_o a_o new_a list_n so_o that_o there_o be_v numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a business_n as_o the_o independent_o say_v and_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o for_o they_o have_v often_o say_v prove_v once_o but_o clear_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o we_o will_v grant_v you_o the_o day_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o shall_v brief_o add_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o for_o to_o these_o that_o be_v daily_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n we_o hear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o of_o increase_n upon_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o believer_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n verse_n 31._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n through_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o be_v multiply_v for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a now_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o chief_a church_n in_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o she_o also_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o disciple_n daily_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a speak_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n upon_o the_o miraculous_a death_n of_o herod_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n 24._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o great_a increase_n of_o '_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o daily_a to_o multiply_v so_o that_o all_o these_o addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o omit_v many_o argument_n that_o i_o can_v produce_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o from_o the_o miracle_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o necessary_o call_v for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o one_o place_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_n may_v for_o ever_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a and_o abundan_o prove_v unto_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o if_o not_o numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v notice_n what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n speak_v unto_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o church_n must_v all_o necessary_o know_v not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o believer_n there_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o number_n of_o they_o now_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o pain_n and_o attention_n to_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v there_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o witness_n yea_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v james_n the_o apostle_n by_o name_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o synodian_o who_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o they_o give_v in_o this_o evidence_n to_o saint_n paul_n concern_v the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n here_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v there_o then_o of_o strong_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o church_n where_o there_o be_v able_a and_o learned_a minister_n it_o be_v ever_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v three_o strong_a brethren_n to_o one_o weak_a one_o at_o least_o more_o strong_a brethren_n then_o weak_a one_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a in_o that_o church_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n fix_a minister_n there_o and_o able_a preacher_n beside_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n and_o all_o painful_a and_o laborious_a that_o preach_v unto_o they_o night_n and_o day_n &_o instruct_v they_o all_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o with_o miracle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v also_o for_o a_o far_o strengthen_n of_o they_o in_o that_o their_o christian_a liberty_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o ratify_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v daily_o preach_v unto_o they_o all_o this_o their_o christian_a liberty_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o more_o thousand_o of_o strong_a christian_n then_o weak_a in_o that_o church_n yea_o our_o daily_a experience_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n witness_v unto_o saint_n paul_n concern_v this_o point_n verse_n 20._o thou_o see_v brother_n paul_n say_v they_o 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 the_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 out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v nothing_o of_o stranger_n those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o place_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v say_v thou_o see_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inhabitant_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o they_o speak_v of_o inhabitant_n as_o by_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o of_o all_o these_o they_o assert_v these_o thing_n first_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o second_o that_o 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in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v in_o many_o place_n make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o how_o in_o any_o ordinary_a man_n understanding_n can_v many_o congregation_n be_v one_o political_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o associate_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n there_o as_o this_o 21._o ch_z testify_v and_o the_o 15._o chap._n and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n all_o which_o have_v the_o government_n over_o that_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v any_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundant_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v yet_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o 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 congregation_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o scripture_n very_o common_a reason_n overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n in_o which_o there_o be_v never_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n who_o daily_o expect_v the_o messiah_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o he_o come_v have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n at_o his_o command_n to_o go_v and_o come_v at_o pleasure_n who_o powerful_a preach_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o satan_n be_v see_v fall_n down_o like_o iightning_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o kingdom_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o all_o who_o efficacious_a preach_n and_o miracle_n we_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o at_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o time_n beside_o daily_a addition_n add_v unto_o that_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v daily_o increase_v of_o believer_n upon_o increase_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v yet_o prevail_v to_o convert_v no_o more_o in_o future_a time_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o incredible_a and_o true_o for_o any_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o error_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v it_o record_v there_o 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church_n do_v now_o here_o in_o london_n but_o all_o those_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o subordinate_a and_o be_v combine_v together_o make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n within_o that_o precinct_n the_o example_n of_o which_o mother-church_n be_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n for_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o concern_v the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o air_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v or_o be_v speedy_o blow_v away_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o breath_n of_o truth_n now_o my_o other_o company_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n they_o militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v they_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v now_o though_o by_o their_o grant_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o day_n as_o in_o the_o follow_a skirmish_n will_v appear_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o sconce_n of_o error_n to_o which_o they_o have_v betake_v themselves_o can_v defend_v their_o cause_n i_o shall_v with_o one_o company_n at_o this_o time_n beat_v they_o out_o of_o that_o hold_n and_o full_o vanquish_v they_o in_o the_o pitch_a field_n it_o be_v record_v act._n 2._o v._n 42._o of_o all_o those_o new_a convert_n which_o be_v in_o many_o assembly_n &_o in_o many_o house_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n this_o very_a troop_n alone_o serve_v for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o what_o bulwark_n soever_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o for_o shelter_n for_o if_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v in_o they_o several_o whatsoever_o do_v make_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n than_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a so_o that_o to_o any_o rational_a man_n this_o question_n be_v also_o out_o of_o controversy_n for_o let_v any_o man_n but_o due_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o th●y_o each_o of_o they_o several_o may_v as_o true_o challenge_v the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n can_v they_o communicate_v in_o whatsoever_o be_v essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o church_n a_o complete_a church_n or_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n by_o lawful_a minister_n can_v make_v any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o by_o this_o one_o company_n and_o by_o this_o very_a argument_n all_o the_o whible_a reserve_v of_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v and_o that_o place_n of_o truth_n maintain_v against_o they_o all_o viz._n that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o every_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o independent_a and_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o truth_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o all_o sort_n of_o independent_o that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o some_o one_o college_n of_o presbyter_n make_v all_o of_o they_o within_o their_o precinct_n but_o one_o entire_a church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n which_o have_v neither_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n so_o that_o by_o all_o these_o encounter_n and_o frequent_a skirmish_n and_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o host_n the_o general_n of_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o have_v vanquish_v all_o the_o force_n both_o of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o and_o all_o the_o burtonian_a sectary_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v not_o only_o the_o field_n of_o truth_n but_o these_o
tongue_n and_o true_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n or_o about_o the_o text_n as_o there_o be_v not_o here_o i_o conceive_v it_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o man_n to_o insert_v sentence_n either_o of_o greek_a or_o latin_a except_o very_o var_o for_o it_o but_o pudder_n the_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o language_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n either_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a or_o roman_a father_n in_o all_o their_o write_n or_o sermon_n to_o use_v any_o but_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n without_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o and_o that_o with_o interpretation_n i_o say_v therefore_o those_o flash_n be_v except_v i_o have_v punctual_o set_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o any_o of_o my_o argument_n both_o here_o and_o every_o where_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o party_n may_v complain_v that_o i_o have_v not_o set_v down_o their_o word_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o so_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o he_o who_o hack_v and_o minse_v my_o argument_n at_o pleasure_n pick_v and_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o either_o whole_o omit_v the_o other_o or_o slight_v of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n both_o of_o mr_n knollys_n j._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o wherein_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o candid_o with_o the_o people_n for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o delude_v they_o and_o mere_o play_v the_o juggler_n this_o large_a discourse_n of_o master_n knollys_n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v have_v but_o little_a substance_n in_o it_o it_o consist_v of_o absurdity_n and_o contradition_n and_o flat_a denial_n of_o that_o which_o he_o often_o grant_v in_o brief_a if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o due_o consider_v every_o passage_n of_o his_o answer_n with_o whathe_n grant_v in_o the_o three_o and_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o pamplet_n he_o will_v speedy_o perceive_v that_o while_o he_o labour_v to_o confute_v other_o he_o give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v that_o opinion_n which_o both_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n labour_n to_o maintain_v and_o withal_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_n he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o futility_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o of_o his_o party_n that_o believe_v &_o take_v every_o word_n of_o he_o for_o a_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o destructive_a totheir_o own_a cause_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n these_o be_v his_o word_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o deny_v in_o his_o answer_n and_o what_o he_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o error_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n first_o he_o deny_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v have_v a_o absolute_n jurisdiction_n within_o himself_o and_o have_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o particular_a congregation_n he_o deney_v also_o that_o saint_n john_n know_v any_o court_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o time_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v these_o first_o because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v second_o it_o be_v not_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o his_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v and_o therefore_o how_o say_v god_n can_v the_o d●_n affirm_v that_o diotrephes_n asm_v theypower_v to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n &_o c_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n he_o say_v have_v he_o do_v so_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v convent_v before_o they_o which_o he_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n beside_o saint_n john_n will_v then_o have_v write_v rather_o to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o they_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n than_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o his_o evil_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o therefore_o when_o the_o presbytery_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n common_a council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v and_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n that_o he_o prat_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n now_o when_o neither_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o presbytry_n nor_o by_o saint_n john_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o diotrephes_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o presbytry_n and_o that_o saint_n john_n then_o know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o in_o his_o time_n and_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v they_o good_a and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o affert_v that_o saint_n john_n w●it_n to_o the_o church_n and_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o that_o that_o congregation_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o assertion_n be_v because_o say_v he_o this_o church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o diotrephes_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n have_v over_o their_o member_n have_v thus_o brief_o set_v down_o what_o master_n knollys_n both_o deny_v and_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o each_o i_o shall_v now_o answer_v to_o every_o several_a branch_n in_o order_n and_o if_o i_o be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n i_o crave_v pardon_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o about_o the_o principle_n question_n now_o in_o debate_n but_o that_o it_o will_v give_v the_o more_o light_n to_o the_o wholo_fw-la follow_v discourse_n for_o answer_v therefore_o to_o his_o reason_n of_o my_o mistake_n in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n that_o diotrephes_n have_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o all_o the_o primative_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church_n by_o name_n in_o which_o diotrephes_n be_v presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 15._o and_o 20._o and_o 21._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o tit._n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o the_o 1._o epist_n o●_n pet._n chap_n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o and_o the_o 13._o of_o the_o heb._n and_o saint_n james_n the_o 5._o and_o the_o 3._o epistle_n of_o saint_n john_n which_o master_n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_o evident_a from_o all_o those_o several_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v with_o in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n give_v they_o in_o common_a to_o look_v unto_o the_o flock_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n which_o word_n feed_v include_v the_o key_n to_o wit_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n and_o from_o the_o which_o charge_n they_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o among_o we_o daily_o do_v
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
complice_n only_o but_o all_o the_o other_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o therefore_o they_o adjudge_v they_o accurse_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v follow_v christ_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o have_v look_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o word_n do_v import_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v in_o plain_a term_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n save_v the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v none_o oppose_v he_o but_o they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o very_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o learned_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v three_o the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o nicodemus_n his_o witness_n in_o private_a also_o who_o know_v very_o well_o how_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n stand_v general_o affect_v towards_o christ_n and_o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o he_o hear_v therefore_o what_o he_o say_v john_n the_o 3._o of_o who_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n name_v nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o here_o nicodemus_n give_v in_o testimony_n &_o devidene●_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o mean_a that_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n say_v we_o know_v that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o people_n know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n they_o know_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n and_o approbation_n and_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v come_v from_o god_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o and_o their_o faith_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o nicodemus_n which_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n though_o in_o secret_a and_o a_o great_a honourer_n of_o he_o will_v give_v in_o no_o false_a verdict_n nor_o make_v no_o false_a muster_n and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o the_o opinion_n and_o the_o esteem_v the_o people_n have_v of_o he_o and_o he_o assert_v that_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o same_o confession_n do_v the_o apostle_n make_v matth._n 16._o and_o john_n the_o 6._o saying_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o to_o acknowledge_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v and_o go_v after_o christ_n out_o of_o sincerity_n and_o love_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v the_o same_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o controversy_n so_o that_o to_o go_v after_o christ_n then_o and_o to_o follow_v he_o cordial_o and_o without_o worldly_a end_n both_o in_o the_o language_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o serve_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o the_o above_o mention_v reason_n the_o world_n that_o go_v after_o christ_n &_o the_o people_n and_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o the_o other_o that_o either_o tarry_v at_o home_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o employment_n or_o oppose_v he_o be_v unbeliever_n now_o then_o when_o a_o multitulde_n from_o jerusalem_n follow_v christ_n and_o when_o a_o world_n within_o jerusalem_n go_v after_o he_o and_o when_o all_o the_o curse_a people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o not_o only_o by_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v 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have_v record_v it_o and_o all_o this_o be_v probable_a from_o the_o numerosity_n of_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n there_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v as_o the_o priest_n &_o levit_n scribe_n pharisee_n lawyer_n which_o all_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o all_o of_o they_o diligent_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o instruct_v they_o upon_o who_o ministry_n by_o christ_n command_n all_o the_o multitude_n and_o his_o very_a follower_n be_v to_o attend_v matth._n 23._o vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n then_o to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n where_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v teach_v nor_o no_o gather_v of_o new_a church_n under_o pretence_n of_o ea_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o then_o so_o deep_o learn_v as_o to_o be_v in_o that_o high_a form_n of_o divinity_n christ_n follower_n 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now_o live_v in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o shall_v be_v either_o so_o ignorant_a or_o erroneous_a as_o to_o gainsay_v it_o and_o yet_o learned_a master_n knollys_n in_o his_o moderate_a answer_n as_o he_o call_v it_o pag._n 8._o and_o 9_o repli_v and_o answer_v to_o it_o by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n for_o very_o slender_a reason_n as_o his_o custom_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o will_v give_v you_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n say_v he_o in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n neither_o do_v that_o scripture_n produce_v act_n 4._o 4._o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o and_o albeit_o the_o dr._n make_v they_o up_o eight_o thousand_o by_o say_v those_o five_o thousand_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 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especial_o when_o they_o see_v their_o whole_a study_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o delude_v and_o seduce_v poor_a silly_a creature_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o deliberate_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o man_n say_v he_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n whereas_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o i_o cite_v there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o three_o thousand_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n himself_o do_v acknowledge_v pag._n 8._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o to_o who_o be_v add_v viz._n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v before_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n ministry_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o confess_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o woman_n among_o they_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o number_n mention_v there_o be_v five_o thousand_o his_o word_n be_v these_o for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o now_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o eight_o thousand_o what_o so_o ever_o m._n knollys_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v for_o that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v it_o single_a and_o by_o itself_o ought_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o have_v both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o learned_a master_n knollys_n his_o own_o witness_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o he_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n affirm_v and_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o ergo_fw-la there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o these_o be_v distinct_a action_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o produce_v at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o several_a occasion_n from_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v take_v such_o notice_n of_o as_o such_o wonder_n and_o have_v be_v so_o distinct_o set_v down_o with_o all_o the_o several_a circumstance_n both_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n neither_o will_v there_o have_v be_v such_o run_n and_o go_v question_v and_o consult_v about_o that_o business_n by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n as_o there_o be_v if_o some_o new_a and_o strange_a thing_n have_v not_o happen_v and_o fall_v out_o for_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o wonder_v at_o ordinary_a occurrence_n now_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v this_o new_a miracle_n in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o act_n as_o a_o unexpected_a thing_n and_o sudden_o happen_v &_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a admiration_n &_o astonishment_n yea_o of_o terror_n to_o the_o enemy_n from_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n &_o from_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n &_o john_n &_o assert_v withal_o that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v &_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o 5._o thousand_o v._o 4._o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o as_o this_o be_v a_o new_a act_n &_o distinct_a from_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n and_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o itself_o several_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o more_o admiration_n than_o the_o conversion_n of_o three_o thousand_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o another_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n to_o convert_v five_o thousand_o than_o three_o thousand_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v thus_o record_v with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o it_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o distinct_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o wonder_n from_o the_o former_a for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o accurate_a in_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mistake_n in_o the_o whole_a business_n for_o in_o express_a word_n and_o term_n it_o be_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o smother_v this_o miracle_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v the_o scripture_n believe_v and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n or_o fallacy_n in_o the_o story_n and_o narration_n the_o very_a sum_n and_o account_v of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o last_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v specify_v particularise_v and_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o scripture_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o so_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o set_v down_o the_o number_n and_o call_v they_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o safe_a always_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n 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as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o 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