the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n and_o other_o libertine_n the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o pretend_a church_n equal_o refuse_v and_o refute_v in_o a_o twofold_n apology_n for_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n call_v in_o derision_n quaker_n wherein_o they_o be_v vindicated_n from_o those_o that_o accuse_v they_o of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o such_o as_o calumniate_v they_o with_o tyranny_n and_o imposition_n on_o the_o other_o show_v that_o as_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v restore_v by_o their_o testimony_n so_o be_v also_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n reestablish_v among_o they_o and_o settle_v upon_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n by_o robert_n barclay_n phil._n 2._o 3._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v another_o better_a than_o themselves_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v print_a in_o the_o year_n 1676._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o his_o fall_a state_n and_o so_o averse_a be_v he_o from_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a and_o even_a path_n of_o truth_n that_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o be_v inclinable_a to_o lean_a either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o the_o left_a yea_o such_o as_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v obtain_v a_o entrance_n in_o this_o way_n be_v daily_o molest_v and_o set_v upon_o on_o all_o hand_n some_o strive_v to_o draw_v they_o the_o one_o way_n some_o the_o other_o and_o if_o through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n they_o be_v keep_v faithful_a and_o stable_a then_o be_v they_o calumniate_v on_o bothside_n each_o liken_v or_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o enemy_n those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v observe_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n but_o especial_o those_o who_o place_n it_o have_v be_v to_o reform_v and_o restore_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o decay_v or_o any_o considerable_a time_n have_v be_v liable_a to_o such_o censure_n hence_o those_o that_o set_v about_o repair_v of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v necessitate_v to_o work_n with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o defend_v with_o the_o other_o christ_n be_v accuse_v of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o samaritan_n and_o by_o the_o samaritan_n quarrel_v for_o be_v a_o jew_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v whip_v &_o imprison_v by_o the_o gentile_n and_o upbraid_v with_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o teach_v their_o custom_n the_o same_o paul_n be_v hale_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v kill_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o break_v the_o law_n and_o defile_v the_o temple_n with_o the_o gentile_n the_o like_a have_v also_o befall_v these_o faithful_a witness_n and_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o in_o this_o day_n to_o witness_v for_o his_o truth_n which_o have_v long_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v but_o now_o be_v again_o reveal_v and_o many_o bring_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o who_o thereby_o be_v come_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o people_n thus_o gather_v have_v not_o want_v those_o trial_n that_o usual_o accompany_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n &_o on_o the_o left_a each_o characterize_n they_o in_o such_o term_n as_o they_o haâ—e_v judge_v will_v prove_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o false_a witness_n against_o their_o lord_n do_v not_o agree_v neither_o do_v these_o against_o we_o some_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v foolish_a mad_a creature_n other_o to_o be_v deep_o subtle_a politition_n vizard_n some_o to_o be_v illiterate_a ignorant_a fellow_n other_o to_o be_v learn_v cunning_a jesuit_n under_o a_o mere_a vizard_n divers_a professor_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v only_a pensioner_n of_o the_o pope_n undoubted_o papist_n but_o the_o papist_n abhor_v we_o as_o heretic_n sometime_o we_o be_v a_o disorderly_a confuse_a rabble_n leave_v every_o one_o to_o do_v as_o they_o list_v against_o all_o good_a order_n and_o government_n at_o other_o time_n we_o be_v so_o much_o for_o order_n as_o we_o admit_v not_o man_n to_o exercise_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n thus_o be_v our_o reputation_n toss_v by_o the_o envy_n of_o our_o adversary_n which_o yet_o can_v but_o have_v this_o effect_n upon_o sober-minded_n people_n as_o to_o see_v what_o malice_n work_v against_o we_o and_o how_o these_o man_n by_o their_o contradictory_n assertion_n concern_v we_o save_v we_o the_o pain_n while_o they_o refute_v one_o another_o true_a it_o be_v we_o have_v labour_v to_o walk_v amid_o these_o 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give_v they_o of_o christ_n for_o the_o gather_v building_n up_o and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o power_n and_o authority_n they_o also_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o other_o be_v that_o privilege_n give_v to_o every_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v teach_v thereof_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o both_o these_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n wrought_v effectual_o towards_o the_o same_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o do_v as_o in_o their_o nature_n they_o may_v and_o in_o their_o use_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o good_a harmony_n very_o well_o consist_v together_o but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n they_o be_v make_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o destroy_v one_o another_o for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o authority_n &_o power_n that_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n while_o it_o be_v annex_v &_o entail_v to_o a_o outward_a ordination_n and_o succession_n of_o teacher_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o cloak_n and_o cover_v all_o manner_n of_o abuse_n even_o the_o height_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o succession_n these_o man_n claim_v the_o like_a infallibility_n that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o any_o inward_a work_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n will_v needs_o oblige_v all_o other_o to_o acquiesce_v and_o agree_v to_o their_o conclusion_n however_o different_a from_o or_o contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o for_o any_o to_o call_v such_o conclusion_n in_o question_n or_o examine_v they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o heinous_a heresy_n deserve_v death_n etc._n etc._n or_o while_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n be_v whole_o bind_v up_o to_o these_o thing_n already_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o if_o god_n have_v speak_v his_o last_o word_n there_o to_o his_o 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13._o 7._o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o judas_n 8._o likewise_o also_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n i_o may_v at_o length_n enlarge_v if_o needful_a upon_o these_o passage_n any_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n but_o that_o what_o be_v say_v may_v satisfy_v such_o as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n then_o that_o the_o ancient_a apostle_n &_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n upon_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor-imposition_n upon_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a prentence_n of_o liberty_n so_o 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without_o you_o be_v again_o authorize_v and_o lead_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n do_v you_o not_o forbear_v some_o thing_n both_o practise_v and_o command_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n well_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n weaken_v this_o objection_n but_o present_v it_o in_o its_o full_a vigour_n and_o strength_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v clear_o and_o distinct_o answer_v thus_o first_o season_n and_o time_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o though_o it_o may_v cause_v thing_n to_o alter_v as_o to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o not_o usefulness_n of_o they_o second_o thing_n command_v and_o practise_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n fall_v of_o themselves_o whenas_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v be_v remove_v as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n now_o for_o the_o decision_n about_o circumcision_n see_v there_o be_v none_o contend_v for_o it_o neither_o as_o to_o the_o order_n concern_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n see_v there_o be_v now_o no_o such_o occasion_n yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o command_v enjoin_v in_o the_o same_o place_n act_v 15._o 20._o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n be_v now_o make_v void_a see_v there_o be_v daily_a need_n for_o its_o stand_n in_o force_n because_o it_o yet_o remain_v as_o a_o temptation_n man_n be_v incident_a to_o we_o confess_v indeed_o we_o be_v against_o such_o as_o from_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o if_o it_o be_v seasonable_a now_o to_o debate_v it_o we_o find_v but_o few_o to_o deal_v with_o who_o practice_n be_v so_o exact_o square_v seek_v to_o uphold_v custom_n form_n or_o shadow_n when_o the_o use_v for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v be_v remove_v or_o the_o substance_n itself_o know_v and_o witness_v as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o elsewhere_o answer_v our_o opposer_n in_o the_o case_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o bread_n and_o wine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o objection_n as_o to_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o wide_a in_o respect_n of_o such_o thing_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o substance_n of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n yea_o without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o people_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o own_o and_o believe_v original_o and_o principal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n have_v constrain_v our_o understanding_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v great_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v in_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a believe_v and_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n the_o same_o truth_n so_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o that_o from_o the_o letter_n have_v have_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v thereby_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n receive_v occasion_n to_o have_v they_o reveal_v in_o the_o life_n for_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v though_o often_o calumniate_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n so_o then_o i_o hope_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v i_o now_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a profitable_a yea_o and_o
absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n none_o will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v savour_v ill_a among_o any_o serious_a solid_a christian_n for_o i_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o this_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o find_v it_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n christ_n command_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v and_o recommend_v it_o now_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v they_o and_o maintain_v they_o again_o after_o the_o apostasy_n in_o their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a purity_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v now_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o like_a holy_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o be_v now_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n minister_v to_o we_o therefore_o what_o can_v any_o christianly_o or_o rational_o object_v against_o it_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o old_a be_v undeniable_a what_o kind_n of_o ground_n than_o can_v any_o such_o opposer_n have_v for_o to_o such_o as_o scruple_v at_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v our_o principle_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n or_o imitation_n more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n see_v as_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v people_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v do_v but_o as_o truth_n move_v and_o draw_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v also_o no_o less_o needful_a when_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a as_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v wrong_n be_v remove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a cherish_v and_o encourage_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o ought_v now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o to_o be_v order_n &_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v first_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o second_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v three_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o a_o other_o than_o the_o oppressive_a and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a then_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v proper_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n for_o some_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o at_o least_o afraid_a of_o the_o very_a word_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o like_a pretence_n have_v be_v the_o great_a weapon_n wherewith_o antichrist_n and_o the_o apostate_n christian_n have_v be_v these_o many_o generation_n persecute_v the_o woman_n and_o war_a against_o the_o manchild_n and_o indeed_o great_a dispute_n have_v be_v among_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n in_o the_o apostasy_n concern_v this_o church_n what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v so_o account_v which_o i_o find_v not_o my_o place_n at_o present_a to_o dive_v much_o in_o but_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_a testimony_n the_o word_n church_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o gather_v company_n or_o assembly_n of_o certain_a people_n call_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v which_o be_v that_o the_o translator_n render_v church_n which_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n evoco_fw-la i_o call_v out_o of_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voco_fw-la i_o call_v now_o though_o the_o english_a word_n church_n be_v only_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n yet_o the_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v so_o render_v be_v take_v in_o general_a for_o every_o gather_v or_o meet_v together_o of_o people_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o town-clark_n of_o the_o ephesian_n dismiss_v the_o tumult_n that_o be_v gather_v there_o together_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act_v 19_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o church_n a_o church_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o meeting_n or_o gather_v of_o certain_a people_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o religious_a sense_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n whereby_o as_o a_o body_n they_o become_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a relation_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o conjunct_a interest_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o propagate_a these_o principle_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v right_a and_o therefore_o have_v a_o certain_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o on_o another_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v all_o occasion_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o break_v this_o their_o conjunct_a interest_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o or_o bring_v infamy_n contempt_n or_o contumely_n upon_o it_o or_o give_v such_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v or_o may_v be_v band_v together_o to_o undo_v they_o just_a occasion_n against_o they_o to_o decry_v and_o defame_v they_o now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v that_o church_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n whereof_o christ_n true_o be_v the_o head_n from_o snch_n as_o false_o pretend_v thereto_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o principle_n &_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n &_o order_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o the_o way_n and_o method_n they_o take_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v which_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o clear_v all_o mistake_v forasmuch_o as_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n among_o true_a christian_n which_o move_v they_o to_o gather_v together_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n define_v the_o church_n in_o his_o salutation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n so_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o a_o church_n meeting_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n claim_v towards_o those_o that_o have_v or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o member_n who_o own_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o go_v under_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o denomination_n who_o escape_n fault_n and_o error_n may_v by_o our_o adversary_n just_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o if_o not_o seasonable_o and_o christian_o reprove_v reclaim_v or_o condemn_v for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o far_o less_o who_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reprove_v instruct_v or_o reclaim_v they_o as_o fellow_z member_n or_o brethren_n yet_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o remove_v the_o general_a reproach_n from_o the_o christian_a name_n with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o
saint_n give_v judgement_n without_o gift_n or_o reward_n or_o run_v into_o the_o trick_n and_o endless_a labyrinth_n of_o the_o lawyer_n will_v soon_o compose_v they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o lord_n be_v bring_v about_o in_o our_o day_n though_o many_o do_v not_o and_o many_o will_v not_o see_v it_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o a_o way_n different_a and_o contrary_a to_o man_n wisdom_n who_o be_v now_o despise_v christ_n in_o his_o inward_a appearance_n because_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v he_o in_o his_o outward_a yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o then_o that_o do_v witness_n and_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a but_o must_v testify_v that_o he_o be_v come_v even_o so_o now_o be_v there_o thousand_o that_o can_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o he_o have_v now_o again_o the_o second_o time_n appear_v and_o be_v appear_v in_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n in_o and_o among_o who_o as_o a_o first_o fruit_n of_o many_o more_o that_o shall_v be_v gather_v he_o be_v restore_v the_o golden_a age_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o son_n who_o be_v rule_v and_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o set_v forth_o the_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o judge_n as_o at_o first_o and_o establish_v truth_n mercy_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n again_o in_o the_o earth_n amen_o halelujah_o three_o these_o meeting_n take_v care_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o that_o there_o may_v nothing_o be_v do_v in_o that_o procedure_n which_o afterward_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o the_o party_n concern_v which_o be_v a_o outward_a thing_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v lawful_a of_o the_o great_a importance_n a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n can_v perform_v in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o sudden_a unwary_a or_o disorderly_o procedure_v whereof_o very_o great_a snare_n and_o reproach_n may_v be_v cast_v both_o upon_o the_o party_n and_o the_o profession_n own_v by_o they_o therefore_o it_o do_v very_o fit_o among_o other_o thing_n when_o it_o occur_v come_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o meet_v to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v all_o thing_n right_a and_o savoury_a in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v believe_v our_o adversary_n that_o watch_v for_o evil_a against_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a how_o promiscuous_o or_o disorderly_o we_o proceed_v in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o more_o bold_o accuse_v we_o as_o overturner_n of_o all_o humane_a and_o christian_a order_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o without_o his_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o thing_n nor_o will_v he_o that_o any_o shall_v receive_v just_a occasion_n against_o us_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o weighty_a concern_v we_o who_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o all_o for_o and_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v divers_a testimony_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o first_o that_o we_o can_v marry_v with_o those_o that_o walk_v not_o in_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n or_o fellowship_n or_o pretend_v to_o it_o walk_v not_o suitable_o and_o answerable_o thereto_o second_o nor_o can_v we_o go_v to_o the_o hireling-priest_n to_o uphold_v their_o false_a and_o usurp_a authority_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o marry_v people_n without_o any_o command_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n last_o nor_o can_v we_o suffer_v any_o such_o kind_a of_o marriage_n to_o pass_v among_o we_o which_o either_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n or_o otherwise_o in_o itself_o be_v unlawful_a or_o from_o which_o there_o may_v be_v any_o just_a reflection_n cast_v upon_o our_o way_n as_o to_o the_o first_o two_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o principle_n receive_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o my_o work_n here_o to_o debate_v they_o only_o since_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o such_o for_o which_o we_o can_v and_o have_v give_v out_o sufficient_a reason_n elsewhere_o as_o for_o our_o other_o principle_n we_o ought_v to_o care_v how_o any_o by_o walk_v otherwise_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o we_o yet_o not_o to_o pass_v they_o whole_o by_o as_o to_o the_o first_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o etc._n etc._n now_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v much_o from_o this_o scripture_n to_o plead_v it_o absolute_o unlawful_a in_o any_o case_n to_o join_v in_o marriage_n with_o any_o however_o otherwise_o sober_a because_o of_o their_o not_o be_v one_o with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o shall_v speak_v my_o judgement_n to_o i_o it_o appear_v so_o and_o to_o many_o more_o who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o we_o think_v we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o i_o can_v say_v positive_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a neither_o do_v it_o edify_v and_o as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n do_v give_v just_o offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a tender_a heart_n will_v prefer_v his_o private_a love_n to_o the_o good_a and_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o for_o the_o second_o in_o that_o we_o deny_v the_o priest_n their_o assume_v authority_n and_o power_n to_o marry_v it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v no_o wise_a we_o can_v resile_n from_o nor_o can_v we_o own_o any_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o testimony_n against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o generation_n who_o never_o yet_o that_o i_o ever_o hear_v of_o can_v produce_v any_o scripture-proof_n or_o example_n for_o it_o and_o see_v none_o can_v pretend_v conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o marriage_n if_o any_o pretend_v to_o be_v among_o we_o shall_v through_o fear_n interest_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n come_v under_o and_o bow_v to_o that_o image_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o deny_v such_o slavish_a and_o ignoble_a spirit_n as_o mind_v not_o truth_n and_o its_o testimony_n last_o see_v if_o any_o walk_n with_o we_o or_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n shall_v hasty_o or_o disorderly_o go_v together_o either_o be_v within_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v or_o that_o either_o party_n shall_v have_v be_v former_o under_o any_o tie_n or_o obligation_n to_o other_o or_o any_o other_o vast_a disproportion_n which_o may_v bring_v a_o just_a reflection_n upon_o we_o from_o our_o opposer_n can_v any_o blame_v we_o for_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v these_o evil_n by_o appoint_v that_o such_o as_o so_o design_n make_v know_v their_o intention_n to_o these_o church_n or_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v most_o know_v that_o if_o any_o know_v just_a cause_n of_o hindrance_n it_o may_v be_v mention_v and_o a_o timous_a let_v put_v to_o the_o hurt_a either_o by_o stop_v it_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o condescend_v or_o by_o refuse_v to_o be_v witness_n and_o concurrer_n with_o they_o in_o it_o if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o to_o hinder_v any_o to_o marry_v otherwise_o then_o by_o advice_n or_o disconcern_v ourselves_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v that_o such_o as_o do_v marry_v contrary_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o therefore_o their_o marriage_n be_v null_a and_o void_a in_o itself_o or_o may_v be_v dissolve_v afterward_o nay_o all_o our_o meddle_v be_v in_o a_o holy_a care_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_a all_o that_o we_o do_v be_v to_o be_v witness_n and_o if_o otherwise_o that_o we_o may_v say_v for_o our_o vindication_n to_o such_o as_o may_v upbraid_v we_o therewith_o that_o we_o advise_v otherwise_o and_o do_v no_o way_n concur_v in_o the_o matter_n that_o so_o they_o may_v bear_v their_o own_o burden_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v now_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o our_o way_n herein_o be_v so_o answerable_a to_o reason_n and_o christianity_n that_o none_o will_v blame_v we_o therefore_o except_o either_o such_o who_o irregular_a and_o impatient_a lust_n can_v suffer_v a_o serious_a and_o christian_a examination_n and_o a_o advise_v and_o moderate_a procedure_n or_o such_o who_o watch_v for_o evil_n against_o we_o be_v sorry_a we_o shall_v proceed_v so_o orderly_o and_o will_v rather_o we_o
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the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a liberty_n and_o forbearance_n also_o that_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v universal_o whereof_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n the_o first_o be_v in_o suffer_v circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o time_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o divers_a other_o of_o the_o legal_a and_o ceremonial_a purification_n and_o custom_n as_o may_v appear_v act_n 21._o v_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o certain_a day_n rom._n 14._o 5._o and_o the_o three_o in_o the_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o cor._n 8._o throughout_o here_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o and_o recommend_v a_o forbearance_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o for_o he_o say_v not_o any_o where_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o these_o thing_n such_o weak_a one_o be_v exercise_v in_o be_v thing_n indispensible_o necessary_a or_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o they_o have_v not_o be_v under_o such_o scruple_n provide_v it_o have_v be_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o true_a clearness_n and_o so_o of_o faith_n next_o again_o these_o act_n of_o forbearance_n be_v do_v in_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o such_o upon_o who_o the_o ancient_n and_o true_o deserve_v in_o its_o season_n veneration_n of_o the_o law_n have_v such_o a_o deep_a impression_n that_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o dispense_v with_o all_o its_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n and_o to_o such_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o a_o twofold_a forbearance_n first_o a_o certain_a compliance_n by_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v gather_v out_o from_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o see_v over_o these_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v condescend_v somewhat_o to_o their_o countryman_n and_o brethren_n who_o be_v weak_a two_o the_o like_a forbearance_n in_o the_o gentile_n not_o to_o judge_v they_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o allow_v for_o such_o weak_a one_o to_o propagate_v these_o scruple_n or_o draw_v other_o into_o they_o and_o that_o whenas_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o want_v this_o occasion_n will_v have_v be_v exercise_v this_o liberty_n or_o plead_v for_o it_o the_o apostle_n do_v down-right_o condemn_v it_o as_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v in_o all_o the_o three_o instance_n abovementioned_a first_o in_o that_o of_o circumcision_n gal._n 5._o 2_o 4._o behold_v i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_a christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o christ_n be_v become_v of_o none_o effect_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o of_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o positive_a may_v not_o some_o here_o 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general_a respect_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n vers._n 4._o for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o we_o see_v that_o in_o these_o particular_a thing_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o wariness_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o sometime_o forbearance_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n may_v be_v more_o hurtful_a than_o downright_a judge_v i_o suppose_v if_o any_o now_o shall_v arise_v and_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o claim_v a_o liberty_n for_o circumcision_n and_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o all_o christian_n will_v not_o with_o one_o voice_n condemn_v it_o and_o so_o as_o to_o day_n and_o meat_n how_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n judge_v it_o though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o certain_a such_o case_n which_o may_v fall_v in_o and_o a_o liberty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n which_o break_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o i_o observe_v at_o large_a before_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o spirit_n they_o come_v from_o and_o the_o occasion_n from_o whence_o and_o their_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o observe_v section_n seven_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n see_v then_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o both_o some_o may_v assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n than_o they_o ought_v and_o other_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o a_o liberty_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o
turn_v away_o from_o because_o in_o so_o far_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o as_o sanctification_n to_o wit_n those_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n make_v the_o church_n and_o give_v the_o right_a definition_n to_o it_o where_o that_o be_v whole_o want_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n cease_v to_o be_v and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o shadow_n without_o substance_n such_o assembly_n than_o be_v like_o the_o dead_a body_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v depart_v which_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a to_o be_v converse_v with_o because_o it_o corrupt_v and_o prove_v noisome_a to_o the_o live_n but_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o understand_v all_o those_o that_o true_o and_o real_o have_v receive_v and_o hold_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o be_v in_o measure_n sanctify_v or_o sanctify_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o work_v in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o divers_a distinct_a gather_n or_o 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the_o positive_a promise_n of_o christ_n beforementioned_a which_o be_v not_o without_o blasphemy_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n or_o doubt_v of_o i_o shall_v add_v these_o reason_n that_o see_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n it_o be_v to_o make_v christ_n negligent_a of_o his_o body_n who_o style_v himself_o the_o good_a shepherd_n and_o have_v say_v he_o will_v never_o leave_v nor_o forsake_v his_o own_o or_o else_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o will_v infer_v a_o possibility_n of_o error_n or_o mistake_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v in_o all_o thing_n next_o we_o never_o find_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n since_o the_o gospel_n that_o ever_o this_o be_v want_v but_o that_o god_n still_o give_v infallible_a judgement_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o some_o of_o the_o respect_n above_o mention_v if_o the_o transaction_n and_o controversy_n of_o the_o 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member_n do_v work_v most_o effectual_o and_o their_o help_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o supply_v any_o defect_n or_o trouble_v in_o the_o body_n so_o also_o if_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v above_o prove_v and_o some_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n and_o some_o a_o lesser_a these_o that_o have_v the_o great_a be_v more_o capable_a to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o help_v the_o body_n in_o its_o need_n than_o other_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o less_o powerful_a since_o there_o be_v strong_a and_o weak_a babe_n and_o young_a man_n who_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o and_o in_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v such_o be_v more_o able_a when_o the_o enemy_n beset_v to_o resist_v have_v already_o overcome_v then_o other_o who_o be_v but_o yet_o wrestle_v and_o not_o conqueror_n now_o every_o controversy_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n come_v from_o the_o besetment_n of_o the_o enemy_n yet_o if_o any_o of_o these_o strong_a or_o young_a 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