put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n have_v full_o learn_v this_o lesson_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o authority_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o as_o who_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o be_v to_o give_v account_n etc._n etc._n hebr._n 13._o 17._o and_o this_o doctrine_n they_o do_v inculcate_v incessant_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o government_n ecclesiastical_a the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n do_v believe_v it_o be_v that_o presbyterian_a government_n that_o be_v now_o contend_v for_o by_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o learned_a work_n of_o that_o ever_o to_o be_v honour_v master_n cartwright_n in_o his_o disputation_n against_o bishop_n whitgift_n who_o for_o his_o zeal_n to_o that_o government_n be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o all_o the_o puritan_n they_o also_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o government_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a be_v radical_o original_o and_o inherent_o in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o from_o they_o derive_v to_o the_o king_n prince_n noble_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o all_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o church_n who_o all_o have_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o by_o who_o alone_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o rule_v and_o command_v they_o never_o dare_v be_v so_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o king_n nobles_z and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o several_a power_n say_v that_o king_n and_o noble_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o minister_n in_o christ_n church_n and_o kingdom_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n both_o of_o king_n nobles_z parliament_n and_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v be_v inherent_o in_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o may_v give_v it_o and_o deposit_v it_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o please_v and_o where_o they_o lust_v and_o call_v any_o of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n to_o a_o account_n and_o appoint_v they_o their_o time_n and_o season_n when_o they_o shall_v meet_v and_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o displace_v they_o at_o pleasure_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a all_o these_o lesson_n of_o blasphemy_n the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n be_v ignorant_a of_o which_o learned_a nescience_n of_o they_o be_v commendable_a they_o have_v be_v better_o teach_v from_o all_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o bless_a apostle_n who_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o example_n have_v instruct_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o that_o be_v governor_n over_o they_o as_o we_o may_v read_v through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v what_o reverence_n even_o father_n abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a show_v unto_o all_o king_n under_o who_o government_n he_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o peregrination_n and_o where_o we_o read_v also_o what_o reverence_n joseph_n yield_v unto_o pharaoh_n and_o how_o jacob_n his_o father_n demean_v himself_o with_o all_o the_o patriarch_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o authority_n and_o how_o jeremiah_n behave_v himself_o to_o the_o king_n in_o his_o time_n and_o how_o the_o three_o child_n and_o daniel_n carry_v themselves_o to_o the_o very_a king_n of_o babylon_n though_o heathen_a prince_n never_o speak_v unto_o they_o nor_o come_v before_o they_o but_o with_o all_o reverence_n deprecate_v all_o evil_a from_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n &_o pray_v for_o their_o welfare_n yea_o christ_n example_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o our_o imitation_n who_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n the_o same_o we_o find_v in_o all_o the_o apostle_n whensoever_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o authority_n with_o what_o sweetness_n of_o language_n they_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o they_o and_o what_o reverend_a expression_n they_o use_v to_o all_o in_o authority_n though_o never_o so_o wicked_a when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o they_o yea_o if_o they_o have_v fail_v but_o in_o the_o least_o expression_n how_o soon_o they_o will_v recall_v themselves_o for_o when_o ananias_n command_v they_o that_o stand_v by_o paul_n to_o smite_v he_o on_o the_o mouth_n act._n 23._o and_o he_o in_o passion_n behold_v his_o injustice_n say_v god_n shall_v smite_v thou_o thou_o paint_a wall_n when_o it_o be_v reply_v unto_o he_o revile_a thou_o god_n high_a priest_n paul_n stand_v not_o upon_o the_o justification_n of_o his_o word_n but_o meek_o answer_v i_o wist_v not_o brethren_n that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n for_o it_o be_v write_v say_v he_o exod._n 22._o 27._o thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n paul_n have_v learn_v his_o lesson_n well_o and_o soon_o recollect_v himself_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n that_o he_o have_v deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v there_o record_v for_o all_o man_n imitation_n in_o after_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o square_v their_o life_n and_o obedience_n by_o they_o be_v not_o by_o that_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o he_o be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a and_o if_o they_o may_v not_o speak_v evil_a than_o they_o may_v not_o resist_v their_o authority_n and_o unihilate_v their_o power_n which_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o evil_a and_o rebellion_n yea_o all_o man_n be_v forbid_v so_o much_o as_o in_o their_o bedchamber_n to_o curse_v or_o think_v evil_a of_o those_o in_o authority_n how_o much_o more_o be_v those_o then_o blame_v worthy_a that_o not_o only_o think_v evil_a but_o speak_v evil_a yea_o write_v and_o publish_v evil_a against_o king_n nobles_z and_o judge_n of_o all_o sort_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o divest_v they_o all_o of_o their_o authority_n speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o assume_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o themselves_o &_o that_o from_o god_n himâ—elfe_n call_v themselves_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o they_o all_o give_v they_o law_n to_o rule_v by_o and_o deny_v they_o their_o due_a reverence_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o late_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n have_v do_v both_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o commons_o sure_o such_o man_n damnation_n sleep_v not_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v and_o how_o high_o soever_o they_o carry_v themselves_o and_o by_o who_o soever_o in_o these_o their_o evil_a do_n they_o be_v support_v back_v and_o second_v for_o saint_n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n that_o know_v very_o well_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v such_o man_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n say_v this_o of_o all_o the_o wicked_a verse_n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o deliver_v the_o godly_a out_o of_o temptation_n and_o to_o reserve_v the_o unjust_a unto_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v punish_v but_o chief_o they_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o despise_v dominion_n and_o government_n who_o he_o call_v presumptuous_a self-willed_n that_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n which_o the_o very_a angel_n say_v he_o though_o they_o be_v great_a in_o power_n and_o might_n will_v not_o do_v against_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o authority_n though_o it_o be_v usurp_v but_o those_o as_o natural_a brute_n beast_n make_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v speak_v evil_a of_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o shall_v utter_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o unrighteousness_n here_o be_v a_o fearful_a doom_n pronounce_v against_o all_o such_o people_n as_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n and_o saint_n jude_n likewise_o in_o his_o epistle_n second_o saint_n peter_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n call_v such_o man_n as_o despise_v authority_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n filthy_a dreamer_n and_o compare_v they_o to_o brute_n beast_n and_o unto_o cain_n and_o unto_o balaam_n and_o unto_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n pronounce_v woe_n unto_o they_o all_o and_o proclaim_v they_o spot_n and_o deformity_n in_o all_o company_n and_o society_n call_v they_o moreover_o cloud_n without_o water_n creature_n empty_a of_o all_o goodness_n tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v yea_o without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a here_o in_o this_o world_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o eternal_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o as_o if_o he_o can_v never_o have_v speak_v enough_o of_o such_o man_n as_o
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n with_o authority_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o as_o the_o people_n than_o do_v patient_o wait_v till_o the_o determine_n of_o that_o difference_n without_o make_v of_o any_o rent_n schism_n or_o separation_n one_o from_o another_o and_o do_v then_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o decree_n without_o any_o reluctation_n but_o observe_v they_o all_o willing_o after_o the_o debate_n so_o ought_v all_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o example_n with_o patience_n to_o wait_v without_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o division_n till_o thing_n be_v full_o discuss_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o such_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o then_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v themselves_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n for_o a_o example_n of_o imitation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o differ_v and_o dissent_v opinion_n between_o church_n and_o church_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o christian_a country_n or_o any_o old_a one_o revive_v as_o it_o have_v its_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n that_o all_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n shall_v follow_v it_o so_o this_o way_n of_o rule_v be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o other_o for_o as_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n have_v be_v ever_o govern_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o have_v ever_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n and_o counsel_n to_o superior_a upon_o either_o public_a grievance_n or_o upon_o any_o difference_n between_o province_n and_o province_n and_o county_n and_o county_n or_o between_o corporation_n and_o corporation_n or_o city_n and_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o oppression_n or_o impeachment_n or_o encroachment_n of_o each_o on_o the_o other_o liberty_n or_o through_o injustice_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o each_o of_o they_o from_o some_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n but_o in_o that_o also_o the_o several_a corporation_n that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v so_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a or_o above_o name_v occasion_n and_o although_o they_o all_o enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o several_a province_n county_n corporation_n and_o city_n in_o any_o kingdom_n do_v so_o as_o they_o can_v several_o and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v give_v a_o law_n each_o to_o other_o yet_o as_o in_o a_o general_a council_n in_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o knight_n and_o baron_n and_o burgess_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o representative_a body_n in_o a_o parliament_n or_o diet_n may_v be_v so_o assemble_v together_o not_o only_o redress_v any_o abuse_n and_o punish_v delinquents_n but_o also_o for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o those_o several_a doâ—inâ—ons_n for_o the_o future_a give_v law_n to_o each_o province_n county_n city_n and_o corporation_n yea_o and_o unto_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o enact_v penal_a statute_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a country_n under_o they_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n although_o in_o it_o the_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n among_o themselves_o can_v give_v law_n to_o each_o other_o severally_z and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o prescribe_v to_o each_o other_o a_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o with_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o a_o exemplary_a way_n by_o well_o do_v yet_o all_o these_o several_a church_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a council_n as_o they_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o and_o have_v from_o each_o of_o they_o deligate_v and_o send_v their_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o so_o many_o burgess_n of_o their_o several_a city_n and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o council_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17._o 18._o in_o these_o word_n then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcise_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o form_v my_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o gracious_o bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v so_o to_o believe_v because_o the_o apostle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o of_o the_o presbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v count_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a &_o ordinary_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o â—it_a then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a councillor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o counsel_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a prelate_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o
as_o he_o be_v precedent_n in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o continue_v still_o the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o know_v very_o well_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o and_o what_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n there_o be_v inhabitant_n in_o that_o church_n all_o which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n continual_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o paul_n come_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v act_v the_o 21_o chapter_n be_v inform_v by_o he_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o what_o those_o disciple_n have_v hear_v concern_v his_o preach_n which_o show_v not_o only_o that_o saint_n james_n have_v his_o abode_n in_o that_o city_n but_o that_o those_o believer_n likewise_o be_v dweller_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o that_o now_o he_o have_v very_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o yea_o which_o be_v more_o at_o that_o very_a time_n that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o those_o alm_n peter_n and_o james_n be_v then_o in_o that_o city_n if_o not_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n also_o as_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n abundant_o show_v and_o without_o doubt_n they_o all_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o common-council_n order_v how_o the_o alm_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o it_o do_v most_o necessary_o follow_v what_o so_o ever_o mr._n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o scripture_n record_v that_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o judaea_n &_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o metropolis_n city_n in_o judaea_n and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n v._o 25._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n return_v from_o jerusalem_n whither_o they_o have_v carry_v the_o alm_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o princiall_a and_o chief_a presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n it_o may_v not_o be_v credit_v that_o they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o prime_a magistrate_n and_o governor_n do_v sit_v still_o and_o leave_v the_o rule_n order_v and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o other_o of_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o they_o of_o inferior_a rank_n but_o they_o also_o act_v their_o part_n in_o the_o government_n at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o at_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v when_o the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o either_o and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o joint_a consent_n and_o when_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o all_o it_o necessary_o follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o garrulity_n that_o my_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o scripture_n will_v ever_o stand_v good_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o send_n of_o the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n make_v good_a these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o only_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o and_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n govern_v and_o rule_v it_o by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n yea_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n who_o say_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o and_o not_o by_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a presbyter_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n much_o less_o by_o any_o other_o person_n or_o people_n in_o they_o but_o the_o presbyter_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n ground_v upon_o that_o scripture_n that_o the_o relief_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o as_o he_o himself_o set_v it_o down_o in_o the_o 12._o page_z of_o his_o book_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o major_a and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v say_v the_o doctor_n the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v thus_o master_n knollys_n relate_v this_o argument_n whole_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o argument_n he_o first_o thus_o reply_v i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o brethren_n ever_o deny_v ed_z that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v so_o that_o he_o assent_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o presbyter_n by_o office_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n that_o he_o quarrel_v the_o form_n of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o show_v i_o how_o i_o shall_v have_v frame_v it_o aright_o but_o all_o those_o that_o know_v indeed_o what_o real_o belong_v to_o learning_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o man_n do_v but_o babble_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v spend_v time_n in_o trifle_v with_o he_o about_o form_n mood_n and_o figure_n in_o syllogism_n who_o know_v no_o more_o in_o logic_n then_o the_o horse_n he_o preach_v on_o i_o may_v be_v think_v as_o vain_a as_o himself_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o hereafter_o to_o learn_v his_o grand-dame_n to_o suck_v and_o not_o i_o to_o make_v syllogism_n pass_v by_o all_o those_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o he_o have_v far_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o 13._o page_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o that_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o i_o will_v come_v to_o i._n s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n and_o profound_a clerk_n master_n knollys_n to_o this_o argument_n thus_o far_a answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o as_o apostle_n act._n 15._o and_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o over_o all_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o but_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o some_o one_o church_n only_o as_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o 28._o or_o philippi_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n often_o insert_v in_o his_o book_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n page_n 12._o and_o second_o because_o this_o will_v make_v the_o presbyter_n independent_a indeed_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a on_o christ_n by_o who_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o and_o though_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o presbyter_n may_v say_v so_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n be_v mention_v there_o the_o
he_o and_o his_o complice_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o five_o other_o query_n but_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n oowne_a word_n which_o be_v these_o p._n 19_o see_v say_v he_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o every_o one_o to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n tell_v i_o now_o brother_n say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n worth_a the_o while_n for_o our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a assembly_n serious_o to_o take_v into_o debate_n whether_o the_o general_a tie_v up_o of_o man_n to_o wait_v necessary_o on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n about_o church_n government_n be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v not_o a_o trench_a upon_o a_o fundamental_a heresy_n as_o also_o a_o inhibition_n restrain_v every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n minister_n master_n etc._n etc._n from_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o necessitate_v a_o violation_n of_o our_o covenant_n or_o a_o dangerous_a retard_v of_o the_o work_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o subtle_a bait_n and_o cunning_a snare_n wherewith_o he_o catch_v and_o draw_v into_o his_o net_n many_o ignorant_a yet_o well_o mean_v tender_a heart_a christian_n whereas_o reformation_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o full_a power_n thereof_o have_v be_v settle_v long_o since_o have_v not_o independent_o study_v way_n to_o molest_v our_o peace_n in_o oppose_v the_o settle_n of_o church_n government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o they_o have_v and_o do_v labour_n to_o withstand_v with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o great_a subtlety_n by_o which_o mean_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n increase_v and_o strengthen_v their_o party_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a way_n and_o give_v a_o inlet_n to_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n without_o interruption_n but_o this_o practice_n of_o independent_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o for_o when_o we_o covenant_v for_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v thereby_o engage_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a god_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n earnest_o to_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n job_n 9.4_o able_a to_o overpower_v the_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n yea_o of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o by_o his_o wisdom_n can_v advise_v counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o by_o his_o mighty_a and_o omnipotent_a work_n and_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v enforce_v and_o compel_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o royal_a command_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o universal_a reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o church_n in_o its_o full_a power_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o divine_a will_n and_o whereas_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o strict_o bind_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o special_a to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n by_o forsake_v every_o sinful_a way_n and_o evil_a practice_n that_o we_o or_o they_o have_v former_o walk_v delight_v and_o continue_v in_o whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n unto_o anger_n isaiah_n 1._o 4._o and_o hereby_o magistrate_n minister_n parent_n master_n of_o family_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o under_o their_o charge_n frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v all_o holy_a duty_n with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o doâ—_n not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wander_v and_o straggle_v abroad_o into_o dangerous_a way_n and_o by-path_n and_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o blasphemous_a tenant_n for_o if_o they_o let_v they_o walk_v where_o they_o please_v it_o show_v but_o little_a care_n take_v to_o reform_v and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o covenant_n where_o we_o have_v bind_v ourselves_o every_o one_o to_o reform_v one_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v every_o one_o to_o labour_n to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n but_o our_o covenant_n do_v not_o therefore_o bind_v every_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o follow_v what_o government_n seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o rather_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o boundless_a spirit_n our_o covenant_n give_v no_o such_o liberty_n to_o any_o for_o be_v this_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o couâ—nant_n when_o it_o bind_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n this_o be_v to_o covenant_n against_o sin_n formality_n and_o tyranny_n and_o to_o vow_v for_o unlawful_a libertisâ—e_n prophanesse_n and_o a_o anarchy_n which_o will_v bring_v inevitable_a confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n for_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n heresy_n unwarrantable_a corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a new_a opinion_n will_v then_o be_v broach_v maintain_v and_o disperse_v abroad_o without_o either_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o man_n as_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o all_o these_o deadly_a and_o destroy_a heresy_n will_v be_v disseminated_a and_o divulge_v under_o pretext_n that_o their_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o they_o come_v near_o and_o walk_v more_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n than_o other_o do_v although_o their_o foot_n tread_v not_o in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o commandment_n but_o walk_v in_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o therefore_o such_o disorderly_a walking_n as_o these_o be_v a_o deformation_n of_o religion_n not_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o but_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o i_o relate_v before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n for_o church_n government_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o magistrate_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o reformation_n and_o to_o settle_v that_o church_n government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n or_o a_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o it_o out_o of_o holy_a writ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o godly_a prince_n be_v there_o record_v for_o their_o example_n and_o encouragement_n to_o go_v on_o undauntedly_n in_o the_o work_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 8._o to_o the_o 16._o v._o 2_o chro._n 17._o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 29._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 30._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 31._o 31._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 34._o etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 23._o to_o the_o 24._o ver_fw-la ezr._n 9_o neh._n 9_o so_o that_o god_n word_n be_v the_o absolute_a rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o this_o their_o undertake_n and_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o our_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o will_v all_o be_v aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o further_o they_o in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n now_o wherein_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n that_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v ground_v on_o scripture_n can_v a_o better_a course_n be_v take_v then_o authority_n have_v appoint_v namely_o by_o call_v together_o a_o assembly_n of_o minister_n man_n skilful_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n learn_v in_o all_o other_o science_n and_o approve_v to_o be_v godly_a pious_a zealous_a orthodox_n man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v selfe-denying_a man_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o have_v humble_v themselves_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n implore_v his_o divine_a assistance_n illumination_n and_o direction_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n for_o the_o reform_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a will_n and_o for_o these_o
godly_a conscionable_a and_o learned_a minister_n as_o they_o do_v thus_o meet_v together_o so_o they_o have_v ever_o since_o laborious_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o god_n herein_o and_o they_o have_v not_o conclude_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o bring_v their_o warrant_n for_o out_o of_o god_n word_n be_v take_v from_o the_o example_n practice_n precept_n and_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n for_o that_o government_n which_o they_o stand_v for_o and_o humble_o desire_v to_o have_v settle_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o can_v it_o be_v just_o say_v that_o if_o man_n wait_v patient_o while_o these_o truth_n be_v discuss_v which_o have_v be_v the_o long_o by_o reason_n that_o daily_a opposition_n and_o many_o cavil_v argumentation_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v against_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o by_o some_o irresolvable_a spirit_n that_o this_o be_v to_o tie_v they_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o synod_n final_a resolution_n no_o sure_o for_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o mere_a resolve_n of_o man_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o state_n will_v never_o permit_v to_o tie_v any_o man_n but_o to_o wait_v on_o god_n word_n and_o those_o warrantable_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n which_o by_o the_o synod_n be_v clear_o demonstrate_v out_o of_o the_o same_o concern_v church-government_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n can_v be_v deny_v or_o gainsay_v that_o it_o be_v better_a and_o the_o safe_a way_n for_o man_n to_o wait_v see_v and_o serious_o consider_v of_o what_o god_n shall_v out_o of_o his_o word_n reveal_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n the_o minister_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o fear_n for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n diligent_o to_o seek_v and_o find_v out_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o this_o particular_a then_o for_o man_n to_o tie_v themselves_o to_o the_o private_a opinion_n and_o way_n &_o policy_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n who_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n set_v up_o what_o government_n they_o please_v and_o cause_n people_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n for_o all_o which_o when_o matter_n be_v right_o state_v and_o try_v by_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n there_o be_v not_o any_o colour_n nor_o warrant_v out_o of_o god_n word_n nor_o in_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o we_o have_v take_v &_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o low_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n and_o who_o sincere_o aim_n at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o zions_n peace_n it_o be_v not_o think_v any_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n nor_o diminution_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n nor_o retard_v of_o the_o work_n to_o wait_v and_o see_v what_o god_n shall_v make_v clear_a to_o the_o synod_n out_o of_o his_o word_n upon_o their_o debate_n consultation_n and_o answer_n to_o all_o oppose_a party_n for_o this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v truth_n perspicuous_a and_o as_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o will_v not_o be_v delude_v with_o show_n they_o bring_v all_o these_o result_v to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o if_o they_o find_v that_o they_o endure_v the_o testae_fw-la than_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o receive_v and_o hold_v they_o fast_o be_v the_o word_n of_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a truth_n so_o that_o the_o final_a resolution_n for_o church_n government_n which_o man_n wait_v for_o be_v not_o from_o the_o synod_n further_o than_o they_o hold_v it_o forth_o and_o make_v it_o manifest_a to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o that_o rule_n all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o wait_v and_o see_v what_o the_o synod_n do_v conclude_v of_o out_o of_o god_n word_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o other_o church_n do_v act_v 15._o where_o we_o have_v a_o precedent_n for_o our_o imitation_n set_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n be_v as_o well_o instruct_v as_o any_o in_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n whether_o assemble_v or_o not_o assemble_v and_o yet_o all_o those_o holy_a and_o godly_a christian_n think_v it_o no_o usurpation_n upon_o their_o christian_a liberty_n nor_o no_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o no_o dangerous_a retard_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o of_o settle_v their_o church-government_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o their_o final_a resolution_n about_o that_o question_n there_o in_o debate_n and_o which_o have_v cause_v so_o great_a a_o schism_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i_o say_v these_o glorious_a and_o true_o precious_a christian_n have_v none_o of_o these_o panic_n fear_v the_o illdependents_a of_o our_o time_n be_v trouble_v with_o but_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o wait_v upon_o that_o synod_n and_o council_n without_o make_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n any_o rent_n and_o separation_n from_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o this_o their_o do_v be_v leave_v for_o our_o example_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o not_o under_o a_o semblance_n and_o show_v of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o preformation_n to_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n and_o separate_v assembly_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o my_o brother_n burtons_n cavil_n against_o my_o first_o querie_n and_o for_o answer_v likewise_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v by_o he_o to_o i_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o see_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v concern_v my_o second_o querie_n viz._n touch_v the_o requisite_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v member_n the_o reader_n may_v look_v back_o to_o the_o query_n by_o which_o he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v the_o grollery_n of_o the_o man_n as_o for_o i._o s._n he_o answer_v to_o that_o query_n although_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o of_o new_a gather_v church_n that_o he_o know_v none_o such_o who_o hold_v it_o so_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v i._o s._n be_v but_o a_o catachumenos_n in_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n while_o he_o undertake_v to_o instruct_v other_o in_o it_o but_o my_o brother_n burton_n he_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o all_o the_o illdependent_a discipline_n both_o for_o the_o theory_n and_o practic_n who_o answer_v thus_o to_o my_o second_o query_n page_n 14._o i_o pray_v say_v he_o what_o harm_n be_v in_o that_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v of_o but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o answer_v i_o say_v very_o much_o harm_n in_o regard_n they_o impose_v a_o law_n upon_o their_o brethren_n that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n never_o lay_v upon_o his_o people_n by_o which_o they_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o christian_a liberty_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o and_o in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v a_o command_n to_o stand_v fast_o gal._n 5._o 1._o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v entangle_v with_o any_o yoke_n of_o humane_a bondage_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o hear_v his_o reason_n they_o say_v he_o who_o be_v to_o walk_v together_o shall_v first_o be_v agree_v together_o as_o amos_n the_o 3._o 3._o a_o two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v if_o therefore_o any_o one_o of_o the_o congregation_n can_v object_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o non-admittance_n of_o a_o member_n he_o ought_v to_o show_v it_o not_o only_o for_o his_o own_o peace_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o to_o know_v those_o well_o say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a nor_o do_v we_o so_o much_o look_v at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n this_o be_v all_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o quâ—ry_n which_o he_o call_v a_o caption_n but_o for_o answer_v i_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v produce_v some_o command_n or_o example_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o this_o their_o practice_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n for_o that_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_n obedience_n and_o where_o our_o king_n christ_n jesus_n have_v cease_v to_o command_v there_o all_o his_o servant_n must_v cease_v
true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n right_o call_v upon_o and_o all_o those_o essential_a mark_n make_v that_o church_n a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n if_o the_o scripture_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o as_o a_o special_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n for_o which_o his_o tenant_n i_o believe_v he_o will_v find_v some_o moderate_a check_n or_o other_o from_o some_o of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n who_o hold_v that_o their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o second_o grollery_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o three_o grollery_n be_v that_o he_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o contrary_a unto_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o god_n give_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o &_o matt._n 18._o and_o matth._n 28._o and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o key_n and_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n family_n can_v only_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o please_v without_o the_o people_n and_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n without_o the_o people_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n those_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_v yea_o and_o receive_v paul_n into_o their_o fellowship_n contrary_a unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o people_n mind_n act_v 9_o and_o we_o know_v that_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o power_n do_v excommunicate_a and_o deliver_v to_o satan_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n and_o other_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1._o and_o we_o learn_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o lord_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n send_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n as_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o not_o cast_v out_o those_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v among_o they_o by_o all_o which_o testimony_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o the_o minister_n only_o aught_o by_o themselves_o to_o manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a office_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o even_o out_o of_o 2._o cor._n 2._o the_o same_o may_v be_v gather_v where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a by_o many_o not_o al._n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a great_a error_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n to_o conclude_v because_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n therefore_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o but_o these_o be_v the_o unsound_a conclusion_n that_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n gather_v too_o too_o often_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o ingratiate_a of_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n who_o they_o pretend_v much_o to_o honour_n in_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o challenge_v this_o to_o themselves_o joly_a it_o be_v only_o to_o enslave_v the_o people_n and_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o they_o and_o that_o worse_a than_o the_o prelate_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v do_v my_o brother_n burton_n bring_v in_o this_o cavil_n in_o opposition_n to_o my_o argument_n which_o not_o withstand_v stand_v firm_a to_o prove_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o people_n execute_v his_o commission_n and_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o from_o he_o and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n example_n all_o other_o minister_n may_v take_v this_o example_n and_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o full_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o cavil_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o grollery_n of_o the_o same_o concern_v the_o baptist_n and_o his_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o at_o their_o first_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n have_v preach_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o hear_v they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n address_v themselves_o only_o unto_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n act._n 2._o 23_o 24_o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o multitude_n or_o church_n admit_v the_o people_n into_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o believer_n second_o that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o their_o warrant_n and_o according_a to_o their_o injunction_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o propound_v no_o other_o condition_n or_o term_n for_o the_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n the_o which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v accept_v of_o they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o testimony_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n or_o further_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o repentance_n without_o any_o witness_n from_o other_o of_o their_o conversation_n and_o without_o the_o voice_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o commission_n or_o consult_v with_o by_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v or_o no_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o demand_v or_o ask_v by_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v some_o time_n of_o further_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v further_o be_v confirm_v that_o their_o conversion_n be_v sound_a and_o well_o neither_o do_v any_o call_n for_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o their_o evidence_n to_o the_o congregation_n that_o they_o be_v convert_v real_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o private_a covenant_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o specify_v but_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v that_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o power_n that_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n i_o expect_v in_o this_o place_n to_o have_v meet_v with_o general_n burton_n or_o cavalier_n hanserdo_n saint_n george_n his_o chaplain_n know_v what_o dare_a man_n they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v fight_v i_o here_o especial_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o have_v beat_v i_o from_o this_o ground_n a_o place_n so_o advantageous_a that_o they_o that_o be_v master_n of_o it_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o powerful_a and_o potent_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o expect_v their_o encounter_n here_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v give_v i_o battle_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o pitch_a field_n for_o it_o because_o they_o
hope_n be_v frustrate_a now_o they_o labour_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o both_o god_n noble_a nehemiah_n and_o joshua_n &_o all_o the_o holy_a prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n continual_o be_v displease_v with_o and_o denounce_v judgement_n against_o all_o which_o holy_a law_n now_o they_o desire_v may_v be_v dispense_v with_o to_o gratify_v they_o with_o a_o full_a toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o with_o a_o indulgence_n for_o their_o new-fangled_a independency_n which_o by_o all_o their_o endeavour_n they_o make_v way_n apace_o for_o and_o howsoever_o it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o death_n in_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n of_o canterbury_n that_o they_o but_o labour_v to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o for_o the_o which_o they_o both_o suffer_v the_o very_a sectary_n and_o independent_o themselves_o be_v the_o principal_a agent_n to_o bring_v they_o both_o to_o their_o end_n who_o by_o their_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a run_v up_o daily_o to_o westminster_n be_v never_o satisfy_v in_o crave_v justice_n at_o the_o parliament_n against_o they_o say_v that_o as_o resolution_n be_v the_o life_n of_o action_n so_o execution_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o law_n and_o justice_n and_o will_v never_o be_v content_v and_o appease_v till_o they_o have_v obtain_v their_o desire_n against_o they_o and_o only_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n as_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n and_o many_o of_o our_o fugitive_n be_v as_o eager_a in_o that_o business_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n some_o of_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o scaffold_n to_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o rejoice_v at_o the_o justice_n do_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o behold_v the_o very_a same_o man_n be_v all_o of_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o very_a same_o crime_n that_o they_o die_v for_o yea_o of_o a_o far_o great_a for_o the_o prelate_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o strafford_n be_v adjudge_v for_o but_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o religion_n and_o law_n establish_v in_o the_o kingdom_n but_o all_o the_o sectary_n and_o independent_o they_o have_v real_o alter_v religion_n and_o have_v set_v up_o many_o new_a religion_n and_o that_o without_o any_o authority_n yea_o they_o have_v alter_v both_o law_n and_o gospel_n reject_v all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o glorious_a word_n of_o god_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v and_o they_o have_v not_o only_o establish_v by_o their_o sole_a authority_n divers_a religion_n among_o we_o that_o be_v never_o know_v before_o but_o they_o proclaim_v all_o the_o presbyterian_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o so_o many_o infidel_n in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n and_o for_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o land_n they_o not_o only_o speak_v against_o they_o as_o a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n and_o bondage_n unsupportable_a to_o be_v bear_v but_o they_o write_v whole_a book_n against_o they_o desire_v they_o may_v be_v alter_v notwithstanding_o all_o man_n enjoy_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n by_o they_o yea_o they_o write_v not_o only_o in_o general_n against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o against_o the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o parliament_n daily_o publish_v pamphlet_n against_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o especial_o they_o have_v take_v great_a pain_n to_o dismount_v the_o ordinance_n of_o tithe_n establish_v both_o by_o law_n and_o a_o particular_a ordinance_n of_o parliament_n they_o will_v fain_o starve_v the_o presbyterian_o preach_v and_o practise_v hourly_o against_o the_o covenant_n and_o many_o know_a ordinance_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v by_o ordinance_n enjoin_v that_o none_o shall_v preach_v public_o but_o such_o as_o be_v authorise_v and_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v print_v but_o by_o authority_n notwithstanding_o these_o ordinance_n the_o sectary_n and_o independent_o both_o preach_v &_o print_v whatsoever_o they_o please_v to_o the_o seduce_a of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o pervert_n and_o corrupt_v of_o religion_n and_o disturbance_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o whereas_o by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n the_o manner_n of_o government_n consist_v of_o the_o three_o state_n king_n peer_n and_o commons_o have_v be_v again_o and_o again_o confirm_v &_o establish_v with_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o ratify_n of_o the_o directory_n and_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n nevertheless_o they_o write_v against_o they_o all_o especial_o the_o king_n peer_n and_o assembly_n make_v nothing_o of_o they_o no_o nor_o of_o the_o â—ouse_n of_o commons_o itself_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o displease_v they_o but_o they_o dash_v they_o all_o a_o piece_n subvert_v the_o whole_a government_n at_o once_o proclaim_v the_o people_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o they_o all_o and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v so_o temerarious_a as_o they_o have_v abuse_v the_o whole_a parliament_n to_o their_o face_n first_o the_o king_n than_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o then_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n slight_v their_o authority_n and_o power_n affirm_v that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o commit_v any_o freeborn_a subject_n to_o prison_n which_o every_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o constable_n may_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o insolency_n they_o have_v exceed_v all_o delinquent_n that_o ever_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o honour_n both_o of_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n of_o canterbury_n that_o they_o both_o of_o they_o behave_v themselves_o with_o far_o great_a modesty_n and_o reverence_n towards_o both_o house_n than_o many_o of_o the_o sectary_n have_v do_v for_o they_o ever_o yield_v due_a honour_n and_o reverenciall_a respect_n unto_o they_o all_o both_o with_o bow_a knee_n and_o graceful_a and_o seem_a language_n which_o those_o paltry_a fellow_n out_o of_o a_o insult_a impudence_n deny_v they_o despise_v dignity_n and_o dominion_n and_o these_o creature_n have_v have_v their_o complice_n to_o applaud_v they_o in_o these_o their_o rebelliouspractise_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o petition_v the_o parliament_n in_o their_o behalf_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a how_o unchristian_o unreverent_o and_o undutiful_o they_o behave_v themselves_o before_o they_o which_o be_v the_o great_a affront_n that_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o any_o parliament_n and_o the_o great_a breach_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n that_o have_v be_v know_v in_o any_o nation_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v perpetrate_v by_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n all_o which_o graceless_a proceed_n the_o old_a puritan_n of_o england_n abhor_v as_o the_o way_n of_o unrighteousness_n this_o also_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o many_o of_o their_o independent_a itinerary_n preacher_n run_v from_o place_n to_o place_n preach_v against_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n against_o the_o city_n and_o against_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n against_o the_o directory_n against_o tithe_n against_o the_o presbytery_n yea_o against_o all_o that_o be_v call_v authority_n and_o against_o all_o our_o gallant_a renown_a and_o valiant_a presbyterian_a soldier_n say_v in_o their_o sermon_n come_v out_o you_o old_a base_a drunken_a whoremasterly_a rogue_n show_v what_o you_o have_v do_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ascribe_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o those_o noble_a victory_n to_o their_o own_o party_n true_o if_o i_o shall_v make_v but_o a_o repetition_n of_o the_o very_a content_n of_o their_o prayer_n sermon_n and_o diabolical_a practice_n and_o set_v down_o but_o the_o very_a head_n of_o they_o it_o will_v fill_v a_o mighty_a volume_n by_o all_o which_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v great_a delinquent_n against_o the_o religion_n and_o law_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n than_o ever_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n be_v and_o great_a malignant_n to_o the_o state_n then_o ever_o the_o cavalier_n be_v yea_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o reformation_n in_o religion_n then_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n before_o they_o be_v hatch_v and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o thing_n of_o admiration_n and_o wonder_n in_o all_o these_o creature_n they_o be_v fledge_a in_o wickedness_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v disclose_v true_o these_o their_o practice_n manifest_a unto_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o be_v
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 be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o very_a weak_a believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n beside_o the_o strong_a it_o be_v a_o open_a and_o wilful_a fight_v against_o god_n and_o a_o resist_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o all_o these_o be_v convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o numberless_a multitude_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o thâ—s_n brigade_n of_o argument_n militate_v against_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n sectary_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v for_o ever_o serve_v to_o vanquish_v they_o all_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o field_n of_o truth_n 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 and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o every_o one_o a_o church_n or_o church_n several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o as_o all_o our_o new_a gather_a 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 thâ—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
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
persbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v thus_o he_o but_o of_o these_o word_n in_o their_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n lay_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o only_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n as_o the_o steward_n over_o they_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o accusation_n and_o examine_v matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o proceed_v against_o offender_n by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n upon_o evidence_n and_o proof_n make_v against_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o minister_n and_o their_o fellow_n member_n as_o to_o censure_v they_o or_o to_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o government_n over_o they_o neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n in_o write_v unto_o the_o colossian_n and_o bid_v they_o say_v to_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n investe_fw-ge the_o people_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o either_o presbyter_n or_o their_o fellow_n member_n for_o the_o power_n of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n with_o authority_n belong_v primary_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n show_v in_o the_o which_o all_o minister_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o several_a place_n who_o to_o admonish_v and_o how_o who_o to_o ordain_v and_o who_o to_o cast_v out_o and_o how_o to_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n as_o those_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n and_o censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o minister_n be_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n judicial_o &_o authoritative_o not_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n which_o any_o christian_a upon_o just_a occasion_n observe_v all_o the_o vital_a circumstance_n of_o a_o well_o order_v reproof_n and_o action_n as_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n may_v do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n as_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n and_o man_n in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o the_o people_n do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n and_o only_a out_o of_o christian_a duty_n and_o not_o with_o any_o authority_n they_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o if_o their_o brethren_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o to_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o then_o to_o refer_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v and_o inform_v their_o several_a presbytery_n of_o it_o the_o people_n be_v confine_v within_o these_o limet_n only_o and_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v and_o go_v out_o of_o these_o bound_n whereas_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n by_o their_o place_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o order_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o which_o the_o people_n have_v not_o neither_o with_o any_o good_a reason_n will_v it_o follow_v if_o any_o private_a christian_a may_v admonish_v a_o minister_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o he_o for_o this_o one_o member_n and_o brother_n have_v not_o over_o another_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o another_o man_n servant_n as_o saint_n paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o although_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v coloss_n the_o 3._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o have_v rule_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o because_o the_o scripture_n witness_v the_o contrary_a but_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o rebuke_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v and_o censure_n as_o ambassador_n steward_n and_o governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o they_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o end_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v refractory_a and_o disorderly_a to_o punish_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v officer_n and_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n whereas_o other_o christian_n do_v their_o duty_n only_o out_o of_o love_n as_o brethren_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n so_o that_o what_o the_o people_n do_v either_o in_o admonish_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v out_o of_o charity_n or_o what_o they_o do_v in_o choose_v of_o officer_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v either_o by_o denomination_n of_o they_o or_o in_o approve_v and_o assent_v unto_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v as_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n power_n to_o hinder_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n if_o he_o be_v prove_v scandalous_a or_o of_o receive_v any_o into_o the_o church_n or_o into_o any_o office_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a and_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n for_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o these_o be_v all_o action_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o order_v thing_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v never_o give_v to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o those_o place_n quote_v by_o mr_n knollys_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o people_n over_o either_o their_o minister_n or_o fellow-member_n be_v not_o for_o his_o purpose_n as_o bâ—ing_v misapply_v and_o abuse_v as_o they_o be_v daily_o by_o the_o independent_a brethren_n so_o that_o to_o all_o rational_a and_o understand_a man_n from_o this_o reproof_n of_o diotrephes_n give_v by_o s._n john_n and_o this_o his_o censure_v of_o he_o for_o usurp_a sole_a authority_n to_o himself_o and_o prate_v malicious_a word_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n he_o write_v to_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o as_o affect_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n within_o itself_o independent_a without_o any_o reference_n or_o relation_n to_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o do_v speak_v malicious_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o do_v cast_v out_o who_o they_o please_v and_o bring_v in_o who_o they_o will_v at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n all_o such_o violate_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v that_o government_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o all_o church_n by_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n that_o diotrephes_n be_v and_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o will_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o minister_n and_o congregation_n as_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n either_o whole_o exclude_v the_o minister_n or_o join_v the_o people_n with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o thus_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v be_v prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o such_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o reply_v unto_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o congregationall_a practice_n there_o yet_o remain_v one_o whible_a cavil_n more_o in_o this_o his_o answer_n
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 a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_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 and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v 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
word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o to_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n any_o long_o leave_v about_o this_o point_n for_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v not_o gainsay_v but_o god_n have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v it_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n that_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v upon_o that_o new_a miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o peter_n &_o john_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gainsay_v but_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o everlasting_a truth_n by_o all_o christian_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o this_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n or_o a_o new_a act_n and_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o now_o five_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o put_v and_o join_v together_o make_v up_o eight_o thousand_o which_o be_v all_o add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o former_a that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o my_o addition_n as_o mr._n knollys_n fond_o and_o childish_o conclude_v and_o his_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v my_o mistake_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o senseless_a for_o say_v he_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n take_v notice_n i_o pray_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o expression_n some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o say_v he_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o and_o it_o stand_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n they_o be_v not_o as_o any_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v although_o i_o do_v not_o set_v it_o down_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o all_o those_o eight_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o mr_n knollys_n here_o commit_v a_o double_a error_n first_o in_o make_v that_o my_o opinion_n and_o ascribe_v that_o to_o i_o which_o i_o only_o then_o relate_v as_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o then_o leave_v it_o in_o medio_fw-la that_o be_v his_o first_o error_n his_o second_o be_v worse_o for_o whereas_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o second_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o act_n master_n knollys_n peremptory_o affirm_v they_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o &_o so_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n who_o declare_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o at_o one_o time_n &_o five_o at_o another_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o 5._o thousand_o in_o all_o as_o m._n knollys_n assert_v then_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o so_o then_o i_o have_v commit_v no_o error_n neither_o can_v m._n knollys_n convince_v i_o of_o a_o error_n if_o i_o have_v say_v it_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n have_v be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n the_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o number_n of_o man_n according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n be_v five_o thousand_o and_o if_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o man_n than_o not_o woman_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v always_o take_v for_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o matth._n 15._o verse_n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o they_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v four_o thousandman_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o among_o these_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n knollys_n &_o by_o his_o own_o interpretation_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n mount_v in_o all_o but_o to_o five_o thousand_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o do_v not_o and_o be_v all_o man_n as_o he_o accord_v to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v he_o raise_v a_o new_a and_o needless_a cavil_n against_o i_o because_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o i_o do_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o relate_v it_o as_o my_o own_o judgement_n neither_o do_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o woman_n among_o those_o eight_o thousand_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n but_o be_v i_o of_o as_o contentious_a a_o spirit_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n i_o can_v bring_v better_a reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n then_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n can_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o mr._n knollys_n himself_o seem_v but_o faint_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o the_o 3._o thousand_o be_v woman_n &_o thus_o he_o trifle_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o first_o argument_n say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n now_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o woman_n make_v no_o real_a conviction_n of_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v but_o a_o naked_a and_o groundless_a supposition_n of_o a_o mistake_n especial_o when_o there_o may_v be_v many_o solid_a reason_n produce_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o such_o kind_n of_o trifling_n be_v not_o sufferable_a in_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o fear_n god_n for_o vain_a jangle_n and_o needless_a contention_n about_o word_n be_v that_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o minister_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o it_o trouble_v i_o not_o a_o little_a that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o vain_a kind_n of_o creature_n who_o cheese_n babble_n be_v about_o word_n but_o notwithstanding_o i_o see_v a_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o in_o this_o the_o man_n show_v but_o his_o ignorance_n and_o while_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o be_v very_o acute_a he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a child_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n give_v some_o man_n rope_n enough_o and_o they_o will_v hang_v themselves_o even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o take_v that_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o run_v out_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o entangle_v himself_o on_o every_o side_n as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v as_o here_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o and_o he_o deny_v withal_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v prove_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o assert_v moreover_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o all_o those_o convert_n amout_v but_o to_o five_o thousand_o and_o he_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o confute_v himself_o i_o desire_v all_o therefore_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n he_o have_v confident_o conclude_v there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o another_o company_n among_o the_o which_o he_o say_v some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v woman_n so_o that_o by_o his_o own_o concession_n here_o be_v two_o distinct_a number_n or_o company_n one_o consist_v of_o 5._o thousand_o
20._o vers_fw-la the_o 7._o and_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o private_a house_n as_o by_o the_o many_o place_n be_v manifest_a which_o i_o cite_v but_o a_o little_a before_o beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o break_v bread_n be_v no_o temple-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o preach_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o appear_v act_n 4._o 2._o they_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o have_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o assault_v act_v 21._o 28._o for_o be_v but_o suppose_v to_o have_v bring_v greek_n into_o the_o temple_n what_o will_v these_o man_n have_v do_v if_o one_o shall_v have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a ordinance_n and_o a_o new_a worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o legal_a right_n sure_o the_o jew_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n contend_v for_o this_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o not_o every_o day_n yet_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n at_o least_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v never_o without_o preach_v as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n 20._o 7._o and_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o daily_o break_v bread_n together_o and_o that_o in_o several_a and_o particular_a house_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v for_o a_o few_o house_n can_v not_o have_v hold_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o if_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v contain_v under_o one_o roof_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v in_o diverse_a and_o several_a chamber_n or_o room_n so_o that_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o one_o the_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v still_o several_a congregation_n as_o under_o the_o roof_n of_o paul_n there_o be_v diverse_a meeting_n place_n where_o man_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v call_v several_a church_n and_o they_o that_o meet_v there_o several_a congregation_n though_o under_o one_o roof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o place_n under_o one_o covert_n make_v always_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v in_o the_o several_a committee_n at_o westminster_n where_o every_o committee_n of_o both_o house_n have_v their_o several_a room_n and_o equal_a authority_n and_o be_v yet_o all_o but_o one_o parliament_n though_o distribute_v into_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n so_o here_o they_o have_v several_a assembly_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n as_o be_v declare_v and_o reason_n itself_o without_o any_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v this_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o all_o preach_v and_o that_o daily_a and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a room_n to_o preach_v in_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a auditory_n or_o assembly_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v preach_v to_o the_o wall_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n will_v all_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n all_o hair_n of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n the_o place_n above_o specify_v do_v declare_v and_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o resolve_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o truth_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o receive_a opinion_n but_o may_v evident_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n as_o the_o many_o committee_n in_o both_o house_n be_v in_o divers_a room_n and_o make_v divers_a assembly_n and_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n among_o themselves_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o parliament_n and_o all_o those_o several_a committee_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o great_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o the_o parliament_n and_o all_o this_o without_o confusion_n yea_o with_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n to_o prove_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 before_o the_o persecution_n and_o concern_v this_o argument_n mr_n knollys_n before_o he_o come_v to_o answer_v it_o make_v a_o little_a suck_a preamble_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o have_v one_o argument_n which_o be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n then_o all_o the_o other_o which_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v page_n 64._o thus_o he_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n be_v as_o follow_v i_o will_v set_v down_o all_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o doctor_n prove_v his_o minor_n which_o he_o say_v it_o manifest_a from_o act_n 2._o 46._o and_o chapter_n the_o 5._o 12._o 42._o and_o chapter_n 3._o 11._o 12._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produoe_v page_n 64_o 65_o 66._o in_o all_o which_o discourse_n the_o doctor_n give_v you_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o minor_a proposition_n which_o be_v his_o manner_n of_o discourse_v through_o his_o book_n this_o argument_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o deny_v it_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o doctor_n will_v prove_v for_o act_v the_o 2._o verse_n 42._o 46._o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o act_v the_o 3._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n can_v together_o to_o they_o in_o the_o porch_n which_o be_v call_v solomon_n act_v the_o 5._o 12._o and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n so_o that_o these_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o meet_v together_o in_o several_a place_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n do_v express_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n 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 in_o 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 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a 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 and_o all_o that_o believe_v â—â—re_o together_o act_v the_o 2._o v._o 42_o 44_o 46._o yea_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o minor_a proposition_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o refutation_n of_o what_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v touch_v the_o first_o proposition_n thus_o profound_a mr_n knollys_n confute_v my_o argument_n i_o have_v set_v down_o all_o his_o word_n at_o large_a and_o as_o he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v my_o argument_n so_o i_o in_o like_a manner_n entreat_v he_o that_o he_o will_v but_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o and_o advise_o weight_n whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o all_o my_o discourse_n but_o my_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o proof_n of_o what_o
favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o employ_v the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n night_n and_o day_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o faithful_a and_o laborious_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o well_o antecedenter_n as_o consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o the_o word_n angel_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o now_o than_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o the_o independent_o opinion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v take_v collective_o the_o word_n church_n by_o as_o good_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v many_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n in_o that_o church_n by_o all_o which_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o one_o church_n may_v have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o what_o master_n baines_n think_v to_o the_o contrary_a who_o judgement_n in_o this_o business_n be_v very_o erroneous_a how_o orthodox_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o other_o writing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n though_o of_o never_o so_o greatlearning_n or_o part_n no_o not_o a_o angel_n that_o shall_v ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n make_v i_o believe_v or_o embrace_v any_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o sound_a reason_n as_o this_o novel_a tenant_n and_o whimsy_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v and_o true_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n who_o by_o his_o induction_n of_o so_o many_o church_n and_o by_o that_o nigh_o relation_n he_o affirm_v they_o all_o have_v each_o to_o other_o and_o among_o themselves_o conclude_v they_o be_v all_o dependent_a for_o if_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o nigh_o a_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o be_v between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n as_o he_o assert_v so_o that_o the_o one_o can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v all_o dependent_a but_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o nigh_o arelation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v as_o there_o be_v between_o member_n and_o member_n so_o that_o the_o one_o can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o dependent_a for_o the_o antecedent_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o intelligible_a man_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o assumption_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v and_o that_o due_o the_o mâ—nner_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n in_o all_o the_o city_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o in_o juda_n and_o israel_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o they_o the_o truth_n will_v easy_o be_v perceive_v and_o the_o controversy_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n among_o all_o sober_a mind_a christian_n now_o in_o those_o several_a city_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o under_o their_o several_a king_n and_o prince_n they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o secular_a presbytery_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o noble_n who_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n under_o those_o king_n and_o prince_n extend_v as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a bound_n and_o territory_n under_o their_o several_a city_n delate_a themselves_o and_o not_o only_o within_o their_o wall_n for_o as_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o several_a kingdom_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o have_v their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o bound_n so_o into_o whosesoever_o hand_n and_o authority_n they_o be_v in_o succession_n of_o time_n devolve_v either_o by_o conquest_n donation_n agreement_n or_o compact_n they_o common_o continue_v their_o ancient_a dimension_n and_o limit_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o secular_a power_n extend_v itself_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o policy_n the_o same_o limit_n do_v the_o ecclesiastical_a ever_o observe_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n under_o they_o all_o who_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n be_v call_v citizen_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o several_a city_n as_o all_o history_n relate_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o annal_n of_o time_n all_o man_n may_v find_v that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o change_n of_o all_o government_n from_o democratiall_a to_o aristocratical_a and_o from_o both_o to_o monarchy_n that_o as_o far_o as_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n extend_v themselves_o before_o their_o changc_n the_o monarchsor_n king_n that_o either_o invade_v those_o government_n or_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o election_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n extend_v their_o sole_a power_n to_o the_o extreme_a limit_n of_o those_o several_a government_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n rule_v those_o several_a country_n which_o before_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o state_n senate_n elder_n or_o judge_n as_o we_o see_v it_o happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n after_o the_o government_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v change_v into_o a_o monarchy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n for_o when_o caesar_n have_v invade_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o have_v make_v himself_o perpetuus_n dictator_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a aristocracy_n extend_v its_o self_n before_o the_o change_n so_o far_o do_v his_o sole_a power_n expatiate_v and_o extend_v itself_o after_o the_o alteration_n and_o the_o same_o power_n do_v all_o the_o succeed_a emperor_n exercise_v to_o the_o extreme_a bound_n of_o that_o empire_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o as_o all_o history_n declare_v even_o so_o when_o the_o several_a presbytery_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v through_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n change_v into_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a presbytery_n extend_v themselves_o so_o far_o do_v the_o several_a bishop_n appoint_v over_o they_o extend_v their_o sole_a power_n and_o exercise_v their_o sole_a authority_n hence_o arise_v so_o many_o broil_n contention_n and_o digladiation_n among_o those_o several_a bishop_n about_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a sea_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n be_v full_a all_o the_o which_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o declare_v
synod_n now_o present_a and_o their_o employment_n likewise_o be_v of_o a_o other_o nature_n then_o that_o of_o ordinary_a pastor_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o a_o synod_n and_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v never_o any_o congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o yet_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v a_o synod_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o they_o several_o and_o so_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o definition_n and_o therefore_o remain_v not_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n that_o the_o congregationall_a church_n can_v enjoy_v for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o but_o many_o time_n after_o in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n or_o when_o there_o remain_v but_o one_o alive_a as_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v dependent_a if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n or_o else_o be_v no_o church_n as_o not_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o be_v ordinance_n that_o near_o concern_v every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v by_o that_o alone_a for_o how_o can_v a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n try_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v or_o put_v over_o they_o when_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o those_o science_n art_n faculty_n and_o history_n and_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o latin_a greek_a hebrew_n and_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o other_o thing_n that_o in_o some_o competency_n be_v require_v in_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n over_o they_o when_o i_o say_v not_o any_o one_o in_o those_o congregation_n many_o time_n have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o art_n and_o science_n in_o all_o which_o a_o minister_n ought_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v verse_v in_o if_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o high_a call_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o have_v such_o intelligible_a member_n who_o when_o they_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o elder_n to_o perform_v &_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o people_n who_o never_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o hold_v and_o teach_v so_o that_o when_o any_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o other_o church_n officer_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n they_o permit_v not_o the_o common_a people_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o but_o always_o desire_v elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o other_o congregation_n to_o do_v it_o without_o who_o help_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v have_v it_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n but_o i_o will_v first_o speak_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n the_o which_o howsoever_o in_o some_o of_o the_o more_o unlearned_a independent_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v of_o small_a weight_n and_o but_o a_o compliment_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n account_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o for_o 1_o 2_o which_o place_n of_o scripture_n one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n master_n henry_n jacob_n by_o name_n who_o first_o baptize_v their_o new_a gather_a church_n with_o that_o compellation_n of_o independent_a church_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n exceed_o urge_v to_o overthrow_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o as_o he_o suppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n err_v in_o the_o foundation_n not_o have_v the_o due_a and_o right_a imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n though_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o of_o his_o other_o opinion_n he_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v for_o those_o that_o impose_v hand_n upon_o the_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v presbyter_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o can_v urge_v this_o place_n for_o their_o advantage_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o also_o may_v not_o much_o more_o make_v use_n of_o it_o against_o they_o it_o be_v god_n own_o institution_n and_o to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n end_n in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o this_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o presbytery_n be_v want_v in_o any_o church_n that_o church_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n within_o itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o obtain_v or_o enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n of_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o often_o in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o at_o many_o other_o time_n also_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o mortality_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o when_o but_o one_o of_o they_o remain_v alive_a which_o frequent_o happen_v among_o they_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v crave_v the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v dependent_a for_o not_o any_o one_o elder_a alone_a and_o by_o himself_o can_v ordain_v a_o other_o there_o must_v be_v more_o together_o for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v just_o do_v and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v of_o many_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n import_v and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n and_o view_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o a_o establish_a presbytery_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v many_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o they_o appoint_v over_o they_o to_o govern_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a and_o all_o those_o several_a presbytery_n have_v in_o each_o of_o they_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n and_o officer_n within_o themselves_o in_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o corporation_n or_o committee_n have_v their_o precedent_n and_o chaire-man_n with_o all_o other_o officer_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o abundance_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o presbyter_n or_o officer_n dye_v within_o their_o several_a preeinct_n they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o several_a charter_n present_o go_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o new_a one_o and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v who_o if_o their_o precedent_n die_v or_o any_o of_o their_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o their_o common_a council_n or_o any_o of_o their_o other_o officer_n they_o forthwith_o make_v election_n of_o other_o out_o of_o some_o of_o their_o freeman_n or_o of_o man_n well_o know_v to_o they_o for_o sufficiency_n wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o all_o other_o ability_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o corporation_n for_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n in_o their_o new_a church_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o accord_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o take_v their_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o gather_v into_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n have_v act_v and_o manage_v they_o only_o as_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o by_o a_o special_a dispensation_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o only_o peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o as_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a governor_n so_o that_o while_o master_n knollys_n fight_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o i_o he_o with_o the_o same_o weapon_n wound_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n who_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o extraordinary_a man_n take_v their_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n and_o of_o call_v synod_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o discover_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o futility_n as_o for_o his_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n because_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n they_o be_v foolish_a and_o vain_a and_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v of_o my_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v as_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
their_o husband_n go_v out_o one_o way_n the_o wife_z another_z their_o child_n to_o this_o assembly_n their_o servant_n to_o that_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n which_o paul_n blame_v in_o they_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n the_o three_o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n and_o so_o they_o flutter_v about_o like_o a_o company_n of_o chicking_n without_o either_o head_n or_o wit_n and_o none_o will_v be_v under_o obedience_n to_o either_o parent_n or_o master_n not_o withstand_v god_n have_v command_v child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n no_o far_o than_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o young_a and_o whether_o i_o have_v wrong_v the_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o report_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o distract_a family_n in_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v now_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o new_a teacher_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o affection_n one_o from_o another_o of_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o nigh_a relation_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o their_o march_n as_o i_o say_v before_o make_v some_o poor_a weak_a skirmish_n against_o my_o force_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o garrison_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n which_o i_o have_v former_o bring_v into_o the_o field_n pretend_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o not_o bind_v because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v admit_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n form_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o their_o trifle_n without_o some_o answer_n unto_o their_o bravado_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v good_a in_o this_o place_n before_o i_o march_v on_o to_o fight_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o boast_v &_o vapour_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o encounter_v they_o or_o look_v upon_o their_o most_o material_a reserve_v which_o be_v concern_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o which_o they_o especial_o pitch_v upon_o conceive_v they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o i_o for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o ground_n good_a viz._n that_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o admit_v any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n do_v not_o reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o people_n also_o have_v a_o hand_n as_o well_o in_o their_o admission_n as_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v dislike_v the_o reception_n of_o any_o that_o then_o the_o minister_n can_v by_o their_o own_o and_o sole_a authority_n admit_v they_o though_o never_o so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o their_o encounter_n for_o to_o what_o end_n otherwise_o shall_v it_o be_v make_v yea_o their_o very_a word_n manifest_a as_o much_o which_o be_v these_o first_o master_n knollys_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o thus_o declare_v himself_o that_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n say_v he_o viz._n of_o the_o admittance_n of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v to_o hinder_v their_o admittance_n to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o liberty_n but_o because_o they_o have_v no_o just_a objection_n to_o declare_v to_o peter_n now_o that_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o declare_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v just_o have_v hinder_v do_v appear_v by_o the_o question_n the_o apostle_n expound_v say_v he_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v propound_v verse_n 47._o can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o brethren_n or_o disciple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o except_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o case_n that_o such_o person_n have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v until_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversation_n and_o there_o produce_v a_o plain_a instance_n to_o prove_v this_o out_o of_o act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n but_o they_o be_v all_o afraid_a of_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n thus_o master_n knollys_n speak_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o like_a case_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n because_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o daughter-churche_n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o disciple_n or_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o declare_v their_o fear_n and_o their_o ground_n thereof_o against_o paul_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v he_o make_v good_a that_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o brethren_n may_v admit_v member_n and_o cast_v out_o member_n and_o that_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o his_o word_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n to_o which_o i_o will_v by_o and_o by_o give_v my_o answer_n after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o also_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n and_o then_o i_o will_v reply_v to_o they_o both_o in_o order_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 17._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o preach_v and_o instrumental_o to_o convert_v soul_n which_o chief_o pertain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church-government_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o here_o let_v peter_n himself_o who_o word_n you_o allege_v resolve_v we_o who_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o wonderful_o fall_v on_o all_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n which_o word_n imply_v that_o if_o any_o exception_n can_v have_v be_v make_v it_o be_v in_o those_o jew_n present_a to_o give_v forth_o their_o allegation_n why_o those_o believe_a gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o become_v one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n so_o as_o your_o observation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o first_o peter_n be_v send_v to_o and_o â—ot_n the_o church_n and_o second_o peter_n command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v again_o this_o example_n be_v extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o your_o instance_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8._o 8._o of_o lydia_n act._n 16._o as_o many_o other_o be_v mere_a extravagant_o we_o faith_n he_o speak_v of_o church_n constitute_v not_o of_o single_a convert_n here_o and_o there_o one_o not_o yet_o join_v into_o a_o particular_a church-body_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n declare_v himself_o who_o word_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o and_o all_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o those_o example_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n deal_n they_o make_v all_o these_o example_n either_o extravagant_o or_o extraordinary_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v from_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n and_o peter_n question_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o infer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n lay_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n hand_n but_o in_o the_o people_n also_o as_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o bring_v in_o their_o exception_n against_o any_o for_o their_o not_o admission_n so_o that_o these_o man_n at_o pleasure_n will_v make_v the_o same_o scripture_n they_o except_v against_o as_o not_o authoritative_a and_o bind_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o be_v bind_o presidentiall_a for_o themselves_o so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n it_o make_v for_o their_o grollery_n and_o serve_v their_o turn_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o
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 they_o be_v all_o believer_n disciple_n and_o very_o good_a christian_n yea_o very_a zealous_a one_o three_o they_o do_v witness_v that_o all_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v but_o weak_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o give_v saint_n paul_n counsel_n yea_o a_o order_n somewhat_o to_o connive_v at_o their_o weakness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o their_o favour_n the_o story_n be_v there_o full_o set_v down_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o more_o ten_o thousand_o of_o strong_a believer_n may_v any_o rational_a man_n suppose_v be_v then_o there_o in_o that_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o apostle_n forth_o most_o part_n and_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o able_a presbyter_n all_o miraculous_a teacher_n and_o assist_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sure_o a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n or_o place_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v hold_v their_o very_a body_n much_o less_o can_v a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n have_v hold_v they_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o have_v not_o absolute_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n yea_o to_o wage_v war_n against_o heaven_n must_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 especial_o when_o it_o come_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n there_o as_o in_o every_o house_n one_o so_o that_o for_o this_o point_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v it_o be_v now_o without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
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 dâ—_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 wâ—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 oâ—_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
leave_v the_o poor_a sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o say_v when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v when_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o which_o master_n knollys_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v there_o his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o very_o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o any_o man_n that_o if_o any_o great_a grazier_n have_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o many_o several_a walk_n and_o place_n of_o pasturage_n to_o feed_v they_o in_o and_o have_v several_a pastor_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o not_o a_o few_o shepherd_n can_v feed_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o give_v they_o all_o a_o charge_n in_o common_a of_o look_v to_o his_o sheep_n and_o feed_v they_o although_o all_o those_o several_a pastor_n be_v to_o have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o all_o those_o sheep_n that_o have_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o several_a walk_n and_o graze_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v his_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o special_a for_o he_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a over_o the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o particular_a inspection_n and_o care_n for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o flock_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o his_o master_n pleasure_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o other_o fellow_n pastor_n or_o their_o flock_n all_o this_o i_o say_v good_a reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n all_o who_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a all_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o confess_v for_o all_o those_o church_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o govern_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o common_a council_n of_o their_o elder_n this_o presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o ward_n or_o walk_v commit_v unto_o his_o care_n and_o that_o elder_a have_v such_o a_o circuit_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o three_o elder_n have_v such_o a_o precinct_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n with_o this_o proviso_n always_o that_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o sheep_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v order_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a presbyter_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o well_o regulate_v way_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o every_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n and_o every_o particular_a congregation_n under_o they_o several_o will_v have_v govern_v as_o please_v themselves_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o college_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o diotrephes_n here_o for_o which_o he_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n john_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytry_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o they_o master_n knollys_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o same_o do_v accord_n who_o cite_v my_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o my_o book_n deduce_v from_o they_o four_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o set_v down_o after_o i_o have_v relate_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o before_o say_v he_o the_o doctor_n come_v to_o prove_v his_o four_o particular_a proposition_n he_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o several_a presbyter_n and_o produce_v divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o two_o sheet_n be_v spend_v whole_o in_o prove_v thereof_o from_o the_o 12_o page_n to_o the_o 29._o these_o word_n mr_n knollys_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n now_o hear_v his_o answer_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v only_o prove_v first_o that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o that_o thou_o ordain_v elder_n city_n by_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o second_o that_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v the_o 20._o ver_fw-la 25._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o philippy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o those_o several_a church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o 17._o 24._o who_o be_v their_o guide_v obey_v your_o guide_v four_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n god_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o four_o conclusion_n master_n knolleys_n gather_v out_o of_o my_o argument_n but_o with_o all_o add_v say_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v dependent_a upon_o a_o supreme_a judicature_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o church_n this_o say_v mr._n knollys_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v his_o expression_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v prove_v first_o etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o four_o conclusion_n now_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n in_o so_o speak_v all_o which_o shall_v â—t_a be_v grant_v as_o if_o he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a courtesy_n and_o favour_n to_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a woâ—ds_n declare_v o_o be_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n sufficient_o ev_v need_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v except_o he_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o have_v perspicuous_o and_o in_o foe_n maul_v term_n set_v own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o college_n &_o presbyte_v ie_fw-fr of_o elder_n orda_fw-mi n_v and_o constitute_v in_o very_a church_n or_o city_n who_o be_v to_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a congreâ—ations_n within_o their_o â—râ—cin_n â—s_v w_z ch_n m_n knollys_n himself_o consent_v unto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o 4_o conclusion_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v any_o time_n of_o deny_v or_o not_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a jestament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o be_v so_o many_o several_a eccle_n aâ—â—icall_a corpo_fw-it ation_n and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v right_o apply_v and_o allege_v now_o have_v be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o business_n be_v in_o question_n and_o agitation_n for_o mr_n knollys_n to_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o dislike_n and_o gainsaying_n but_o when_o he_o confirm_v what_o i_o prove_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o his_o four_o conclusion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o man_n to_o say_v all_o which_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v when_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n these_o be_v
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
clear_a to_o i_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n and_o name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o aristocracy_n or_o signory_n or_o court_n that_o be_v a_o company_n or_o senate_n or_o council_n of_o grave_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v order_v and_o command_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n be_v put_v and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o civil_a polity_n and_o government_n so_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a by_o a_o presbytery_n we_o understand_v a_o religious_a grave_a solid_a learned_a and_o wise_a council_n of_o divine_n and_o minister_n or_o man_n of_o inveterate_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o command_n with_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o which_o man_n likewise_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o and_o be_v hereunto_o call_v by_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n which_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a people_n can_v do_v and_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o they_o all_o and_o for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n over_o the_o church_n for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o king_n and_o ruler_n be_v by_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o borrow_a speech_n call_v pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v say_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o word_n be_v understand_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o moderate_a authority_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n over_o they_o so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v call_v the_o pastor_n and_o shepherd_n yea_o and_o steward_n over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v they_o by_o which_o metaphor_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o of_o preach_v and_o rule_v and_o have_v the_o government_n over_o those_o flock_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o must_v always_o exercise_v according_a to_o god_n word_n they_o must_v feed_v they_o and_o rule_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o after_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 24._o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o may_v not_o usurp_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n or_o power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n as_o if_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o flock_n depend_v on_o they_o which_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o their_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o shall_v comfort_v they_o and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o use_v all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o be_v possible_a like_o good_a shepherd_n to_o preserve_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o straggle_v and_o stray_v not_o from_o christ_n fold_n and_o run_v not_o into_o the_o byway_n and_o thicket_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o be_v corrupt_v with_o noisome_a food_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o among_o they_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o they_o bring_v and_o reduce_v they_o into_o order_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o sick_a feeble_a poor_a or_o weak_a that_o they_o cure_n relieve_v comfort_n and_o restore_v such_o and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o that_o be_v infect_v or_o scabby_a that_o they_o remove_v such_o from_o the_o sound_n till_o they_o be_v recover_v or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o break_a or_o wound_v that_o they_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o with_o all_o lenity_n and_o humanity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o common_a council_n govern_z and_o order_v their_o flock_n and_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o particular_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n under_o their_o presbytery_n and_o charge_n assume_v not_o any_o sole_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o themselves_o over_o the_o flock_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n without_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o that_o presbytery_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n under_o who_o command_n they_o be_v and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o a_o common_a council_n of_o godly_a grave_a learned_a and_o experience_a minister_n shall_v ever_o be_v more_o able_a to_o manage_v and_o order_v a_o government_n than_o two_o or_o three_o unexperienced_a man_n or_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o young_a people_n of_o which_o most_o congregation_n consist_v in_o who_o the_o sap_n of_o youth_n be_v not_o yet_o dry_v up_o or_o if_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o ripe_a year_n yet_o they_o know_v little_a what_o belong_v to_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o govern_v as_o man_n both_o of_o know_a learning_n ancient_a experience_n and_o honesty_n and_o approve_a judgement_n and_o integrity_n as_o a_o whole_a college_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a presbyter_n common_o be_v who_o by_o god_n himself_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o all_o ordinary_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o several_a charge_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v here_o to_o be_v answer_v unto_o make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v they_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n give_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o pprophecy_n act_v 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o 8._o 18_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o heal_v the_o sick_a james_n 5._o 14_o 15._o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n mark_n 16._o 18._o let_v say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n let_v they_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a and_o heal_v they_o let_v they_o by_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o disciple_n enable_v they_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o a_o true_a presbytery_n then_o will_v they_o be_v a_o right_a assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o the_o apostle_n successor_n but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v to_o other_o nor_o yet_o have_v for_o themselves_o in_o store_n any_o of_o the_o true_a apostle_n any_o of_o the_o right_a presbyter_n gift_n and_o character_n we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o such_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a word_n in_o print_n before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o desire_v there_o may_v be_v special_a notice_n take_v of_o this_o objection_n and_o such_o like_a for_o for_o aught_o that_o i_o know_v if_o any_o man_n will_v argue_v afthis_fw-la manner_n all_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o no_o man_n will_v have_v any_o creed_n or_o belief_n except_o he_o may_v make_v his_o own_o article_n as_o thomas_n do_v who_o say_v unless_o i_o put_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n and_o my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o as_o the_o jew_n say_v unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n thou_o that_o save_v other_o now_o save_v thyself_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o thou_o do_v this_o miracle_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v persuade_v we_o here_o we_o see_v they_o will_v make_v their_o own_o article_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v no_o creed_n the_o jew_n have_v learn_v this_o method_n of_o dispute_v from_o the_o devil_n who_o at_o his_o meeting_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o at_o his_o first_o assault_n thus_o dispute_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o and_o will_v have_v the_o world_n so_o believe_v and_o i_o too_o on_o thou_o then_o command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n do_v this_o miracle_n first_o but_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o ergo._n so_o in_o like_a