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scripture_n authority_n church_n primitive_a 2,508 5 9.0550 5 false
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A81501 The Discipline and order of particular churches, no novelty. Proved from Scripture, reason, autiquity, and the most eminent modern divines. Or, A discourse of the church, in a scripture notion, with her extent, power and practice, tending to moderate the minds of men, toward dissenters in matters ecclesiastical, and to acquit such from the charge of innovation, faction, separation, schism, and breach of union and peace in the church, who cannot conform in many things to the rules, canons, and practices of others. / By a Lover of truth, peace, unity, and order. Lover of truth, peace, unity, and order. 1675 (1675) Wing D1558A; ESTC R174652 61,995 98

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the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o novelty_n prove_v from_o scripture_n reason_n antiquity_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a modern_a divine_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o scripture_n notion_n with_o her_o extent_n power_n and_o practice_n tend_v to_o moderate_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n towards_o dissenter_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o to_o acquit_v such_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o innovation_n faction_n separation_n schism_n and_o breach_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n who_o can_v conform_v in_o many_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n canon_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o by_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n peace_n unity_n and_o order_n london_n print_v anno_fw-la dom._n m.dc.lxxv_o the_o discipline_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a church_n no_o novelty_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v according_a to_o scripture-expression_n either_o first_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_n goad_n see_v the_o disputation_n against_o campion_n at_o the_o tower_n sep._n 18._o 1581._o in_o the_o morn_n by_o tulk._n and_o goad_n as_o eph._n 5.23_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n ver_fw-la 27._o that_o he_o may_v present_v to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n ver_fw-la 25._o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o so_o heb._n 12.22_o 23._o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n col._n 1.18_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n etc._n etc._n dr._n carleton_n sometime_o bishop_n of_o chichester_n in_o his_o little_a piece_n called_n a_o direction_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n p._n 3._o say_v that_o the_o saint_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o under_o grace_n make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o 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history_n that_o where_o any_o one_o congregation_n do_v divide_v into_o two_o body_n each_o apart_o choose_v their_o own_o bishop_n for_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n socrat._v lib._n 5._o cap._n 9_o p._n 343._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o p._n 316._o so_o in_o many_o other_o case_n when_o those_o of_o the_o true_a faith_n have_v bishop_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o arrian_n they_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o arrian_n and_o choose_v to_o themselves_o bishop_n and_o assemble_v alone_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o all_o these_o bishop_n thus_o choose_v and_o appoint_v of_o the_o people_n of_o these_o particular_a church_n be_v still_o acknowledge_v as_o lawful_a bishop_n by_o all_o and_o in_o all_o the_o counsel_n mention_v in_o those_o history_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v the_o least_o objection_n any_o where_o record_v in_o those_o day_n against_o such_o who_o come_v thus_o to_o this_o office_n as_o be_v unlawful_o call_v to_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o right_n thereto_o the_o father_n give_v in_o their_o testimony_n also_o a_o touch_n of_o they_o therefore_o tertul._n in_o his_o apol._n to_o the_o gent._n cap._n 39_o p._n 137._o english_a translation_n say_v that_o in_o these_o assembly_n there_o be_v bishop_n that_o preside_v they_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o they_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o conduct_v so_o say_v many_o other_o 95._o possidon_n in_o vita_fw-la aug._n cap._n 4._o leo._n 1._o epist_n 95._o quote_v by_o the_o magdeburg_n divine_v cent._n 2._o cap._n 7._o col_fw-fr 134_o 135._o cent._n 1._o lib._n 1._o cap._n 4._o col_fw-fr 179._o cent._n 3._o cap._n 6._o col_fw-fr 146_o 147._o the_o roman_a presbyter_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o cyrian_a affirm_v that_o every_o church_n have_v a_o like_a power_n of_o choose_v call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n and_o for_o just_a cause_n again_o to_o depose_v they_o 68_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 4._o aug._n epist_n 100_o cyprian_a epist_n 68_o and_o cyprian_n himself_o say_v that_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v such_o as_o be_v fit_a and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o that_o the_o officer_n and_o people_n do_v consult_v about_o it_o with_o common_a consent_n and_o for_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o magdeburg_n writer_n cent._n 3._o cap._n 7._o col_fw-fr 153.173_o 174_o 175._o cap._n 6._o col_fw-fr 135_o 136.146_o and_o also_o that_o the_o people_n do_v consider_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o judge_v and_o much_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o those_o place_n before_o 11._o john_n ferus_fw-la a_o friar_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o act._n 11._o and_o magdeburg_n cent._n 5._o cap._n 6._o col_fw-fr 178_o 179_o 180._o now_o we_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o testimony_n and_o judgement_n of_o latter_a age_n and_o of_o man_n otherwise_o differ_v the_o papist_n themselves_o at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o 800_o year_n together_o after_o christ_n for_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o they_o then_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v remain_v at_o that_o day_n the_o record_n thereof_o at_o rome_n and_o they_o then_o and_o there_o desire_v that_o those_o record_n may_v be_v destroy_v lest_o luther_n who_o maintain_v this_o right_n to_o the_o people_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o custom_n into_o the_o church_n again_o and_o they_o there_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n only_o who_o make_v a_o decree_n against_o it_o ●76_n see_v the_o conference_n of_o rayno'd_n &_o hart_n c._n 6._o p._n 223._o hart_n say_v out_o of_o genebrard_n that_o clemens_n take_v not_o the_o bishopric_n by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o lord_n lest_o the_o example_n of_o take_v it_o by_o nomination_n of_o peter_n shall_v pass_v to_o posterity_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o free_a providence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v of_o her_o own_o bishop_n geneb●ard_n chronolg_n l._n 3._o in_o lin._n see_v more_o l._n 4._o seculo_fw-la 11._o cite_v in_o the_o same_o confer_v cap._n 7._o l_o ●76_n council_n trident._n in_o english_a lib_n 7._o p._n 590_o 591.598_o see_v more_o of_o the_o same_o council_n lib._n 8._o p._n 725._o and_o he_o that_o write_v this_o history_n complain_v against_o rome_n about_o this_o in_o these_o word_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n grant_v not_o the_o people_n the_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n which_o certain_o say_v he_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n continue_v more_o than_o 800_o year_n council_n trident._n lib._n 2._o p._n 163._o bishop_n jewel_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o mr._n harding_n p._n 230._o say_v out_o of_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 4._o that_o the_o bishopric_n be_v bestow_v upon_o sabinus_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n he_o there_o say_v that_o honorius_n the_o emperor_n write_v to_o boneface_v do_v agree_v he_o to_o be_v bishop_n who_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o whole_a brotherhood_n shall_v choose_v and_o the_o bishop_n himself_o then_o there_o affirm_v from_o hence_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v call_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o after_o in_o p._n 282._o the_o bishop_n affirm_v that_o cyprian_a in_o the_o same_o place_n say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v obedient_a to_o god_n law_n have_v power_n especial_o to_o choose_v worthy_a or_o refuse_v unworthy_a priest_n mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o irenicum_fw-la p._n 306._o quote_v tertul._n exhort_v castil_v c._n 7._o for_o these_o word_n that_o all_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n come_v from_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o again_o p._n 416._o himself_n say_v that_o episcopal_a man_n will_v hardly_o find_v any_o evidence_n in_o scripture_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o fix_a congregation_n for_o worship_n under_o the_o charge_n of_o one_o man_n nor_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n without_o the_o precede_a election_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o at_o least_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n so_o much_o he_o allow_v there_o and_o something_o more_o in_o p._n 339._o where_o he_o use_v these_o word_n speak_v of_o elder_n now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o primitive_a practice_n but_o mr._n stillingfleet_n have_v as_o he_o say_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o transcribe_v some_o of_o bishop_n cranmer_n word_n they_o will_v serve_v well_o here_o and_o we_o shall_v again_o transcribe_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o speak_v to_o this_o particular_a see_v they_o in_o the_o same_o irenicum_fw-la p._n 391_o 392._o they_o be_v these_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a prince_n by_o who_o authority_n minister_n of_o god_n word_n may_v be_v appoint_v nor_o sin_n be_v correct_v by_o the_o sword_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n then_o for_o correction_n of_o vice_n or_o appointment_n of_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_a multitude_n among_o themselves_o by_o a_o uniform_a consent_n to_o follow_v the_o advice_n and_o persuasion_n of_o such_o person_n who_o god_n have_v most_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o council_n etc._n etc._n sometime_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v abundance_n of_o his_o spirit_n send_v or_o appoint_v minister_n of_o god_n
his_o offence_n then_o much_o more_o may_v a_o whole_a society_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o declare_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v avoid_v both_o in_o religious_a and_o famine_n civil_a society_n which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o formal_a stir_n of_o excommunication_n thus_o mr._n stilling●_n lodge_v this_o power_n in_o every_o society_n or_o chu●_n join_v together_o by_o mutual_a consent_n over_o every_o 〈◊〉_d that_o consent_v by_o the_o unquestioned_a practice●_n the_o church_n nature_n of_o society_n and_o the_o u●_n law_n of_o nature_n to_o these_o church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o e●stles_n be_v direct_v which_o the_o apostle_n write_v especial_o when_o they_o write_v to_o any_o as_o a_o church_n as_o 〈◊〉_d the_o corinthian_n thessalonian_o etc._n etc._n and_o w●●_n they_o write_v to_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n tho●_n in_o the_o same_o country_n they_o direct_v they_o to_o 〈◊〉_d church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o epistle_n the_o galatian_n so_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o churche●_n asia_n otherwise_o they_o write_v in_o general_a to_o all_o 〈◊〉_d saint_n 5.27_o 2_o cor._n 8.19_o 23._o 1_o cor._n 16.3_o act._n 14.26.27_o act._n 15.30_o colos_n 4.16_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5.27_o or_o all_o in_o such_o a_o country_n and_o not_o to_o a●_n church_n as_o such_o and_o to_o these_o church_n that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a body_n of_o each_o of_o they_o officer_n and_o p●ple_n all_o church-affair_n be_v direct_v th●_n church_n as_o such_o send_v messenger_n etc._n etc._n approved_a of_o such_o to_o be_v send_v to_o they_o by_o their_o lette●_n and_o as_o a_o church_n receive_v letter_n 〈◊〉_d assemble_v together_o to_o read_v they_o to_o agree_v 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n as_o the_o chu●_n in_o antioch_n jerusalem_n and_o other_o so_o after_o 〈◊〉_d apostle_n day_n ignatius_n polycarpus_n and_o other_o w●_n write_v epistle_n to_o church_n as_o such_o direct_v th●_n to_o such_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a ●dy_v of_o they_o and_o make_v mention_n of_o their_o minist●_n in_o the_o body_n of_o their_o epistle_n as_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o they_o see_v the_o epistle_n of_o polycarp●●_n and_o ignatius_n at_o large_a yea_o the_o emperor_n themselves_o when_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o write_v to_o a●_n church_n as_o such_o about_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v conce●●_n they_o as_o a_o church_n as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n of_o ●●nisters_n or_o restore_v they_o again_o after_o banishment_n ●●ey_fw-mi write_v to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o church_n as_o ●●seb_n and_o socrat_n testify_v see_v the_o epist_n record_n euseb_n of_o the_o life_n of_o constantine_n lib._n 3._o cap._n ●_o p._n 52._o 53_o socrat._v lib._n 2._o cap._n 2._o p._n 252._o 253._o p._n 18._o p._n 268._o 269._o so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o have_v herein_o before_o set_v forth_o ●hough_o but_o a_o part_n of_o what_o be_v extant_a to_o the_o same_o ●rpose_n it_o may_v be_v judge_v somewhat_o clear_a that_o ●●rticular_a church_n have_v this_o power_n by_o divine_a ●●ght_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o better_a evidence_n ●hat_n it_o be_v place_v by_o divine_a authority_n elsewhere_o or_o ●at_a this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o none_o at_o all_o which_o we_o ●●nk_v none_o will_v suppose_v if_o therefore_o any_o have_v ●rested_v this_o power_n from_o these_o church_n and_o invest●_n any_o other_o there_o with_o and_o continue_v the_o same_o by_o ●●ce_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o so_o hold_v the_o people_n in_o ●bjection_n thereunto_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a good_a ●arrant_n of_o scripture_n be_v show_v for_o it_o or_o else_o it_o ●ay_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o once_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o scribe_n ●d_a pharisees_n math._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v ●ritten_v you_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o so_o but_o you_o say_v no_o it_o ●all_n be_v thus_o and_o thus_o as_o we_o may_v there_o see_v at_o large_a ●d_a as_o christ_n there_o conclude_v against_o they_o he_o ●d_a in_o vain_a do_v you_o worship_n teach_v for_o doctrine_n ●e_v commandment_n of_o man_n or_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d mr._n stillingfleet_v mind_n in_o the_o general_a that_o there_o ●no_fw-la form_n of_o government_n of_o divine_a right_n or_o of_o ●e_a bishop_n of_o gloucester_n his_o mind_n in_o this_o particular_a ●hat_n the_o people_n elect_v power_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a ●●ght_n yet_o let_v these_o judge_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o person_n agree_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o same_o book_n and_o ●st_o mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o p._n 199._o averr_v that_o all_o essen●lls_n of_o church_n government_n be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n clear_o that_o essential_o be_v such_o thing_n th●_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o a_o socy_n as_o the_o church_n from_o which_o word_n of_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d gather_v that_o he_o grant_v here_o in_o a_o few_o word_n what_o he_o seem_v to_o bend_v his_o whole_a discourse_n against_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v clear_o contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o t●_n preservation_n of_o a_o church-society_n be_v therein_o c●tained_v therefore_o church-government_n yea_o 〈◊〉_d very_a form_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o church_n p●servation_n or_o else_o there_o need_v no_o talk_n about_o it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o necessary_a and_o contain_v in_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n be_v certain_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o this_o do_v follow_v th●_n he_o intend_v thereby_o the_o form_n shall_v be_v include_v but_o that_o he_o will_v distinguish_v here_o then_o let_v the_o person_n allow_v but_o that_o which_o mr._n stillingfl●●●_n grant_v afterward_o in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 417._o whi●_n be_v this_o that_o that_o form_n of_o church-governme●_a which_o come_v near_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v t●_n best_o and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o pea●_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o this_o for●_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n whence_o we_o infer_v if_o then_o that_o be_v best_o and_o m●●_n for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n which_o com●_n near_a the_o apostolic_a practice_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o government_n and_o order_n we_o have_v before_o endeavour_n to_o evince_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v near_a t●_n apostolical_a practice_n and_o gather_v to_o be_v so_o fro●_n scripture_n and_o antiquity_n then_o at_o least_o it_o be_v t●_n best_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o m●_n for_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n and_o so_o for_o t●_n bishop_n mind_n about_o election_n of_o minister_n i●_n man_n who_o will_v be_v of_o this_o judgement_n against_o the_o d●vine_a right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o matter_n also_o be_v swa●●ed_v by_o he_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v further_a about_o it_o ●his_v word_n be_v before_o recite_v that_o this_o be_v derive_v upon_o the_o people_n from_o rule_n of_o christian_a equity_n and_o society_n and_o have_v admirable_a effect_n as_o we_o have_v full_o set_v down_o under_o that_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o church_n power_n in_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n look_v over_o his_o word_n in_o p._n 27._o of_o his_o apol._n whence_o in_o brief_a may_v be_v observe_v that_o except_o any_o other_o way_n of_o choose_v they_o than_o by_o these_o congregation_n as_o before_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o have_v the_o same_o good_a effect_n or_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o those_o rule_n and_o effect_n be_v equal_o good_a with_o these_o at_o least_o then_o it_o follow_v that_o that_o way_n of_o make_v minister_n by_o the_o particular_a church_n election_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o for_o the_o church_n and_o also_o for_o the_o minister_n advantage_n the_o excellency_n of_o those_o rule_n and_o the_o desireableness_n of_o those_o end_n still_o remain_v and_o the_o contrary_a effect_n from_o a_o contrary_a practice_n be_v apparent_a and_o the_o rule_n whence_o this_o latter_a way_n come_v in_o can_v hardly_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a worth_n with_o the_o rule_n from_o whence_o the_o former_a be_v derive_v well_o then_o if_o these_o premise_n be_v true_a and_o can_v be_v disprove_v by_o better_a evidence_n and_o authority_n we_o shall_v offer_v to_o consideration_n these_o thing_n first_o why_o shall_v any_o judge_v evil_a of_o those_o who_o own_o and_o practice_v according_a to_o this_o or_o how_o indeed_o can_v any_o convince_v of_o these_o thing_n join_v themselves_o to_o or_o have_v to_o do_v with_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n deny_v these_o thing_n or_o oppose_a ●hem_n or_o give_v up_o this_o power_n to_o other_o and_o ca_v off_o their_o duty_n up_o on_o other_o and_o
who_o minister_n ●re_n make_v after_o another_o manner_n and_o impose_v upon_o ●hem_n or_o how_o can_v any_o such_o convince_a one_o have_v ●o_o do_v in_o congregation_n and_o ordinance_n otherwise_o order_v and_o act_v then_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n in_o faith_n to_o expect_v god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n in_o it_o how_o can_v any_o know_v these_o thing_n without_o renounce_v christ_n as_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o his_o church_n own_o and_o subscribe_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n by_o other_o than_o these_o church_n much_o more_o how_o can_v any_o so_o convince_v enforce_v other_o to_o give_v subjection_n to_o any_o usurp_a this_o power_n without_o sin_n against_o christ_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o matter_n not_o command_v at_o all_o or_o of_o any_o thing_n command_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v ground_o believe_v for_o a_o blessing_n there_o preface_n mr._n hooler_n eccles_n polity_n in_o the_o preface_n have_v no_o promise_n for_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v sin_n if_o we_o do_v but_o doubt_v it_o rom._n 14.22.23_o therefore_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v at_o liberty_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n ere_o he_o meddle_v with_o these_o thing_n second_o sure_o this_o then_o justify_v and_o commend_v such_o who_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n do_v endeavour_n to_o regulate_v their_o practice_n in_o all_o church_n affair_n by_o these_o rule_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v as_o we_o have_v receive_v how_o aught_o to_o walk_n and_o to_o please_v god_n so_o shall_v we_o abound_v etc._n etc._n 1_o thes_n 4.1_o and_o as_o tymothy_n be_v charge_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v of_o who_o he_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n 2_o tim._n 3.14_o 15._o so_o be_v saint_n in_o general_n command_v to_o stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o word_n or_o epistle_n 2_o thess_n 2.15_o especial_o when_o they_o have_v by_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n like_o the_o noble_a beraean_n act._n 17._o prove_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o and_o find_v that_o the_o primitive_a gospel_n church_n practise_v according_a to_o this_o and_o so_o try_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n christ_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o be_v less_o like_a to_o err_v mark_v 12.24_o do_v you_o not_o therefore_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o these_o have_v their_o foundation_n for_o their_o practice_n here_o they_o may_v bold_o say_v with_o paul_n act._n 24._o after_o the_o way_n they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worthy_a i_o etc._n etc._n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v etc._n etc._n bishop_n jewel_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o harding_n p._n 111._o allege_v these_o word_n out_o of_o cyprian_a lib._n 2._o epist_n 3_o speak_v of_o bishop_n if_o any_o of_o my_o predecessor_n have_v not_o follow_v or_o keep_v that_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o example_n and_o commandment_n have_v teach_v we_o he_o for_o his_o simplicity_n may_v be_v pardon_v but_o if_o we_o wilful_o offend_v there_o be_v no_o pardon_n for_o we_o who_o be_v already_o warn_v and_o instruct_v of_o the_o lord_n again_o that_o after_o god_n have_v once_o open_v his_o truth_n to_o we_o if_o then_o we_o shall_v continue_v in_o error_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o in_o p._n 144._o he_o quote_v cyprian_a ad_fw-la caecil_n lib._n 2._o epist_n 3._o for_o these_o word_n it_o behove_v the_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o our_o reverence_n towards_o god_n and_o ●he_n very_a place_n and_o office_n of_o our_o priesthood_n to_o keep_v ●he_n truth_n of_o the_o lord_n tradition_n and_o by_o the_o lord_n advertisement_n to_o correct_v that_o thing_n that_o by_o certain_a ●ath_v be_v amiss_o that_o when_o he_o come_v in_o his_o glory_n ●nd_v majesty_n he_o may_v find_v we_o to_o hold_v what_o he_o warn_v to_o keep_v that_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v that_o he_o do_v all_o which_o word_n of_o he_o press_v a_o exact_a keep_n to_o ●he_n rule_v leave_v we_o when_o we_o know_v they_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n be_v unlearned_a and_o can_v understand_v scripture_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v they_o mistake_v and_o wrest_v scripture_n that_o it_o be_v for_o learned_a man_n who_o understand_v tongue_n etc._n etc._n to_o give_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o other_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n herein_o and_o to_o practice_v as_o the_o learned_a father_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v do_v before_o we_o 10.11_o see_v helis_n serm._n of_o the_o abuse_n of_o difficult_a place_n of_o of_o scripture_n matth._n 1●_n 10.11_o for_o answer_v hereto_o brief_o first_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o term_n unlearned_a intend_v not_o unskilful_a in_o tongue_n nor_o in_o humane_a learning_n but_o unskilful_a in_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o know_v the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v to_o some_o to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v etc._n etc._n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o learned_a wise_a or_o great_a and_o to_o other_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v second_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o great_a art_n &_o skill_n of_o tongue_n nor_o the_o large_a humane_a wisdom_n of_o any_o this_o can_v only_o reach_v the_o letter_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n nor_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o understand_v o●_n discern_v now_o sure_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o 〈◊〉_d man_n may_v be_v very_o learned_a and_o wise_a in_o humane_a thing_n 2●7_n see_v the_o conference_n between_o raynolds_n and_o hart_n c._n 2._o p._n 58._o cap._n 6._o p._n 2●7_n and_o have_v great_a skill_n in_o tongue_n and_o ye●_n be_v but_o a_o natural_a man_n still_o that_o be_v not_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v opene●_n to_o we_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n wher●_n be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n and_o god_n choose_v th●_n foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a etc._n etc._n that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_n in_o his_o presence_n 26.9_o matth._n 12.7_o c._n 13.10_o 11.12_o luk._n 19.41_o 42._o joh._n 3.10_o act._n 13.17_o 27._o act._n 26.9_o a●_n be_v abundant_o clear_a in_o 1_o cor._n 1.18_o 19_o 20.27_o 28_o 29._o and_o this_o be_v apparent_a among_o the_o jew_n their_o most_o learned_a man_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n chief_a priest_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o their_o learning_n and_o pretence_n to_o great_a knowledge_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o th●_n jew_n can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v christ_n but_o crucify_a he_o and_o christ_n say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a and_o that_o they_o be_v therefore_o blind_a because_o they_o think_v they_o do_v see_v above_o other_o although_o these_o be_v as_o confident_a that_o they_o be_v the_o only_o know_v man_n as_o the_o learned_a doctor_n and_o ruler_n of_o church_n of_o latter_a age_n have_v be_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o contrary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n 2.27_o ●o_o 9.39_o bish_n jewel_n reply_n to_o harding_n p._n 533._o 526_o luk._n 24.44_o 45._o john_n 8.12_o 31._o joh._n 6.14_o eph._n 1.17_o 13._o 1●_n epist_n joh._n 2.27_o we_o see_v man_n of_o no_o knowledge_n in_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n nor_o much_o worldly_a wisdom_n when_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v open_v their_o understanding_n they_o then_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n promise_v to_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n he_o himself_o say_v that_o such_o as_o believe_v shall_v not_o sit_v in_o darkness_n but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v take_v of_o he_o and_o show_v it_o to_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o anoint_v which_o they_o shall_v receive_v shall_v teach_v they_o etc._n etc._n three_o that_o this_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o promise_v nor_o give_v to_o the_o learned_a doctor_n able_a schoolman_n or_o governor_n of_o church_n only_o but_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o general_a and_o so_o bestow_v upon_o all_o
of_o the_o church_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o how_o in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o church_n in_o either_o of_o the_o two_o first_o description_n and_o then_o sure_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o power_n that_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o such_o as_o to_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v derive_v upon_o the_o particular_a church_n society_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o management_n of_o church-matter_n within_o themselves_o as_o to_o meet_v the_o order_v of_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n cast_v out_o of_o offender_n choose_v officer_n order_v thing_n indifferent_a etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n give_v we_o in_o precept_n or_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a time_n and_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v give_v to_o each_o church_n the_o same_o power_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o magdeburg_n divine_v etc._n singulae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la parem_fw-la habebant_fw-la etc._n etc._n cent._n 2._o cap._n 7._o col._n 134_o 135._o say_v that_o every_o church_n have_v a_o like_a power_n of_o teach_v god_n word_n administer_a sacrament_n excommunicate_v and_o absolve_v sinner_n of_o call_v and_o choose_v her_o minister_n and_o for_o just_a cause_n again_o to_o depose_v they_o to_o exercise_n the_o ceremony_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o edification_n appoint_v new_a one_o this_o they_o prove_v by_o many_o author_n and_o bishop_n jewel_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n agree_v to_o this_o in_o these_o word_n we_o know_v say_v he_o there_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o place_n nor_o to_o number_n of_o man_n tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n say_v christ_n not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n spread_v over_o the_o whole_a earth_n say_v the_o bishop_n but_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o may_v easy_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n wheresoever_o say_v christ_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n this_o mr._n vine_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 166._o agree_v this_o there_o i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o when_o paul_n say_v the_o bishop_n will_v reform_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o galatian_n he_o do_v not_o command_v they_o to_o expect_v a_o general_a council_n but_o only_o write_v to_o they_o that_o what_o error_n soever_o or_o vice_n be_v among_o they_o themselves_o shall_v present_o cut_v it_o off_o hist_o council_n trident._n p._n 860._o english_a translation_n and_o in_o the_o same_o council_n it_o be_v allege_v against_o episcopal_a assembly_n 42._o naz._n ad_fw-la procop._n epist_n 42._o out_o of_o gregory_n nazianz._n that_o contention_n have_v be_v always_o increase_v by_o episcopal_a assembly_n the_o same_o hist_n lib._n 7._o p._n 706._o that_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n be_v make_v up_o of_o profess_v believer_n voluntary_o join_v themselves_o together_o and_o that_o it_o be_v each_o believer_n liberty_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o what_o society_n church_n or_o number_n of_o christian_n he_o please_v or_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o he_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n power_n to_o admit_v such_o who_o desire_v so_o to_o join_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o this_o liberty_n continue_v to_o particular_a church_n and_o christian_n many_o hundred_o year_n litchfield_n see_v justice_n hubbard_n in_o the_o case_n between_o colt_n and_o the_o bish_n of_o coventry_n and_o litchfield_n we_o think_v none_o can_v deny_v if_o they_o do_v let_v they_o show_v a_o precedent_n authoritative_a against_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n the_o disciple_n be_v all_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o act_v 5.12_o 13._o so_o act_v 9.26_o saul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v satisfy_v about_o he_o receive_v he_o nothing_o of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n nor_o in_o some_o age_n after_o to_o confine_v man_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o or_o continue_v with_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n or_o to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n so_o and_o so_o form_v and_o govern_v no_o nor_o can_v we_o find_v any_o such_o law_n make_v by_o any_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n but_o still_o leave_v free_a it_o be_v thus_o allege_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o the_o division_n of_o parish_n be_v first_o make_v by_o the_o people_n when_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o inhabitant_n have_v receive_v the_o faith_n build_v a_o temple_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n hire_v a_o priest_n and_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o by_o the_o neighbour_n be_v call_v a_o parish_n and_o when_o the_o number_n be_v increase_v if_o one_o church_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o sufficient_a those_o who_o be_v most_o remote_a do_v build_v a_o church_n beside_o and_o fit_v themselves_o better_o hist_o conc._n trident._n lib._n 6._o p._n 498._o and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o irenicum_fw-la affirm_v that_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o any_o but_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a and_o that_o every_o one_o enter_v into_o a_o society_n shall_v consent_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o which_o say_v he_o at_o man_n first_o enter_v into_o the_o society_n of_o a_o church_n be_v requisite_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o express_a and_o explicit_a consent_n of_o the_o party_n themselves_o be_v capable_a etc._n etc._n and_o for_o child_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v high_o rational_a that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v explicit_o declare_v their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o say_v he_o may_v be_v a_o probable_a way_n and_o certain_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o christianity_n once_o more_o in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n that_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o flourish_a of_o religion_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v certain_o the_o strictness_n use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o their_o church-society_n these_o be_v mr._n stillingfleet_v own_o word_n see_v they_o in_o p._n 132._o 134._o and_o as_o to_o the_o church_n admittance_n of_o member_n and_o of_o such_o as_o join_v themselves_o the_o same_o stillingfleet_n say_v in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 134_o 135._o that_o none_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o into_o who_o life_n and_o carriage_n they_o have_v inquire_v to_o discern_v their_o seriousness_n in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o find_v true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o answerable_a life_n to_o the_o gospel_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o admit_v they_o and_o this_o he_o prove_v there_o by_o origen_n justin_n martyr_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o to_o a_o explicit_a covenant_n by_o such_o he_o say_v that_o if_o by_o a_o explicit_fw-la covenant_n be_v mean_v a_o real_a consideration_n between_o those_o who_o join_v themselves_o together_o in_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v a_o church_n he_o kow_v none_o will_v question_v it_o that_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o society_n to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v such_o a_o real_a consideration_n with_o one_o another_o again_o that_o though_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o join_v with_o some_o society_n or_o church_n yet_o not_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n to_o what_o particular_a church_n they_o shall_v join_v therefore_o say_v he_o for_o christian_n better_a understanding_n what_o their_o mutual_a duty_n be_v one_o to_o another_o who_o be_v their_o pastor_n to_o who_o they_o owe_v the_o relation_n of_o member_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o significant_a declaration_n either_o by_o their_o word_n or_o action_n of_o their_o willingness_n to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o particular_a society_n in_o gospel-ordinance_n 324._o mr._n vine_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 322_o 323_o 324._o this_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v necessary_a too_o and_o further_o that_o when_o church_n be_v overrun_v with_o looseness_n ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n this_o be_v useful_a say_v he_o if_o not_o necessary_a yea_o that_o at_o all_o time_n it_o seem_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o advance_v the_o practice_n power_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n see_v it_o more_o at_o large_a p._n 138._o 140._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n have_v not_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v law_n of_o man_n that_o do_v determine_v the_o
christ_n member_n in_o common_a though_o in_o different_a measure_n as_o the_o spirit_n please_v and_o many_o time_n more_o abundant_o upon_o such_o who_o have_v least_o of_o outward_a greatness_n of_o skill_n in_o the_o tongue_n or_o humane_a wisdom_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v the_o more_o and_o that_o no_o flesh_n may_v glory_v as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 1._o ch_n 2._o before_o mention_v do_v clear_a therefore_o such_o may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n mind_n in_o the_o scripture_n hereby_o as_o well_o as_o learned_a man_n each_o part_n of_o which_o answer_n bishop_n jewel_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o harding_n bishop_n carleton_n in_o his_o little_a book_n before_o quote_v and_o other_o full_o maintain_v we_o shall_v transcribe_v some_o few_o thing_n first_o as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v not_o learn_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v man_n able_a to_o understand_v scripture_n bishop_n jewel_n p._n 216._o he_o say_v out_o of_o tertul._n contra_fw-la hermogenem_fw-la that_o knowledge_n of_o philosophy_n and_o affiance_n of_o learning_n have_v cause_v division_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v the_o philosopher_n the_o patriarch_n of_o heretic_n again_o in_o p._n 526_o 527._o out_o of_o chrysostome_n he_o say_v that_o to_o understand_v god_n word_n we_o need_v no_o silogisme_n or_o knowledge_n of_o logic_n husbandman_n old_a man_n etc._n etc._n do_v understand_v it_o that_o julian_n charge_v the_o christian_n that_o their_o woman_n be_v so_o learn_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o again_o p._n 532._o he_o say_v out_o of_o epiphanius_n lib._n 2._o that_o only_a to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o clear_a and_o again_o p._n 434_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o special_a revelation_n christ_n open_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o without_o this_o special_a help_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v unto_o the_o reader_n be_v he_o never_o so_o wise_a or_o learned_a say_v he_o as_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o seal_a book_n etc._n etc._n second_o as_o to_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o doctor_n ruler_n of_o the_o church_n or_o learned_a man_n only_o but_o also_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o common_a in_o some_o measure_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n may_v understand_v they_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a who_o have_v skill_n in_o tongue_n and_o humane_a learning_n cardinal_n cajetan_n though_o a_o papist_n at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n affirm_v this_o that_o a_o sense_n of_o scripture_n against_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v if_o agree_v with_o other_o scripture_n for_o god_n say_v he_o have_v not_o tie_v the_o sense_n to_o the_o old_a doctor_n council_n trident._n lib._n 2._o p._n 158._o bishop_n jewel_n in_o the_o same_o reply_n to_o harding_n p._n 205._o say_v that_o chrysostome_n do_v persuade_v his_o people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a that_o the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a man_n by_o prayer_n unto_o god_n may_v attain_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o any_o master_n or_o teacher_n by_o himself_o alone_o and_o he_o there_o quote_v chrisostome_n in_o math._n hom._n 2._o in_o ps_n 43._o ad_fw-la colos_n hom._n 9_o contra_fw-la anomaeos_fw-la hom._n 3._o in_o gen._n hom._n 35._o and_o for_o these_o word_n also_o if_o thou_o use_v to_o pray_v diligent_o 62._o see_v raynolds_n his_o conference_n with_o hart_n c._n 2._o p._n 62._o there_o be_v no_o cause_n thou_o shall_v desire_v the_o teach_n of_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n for_o god_n himself_o will_v abundant_o enlighten_v thy_o mind_n without_o any_o interpreter_n and_o again_o it_o can_v be_v that_o any_o man_n with_o great_a study_n fervent_a desire_n read_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v destitute_a though_o he_o want_v the_o teach_n of_o man_n yet_o will_v god_n himself_o from_o above_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o lighten_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o reason_n and_o open_a thing_n that_o be_v hide_v and_o become_v our_o teacher_n of_o such_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o again_o in_o p._n 519._o 531._o 532._o 534._o etc._n etc._n he_o allege_v many_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o search_a scripture_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v from_o heresy_n that_o such_o who_o search_n can_v be_v deceive_v and_o in_o p._n 526._o 527._o he_o say_v again_o out_o of_o gerson_n that_o the_o weigh_v and_o consideration_n of_o faith_n pertain_v as_o well_o to_o other_o as_o to_o the_o prelate_n yea_o to_o the_o lay_v people_n and_o that_o better_a many_o time_n say_v he_o then_o to_o many_o priest_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o believe_v a_o lay_v man_n if_o he_o bring_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n than_o the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_a council_n and_o again_o p._n 532._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o in_o these_o thing_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v neither_o to_o sharpness_n of_o wit_n nor_o to_o abundance_n of_o learning_n ofttimes_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o see_v that_o thing_n that_o the_o learned_a can_v see_v and_o again_o after_o p._n 534._o have_v say_v before_o that_o without_o the_o special_a help_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n &c_n &c_n he_o there_o add_v these_o word_n that_o this_o revelation_n be_v not_o special_a to_o some_o but_o general_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o here_o blame_v mr._n harding_n for_o have_v so_o low_a a_o esteem_n of_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v of_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v accurse_v not_o know_v the_o law_n say_v they_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o call_v they_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n again_o p_o 537._o that_o the_o learned_a father_n have_v evermore_o think_v that_o in_o such_o perilous_a time_n of_o dissension_n in_o judgement_n it_o be_v most_o behooveful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o the_o scripture_n act._n 17._o and_o out_o of_o chrysostome_n in_o opere_fw-la imperfecto_fw-la hom._n 49._o upon_o these_o word_n you_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n etc._n etc._n that_o christian_a man_n who_o will_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o true_a faith_n must_v resort_v to_o nothing_o but_o holy_a scripture_n else_o say_v he_o they_o will_v be_v offend_v and_o perish_v and_o not_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o desolation_n and_o out_o of_o chrysost_n hom._n 49._o that_o we_o may_v in_o no_o wise_n believe_v the_o church_n themselves_o unless_o they_o say_v and_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n again_o p._n 544._o 6●_n see_v ray●●●ds_n conference_n with_o hart._n c._n 2_o 6●_n he_o say_v out_o of_o theodoret_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la hominis_fw-la lib._n 5._o that_o you_o may_v common_o see_v not_o only_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o tailor_n smith_n etc._n etc._n do_v understand_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n woman_n who_o live_v of_o their_o labour_n servant_n husbandman_n ditcher_n etc._n etc._n can_v reason_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n of_o ●e_a creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n a_o ●eat_n deal_v more_o skilful_o than_o either_o plato_n or_o a●stotle_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o do_v and_o that_o origen_n say_v to_o ●s_a hearer_n thus_o when_o i_o speak_v what_o i_o think_v meet_v 20.18_o origen_n in_o joshua_n hom._n 21._o bishop_n hooper_n in_o his_o declaration_n of_o the_o ten_o common_a fol._n 46._o jer._n 44.17_o 18._o ezek._n 20.18_o ●amine_v and_o judge_v you_o whether_o it_o be_v well_o or_o otherwise_o upon_o which_o word_n the_o bishop_n conclude_v ●at_a in_o old_a time_n the_o vulgar_a people_n be_v able_a not_o ●ly_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n but_o also_o to_o judge_v their_o preacher_n and_o as_o to_o our_o father_n exam●e_n he_o say_v p._n 542._o that_o our_o father_n example_n be_v ●t_a always_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o say_v he_o they_o ●e_v be_v lead_v in_o ignorance_n many_o heretic_n say_v 〈◊〉_d plead_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o liu●_n in_o that_o they_o now_o practice_v and_o receive_v from_o ●eir_n father_n so_o much_o of_o this_o bishop_n here_o a_o word_n out_o of_o bishop_n carleton_n and_o we_o shall_v con●de_v this_o
matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n for_o either_o magistrate_n or_o governor_n of_o church_n or_o both_o together_o to_o determine_v what_o thing_n be_v so_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o to_o their_o use_n and_o practice_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o account_v by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o preface_n hooker_n eccles_n polity_n in_o the_o preface_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n christ_n law_n rom._n 14._o be_v clear_a in_o this_o that_o if_o any_o absolute_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v or_o impose_v be_v real_o a_o offence_n to_o weak_a christian_n that_o be_v when_o such_o weak_a one_o do_v upon_o serious_a thought_n judge_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n not_o indifferent_a or_o else_o as_o they_o be_v use_v and_o circumstantiate_v but_o sinful_a or_o suspicious_a in_o this_o case_n they_o may_v not_o be_v use_v by_o other_o christian_n much_o less_o impose_v for_o if_o these_o weak_a one_o shall_v do_v this_o when_o impose_v while_o they_o thus_o judge_v they_o shall_v sin_v and_o for_o such_o as_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o impose_v they_o as_o indifferent_a they_o may_v without_o the_o least_o scruple_n lie_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o much_o more_o dispense_v with_o other_o for_o not_o use_v they_o for_o a_o thing_n pure_o indifferent_a may_v as_o well_o not_o be_v use_v as_o use_v especial_o when_o they_o prove_v a_o offence_n to_o other_o if_o man_n choose_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n thus_o say_v mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o irenicum_fw-la p._n 63._o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v determine_v but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o he_o there_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o know_v sufficient_o what_o be_v so_o and_o give_v this_o as_o his_o reason_n because_o one_o look_v upon_o that_o to_o be_v indifferent_a which_o another_o do_v not_o and_o again_o in_o p._n 118._o 119._o conscience_n see_v doctor_n more_o in_o book_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n book_n 10._o c._n 10._o p._n 515_o 516_o etc._n etc._n treat_v of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n he_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o governor_n in_o these_o thing_n extend_v not_o to_o bind_v man_n to_o go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o again_o there_o say_v he_o when_o all_o be_v say_v every_o man_n will_v be_v his_o own_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n concern_v his_o own_o welfare_n and_o that_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n take_v not_o off_o the_o obligation_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v thereof_o so_o that_o from_o this_o be_v there_o no_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n but_o that_o man_n do_v different_o judge_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n both_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o also_o in_o their_o use_n and_o end_n church_n governor_n will_v find_v it_o work_v enough_o to_o determine_v such_o thing_n so_o as_o it_o can_v be_v a_o offence_n to_o any_o which_o thing_n must_v be_v regard_v if_o christ_n law_n be_v have_v in_o any_o reverence_n yet_o further_o there_o be_v many_o other_o considerable_a thing_n in_o this_o case_n as_o to_o their_o use_n and_o end_n and_o as_o those_o thing_n determine_v may_v be_v circumstantiate_v as_o first_o when_o thing_n determine_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n worship_n do_v not_o in_o truth_n answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o use_n and_o whereto_o they_o be_v determine_v above_o other_o as_o for_o edification_n decency_n order_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o these_o case_n also_o every_o man_n must_v be_v his_o own_o judge_n whether_o it_o do_v in_o truth_n lead_v to_o those_o end_n or_o not_o they_o may_v be_v offensive_a and_o then_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n may_v be_v judge_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o total_a lay_v aside_o and_o not_o use_v such_o thing_n at_o all_o will_v tend_v most_o to_o peace_n and_o edification_n rom._n 14.10_o and_o thus_o the_o father_n in_o former_a age_n judge_v for_o which_o mr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o aforesaid_a book_n p._n 68_o 69._o quote_v aug._n epist_n 119._o ad_fw-la jan._n cap._n 19_o for_o this_o that_o he_o desire_v there_o that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o use_v these_o word_n as_o his_o reason_n that_o although_o we_o can_v positive_o say_v how_o such_o thing_n as_o those_o do_v manifest_o impugn_v our_o faith_n yet_o in_o that_o they_o load_v our_o religion_n with_o servile_a burden_n which_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a that_o they_o make_v our_o condition_n worse_o than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o they_o although_o stranger_n to_o gospel_n liberty_n have_v no_o burden_n charge_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n but_o only_o by_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o again_o p._n 61_o 62._o he_o quote_v ambros_n and_o augustine_n against_o impose_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a ground_n because_o they_o answer_v not_o the_o end_v intend_v but_o produce_v the_o contrary_a effect_n and_o he_o therefore_o cite_v these_o word_n of_o august_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o say_v aug._n have_v often_o find_v it_o to_o my_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n that_o the_o trouble_n of_o weak_a christian_n have_v be_v cause_v by_o the_o contentious_a obstinacy_n of_o some_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o superstitious_a fearfullness_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o by_o custom_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n nor_o yet_o by_o any_o usefullnesse_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o man_n life_n better_a only_o for_o some_o petty_a reason_n in_o a_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o because_o it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o because_o they_o have_v find_v it_o so_o in_o other_o church_n they_o raise_v such_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n that_o they_o think_v nothing_o right_o or_o lawful_a but_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o it_o see_v the_o conference_n of_o r●ynolds_n with_o hart_n c._n 8._o p._n 510._o raynolds_n maintain_v it_o to_o be_v duty_n to_o remove_v such_o thing_n as_o our_o father_n set_v up_o if_o turn_v to_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o quote_v the_o canon_n law_n dist_n 63._o for_o it_o second_o another_o thing_n may_v make_v the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n about_o god_n worship_v unlawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n that_o be_v where_o they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n not_o as_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o as_o necessary_a with_o a_o opinion_n that_o their_o worship_n be_v not_o perfect_a except_o it_o be_v perform_v after_o the_o manner_n determine_v which_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o papist_n say_v of_o their_o image_n they_o be_v but_o indifferent_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o esteem_v of_o they_o which_o mr._n stillingfleet_n also_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 64._o so_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v among_o we_o protestant_n that_o the_o generality_n do_v look_v upon_o and_o esteem_v of_o many_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n determine_v and_o long_o in_o use_n as_o necessary_a so_o that_o they_o think_v no_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o church_n affair_n well_o perform_v or_o perfect_a if_o not_o exact_o do_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n determine_v and_o in_o use_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o willing_o do_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o though_o they_o be_v never_o compel_v to_o it_o by_o law_n which_o indeed_o have_v be_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o a_o constant_a use_n of_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n about_o worship_n or_o church_n matter_n that_o people_n by_o custom_n and_o usage_n drink_v down_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o use_n and_o can_v endure_v their_o removal_n wherefore_o that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v still_o know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o account_v they_o shall_v be_v use_v indifferent_o and_o not_o the_o same_o constant_o to_o prevent_v this_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a opinion_n man_n apt_a to_o have_v of_o they_o by_o their_o countenance_n bishop_n jewel_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o harding_n p._n 542._o say_v that_o many_o heretic_n plead_v nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o live_v in_o that_o which_o they_o now_o practice_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o their_o father_n now_o for_o other_o to_o use_v these_o thing_n otherwise_o in●ndifferent_a in_o themselves_o be_v to_o harden_v these_o in_o their_o error_n and_o superstitious_a opinion_n three_o this_o also_o may_v