aerium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o order_n which_o be_v generative_a of_o father_n presbyter_n may_v beget_v son_n by_o baptism_n but_o not_o father_n by_o ordination_n and_o consecration_n this_o be_v the_o bishop_n peculiar_a as_o successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o full_a ministry_n which_o be_v perpetuate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n have_v not_o this_o full_a ministry_n nor_o presbyter_n the_o successor_n to_o those_o disciple_n who_o have_v power_n to_o preach_v to_o baptise_v and_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n that_o they_o have_v not_o this_o full_a ministry_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o church_n history_n and_o we_o will_v now_o make_v the_o evidence_n clear_a as_o to_o that_o main_a particular_a the_o power_n of_o ordination_n in_o which_o we_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o interpret_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n consult_v we_o then_o 1_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o first_o ordination_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o of_o those_o seven_o 6._o act_n 6._o common_o call_v deacon_n and_o here_o we_o find_v no_o hand_n but_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o ordination_n be_v that_o of_o presbyter_n 14.23_o act_n 14.23_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n which_o two_o when_o separate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o we_o may_v call_v it_o a_o ordination_n it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o simeon_n lucius_n and_o manaen_n apostolick-man_n 3._o act_n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o prophet_n minister_a to_o the_o lord_n who_o as_o church_n history_n tell_v we_o be_v bishop_n of_o syria_n the_o last_o ordination_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n actual_o execute_v it_o be_v that_o of_o timothy_n 14._o 1_o tim_n 4_o 14._o which_o though_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o presbytery_n without_o a_o apostle_n even_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o st._n paul_n 1.6_o 1_o tim._n 1.6_o from_o scripture_n practice_v pass_v we_o on_o to_o scripture_n precept_n and_o for_o this_o consult_v we_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o which_o we_o have_v the_o exact_a platform_n of_o the_o church_n ministry_n as_o communicate_v and_o perpetuate_v from_o the_o apostle_n behold_v we_o then_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o church_n of_o crect_n in_o they_o we_o find_v many_o presbyter_n and_o above_o those_o presbyter_n in_o dignity_n and_o office_n timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v in_o dignity_n and_o office_n above_o those_o presbyter_n appear_v plain_o by_o that_o power_n they_o have_v of_o enact_v ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o pass_a church_n censure_n and_o of_o ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o the_o office_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n above_o those_o presbyter_n which_o be_v in_o their_o church_n and_o observe_v those_o instruction_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o their_o particular_a person_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n as_o sacred_a rule_n to_o regulate_v for_o ever_o the_o function_n and_o office_n of_o a_o episcopal_a presidency_n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o tit._n 3.10_o which_o function_n and_o office_n extend_v itself_o not_o only_o to_o the_o ordain_v of_o presbyter_n but_o also_o to_o the_o exercise_v a_o disciplinary_a power_n and_o a_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o plain_a text_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o 2_o from_o the_o scripture_n authority_n pass_v we_o on_o to_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o church_n history_n which_o history_n from_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a record_n tell_v we_o of_o many_o bishop_n seat_v by_o the_o apostle_n yea_o many_o successive_o continue_v during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o strange_a it_o be_v that_o st._n john_n who_o tell_v we_o of_o so_o many_o antichrist_n 2.18_o 1_o joh._n 2.18_o shall_v not_o tell_v we_o of_o episcopacy_n be_v antichristian_a if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o present_a time_n to_o have_v believe_v it_o such_o which_o 3_o erer_n l._n 3._o c_o 3_o sure_o we_o be_v he_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o that_o irenaeus_n assure_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o young_a year_n he_o see_v polycarpe_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v so_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o among_o those_o apostle_n tertullian_n 32._o tert._n de_fw-it p_o aescript_n c._n 32._o be_v express_v that_o st._n john_n himself_o be_v one_o after_o tertullian_n consult_v we_o st._n basil_n and_o he_o call_v episcopacy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostolical_a prefecture_n and_o presidency_n 44._o august_n ep._n 44._o yea_o st._n augustine_n he_o inform_v we_o that_o radix_fw-la christianae_n societatis_fw-la per_fw-la sedes_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la &_o successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la certa_fw-la per_fw-la orbem_fw-la propagatione_fw-la diffunditur_fw-la the_o root_n of_o christian_a communion_n have_v branch_v and_o spread_v itself_o in_o a_o certain_a propagation_n throughout_o the_o world_n by_o the_o apostolical_a seat_n and_o episcopal_a succession_n which_o propagation_n to_o the_o spread_a church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n how_o have_v it_o be_v transmit_v but_o by_o ministerial_a ordination_n which_o ordination_n be_v so_o universal_o and_o assure_o own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o episcopal_a order_n that_o aerius_n pertinacious_o assert_v the_o contrary_a be_v by_o st._n augustine_n yea_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n say_v epiphanius_n condemn_v of_o heresy_n further_o they_o be_v know_v example_n which_o we_o have_v of_o musaeus_n and_o eutychianus_n two_o grecian_a presbyter_n who_o have_v ordain_v without_o the_o bishop_n and_o themselves_o not_o be_v bishop_n their_o ordination_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n about_o eleven_o year_n after_o constantine_n the_o great_a to_o be_v null_a 19_o council_n sard._n can_v 19_o and_o those_o they_o have_v ordain_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o laic_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o such_o who_o have_v dissemble_v and_o forge_v their_o ordination_n again_o we_o read_v of_o ischyras_n ordain_v by_o colluthus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o who_o strong_o yet_o vain_o fancy_v himself_o a_o bishop_n be_v indeed_o a_o mere_a presbyter_n but_o as_o concern_v ischyras_n the_o synod_n of_o alexandria_n reduce_v he_o to_o lay-communion_n and_o determine_v concern_v colluthus_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o ordination_n he_o have_v make_v they_o shall_v be_v all_o void_a and_o invalid_a to_o close_v then_o we_o have_v make_v good_a unto_o you_o by_o infallible_a proof_n that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n so_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o plant_n be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o propagate_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v productive_a of_o issue_n and_o succession_n in_o the_o ministry_n which_o ministry_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n while_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o see_v that_o only_a apostle_n and_o apostolick-man_n do_v ordain_v and_o that_o no_o mere_a presbyter_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v nor_o in_o all_o church_n history_n allow_v we_o see_v by_o what_o ordination_n we_o receive_v our_o saviour_n mission_n here_o of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d go_v you_o disciple_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o before_o we_o pass_v this_o point_n it_o will_v be_v some_o further_a confirmation_n and_o much_o more_o illustration_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o give_v you_o some_o plea_n of_o divine_a reason_n to_o make_v good_a the_o equity_n of_o our_o present_a assertion_n know_v then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o infant-state_n of_o the_o church_n parish_n be_v not_o divide_v nor_o congregation_n with_o their_o particular_a minister_n fix_v and_o settle_v but_o in_o one_o city_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n and_o still_o as_o believer_n increase_v their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n be_v in_o several_a place_n they_o have_v several_a person_n assign_v they_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o how_o can_v it_o be_v well_o order_v without_o confusion_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o presidency_n of_o some_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n which_o presidency_n the_o apostle_n during_o their_o oversight_n over_o the_o church_n they_o retain_v in_o themselves_o but_o upon_o their_o remove_n they_o commit_v to_o some_o apostolick-man_n as_o their_o successor_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n that_o that_o office_n shall_v not_o expire_v who_o end_n do_v continue_v
and_o such_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o apostolical_a presidency_n even_o the_o prevent_a schism_n and_o the_o preserve_a order_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n a_o prudential_n experience_n do_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n church_n as_o with_o david_n harp_n in_o all_o a_o parity_n of_o office_n be_v as_o far_o from_o peace_n as_o the_o unison_n of_o string_n be_v from_o harmony_n subordination_n in_o some_o and_o superiority_n in_o other_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a polity_n without_o which_o schism_n become_v as_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n as_o rebellion_n be_v to_o the_o state_n so_o that_o we_o must_v subscribe_v to_o the_o grave_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n of_o st._n hierome_n unless_o the_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n of_o authority_n and_o office_n be_v preserve_v luciferian_n hieron_n dialog_n adu._n luciferian_n tota_n in_o ecclesiis_fw-la efficientur_fw-la schismata_fw-la quot_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o be_v presbyter_n especial_o if_o every_o presbyter_n have_v power_n of_o ordination_n intrinsical_a to_o his_o office_n by_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o what_o then_o will_v be_v the_o use_n of_o ordination_n but_o chief_o to_o propagate_v schism_n but_o some_o may_v say_v to_o prevent_v this_o though_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v common_a to_o all_o yet_o the_o act_n of_o ordain_v be_v restrain_v to_o a_o few_o presbyter_n but_o i_o ask_v by_o what_o authority_n of_o scripture_n they_o do_v it_o and_o what_o primitive_a pattern_n they_o have_v for_o their_o practice_n beside_o to_o exclude_v their_o brethren_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o they_o acknowledge_v be_v proper_a and_o intrinsical_v to_o their_o office_n be_v a_o manifest_a injury_n and_o violation_n and_o if_o all_o shall_v exercise_v what_o be_v their_o right_n of_o office_n and_o can_v be_v take_v from_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n wherefore_o beloved_n in_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v the_o apostolic_a constitution_n and_o the_o church_n practice_n do_v engage_v our_o consent_n of_o judgement_n and_o conformity_n of_o obedience_n upon_o a_o double_a tie_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o religion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v either_o prudent_a man_n or_o pious_a christian_n we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertition_n that_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v into_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n nor_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o any_o mere_a presbyter_n 1.1_o act_n 20.17_o 28._o phil._n 1.1_o but_o what_o do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o frequent_o in_o sacred_a scripture_n presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o be_v they_o not_o therefore_o one_o in_o office_n be_v one_o in_o name_n and_o not_o to_o be_v difference_v in_o the_o church_n not_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o so_o specious_a a_o argument_n we_o answer_v our_o adversary_n that_o as_o we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o from_o the_o name_n to_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n so_o nor_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o erroneous_a as_o from_o the_o community_n of_o name_n to_o prove_v the_o identity_n of_o office_n in_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n and_o epistle_n those_o sacred_a record_n which_o give_v we_o the_o first_o path_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n not_o so_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n as_o when_o church_n practice_n have_v tread_v it_o out_o into_o a_o beat_a road_n we_o find_v i_o say_v in_o the_o act_n and_o epistle_n the_o same_o person_n sometime_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d minister_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d presbyter_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n so_o that_o by_o the_o signification_n of_o name_n it_o be_v clear_a we_o have_v not_o the_o distinction_n of_o office_n 1._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o john_n 1._o and_o therefore_o presbyter_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n of_o presbyter_n as_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n we_o may_v not_o conclude_v that_o presbyter_n be_v no_o less_o than_o apostle_n so_o nor_o from_o this_o that_o presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n may_v we_o conclude_v that_o bishop_n be_v no_o more_o than_o presbyter_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o word_n common_a at_o the_o first_o become_v appropriate_a in_o their_o use_n and_o so_o in_o some_o process_n of_o time_n even_o within_o one_o century_n of_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o distinction_n of_o office_n become_v common_o know_v by_o distinction_n of_o name_n bishop_n be_v appropriate_a unto_o he_o who_o have_v a_o apostolical_a presidency_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o church_n we_o close_o then_o with_o this_o sure_a inference_n from_o the_o premise_n that_o this_o late_a schism_n in_o our_o church_n of_o mere_a presbyter_n ordain_v to_o the_o ministry_n as_o it_o have_v not_o any_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v it_o nor_o any_o allow_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o approve_v it_o so_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o argument_n of_o reason_n to_o abet_v it_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o mission_n constitute_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d go_v you_o disciple_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o thy_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o 9.16_o applic._n 1_o cor._n 9.16_o 1._o you_o see_v beloved_n what_o be_v our_o mission_n christ_n have_v bid_v we_o go_v and_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n but_o then_o much_o more_o wo_n unto_o they_o who_o stop_v our_o mouth_n that_o we_o can_v preach_v or_o that_o bind_v our_o foot_n that_o we_o can_v go_v let_v such_o dread_n jeroboam'_v judgement_n their_o arm_n wither_v 13.4_o 1_o king_n 13.4_o their_o power_n shrink_v and_o waste_v with_o a_o curse_n god_n do_v bear_v long_o with_o judah_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o this_o that_o they_o mock_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n etc._n 2_o chron_n 36.16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n despise_v his_o word_n and_o misuse_v his_o prophet_n then_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n his_o mercy_n have_v bear_v so_o long_o that_o his_o justice_n can_v bear_v no_o long_o but_o wrath_n do_v arise_v against_o his_o people_n to_o captivity_n and_o to_o desolation_n oh_o beloved_n the_o minister_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n for_o the_o people_n if_o we_o warn_v you_o not_o your_o perish_v through_o our_o default_n be_v a_o default_n whereby_o we_o perish_v oh_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n how_o loud_o do_v it_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n when_o spill_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o ignorance_n error_n slothfulness_n or_o cowardice_n in_o the_o minister_n see_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ministry_n christ_n give_v we_o our_o mission_n to_o go_v o_o let_v we_o not_o through_o your_o perverseness_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n go_v upon_o thorn_n and_o briar_n find_v torture_n and_o trouble_v of_o soul_n in_o our_o service_n but_o in_o your_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n o_o make_v beautiful_a our_o foot_n make_v pleasant_a our_o path_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o great_a joy_n and_o bless_v even_o thrice_o bless_v be_v god_n i_o can_v call_v it_o much_o my_o joy_n there_o be_v no_o great_a joy_n in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o ministry_n then_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o a_o willing_a and_o reverend_a auditory_a but_o oh_o beloved_n and_o my_o dear_o belove_a in_o the_o lord_n this_o this_o be_v too_o too_o much_o the_o disparagement_n of_o your_o profession_n and_o the_o discouragement_n of_o my_o ministry_n that_o your_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n answer_v not_o your_o reverence_n in_o the_o church_n your_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n o_o that_o he_o who_o give_v i_o my_o mission_n to_o preach_v will_v give_v you_o his_o grace_n to_o practice_v 3.3_o 2_o cor._n 3.3_o that_o i_o may_v say_v of_o you_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o corinthian_n you_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n minister_v by_o we_o know_v and_o read_v of_o all_o man_n the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n such_o in_o who_o he_o have_v imprint_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v preach_v unto_o you_o this_o this_o will_v very_o much_o seal_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o my_o ministry_n even_o its_o efficacy_n in_o your_o life_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o infallible_a yet_o be_v it_o the_o more_o comfortable_a seal_n of_o christ_n mission_n in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d go_v you_o disciple_n all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o i_o have_v show_v
discendum_fw-la quod_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la as_o hilary_n speak_v we_o must_v learn_v from_o god_n what_o we_o may_v understand_v of_o god_n even_o as_o we_o discover_v the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o the_o light_n of_o its_o own_o beam_n yea_o god_n it_o be_v who_o prepare_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o practical_a judgement_n and_o proportion_n the_o palate_n of_o the_o rectify_a will_n to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n and_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o he_o do_v it_o in_o this_o order_n the_o church_n by_o a_o ministerial_a manuduction_n and_o ecclesiastical_a dispensation_n to_o those_o matriculate_v by_o baptism_n bear_v in_o her_o lap_n and_o breed_v in_o her_o bosom_n tutor_v to_o a_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o her_o maternal_a authority_n to_o they_o she_o transmits_n this_o indubitate_a principle_n of_o christian_a verity_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v without_o the_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a the_o church_n have_v her_o arma_fw-la praelusoria_fw-la her_o preparatory_a argument_n of_o right_a reason_n to_o fit_v the_o mind_n for_o a_o candid_a reception_n and_o diligent_a examination_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n come_v in_o with_o conviction_n to_o the_o conscience_n persuade_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o assent_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o beside_o the_o ministry_n and_o manuduction_n of_o the_o church_n there_o must_v be_v a_o illuminate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o a_o power_n rectify_v and_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o capacity_n of_o supernatural_a light_n otherwise_o the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n will_v be_v as_o the_o variety_n of_o colour_n to_o the_o blind_a the_o colour_n be_v not_o discern_v till_o the_o faculty_n be_v restore_v nor_o be_v those_o mystery_n understand_v till_o the_o mind_n be_v heal_v and_o when_o thus_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o mind_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n reveal_v unto_o the_o mind_n then_o do_v the_o soul_n discern_v a_o excellency_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n above_o what_o be_v in_o humane_a write_n with_o as_o sure_a a_o distinction_n though_o not_o so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n as_o the_o eye_n do_v discern_v a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o the_o blaze_n of_o a_o candle_n quest_n 3_o three_o in_o doubtful_a case_n how_o may_v we_o best_o interpret_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v best_a which_o hold_v conformity_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o consent_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n two_o sure_a rule_n of_o scripture_n interpretation_n approve_v and_o observe_v by_o the_o able_a expositor_n of_o god_n word_n 1._o which_o hold_v conformity_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d rom_n 12_o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o analogy_n of_o faith_n be_v none_o other_o thing_n than_o that_o summary_n and_o fit_a proportion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o chief_n mystery_n of_o grace_n plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n a_o sum_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n the_o decalogue_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n see_v than_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n phrase_n to_o be_v build_v up_o in_o our_o holy_a faith_n as_o that_o stone_n 20._o jud._n 20._o which_o hold_v not_o proportion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o building_n be_v either_o fit_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o architect_n so_o that_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o hold_v not_o analogy_n with_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v either_o amend_v or_o cast_v away_o by_o the_o religious_a and_o in_o do_v this_o the_o faithful_a of_o christ_n church_n they_o shall_v according_a to_o st._n paul_n precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 16._o phil._n 3_o 16._o walk_v orderly_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o so_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mind_n 2._o consent_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1.20_o 2_o pet._n 1.20_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o a_o man_n own_o wit_n fancy_n or_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o enlighten_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o the_o scripture_n come_v not_o by_o the_o proper_a will_n 21._o verse_n 21._o so_o nor_o be_v they_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o private_a judgement_n of_o man_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o author_n must_v also_o be_v the_o interpreter_n and_o where_o may_v we_o with_o more_o confidence_n rest_v assure_v that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n be_v then_o where_o christ_n do_v express_o promise_v he_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o his_o church_n 16.13_o matth._n 28.20_o john_n 16.13_o and_o especial_o with_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n give_v the_o promise_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o i_o call_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v the_o ancient_a perpetual_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n receive_v at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a but_o especial_o do_v we_o fix_v upon_o that_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o ancient_a perpetual_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o most_o consonant_a write_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o sacred_a decree_n of_o the_o first_o council_n for_o that_o without_o controversy_n even_o by_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n in_o that_o time_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n for_o holiness_n of_o life_n excellency_n of_o learning_n purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o constancy_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o he_o that_o will_v think_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o any_o other_o path_n than_o what_o these_o bless_a saint_n have_v tread_v before_o he_o i_o say_v to_o he_o as_o constantine_n to_o acesius_n erige_fw-la scalam_fw-la &_o ascend_v solus_fw-la raise_v thyself_o o_o man_n a_o ladder_n and_o climb_v up_o alone_o now_o this_o ancient_a perpetual_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o most_o consonant_a write_n of_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o sacred_a decree_n of_o the_o first_o council_n this_o be_v that_o we_o may_v call_v in_o the_o language_n of_o st._n ambrose_n libre_fw-la sacerdotalis_fw-la 7._o ambr._n the_o fid_fw-we ad_fw-la grat._n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o that_o sacerdotal_a book_n signatus_fw-la a_o confessoribus_fw-la &_o multorum_fw-la martyrio_fw-la consecratus_fw-la sign_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n as_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n give_v we_o the_o sure_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n give_v we_o the_o right_a line_n of_o interpretation_n according_a to_o which_o two_o it_o be_v well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v exact_o draw_v the_o platform_n of_o her_o reformation_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n 1_o in_o her_o doctrine_n 20._o art_n 20._o among_o many_o other_o instance_n see_v it_o in_o her_o book_n of_o article_n express_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o in_o her_o book_n of_o canon_n as_o express_o deny_v any_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v religious_o hold_v and_o believe_v which_o the_o catholic_n father_n and_o old_a bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v not_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o 2_o that_o her_o practice_n be_v suitable_a to_o her_o doctrine_n appear_v by_o she_o own_v the_o four_o general_a council_n the_o apostle_n nicen_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n and_o in_o all_o her_o dispute_n against_o the_o now_o silent_a adversary_n otherwise_o too_o busy_o employ_v the_o jesuit_n justify_v her_o reform_a estate_n as_o conform_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o the_o first_o five_o century_n of_o year_n and_o here_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o observe_v unto_o you_o how_o the_o presbytery_n lay_v the_o way_n to_o their_o own_o and_o our_o church_n ruin_n even_o by_o set_v up_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_a judgement_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o do_v not_o the_o brownist_n the_o anabaptist_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o independent_o present_o beat_v they_o with_o their_o own_o weapon_n the_o presbyterian_a abolish_v the_o public_a liturgy_n and_o take_v away_o regular_a ordination_n
bring_v in_o the_o directory_n and_o set_v up_o lay_v elder_n and_o all_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o who_o interpretation_n themselves_o will_v be_v judge_n but_o at_o the_o heel_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a follow_v close_o the_o independent_a and_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n at_o last_o over-teacheth_a he_o in_o his_o design_n and_o carry_v away_o his_o helena_n from_o he_o he_o pull_v down_o the_o class_n and_o the_o synod_n as_o humane_a invention_n and_o remain_v of_o antichrist_n deny_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n any_o presbyter_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o ought_v to_o have_v power_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v by_o scripture-rule_a independent_a in_o their_o government_n to_o any_o secular_a or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o they_o urge_v their_o scripture_n text_n with_o much_o heat_n of_o contention_n against_o the_o presbytery_n plead_v this_o their_o common_a ground_n of_o interpreter_a scripture_n by_o the_o spirit_n who_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n they_o pretend_v to_o above_o what_o the_o presbytery_n dare_v own_o or_o acknowledge_v as_o then_o in_o join_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v our_o reformation_n so_o be_v it_o satan_n subtlety_n and_o the_o jesuit_n design_n both_o act_n by_o the_o enthusiast_n that_o in_o divide_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v our_o ruin_n to_o the_o prevention_n whereof_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o faith_n christ_n in_o instruction_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o disciple_n all_o nation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_v and_o teach_v teach_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o 2_o have_v resolve_v you_o the_o three_o seasonable_a question_n we_o proceed_v to_o clear_v unto_o you_o two_o vulgar_a error_n no_o less_o dangerous_a than_o epidemical_a as_o mischievous_a in_o their_o consequent_n as_o spread_v in_o their_o infection_n first_o that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o man_n action_n second_o that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v a_o interpreter_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o two_o make_v up_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o grand_a and_o primary_n falsehood_n which_o lay_v the_o ground_n for_o all_o that_o division_n and_o disobedience_n which_o have_v of_o late_o break_v forth_o into_o violence_n and_o blood_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n 1._o that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o man_n action_n error_n 1._o vulgar_a error_n a_o opinion_n however_o make_v plausible_a yet_o be_v it_o indeed_o pernicious_a to_o state_n the_o case_n right_o that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v our_o perfect_a rule_n of_o direction_n as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n in_o the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n we_o willing_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o reject_v all_o humane_a tradition_n urge_v by_o the_o romanist_n as_o supplement_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o codicil_n to_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n but_o now_o that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v our_o only_a rule_n of_o direction_n in_o matter_n civil_a or_o natural_a especial_o as_o extend_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n to_o indifferent_a action_n whereas_o indeed_o this_o opinion_n make_v no_o action_n to_o be_v indifferent_a all_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o it_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o make_v a_o inâ—et_n to_o all_o schism_n and_o sedition_n for_o beloved_n upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o judicious_a observation_n you_o may_v find_v that_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o this_o last_o age_n since_o the_o reformation_n they_o who_o have_v so_o earnest_o preach_v print_v and_o what_o not_o for_o the_o change_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o government_n they_o have_v certain_o make_v this_o the_o head_n theorem_fw-la of_o all_o their_o pulpit_n discourse_n the_o very_a corner_n stone_n of_o all_o their_o babel-argumentation_a that_o simple_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v and_o be_v not_o thereto_o command_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sin_n as_o if_o when_o god_n give_v his_o scripture_n he_o then_o make_v null_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o right_a reason_n which_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n be_v as_o true_o and_o indeed_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o write_a and_o print_v in_o our_o bibles_n and_o therefore_o non_fw-la differet_fw-la scripturâ_fw-la a_o ratione_fw-la consistat_fw-la 4._o tert._n de_fw-fr cor_fw-la miâ—_n c._n 4._o so_o tertullian_n it_o will_v not_o matter_n much_o whether_o our_o warrant_n be_v from_o scripture_n or_o from_o reason_n both_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v subordinate_a to_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n then_o where_o there_o be_v no_o scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o rule_n and_o where_o no_o rule_n no_o law_n but_o to_o the_o gentile_n have_v no_o law_n write_v in_o table_n there_o be_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n 2.15_o rom._n 2.15_o and_o according_a unto_o this_o law_n their_o conscience_n do_v either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o and_o thus_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o law_n then_o have_v they_o a_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o that_o to_o excuse_v too_o and_o so_o not_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v without_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v therefore_o sin_n nor_o yet_o the_o write_a word_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o civil_a to_o say_v as_o some_o do_v to_o mitigate_v the_o rigidness_n and_o harshness_n of_o this_o opinion_n to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o man_n action_n in_o those_o general_a maxim_n dispersedly_z and_o occasional_o set_v down_o of_o do_v unto_o other_o 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o as_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o and_o of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o 4.8_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o rom._n 15.2_o phil._n 4.8_o orderly_o and_o to_o edification_n and_o the_o like_a especial_o of_o do_v whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o those_o maxim_n know_v principle_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n have_v never_o be_v hear_v of_o but_o by_o scripture_n revelation_n but_o in_o that_o holy_a scripture_n point_v we_o express_o to_o those_o maxim_n in_o general_a it_o withal_o direct_v we_o implicit_o to_o the_o use_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n in_o all_o ordinary_a affair_n in_o particular_a to_o convince_v you_o more_o full_o of_o the_o great_a danger_n see_v the_o evil_a consequent_n of_o this_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o be_v especial_o these_o three_o 1._o a_o unavoidable_a guilt_n of_o superstition_n 2._o a_o vexatious_a perplexity_n of_o conscience_n 3._o a_o seditious_a contempt_n of_o humane_a law_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a first_o a_o unavoidable_a guilt_n of_o superstition_n for_o that_o this_o opinion_n take_v away_o the_o indifferency_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n make_v all_o necessary_a as_o command_v or_o else_o to_o be_v sinful_a so_o that_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v the_o romanist_n and_o separatist_n as_o they_o go_v upon_o contrary_a ground_n yet_o both_o false_a so_o they_o run_v into_o quite_o contrary_a error_n yet_o both_o superstitious_a the_o error_n and_o superstition_n affirmative_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o be_v the_o romanist_n who_o cut_v short_a the_o scripture_n perfection_n impose_v humane_a tradition_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o divine_a authority_n the_o error_n and_o superstition_n negative_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o be_v the_o separatist_n who_o extend_v too_o long_o or_o rather_o lay_v too_o low_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n they_o condemn_v natural_a and_o civil_a action_n with_o a_o censure_n of_o be_v sinful_a which_o yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n condemn_v not_o and_o thus_o to_o take_v away_o what_o be_v indifferent_a in_o its_o self_n by_o command_v it_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o forbid_v it_o as_o absolute_o unlawful_a be_v superstitious_a by_o command_v it_o as_o necessary_a when_o god_n word_n require_v it_o not_o and_o by_o forbid_v it_o as_o unlawful_a when_o god_n word_n condemn_v it_o not_o second_o a_o vexatious_a perplexity_n