to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbytery_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o their_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_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 all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_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-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_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-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-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
this_o thy_o book_n do_v show_v for_o all_o their_o talk_n that_o in_o truth_n path_n thou_o persever'_v to_o walk_v thy_o blameless_a life_n and_o godly_a conversation_n they_o can_v stain_v with_o slanderous_a exclamation_n fight_v still_o the_o fight_n of_o faith_n most_o certain_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o thou_o in_o heaven_n on_o high_a a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o at_o that_o day_n the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v and_o say_v to_o thou_o come_v bless_v of_o my_o father_n take_v the_o kingdom_n i_o prepare_v for_o thy_o sake_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v then_o crown_v thy_o head_n with_o glory_n immortal_a s._n b._n to_o the_o victorious_a worthy_a m_n r_o john_n bastwick_n d_o r_o in_o physic_n and_o captain_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a army_n upon_o his_o industrious_a and_o learned_a book_n entitle_v the_o utter_a rout_v of_o all_o the_o independent_a army_n etc._n etc._n triumphant_a victor_n thou_o have_v win_v the_o day_n and_o rout_v legion_n too_o without_o a_o fray_n or_o shed_v blood_n thy_o deep_a mysterious_a skill_n have_v be_v always_o to_o cure_n and_o not_o to_o kill_v thou_o have_v purge_v their_o melancholy_n that_o begin_v to_o make_v all_o zeal_n their_o own_o complexion_n their_o il-dependent_a choler_n be_v cool_v by_o thou_o and_o spleen_n and_o sanguine_a may_v religious_a be_v while_o they_o take_v leave_v to_o rage_n and_o rail_v upon_o thou_o as_o thou_o be_v the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n then_o thou_o courageous_a captain_n undertake_v to_o vanquish_v error_n for_o christ_n church_n sake_n arm_v thou_o with_o samson_n strength_n or_o david_n thus_o like_o paul_n fight_v thou_o with_o beast_n of_o ephesus_n then_o sound_v a_o charge_n utter_o rout_n all_o those_o peace-church-disturber_n separate_v that_o expose_v our_o zion_n like_a to_o sodom_n what_o they_o be_v able_a raze_v down_o christ_n church_n to_o erect_v their_o babel_n on_o thou_o a_o furious_a rabbie_a 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steal_v saint_n convert_v zealot_n rich-man_n in_o our_o weal_n it_o be_v better_a grow_v in_o grace_n like_o thrive_a lamb_n then_o in_o short_a time_n become_v such_o hurtful_a ram_n but_o thou_o well_o prove'_v their_o sacrilegious_a theft_n christ_n nor_o his_o bless_a apostle_n ever_o leave_v they_o such_o a_o pattern_n the_o issue_n of_o thy_o pen_n show_v their_o false_a light_n to_o all_o enlighten_v man_n and_o in_o their_o new_a way_n thou_o have_v they_o pursue_v so_o close_o that_o thou_o their_o champion_n haste_v subdue_v rout_v their_o army_n all_o their_o force_n and_o may_v they_o be_v to_o rail_v they_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o fight_v george_n lindsey_n the_o errata_fw-la in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n page_n 1._o line_n 14._o expression_n read_v expression_n p._n 2._o l._n 3._o election_n r._n affection_n &_o ibid._n l._n 9_o new_a r._n know_v p._n 3._o l._n 31._o independent_a r._n independent_o p._n 15._o l._n 29._o unihilate_v r._n annihilate_v in_o the_o 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i_o shall_v relate_v the_o indignation_n of_o all_o that_o party_n and_o their_o several_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o against_o i_o so_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o less_o nor_o few_o ignominious_a calumny_n cast_v upon_o i_o nor_o more_o variety_n of_o virulent_a censure_n give_v out_o against_o i_o than_o be_v utter_v by_o they_o all_o to_o my_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o late_a come_n forth_o but_o of_o the_o title_n and_o frontispiece_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n many_o of_o they_o affirm_v that_o i_o be_v a_o vain_a glorious_a wicked_a fellow_n that_o i_o be_v mad_a that_o i_o be_v a_o base_a rogue_n and_o that_o i_o deserve_v hang_v and_o that_o i_o will_v never_o be_v quiet_a till_o i_o be_v hang_v with_o innumerable_a other_o unchristian_a expression_n of_o like_a nature_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v a_o great_a piaculum_fw-la by_o far_o now_o to_o write_v against_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n than_o scandalum_fw-la magnatum_fw-la be_v a_o few_o year_n since_o true_o at_o that_o time_n i_o can_v scarce_o pass_v by_o any_o of_o they_o as_o i_o can_v at_o this_o day_n without_o some_o contumely_n or_o other_o all_o which_o i_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o among_o other_o i_o can_v never_o meet_v my_o brother_n burton_n but_o he_o will_v always_o after_o his_o salutation_n in_o a_o deride_v and_o scornful_a manner_n ask_v i_o when_o my_o book_n come_v forth_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o expect_v some_o monster_n it_o seem_v he_o think_v i_o be_v bring_v forth_o such_o a_o prodigious_a brat_n as_o he_o not_o long_o after_o lay_v at_o my_o door_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o monster_n indeed_o bear_v with_o tooth_n and_o nail_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o scratch_n and_o bite_v i_o yet_o come_v from_o his_o loin_n my_o brother_n and_o quondam_a fellow-sufferer_n i_o give_v it_o entertainment_n and_o for_o the_o love_n i_o bear_v to_o he_o i_o have_v ever_o since_o danle_v it_o upon_o the_o knee_n of_o my_o election_n now_o 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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 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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 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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
of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o speak_v concern_v the_o first_o question_n or_o controversy_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o independent_o the_o second_o be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n into_o church_n fellowship_n &_o communion_n which_o the_o independent_o hold_v and_o teach_v must_v be_v upon_o these_o condition_n first_o that_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n they_o must_v walk_v sometime_o with_o they_o in_o new-england_n they_o make_v some_o walk_n seven_o year_n before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v their_o first_o condition_n second_o before_o their_o admission_n they_o must_v make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a and_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n three_o they_o must_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n declare_v the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o and_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v four_o they_o must_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n five_o they_o must_v come_v in_o and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nemine_fw-la contradicente_fw-la so_o that_o the_o refuse_v of_o any_o of_o these_o hinder_v their_o admission_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n after_o so_o fashion_n as_o the_o french_a man_n use_v to_o speak_v when_o they_o learn_v english_a be_v the_o only_a way_n as_o they_o all_o affirm_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n pretend_v withal_o that_o they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o their_o pattern_n and_o platform_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o abuse_v the_o scripture_n as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v the_o presbyterian_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n hold_v and_o believe_v that_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n of_o any_o church_n and_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o church_n followship_n and_o communion_n no_o other_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o by_o the_o minister_n for_o their_o reception_n into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v require_v at_o any_o people_n hand_n but_o those_o that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o voice_n be_v only_o in_o church_n matter_n to_o be_v listen_v unto_o and_o hear_v have_v propound_v viz._n repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n and_o this_o be_v the_o belief_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o concern_v the_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o gather_v of_o church_n affirm_v that_o the_o independent_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o all_o their_o new_a condition_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o as_o the_o vain_a and_o wicked_a tradition_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n as_o will_v clear_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v evidence_v to_o all_o man_n and_o this_o be_v brief_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o difference_n between_o we_o now_o before_o i_o set_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o seem_a warrant_n they_o pretend_v for_o this_o their_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n by_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v trouble_n and_o confusion_n upon_o this_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a i_o say_v before_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n to_o say_v something_o concern_v the_o sort_n of_o independent_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o against_o the_o which_o all_o my_o follow_a argument_n do_v militate_v and_o i_o find_v two_o sort_n of_o independent_o the_o first_o be_v those_o which_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o call_v homothumadons_n the_o other_o burtonians_n now_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o that_o at_o this_o day_n swarm_v through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n if_o their_o own_o brag_n may_v be_v believe_v be_v the_o universality_n of_o all_o the_o sectary_n who_o general_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a precinct_n then_o can_v all_o ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o from_o thence_o out_o of_o this_o their_o imaginary_a opinion_n they_o form_v all_o their_o several_a church_n call_v their_o assembly_n the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o to_o this_o their_o opinion_n they_o stick_v and_o cleave_v immovable_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o of_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n be_v the_o corypheus_n and_o antesignanus_n and_o from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n they_o hold_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v that_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o disciple_n so_o that_o my_o first_o brigade_n of_o argument_n and_o force_n that_o i_o have_v draw_v out_o of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n quarter_n and_o that_o before_o christ_n death_n with_o all_o those_o i_o have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o strong_a garrison_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o field_n to_o dispute_v this_o controversy_n and_o question_n they_o militate_v against_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n sectary_n that_o under_o the_o command_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n their_o general_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v this_o ground_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o then_o can_v and_o do_v ordinary_o all_o meet_a together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n the_o other_o company_n that_o i_o have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o in_o the_o head_n of_o which_o army_n he_o himself_o come_v out_o into_o the_o field_n as_o their_o general_n maintain_v that_o those_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o goliah-like_a appear_v arm_v with_o his_o sword_n and_o photions_n hatchet_n which_o be_v his_o pol-ax_n bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o presbyterian_o presume_v to_o make_v good_a this_o ground_n against_o they_o all_o viz._n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v challenge_v i_o by_o name_n say_v page_n 7._o come_v on_o brother_n let_v you_o and_o i_o try_v it_o out_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o sword_n add_v moreover_o these_o word_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v by_o the_o help_n of_o my_o godmake_n no_o long_a work_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v say_v he_o assay_v with_o one_o stroke_n of_o photions_n hatchet_n to_o cut_v in_o two_o the_o long_a thread_n of_o your_o alcibiadian_a fluent_a and_o luxuriant_a rhetorication_n thus_o valiant_a old_a harry_n triumph_n before_o the_o victory_n and_o even_o conjure_v it_o out_o and_o in_o this_o dispute_n between_o my_o force_n and_o all_o the_o independent_a army_n after_o a_o few_o skirmish_n they_o shall_v see_v not_o only_o a_o private_a duel_n fight_v between_o general_n burton_n and_o myself_o but_o the_o fall_n of_o that_o their_o champion_n with_o their_o total_a rout_n and_o see_v their_o whole_a army_n to_o fly_v and_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o that_o most_o cowardly_a though_o they_o be_v three_o to_o one_o howsoever_o their_o scatter_a force_n now_o and_o then_o make_v some_o false_a alarm_n and_o speak_v big_a word_n what_o reserve_v they_o yet_o have_v and_o what_o great_a thing_n they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v rally_v again_o and_o come_v upon_o i_o and_o break_v through_o and_o through_o to_o the_o total_a rout_v of_o all_o my_o force_n they_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o feat_n of_o arm_n and_o expert_a soldier_n in_o this_o militia_n will_v well_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v but_o self_n confidence_n in_o they_o all_o and_o that_o all_o their_o swell_a word_n will_v tend_v to_o their_o own_o dishonour_n i_o have_v three_o general_n to_o encounter_v with_o in_o the_o independent_a army_n two_o under_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n and_o henry_n burton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n beside_o some_o whible_n reserve_v
meaning_n as_o they_o put_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v of_o a_o place_n howsoever_o it_o creep_v in_o in_o our_o translation_n all_o this_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o evince_v this_o also_o that_o they_o lay_v that_o foundation_n of_o their_o new_a fabric_n only_o in_o the_o air_n or_o chimaera_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o for_o the_o word_n in_o roman_a character_n they_o be_v homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la and_o now_o i_o will_v relate_v how_o philip_n nye_n a_o very_a busy_a advocate_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o independency_n and_o what_o his_o testimony_n be_v who_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o assertion_n he_o fly_v to_o the_o same_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la say_v he_o 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 place_n then_o after_o he_o come_v in_o jeremy_n burrough_n a_o stout_a advocate_n who_o be_v demand_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n for_o the_o make_n of_o affidavit_fw-la to_o what_o they_o have_v plead_v he_o also_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o with_o a_o great_a outice_n say_v and_o they_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la 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 place_n then_o come_v in_o sydrack_n sympson_n a_o brave_a burly_n and_o well_o spread_v advocate_n who_o be_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n request_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n produce_v the_o very_a same_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v before_o cry_v out_o pleno_fw-la ore_fw-la &_o pingui_fw-la ore_fw-la voce_fw-la that_o they_o be_v altogether_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n i_o will_v not_o mention_v the_o other_o advocate_n for_o they_o be_v all_o at_o their_o homothumadon_n and_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o thus_o do_v these_o brave_a pleader_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o argue_v their_o cause_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n also_o into_o the_o court_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o their_o witness_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v from_o first_o to_o last_o as_o on_o purpose_n show_v this_o as_o if_o his_o scope_n have_v be_v before_o to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o they_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o this_o their_o reason_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o substance_n that_o all_o those_o restless_a spirit_a rabbi_n have_v for_o this_o great_a war_n and_o contention_n between_o we_o and_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n and_o that_o their_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v this_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o state_n to_o the_o seduce_a and_o mislead_v of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a soul_n to_o the_o utter_a ruine_n of_o many_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o set_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n on_o fire_n which_o with_o all_o their_o tear_n if_o ever_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v they_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o they_o can_v never_o quench_v and_o for_o the_o better_a deceive_v of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v so_o accustom_v their_o mouth_n to_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la that_o very_a sagomour_n will_n that_o have_v no_o more_o greek_a in_o he_o then_o a_o horse_n upon_o every_o occasion_n come_v out_o with_o his_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n which_o concern_v not_o only_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n but_o be_v of_o everlasting_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o they_o continual_o trifle_v and_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o cat_n usual_o do_v one_o with_o a_o other_o who_o when_o they_o have_v spend_v all_o their_o strength_n with_o fight_v and_o when_o they_o can_v neither_o scratch_v nor_o bite_v any_o long_o than_o they_o spit_v one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v ugly_a face_n even_o so_o do_v these_o man_n with_o we_o when_o they_o have_v torment_v themselves_o &_o spend_v their_o force_n in_o wrangle_v have_v never_o a_o argument_n leave_v to_o maintain_v their_o groundless_a wicked_a and_o divide_v opinion_n than_o they_o stand_v stare_v on_o we_o &_o as_o a_o last_o refuge_n come_v out_o with_o their_o homothumadon_v epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o thus_o spit_v a_o little_a greek_a in_o our_o face_n which_o the_o delude_a people_n not_o understanding_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n get_v on_o the_o independent_o side_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n yeâ—_n of_o their_o whole_a army_n lie_v here_o and_o depend_v upon_o this_o fort_n i_o mean_v these_o word_n of_o the_o heavenly_a charter_n i_o will_v take_v the_o more_o pain_n for_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o wickedness_n and_o vanity_n for_o it_o be_v no_o better_a of_o all_o these_o homothumadon_n impostor_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o make_v some_o stay_n in_o explayn_v the_o mind_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o because_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o key_n and_o inlet_n for_o the_o open_n and_o the_o better_a make_v way_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a dispute_n so_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n may_v from_o the_o unfolding_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o juggle_n of_o these_o ungodly_a man_n but_o first_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o reverend_a judge_n sit_v in_o the_o court_n i_o mean_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n where_o this_o cause_n be_v full_o hear_v and_o debate_v where_o the_o homothumadon_n have_v liberty_n full_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o &_o to_o bring_v in_o whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n howsoever_o they_o have_v false_o give_v out_o to_o the_o contrary_a now_o for_o answer_v to_o their_o reason_n above_o mention_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n reply_v that_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v rather_o to_o show_v the_o early_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n jer._n 32._o 39_o of_o give_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n by_o his_o so_o frequent_a mention_v homothumadon_n &_o epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la as_o adjunct_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n meeting_n then_o as_o our_o brethren_n suggest_v to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n against_o this_o assertion_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o there_o be_v most_o excellent_a reason_n for_o this_o reply_n &_o answer_v of_o the_o reverend_a &_o learned_a assembly_n to_o their_o wicked_a cavil_n for_o so_o i_o may_v true_o call_v it_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n in_o the_o world_n which_o all_o the_o homothumadon_v minister_n and_o predicant_o and_o itinerary_a preacer_n be_v most_o deep_o guilty_a of_o who_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o people_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v and_o most_o abominable_o cheat_v they_o especial_o the_o silly_a woman_n now_o if_o we_o do_v due_o examine_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o native_a sense_n and_o true_a meaning_n it_o will_v most_o manifest_o appear_v that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a assembly_n be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a and_o solid_a reason_n which_o all_o the_o slight_a of_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n and_o their_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v simple_a soul_n will_v be_v make_v more_o orient_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o colour_n first_o therefore_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o its_o original_a language_n and_o then_o give_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o tongue_n act_v the_o second_o v._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o translation_n be_v this_o when_o the_o day_n of_o
in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o argue_v if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v against_o the_o independent_o those_o homothumadon_n brethren_n all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o and_o their_o itinerary_a preacher_n those_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n those_o name_n be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n on_o one_o of_o their_o feast_n day_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o independent_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n then_o can_v meet_v at_o all_o time_n in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o their_o ordinance_n will_v not_o all_o the_o independent_o laugh_v at_o any_o presbyterian_a that_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v when_o they_o themselves_o boast_v that_o there_o be_v million_o of_o they_o in_o london_n now_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v true_o inform_v there_o be_v million_o of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n only_o that_o be_v present_a together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o the_o other_o believer_n be_v in_o their_o other_o meet_v place_n yea_o beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v now_o name_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 5._o that_o at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n here_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o these_o and_o all_o these_o be_v then_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v by_o many_o witness_n prove_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o believer_n or_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n how_o therefore_o with_o any_o honesty_n can_v the_o independent_o conclude_v from_o epi_n to_o auto_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o ever_o after_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v never_o any_o fight_n against_o he_o but_o shall_v i_o yield_v unto_o they_o which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n will_v it_o follow_v in_o any_o sound_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o after_o all_o still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v infinite_o daily_o increase_v i_o trow_v not_o for_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o so_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v will_v be_v but_o to_o prove_v fighter_n against_o all_o reason_n yea_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o express_a scripture_n as_o will_v forthwith_o appear_v for_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o then_o that_o company_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o place_n spacious_a enough_o for_o to_o break_v bread_n in_o they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o 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 that_o be_v in_o many_o several_a house_n they_o have_v their_o meeting_n to_o communicate_v in_o therefore_o at_o that_o very_a time_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 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primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n but_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v most_o certain_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o their_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v without_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o that_o upon_o offer_v themselves_o the_o second_o truth_n be_v this_o 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 at_o that_o instant_a time_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o those_o express_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n then_o but_o it_o will_v far_o more_o illustrious_o yet_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o divers_a other_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a indefinite_o set_v down_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v tell_v which_o add_v no_o small_a emphasis_n unto_o the_o expression_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o require_v of_o all_o their_o member_n in_o these_o our_o time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o only_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n now_o what_o understanding_n man_n can_v easy_o believe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o daily_a increase_n of_o believer_n make_v that_o they_o can_v all_o still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o 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church_n at_o one_o time_n without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o then_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n multitude_n now_o by_o multitude_n all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o in_o all_o language_n a_o very_a great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n or_o company_n whereupon_o the_o scripture_n say_v follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o by_o multitude_n be_v ever_o understand_v some_o vast_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n and_o here_o the_o scripture_n say_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o multitude_n and_o that_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o expression_n do_v as_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o they_o come_v in_o so_o fast_o that_o they_o can_v not_o now_o any_o long_o be_v count_v as_o it_o be_v by_o retail_n or_o enumerate_v company_n as_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o small_a number_n as_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o reckon_v but_o that_o now_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o set_v they_o down_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n yea_o and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o this_o business_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o here_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v ascertain_v there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o have_v their_o meeting_n not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o several_a private_a house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a witness_n as_o that_o out_o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n daily_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o two_o more_o witness_n also_o in_o this_o five_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v record_v verse_n 14._o that_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o no_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o business_n the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n be_v also_o express_v viz._n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o point_n be_v so_o evident_o apparent_a to_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n that_o they_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o except_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yet_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o controversy_n may_v yet_o more_o full_o be_v clear_v i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o coroborrate_n of_o it_o and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n more_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n verse_n 7._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n here_o we_o find_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o more_o addition_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o among_o these_o multitude_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v convert_v and_o all_o these_o several_a admission_n of_o believer_n into_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n require_v now_o of_o their_o new_a member_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o come_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n before_o their_o admission_n nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n in_o this_o mother-church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o admission_n in_o our_o new_a congregation_n be_v without_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n and_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v most_o wicked_o to_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o their_o practice_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n but_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v the_o multiplication_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o disciple_n to_o the_o former_a add_v withal_o that_o among_o those_o disciple_n and_o convert_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o what_o a_o increase_n of_o believer_n may_v any_o man_n suppose_v there_o must_v then_o needs_o follow_v when_o so_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_v when_o the_o people_n see_v their_o priest_n turn_v christian_n and_o hear_v they_o also_o in_o their_o preach_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n for_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v withal_o the_o daily_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v infinite_o multiply_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o conversion_n of_o man_n before_o speak_v of_o yet_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a priest_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v have_v procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o we_o find_v it_o by_o hourly_a experience_n how_o many_o hundred_o be_v daily_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o a_o few_o temporize_a unstable_a presbyter_n who_o be_v turn_v independent_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v here_o among_o we_o so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o place_n can_v contain_v their_o proselyte_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o miracle_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o if_o but_o any_o rich_a and_o craze_a gentlewoman_n or_o any_o confound_a lady_n turn_v independent_a or_o if_o but_o any_o unstable_a man_n of_o any_o eminency_n revolt_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o and_o by_o make_v at_o it_o and_o how_o many_o giddy_a head_a man_n and_o woman_n especial_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o prodigy_n now_o i_o say_v all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o truth_n shall_v much_o more_o prevail_v then_o error_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o of_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o those_o also_o in_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o people_n have_v withal_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o to_o the_o speedy_a conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o yea_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v to_o say_v convert_v many_o and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o not_o in_o a_o small_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_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
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
more_o evident_a than_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v viz._n that_o diotrephes_n be_v the_o primate_n of_o the_o independent_o and_o of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n at_o large_a to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o their_o calumniate_a tongue_n who_o ordinary_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o keep_v from_o the_o world_n their_o argument_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o delude_v the_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o ignorance_n his_o word_n therefore_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o argument_n be_v these_o now_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n say_v he_o whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o let_v i_o give_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o saint_n john_n say_v verse_n the_o 9_o i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o see_v no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n so_o confident_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v his_o particular_a congregation_n now_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v plain_o that_o the_o doctor_n can_v expound_v those_o brethren_n and_o their_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o this_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n delcare_v except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 8_o oughts_z to_o be_v receive_v and_o ver_fw-la 10_o who_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v how_o then_o do_v the_o doctor_n say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o who_o joint_n and_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o brethren_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o brethren_n a_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o may_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o the_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n conjoint_o consent_v unto_o it_o let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v that_o d_o otrephe_n oppose_v the_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v they_o that_o will_v have_v receive_v those_o who_o saint_n john_n say_v vers_fw-la the_o 8._o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o verse_n 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o no_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow_n saint_n diotrephes_n love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o he_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o the_o doctor_n can_v have_v urge_v this_o scripture_n against_o the_o domineer_a prelate_n and_o why_o shall_v he_o marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v it_o against_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o diotrephes_n do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_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 do_v affront_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v for_o have_v diotrephes_n do_v so_o why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o then_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v tather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n before_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n then_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o hiâ—_n evil_a that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o st_n john_n will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n of_o grave_n solid_a learned_a religious_a and_o wise_a divine_n and_o minister_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n and_o common-council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v or_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n that_o he_o prate_v against_o we_o the_o presbyter_n with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o know_v any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n neither_o classical_a nor_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a those_o appeal_v he_o mention_v page_n 10_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n 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 presbytry_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 that_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n i_o only_o ask_v the_o doctor_n how_o he_o can_v prove_v those_o appeal_n by_o scripture_n and_o if_o he_o can_v whether_o that_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n especial_o if_o they_o may_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o these_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytry_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n might_n archipus_fw-la coloss_n 4._o 17._o and_o if_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytry_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytry_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o just_a occasion_n to_o say_v more_o touch_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o answer_n unto_o the_o three_o question_n and_o therefore_o pass_v by_o the_o objection_n with_o his_o answer_n mention_v page_n 19_o to_o the_o 29._o unto_o its_o due_a place_n i_o shall_v desire_v serious_o to_o consider_v the_o doctor_n proof_n of_o his_o first_o proposition_n which_o he_o labour_v first_o by_o produce_v such_o scripture_n as_o he_o conceive_v make_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o thence_o frame_v and_o form_v his_o argument_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n in_o way_n of_o reply_n speak_v to_o my_o argument_n concern_v diotrephes_n and_o of_o his_o intention_n what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o his_o word_n at_o large_a omit_v only_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_a text_n which_o he_o school-boy-like_a scrible_v to_o little_a other_o purpose_n than_o to_o show_v his_o own_o vanity_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o ignorant_a people_n that_o he_o be_v somebody_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a tongue_n which_o kind_n of_o learning_n notwithstanding_o the_o most_o of_o his_o fraternity_n general_o despise_v and_o contemn_v i_o have_v therefore_o omit_v they_o especial_o have_v learn_v this_o lesson_n from_o saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 19_o rather_o to_o speak_v five_o word_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n that_o i_o may_v teach_v other_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a
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
therefore_o he_o do_v not_o again_o and_o again_o contradict_v himself_o and_o confirm_v my_o argument_n and_o fight_n against_o his_o own_o opinion_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a i_o shall_v also_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o these_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v say_v he_o i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v 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 in_o saint_n johns_n time_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n otherwise_o shall_v st._n john_n have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n to_o have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n and_o to_o have_v punish_v and_o censure_v he_o but_o say_v mr_n knollys_n if_o diotrephes_n have_v affront_v the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n why_o be_v he_o not_o convent_v before_o they_o sure_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_a saint_n john_n will_v rather_o have_v write_v to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n and_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 wherefore_o when_o the_o presbytry_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v against_o he_o that_o he_o praâ—eâ—_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o thus_o mr_n knollys_n trifling_o cavil_v as_o if_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n have_v be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o as_o if_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n do_v not_o in_o that_o write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o also_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o in_o send_v unto_o they_o do_v not_o also_o write_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o presbyter_n in_o they_o when_o we_o learn_v from_o all_o those_o epistle_n and_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o seven_o church_n as_o of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n through_o the_o world_n lay_v only_o on_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n which_o mr_n knollys_n also_o assent_v unto_o say_v page_n 11._o that_o 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 it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o in_o his_o write_v to_o the_o church_n he_o write_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n principal_o who_o be_v the_o officer_n in_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a member_n of_o it_o and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n who_o will_v in_o convenient_a time_n have_v call_v diotrephes_n to_o a_o account_n though_o saint_n john_n have_v never_o come_v thither_o but_o he_o signify_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n make_v they_o retard_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o be_v a_o fellow-presbyter_n with_o they_o as_o peter_n be_v with_o those_o presbyter_n he_o writ_n unto_o 1_o epistle_n pet._n chap._n 5._o may_v have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n all_o which_o sufficient_o confirm_v that_o saint_n john_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o and_o therefore_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o whible_a question_n be_v vain_a and_o mere_o to_o delude_v the_o people_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o so_o stupid_a or_o so_o unexperienced_a in_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o but_o understand_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o time_n in_o every_o corporation_n or_o committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n that_o know_v not_o if_o any_o alderman_n of_o any_o corporation_n or_o any_o commissioner_n of_o any_o committee_n shall_v affect_v a_o particular_a domination_n to_o himself_o over_o his_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n or_o over_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n whenas_o they_o be_v by_o their_o charter_n and_o commission_n to_o govern_v their_o several_a corporation_n hundred_o rape_n riding_n or_o wapentak_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a counsel_n and_o aggreement_n of_o they_o all_o so_o that_o no_o order_n make_v without_o their_o combine_a authority_n or_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o of_o force_n i_o say_v who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o if_o any_o of_o those_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n contrary_a unto_o their_o charter_n or_o commission_n shall_v not_o only_o assume_v unto_o himself_o a_o particular_a power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v thing_n by_o himself_o and_o of_o give_v law_n unto_o other_o and_o in_o bring_v in_o or_o put_v out_o either_o in_o the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n who_o they_o please_v and_o shall_v also_o use_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-alderman_n or_o commissioner_n that_o any_o either_o alderman_n or_o commissioner_n do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corporation_n &_o committee_n with_o the_o commissioner_n in_o they_o and_o by_o that_o offend_v against_o their_o government_n and_o deserve_v thereby_o severe_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o who_o do_v not_o likewise_o know_v that_o if_o either_o any_o of_o the_o alderman_n or_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v understand_v of_o this_o their_o disorderly_a carriage_n and_o shall_v inform_v the_o corporation_n or_o committee_n of_o it_o by_o letter_n and_o say_v that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n by_o these_o his_o expression_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o there_o be_v both_o in_o the_o corporation_n and_o committee_n a_o stand_a court_n in_o which_o there_o be_v power_n at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o punish_n and_o censure_v of_o any_o such_o offender_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o he_o will_v so_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o withal_o will_v say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o commissioner_n information_n do_v no_o way_n impeach_v or_o hinder_v the_o proceed_n of_o that_o court_n or_o minorise_v its_o power_n but_o that_o it_o may_v go_v on_o to_o censure_v such_o as_o shall_v offend_v against_o their_o authority_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o other_o though_o that_o commissioner_n that_o inform_v against_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v present_a and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o it_o have_v a_o court_n and_o power_n within_o itself_o of_o proceed_v against_o diotrephes_n and_o will_v have_v use_v it_o against_o he_o whether_o s._n john_n have_v come_v or_o no_o although_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v against_o he_o till_o saint_n john_n come_v yea_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o good_a out_o of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o word_n that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o this_o i_o say_v it_o appear_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n in_o that_o church_n though_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a peremptory_o assert_v that_o s._n john_n know_v no_o such_o court_n to_o appeal_v to_o and_o that_o i_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o appeal_n but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o m._n knollys_n to_o confute_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o contradict_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v both_o here_o and_o in_o all_o other_o of_o his_o answer_n as_o in_o their_o due_a place_n we_o shall_v see_v for_o what_o christian_a ever_o with_o deliberation_n do_v read_v the_o scripture_n that_o can_v believe_v that_o st._n john_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o presbytry_n in_o every_o church_n when_o m._n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v it_o without_o doubt_n saint_n john_n know_v the_o government_n that_o be_v then_o establish_v in_o all_o church_n as_o well_o as_o mr_n knollys_n he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o government_n god_n have_v appoint_v &_o establish_v in_o every_o church_n which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v which_o be_v a_o court_n to_o wit_n a_o company_n of_o officer_n in_o every_o church_n arm_v with_o power_n &_o authority_n from_o god_n himself_o within_o their_o several_a presbytry_n to_o order_n rule_n and_o govern_v the_o people_n under_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
and_o they_o only_a in_o every_o church_n have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o more_o noble_a member_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o man_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o that_o office_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o at_o large_a rom._n 12._o ver_fw-la 6._o have_v gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o find_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o office_n he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wait_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_v they_o be_v ever_o to_o rule_v and_o the_o other_o that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v every_o member_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o this_o mystical_a body_n the_o magistrate_n and_o parent_n and_o master_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o rank_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o place_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o whether_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n they_o be_v likewise_o to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v their_o place_n for_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o teach_v we_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o 7._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o circumcision_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o yield_a of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obey_n of_o those_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o the_o honour_v of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o our_o power_n be_v that_o that_o commend_v any_o man_n unto_o god_n especial_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reverence_v of_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o painful_a pastor_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o know_v they_o which_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o people_n their_o flock_n they_o father_n and_o the_o people_n child_n beget_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o bvilder_n and_o the_o people_n the_o stone_n lay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o build_n they_o steward_n and_o the_o people_n domestics_n under_o they_o and_o their_o conduct_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o until_o they_o by_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o eminent_a ability_n be_v remove_v to_o a_o high_a calling_n or_o else_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 7._o ver_fw-la 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v once_o specify_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n he_o reiterate_v this_o precept_n say_v brethren_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n so_o that_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o master_n or_o parent_n of_o family_n for_o either_o of_o they_o i_o say_v to_o leave_v their_o call_n in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o rule_v and_o for_o either_o the_o flock_n under_o the_o pastor_n or_o subject_n under_o the_o magistrate_n or_o servant_n and_o child_n in_o the_o several_a family_n under_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n to_o offer_v to_o take_v the_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n in_o either_o church_n state_n or_o family_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o leave_v their_o calling_n and_o so_o to_o transgress_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v enjoin_v the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o each_o of_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n and_o station_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v find_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o violator_n of_o that_o order_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n in_o both_o now_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o have_v enjoin_v all_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o rule_v and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_n and_o yield_v double_a honour_n unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n they_o be_v ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n god_n appoint_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v rule_v in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o too_o too_o many_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o now_o the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v imbroyl_v with_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v learn_v but_o this_o lesson_n to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v he_o will_v know_v that_o the_o magistrate_n place_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclersiasticall_a be_v to_o command_v and_o that_o the_o subject_n and_o people_n place_n under_o they_o in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o will_v understand_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o kingdom_n commonwealth_n corporation_n or_o in_o any_o province_n and_o country_n or_o church_n that_o howsoever_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o each_o of_o those_o government_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o and_o rule_v and_o order_v of_o they_o respective_o belong_v and_o pertain_v only_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o republic_n howsoever_o the_o embasladour_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v send_v into_o such_o a_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n about_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o whole_a country_n yet_o none_o but_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n or_o the_o state_n have_v the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o the_o people_n and_o subject_n under_o they_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o those_o high_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o appertain_v not_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o every_o corporation_n howsoever_o the_o letter_n or_o mandate_n from_o either_o king_n parliament_n or_o state_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o several_a county_n hundred_o or_o corporation_n or_o city_n yet_o the_o lieutenant_n governor_n sheriff_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-councell_n in_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v by_o either_o letter_n or_o mandate_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o several_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v according_a to_o the_o several_a exigence_n of_o the_o time_n as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o direct_n of_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o several_a county_n or_o hundred_o or_o corporation_n in_o general_a do_v not_o invest_v all_o the_o people_n with_o power_n or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n but_o leave_v the_o transact_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o only_a in_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n which_o the_o people_n be_v not_o yea_o
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâ—ake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v 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they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a command_n in_o the_o
all_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n in_o awe_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o john_n the_o baptist_n from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n or_o a_o mighty_a city_n of_o believer_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o 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saviour_n say_v except_v the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a handful_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o be_v believer_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n do_v necessary_o follow_v but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o argue_v yet_o further_o after_o this_o manner_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v a_o tyrannical_a king_n in_o awe_n and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o all_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o there_o of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n must_v be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n but_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v herod_n himself_o the_o tyrant_n in_o awe_n all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n beside_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a understanding_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o rational_a creature_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v manifest_a prove_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o such_o as_o will_v call_v in_o question_n truth_n itself_o i_o may_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n above_o mention_v draw_v many_o more_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n but_o because_o i_o study_v brevity_n these_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o these_o first_o argument_n of_o i_o by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n of_o s._n john_n there_o be_v more_o convert_v and_o make_v christian_n and_o believeres_fw-la in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n master_n knollys_n answer_v by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o i._o s._n by_o deny_v they_o be_v christian_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v i_o will_v therefore_o reply_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o order_n begin_v first_o with_o master_n knollys_n who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 8._o i_o do_v deny_v the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o these_o argument_n say_v he_o neither_o have_v the_o doctor_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o believer_n nor_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n speak_v no_o such_o thing_n those_o place_n in_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n tell_v we_o of_o very_o many_o who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n but_o do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o scripture_n witness_v act._n 9_o 31._o that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act._n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n who_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_n the_o 2._o 42_o 43_o 44._o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o johns_n ministerythen_a can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o here_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n whether_o from_o the_o forego_v place_n which_o i_o quote_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n &_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n deduce_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o believer_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o demand_v i_o say_v of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a
whether_o those_o scripture_n i_o cite_v with_o the_o argument_n deduce_v from_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v and_o persuade_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o learning_n will_v say_v they_o do_v but_o for_o answer_v master_n knollys_n himself_o grant_v that_o very_a many_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o none_o be_v baptize_v then_o but_o believer_n as_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v but_o say_v he_o the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o say_v he_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v of_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o if_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o any_o argument_n with_o a_o senseless_a reason_n or_o two_o and_o a_o it_o may_v be_v be_v a_o sufficient_a conviction_n of_o a_o truth_n than_o master_n knollys_n will_v be_v a_o very_a precious_a disputant_n and_o to_o say_v bellarmine_n thou_o lie_v will_v be_v enough_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o papist_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o high_a concernment_n there_o be_v more_o require_v then_o bare_a denial_n and_o vain_a evasion_n and_o maybe_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o tell_v master_n knollis_n that_o he_o trifle_n in_o divinity_n and_o deal_v not_o like_o a_o serious_a nor_o learned_a christian_a nor_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o this_o be_v not_o in_o question_n between_o i_o and_o the_o independent_o how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n through_o all_o judaea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o be_v resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v be_v never_o controvert_v between_o we_o for_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o doubt_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o judaea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o to_o the_o ministry_n &_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n return_v home_o again_o to_o their_o several_a habitation_n and_o there_o remain_v and_o abode_n as_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o johns_n preach_v and_o baptism_n after_o they_o be_v baptize_v repair_v to_o their_o several_a house_n &_o habitation_n in_o that_o city_n and_o remain_v there_o wait_v upon_o the_o public_a ordinance_n this_o i_o conceive_v all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o understanding_n believe_v and_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o speak_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v numberless_a and_o therefore_o be_v more_o than_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n yea_o they_o be_v innumerable_a &_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o look_v back_o to_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v out_o of_o which_o i_o frame_v my_o argument_n and_o consider_v the_o ensue_a scripture_n and_o reason_n from_o they_o he_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o master_n knollys_n be_v a_o mere_a quibler_n and_o a_o man_n no_o way_n fit_a for_o either_o disputation_n or_o any_o serious_a employment_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n that_o come_v from_o all_o quarter_n to_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o john_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v to_o avoid_v mistake_n do_v specify_v the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o which_o they_o come_v with_o the_o number_n indefinite_o set_v down_o that_o come_v from_o every_o place_n say_v there_o go_v out_o to_o he_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judaea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o in_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n mat._n the_o 3._o here_o it_o be_v abundant_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a company_n that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n as_o by_o the_o word_n jerusalem_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_a be_v metaphorical_o set_v down_o and_o take_v in_o that_o place_n as_o i_o say_v before_o synechdochical_o for_o a_o mighty_a part_n and_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o come_v out_o of_o that_o city_n and_o saint_n mark_v confirm_v this_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la the_o 5._o who_o say_v there_o go_v out_o unto_o he_o all_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v of_o he_o in_o the_o river_n jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o same_o be_v further_a ratify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 7._o 29._o 30._o who_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o council_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o be_v not_o baptize_v so_o that_o now_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o three_o witness_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n himself_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o if_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n except_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n that_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o many_o more_o than_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n which_o fond_a conceit_n of_o mr_n knollys_n be_v yet_o more_o evident_o refute_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n from_o out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o nicodemus_n and_o of_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o of_o many_o other_o ruler_n and_o of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o child_n that_o cry_v hosanna_n and_o that_o receive_v christ_n into_o the_o city_n with_o all_o their_o acclamation_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o most_o of_o which_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n and_o his_o cavil_n be_v apparent_o manifest_a and_o this_o truth_n sufficient_o clear_a to_o all_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o other_o church_n in_o judea_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o good_a christian_n i_o be_o confident_a will_n ever_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o give_v credit_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o unto_o mr_n knollys_n and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n than_o they_o will_v not_o only_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o by_o the_o very_a ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n but_o that_o mr_n knollys_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a creature_n as_o who_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o oppose_v also_o all_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o spirit_n say_v jerusalem_n and_o all_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n except_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o all_o these_o be_v inhabitant_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o mr_n knollys_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o confute_v all_o the_o evangelist_n whether_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o a_o very_a precious_a disputant_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober-minded_n christian_n that_o love_v sincerity_n truth_n and_o plain_a deal_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n and_o what_o a_o vain_a caviller_n he_o be_v that_o thus_o abuse_v precious_a time_n to_o abuse_v himself_o and_o miserable_o to_o delude_v ignorant_a people_n but_o for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n of_o my_o minor_n i_o will_v produce_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n more_o out_o of_o the_o eleven_o of_o mark_n where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o two_o great_a company_n and_o party_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o
doctrine_n to_o prove_v this_o their_o opinion_n to_o be_v legitimate_a so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o belief_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o agree_v against_o all_o the_o current_n and_o the_o whole_a school_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n divine_v who_o hold_v they_o be_v christian_n second_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o also_o that_o both_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n must_v ever_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a so_o that_o be_v their_o never_o so_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n and_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o such_o and_o such_o a_o mould_n and_o form_n than_o theyare_n not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o their_o dialect_n they_o be_v either_o heretic_n or_o no_o christian_n but_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n compass_n and_o bound_n that_o they_o have_v circumscribe_v their_o church_n with_o and_o be_v not_o under_o that_o visible_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v appoint_v they_o account_v they_o all_o heretic_n and_o no_o church_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v the_o independent_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o that_o be_v to_o say_v speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n all_o such_o congregation_n and_o assemble_v as_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o by_o a_o explcite_v particular_a covenant_n &_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n &_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o independent_a they_o be_v no_o church_n and_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o their_o new_a mould_n or_o model_n they_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o account_v of_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o independent_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o bind_v and_o limit_v all_o church_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o external_a form_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o that_o be_v want_v according_a to_o their_o dialect_n though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o both_o of_o they_o far_o accord_v and_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o form_n of_o their_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o the_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n respective_o they_o must_v not_o be_v fluid_a as_o they_o speak_v but_o they_o must_v be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o independent_a but_o in_o this_o the_o papist_n deal_v far_o more_o honest_o than_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o have_v in_o many_o large_a volume_n full_o set_v down_o the_o model_n of_o their_o government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o for_o their_o chief_a officer_n they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o presbytery_n at_o rome_n the_o cardinal_n patriarch_n primate_fw-la metropolitan_n archbishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o what_o their_o model_n and_o government_n be_v to_o a_o hare_n but_o what_o the_o independent_o model_n be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o man_n can_v yet_o ever_o learn_v but_o by_o conjecture_n which_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o they_o shall_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o never_o declare_v what_o that_o form_n and_o mould_n be_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v their_o daily_a wicked_a practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n the_o independent_o be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o mongrel_n papist_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n belieeve_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o their_o church_n believe_v and_o take_v all_o they_o speak_v as_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a but_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n better_a than_o so_o who_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v he_o matth._n 17._o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o and_o not_o to_o give_v ear_n unto_o stranger_n and_o from_o his_o bless_a word_n we_o have_v learn_v these_o two_o lesson_n the_o first_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v faithful_o and_o true_o preach_v by_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o and_o where_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o by_o the_o people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n although_o they_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v not_o that_o external_a form_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n holy_a word_n second_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o churhe_n in_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n where_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n nor_o where_o their_o very_a meeting_n together_o be_v not_o allow_v unto_o they_o by_o authority_n for_o all_o such_o as_o confine_v a_o church_n or_o church_n to_o these_o external_a form_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o confound_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o adjunct_n and_o accideut_n of_o it_o whereas_o church_n may_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v by_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v prove_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o israel_n where_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o establish_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v punctual_o be_v observe_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o these_o word_n now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o do_v not_o then_o appear_v any_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n when_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o public_o know_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v there_o his_o true_a church_n among_o they_o yea_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o idolatry_n when_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v persecute_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o cave_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n also_o god_n have_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n that_o be_v absolute_o require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o that_o external_a appearance_n they_o speak_v of_o for_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n be_v another_o and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o willing_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o appearance_n and_o naked_a shadow_n for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o will_v but_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n after_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o peregrination_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o that_o after_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o direction_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o his_o worship_n wheresoever_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v come_v and_o
true_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v nay_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 2._o which_o they_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v for_o they_o describe_v a_o church_n unto_o we_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o believer_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o in_o number_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n so_o as_o that_o assembly_n or_o church_n must_v not_o be_v fluid_a but_o fix_v in_o its_o member_n and_o officer_n have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o its_o own_o with_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o enjoy_v all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o far_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n we_o can_v gather_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o church_n want_v this_o form_n according_a to_o their_o language_n be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o by_o this_o their_o model_n the_o church_n itself_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a mould_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o i_o shall_v here_o brief_o in_o some_o particular_n show_v and_o more_o large_o demonstrate_v when_o i_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burton_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v they_o want_v deacon_n and_o presbyter_n and_o they_o confess_v withal_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o then_o they_o have_v not_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o other_o church_n through_o judaea_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n there_o and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v also_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o yea_o he_o confess_v that_o in_o its_o infancy_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o by_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o count_v such_o a_o covenant_n the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n from_o all_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o the_o independent_o church_n be_v erroneous_a or_o if_o it_o be_v orthodox_n than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n formewhen_o they_o say_v it_o be_v for_o first_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o yet_o though_o in_o several_a and_o distinct_a place_n and_o assembly_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n second_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o nor_o no_o presbytery_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o if_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v stranger_n and_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o other_o city_n as_o they_o say_v than_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v neither_o in_o their_o officer_n nor_o member_n anâ—_n yet_o a_o true_a church_n not_o in_o the_o elder_n nor_o deacon_n for_o they_o then_o have_v none_o at_o all_o nor_o in_o their_o member_n for_o they_o confess_v many_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o do_v not_o inhabit_v and_o dwell_v there_o and_o therefore_o not_o fix_v member_n and_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v notfixt_v but_o as_o noah_n dove_n be_v send_v out_o by_o he_o and_o return_v with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o her_o mouth_n &_o at_o the_o next_o time_n depart_v and_o go_v her_o way_n so_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v the_o universal_a messenger_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v out_o into_o all_o nation_n with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o their_o mouth_n that_o trophy_n of_o peace_n and_o glad_a tiding_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n yet_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v not_o their_o abide_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v officer_n there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o country_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o when_o the_o persecution_n come_v according_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v scatter_v and_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v â—ound_v but_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a those_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v but_o fluid_v when_o they_o run_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n to_o save_v themselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n those_o great_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o their_o language_n all_o alone_a without_o either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n they_o also_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o be_v afterward_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o teach_v and_o baptize_v as_o i_o say_v before_o withal_o the_o independent_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o want_v ed_z that_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n excommunication_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o presbytery_n in_o it_o nor_o no_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o can_v they_o then_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o baptismeof_o john_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n which_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o by_o their_o definition_n &_o they_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o now_o the_o independent_o require_v for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n no_o more_o than_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o i._o s._n and_o the_o independent_o babble_n about_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o mere_a vainty_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o it_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o mould_v up_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mother-church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n according_a to_o the_o independent_o learning_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v then_o she_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o any_o external_a explicit_a particular_a covenant_n nor_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o requisite_n that_o they_o now_o require_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o now_o to_o return_v and_o come_v
more_o close_o to_o examine_v i._o s._n his_o word_n that_o we_o may_v discover_v yet_o more_o full_o the_o fallacious_a juggle_n of_o both_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o mould_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n all_o which_o term_n and_o expression_n be_v well_o explain_v than_o the_o grollery_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v therefore_o that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o term_n these_o juggler_n use_n first_o say_v something_o brief_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n and_o under_o the_o king_n both_o of_o juda_n and_o israel_n through_o all_o their_o city_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v requisite_a and_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o cast_n off_o any_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n which_o be_v declare_v the_o trifle_n of_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n will_v be_v more_o obvious_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o under_o a_o double_a nation_n as_o it_o have_v a_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o a_o moral_a worship_n and_o both_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o former_a but_o temporary_a the_o other_o for_o duration_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n it_o be_v divers_a for_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v order_v after_o a_o monarchical_a way_n there_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n that_o typify_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o atonement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o mediate_v with_o god_n for_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o have_v many_o priest_n under_o he_o for_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o daily_a sacrifice_n either_o of_o praise_n or_o of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o material_a temple_n they_o be_v tie_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o go_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o atonement_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n and_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a high_a priest_n typify_v and_o who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n have_v offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 10._o verse_n 14._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o way_n of_o administration_n but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o way_n of_o administration_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n which_o be_v ever_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v in_o their_o several_a city_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o village_n and_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v through_o all_o judaea_n and_o israel_n and_o through_o the_o world_n who_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v call_v ruler_n so_o that_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o several_a village_n or_o hamlet_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o limit_n of_o every_o city_n be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v after_o a_o classical_a and_o collegiate_n way_n and_o those_o synagogue_n be_v as_o our_o parish_n church_n now_o at_o this_o day_n be_v among_o we_o now_o these_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o moses_n time_n be_v first_o appoint_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n in_o common_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o after_o they_o be_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n than_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o every_o city_n appoint_v over_o they_o who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o care_n it_o be_v that_o the_o moral_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v every_o sabbath_n day_n continual_o preserve_v in_o all_o their_o synagogue_n by_o their_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o scribe_n and_o lawyer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o convent_v any_o before_o they_o upon_o delinquency_n and_o of_o censure_v and_o punish_v of_o they_o upon_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o and_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v matthew_n the_o 18._o and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o truth_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v more_o evident_o clear_a than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o synagogue_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o court_n or_o classis_fw-la or_o college_n of_o ruler_n for_o they_o have_v inferior_a judge_n and_o superior_a in_o they_o yea_o many_o chief_a ruler_n in_o all_o city_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o antioch_n and_o pisidia_n act_v the_o 13._o 14._o 15._o where_o paul_n and_o his_o company_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a send_v unto_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o out_o of_o which_o word_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o governor_n and_o chief_a ruler_n as_o well_o as_o inferior_a ruler_n that_o govern_v their_o synagogue_n in_o every_o city_n in_o common_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o court_n in_o they_o to_o order_v all_o the_o synagogue_n and_o people_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o aristocratical_o govern_v and_o by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o not_o by_o any_o particular_a judge_n or_o ruler_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v that_o their_o whole_a employment_n be_v to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v read_v and_o interpret_v that_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n may_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o their_o people_n yield_v subjection_n unto_o those_o ruler_n and_o do_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o their_o government_n nor_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o command_v any_o minister_n to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v any_o one_o to_o exhort_v but_o it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o ruler_n to_o do_v this_o and_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o government_n without_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o as_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v that_o that_o be_v establish_v in_o all_o city_n through_o the_o world_n where_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o religion_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v perpetutate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v through_o all_o city_n presbyter_n ordain_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 14._o and_o tit._n 1._o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o their_o common_a council_n and_o this_o be_v accord_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o generation_n after_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n be_v govern_v both_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o after_o his_o death_n and_o ascension_n by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v testify_v it_o and_o this_o way_n of_o government_n i_o say_v be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v that_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o church_n government_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n into_o the_o which_o mould_n of_o government_n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v cast_v which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n
for_o the_o scripture_n never_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o moral_a worship_n under_o the_o law_n and_o what_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o admit_v member_n then_o into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v repute_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n and_o proselyte_n there_o after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v require_v now_o for_o make_v of_o any_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a declare_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n unto_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o be_v all_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o that_o and_o in_o token_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o to_o that_o discipline_n he_o have_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v which_o when_o they_o yield_v unto_o and_o take_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n they_o be_v forthwith_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n under_o that_o government_n as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v sometime_o to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n and_o sometime_o to_o a_o city_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o free_a denizen_n and_o citizen_n where_o so_o ever_o the_o gospel_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o city_n be_v faithful_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n by_o the_o ambassador_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v in_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o it_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v that_o be_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o willing_o submit_v unto_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o in_o sign_n of_o this_o their_o obedience_n and_o faith_n receive_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v forthwith_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o any_o reluctation_n and_o have_v once_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n they_o be_v forthwith_o make_v free_a denizen_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o freeman_n of_o this_o city_n and_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o same_o as_o any_o other_o and_o may_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o city_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o christian_n as_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o now_o in_o all_o corporation_n through_o the_o world_n they_o that_o be_v citizen_n of_o rome_n or_o they_o that_o be_v freeman_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v then_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o may_v abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o any_o place_n and_o traffic_n buy_v and_o purchase_v in_o what_o part_n of_o it_o they_o please_v enjoy_v all_o those_o inmmnity_n that_o any_o than_o do_v and_o so_o likewise_o now_o as_o those_o that_o be_v freeman_n of_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n do_v in_o their_o several_a precinct_n enjoy_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o may_v set_v up_o in_o any_o parish_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o city_n or_o within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v all_o their_o several_a trade_n and_o have_v as_o much_o privilege_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o citizen_n so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o city_n which_o be_v his_o church_n every_o one_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o believe_v repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o christian_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o any_o independent_o now_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o city_n the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o require_v no_o more_o of_o all_o man_n and_o people_n in_o their_o time_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o matth._n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o those_o of_o samaria_n in_o the_o 8._o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o those_o of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n of_o all_o the_o which_o no_o more_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o christian_n but_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptise_a by_o which_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n through_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n where_o so_o ever_o they_o come_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n and_o those_o that_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o all_o church_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n so_o that_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptize_v be_v all_o that_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n or_o of_o any_o people_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o make_v they_o not_o only_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o any_o church_n in_o particular_a if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o give_v credit_n unto_o now_o when_o all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n unto_o john_n do_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o be_v all_o make_v as_o good_a member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n by_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o may_v whensoever_o they_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o any_o other_o place_n where_o christian_n dwell_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o those_o do_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n be_v scatter_v who_o we_o read_v of_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o church_n and_o they_o preach_v and_o convert_v the_o people_n and_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o they_o without_o any_o gainsaying_n and_o so_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o be_v baptize_v wheresoever_o they_o travel_v or_o dwell_v whether_o in_o france_n or_o germany_n italy_n or_o the_o low_a country_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n among_o the_o true_a protestant_n they_o have_v as_o great_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o those_o church_n as_o any_o of_o the_o native_n for_o they_o be_v all_o free_a denizen_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o free_a man_n of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n that_o any_o member_n may_v do_v i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o break_v of_o bread_n hear_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a privilege_n for_o to_o all_o those_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o by_o their_o very_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o their_o baptism_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o live_v a_o godly_a holy_a and_o pious_a life_n unless_o they_o will_v observe_v their_o own_o tradition_n they_o be_v delinquent_n &_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v
he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n but_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o dis-throne_n he_o and_o therefore_o j._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n that_o not_o only_o unchristian_a and_o unchurch_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n but_o at_o this_o day_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o christian_n and_o church_n but_o their_o own_o be_v guilty_a of_o high_a contumacy_n against_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o all_o their_o christian_n brethren_n and_o true_o there_o can_v be_v find_v scarce_o in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o example_n of_o temerity_n and_o unadvised_a rashness_n and_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o common_a wisdom_n as_o be_v every_o day_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v ever_o talk_v of_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o exclude_v all_o from_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v not_o so_o mould_v and_o yet_o never_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v for_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v never_o read_v of_o any_o other_o church_n mould_n or_o of_o any_o new_a testament_n form_n but_o of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o it_o and_o of_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v which_o both_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o commission_n to_o do_v and_o a_o command_n withal_o and_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o it_o that_o whosoever_o do_v repent_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o only_o be_v admit_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o be_v these_o go_v say_v he_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n and_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o evident_o gather_v that_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n in_o their_o several_a ministrye_n go_v according_a to_o their_o commission_n preach_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o baptise_v such_o as_o believe_v they_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o make_v they_o all_o member_n not_o only_o of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o all_o those_o several_a particular_a church_n and_o synagogue_n through_o all_o the_o city_n of_o judaea_n and_o through_o the_o world_n where_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o as_o many_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o as_o true_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o make_v as_o real_a member_n and_o free_a denizen_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o any_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v and_o believe_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v ignorant_a how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o nescient_fw-la of_o the_o right_a mould_n and_o form_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n and_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n so_o well_o as_o our_o independent_a minister_n which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o impiety_n and_o horrid_a wickedness_n to_o affirm_v for_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n be_v never_o save_v for_o i._o s._n deny_v they_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n or_o member_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n and_o therefore_o by_o consequent_a they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v wickedness_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v than_o there_o be_v a_o way_n yet_o to_o heaven_n and_o that_o a_o safe_a one_o which_o the_o independent_o be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o they_o preach_v up_o their_o way_n as_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o heaven_n proclaim_v all_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o it_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o perdition_n and_o yet_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o way_n and_o cast_v not_o his_o disciple_n into_o their_o mould_n and_o yet_o they_o go_v safe_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yea_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o by_o violence_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o impiety_n of_o i._o s._n and_o how_o groundless_a all_o his_o argument_n be_v and_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n before_o his_o death_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o may_v also_o from_o the_o forego_n argument_n gather_v that_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o his_o baptism_n be_v in_o such_o multitude_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o &_o therefore_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v both_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v fond_o and_o impious_o reply_v to_o my_o argument_n and_o what_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o will_v adjudge_v that_o such_o unworthy_a wrangler_n and_o caviller_n as_o these_o be_v aught_o by_o their_o several_a church_n to_o be_v severe_o censure_v for_o this_o their_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v reply_v to_o these_o their_o exception_n against_o my_o first_o argument_n concern_v the_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o shall_v answer_v to_o all_o their_o other_o several_a cavil_v in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o go_v on_o to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n frame_v my_o argument_n as_o out_o of_o the_o former_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o conclusion_n john_n the_o 4._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o now_o when_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptize_v not_o but_o his_o disciple_n here_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o relation_n there_o the_o evangelist_n forthwith_o show_v it_o to_o rectify_v man_n understanding_n as_o where_o it_o be_v report_v that_o christ_n baptize_v he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o his_o disciple_n only_o baptize_v but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n that_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a for_o john_n himself_o in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n ver_fw-la 30._o have_v say_v he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v christ_n therefore_o make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o john_n the_o 6._o 37._o and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o his_o name_n john_n 1._o 12._o and_o these_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o in_o john_n the_o 7._o 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o verse_n the_o 40._o they_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n send_v the_o officer_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o return_v without_o he_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o
complice_n only_o but_o all_o the_o other_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o therefore_o they_o adjudge_v they_o accurse_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v follow_v christ_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o have_v look_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o word_n do_v import_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v in_o plain_a term_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n save_v the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v none_o oppose_v he_o but_o they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o very_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o learned_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v three_o the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o nicodemus_n his_o witness_n in_o private_a also_o who_o know_v very_o well_o how_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n stand_v general_o affect_v towards_o christ_n and_o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o he_o hear_v therefore_o what_o he_o say_v john_n the_o 3._o of_o who_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n name_v nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o here_o nicodemus_n give_v in_o testimony_n &_o devideneâ—_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o mean_a that_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n say_v we_o know_v that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o people_n know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n they_o know_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n and_o approbation_n and_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v come_v from_o god_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o and_o their_o faith_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o nicodemus_n which_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n though_o in_o secret_a and_o a_o great_a honourer_n of_o he_o will_v give_v in_o no_o false_a verdict_n nor_o make_v no_o false_a muster_n and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o the_o opinion_n and_o the_o esteem_v the_o people_n have_v of_o he_o and_o he_o assert_v that_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o same_o confession_n do_v the_o apostle_n make_v matth._n 16._o and_o john_n the_o 6._o saying_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o to_o acknowledge_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v and_o go_v after_o christ_n out_o of_o sincerity_n and_o love_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v the_o same_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o controversy_n so_o that_o to_o go_v after_o christ_n then_o and_o to_o follow_v he_o cordial_o and_o without_o worldly_a end_n both_o in_o the_o language_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o serve_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o the_o above_o mention_v reason_n the_o world_n that_o go_v after_o christ_n &_o the_o people_n and_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o the_o other_o that_o either_o tarry_v at_o home_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o employment_n or_o oppose_v he_o be_v unbeliever_n now_o then_o when_o a_o multitulde_n from_o jerusalem_n follow_v christ_n and_o when_o a_o world_n within_o jerusalem_n go_v after_o he_o and_o when_o all_o the_o curse_a people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o not_o only_o by_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o john_n be_v all_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o also_o out_o of_o same_o chapter_n be_v prove_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ruler_n also_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n deny_v all_o this_o be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o infidel_n for_o a_o infidel_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o deny_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o manifest_a truth_n discover_v in_o they_o and_o by_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v though_o i_o shall_v not_o add_v a_o word_n more_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n except_o a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o roomâ—_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v yet_o never_o hear_v of_o nor_o never_o believe_v by_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bereave_v of_o his_o sense_n and_o all_o his_o wit_n but_o yet_o for_o far_a illustration_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n i_o will_v add_v a_o reason_n or_o two_o more_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o point_n that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v native_n there_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n worshipper_n or_o devout_a man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v believer_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o all_o these_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v their_o dwell_n there_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n all_o these_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a and_o other_o nation_n here_o in_o london_n have_v their_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o all_o time_n by_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o day_n be_v scarce_o ever_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o number_n be_v now_o increase_v because_o they_o daily_a and_o hourly_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o appear_v they_o every_o moment_n look_v for_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o believe_a jew_n out_o of_o all_o country_n repair_v in_o multitude_n to_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o such_o numberless_a number_n both_o of_o the_o native_a jew_n and_o stranger_n require_v a_o mighty_a number_n of_o teacher_n and_o a_o many_o place_n to_o hear_v and_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o and_o that_o there_o be_v above_o four_o hundred_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n the_o penman_n and_o historiographer_n of_o those_o time_n have_v record_v it_o and_o all_o this_o be_v probable_a from_o the_o numerosity_n of_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n there_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v as_o the_o priest_n &_o levit_n scribe_n pharisee_n lawyer_n which_o all_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o all_o of_o they_o diligent_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o instruct_v they_o upon_o who_o ministry_n by_o christ_n command_n all_o the_o multitude_n and_o his_o very_a follower_n be_v to_o attend_v matth._n 23._o vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n then_o to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n where_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v teach_v nor_o no_o gather_v of_o new_a church_n under_o pretence_n of_o ea_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o then_o so_o deep_o learn_v as_o to_o be_v in_o that_o high_a form_n of_o divinity_n christ_n follower_n notwithstanding_o be_v all_o gospel_n christian_n and_o be_v all_o in_o a_o church_n way_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o it_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n if_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n can_v teach_v they_o the_o straight_a way_n thither_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o follow_v the_o old_a light_n still_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v all_o their_o master_n we_o hear_v then_o of_o no_o new_a light_n nor_o new_o bear_v truth_n nor_o of_o new_a church_n mould_v and_o yet_o then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n matth._n 11_o 12._o they_o go_v all_o well_o to_o heaven_n as_o well_o and_o as_o cheerful_o as_o any_o of_o our_o independent_o with_o
their_o new_a light_n and_o their_o congregationall_a way_n but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n both_o of_o hearer_n and_o teacher_n there_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n many_o place_n for_o they_o seveal_o to_o hear_v in_o and_o it_o stand_v withal_o reason_n that_o the_o several_a strange_a nation_n have_v synagogue_n by_o themselves_o and_o such_o man_n to_o teach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v edify_v and_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o i_o now_o say_v for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o the_o libertine_n as_o there_o be_v that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v slive_v and_o bondman_n but_o be_v make_v free_a then_o can_v any_o man_n believe_v that_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o freeman_n that_o abound_v also_o with_o wealth_n and_o honour_n or_o else_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v great_a riches_n they_o can_v never_o have_v journy_v so_o about_o from_o country_n to_o country_n and_o transport_v their_o family_n thither_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v it_o stand_v withal_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v their_o particular_a synagogue_n also_o and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v in_o mighty_a multitude_n so_o that_o a_o few_o place_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o all_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n in_o christ_n his_o time_n they_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n very_a reason_n dictate_v to_o any_o man_n but_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n and_o their_o fraturnity_n who_o all_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v either_o in_o christ_n life_n time_n or_o after_o his_o death_n more_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n notwithstanding_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n there_o and_o that_o all_o jerusalem_n the_o very_a city_n be_v full_a of_o they_o i_o refer_v therefore_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a and_o learned_a whether_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o master_n knollys_n who_o say_v and_o write_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposion_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o world_n that_o go_v after_o christ_n be_v believer_n which_o master_n knollys_n most_o fond_o and_o impious_o deny_v the_o second_o proposition_n remain_v to_o be_v prove_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o now_o howsoever_o by_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o former_a proposition_n this_o latter_a also_o be_v include_v in_o it_o and_o prove_v likewise_o as_o all_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v do_v sufficient_o show_v for_o the_o place_n where_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v christ_n dwell_v be_v say_v to_o be_v jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o but_o consult_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n we_o shall_v again_o and_o again_o meet_v with_o many_o testimony_n there_o beside_o those_o i_o have_v above_o quote_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o needless_a work_n in_o particular_a to_o prove_v this_o second_o proposition_n see_v it_o be_v already_o evince_v in_o the_o former_a yet_o because_o mr_n knollys_n have_v make_v they_o two_o proposition_n and_o have_v peremptory_o deliver_v it_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v to_o gratify_v he_o and_o to_o satisfy_v any_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v prove_v this_o proposition_n also_o distinct_o and_o several_o by_o itself_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o 29._o verse_n declaâ—es_v it_o say_v behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o this_o world_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o well_o know_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o be_v yet_o far_o ratify_v out_o of_o the_o 7._o chapter_n ver_fw-la 48._o where_o the_o people_n that_o be_v call_v accurse_v have_v their_o dwell_n for_o they_o be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v they_o not_o be_v inhabitant_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a from_o the_o 21._o of_o matthew_n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o not_o only_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o the_o very_a child_n cry_v hosanna_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o man_n what_o child_n do_v ordinary_o in_o a_o public_a way_n it_o be_v well_o approve_v of_o by_o their_o parent_n who_o likewise_o cry_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o london_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parliament_n when_o the_o king_n come_v into_o the_o city_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o 5_o member_n there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n or_o a_o child_n that_o have_v a_o head_n as_o big_a as_o a_o crab_n but_o cry_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n &_o common_o as_o the_o cock_n crow_n so_o crow_v the_o hen_n &_o the_o chicken_n and_o by_o all_o probability_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v then_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o people_n general_o in_o the_o city_n do_v the_o parliament_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a indignation_n and_o wrath_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n who_o be_v displease_v to_o see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o especial_o that_o they_o hear_v the_o child_n cry_v in_o the_o temple_n say_v hosanna_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n by_o which_o they_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o child_n speak_v not_o otherwise_o then_o their_o father_n will_v have_v they_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o inhabitant_n be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n add_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o strength_n to_o this_o argument_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n beside_o the_o inhabitant_n that_o be_v native_n but_o the_o eleven_o of_o mar_n put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n for_o that_o chapter_n speak_v plain_o of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v two_o mighty_a party_n either_o of_o which_o so_o awe_v the_o scribe_n chief_a priest_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o meddle_v with_o he_o and_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n and_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o although_o christ_n enemy_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o yet_o they_o fear_v he_o because_o say_v the_o scripture_n ver_fw-la 17._o all_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v all_o the_o people_n approve_v of_o it_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n matth._n 7._o the_o other_o party_n be_v john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n all_o believer_n too_o for_o it_o be_v there_o assert_v that_o all_o man_n count_v john_n that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n indeed_o ver_fw-la 32._o and_o this_o party_n also_o keep_v the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n christ_n capital_a enemy_n in_o such_o awe_n as_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v any_o thing_n against_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 28_o verse_n that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v say_v for_o 32._o that_o all_o man_n count_v john_n a_o prophet_n indeed_o now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o two_o mighty_a party_n and_o both_o believer_n be_v put_v together_o and_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o as_o â—he_v scripture_n relate_v beside_o the_o stranger_n that_o come_v up_o to_o the_o feast_n than_o there_o be_v a_o world_n
of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o the_o place_n where_o these_o scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n be_v and_o where_o christ_n then_o be_v and_o where_o all_o those_o people_n be_v be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n well_o know_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n to_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o so_o that_o all_o man_n now_o may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o may_v also_o behold_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n which_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n unless_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o inhabitant_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o grollery_n yea_o madness_n to_o suppose_v or_o think_v and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n out_o of_o his_o impious_a ignorance_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o enervate_n of_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o i._o s._n his_o answer_n to_o all_o my_o forego_v argument_n by_o which_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o else_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o against_o my_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n the_o reader_n may_v remember_v that_o in_o his_o former_a reply_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o doubt_v concern_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v only_o he_o deny_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n much_o less_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o by_o this_o he_o think_v to_o overthrow_v that_o argument_n now_o here_o he_o use_v another_o method_n tacit_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o all_o my_o syllogism_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v because_o as_o he_o speak_v i_o make_v false_a muster_n he_o think_v i_o it_o seem_v like_o the_o independent_o who_o will_v persuade_v the_o simple_a that_o all_o be_v independent_a and_o among_o other_o thing_n he_o say_v that_o i_o give_v the_o independent_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v my_o ignorance_n but_o i_o will_v set_v down_o his_o whole_a babble_n at_o large_a and_o in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o word_n and_o his_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o my_o last_o argument_n as_o it_o be_v page_n 9_o 10._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o note_n say_v he_o a_o absurdity_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o discourse_n where_o the_o doctor_n have_v get_v a_o multiply_a glass_n in_o his_o hand_n go_v on_o to_o make_v strange_a discovery_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n pag._n 36._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o when_o as_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o you_o affirm_v before_o page_n 32._o and_o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o what_o ever_o you_o determine_v of_o it_o here_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n act_n 2._o last_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sequel_n you_o reckon_v this_o to_o the_o apostle_n also_o express_o page_v 56._o judge_n if_o here_o be_v not_o false_a muster_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o give_v we_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v your_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o to_o talk_n of_o a_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o he_o if_o i_o shall_v discover_v all_o the_o error_n that_o be_v in_o this_o reply_n i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a volume_n but_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n childishness_n and_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o very_a read_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o large_a in_o my_o answer_n as_o otherwise_o i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o before_o i_o come_v to_o it_o i_o can_v but_o complain_v of_o the_o dishonesty_n of_o the_o man_n that_o thus_o curtail_v my_o argument_n every_o where_o not_o plain_o set_v they_o down_o that_o the_o people_n may_v see_v my_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o dispute_v who_o conceal_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a poison_n they_o with_o his_o error_n and_o noveltye_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n deal_v my_o brother_n burton_n with_o i_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n who_o pass_v by_o all_o my_o argument_n not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v any_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o rombobombo_n syllogism_n of_o his_o own_o which_o as_o i_o suppose_v he_o fetch_v out_o of_o the_o howl_a wilderness_n of_o america_n and_o then_o with_o photions_n hatchet_n that_o carnal_a weapon_n he_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o vapour_n like_o a_o conqueror_n as_o i._n s._n do_v here_o but_o now_o for_o answer_v brief_o i_o affirm_v that_o i._o s._n in_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o his_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v against_o i_o as_o he_o do_v against_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o very_a scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n i_o make_v by_o my_o multiply_a glass_n as_o he_o ridiculous_o speak_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n be_v no_o false_a muster_n as_o he_o childish_o scible_v for_o i_o discover_v only_o and_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o increase_v of_o christian_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n assert_v john_n the_o 4._o where_o it_o be_v record_v vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jesusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n now_o the_o make_n of_o more_o disciple_n be_v the_o add_v of_o more_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o not_o only_o to_o i_o but_o to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o i_o to_o affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o while_o i._o s._n labour_v to_o confute_v my_o argument_n he_o fight_v indeed_o against_o the_o evangelist_n that_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n but_o say_v he_o here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n the_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n these_o in_o i._n s._n his_o opinion_n be_v paradox_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o ludibry_a in_o his_o dialect_n yet_o both_o these_o truth_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v clear_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o wound_v i_o he_o vulnerate_v saint_n john_n and_o blaspheme_v for_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o deny_v the_o scripture_n that_o assert_n that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v more_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o of_o unbeliever_n and_o of_o enemy_n they_o be_v make_v disciple_n christian_n and_o friend_n and_o therefore_o take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o
bring_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o by_o that_o work_n of_o conversion_n they_o be_v add_v to_o it_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v this_o day_n take_v any_o of_o our_o minister_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n sheep_n out_o of_o their_o fold_n and_o steal_v they_o away_o as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n daily_o do_v and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o new_a congregation_n may_v not_o that_o independent_a minister_n without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o without_o any_o error_n true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v add_v so_o many_o more_o to_o his_o new_a church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o his_o member_n be_v thus_o increase_v and_o if_o another_o minister_n be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o a_o teacher_n in_o that_o congregation_n or_o succeed_v he_o if_o he_o also_o shall_v run_v plunder_v about_o both_o city_n and_o country_n as_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o poor_a silly_a sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n then_o the_o other_o do_v as_o they_o be_v notable_a cunning_a thief_n may_v not_o it_o true_o be_v say_v of_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_v that_o he_o also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o still_o the_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o increase_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o any_o blame_n or_o error_n in_o that_o i_o say_v those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o make_v disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v former_o convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n but_o say_v j._n s._n how_o can_v christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o say_v he_o when_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o the_o doctor_n affirm_v pag._n 32._o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o thus_o he_o show_v his_o acumen_n or_o rather_o his_o vanity_n in_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n and_o abuse_v i_o for_o he_o that_o have_v ever_o read_v my_o book_n and_o look_v but_o in_o the_o 31_o page_n towards_o the_o low_a part_n shall_v find_v these_o word_n that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n and_o be_v baptize_v it_o must_v therefore_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o all_o the_o common_a people_n promiscuous_o or_o for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n and_o of_o all_o profession_n as_o publican_n soldier_n and_o the_o ordinary_a inhabitant_n these_o be_v my_o very_a word_n there_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n say_v that_o i_o take_v not_o the_o word_n synecdochical_o bely_v i_o befool_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o reader_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o fancy_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o his_o whible_n cavil_v i_o say_v christ_n convert_v those_o he_o make_v his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n out_o of_o the_o remmant_n or_o remainder_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unconvert_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o that_o work_n he_o add_v more_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o though_o the_o mother_n church_n as_o the_o other_o be_v daughter_n church_n through_o all_o juda_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n for_o the_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n do_v not_o exclude_v as_o this_o man_n fond_o conceit_n particular_a church_n from_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n do_v deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n do_v partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_n do_v hold_v and_o therefore_o take_v jerusalem_n synecdochical_o as_o i_o then_o do_v it_o be_v also_o here_o to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o then_o christ_n do_v make_v mo_z disciple_n out_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o remain_v yet_o unconvert_v than_o john_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o particular_a mother_n church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n which_o as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o moral_a worship_n govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n as_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o relate_v which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n all_o those_o synagogue_n and_o several_a church_n be_v all_o combine_v together_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n after_o which_o manner_n all_o the_o other_o city_n church_n bring_v judea_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o this_o mother_n church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v govern_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n that_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n both_o in_o judea_n and_o israel_n as_o that_o of_o samaria_n and_o into_o this_o mould_n do_v the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n cast_v all_o they_o convert_v therefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o john_n and_o that_o he_o add_v they_o unto_o that_o church_n i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v warrant_n for_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o back_v and_o corroborate_v also_o by_o all_o sound_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n to_o say_v that_o in_o so_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o paradox_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o ludibre_fw-fr in_o i_o and_o a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n then_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n and_o matter_n of_o laughter_n in_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n for_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n i_o refer_v myself_o therefore_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o honest_a godly_a mind_a man_n whether_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o as_o well_o censure_v and_o traduce_v by_o this_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fellow_n as_o myself_o and_o whether_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o second_o paradox_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o childish_a and_o impious_a as_o this_o where_o he_o say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o answer_v let_v i._n s._n take_v notice_n that_o in_o say_v christ_n make_v â—mo_fw-la disciple_n than_o the_o baptist_n and_o in_o make_v they_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o marvellous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n as_o i._o s._n unlearned_o infer_v for_o in_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o due_a honour_n and_o affirm_v he_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o so_o speak_v i_o detract_v nothing_o from_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o any_o man_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o christ_n ministry_n viz._n the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o work_n proper_o and_o primary_o belong_v unto_o he_o though_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n it_o may_v also_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o mistake_n be_v in_o i._n s._n and_o not_o in_o i_o for_o he_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o instrumental_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v a_o prevaricator_n in_o many_o respect_n sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o man_n for_o here_o he_o give_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o then_o he_o false_o accuse_v i_o of_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v when_o there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o will_v make_v i_o guilty_a of_o his_o own_o sin_n which_o i_o be_o free_a from_o as_o all_o they_o that_o read_v my_o book_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v by_o he_o may_v see_v and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_o
this_o also_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n where_o by_o this_o juggle_a craft_n of_o he_o he_o labour_v to_o seduce_v the_o poor_a people_n but_o for_o far_a answer_n i_o have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o if_o i._o s._n will_v apply_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v of_o disciple_n to_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o he_o do_v i_o do_v not_o conceive_v it_o any_o paradox_n in_o i_o or_o any_o mistake_n or_o anticipation_n to_o apply_v that_o work_n unto_o christ_n ministry_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o the_o master_n be_v ever_o more_o to_o be_v honour_v then_o the_o servant_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o paradox_n in_o i_o in_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o he_o do_v gather_v daily_o some_o of_o they_o into_o his_o fold_n and_o add_v many_o more_o sheep_n to_o those_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v convert_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o paradox_n in_o i_o to_o give_v as_o much_o honour_n to_o the_o master_n as_o i._o s._n do_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v a_o work_n primary_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v great_a rashness_n therefore_o and_o very_o unchristian_a deal_n in_o i._n s._n to_o make_v i_o a_o subject_n of_o his_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_a for_o well_o do_v and_o to_o make_v that_o a_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o i_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n for_o to_o give_v christ_n his_o due_a honour_n be_v a_o virtue_n now_o the_o honour_n of_o convert_v of_o man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v his_o proper_a work_n and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o he_o first_o and_o last_o to_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3._o he_o make_v the_o church_n grow_v and_o multiply_v into_o mighty_a number_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o it_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v severe_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o that_o deserve_o not_o only_o for_o abuse_v his_o brethren_n make_v they_o offender_n when_o they_o be_v not_o but_o chief_o for_o anticipate_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v only_o due_a unto_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o give_v it_o and_o attribute_v it_o unto_o man_n as_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o independent_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o victory_n which_o only_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o the_o party_n which_o they_o call_v the_o pray_a army_n and_o so_o he_o ascribe_v that_o honour_n that_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n which_o indeed_o pertain_v unto_o they_o only_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n and_o accuse_v i_o as_o of_o a_o anticipation_n and_o mistake_n say_v i_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v to_o i._o s._n that_o i_o be_o a_o very_a erroneous_a man_n and_o very_o unjust_a that_o i_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n himself_o and_o ascribe_v that_o work_n unto_o he_o which_o say_v i._o s._n belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o error_n in_o say_v that_o christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o death_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o error_n for_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n none_o can_v come_v unto_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v but_o his_o instrument_n he_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v the_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o therefore_o i._n s._n or_o my_o sâ—lfe_n be_v the_o most_o erroneous_a in_o their_o opinion_n and_o speak_v most_o paradox_n about_o this_o point_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n in_o divinity_n then_o i._n s._n or_o any_o of_o his_o fra_n ternity_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o i._o s._n that_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n have_v of_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o any_o help_n from_o christ_n add_v many_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o i_o yet_o never_o do_v do_v this_o i_o pray_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o wise_a man_n exclude_v christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o his_o death_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o obstacle_n or_o hindrance_n to_o his_o work_n of_o convert_v man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n death_n that_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o add_v to_o the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o disciple_n i_o be_o confident_a none_o that_o be_v not_o senseless_a will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o so_o speak_v neither_o be_v there_o such_o a_o gulf_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n but_o that_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v christ_n may_v add_v and_o the_o apostle_n also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v saint_n luke_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n work_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o add_v man_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v his_o work_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o he_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o always_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n in_o i_o nor_o no_o paradox_n as_o i._n s._n fond_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n ministry_n be_v add_v to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n so_o that_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o i_o to_o say_v that_o of_o christ_n then_o that_o be_v afterward_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n for_o although_o the_o very_a word_n be_v not_o express_v â—et_o that_o be_v set_v down_o that_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n it_o be_v his_o work_n so_o that_o the_o disputation_n now_o be_v not_o about_o word_n &_o term_n of_o expression_n but_o about_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n viz._n about_o believer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o when_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n &_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n than_o any_o rational_a man_n may_v without_o any_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o any_o error_n or_o paradox_n conclude_v that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v add_v then_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v after_o his_o ascension_n be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o he_o that_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o understanding_n shall_v behold_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o shall_v but_o due_o consider_v my_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o will_v not_o gather_v that_o i_o make_v false_a muster_n as_o this_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n i._o s._n childish_o speak_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v shrewd_o suspect_v the_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o his_o rhetoric_n of_o this_o novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o will_v also_o evident_o gather_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o withal_o he_o will_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n and_o this_o i._o s._n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v
i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equalise_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o jude_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o the_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n and_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o beleiver_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o 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be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_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 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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
and_o judgement_n in_o any_o one_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o and_o unless_o they_o can_v so_o conclude_v the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n nor_o of_o any_o validity_n to_o evince_n and_o prove_v the_o assertion_n of_o our_o brethren_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v yield_v unto_o the_o brethren_n these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o believe_a greek_n and_o all_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n none_o except_v be_v all_o before_o the_o apostle_n in_o one_o place_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o every_o several_a nation_n be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o number_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o business_n for_o they_o be_v no_o party_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o a_o mere_a fallacy_n to_o delude_v unstable_a soul_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o bladder_n be_v lantern_n second_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o by_o multitude_n here_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o then_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o many_o year_n after_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v all_o still_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v edify_v i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o yet_o they_o must_v grant_v it_o if_o they_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o principle_n but_o from_o this_o murmur_a between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n i_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n can_v frame_v a_o argument_n to_o overthrow_v our_o brethren_n tenent_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n where_o they_o have_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o edification_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n with_o comfort_n for_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o london_n between_o the_o dutch_a and_o the_o french_a about_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o about_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o practice_n concern_v religion_n and_o they_o shall_v all_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o learned_a assembly_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o will_v not_o all_o man_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o city_n so_o it_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v against_o our_o brethren_n that_o every_o several_a nation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v their_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n apart_o as_o well_o as_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n where_o they_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o and_o from_o warrantable_a reason_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o for_o this_o my_o belief_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o reason_n in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n but_o have_v there_o be_v but_o one_o nation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o many_o thousand_o believer_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v there_o be_v can_v not_o all_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o squib_n which_o only_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o then_o vanish_v in_o the_o air_n to_o say_v no_o more_o and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a objection_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o ever_o hear_v from_o they_o to_o the_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o give_v my_o several_a answer_n which_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a against_o they_o all_o and_o now_o i_o will_v go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o divers_a miracle_n daily_o wrought_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v such_o addition_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o death_n of_o john_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n no_o nor_o in_o a_o few_o but_o be_v of_o necessity_n force_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o for_o prove_v of_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v still_o but_o the_o first_o conclusion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o then_o go_v forward_o to_o the_o ensue_a story_n of_o the_o same_o book_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o and_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v relate_v how_o the_o holy_a apostle_n employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n also_o of_o tongue_n and_o language_n and_o the_o effect_n also_o of_o their_o ministry_n preach_v and_o miracle_n be_v there_o set_v down_o at_o large_a and_o it_o be_v specify_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o first_o miracle_n when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o several_a nation_n hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o every_o one_o in_o their_o several_a tongue_n and_o language_n who_o be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o be_v galilean_n that_o they_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o from_o their_o amazement_n it_o be_v say_v they_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n the_o sermon_n itself_o be_v there_o set_v down_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 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 baptise_a 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 then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_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 and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o they_o 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 do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n god_n work_v with_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o believer_n that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v convert_v and_o such_o as_o be_v former_o baptize_v three_o thousand_o more_o a_o great_a miracle_n all_o which_o with_o the_o many_o other_o that_o be_v convert_v afterward_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o of_o a_o world_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v in_o christ_n before_o this_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n conceive_v that_o all_o these_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o let_v we_o go_v on_o in_o the_o 3._o and_o 4._o chapter_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o miracle_n that_o be_v
now_o live_v in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n that_o shall_v be_v either_o so_o ignorant_a or_o erroneous_a as_o to_o gainsay_v it_o and_o yet_o learned_a master_n knollys_n in_o his_o moderate_a answer_n as_o he_o call_v it_o pag._n 8._o and_o 9_o repli_v and_o answer_v to_o it_o by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n for_o very_o slender_a reason_n as_o his_o custom_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o will_v give_v you_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n say_v he_o in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n neither_o do_v that_o scripture_n produce_v act_n 4._o 4._o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o and_o albeit_o the_o dr._n make_v they_o up_o eight_o thousand_o by_o say_v those_o five_o thousand_o man_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o the_o former_a believer_n pag._n 57_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n in_o the_o doctor_n addition_n to_o wit_n first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n &_o how_o then_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n second_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n iâ—_n the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v wade_v up_o five_o thousand_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n own_o expression_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o this_o argument_n with_o his_o confuse_a reason_n or_o rather_o trifling_n what_o man_n but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o have_v but_o cursory_o read_v over_o my_o argument_n will_v not_o have_v observe_v the_o truth_n so_o plain_a and_o evident_o lay_v down_o in_o they_o and_o confirm_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o will_v not_o only_o have_v be_v well_o satisfy_v therewith_o but_o will_v have_v judge_v it_o either_o great_a blockishness_n in_o any_o and_o apparent_a ignorance_n to_o have_v yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o or_o great_a temerity_n and_o contentiousnesse_n of_o spirit_n to_o have_v gainsay_v such_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o verity_n and_o yet_o mr._n knollys_n out_o of_o the_o sublimity_n of_o his_o learning_n be_v a_o confident_a disputant_n not_o only_o confute_v i_o but_o repel_v the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o and_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v usual_o with_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n and_o all_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o contention_n to_o maintain_v their_o several_a faction_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v admire_v that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o abandon_v and_o abhor_v of_o all_o people_n true_o fear_v god_n especial_o when_o they_o see_v their_o whole_a study_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o delude_v and_o seduce_v poor_a silly_a creature_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o deliberate_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o man_n say_v he_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v beside_o woman_n and_o child_n whereas_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o i_o cite_v there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o three_o thousand_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n himself_o do_v acknowledge_v pag._n 8._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o to_o who_o be_v add_v viz._n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v before_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n ministry_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o confess_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o woman_n among_o they_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o number_n mention_v there_o be_v five_o thousand_o his_o word_n be_v these_o for_o the_o reader_n may_v consider_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o there_o mention_v be_v but_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o now_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o make_v mention_n of_o these_o eight_o thousand_o what_o so_o ever_o m._n knollys_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o no_o man_n of_o understanding_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v for_o that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v it_o single_a and_o by_o itself_o ought_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o have_v both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o learned_a master_n knollys_n his_o own_o witness_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o he_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n at_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o both_o the_o holy_a scripture_n affirm_v and_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o ergo_fw-la there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o these_o be_v distinct_a action_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o produce_v at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o several_a occasion_n from_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v take_v such_o notice_n of_o as_o such_o wonder_n and_o have_v be_v so_o distinct_o set_v down_o with_o all_o the_o several_a circumstance_n both_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n neither_o will_v there_o have_v be_v such_o run_n and_o go_v question_v and_o consult_v about_o that_o business_n by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o officer_n as_o there_o be_v if_o some_o new_a and_o strange_a thing_n have_v not_o happen_v and_o fall_v out_o for_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o wonder_v at_o ordinary_a occurrence_n now_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v this_o new_a miracle_n in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o act_n as_o a_o unexpected_a thing_n and_o sudden_o happen_v &_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a admiration_n &_o astonishment_n yea_o of_o terror_n to_o the_o enemy_n from_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n &_o from_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n &_o john_n &_o assert_v withal_o that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v &_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o 5._o thousand_o v._o 4._o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o as_o this_o be_v a_o new_a act_n &_o distinct_a from_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n and_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o purpose_n set_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o itself_o several_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o more_o admiration_n than_o the_o conversion_n of_o three_o thousand_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v a_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o another_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n to_o convert_v five_o thousand_o than_o three_o thousand_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v thus_o record_v with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o it_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o distinct_a miracle_n and_o work_n of_o wonder_n from_o the_o former_a for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v very_o accurate_a in_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o mistake_n in_o the_o whole_a business_n for_o in_o express_a word_n and_o term_n it_o be_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o hinder_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o smother_v this_o miracle_n yet_o many_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v the_o scripture_n believe_v and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n or_o fallacy_n in_o the_o story_n and_o narration_n the_o very_a sum_n and_o account_v of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v by_o reason_n of_o this_o last_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v specify_v particularise_v and_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o scripture_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o so_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o set_v down_o the_o number_n and_o call_v they_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o safe_a always_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o
and_o all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o another_o consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o which_o he_o make_v a_o scruple_n say_v that_o among_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o the_o five_o thousand_o be_v all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o company_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o beside_o among_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n as_o master_n knollys_n say_v than_o this_o three_o thousand_o be_v a_o distinct_a company_n from_o the_o former_a now_o three_o thousand_o among_o the_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n and_o five_o thousand_o all_o man_n make_v up_o full_a eight_o thousand_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n by_o his_o whible_v again_o and_o again_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la confirm_v my_o assertion_n that_o the_o full_a number_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n &_o sermon_n be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v all_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o gain_v by_o his_o fond_a cavil_a and_o contention_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o very_a jangler_n and_o one_o like_o that_o wicked_a servant_n that_o condemn_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o number_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o evince_v and_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o convert_n &_o believer_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o groundless_a but_o to_o be_v most_o impious_a and_o wicked_a as_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a to_o their_o own_o tenant_n and_o principle_n his_o word_n be_v these_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o master_n knollys_n for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o stand_v astonish_v at_o the_o vanity_n senslesnes_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n for_o his_o word_n be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v all_o convert_v and_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lie_n as_o i_o say_v before_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o resistance_n and_o opposition_n make_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n 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man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o 5._o thousand_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v if_o these_o word_n of_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o although_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o many_o of_o they_o unbeliever_n jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o be_v not_o true_a convert_n and_o that_o for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o visible_a saint_n for_o here_o master_n knollys_n say_v they_o be_v mix_v good_a and_o bad_a together_o it_o be_v not_o say_v say_v he_o the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o member_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n some_o of_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v up_o into_o a_o church_n body_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o the_o true_a saint_n and_o believer_n make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o all_o continue_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n both_o saint_n and_o infidel_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n now_o whither_o or_o no_o master_n knollys_n by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o do_v not_o fight_v against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o the_o new_a fabric_n of_o independency_n i_o leave_v it_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o but_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o a_o other_o saint_n diotrephes_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v they_o deserve_v censure_n and_o punishment_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o have_v here_o to_o say_v to_o mr_n knollys_n i_o have_v this_o also_o to_o add_v that_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o five_o thousand_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o believe_v so_o that_o if_o he_o may_v
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 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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 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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
i_o say_v as_o he_o affirm_v and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v through_o my_o whole_a book_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v upon_o mature_a examination_n perceive_v that_o i_o have_v good_a authority_n for_o what_o i_o say_v then_o let_v he_o judge_n whether_o or_o no_o m._n knollys_n &_o all_o his_o complice_n that_o thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n traduce_v i_o be_v not_o a_o generation_n of_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o whether_o both_o mr_n knollys_n and_o all_o his_o confederate_n be_v not_o a_o company_n of_o calumniator_n &_o raylor_n and_o liar_n rather_o than_o saint_n for_o i_o bless_v god_n i_o have_v both_o scripture_n and_o sound_a reason_n for_o all_o that_o i_o say_v and_o i_o speak_v it_o here_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o if_o i_o have_v ever_o see_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n for_o what_o they_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v about_o their_o church_n i_o will_v rather_o have_v suffer_v any_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n then_o ever_o have_v open_v my_o mouth_n against_o their_o way_n much_o less_o have_v write_v against_o it_o but_o find_v it_o not_o only_o a_o novel_a opinion_n but_o heretical_a &_o indeed_o the_o very_a source_n of_o all_o heresy_n and_o error_n and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o speedy_o look_v unto_o will_v not_o only_o bring_v down_o the_o plague_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o nation_n and_o overthrow_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n through_o city_n and_o country_n and_o bring_v a_o miserable_a desolation_n and_o utter_a ruin_n upon_o the_o 3_o kingdom_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n prevent_v and_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o no_o other_o put_v i_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o oppose_v the_o error_n of_o the_o way_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o in_o this_o course_n i_o be_o now_o in_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o will_v persevere_v in_o with_o all_o my_o endeavour_n to_o the_o last_o period_n of_o my_o day_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v here_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o although_o i_o have_v former_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o all_o the_o fond_a cavil_v of_o the_o independent_o concern_v their_o several_a meeting_n together_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n which_o the_o reader_n i_o be_o confident_a will_v say_v be_v satisfactory_a enough_o to_o any_o that_o know_v what_o reason_n be_v yet_o here_o again_o for_o master_n knollys_n far_a satisfaction_n if_o he_o will_v with_o any_o thing_n be_v satisfy_v i_o answer_v as_o follow_v to_o what_o he_o childish_o babble_n against_o this_o argument_n of_o i_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n etc._n etc._n one_o will_v have_v expect_v that_o when_o master_n knollys_n begin_v with_o this_o word_n first_o which_o among_o learned_a and_o rational_a man_n in_o dispute_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o relation_n have_v ever_o reference_n to_o some_o second_o answer_n at_o lest_o if_o not_o a_o three_o and_o four_o that_o he_o have_v have_v some_o second_o and_o three_o reserve_v of_o reason_n at_o least_o to_o have_v fall_v upon_o my_o argument_n with_o this_o i_o say_v all_o wise_a man_n will_v have_v imagine_v and_o yet_o there_o follow_v neither_o a_o second_o three_o or_o four_o answer_n but_o howsoever_o he_o may_v speak_v nonsense_n by_o his_o call_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o independency_n i_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n against_o he_o for_o that_o i_o will_v examine_v only_o the_o futility_n of_o his_o denial_n which_o he_o call_v a_o reason_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n not_o only_o of_o himself_o but_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v a_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n as_o at_o other_o time_n as_o will_v forth_o with_o appear_v for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o i_o 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 and_o that_o the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a term_n declare_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o abominable_o false_a and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n as_o we_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o see_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o master_n knollys_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n set_v down_o in_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v then_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o they_o may_v still_o likewise_o all_o meet_v together_o either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o solomon_n porch_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n i_o say_v shall_v i_o to_o gratify_v master_n knollys_n grant_v he_o all_o this_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v daily_o new_a addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o other_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o many_o thousand_o that_o then_o they_o can_v still_o do_v the_o same_o but_o i_o can_v grant_v all_o this_o for_o it_o will_v be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o daily_a experience_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o eight_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n yea_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v this_o to_o master_n knollys_n both_o he_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o fraternity_n will_v laugh_v at_o i_o &_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v conclude_v that_o i_o be_v indeed_o a_o mad_a man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o i_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o the_o believer_n and_o convert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v never_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o either_o baptize_v or_o break_v bread_n in_o either_o of_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o magistrate_n have_v ever_o endure_v or_o suffer_v it_o and_o yet_o both_o these_o be_v the_o discriminate_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v distinguish_v from_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o all_o vnbeleever_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n in_o any_o private_a house_n that_o can_v contain_v such_o a_o multitude_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n and_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n accord_v to_o say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n or_o place_n large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o the_o very_a scripture_n also_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n in_o many_o place_n yea_o master_n knollys_n assent_v to_o this_o though_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o he_o say_v at_o any_o time_n but_o because_o he_o perhaps_o will_v believe_v himself_o rather_o then_o i_o and_o because_o also_o his_o follower_n and_o scholar_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o word_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o reason_n produce_v by_o i_o let_v they_o i_o pray_v hear_v what_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_v 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_fw-la 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_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 etc._n etc._n these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n from_o the_o which_o all_o learned_a man_n may_v easy_o perceive_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o feebleness_n of_o error_n for_o while_o the_o man_n labour_v to_o enervate_v my_o argument_n he_o contradict_v himself_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o overthrow_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o confirm_v my_o opinion_n for_o by_o his_o own_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n
and_o that_o their_o were_z more_o precious_a church_n in_o that_o street_n then_o in_o all_o england_n beside_o and_o he_o do_v confident_o believe_v it_o and_o i_o be_v no_o soon_o pass_v from_o he_o but_o turn_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n i_o see_v many_o of_o the_o independent_o go_v into_o the_o nagshead_n a_o tavern_n a_o little_a above_o coleman-streete_n there_o they_o call_v their_o parliament_n and_o make_v committee_n and_o chayre-man_n for_o prepare_v of_o business_n for_o the_o great_a council_n and_o for_o the_o advise_v of_o they_o what_o to_o do_v and_o there_o they_o order_n how_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o meeting_n house_n also_o whither_o the_o saint_n resort_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o consult_v together_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n &_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a drink_a school_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o they_o say_v they_o be_v all_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o they_o must_v have_v a_o pure_a drink_a school_n but_o pass_v from_o toleration-streete_n and_o leave_v their_o drink_a school_n and_o they_o together_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o practice_n and_o what_o master_n knollys_n say_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o approve_a gift_n come_v to_o sojourn_v in_o this_o city_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n i_o demand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o independent_o now_o whether_o or_o no_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o those_o gift_a man_n preach_v they_o have_v not_o a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o any_o of_o they_o have_v a_o gather_a church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o he_o have_v not_o there_o â—n_v his_o meeting_n house_n a_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o whether_o or_o not_o wheresoever_o they_o have_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n among_o they_o they_o have_v not_o a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v none_o of_o they_o deny_v it_o yea_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o as_o many_o place_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v that_o in_o all_o those_o they_o have_v a_o several_a church_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n &_o this_o very_a reason_n will_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o this_o city_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n not_o only_o because_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o but_o because_o every_o man_n reason_n will_v convince_v he_o of_o it_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n every_o man_n will_v conclude_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o the_o saint_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o because_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o yea_o and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o master_n knollys_n from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_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 which_o mr_n knollys_n notwithstanding_o do_v wicked_o deny_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o so_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o and_o fight_n against_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o which_o be_v more_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v by_o all_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o be_v severe_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o wicked_a impostor_n and_o deceiver_n and_o aught_o indeed_o to_o be_v throw_v out_o of_o all_o their_o congregation_n as_o a_o juggler_n and_o a_o false_a prophet_n have_v thus_o evident_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v by_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v also_o many_o assembly_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o undertake_v because_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v say_v that_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o before_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o several_a assembly_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o believer_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o waste_v and_o scatter_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o after_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o can_v never_o be_v evince_v and_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o we_o must_v ever_o look_v upon_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o it_o be_v original_o and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o not_o what_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o through_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n and_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n for_o government_n of_o church_n be_v often_o change_v from_o their_o primordiall_a state_n through_o many_o casualty_n as_o it_o happen_v often_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reformation_n thing_n be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o original_a pattern_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o by_o occasion_n they_o vary_v and_o change_v through_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o time_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o she_o be_v in_o her_o youth_n and_o in_o she_o most_o flourish_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v she_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o many_o assembly_n and_o all_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o must_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n government_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v in_o our_o reformation_n conform_v ourselves_o to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o first_o constitution_n but_o because_o i_o say_v they_o think_v it_o so_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n i_o will_v now_o god_n willing_a make_v it_o evident_a and_o not_o only_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o even_o in_o and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o first_o out_o of_o that_o very_a place_n our_o brethren_n bring_v against_o we_o and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a the_o place_n be_v in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4._o in_o these_o word_n and_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o through_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n verse_n 3_o as_o for_o saul_n he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n from_o whence_o the_o brethren_n gather_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n leave_v than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o must_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o evince_n and_o make_v good_a that_o this_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o yet_o remain_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o more_o people_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o two_o for_o persecution_n be_v the_o bellows_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o blow_v every_o spark_n into_o a_o flame_n so_o that_o this_o their_o division_n prove_v their_o multiplication_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v conceive_v that_o there_o be_v few_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o
speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n 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 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 in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judaea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22._o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o saint_n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n myrias_n or_o myriad_o ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v above_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o moâ—t_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospels_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v all_o this_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o have_v out_o of_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v and_o out_o of_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n no_o not_o in_o a_o few_o whether_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o by_o this_o and_o the_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o argument_n out_o of_o both_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o report_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o pearl_n of_o prejudice_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o assertion_n but_o as_o in_o all_o their_o former_a discourse_n i_o faithful_o set_v down_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o confutation_n to_o those_o several_a argument_n they_o oppose_v so_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n true_o relate_v what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o reply_v by_o way_n of_o refutation_n to_o this_o my_o last_o argument_n and_o then_o i_o will_v come_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o gainsay_v and_o reply_n to_o he_o in_o order_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n
for_o we_o see_v what_o a_o tumult_n a_o few_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n by_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o paul_n make_v in_o the_o temple_n now_o if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v meet_v together_o and_o some_o of_o paul_n enemy_n have_v be_v there_o also_o and_o suggest_v to_o the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n what_o a_o confusion_n may_v all_o man_n conceive_v will_v there_o then_o have_v be_v beside_o there_o be_v no_o one_o place_n can_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o master_n knollis_n his_o prattle_n be_v not_o only_o against_o all_o reason_n and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o all_o orthodox_n interpreter_n but_o indeed_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learn_a of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o by_o multitude_n in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n understand_v the_o more_o eminent_a and_o chief_a of_o believer_n and_o man_n of_o gravity_n and_o wisdom_n to_o manage_v a_o business_n and_o not_o a_o confuse_a company_n as_o this_o man_n say_v so_o that_o what_o i_o have_v reply_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o sufficient_o satisfi_v all_o well_o ground_v christian_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o first_o position_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yet_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o show_v the_o confusedness_n and_o senselessenesse_n of_o this_o master_n knollys_n his_o follow_a discourse_n i_o think_v it_o fit_v out_o of_o his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o frame_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n his_o word_n be_v these_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v i_o will_v not_o quarrel_v his_o english_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o expression_n though_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o his_o abbertor_n to_o trifle_v about_o word_n but_o thus_o i_o argue_v out_o of_o his_o word_n where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o can_v not_o sudden_o be_v tell_v but_o many_o such_o great_a sum_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n which_o can_v not_o sudden_o be_v tell_v but_o many_o such_o great_a sum_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n it_o be_v evident_a yea_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n that_o no_o judicious_a christian_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o ten_o thousand_o may_v sudden_o be_v tell_v if_o five_o thousand_o may_v sudden_o be_v say_v and_o they_o likewise_o know_v that_o ten_o thousand_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n know_v by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o as_o by_o daily_a experience_n they_o be_v teach_v much_o more_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o many_o such_o great_a number_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n all_o this_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n suggest_v to_o any_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o that_o the_o major_a of_o my_o syllogism_n be_v undeniable_a and_o for_o the_o minor_a beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o assert_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o we_o have_v master_n knollys_n his_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o but_o always_o be_v take_v for_o some_o great_a number_n that_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v there_o be_v many_o myriad_n that_o be_v many_o such_o great_a number_n therefore_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o now_o i_o will_v brief_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n though_o it_o be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o which_o have_v be_v so_o often_o again_o and_o again_o discover_v in_o the_o forego_v treatise_n and_o then_o i_o will_v come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n be_v these_o neither_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a from_o those_o scripture_n he_o produce_v pag._n 62._o to_o wit_n act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 21._o 22._o chapter_n 6._o ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o and_o chapter_n the_o 8._o 1._o that_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o ministe_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n for_o answer_n in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o bold_o affirm_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v i_o viz_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o 8._o chap._n v._o 1._o and_o before_o the_o dispersion_n and_o scatter_n of_o the_o believer_n beside_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n and_o for_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a as_o in_o act_n the_o 1._o verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v saint_n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o beginning_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o joseph_n call_v barsabas_n and_o mathias_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n these_o ensue_a truth_n do_v necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o they_o that_o be_v assemble_v here_o with_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v ancient_a disciple_n for_o say_v the_o text_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v company_v with_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v diligent_a scholar_n all_o that_o time_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o all_o christian_a principle_n as_o be_v easy_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o very_a word_n for_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a in_o the_o apostle_n judgement_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o place_n and_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v all_o thing_n christ_n both_o speak_v and_o do_v till_o his_o death_n and_o ascension_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o resurrection_n all_o this_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v necessary_o follow_v second_o this_o truth_n also_o do_v ensue_v out_o of_o the_o forego_v word_n that_o either_o all_o those_o man_n be_v minister_n or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o in_o express_a term_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o they_o have_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n until_o christ_n ascension_n now_o among_o those_o that_o converse_v 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of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o as_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o preacher_n and_o minister_n by_o office_n and_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o send_v out_o by_o christ_n or_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v be_v all_o minister_n and_o preacher_n by_o their_o place_n and_o office_n and_o not_o only_o gift_v brethren_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o it_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a for_o it_o say_v wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o beginning_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o the_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n wherefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v ancient_a and_o 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the_o scripture_n record_v the_o which_o amount_v to_o many_o ten_o thousand_o all_o the_o which_o can_v not_o then_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o ever_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v vain_o and_o impious_o to_o cavil_v against_o such_o of_o my_o argument_n as_o they_o think_v themselves_o best_a able_a by_o their_o learning_n to_o deal_v with_o for_o the_o seduce_a of_o unstable_a and_o ungrounded_a people_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o my_o forego_v argument_n who_o word_n be_v these_o but_o i_o come_v brief_o to_o your_o argument_n whereby_o you_o will_v prove_v your_o classical_a presbyterian_a government_n and_o so_o upward_o the_o pattern_n hereof_o you_o take_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n hereof_o many_o argument_n or_o rather_o word_n and_o tautology_n you_o multiply_v and_o toil_n yourself_o and_o vex_v your_o reader_n withal_o which_o you_o may_v have_v reduce_v to_o one_o it_o be_v in_o sum_n this_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v many_o christian_a congregation_n and_o all_o these_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o so_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o prime_a apostolic_a church_n be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o succeed_a church_n ergo_fw-la all_o church_n government_n ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o that_o and_o consequent_o by_o a_o presbytery_n over_o many_o congregation_n as_o for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o church_n and_o they_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n together_o vers_n 1._o and_o in_o the_o temple_n ver_fw-la 44._o 46._o grow_v from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o to_o five_o thousand_o chap._n 4._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n which_o assemble_v together_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o although_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o whereinto_o break_n bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n altogether_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v yet_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o you_o never_o read_v the_o church_n at_o or_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o no_o national_a church_n neither_o witness_v those_o church_n in_o judea_n gal._n 1._o 22._o whereupon_o i_o answer_v to_o your_o argument_n and_o first_o to_o your_o proposition_n i_o deny_v that_o those_o congregation_n you_o name_v be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o this_o i_o put_v you_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o your_o 11._o or_o 12._o sheet_n spend_v about_o that_o argument_n prove_v to_o be_v mere_a waste_n paper_n and_o for_o your_o assumption_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v a_o prime_a apostolic_a church_n be_v therefore_o a_o pattern_n for_o all_o succeed_a church_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n you_o must_v first_o prove_v your_o proposition_n as_o before_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n constitute_v in_o their_o distinct_a form_n and_o body_n second_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a a_o pattern_n as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o be_v necessary_o to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o at_o first_o deacon_n till_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n which_o be_v no_o pattern_n for_o every_o church_n to_o have_v seven_o deacon_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n that_o of_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v
only_a true_a worshipper_n who_o say_v that_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o the_o samaritan_n worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o now_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n those_o true_a worshipper_n those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o baptize_v into_o christ_n be_v add_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n if_o believe_v in_o christ_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n member_n of_o a_o church_n for_o as_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n consist_v of_o many_o nationall_n provincial_n and_o presbyterian_a church_n so_o do_v the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o many_o city_n &_o country_n church_n which_o be_v in_o their_o dialect_n call_v synagogue_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o our_o church_n both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v for_o in_o all_o those_o synagogue_n they_o partake_v daily_o in_o the_o moral_a worship_n and_o have_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n now_o then_o when_o those_o multitude_n that_o i_o enumerate_v in_o my_o argument_n baptize_v by_o john_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v all_o gather_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o make_v his_o sheep_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o have_v among_o they_o all_o those_o seal_n and_o discriminate_v ordinance_n that_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o to_o difference_n they_o from_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n as_o who_o be_v israelites_n to_o who_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v rom._n 9_o vers_fw-la 4._o all_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v sufficient_a and_o avaylable_a to_o make_v any_o then_o live_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o say_v when_o they_o have_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passoever_o &_o baptism_n and_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v among_o they_o and_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n of_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v his_o true_a worshipper_n and_o when_o they_o be_v also_o gather_v in_o according_a to_o god_n own_o appointment_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v former_o gather_v church_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o john_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n send_v of_o god_n luke_n the_o 3._o and_o send_v to_o baptize_v john_n the_o 1._o 33._o and_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o disciple_n who_o be_v send_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n who_o say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n all_o they_o i_o say_v aught_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n what_o so_o ever_o he_o and_o i._n s._n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a who_o in_o this_o agree_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n be_v no_o christian_n much_o less_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v j._n s._n his_o formal_a word_n pag._n 9_o so_o that_o while_o these_o man_n will_v dispute_v against_o the_o truth_n they_o blaspheme_v and_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n for_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o they_o that_o hear_v his_o disciple_n hear_v he_o and_o that_o they_o that_o hear_v his_o voice_n be_v his_o sheep_n now_o when_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o be_v in_o token_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n baptize_v and_o have_v give_v up_o their_o name_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v all_o incorporate_v into_o his_o fold_n which_o be_v his_o church_n his_o mystical_a body_n and_o be_v mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o so_o they_o be_v set_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o believer_n and_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n and_o christ_n have_v then_o no_o other_o church_n on_o earth_n that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o it_o be_v a_o reform_a church_n for_o christ_n have_v cast_v out_o all_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n john_n 2._o out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o call_v it_o his_o father_n house_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o pollution_n and_o in_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v in_o their_o purity_n here_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o teach_v of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o seal_a ordinance_n both_o old_a and_o new_a here_o be_v circumcision_n the_o passeover_n sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n here_o be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o break_v of_o bread_n here_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n or_o call_n on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n where_o all_o supplication_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o before_o christ_n death_n here_o we_o have_v all_o the_o material_n for_o the_o make_n or_o form_v of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n or_o cast_v of_o christian_n into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o independent_o dialect_n for_o here_o we_o have_v visible_a saint_n in_o multitude_n devoute_a man_n and_o true_a worshipper_n from_o out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n act_n 2_o here_o we_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n elder_n and_o teacher_n in_o abundance_n beside_o many_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o and_o minister_v unto_o he_o here_o be_v no_o want_n of_o minister_n and_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o all_o sort_n beside_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o crier_n hosanna_n and_o all_o this_o before_o christ_n death_n as_o well_o as_o after_o and_o all_o these_o christian_a believer_n and_o such_o as_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o seal_n and_o save_v ordinance_n sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n and_o to_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o therefore_o my_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n aught_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n and_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n without_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n who_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n be_v not_o in_o their_o esteem_n repute_a christian_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n in_o any_o to_o think_v and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o the_o height_n of_o wickedness_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n to_o affirm_v and_o print_v for_o i._o s._n his_o expression_n i_o produce_v they_o often_o before_o i_o will_v now_o set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n formal_a word_n which_o i_o can_v but_o reiterate_v for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n say_v he_o of_o those_o mulititude_n baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n 2._o these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o so_o that_o by_o this_o all_o man_n may_v gather_v that_o in_o the_o independent_o language_n and_o in_o their_o divinity_n john_n baptist_n and_o all_o christ_n disciple_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o christian_a believer_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o all_o that_o by_o baptism_n be_v receive_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o independent_a brethren_n who_o esteem_v of_o
they_o all_o as_o no_o christian_n but_o a_o deform_a church_n and_o not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n peremptory_o affirm_v and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pag._n 11._o that_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o they_o all_o profess_v they_o read_v of_o no_o form_a church_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o expr_fw-la sly_a set_v down_o for_o the_o time_n of_o it_o act_v the_o 2._o so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n be_v deform_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o all_o christian_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mould_v up_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n among_o they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_a congregation_n a_o pastor_n &_o a_o teacher_n and_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n and_o five_o or_o six_o brethren_n more_o and_o three_o or_o four_o sister_n can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n now_o be_v there_o any_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o brutish_a as_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o where_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v james_n and_o john_n the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n two_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n those_o bonaerge_n those_o son_n of_o thunder_n and_o eight_o or_o nine_o elder_n with_o seventy_o disciple_n all_o saint_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n with_o multitude_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o woman_n that_o follow_v christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o have_v also_o a_o decon_n among_o they_o judas_n by_o name_n that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o or_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n when_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o their_o whible_a congregation_n so_o qualify_v as_o former_o can_v make_v a_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n scholar_n and_o follower_n can_v as_o well_o make_v a_o form_v church_n as_o a_o few_o in_o our_o new_a found_v or_o rather_o confound_v congregation_n be_v void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o they_o that_o shall_v peremptory_o and_o rash_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n i_o proclaim_v they_o guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v most_o condign_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a and_o facinorous_a crime_n they_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o against_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o king_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v abominate_v as_o a_o company_n of_o false_a teacher_n calumniator_n and_o horrid_a seducer_n how_o godly_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o wrold_a to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n be_v aught_o by_o christ_n saint_n and_o servant_n to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o company_n of_o grand_a impostor_n and_o juggler_n so_o the_o poor_a and_o despise_a presbyterian_o who_o they_o term_v sinner_n and_o carnal_a people_n and_o man_n of_o earth_n and_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v like_o their_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o baptize_v by_o they_o for_o they_o pronounce_v of_o we_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o saint_n but_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o best_a but_o convert_n in_o part_n as_o if_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n wrought_v his_o work_n to_o the_o half_n this_o i_o say_v may_v comfort_v all_o we_o the_o poor_a despise_a presbyterian_o for_o the_o same_o they_o say_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n and_o their_o ministry_n and_o such_o as_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o all_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o in_o their_o babble_n there_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n till_o that_o we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 2._o so_o that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n nor_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o 1._o in_o their_o learning_n be_v a_o form_v church_n nor_o all_o the_o other_o worshipper_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o act._n 2._o nor_o think_v worthy_a by_o they_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o by_o this_o bold_a assertion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n they_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v the_o truth_n but_o indeed_o many_o of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n and_o tribe_n howsoever_o they_o pretend_v they_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o who_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o this_o their_o pain_n for_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o learn_a of_o they_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o disavow_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n we_o read_v of_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o all_o their_o writing_n and_o dispute_n declare_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n affirm_v the_o contrary_a in_o this_o they_o oppose_v many_o of_o their_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o for_o this_o their_o temerity_n i_o be_o most_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v high_o blame_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a of_o that_o party_n and_o true_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n there_o be_v then_o none_o upon_o earth_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v a_o form_a church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n they_o can_v not_o have_v give_v a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n for_o all_o learned_a christian_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n that_o must_v make_v other_o true_a form_v church_n for_o they_o can_v give_v and_o communicate_v that_o to_o other_o that_o they_o have_v not_o themselves_o this_o be_v one_o of_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o now_o if_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n than_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o form_v after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n so_o that_o what_o make_v the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n a_o true_a form_v church_n make_v all_o the_o other_o a_o true_a form_v church_n or_o church_n if_o the_o same_o cause_n can_v produce_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a and_o indeed_o abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n or_o form_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n or_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n they_o will_v soon_o and_o without_o any_o difficulty_n perceive_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v as_o well_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o the_o hundred_o &_o twenty_o name_n and_o those_o three_o thousand_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o â—alls_v the_o first_o form_v church_n for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n â—imes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._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 jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
as_o yet_o any_o particular_a visible_a form_v church_n for_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o branch_n and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n dialect_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o church_n body_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o my_o brother_n burtons_n unsound_a principle_n and_o this_o his_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o confident_a upon_o his_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o when_o he_o make_v not_o such_o haste_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v when_o he_o write_v this_o his_o book_n against_o i_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n he_o do_v about_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o be_o assure_v he_o will_v be_v high_o condemn_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o his_o party_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o know_v be_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n he_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o several_a congregation_n or_o church_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n howsoever_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o title_n unto_o our_o assembly_n i_o say_v if_o he_o shall_v but_o accord_v that_o both_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o church_n body_n though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n then_o likewise_o of_o necessity_n it_o will_v follow_v and_o he_o must_v yield_v unto_o it_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n because_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v all_o particular_a congregation_n and_o church_n that_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o they_o do_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n i_o say_v all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v part_n of_o that_o nationall_n city_n or_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n as_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v one_o of_o those_o conclusion_n i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n principle_n and_o for_o the_o better_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o same_o have_v all_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v challenge_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v then_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a have_v the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o it_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n officer_n so_o have_v every_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o that_o church_n though_o but_o a_o part_n and_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n enjoy_v all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v and_o therefore_o when_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n viz_o every_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o consider_v and_o as_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o either_o of_o those_o congregation_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o enjoy_v or_o can_v challenge_v for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o complete_a church_n than_o it_o follow_v and_o that_o necessary_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o the_o independent_o confess_v that_o all_o those_o congregation_n &_o assembly_n several_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o premise_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o undertake_v which_o be_v to_o prove_v those_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o i_o do_v by_o this_o argument_n all_o such_o assembly_n &_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a
assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o major_n no_o well_o ground_v christian_n will_v deny_v it_o especial_o the_o independent_o can_v gain_v say_v it_o for_o if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v and_o teach_v then_o much_o more_o where_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o which_o also_o they_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o by_o lawful_a minister_n and_o officer_n appoint_v and_o send_v by_o god_n himself_o i_o say_v by_o far_o better_a reason_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o visible_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o all_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a man_n will_v easy_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v 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the_o author_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concering_n this_o business_n who_o word_n i_o will_v set_v down_o at_o large_a desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o own_o expression_n rather_o than_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o accuse_v i_o to_o have_v pick_v and_o choose_v what_o make_v most_o for_o i_o and_o against_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o object_n it_o may_v possible_o here_o be_v object_v how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n answ_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_a by_o this_o ensue_a argument_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o two_o or_o three_o so_o join_v together_o do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v thou_o take_v two_o or_o three_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n loe_o here_o be_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v by_o they_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o consequent_a can_v be_v deny_v for_o what_o people_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o 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church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
nothing_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o himself_o or_o say_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o grollish_o deni_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o he_o do_v not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o but_o oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n insuccee_v time_n as_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o which_o government_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o mould_v up_o all_o their_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n within_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n as_o be_v complete_a within_o itself_o so_o ought_v every_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o authority_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o have_v dependency_n on_o any_o other_o for_o in_o all_o particular_n they_o avow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a form_v church_n and_o the_o same_o they_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o idependents_n beside_o himself_o that_o i_o ever_o have_v read_v or_o talk_v with_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n say_v that_o the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o confess_v &_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a church_n for_o that_o that_o be_v deficient_a and_o deform_a that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o a_o form_a church_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o above_o say_v than_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o entire_a church_n as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o gather_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o here_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n beside_o it_o must_v come_v in_o by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o i_o maintain_v he_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o all_o hold_v the_o contrary_a but_o contradict_v himself_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v of_o necessity_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o till_o there_o be_v necessity_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n so_o that_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o a_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o etc._n etc._n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n confute_v all_o his_o brethren_n who_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n hold_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostolic_a church_n be_v perfect_a form_v church_n and_o absolute_a within_o themselves_o and_o independent_a where_o as_o he_o blame_v they_o all_o of_o imperfection_n and_o say_v they_o must_v all_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a platform_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oppose_a of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o contradict_v of_o himself_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a for_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o he_o here_o accuse_v it_o of_o imperfection_n and_o fayling_n and_o therefore_o not_o form_v for_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o it_o want_v deacon_n and_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n at_o any_o time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o his_o learning_n must_v have_v not_o only_o a_o good_a discipline_n but_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n page_n 11._o now_o a_o church_n according_a to_o their_o description_n true_o form_v and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n and_o two_o to_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o send_v i_o word_n which_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o peculiar-pastor_n of_o this_o form_a church_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n or_o who_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o who_o be_v their_o deacon_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o be_v that_o that_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v make_v all_o that_o i_o require_v of_o he_o clear_o appear_v than_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o church_n have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o or_o but_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o any_o particular_a covenant_n but_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o and_o church_n officer_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a and_o nothing_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o with_o any_o such_o covenant_n which_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v make_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o without_o which_o in_o their_o language_n it_o can_v be_v adistinct_a and_o formal_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v from_o which_o i_o do_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v and_o that_o from_o the_o new_a light_n i_o have_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o well_o form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o be_v impious_a either_o to_o think_v or_o say_v or_o if_o they_o be_v that_o then_o there_o may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o but_o serve_v their_o flock_n and_o congregation_n in_o common_a so_o that_o all_o the_o babble_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o delude_v poor_a people_n when_o they_o demand_n such_o thing_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o god_n never_o require_v at_o his_o
people_n hand_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n they_o call_v for_o in_o all_o church_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o rigid_o exact_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n and_o form_v of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o a_o perfect_a church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o because_o he_o requre_v of_o i_o to_o show_v he_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o in_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o which_o he_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o desire_v of_o he_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o demand_v of_o i_o in_o its_o part_n without_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v be_v nothing_o and_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o that_o distinction_n i_o say_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o confess_v at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v or_o talk_v with_o say_v they_o read_v of_o no_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o first_o form_v of_o this_o church_n and_o we_o read_v not_o at_o any_o time_n of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o of_o any_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n join_v with_o that_o pastor_n as_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n all_o the_o people_n apply_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o all_o lay_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o deacon_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o we_o hear_v nothing_o i_o say_v of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o of_o any_o elder_n all_o this_o while_n and_o yet_o by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n then_o and_o we_o neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v also_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o rigid_o require_v of_o all_o such_o â—s_n desire_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o cordial_o desire_v of_o my_o brother_n burton_n see_v the_o underwriter_n his_o tributary_n have_v give_v he_o leave_v as_o he_o say_v in_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o shall_v balk_v no_o truth_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o plough_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o shall_v preach_v every_o truth_n i_o say_v he_o have_v obtain_v this_o christian_a liberty_n of_o his_o benefactor_n and_o truth_n be_v now_o no_o more_o in_o prison_n that_o he_o will_v candid_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o reserve_n doâ—eâ—_n ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redieritre_n tell_v i_o the_o next_o time_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o particular_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v their_o particular_a doctor_n or_o teacher_n who_o be_v their_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o deacon_n see_v my_o brother_n burton_n deni_v any_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n therefore_o i_o put_v he_o upon_o this_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o write_v both_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o his_o vindication_n will_v all_o prove_v but_o waste_a paper_n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o james_n or_o peter_n be_v their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v either_o the_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o church_n for_o as_o the_o independent_o teach_v they_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o shall_v not_o leave_v their_o charge_n and_o flock_n neither_o can_v my_o brother_n burton_n tell_v which_o be_v their_o elder_n for_o the_o independent_o say_v they_o read_v of_o none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o twelve_o of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n they_o then_o have_v none_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n opinion_n â—or_a he_o â—aith_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n which_o if_o they_o have_v have_v elder_n they_o can_v not_o have_v want_v and_o for_o deacon_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v none_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n either_o for_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o require_v i_o shall_v show_v he_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n &_o congregation_n without_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o his_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_fw-la itself_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v therefore_o when_o he_o be_v at_o plough_n again_o as_o now_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v i_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v furrow_v up_o this_o truth_n unto_o i_o and_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n withal_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v how_o he_o come_v to_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n make_v a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v the_o material_n only_a of_o a_o church_n all_o these_o truth_n i_o desire_v and_o that_o earnest_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o his_o next_o go_v to_o plough_v he_o will_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v unto_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o singular_a tiller_n and_o a_o very_a good_a husbandman_n in_o christ_n field_n his_o church_n or_o otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a either_o to_o make_v a_o complete_a independent_a country_n courtier_n or_o a_o absolute_a independent_a gentleman_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o haberdasher_n in_o the_o small_a ware_n of_o independency_n and_o with_o those_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v be_v best_o able_a to_o trade_n with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o i_o hear_v from_o he_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v deacon_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o many_o other_o good_a thing_n they_o require_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o that_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o time_n make_v any_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n though_o they_o want_v officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n require_v now_o by_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o those_o primitive_a and_o holy_a christian_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o want_n of_o some_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o for_o want_n of_o some_o officer_n
be_v mention_v make_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n 1_o cor._n 14._o verse_n 34._o let_v the_o woman_n say_v the_o apostle_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n congregation_n and_o church_n be_v synonima_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n and_o depend_v all_o upon_o that_o stock_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n where_o verse_n the_o 1._o paul_n and_o timothy_n salute_v all_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o that_o epistle_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v all_o one_o and_o we_o meet_v also_o with_o many_o deacon_n all_o which_o prove_v to_o any_o understand_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n for_o one_o deacon_n will_v have_v serve_v for_o one_o congrgeation_n or_o assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o teacher_n beside_o their_o good_a and_o godly_a bishop_n for_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v dog_n among_o they_o evil_a worker_n and_o those_o of_o the_o concision_n and_o he_o bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o beware_v of_o those_o chap._n 3._o verse_n 2._o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v worldly_a man_n that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n who_o he_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n as_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o adays_o do_v chapter_n 4._o verse_n 18_o 19_o and_o give_v they_o in_o command_n to_o shun_v their_o example_n and_o only_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o such_o as_o walk_v as_o he_o do_v who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o many_o such_o teacher_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n and_o such_o as_o teach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o sincere_o all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n where_o paul_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o which_o he_o wish_v be_v root_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o or_o destroy_v so_o that_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a counsel_n of_o a_o presbytery_n there_o for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o by_o name_n my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v and_o this_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n revel_v the_o 2._o of_o the_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o elder_n to_o he_o act_v the_o 20._o verse_n 17._o in_o the_o which_o church_n there_o be_v such_o infinite_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o yea_o paul_n himself_o declare_v as_o much_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n verse_n 20._o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n signify_v per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o therefore_o by_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v many_o congregation_n as_o in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o all_o reason_n indeed_o will_v persuade_v it_o have_v it_o not_o in_o word_n be_v specify_v for_o ephesus_n be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o a_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o whole_a year_n by_o who_o hand_n god_n wrought_v no_o small_a miracle_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o through_o other_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o that_o city_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a ch_z 19_o set_v down_o so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o very_a scholar_n and_o such_o as_o study_v curious_a art_n be_v also_o convert_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n the_o price_n of_o which_o amount_v to_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o so_o much_o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v and_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v or_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o mart_n town_n can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n together_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o madness_n to_o think_v so_o if_o the_o very_a diversity_n of_o their_o language_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o dissuade_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v they_o must_v understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o so_o many_o people_n of_o several_a language_n and_o dialect_n can_v never_o do_v by_o any_o one_o for_o it_o be_v then_o a_o miracle_n to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o prophet_n all_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o very_o seldom_o have_v the_o ordinary_a people_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o some_o select_a and_o choose_a one_o not_o upon_o all_o promiscuous_o buâ—_n upon_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v upon_o all_o then_o simon_n magus_n need_v not_o have_v offer_v money_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o those_o grace_n have_v be_v promiscuous_o give_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o sortsof_n man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v distribute_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n make_v special_a choice_n of_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o common_a people_n have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o language_n they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v have_v such_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n must_v necessary_o have_v divers_a place_n to_o meet_v in_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o otherwise_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o we_o read_v of_o at_o the_o first_o plantationof_n this_o church_n the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 20._o that_o for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o paul_n teach_v they_o night_n and_o day_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n they_o have_v also_o timothy_n sometime_o among_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a teacher_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n for_o 28._o who_o all_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o with_o a_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o have_v a_o commission_n likewise_o give_v they_o to_o oppose_v all_o false_a teacher_n which_o they_o faithful_o perform_v as_o the_o lord_n bear_v they_o witness_v revel_v the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o saying_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o government_n of_o
that_o church_n be_v whole_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n likewise_o and_o authority_n of_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o we_o far_o learn_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o although_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n govern_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n conclude_a his_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o those_o asian_a church_n rev._n the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v he_o who_o make_v the_o particular_a or_o singular_a church_n he_o write_v to_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o church_n not_o one_o only_a as_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n only_o he_o do_v make_v that_o one_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o particular_a to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a classical_a or_o collegiate_n church_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o epiphonemicall_a conclusion_n to_o every_o church_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o in_o particular_a do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o as_o of_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o church_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la one_o church_n have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o be_v classical_o or_o collegiate_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la to_o the_o which_o argument_n the_o independent_o answer_v by_o deny_v of_o the_o assumption_n say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequentér_n as_o well_o as_o antecedentér_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o they_o cite_v junius_n his_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o denial_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n they_o produce_v also_o master_n bains_n his_o authority_n to_o as_o little_a end_n christ_n say_v he_o do_v not_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o church_n precede_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o collective_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o singular_a church_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n both_o several_o and_o joint_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o make_v to_o this_o argument_n page_n 133._o and_o if_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v never_o want_v answer_n and_o reply_v but_o we_o look_v for_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o word_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v our_o argument_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o gainsay_n the_o argument_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o the_o other_o six_o church_n and_o true_o he_o grant_v the_o argument_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o antecedenter_v so_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o worâ—â—_n may_v be_v take_v antecedenter_n as_o well_o as_o consequenter_fw-la that_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o follow_v viz_o both_o way_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o require_v and_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o argument_n i_o labour_v to_o prove_v for_o who_o ever_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n bid_v they_o watch_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o man_n so_o who_o ever_o yet_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o church_n there_o christ_n have_v as_o well_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o their_o example_n be_v forewarn_v lest_o they_o likewise_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v though_o primary_o principal_o and_o antecedenter_v he_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n assembly_n or_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n as_o first_o to_o those_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v yet_o call_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o other_o also_o as_o consist_v of_o many_o several_a company_n and_o several_a congregation_n yet_o be_v all_o combine_a together_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o subordinate_a to_o each_o of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v but_o for_o one_o church_n within_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v to_o they_o all_o several_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o number_n of_o multitude_n as_o to_o many_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o write_v to_o they_o all_o as_o particular_a and_o singular_a church_n because_o though_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o classical_a way_n and_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o those_o epistle_n shall_v as_o well_o be_v consider_v collective_o as_o the_o word_n angel_n now_o all_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o the_o very_a independent_a minister_n themselves_o hold_v that_o by_o angel_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o each_o of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o those_o several_a epistle_n may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o interpret_v collective_o for_o many_o minister_n then_o the_o word_n church_n also_o may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o church_n for_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o pastor_n and_o â—lock_n be_v relative_n and_o have_v reference_n one_o to_o another_o now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n than_o there_o must_v likewise_o be_v many_o flock_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o those_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o constitution_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n we_o find_v many_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n a_o whole_a college_n of_o they_o act_v the_o 20_o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o 28._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o that_o church_n so_o in_o the_o other_o six_o for_o in_o express_a word_n paul_n say_v that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n public_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o house_n which_o be_v by_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v to_o signify_v many_o several_a congregation_n in_o that_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o when_o the_o independent_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o therefore_o several_a church_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o expression_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o they_o have_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o meet_v place_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o have_v both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n have_v obtain_v so_o much_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 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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 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while_o with_o their_o scribble_n they_o trouble_v the_o world_n in_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o church_n and_o state_n but_o hear_v yet_o how_o he_o cavil_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o then_o all_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o must_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o in_o regard_n also_o that_o that_o church_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o resolution_n of_o that_o church_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o can_v ever_o say_v in_o these_o respect_n say_v he_o it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o 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fraternity_n will_v give_v he_o little_a thanks_n and_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o so_o great_a haste_n in_o answer_v i_o who_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n say_v i_o haste_v at_o last_o as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n canis_fw-la festinans_fw-la caecos_fw-la parit_fw-la catulos_fw-la and_o will_v have_v cause_n at_o leisure_n to_o repent_v for_o he_o have_v by_o this_o his_o juggle_n and_o conjure_v quite_o raze_v the_o foundation_n and_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o new_a babble_n of_o independency_n which_o his_o brethren_n have_v be_v so_o busy_a and_o diligent_a to_o lay_v erect_v maintain_v and_o uphold_v and_o that_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v his_o trifle_a reason_n of_o this_o his_o gainsaying_n and_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o church_n for_o than_o say_v he_o every_o church_n must_v have_v seven_o deacon_n and_o all_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o one_o church_n and_o to_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o can_v be_v there_o be_v none_o now_o infallible_o guide_v thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n out_o of_o the_o acumen_n of_o his_o wit_n dispute_v at_o randoun_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n do_v the_o prelate_n in_o their_o generation_n dispute_v against_o the_o godly_a people_n they_o term_v puritan_n when_o they_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o that_o they_o all_o receive_v it_o either_o sit_v or_o use_v a_o table-gesture_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o christian_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v and_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o the_o apostle_n example_n rather_o then_o antichrist_n as_o a_o pattern_n set_v down_o to_o they_o of_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o the_o prelate_n and_o those_o of_o that_o faction_n reply_v that_o if_o the_o puritan_n will_v make_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o pattern_n for_o their_o imitation_n then_o they_o must_v always_o celebrate_v it_o in_o a_o evening_n and_o that_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o not_o in_o public_a and_o then_o they_o must_v never_o exceed_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o communicant_n and_o they_o must_v be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o other_o toy_n they_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o christian_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v my_o brother_n burton_n now_o trifle_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o as_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o require_v so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o substance_n and_o not_o in_o every_o circumstance_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n for_o their_o imitate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v liberty_n give_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o deacon_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n &_o to_o nominate_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o think_v sufficient_a for_o their_o occasion_n and_o in_o this_o it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o likewise_o if_o they_o have_v need_n of_o deacon_n may_v make_v choice_n of_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n and_o of_o approve_a integrity_n and_o of_o as_o many_o as_o they_o have_v need_n of_o whether_o few_o or_o more_o and_o as_o often_o as_o their_o occasion_n require_v no_o church_n be_v limit_v for_o the_o number_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o that_o church_n ordain_v the_o deacon_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o in_o all_o church_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o as_o upon_o any_o difference_n among_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o it_o happen_v then_o between_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n act_n 6._o about_o their_o widow_n who_o they_o think_v be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a administration_n they_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o redress_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o any_o occasion_n of_o such_o or_o the_o like_a difference_n to_o appeal_v unto_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o as_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n so_o when_o the_o presbyter_n command_v or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o people_n be_v to_o yield_v willing_a subjection_n &_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n their_o pattern_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n and_o all_o these_o be_v combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o imitation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o they_o and_o as_o upon_o occasion_n then_o certain_a man_n go_v down_o from_o judaea_n to_o antioch_n act_v 15._o 1._o and_o trouble_v the_o people_n there_o and_o in_o other_o church_n with_o word_n subvert_v their_o soul_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n vers_fw-la 24._o pretend_v they_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v a_o command_n from_o they_o of_o their_o so_o do_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o church_n send_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o business_n in_o debate_n &_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o resolution_n without_o make_v any_o rent_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o other_o church_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o dispute_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o argument_n and_o reason_n search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n
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
succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a presbytery_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o any_o church_n have_v its_o peculiar_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n allot_v to_o it_o with_o but_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n of_o people_n of_o the_o which_o they_o only_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o rule_v of_o it_o and_o the_o which_o have_v absolute_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o independent_o assert_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n such_o a_o model_n of_o a_o church_n i_o affirm_v can_v never_o be_v show_v or_o prove_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n say_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 28._o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o when_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o to_o appropriate_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v be_v to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n for_o if_o these_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o every_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n than_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n but_o many_o pastor_n and_o many_o teacher_n in_o each_o of_o they_o beside_o other_o church_n officer_n and_o then_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n will_v be_v more_o in_o number_n many_o time_n than_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o particular_a church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n indeed_o to_o all_o church_n than_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o of_o they_o severally_z they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o and_o in_o all_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n do_v abundant_o appear_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a model_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n to_o use_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o act_v the_o second_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o and_o in_o that_o church_n there_o be_v no_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o that_o church_n feed_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o therefore_o after_o the_o very_a same_o example_n and_o pattern_n may_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v well_o form_v church_n &_o yet_o have_v neither_o a_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n among_o they_o for_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n have_v that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n among_o they_o and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o nevertheless_o be_v well_o form_v church_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o church_n all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o add_v to_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o force_v to_o walk_v either_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n that_o they_o may_v either_o know_v the_o saint_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o be_v know_v of_o they_o noâ—_n be_v ever_o force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o to_o enter_v in_o by_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n before_o their_o admittance_n so_o in_o this_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o that_o mother_n church_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a daughter-churche_n in_o admit_v of_o their_o member_n without_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o any_o that_o be_v add_v into_o she_o but_o of_o this_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o teach_v only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o their_o first_o admission_n of_o member_n who_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n only_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o not_o unto_o the_o people_n and_o as_o in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n oppose_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o they_o do_v saint_n paul_n act_v the_o 9_o verse_n 26_o 27._o of_o who_o they_o be_v afraid_a not_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o he_o then_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n they_o admit_v he_o come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o without_o their_o consent_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n place_v only_o to_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o not_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v gainsay_v the_o admission_n of_o any_o upon_o either_o their_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n or_o out_o of_o other_o respect_n that_o then_o they_o may_v have_v their_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v by_o they_o to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o their_o brethren_n for_o of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n never_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o schism_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n for_o some_o fayling_n but_o always_o constant_o frequent_v their_o public_a meet_v place_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o corruption_n of_o the_o teacher_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o manner_n and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n but_o of_o christ_n also_o in_o so_o do_v who_o when_o he_o be_v question_v concern_v his_o doctrine_n say_v i_o teach_v public_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o not_o in_o corner_n and_o by_o place_n and_o he_o enjoin_v the_o people_n also_o to_o do_v the_o same_o matth._n 23_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n his_o seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v but_o do_v not_o you_o after_o their_o work_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o church_n as_o their_o pattern_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o those_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v all_o save_a truth_n needful_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v christ_n both_o example_n and_o precept_n for_o it_o but_o because_o also_o separation_n be_v blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 10._o and_o therefore_o forbid_v who_o say_v verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o
waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v and_o let_v we_o consider_v one_o a_o other_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o a_o other_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v it_o seem_v the_o jew_n presume_v of_o their_o own_o holiness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n think_v base_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o begin_v to_o separate_v in_o that_o regard_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o too_o many_o now_o adays_o of_o the_o ildependents_n do_v from_o their_o brethren_n think_v themselves_o more_o holy_a than_o they_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o write_v to_o his_o country_n man_n the_o jew_n blame_v they_o for_o this_o and_o in_o they_o reprove_v all_o that_o do_v the_o like_a and_o forbid_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o saint_n john_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n say_v that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v not_o have_v go_v out_o and_o depart_v from_o among_o we_o but_o in_o that_o they_o separate_v from_o among_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o so_o that_o he_o make_v it_o a_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o apostate_n to_o make_v rent_n and_o schism_n in_o any_o church_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o all_o these_o regard_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o separation_n and_o aught_o in_o this_o to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n our_o pattern_n and_o example_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n though_o indeed_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o fayling_n in_o they_o which_o when_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n daily_o do_v they_o be_v high_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o offender_n against_o precept_n and_o precedent_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o never_o do_v it_o all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v aught_o to_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n they_o therefore_o not_o follow_v their_o pattern_n but_o make_v rent_n have_v in_o their_o so_o do_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o last_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n in_o their_o well_o do_v and_o in_o what_o be_v praise_v worthy_a so_o likewise_o wherein_o either_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n in_o they_o be_v fail_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o for_o it_o either_o reprove_v threaten_v or_o punish_v for_o their_o own_o disobedience_n or_o but_o for_o their_o indulgence_n at_o other_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o old_a ely_n i_o sam._n 3._o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o correct_v and_o chastise_v his_o wicked_a son_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o their_o particular_a fayling_n especial_o those_o of_o pergamos_n thyatira_n and_o laodicea_n for_o suffer_v the_o doctrinc_fw-la of_o balaam_n jezebel_n and_o of_o the_o nicolaitan_n though_o it_o be_v not_o with_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o but_o only_o in_o that_o they_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o do_v not_o exercise_v their_o power_n in_o cast_v out_o those_o offender_n and_o punish_v those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n who_o be_v indifferent_a what_o religion_n be_v set_v up_o or_o embrace_v among_o they_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n both_o these_o church_n and_o people_n and_o all_o other_o church_n for_o their_o fayling_n and_o punishment_n be_v example_n to_o we_o to_o teach_v and_o forewarn_v we_o not_o to_o offend_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n lest_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n we_o partake_v with_o they_o also_o in_o their_o several_a plague_n and_o punishment_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v pen_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 1_o cor._n 10._o verse_n 11._o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v tolerate_v all_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o god_n and_o labour_n by_o all_o our_o might_n to_o establish_v his_o true_a worship_n and_o for_o the_o extirpate_v of_o all_o heresy_n and_o scandal_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v a_o controversy_n against_o we_o as_o he_o have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o we_o repent_v not_o will_v remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n as_o he_o have_v do_v those_o church_n in_o asia_n who_o be_v all_o now_o under_o the_o mahometan_a superstition_n for_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o as_o every_o command_n of_o god_n be_v both_o preceptive_a and_o prohibitive_a so_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o god_n as_o that_o in_o the_o israelite_n 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o in_o the_o above_o mention_v church_n that_o have_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v as_o their_o special_a sin_n and_o fayling_n and_o some_o thing_n in_o they_o likewise_o to_o be_v imitate_v as_o their_o zeal_n piety_n virtue_n and_o godly_a example_n and_o holy_a courage_n which_o as_o they_o be_v all_o praise_n worthy_a and_o for_o which_o they_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v honour_v so_o they_o be_v set_v down_o for_o our_o learning_n and_o imitation_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o yea_o this_o their_o example_n be_v as_o a_o command_n to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v follow_v they_o in_o this_o their_o well_o do_v and_o where_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o there_o be_v a_o prohibition_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v heed_n leave_v they_o do_v the_o like_a and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n as_o paul_n speak_v 1._o tim._n 3._o verse_n 6._o where_n prohibit_v the_o evangelist_n to_o ordain_v a_o novice_n for_o a_o minister_n he_o say_v lest_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o by_o his_o pride_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o heaven_n that_o say_v the_o apostle_n he_o be_v condemn_v for_o therefore_o lay_v thou_o no_o hand_n upon_o a_o novice_n lest_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o fall_n into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o in_o all_o the_o former_a respect_n both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o other_o church_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o set_v they_o before_o our_o eye_n if_o we_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v those_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n they_o partake_v in_o for_o their_o well_o do_v or_o to_o shun_v and_o avoid_v those_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n negligence_n and_o rebellion_n and_o this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o say_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o my_o brother_n burton_n concern_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n enumerate_v by_o he_o all_o the_o which_o he_o assert_v be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n and_o plat_n form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o yet_o grollish_o deni_v that_o they_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n and_o a_o contradiction_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v with_o he_o and_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n a_o little_a to_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v my_o brother_n burtous_a expression_n in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n and_o reply_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n say_v he_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o second_o these_o word_n deserve_v due_a consideration_n among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o be_v one_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o sanctify_v that_o ordinance_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n as_o be_v do_v by_o his_o special_a command_n and_o that_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o righteousness_n both_o in_o himself_o
be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o wilful_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prelate_n reign_v every_o ceremony_n they_o bring_v in_o be_v except_v against_o as_o a_o human_a tradition_n and_o that_o worthy_o and_o every_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n be_v reject_v as_o popery_n and_o will-worship_n be_v abhor_v as_o antichristian_a and_o to_o serve_v god_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o by_o a_o service_n establish_v only_o by_o humane_a authority_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o thing_n displease_v unto_o god_n and_o think_v unsufferable_a and_o to_o have_v prelate_n set_v over_o they_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n be_v think_v the_o high_a point_n of_o tyranny_n and_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o root_n and_o branch_n with_o all_o their_o trumpery_n and_o appertinance_n all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o with_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n petition_v the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o many_o of_o they_o have_v venture_v their_o life_n in_o the_o just_a defence_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o have_v offer_v their_o estate_n and_o expose_v themselves_o and_o they_o to_z great_a danger_n in_o this_o good_a quarrel_n which_o will_v ever_o be_v to_o the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o they_o all_o to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o they_o will_v be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o nation_n to_o do_v the_o like_a yet_o behold_v every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n revive_v now_o and_o bring_v in_o among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o contend_v for_o with_o all_o severity_n and_o eagerness_n as_o for_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o ding_o they_o be_v but_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v necessary_o follow_v that_o their_o whole_a service_n and_o discipline_n with_o all_o their_o concomitant_n be_v but_o their_o own_o appointment_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n or_o pattern_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o new_a england_n &_o in_o their_o new_a congregation_n here_o they_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o poor_a people_n in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v as_o ever_o the_o lordly_a prelate_n do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o supercilious_a behaviour_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n swallow_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o god_n ordinance_n and_o bind_v themselves_o by_o their_o unholy_a covenant_n to_o observe_v they_o which_o in_o any_o understanding_n man_n judgement_n that_o know_v what_o his_o christian_a liberty_n be_v and_o in_o the_o which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o be_v the_o most_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o the_o world_n yet_o ever_o see_v and_o thus_o have_v brief_o discover_v some_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o definition_n and_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o will_v have_v and_o evince_v also_o that_o according_a to_o that_o there_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o congregationall_a church_n if_o they_o will_v be_v include_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o description_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v dependent_a i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o my_o last_o and_o main_a conclusion_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v from_o their_o own_o argument_n for_o thus_o they_o dispute_v against_o we_o those_o assembly_n say_v they_o or_o church_n in_o which_o the_o member_n be_v not_o visible_a saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_a together_o into_o their_o several_a congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n they_o be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v make_v companion_n with_o such_o kind_n of_o saint_n as_o job_n will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n be_v tagg_n rag_n with_o who_o godly_a soul_n can_v no_o more_o converse_v then_o with_o heathen_n but_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n through_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o unless_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o ildependents_a doctrine_n they_o teach_v their_o disciple_n concern_v our_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n as_o in_o that_o of_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burtons_n especial_o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o capital_a argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o maintain_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o upon_o which_o they_o ground_n the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o which_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o vouchsafe_v to_o read_v this_o book_n shall_v find_v in_o many_o place_n discover_v i_o will_v therefore_o in_o this_o place_n make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o against_o themselves_o to_o prove_v that_o their_o church_n and_o new_a gather_v congregation_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n as_o the_o several_a ensue_a argument_n will_v declare_v which_o i_o desire_v the_o independent_o themselves_o will_v without_o any_o prejudice_n serious_o consider_v and_o ponder_v that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o in_o time_n repent_v of_o all_o their_o unrighteous_a and_o uncharitable_a deal_n towards_o their_o brethren_n i_o thus_o argue_v those_o church_n and_o congregation_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_a together_o into_o their_o several_a assembly_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o be_v join_v together_o in_o a_o wicked_a conspiracy_n and_o combination_n against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o but_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o by_o their_o own_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o ildependents_a false_o pretend_v they_o sever_v themselves_o from_o our_o public_a assembly_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v gainsay_v it_o the_o minor_a therefore_o be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o as_o for_o the_o minor_a i_o thus_o evince_v it_o those_o church_n and_o congregation_n who_o member_n be_v raylor_n réviler_n slanderer_n covenant-breaker_n with_o god_n and_o man_n ordinary_a liar_n notorious_a calumniator_n and_o false_a accuser_n such_o as_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devil_n heretic_n open_a seducer_n and_o causer_n of_o division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o all_o christian_n have_v a_o special_a command_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o and_o to_o shun_v and_o be_v prohibit_v to_o receive_v into_o their_o house_n or_o bid_v god_n speed_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o be_v no_o visible_a saint_n nor_o good_a damon_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n for_o the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n it_o be_v ground_v upon_o godsown_a word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n for_o
church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v act_n the_o second_o that_o consist_v only_o of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n also_o of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v pag._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o those_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n within_o themselves_o and_o want_v discipline_n may_v be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o the_o church_n here_o of_o jorusalem_n be_v which_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n have_v no_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o dictinstion_n of_o officer_n &_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o it_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n &_o that_o because_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v draw_v these_o two_o infallibleconclusion_n the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o they_o want_v both_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o although_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n this_o first_o conclusion_n i_o say_v i_o infallible_o gather_v from_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v that_o have_v both_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a performance_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o all_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n for_o substance_n but_o all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o only_a glory_n in_o outward_a performance_n &_o consist_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n ergo._n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n &_o my_o brother_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o all_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o master_n hanserdo_v i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n ensue_a and_o after_o i_o have_v dispatch_v that_o work_n i_o will_v then_o in_o like_a manner_n reply_v to_o whatsoever_o either_o master_n knollys_n i._n s._n or_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o large_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o my_o foregoing_a reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n speak_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a in_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o proposition_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o jndependent_o assent_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o will_v then_o also_o faithful_o relate_v their_o own_o word_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n make_v against_o my_o argument_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n my_o second_o proposition_n now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v far_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o â—hose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church-communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o place_n in_o the_o same_o story_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n to_o this_o proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n thus_o reply_v to_o which_o i_o also_o say_v he_o consent_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v neither_o bathe_v the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o therein_o i_o must_v manifest_v my_o dissent_n from_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n promise_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v sound_o prove_v it_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o reply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o do_v that_o insert_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o it_o with_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v and_o answer_v to_o they_o all_o in_o order_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o that_o shall_v without_o prejudice_n read_v my_o foregoing_a argument_n and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v write_v will_v conclude_v that_o master_n hanserdo_n be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o of_o as_o little_a honesty_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v credit_v in_o what_o either_o he_o say_v or_o write_v neither_o ought_v master_n knollys_n in_o this_o controversy_n especial_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o be_v both_o party_n witness_n jury_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v gather_v and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o by_o scripture_n sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n abundant_o evince_v it_o all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o understand_a christian_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v grant_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o challenge_v master_n knollys_n his_o promise_n and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o error_n and_o so_o relinquish_v his_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o can_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o not_o keep_v his_o word_n for_o david_n describe_v a_o
true_a saint_n psal_n 15._o verse_n 4._o say_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o now_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o saint_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o promise_n he_o will_v abandon_v his_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o because_o master_n knollys_n so_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o shall_v desirehim_v and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fellowship_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n who_o esteem_v of_o himself_o as_o none_o of_o the_o weak_a brethren_n but_o account_v himself_o a_o champion_n and_o therefore_o come_v out_o to_o dare_v all_o the_o world_n of_o presbyterian_o and_o yet_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o his_o book_n be_v allow_v of_o and_o high_o approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v it_o be_v license_v by_o their_o bachelor_n of_o the_o black-art_a of_o il-dependency_n that_o shotten_a herring_n in_o divinity_n who_o allow_v of_o all_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n and_o set_v his_o imprimatur_fw-la to_o they_o so_o that_o what_o he_o license_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o they_o all_o now_o i_o desire_v mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o society_n to_o listen_v unto_o their_o great_a rabbi_n old_a harry_n my_o courteous_a and_o learned_a brother_n who_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o first_o form_v church_n say_v he_o we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o church_n and_o they_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n together_o shall_fw-mi 1._o and_o in_o the_o temple_n ver_fw-la 44._o 46._o grow_v from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o five_o thousand_o ch_z 4._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n which_o assemble_v together_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o though_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o diverse_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v yet_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o this_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v abundant_o satisfy_v mr_n knollys_n and_o all_o man_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n add_v the_o testimony_n likewise_o of_o another_o faithful_a brother_n against_o who_o i_o presume_v mr_n knollys_n can_v have_v no_o just_a exception_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o approve_a and_o seraphical_a witness_n the_o brethren_n can_v never_o doubt_v of_o it_o any_o more_o and_o this_o witness_n be_v one_o saint_n hanserdo_v one_o of_o saint_n george_n for_o england_n his_o chaplain_n a_o man_n worthy_a of_o esteem_n who_o usual_o preach_v on_o horseback_n to_o the_o country_n courtier_n all_o the_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v mr_n knollys_n will_v give_v great_a heed_n to_o saint_n hanserdo_n testimony_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o he_o touch_v this_o point_n in_o the_o ten_o page_n of_o his_o learned_a book_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n domatim_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o which_o two_o testimony_n the_o one_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n the_o other_o of_o saint_n hanserdo_n all_o intelligible_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a credit_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n or_o those_o of_o his_o party_n shall_v affirm_v either_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n or_o what_o they_o shall_v relate_v concern_v other_o man_n for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o touch_v themselves_o viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n mean_v all_o the_o illdependents_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o concern_v myself_o of_o who_o he_o say_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n now_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o his_o assertion_n i_o have_v not_o only_o from_o scripture_n prove_v it_o but_o from_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n hanserdos_n their_o own_o concession_n make_v it_o good_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v to_o all_o the_o world_n accuse_v master_n knollys_n of_o calumny_n and_o dishonesty_n and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o he_o of_o a_o apparent_a untruth_n in_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdoe_v testimony_n do_v it_o for_o i_o for_o in_o their_o above_o mention_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o that_o in_o book_n approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o that_o way_n in_o those_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n conceptis_fw-la verbis_fw-la say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v but_o one_o entire_a church_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o where_o to_o break_v bread_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v and_o saint_n hanserdos_n his_o testimony_n be_v as_o full_a as_o my_o brother_n burtons_n for_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n meet_v day_n by_o day_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o brake_n bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o do_v communicate_v from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o saint_n hanserdos_n witness_v to_o prove_v many_o assembly_n be_v most_o evident_a so_o that_o both_o these_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v may_v congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v moreover_o that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n now_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o regard_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o master_n knollys_n or_o any_o of_o his_o faction_n when_o he_o and_o they_o at_o pleasure_n dare_v publish_v such_o notorious_a untruth_n as_o these_o for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o my_o brother_n burton_n notwithstanding_o and_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v in_o express_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n assert_v that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o yea_o but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n for_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o for_o want_n of_o so_o spacious_a a_o room_n as_o can_v contain_v they_o all_o to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o for_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n they_o be_v not_o
to_o be_v regard_v for_o all_o they_o of_o that_o fraternity_n be_v general_o so_o give_v to_o tell_v untruth_n that_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o believe_v they_o neither_o when_o they_o say_v true_a nor_o when_o they_o lie_v for_o they_o will_v lie_v by_o the_o day_n &_o by_o the_o night_n but_o out_o of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o brethren_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v what_o they_o both_o grant_v and_o first_o to_o consider_v my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n for_o he_o in_o they_o accord_v to_o these_o three_o thing_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n second_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a company_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o that_o church_n which_o do_v daily_o communicate_v in_o god_n ordinance_n several_o three_o he_o assert_v that_o all_o those_o company_n in_o those_o several_a private_a house_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n in_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n due_o to_o weigh_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o my_o second_o proposition_n and_o there_o he_o aaknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o grant_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o diverse_a congregation_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v a_o congregation_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o he_o grant_v also_o they_o have_v a_o assembly_n in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o he_o acknowledge_v moreover_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n here_o hanserdo_n assign_v innumerable_a place_n more_o than_o the_o temple_n and_o solomon_n porch_n wherein_o the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n communicate_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o every_o day_n and_o those_o place_n be_v as_o he_o assign_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n for_o so_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o all_o interpreter_n and_o confess_v by_o mr_n knollys_n so_o that_o when_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o beside_o the_o temple_n and_o solomon_n porch_n wherein_o they_o meet_v every_o day_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n they_o break_v bread_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o also_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o every_o house_n than_o he_o in_o this_o do_v accord_n with_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o master_n knollys_n nevertheless_o deny_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v it_o when_o saint_n hanserdo_v nevertheless_o una_fw-la fidelia_fw-la dvos_fw-la parietes_fw-la have_v do_v both_o for_o first_o he_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n there_o second_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o first_o 5_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n so_o that_o master_n knollys_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o hereafter_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n when_o they_o shall_v due_o and_o mature_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v acknowledge_v will_v give_v they_o little_a thanks_o for_o their_o pain_n for_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o independent_o principle_n but_o total_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n through_o the_o world_n preach_v up_o and_o publish_v in_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n that_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o no_o not_o in_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o this_o doctrine_n they_o have_v broach_v to_o all_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v persuade_v they_o that_o this_o be_v god_n way_n and_o the_o gospel_n way_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o they_o call_v it_o the_o congregationall_a way_n affirm_v that_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n and_o precinct_n consist_v but_o of_o as_o many_o as_o do_v all_o meet_a in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o call_v god_n ordinance_n and_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n both_o assemble_v and_o not_o assemble_v have_v be_v hear_v say_v and_o promise_n that_o if_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v unto_o they_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o diverse_a assembly_n of_o believer_n either_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n that_o then_o they_o will_v relinquish_v their_o opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v not_o any_o warrant_n and_o foot_n in_o god_n word_n and_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o concern_v the_o combine_v of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o their_o dependency_n upon_o it_o and_o their_o make_n of_o a_o subordination_n of_o many_o assembly_n under_o one_o aristocracy_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n and_o joint_a consent_n of_o many_o elder_n be_v god_n ordinance_n this_o i_o say_v all_o the_o independent_o that_o i_o have_v ever_o talk_v with_o or_o or_o by_o relation_n hear_v of_o have_v promise_v and_o by_o protestation_n engage_v themselves_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n either_o in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o primtive_a church_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n among_o the_o brethren_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o although_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o that_o one_o presbytery_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o which_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v be_v that_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o whole_a debate_n and_o because_o also_o mr_n knollys_n have_v so_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n of_o believer_n there_o for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o man_n and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o brethren_n may_v be_v the_o more_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o the_o simple_a people_n also_o may_v be_v undeceive_v i_o shall_v desire_v they_o all_o serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v though_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v thus_o much_o of_o they_o both_o that_o they_o withhold_v much_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o i_o say_v i_o desire_v all_o man_n advise_o to_o weigh_n what_o they_o be_v both_o constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v first_o therefore_o i_o will_v again_o set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o will_v repeat_v saint_n hanserdoe_v expression_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o word_n be_v these_o they_o be_v say_v he_o constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o diverse_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o grant_v that_o those_o several_a company_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o master_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o all_z the_o believer_n say_v he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o day_n by_o day_n these_o be_v saint_n hanserdoe_v own_o word_n now_o i_o
of_o these_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v say_v he_o or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o the_o other_o church_n of_o judaea_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_a act_n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n he_o say_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o he_o so_o that_o in_o the_o reckon_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o now_o i_o refer_v myself_o unto_o the_o judicious_a and_o godly_a reader_n whether_o these_o man_n have_v not_o make_v false_a muster_n or_o not_o to_o use_v some_o of_o i._n s._n his_o language_n and_o whether_o or_o no_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n have_v not_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1._o and_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o do_v most_o sacrilegious_o unjust_o and_o wicked_o in_o thus_o rob_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o member_n for_o first_o they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o those_o devout_a man_n and_o true_a worshipper_n in_o jerusalem_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o second_o whereas_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n verse_n 47._o that_o beside_o those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o subduct_v and_o cut_v off_o those_o likewise_o and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v relate_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n they_o cut_v off_o three_o thousand_o of_o these_o also_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o great_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n than_o be_v before_o all_o those_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o subduct_v and_o pare_v off_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o those_o likewise_o they_o defalcate_v with_o all_o the_o other_o increase_v of_o multitude_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o with_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o record_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o but_o cast_v up_o the_o whole_a sum_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o total_a reckon_n and_o number_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o first_o and_o last_o to_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v do_v out_o of_o their_o perverse_a wilful_a and_o obstinate_a wickedness_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v deceive_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a people_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o thus_o to_o juggle_v who_o they_o can_v not_o delude_v if_o they_o be_v indeed_o true_o inform_v and_o do_v not_o they_o and_o their_o complice_n withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o they_o in_o unrighteousness_n for_o be_v the_o people_n true_o inform_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o all_o intelligible_a yea_o but_o ordinary_a understand_a man_n and_o woman_n yea_o very_a child_n will_v conclude_v that_o they_o can_v not_o then_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v still_o but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v combine_v under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o it_o this_o i_o affirm_v every_o rational_a creature_n will_v from_o ground_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v if_o they_o be_v right_o instruct_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o dishonesty_n both_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o all_o those_o teacher_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n thus_o to_o abuse_v the_o people_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o in_o they_o all_o to_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o true_o godly_a and_o such_o as_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o deal_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o i._o s._n that_o groll_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o second_o proposition_n for_o he_o must_v be_v answer_v also_o or_o else_o he_o will_v exceed_o triumph_v in_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o flagelli_fw-la he_o have_v these_o word_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o be_o not_o say_v he_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o doctor_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a thus_o i._n s._n express_v his_o non-satisfaction_n in_o that_o place_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n for_o far_a answer_n he_o thus_o declare_v himself_o first_o say_v he_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o church_n speak_v of_o act_n the_o 15._o 4._o i_o deny_v and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a presumption_n and_o beg_v of_o the_o question_n to_o say_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o one_o minister_a church_n especial_o if_o you_o reckon_v all_o johns_n disciple_n and_o convert_n to_o those_o believer_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o good_a space_n of_o time_n after_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n ere_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n so_o for_o any_o thing_n have_v yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v probable_a enough_o that_o the_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v not_o so_o many_o after_o you_o have_v cut_v off_o johns_n convert_n i_o mean_v those_o that_o do_v stick_v in_o johns_n baptism_n which_o be_v multitude_n and_o temporary_a believer_n which_o cease_v to_o walk_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o and_o stranger_n which_o do_v afterward_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o several_a country_n those_o that_o do_v remain_v at_o jerusalem_n do_v gradual_o grâ—w_v up_o unto_o church_n fellowship_n and_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o less_o then_o to_o the_o former_a beg_n and_o presumption_n that_o which_o sollowe_v viz._n that_o this_o proposition_n be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n viz._n that_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o what_o say_v i_o s._n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o not_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o word_n church_n be_v often_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a sir_n i._o s._n dispute_v who_o word_n be_v a_o very_a farrago_fw-la of_o error_n and_o vanity_n by_o which_o he_o sufficient_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o master_n saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o who_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n understand_v neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v and_o confident_a i_o be_o that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o arrogant_a and_o a_o more_o presumptuoas_n sot_n that_o ever_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n than_o this_o i._o s._n and_o who_o word_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o ignorance_n and_o full_a of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o self_n conceitednesse_n and_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n for_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o
possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n thus_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v those_o three_o thousand_o convert_n unto_o we_o as_o not_o only_o skilful_a in_o the_o theory_n of_o church-fellowship_n but_o also_o exceed_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o it_o whether_o therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a also_o in_o that_o j._n s._n say_v it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o once_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v when_o the_o scripture_n report_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o impartial_a reader_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v give_v their_o verdict_n against_o i._n s._n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n fellowship_n that_o be_v omit_v by_o they_o and_o although_o i_o love_v not_o such_o as_o will_v groundless_o be_v suspicious_a as_o i._o s._n be_v here_o and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n yet_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o independnnt_n will_v never_o be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o those_o three_o thousand_o and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v i_o continue_v in_o this_o belief_n for_o what_o i_o already_o know_v in_o their_o daily_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n they_o make_v notwithstanding_o so_o great_a a_o noy_n about_o therefore_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o upon_o all_o occasion_n not_o only_o to_o censure_v their_o christian_n brethren_n that_o live_v harmelesse_o by_o they_o but_o to_o suspect_v all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o christ_n death_n yea_o and_o to_o suspect_v even_o those_o three_o thousand_o also_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o peter_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o adjudge_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n to_o be_v all_o ignorant_a what_o church_n government_n and_o church_n fellowship_n be_v i_o leave_v it_o likewise_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prudent_a &_o advise_v reader_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a dependent_n thus_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n as_o well_o as_o the_o congregationall_a predicant_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o concern_v church_n fellowship_n when_o not_o withstand_v it_o be_v record_v of_o those_o minister_n that_o they_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o practise_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n act_v the_o 20._o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o the_o build_n up_o of_o believer_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i._o s._n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v still_o full_a of_o suspicion_n and_o yet_o never_o satisfy_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o confute_v their_o erroneous_a novelty_n for_o although_o i_o have_v sufficient_o confirm_v my_o first_o proposition_n and_o prove_v by_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v good_a christian_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o i._n s._n page_n 11._o say_n he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o scruple_n before_o instance_a and_o mr_n knollys_n in_o his_o 11._o page_n affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a these_o man_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v though_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o evident_o prove_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n such_o a_o brood_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o such_o man_n in_o all_o age_n that_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v christ_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n with_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o faithful_a minister_n can_v never_o satisfy_v the_o jew_n but_o they_o ever_o resist_v his_o spirit_n act_v 7._o neither_o can_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o satisfy_v all_o gainsayer_n but_o they_o will_v still_o be_v doubt_v among_o the_o which_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v with_o many_o of_o their_o fraternity_n may_v well_o be_v number_v but_o for_o all_o such_o christian_n as_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o from_o that_o satisfaction_n they_o will_v learn_v to_o abhor_v the_o error_n of_o all_o the_o sectary_n and_o straggler_n of_o our_o time_n and_o to_o decline_v &_o shun_v their_o company_n and_o fellowship_n and_o for_o all_o such_o as_o they_o be_v that_o will_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n i_o desire_v ever_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o not_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v ever_o scepticall_a and_o ever_o learning_n yet_o never_o attain_v or_o come_v to_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o other_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o for_o all_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o study_n to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v a_o company_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n from_o who_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v for_o all_o such_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o notwithstanding_o i_o say_v i_o have_v very_o little_a hope_n ever_o to_o satisfy_v any_o such_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v think_v to_o go_v about_o a_o impossible_a work_n if_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v it_o yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v sâ—e_v my_o fair_a deal_v with_o i._o s._n because_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n allege_v by_o i_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n i_o will_v therefore_o add_v a_o few_o reason_n more_o or_o at_o least_o call_v some_o of_o the_o former_a brief_o to_o his_o mind_n which_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n will_v persuade_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o satisfy_v he_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v satisfy_v and_o content_v other_o and_o to_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v produce_v i_o will_v also_o add_v some_o testimony_n of_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n or_o conviction_n at_o least_o all_o such_o as_o have_v read_v i._o s._n his_o learned_a work_n know_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o cut_v of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n passion_n and_o ascension_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o calendar_n and_o roll_n of_o the_o saint_n absolute_o deny_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_n all_o this_o i_o say_v those_o that_o have_v read_v his_o scruple_n very_o well_o know_v they_o know_v likewise_o that_o he_o grant_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o saint_n peter_n though_o he_o uncharitable_o say_v that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o instruct_v in_o church_n fellowship_n as_o convert_v so_o that_o here_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n we_o have_v a_o very_a ample_a congregation_n consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n person_n and_o in_o the_o same_o
chapter_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n true_a believer_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n all_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o those_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o these_o be_v without_o doubt_n great_a number_n they_o be_v indefinite_o set_v down_o and_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o find_v a_o new_a addition_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o convert_v and_o withal_o i_o may_v tell_v i._o s._n that_o it_o be_v suspicious_a to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n that_o the_o three_o thousand_o first_o convert_n be_v all_o man_n likewise_o for_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n conceive_v of_o those_o convert_n but_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n say_v in_o terminis_fw-la that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o convert_n be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o publish_n and_o spread_v abroad_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o their_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o any_o other_o people_n ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v make_v know_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o to_o all_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o neighbour_n especial_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o their_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o nurtrature_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v then_o as_o docible_a and_o intelligible_a and_o as_o ready_a to_o give_v attendance_n unto_o wholesome_a and_o sound_a word_n and_o to_o embrace_v any_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o our_o giddy-headed_a people_n and_o woman_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v novelty_n especial_o we_o may_v with_o all_o reason_n be_v induce_v to_o believe_v this_o that_o they_o will_v then_o be_v the_o soon_o persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n it_o come_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o with_o such_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n for_o the_o jew_n have_v often_o before_o desire_a sign_n and_o miracle_n say_v unto_o christ_n what_o sign_n she_o west_n thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o intimate_v that_o if_o he_o can_v show_v unto_o they_o any_o sign_n that_o then_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v in_o thou_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o save_v thyself_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v persuade_v we_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o then_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n do_v daily_o gratify_v they_o with_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o that_o the_o very_a high_a priest_n and_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v upon_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o cripple_n that_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a miracle_n i_o say_v therefore_o when_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concomitate_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n it_o can_v be_v doubâ—ed_v but_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o magistrate_n themselves_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v those_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o yield_v the_o more_o credit_n unto_o their_o husbund_n and_o master_n instruction_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o many_o woman_n luke_n 23._o ver_fw-la 27_o 28._o that_o mourn_v for_o christ_n when_o they_o carry_v he_o to_o crucify_a and_o if_o we_o look_v also_o into_o the_o story_n of_o holy_a writ_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n &_o those_o honourable_a one_o which_o minister_v daily_o unto_o he_o now_o than_o if_o we_o believe_v which_o we_o ought_v in_o charity_n to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o as_o many_o believe_a woman_n convert_v as_o man_n as_o we_o may_v for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a than_o we_o have_v already_o sixteen_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o the_o new_a stile_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v the_o church_n stand_v then_o at_o a_o stay_n for_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o dreadful_a death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o miracle_n believer_n say_v the_o text_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n now_o this_o word_n multitude_n as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o all_o language_n it_o ever_o signify_v some_o great_a company_n or_o some_o great_a assembly_n or_o concourse_n of_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n or_o a_o bad_a therefore_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o here_o many_o new_a great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n beside_o all_o those_o before_o specify_v and_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n v._n 7._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v bring_v forth_o many_o child_n which_o be_v beget_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o second_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n itself_o where_o be_v specify_v that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v increase_v and_o that_o in_o no_o small_a company_n in_o that_o very_a church_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n three_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o multiply_v great_o both_o the_o word_n have_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o they_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o great_o to_o show_v the_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o they_o as_o if_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v say_v that_o the_o number_n can_v not_o be_v set_v down_o four_o it_o be_v say_v also_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n not_o a_o few_o but_o a_o great_a company_n also_o of_o the_o priest_n those_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n every_o one_o of_o these_o word_n have_v weight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v but_o a_o little_a ponder_v will_v create_v belief_n from_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n man_n that_o there_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o after_o their_o conversion_n infinite_n of_o people_n daily_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o preach_v of_o these_o priest_n also_o of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o harbour_v this_o opinion_n that_o now_o they_o be_v as_o diligent_a consider_v the_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o themselves_o to_o convert_v and_o bring_v man_n unto_o he_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o to_o dissuade_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v he_o this_o i_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n bind_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v now_o convert_v will_v study_v to_o convert_v other_o for_o we_o see_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o andrew_n have_v find_v christ_n john_n 1._o he_o bring_v his_o brother_n simon_n to_o he_o and_o after_o christ_n have_v call_v philip_n unto_o he_o he_o find_v nathaniel_n bring_v he_o also_o unto_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v ever_o operative_a and_o fruitful_a and_o will_v loose_v no_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o gain_v friend_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v real_o and_o true_o convert_v they_o will_v ever_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o convert_v other_o yea_o they_o be_v bind_v unto_o it_o according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o relate_v unto_o peter_n that_o the_o devil_n sought_n to_o winnow_v he_o as_o wheat_n and_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v add_v withal_o this_o lesson_n unto_o simon_n peter_n say_v when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n this_o duty_n lie_v not_o only_o upon_o simon_n peter_n but_o it_o
and_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v such_o multitude_n of_o simple_a people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n what_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v all_o man_n think_v those_o learned_a rabbi_n those_o priest_n with_o all_o the_o apostle_n daily_o convert_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o their_o doctrine_n be_v so_o crown_v with_o so_o many_o miracle_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v never_o have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o convert_v innumerable_a company_n yet_o common_a reason_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v convert_v many_o thousand_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o matt._n 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o in_o jordan_n and_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n and_o when_o it_o far_o also_o record_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o miracle_n and_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o when_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n it_o relate_v the_o conversion_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n say_v that_o more_o multitude_n both_o of_o believer_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o place_n witness_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o can_v not_o now_o be_v tell_v for_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o by_o three_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n and_o five_o thousand_o they_o 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believer_n and_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o no_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n or_o room_n spacious_a enough_o to_o contain_v the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o place_n can_v have_v hold_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o yet_o than_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v then_o have_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v it_o that_o in_o one_o of_o our_o church_n here_o in_o london_n which_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v hold_v half_o ten_o thousand_o that_o half_a of_o they_o ordinary_o not_o well_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n though_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a pair_n of_o lung_n yea_o i_o hear_v man_n daily_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o minister_n preach_v they_o stand_v so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o three_o thousand_o then_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v in_o less_o assembly_n where_o all_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v ever_o to_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n especial_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n as_o i_o have_v quote_v say_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o relate_v that_o if_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v at_o last_o satisfy_v sir_n i._o s._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v say_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n but_o if_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o write_v will_v not_o satisfy_v his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o take_v his_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n i_o shall_v now_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o a_o corollary_n desire_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n saint_n hanserdo_n two_o faithful_a brethren_n of_o his_o society_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o business_n it_o may_v be_v i._o s._n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o such_o approve_a witness_n and_o great_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v i_o can_v but_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n because_o all_o the_o illdependents_a judge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o honest_a man_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v a_o very_a venerable_a opinion_n of_o they_o both_o for_o their_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o erudition_n i_o entreat_v i._n s._n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n sapientum_fw-la octavum_fw-la it_o may_v be_v his_o word_n may_v satisfy_v his_o scrupulous_a and_o tender_a conscience_n who_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a book_n say_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o most_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a how_o es_a to_o communicate_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_z 10._o &_o 11._o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o they_o both_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n cencern_v the_o number_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o now_o then_o when_o there_o be_v but_o about_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n soul_n at_o the_o first_o and_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o at_o last_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n they_o be_v then_o force_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o company_n as_o have_v no_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a or_o day_n by_o day_n according_a to_o saint_n hanserdoe_v learning_n that_o be_v in_o innumerable_a place_n i_o say_v when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o seraphical_a doctor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n and_o childhood_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v many_o ass_n bly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n how_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_v and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judaea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o be_v abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_n unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o
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
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_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 determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a
cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o their_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n or_o care_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o yea_o act._n 15._o 2._o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o verse_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o preebyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governor_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o their_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a verse_n 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o council_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o 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 be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o will_v faithful_o set_v down_o whâ—t_a master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o mr_n hanserdo_v who_o pag._n 11._o and_o 12._o thus_o repli_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o word_n of_o this_o scripture_n act_v 11._o ver_fw-la 27._o say_v he_o which_o the_o doctor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n be_v these_o ver_fw-la 30._o and_o send_v it_o viz._n the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n say_v the_o doctor_n we_o see_v that_o
the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o master_n knollys_n page_n 11._o repli_v as_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n say_v he_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 but_o this_o i_o conceive_v by_o the_o doctor_n favour_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n much_o less_o do_v that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n but_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o and_o and_z chap._n 16._o 4._o and_o chap._n 21._o 17_o 18._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n say_v the_o doctor_n be_v express_v these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n with_o his_o reply_n and_o answer_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n in_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v and_o what_o he_o grant_v 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 take_v i_o pray_v his_o own_o expression_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o it_o lay_v only_o in_o their_o hand_n as_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sole_o delegated_a so_o that_o he_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n may_v now_o perceive_v that_o mr_n knollys_n and_o the_o brethren_n do_v accord_n unto_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v member_n so_o that_o i_o have_v as_o much_o assent_v unto_o by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o i_o desire_v by_o the_o which_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v he_o have_v utter_o exclude_v the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n and_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a assembly_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o 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 hereafter_o i_o hope_v the_o brethren_n will_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o if_o i_o believe_v as_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n believe_v and_o as_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n believe_v those_o confide_a man_n when_o master_n knollys_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o they_o that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n shoulder_n and_o therefore_o not_o upon_o the_o people_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o far_o contest_v between_o we_o about_o this_o business_n see_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o contentiousnesse_n of_o the_o man_n spirit_n who_o grant_v the_o thing_n and_o yet_o wrangle_v about_o word_n and_o that_o wretched_o and_o poor_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v in_o my_o argument_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o this_o do_v prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n second_o that_o that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n these_o two_o thing_n master_n knollys_n affirm_v will_v not_o ensue_v from_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o i_o ground_v my_o argument_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o both_o these_o cavil_v of_o master_n hanserdo_n i_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o a_o foreiner_n to_o all_o good_a learning_n so_o he_o be_v but_o a_o suck_a politician_n not_o know_v either_o his_o primer_n in_o that_o art_n or_o his_o catechism_n in_o theology_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a error_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o his_o fraternity_n who_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n they_o be_v excellent_a statesman_n and_o grandee_n in_o government_n they_o will_v in_o time_n prove_v themselves_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o a_o company_n of_o groll_n and_o ninnye_n and_o i_o hope_v yet_o to_o see_v that_o day_n that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o explode_v &_o baffle_v out_o of_o their_o fond_a whimsy_n as_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v or_o any_o distemper_a sect_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v master_n knollys_n his_o error_n and_o the_o groundlessenesse_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n who_o say_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n because_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n speak_v something_o concern_v politic_n and_o show_v wherein_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n it_o reside_v and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n or_o rather_o part_n of_o government_n in_o either_o of_o they_o so_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o country_n or_o common_a wealth_n those_o man_n only_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v betrust_v either_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o those_o several_a government_n lie_v and_o be_v deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o manage_v they_o and_o in_o no_o body_n else_o but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o their_o appointment_n or_o good_a like_n and_o love_n and_o if_o man_n will_v then_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o government_n secular_a in_o all_o state_n and_o country_n and_o compare_v the_o ecclesiastical_a with_o they_o which_o without_o any_o offence_n they_o may_v do_v the_o truth_n will_v more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o obvious_a to_o every_o intelligible_a creature_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o have_v either_o read_v or_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o politic_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o legislative_a power_n lie_v so_o that_o they_o can_v either_o make_v or_o enact_v new_a law_n and_o statute_n or_o repeal_n or_o abrogate_v any_o old_a one_o and_o ratify_v both_o with_o sanction_n and_o who_o have_v also_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o punish_v all_o prevaricator_n against_o their_o law_n all_o man_n i_o say_v know_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o and_o only_o in_o those_o man_n hand_n that_o exercise_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o essential_a part_n or_o property_n of_o sovereign_a and_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n and_o that_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n who_o be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n there_o the_o second_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o government_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o can_v erect_v and_o create_v new_a office_n and_o new_a officer_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o set_v up_o new_a court_n and_o judge_n and_o can_v confer_v name_n honour_n and_o title_n of_o dignity_n upon_o they_o several_o and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a place_n office_n and_o judicature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o essential_a property_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o power_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o that_o government_n and_o no_o other_o
office_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v they_o first_o in_o the_o mother-church_n jerusalem_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n yea_o they_o give_v those_o officer_n their_o name_n and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a office_n as_o be_v manifest_a act_v the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n they_o also_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o all_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o denounce_v war_n and_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thess_n 1._o verse_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n likewise_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_n and_o extreme_a refuge_n and_o relief_n and_o help_n all_o appeal_n be_v make_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o book_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n upon_o earth_n in_o god_n matter_n in_o who_o hand_n all_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o reside_v and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o they_o the_o which_o example_n of_o they_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o precedent_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o in_o that_o controversy_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o antioch_n through_o false_a teacher_n by_o who_o that_o heresy_n be_v broach_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o by_o which_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a lewes_z who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n because_o they_o do_v neglect_v those_o ceremony_n whereupon_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o for_o the_o decide_n and_o determine_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o know_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o dogmatic_a diatacticall_a and_o critical_a yea_o authoritative_a and_o command_a who_o enter_v into_o a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o reason_n argument_n and_o disputation_n and_o find_v by_o disquisition_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n not_o pretend_v any_o new_a revelation_n or_o new_a light_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o superlative_a assistance_n in_o the_o decide_n that_o debate_n but_o only_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o first_o show_v and_o put_v forth_o their_o dogmatic_a power_n confute_v and_o convince_a the_o heresy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n second_o they_o declare_v their_o diatacticall_a authority_n make_v a_o practical_a canon_n or_o law_n for_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o three_o they_o exercise_v their_o critical_a power_n and_o judiciary_n authority_n verse_n 24._o condemn_a and_o brand_a those_o teacher_n with_o that_o infamous_a and_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n four_o and_o last_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v their_o imparative_fw-it and_o authoritative_a power_n in_o send_v those_o decree_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o do_v this_o and_o live_v v._o 29._o for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v which_o when_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o there_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n likewise_o remain_v and_o reside_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o they_o exercise_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n ever_o run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n last_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n have_v for_o they_o bring_v the_o money_n always_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4._o and_o afterward_o all_o the_o money_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o all_o church_n as_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n lay_v which_o they_o never_o give_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o relinquish_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n give_v direction_n to_o their_o several_a deacon_n how_o to_o distribute_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o common_a emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o alm_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o judaea_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o only_o and_o whole_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o now_o then_o when_o the_o contribution_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n which_o they_o ever_o exercise_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o common_a to_o dispose_v of_o they_o now_o before_o this_o relief_n be_v send_v thither_o and_o long_o after_o that_o as_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n declare_v most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v there_o and_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v presbyter_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o relate_v that_o the_o alm_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n say_v they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n now_o they_o be_v all_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o dialect_n of_o holy_a write_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n we_o shall_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n that_o either_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o more_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o make_v mention_n of_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a moderator_n and_o prime_a agent_n in_o the_o business_n which_o be_v never_o carry_v by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o multitude_n or_o people_n and_o it_o it_o be_v credible_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o judaea_n till_o after_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o he_o continue_v precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n his_o whole_a life_n time_n
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
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
and_o presbyter_n may_n any_o man_n suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o synod_n and_o shall_v then_o and_o there_o have_v hear_v they_o dispute_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o they_o and_o to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n can_v bear_v and_o therefore_o decree_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n i_o say_v it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n it_o will_v have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o heat_n and_o rage_n as_o they_o will_v have_v set_v the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o uproar_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o life_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n there_o and_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v side_v with_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o will_v have_v incense_v they_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n because_o they_o grant_v great_a privilege_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o give_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n still_o observe_v and_o strict_o keep_v so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v from_o judaea_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v urge_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n among_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o i_o say_v if_o these_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n have_v all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n how_o many_o soever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o use_v master_n knollys_n expression_n be_v present_a as_o he_o groundlesse_o affirm_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o vote_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o they_o will_v have_v vote_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o this_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v have_v stain_n paul_n for_o this_o their_o jealousy_n only_o that_o he_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o if_o the_o brethren_n in_o jerusalem_n those_o believe_a jew_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n say_v have_v then_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v assent_v and_o vote_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o it_o as_o master_n knollys_n against_o all_o reason_n say_v they_o do_v for_o than_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o paul_n for_o instruct_v the_o gentile_n and_o all_o people_n in_o their_o christian_n liberty_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n make_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o paul_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o he_o yet_o urge_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v decree_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o whole_a church_n and_o multitude_n as_o many_o as_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o shall_v have_v vote_v with_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o to_o free_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o they_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o saint_n paul_n for_o observe_v their_o order_n and_o decree_n and_o for_o obey_v their_o injunction_n but_o when_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o for_o but_o hear_v he_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n &_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o the_o multitude_n can_v be_v understand_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o he_o grollish_o assert_v can_v they_o have_v all_o possible_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o than_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o decree_n and_o be_v offend_v with_o other_o for_o observe_v what_o they_o themselves_o have_v command_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n there_o first_o all_o sister_n be_v exclude_v for_o they_o be_v not_o number_v among_o they_o and_o so_o then_o not_o all_o the_o believer_n for_o sister_n also_o be_v believer_n and_o of_o the_o multitude_n and_o second_o all_o those_o zealot_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n have_v no_o vote_n in_o that_o synod_n and_o be_v not_o present_v there_o for_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o saint_n paul_n for_o preach_v according_a to_o those_o decree_n make_v and_o vote_v there_o so_o that_o mr_n knollys_n in_o time_n may_v come_v to_o see_v his_o error_n and_o by_o brethren_n there_o and_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v very_o well_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v viz._n prophet_n and_o choose_a man_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n for_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n be_v convert_v and_o be_v member_n there_o though_o not_o fix_v officer_n and_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n as_o the_o other_o be_v who_o synecdochical_o be_v call_v the_o church_n a_o part_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n from_o among_o who_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v go_v and_o have_v teach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o and_o with_o these_o also_o may_v be_v reckon_v those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o that_o council_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v the_o brethren_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o text_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v so_o that_o to_o all_o man_n that_o read_v but_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n with_o judgement_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o by_o brethren_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o multitude_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v some_o choose_a man_n man_n of_o eminency_n for_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n prophet_n who_o dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o business_n there_o and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v for_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o not_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n daily_o though_o false_o assert_v and_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n and_o rot_a foundation_n lay_v in_o their_o own_o brain_n will_v erect_v and_o build_v their_o new_a confuse_a babel_n of_o independency_n admit_v all_o people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n but_o also_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o dependency_n upon_o other_o church_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o mere_a anarchy_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o two_o conclusion_n will_v evident_o ensue_v and_o plain_o arise_v first_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o equal_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o likewise_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o and_o upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n second_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o brethren_n nor_o sister_n in_o those_o day_n be_v to_o have_v their_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admission_n of_o member_n
his_o throne_n all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v i_o say_v make_v christ_n a_o pagent_n king_n and_o salute_v he_o with_o hail_n master_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o usurp_v some_o of_o their_o own_o rhetoric_n and_o learned_a elequence_n but_o indeed_o they_o disthrone_v he_o for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o disthrone_v a_o king_n if_o write_v of_o warn_v piece_n and_o pamphlet_n against_o king_n service_n and_z kings-honour_n be_v not_o and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o to_o disthrone_v a_o king_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v all_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o people_n name_n and_o to_o send_v out_o all_o their_o warrant_n and_o mandate_n in_o the_o people_n name_n and_o to_o command_v all_o their_o officer_n to_o manage_v all_o their_o employment_n in_o the_o people_n name_n never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o king_n in_o a_o public_a act_n of_o government_n be_v not_o all_o these_o action_n and_o passage_n to_o any_o rational_a creature_n a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o the_o king_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v either_o absolute_o disthron_v or_o be_v but_o a_o king_n to_o they_o in_o ludibry_a as_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o wicked_a jew_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o understand_a man_n will_v so_o conclude_v now_o when_o in_o all_o the_o new_a congregation_n those_o new_a gather_a church_n the_o ildependents_n there_o have_v such_o among_o they_o that_o write_v book_n and_o that_o with_o their_o approbation_n against_o jesu-worship_n that_o be_v against_o the_o worship_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o when_o every_o day_n in_o all_o their_o particular_a church_n they_o exercise_v all_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o church_n and_o not_o in_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n and_o that_o against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o affirm_v and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v ever_o to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o rob_v christ_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o due_a honour_n but_o a_o blasphemous_a and_o more_o than_o a_o papal_a usurpation_n and_o derogate_a from_o his_o kingly_a dignity_n and_o royalty_n yea_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plain_a disthron_v of_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o place_n and_o put_v themselves_o in_o it_o which_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o contumacy_n rebellion_n and_o blasphemy_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o for_o myself_o i_o know_v not_o what_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v if_o they_o be_v not_o blasphemy_n for_o when_o i_o learn_v divinity_n i_o be_v teach_v that_o blasphemy_n consist_v in_o this_o either_o to_o give_v unto_o god_n that_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o majesty_n &_o divine_a nature_n or_o to_o detract_v from_o he_o that_o that_o peculiar_o belong_v either_o to_o the_o essence_n person_n or_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o due_a to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o any_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n to_o any_o creature_n or_o malicious_o or_o wicked_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o god_n his_o essence_n attribute_n word_n work_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o do_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n obstinate_o and_o wilful_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n when_o i_o study_v divinity_n be_v think_v blasphemy_n and_o worthy_a of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o those_o that_o perpetrate_v any_o of_o those_o crime_n be_v repute_v unworthy_a to_o live_v and_o proclaim_v blasphemer_n and_o man_n unsufferable_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o such_o kind_n of_o creature_n in_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v call_v blasphemy_n and_o that_o rob_v christ_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o write_v against_o jesu-worship_n &_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bless_a trinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o disthrone_v christ_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n while_o they_o cry_v hail_n master_n exercise_v all_o act_n of_o government_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o many_o more_o intolerable_a insolence_n they_o daily_o commit_v against_o the_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o all_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v count_v saint_n that_o commit_v these_o vice_n and_o malifice_n and_o great_a book_n be_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o all_o these_o wicked_a blasphemous_a wretch_n and_o both_o their_o error_n and_o their_o person_n be_v countenance_v and_o that_o by_o their_o great_a rabbye_n and_o champion_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v in_o god_n dialect_n and_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n both_o old_a and_o new_a count_v abominable_a creature_n and_o man_n unholy_a and_o displease_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o actor_n and_o abetter_n and_o countenancer_n of_o all_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o wickedness_n be_v think_v equal_o guilty_a and_o great_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n be_v denounce_v against_o they_o all_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a out_o of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o yet_o these_o great_a evil_n be_v count_v but_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o our_o independent_a master_n now_o than_o i_o say_v when_o the_o illdefendents_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o these_o crime_n as_o partly_o act_v they_o partly_o tolerate_v such_o as_o be_v both_o actor_n and_o abetter_n or_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o countenance_v they_o pretend_v they_o what_o they_o will_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o hope_v to_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o disthrone_v christ_n &_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o so_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o that_o crime_n they_o lie_v to_o the_o presbyterian_o charge_n who_o they_o daily_o accuse_v to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n rule_v over_o they_o when_o notwithstanding_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v by_o god_n divine_a assistance_n set_v up_o christ_n king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o shall_v ever_o desire_v that_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o praise_n may_v be_v give_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o that_o he_o may_v sole_o rule_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o 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the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o horrid_a injustice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o sectary_n and_o independent_o to_o do_v which_o although_o i_o have_v brief_o prove_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v here_o again_o for_o the_o more_o full_a elucidation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o better_a set_v forth_o of_o the_o illdependent_a wickedness_n a_o little_a further_o expatiate_v in_o this_o business_n and_o answer_n to_o all_o that_o i._o s._n have_v material_o or_o with_o any_o colour_n to_o speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o cause_n where_o i_o presume_v he_o have_v speak_v as_o much_o as_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n think_v and_o conceive_v make_v for_o it_o and_o for_o which_o their_o vain_a and_o impious_a jangle_n they_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o dreadful_a account_n i_o undertake_v therefore_o now_o to_o prove_v
be_v exclude_v who_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n permit_v to_o vote_n in_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o there_o for_o woman_n be_v part_n of_o the_o multitude_n neither_o be_v the_o weak_a brethren_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 14._o v._n 1._o and_o this_o be_v accord_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a i._o s._n that_o confident_a disputant_n who_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o from_o saint_n paul_n doctrine_n there_o be_v neither_o woman_n nor_o weak_a brethren_n there_o and_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o concession_n the_o weak_a be_v not_o admit_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o 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all_o such_o as_o these_o be_v do_v that_o synod_n consist_v and_o not_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n w_z ch_n be_v not_o member_n fit_a for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n which_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o order_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n much_o less_o to_o woman_n &_o therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o synecdochical_o as_o before_o for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o council_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o eminent_a minister_n and_o prophet_n that_o be_v commissioner_n there_o and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elders_n he_o which_o yet_o be_v more_o evident_a from_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o only_o can_v be_v judge_n and_o voter_n in_o that_o synod_n which_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o the_o full_a dispute_n on_o both_o side_n for_o none_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n that_o have_v not_o full_o hear_v the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n on_o both_o side_n which_o i._o s._n acknowledge_v the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v nor_o can_v judge_v of_o because_o they_o be_v intricate_a ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n nor_o give_v their_o voice_n there_o upon_o no_o term_n for_o they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o full_o &_o understand_o hear_v now_o the_o weak_a neither_o hear_v neither_o can_v they_o have_v understand_v if_o they_o have_v hear_v both_o which_o i._o s._n accord_v to_o and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o weak_a brethren_n can_v be_v mean_v much_o less_o the_o sister_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o with_o deliberation_n weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ponder_v and_o consider_v of_o very_a reason_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v every_o rational_a and_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o none_o can_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o any_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o have_v hear_v the_o plead_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o controversy_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n which_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n &_o presbyter_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o such_o as_o sylas_n and_o judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v verse_n 6._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o for_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o none_o but_o they_o that_o manage_v the_o disputation_n and_o hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n be_v or_o can_v be_v judge_n which_o all_o the_o people_n neither_o do_v nor_o possible_o can_v do_v neither_o may_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v any_o raw_a head_a boy_n or_o giddy_a brain_a creature_n or_o minor_n in_o it_o or_o any_o such_o as_o be_v ever_o run_v out_o and_o in_o for_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v that_o that_o great_a council_n be_v like_o a_o pigeon_n house_n where_o they_o be_v continual_o flutter_v out_o and_o flutter_v in_o for_o that_o council_n consist_v of_o such_o man_n only_o as_o be_v holy_a grave_a and_o approve_v all_o prophet_n such_o as_o sylas_n judas_n and_o barnabas_n be_v such_o as_o for_o gravity_n and_o experience_n be_v think_v fit_a companion_n to_o sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o consultation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o council_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o venerable_a precious_a godly_a and_o staid_a man_n of_o who_o we_o can_v not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n think_v that_o they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o synod_n negligent_o or_o to_o the_o half_n or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o sit_v close_o and_o diligent_o to_o the_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o session_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o that_o as_o they_o meet_v altogether_o at_o a_o set_a hour_n or_o time_n so_o that_o they_o continue_v and_o keep_v together_o in_o consultation_n and_o dispute_n as_o long_o as_o any_o other_o sit_v and_o till_o they_o in_o their_o wisdom_n by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o agreement_n think_v fit_a to_o sit_v to_o the_o full_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o till_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v be_v it_o few_o or_o more_o day_n or_o week_n and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o record_v how_o long_o the_o council_n continue_v yet_o we_o read_v not_o where_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n but_o that_o they_o sit_v altogether_o in_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o commissioner_n till_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o whole_a debate_n and_o dispute_v and_o none_o but_o they_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v but_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n above_o specify_v viz_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o weak_a brethren_n nor_o the_o sister_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n from_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o go_v upon_o to_o raise_v and_o make_v such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o do_v which_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o for_o the_o take_v away_o all_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o god_n notwithstanding_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o for_o as_o his_o word_n declare_v he_o account_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o a_o committee_n only_o to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o which_o as_o he_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o assent_v unto_o the_o decree_n they_o have_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o to_o divest_v the_o apostle_n of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v it_o and_o place_n it_o upon_o the_o people_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a than_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n perpetrate_v against_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o any_o and_o as_o this_o deal_n and_o proceed_v of_o i._o s._n be_v most_o injurious_a to_o the_o apostle_n so_o this_o his_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o divine_a
reckon_v before_o his_o host_n but_o whereas_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o their_o denial_n then_o i_o be_o may_v speak_v according_a to_o his_o information_n and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o blame_v worthy_a as_o in_o the_o former_a of_o his_o conclusion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n material_a or_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o can_v name_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o tell_v i_o discourse_v with_o they_o that_o by_o read_v of_o my_o book_n they_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o to_o my_o knowledge_n all_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o but_o whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o abundant_o evince_v there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v own_o word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o man_n as_o have_v any_o understanding_n and_o without_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o forego_n discourse_n course_n whither_o i_o send_v they_o entreat_v they_o likewise_o with_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v it_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v believe_v concern_v that_o business_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v former_o deny_v they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdoe_v own_o concession_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o i_o be_o most_o assure_a they_o will_v also_o for_o time_n to_o come_v take_v heed_n how_o they_o believe_v mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n without_o other_o sufficient_a and_o approve_a witness_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v what_o learn_v i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v he_o in_o the_o 13._o page_n answer_v thus_o first_o say_v he_o they_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n a_o example_n of_o unite_n or_o aggregation_n except_o it_o be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n aggregated_a which_o a_o very_a facile_a and_o swasible_a reader_n may_v well_o doubt_v of_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v yet_o be_v say_v to_o make_v it_o good_a for_o answer_v to_o i._o s._n i_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a facile_a and_o swasible_a reader_n that_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v but_o what_o i_o have_v wrâ—t_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n both_o to_o himself_o hanserdo_v knollys_n and_o my_o learned_a brother_n burton_n will_v never_o doubt_v but_o that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o make_v it_o good_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n aggregated_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v send_v all_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o shun_v error_n and_o to_o decline_v all_o trivall_n and_o fond_a seducer_n to_o what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_n to_o his_o first_o reply_n second_o say_v he_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o church_n do_v aggregate_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o example_n be_v bind_o presidentiall_a etc._n etc._n here_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o novice_n and_o worthless_a man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o all_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o any_o sound_a reason_n or_o with_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n for_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o independent_o against_o he_o in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o its_o government_n to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o have_v be_v all_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o illdependents_n whether_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o profess_v that_o then_o the_o cause_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o day_n be_v the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n assent_v unto_o in_o the_o forego_n word_n so_o that_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o one_o another_o mind_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o persuade_v other_o they_o be_v now_o profound_a i._n s._n deny_v that_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o assembly_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v bind_o presidentiall_a these_o be_v his_o word_n by_o the_o which_o he_o beat_v up_o all_o the_o independent_o quarter_n to_o use_v his_o own_o rhetoric_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v that_o cause_n he_o as_o a_o champion_n come_v out_o to_o maintain_v neither_o have_v he_o only_o beat_v up_o the_o independent_o quarter_n but_o indeed_o all_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n for_o that_o government_n they_o establish_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v leave_v for_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o not_o only_o the_o independent_o but_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v do_v accord_n yea_o the_o scripture_n itself_o have_v command_v it_o isaih_o 2._o saying_n out_o of_o zion_n shall_v come_v the_o law_n 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and_o assent_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a from_o all_o which_o when_o j._n s._n most_o rash_o and_o wicked_o dissent_v i_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n who_o i_o hope_v will_v whip_v he_o out_o of_o their_o assembly_n with_o his_o foolish_a flagello_fw-la flagelli_fw-la for_o thus_o sottish_o beat_v up_o of_o all_o their_o quarter_n and_o renounce_v all_o the_o independent_o principle_n while_o he_o labour_v to_o maintain_v they_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o i._o s._n his_o grollery_n to_o the_o former_a proposition_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n concern_v hanserdo_a i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o as_o they_o be_v very_o confuse_v in_o their_o reply_n jumble_v thing_n together_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a leap_v backward_o and_o forward_o pick_v and_o choose_v snatch_v and_o carp_n yea_o and_o trifle_v about_o word_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a defendant_n be_v so_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o saintlike_a with_o the_o people_n who_o they_o desire_v to_o delude_v and_o therefore_o they_o pass_v over_o the_o most_o material_a argument_n never_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o and_o slight_v all_o as_o not_o worthy_a the_o answer_n to_o and_o by_o such_o art_n as_o these_o be_v they_o most_o prodigious_o abuse_v the_o well_o mind_a people_n and_o by_o these_o their_o unchristian_a unbrother_o and_o wicked_a deal_n they_o every_o day_n broach_v their_o error_n with_o more_o facility_n and_o abuse_v all_o their_o ignorant_a and_o credulous_a follower_n to_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o many_o of_o their_o poor_a soul_n some_o of_o the_o which_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v be_v man_n
esteem_v of_o to_o be_v godly_a as_o walk_v unblamable_o be_v also_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n before_o they_o know_v they_o yet_o after_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o be_v first_o by_o their_o mean_n seduce_v from_o our_o church_n after_o some_o time_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o congregation_n also_o into_o wicked_a and_o desperate_a opinion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o become_v so_o profane_a and_o beastly_a yea_o so_o atheistical_a as_o it_o will_v exceed_v ordinary_a belief_n to_o relate_v and_o true_o if_o i_o have_v not_o very_o good_a witness_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v beside_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o because_o if_o occasion_n serve_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v many_o precedent_n of_o fearful_a apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o that_o be_v their_o scholar_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n i_o be_o the_o willing_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o i_o 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church_n and_o their_o answer_n unto_o they_o wherein_o they_o rather_o trifle_v then_o dispute_n as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o my_o reply_n unto_o they_o first_o set_v down_o the_o question_n full_o with_o all_o my_o query_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o all_o the_o material_n of_o their_o fond_a cavil_n and_o evasion_n with_o their_o silly_a responsal_n to_o they_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practise_v in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o then_o reply_v to_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n deduce_v from_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o will_v add_v many_o more_o precedent_n and_o they_o undeniable_a one_o of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v of_o member_n and_o that_o into_o church_n form_v after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n 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may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v this_o be_v the_o second_o quere_z the_o three_o be_v whether_o for_o make_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n or_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v requisite_a the_o four_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o one_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n a_o private_a solemn_a covenant_n be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n the_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o which_o make_v they_o incapable_a of_o their_o member-ship_n and_o admission_n there_o be_v no_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n about_o a_o public_a covenant_n for_o we_o have_v precedent_n of_o that_o in_o holy_a scripture_n in_o all_o public_a reformation_n the_o five_o quere_z be_v whether_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o the_o woman_n have_v all_o their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n both_o for_o election_n and_o reprobation_n of_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o man_n and_o whether_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o woman_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v requisite_a for_o
well_o see_v and_o that_o without_o spectacle_n that_o by_o these_o stone_n he_o hurl_v at_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o cast_v up_o dust_n yea_o dirt_n thus_o in_o their_o face_n to_o usurp_v his_o own_o expression_n pa._n 13._o that_o he_o show_v his_o want_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o we_o compare_v our_o congregation_n and_o church_n at_o every_o turn_n to_o the_o popish_a and_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o gather_v out_o of_o people_n from_o among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o gather_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o out_o of_o their_o idolatricall_a and_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o why_o otherwise_o if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n do_v he_o bring_v his_o instance_n from_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o jew_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o so_o deal_v in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o his_o brethren_n and_o must_v serious_o repent_v for_o this_o uncharitable_a deal_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o second_o of_o james_n and_o through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o peregrination_n ever_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o there_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o scandal_n in_o that_o church_n and_o all_o their_o tradition_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v yea_o and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o all_o synagogue_n whersoever_o they_o journy_v yea_o christ_n himself_o command_v all_o his_o follower_n the_o whole_a multitude_n with_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o pharisee_n matth._n 23._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o and_o without_o doubt_n they_o do_v obey_v their_o master_n and_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o s_n paul_n in_o the_o 10._o to_o the_o hebrew_n blame_v those_o that_o do_v leave_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o christian_a assembly_n and_o mould_v themselves_o into_o separate_a congregation_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a holiness_n and_o pure_a partake_n in_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o all_o straggler_n all_o such_o proceed_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_a christ_n command_v the_o man_n out_o of_o who_o he_o have_v cast_v the_o devil_n and_o that_o will_v have_v follow_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o abide_v among_o they_o still_o and_o he_o ever_o send_v all_o those_o leper_n he_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n he_o never_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n neither_o do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o godly_a minister_n do_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o blame_v it_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o independent_o go_v against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v high_o disobedient_a to_o god_n and_o have_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a practice_n a_o great_a deal_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o to_o answer_v for_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v time_n with_o time_n we_o may_v believe_v it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v among_o we_o under_o the_o prelate_n reign_n and_o power_n those_o godly_a and_o powerful_a minister_n such_o as_o my_o reverend_a tutor_n master_n richard_n rogers_n mr_n john_n rogers_n of_o dedham_n and_o mr_n dod_n and_o other_o when_o they_o sometime_o go_v to_o visit_v their_o friend_n through_o city_n and_o country_n by_o their_o preach_n they_o gain_v many_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o many_o town_n and_o village_n where_o after_o they_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o ministry_n convert_v they_o they_o leave_v they_o still_o abide_v in_o their_o several_a parish_n enjoin_v they_o diligent_o and_o careful_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o minister_n there_o dissuade_v they_o from_o separation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n they_o come_v out_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o hear_v he_o upon_o every_o opportunity_n but_o never_o leave_v their_o own_o synagogue_n and_o their_o own_o minister_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o so_o they_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o then_o return_v home_o again_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a dwell_v place_n and_o they_o have_v christ_n command_n to_o do_v this_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o record_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o the_o christian_n relinquish_v the_o jewish_a assembly_n for_o which_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n paul_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o serious_o repent_v of_o their_o wicked_a and_o pharisaical_a separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n the_o lord_n will_v show_v at_o last_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o i_o affirm_v it_o they_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n for_o all_o these_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burtons_n instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n gather_v of_o christian_a church_n from_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v unchristianlyand_n and_o deceitful_o do_v to_o delude_v his_o fellow_n so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o aver_v for_o the_o apostle_n do_v never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n for_o any_o christian_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o they_o exercise_v at_o that_o time_n nothing_o but_o the_o moral_a worship_n in_o their_o synagogue_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n daily_o read_v and_o interpret_v unto_o they_o act_v 15._o 21._o and_o to_o those_o synagogue_n that_o unerring_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o do_v send_v all_o the_o people_n and_o their_o several_a city_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o moses_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n never_o gather_v christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v infer_v to_o make_v good_a their_o wicked_a separation_n from_o we_o and_o their_o gather_n of_o their_o church_n out_o of_o our_o christian_a and_o believe_a assembly_n which_o i_o be_o ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n that_o i_o propound_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o already_o gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v befool_v himself_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n how_o little_a skill_n he_o have_v in_o divinity_n when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o a_o common_a place_n wherein_o every_o child_n may_v learn_v as_o much_o and_o far_o more_o than_o he_o can_v teach_v he_o and_o this_o answer_n to_o my_o brother_n burton_n concern_v gather_n of_o christian_a church_n out_o of_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o unwarrantable_a separation_n may_v serve_v to_o the_o same_o objection_n wheresoever_o the_o reader_n shall_v meet_v with_o it_o as_o page_z 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o first_o quaerie_n concern_v gather_n church_n out_o of_o church_n but_o because_o my_o brother_n burton_n conceive_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o christian_a assembly_n who_o he_o say_v do_v not_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n into_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a congregation_n they_o can_v not_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o not_o make_v his_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n or_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o depend_v for_o the_o form_n and_o law_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wait_v on_o man_n and_o thereupon_o propound_v a_o query_n to_o i_o page_n 19_o think_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o better_a to_o justify_v their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o gratify_v my_o brother_n desire_n and_o answer_v to_o his_o demand_n and_o then_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o reply_v to_o what_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
to_o obey_v now_o when_o these_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o these_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n it_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a tradition_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o christ_n true_a disciple_n to_o be_v abhor_v and_o abominate_v but_o whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v to_o walk_v together_o shall_v first_o be_v agree_v together_o and_o cite_v these_o word_n out_o of_o three_o of_o amos_n ver_fw-la 3._o can_v two_o walk_v together_o except_o they_o be_v agree_v to_o this_o i_o thus_o reply_v first_o that_o if_o the_o independent_o be_v god_n and_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o go_v on_o in_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a course_n than_o this_o question_n of_o his_o have_v be_v to_o the_o purpose_n but_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o illdependents_n be_v sinner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n and_o many_o of_o they_o know_v to_o be_v notorious_o scandalous_a not_o only_o for_o their_o damnable_a and_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o schismatical_a doctrine_n but_o for_o their_o lie_v rail_a hypocrisy_n pride_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o of_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o god_n heritage_n and_o people_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o their_o way_n except_o it_o be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o path_n by_o know_v of_o they_o may_v shun_v they_o and_o their_o byway_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v both_o from_o precept_n prov._n 4._o v._o 14_o 15._o ps_n 1._o v._n 1._o and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 2._o ver_fw-la 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o and_o so_o all_o good_a people_n and_o such_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o their_o knowledge_n to_o shun_v such_o seducer_n and_o deceiver_n and_o to_o decline_v all_o their_o byway_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o enjoin_v or_o require_v that_o those_o that_o either_o be_v to_o be_v make_v christian_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n shall_v either_o know_v the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o shall_v be_v particular_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o for_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o such_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o example_n of_o it_o from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a will-worship_n and_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o be_v so_o often_o condemn_v in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o isaiah_n 29._o matth._n 15._o mark_v 7._o coloss_n 2._o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v as_o a_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n can_v bear_v act_n 15._o whereas_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o light_a and_o they_o that_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o find_v rest_n unto_o their_o soul_n matth._n 11._o ver_fw-la 28_o 29_o 30._o who_o say_v unto_o his_o people_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o you_o will_v come_v to_o i_o and_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n you_o must_v first_o walk_v sometime_o with_o my_o people_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o i_o say_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v no_o such_o command_n either_o to_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o to_o his_o minister_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n three_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n almost_o for_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o a_o whole_a church_n so_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a for_o that_o knowledge_n that_o be_v require_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o fit_a to_o be_v church_n member_n consist_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o who_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n john_n 17._o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o which_o consist_v in_o self-denial_n and_o regeneration_n for_o if_o any_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n they_o must_v deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n daily_o for_o so_o say_v christ_n our_o king_n matth._n 16._o luke_n 9_o and_o again_o john_n 3._o for_o 3._o christ_n speak_v unto_o nicodemus_n say_v to_o he_o and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o man_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 5._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o must_v be_v a_o new_a creature_n say_v he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n require_v as_o necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n so_o for_o their_o admission_n into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o he_o that_o have_v these_o qualification_n have_v as_o much_o as_o christ_n require_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o particular_a or_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregation_n or_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v wicked_o do_v in_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n to_o impose_v law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n their_o brethren_n who_o be_v a_o free_a people_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o serve_v their_o king_n christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o voice_n only_o aught_o to_o detest_v all_o these_o false_a teacher_n that_o will_v so_o enthral_v they_o especial_o they_o ought_v to_o abominate_a their_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v these_o their_o tradition_n god_n ordinance_n but_o whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v that_o abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la and_o that_o they_o look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n i_o affirm_v it_o be_v a_o most_o arrogant_a expression_n in_o any_o so_o to_o speak_v for_o in_o his_o thus_o speak_v he_o make_v as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o poor_a mortal_a creature_n to_o search_v man_n heart_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o same_o which_o be_v only_a god_n peculiar_a but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_o this_o his_o expression_n there_o be_v a_o high_a strain_n of_o confidence_n in_o the_o man_n that_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o christ_n himself_o that_o be_v the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o mighty_a counsellor_n and_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o precept_n for_o this_o abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o reveal_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o disciple_n also_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n act._n 21._o and_o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o deliver_v this_o doctrine_n of_o walk_v with_o the_o church_n sometime_o nor_o never_o speak_v of_o this_o abundans_fw-la cautela_fw-la therefore_o i_o gather_v it_o be_v neither_o part_n of_o the_o will_n or_o council_n of_o god_n that_o they_o enjoin_v this_o walk_n upon_o his_o people_n therefore_o all_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o liege_n people_n ought_v to_o abominate_a and_o abhor_v all_o such_o usurper_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n be_v that_o trample_v down_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n upon_o his_o people_n for_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o statute_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o second_o quâ—rie_n to_o the_o three_o query_n concern_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n my_o brother_n burton_n reply_v that_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o which_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o that_o query_n but_o now_o learned_a i._n s._n come_v in_o and_z page_z 18._o
same_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 19_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n now_o say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n by_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o so_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v say_v why_o not_o so_o unto_o christ_n he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o we_o be_v marry_v only_o unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n husband_n and_o we_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o to_o another_o neither_o do_v any_o christian_a yet_o ever_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o will_v be_v join_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o house_n and_o family_n and_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o must_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n unto_o their_o king_n christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v enter_v into_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n accord_v unto_o when_o man_n be_v first_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o this_o covenant_n i_o say_v all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o family_n must_v take_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v after_o they_o be_v baptize_v enter_v into_o another_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o by_o that_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n i_o affirm_v there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n either_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o mystery_n in_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o employ_v so_o much_o for_o we_o know_v the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 29._o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o philip_n go_v near_o and_o join_v thyself_o to_o this_o chariot_n where_o the_o word_n join_v in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o which_o word_n philip_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n no_o more_o ought_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o conceive_v that_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n that_o by_o that_o he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n of_o church_n fellowship_n this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o to_o amuse_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o deceive_v they_o by_o tainter_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o stretch_v they_o beyong_a their_o native_a signification_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o their_o occasion_n that_o they_o may_v juggle_v the_o better_a to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trisle_v about_o word_n till_o they_o lose_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o their_o poor_a soul_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o word_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v use_v metaphorical_o as_o be_v take_v from_o joiner_n and_o craft_n man_n that_o join_v many_o thing_n together_o by_o glue_n and_o â—o_o ordinary_a discourse_n it_o intimate_v a_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a as_o a_o branch_n to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o as_o when_o mason_n join_v stone_n together_o or_o carpenter_n timber_n to_o make_v a_o house_n but_o that_o this_o word_n join_v shall_v always_o employ_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n to_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n when_o any_o man_n take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o it_o and_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o it_o i_o affirm_v there_o be_v not_o one_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o command_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v do_v it_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a will-worship_n and_o one_o of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o detestation_n because_o they_o make_v it_o one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o very_a form_n of_o a_o church_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o batch_n of_o their_o own_o leven_a by_o which_o they_o have_v of_o late_a much_o sour_v the_o truth_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o i_o say_v now_o again_o that_o christian_n be_v to_o swear_v fealty_n only_o to_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o church_n and_o who_o voice_n be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o who_o law_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o listen_v unto_o &_o we_o swear_v no_o allegiance_n or_o fealty_n to_o the_o church_n for_o we_o be_v all_o his_o servant_n &_o domestics_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o impose_v law_n upon_o each_o other_o or_o to_o enter_v in_o to_o any_o covenant_n among_o ourselves_o without_o a_o special_a command_n from_o christ_n and_o as_o when_o steward_n of_o prince_n or_o nobleman_n take_v any_o in_o to_o their_o master_n family_n they_o swear_v they_o only_o to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o never_o hear_v that_o the_o servant_n enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o or_o join_v or_o unite_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n one_o to_o cleave_v unto_o another_o such_o proceed_n among_o servant_n will_v never_o be_v allow_v or_o tolerate_v among_o man_n it_o will_v be_v think_v rather_o a_o conspiracy_n or_o a_o confederation_n to_o do_v mischief_n if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o when_o those_o man_n enter_v in_o to_o a_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n yea_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o country_n that_o when_o servant_n begin_v once_o to_o combine_v together_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o by_o secret_a covenant_n they_o have_v always_o plot_v mischief_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v special_a care_n use_v to_o prevent_v such_o conspiracy_n and_o all_o man_n may_v well_o perceive_v by_o this_o their_o covenant_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n what_o it_o tend_v to_o if_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n prevent_v not_o their_o design_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v christ_n domestics_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v his_o house_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o it_o and_o our_o king_n we_o be_v to_o smite_v our_o covenant_n only_o with_o he_o and_o to_o swear_v fealty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o only_o and_o his_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o malachi_n the_o first_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o reverence_n if_o i_o be_v a_o lord_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o obey_v i_o not_o we_o be_v only_o therefore_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n now_o then_o when_o the_o independent_o impose_v this_o their_o covenant_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o their_o new_a church_n without_o enter_v in_o to_o this_o conspiracy_n i_o say_v by_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o dis-throne_n christ_n in_o prefer_v their_o own_o law_n before_o he_o wherein_o they_o commit_v a_o detestable_a wickedness_n and_o this_o shâ—ll_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o four_o quere_z and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o five_o of_o woman_n vote_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o election_n to_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n thus_o reply_v page_n 15._o we_o say_v he_o tie_v not_o the_o key_n to_o woman_n girdle_n and_o i._n s._n page_n 19_o but_o as_o for_o this_o of_o woman_n vote_v in_o the_o church_n say_v he_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o i_o know_v thus_o he_o for_o answer_v to_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o of_o which_o and_o those_o the_o
as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n but_o so_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n where_o i_o observe_v a_o notable_a contradiction_n to_o usurp_v his_o one_o language_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n to_o reconcile_v it_o but_o now_o to_o speak_v brief_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o these_o my_o brother_n burtons_n grollery_n first_o whereas_o he_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n unchristian_n and_o unchurche_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n he_o be_v very_o erroneous_a in_o so_o do_v and_o deal_v most_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o with_o all_o those_o glorious_a saint_n for_o they_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o he_o or_o any_o independent_o in_o the_o world_n as_o who_o all_o of_o they_o have_v christ_n own_o testimony_n for_o their_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v sufficient_a character_n ever_o to_o make_v any_o people_n good_a christian_n and_o of_o all_o they_o our_o saviour_n say_v luke_n 7._o 29_o 30._o that_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o counsel_n against_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n do_v that_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptistâ—_n repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o witness_n they_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o in_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o a_o notorious_a papist_n and_o a_o calumniator_n aught_o to_o be_v reprove_v especial_o by_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n which_o hold_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v believer_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o first_o grollery_n his_o second_o be_v that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v page_n the_o twenty_o of_o his_o book_n where_o answer_v unto_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n viz._n because_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o our_o church_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o he_o there_o thus_o reply_n if_o you_o say_v he_o mean_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v well_o but_o do_v not_o you_o know_v say_v he_o that_o there_o dre_fw-mi three_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o gospel_n pure_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v and_o discipline_n right_o practise_v all_o which_o mark_v to_o gather_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v yet_o to_o seek_v so_o that_o by_o these_o word_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o his_o opinion_n the_o gospel-form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v to_o have_v discipline_n right_o practise_v so_o that_o where_o discipline_n be_v want_v by_o his_o learning_n there_o be_v no_o true_a gospel_n form_v church_n but_o before_o i_o answer_v to_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o better_a know_v the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o my_o brother_n burton_n yet_o he_o in_o set_v they_o all_o down_o omit_v that_o of_o discipline_n say_v act_v 2._o 42._o 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 so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o unerring_a description_n of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o three_o essential_a mark_n in_o god_n dialect_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n although_o there_o be_v no_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o i_o gather_v that_o discipline_n though_o a_o most_o excellent_a ordinance_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o have_v long_o since_o be_v obtain_v have_v not_o the_o ildependents_n hinder_v it_o make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o will_v ever_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o point_n rather_o than_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o withal_o i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o all_o the_o sectary_n can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v true_o call_v upon_o all_o which_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o true_a form_v church_n yea_o and_o the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o learning_n than_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a form_v church_n but_o a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n for_o he_o everywhere_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o discipline_n there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v right_o practise_v if_o that_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o at_o all_o as_o he_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o that_o mark_v it_o do_v not_o make_v for_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o gospel_n form_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o if_o excommunication_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o all_o the_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n time_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o gospel_n form_n for_o synagogue_n and_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o one_o and_o in_o all_o the_o synagogue_n they_o have_v excommunication_n as_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a and_o for_o instance_n these_o john_n 9_o 22._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v argue_v already_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o fourti_v verse_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o cast_v out_o the_o young_a man_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n verse_n 35._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n many_o place_n more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n even_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o in_o john_n time_n howsoever_o it_o be_v abuse_v as_o excommunication_n daily_o be_v among_o all_o the_o sectary_n at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o we_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v all_o thing_n this_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o from_o they_o bring_v into_o all_o christian_a church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o take_v a_o great_a journey_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o john_n baptist_n church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v have_v i_o go_v to_o visit_v all_o the_o other_o christian_a church_n to_o find_v in_o they_o excommunication_n that_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n i_o will_v leave_v that_o journey_n to_o their_o itinerary_n independent_a predicant_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v and_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o the_o christian_a synagogue_n and_o church_n among_o the_o which_o john_n baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o both_o converse_v preach_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o office_n of_o true_a pastor_n and_o in_o those_o synagogue_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o i_o find_v the_o gospel_n
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 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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
of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v require_v there_o neither_o have_v the_o people_n any_o hand_n in_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n manage_v the_o whole_a business_n for_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o admit_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v these_o only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o new_a model_n nor_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n let_v i_o tell_v the_o illdependents_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n have_v then_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o make_v such_o condition_n if_o ever_o any_o have_v for_o they_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n have_v say_v howsoever_o these_o soul_n be_v not_o miracle_n proof_n but_o that_o they_o be_v wound_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o they_o and_o by_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o by_o and_o by_o to_o confide_v in_o they_o and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o church_n fellowship_n unless_o they_o will_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o unless_o also_o they_o will_v make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o public_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v also_o into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n for_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o membership_n and_o that_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n that_o these_o condition_n may_v have_v be_v require_v by_o any_o it_o may_v then_o especial_o have_v be_v because_o all_o those_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o peter_n tell_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v all_o be_v well_o suspect_v that_o howsoever_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v all_o strike_v into_o a_o tremble_a condition_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v not_o judge_v upon_o so_o short_a a_o time_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o have_v urge_v all_o the_o former_a condition_n and_o chief_o because_o they_o have_v our_o saviour_n own_o example_n fresh_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o second_o of_o john_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o man_n which_o have_v be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n although_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o i_o say_v in_o that_o regard_n when_o christ_n will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v much_o more_o have_v pretend_v in_o all_o these_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o confide_v in_o these_o man_n until_o they_o have_v have_v better_a experience_n of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n but_o when_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o none_o of_o all_o the_o disciple_n so_o much_o as_o urge_v any_o condition_n upon_o they_o beyond_o the_o commission_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n to_o wit_n repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o all_o church_n that_o they_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o that_o propound_v other_o condition_n do_v no_o less_o then_o accuse_v the_o apostle_n of_o injustice_n and_o imprudency_n as_o of_o take_v that_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n from_o the_o people_n and_o of_o so_o sudden_o and_o without_o any_o deliberation_n admit_v of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n which_o ought_v according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n ever_o to_o be_v do_v with_o great_a caution_n who_o say_v in_o his_o 14._o page_n multa_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la add_v moreover_o that_o in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a in_o regard_n they_o look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n and_o in_o regard_n also_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o provident_a care_n for_o prevent_a inconvenience_n and_o scandal_n see_v turpius_fw-la ejiciâ—ur_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la admittitur_fw-la hospes_fw-la it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o guest_n to_o be_v keep_v out_o then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o all_o which_o his_o expression_n and_o by_o their_o daily_a practice_n they_o do_v no_o less_o then_o proclaim_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o so_o prudent_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o accuse_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n of_o deficiency_n why_o do_v they_o not_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o why_o do_v they_o impose_v new_a law_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o other_o condition_n then_o either_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o or_o his_o holy_a apostle_n do_v which_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o blasphemous_a wickedness_n both_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n that_o exercise_n this_o new_a government_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o conscientious_a and_o solid_a christian_n this_o one_o example_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n for_o all_o church_n imitation_n for_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n but_o i_o will_v produce_v other_o admission_n in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o want_n of_o witness_n to_o corroborate_v this_o truth_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n beside_o this_o first_o admission_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n of_o member_n upon_o addition_n for_o they_o be_v daily_o add_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o former_a condition_n for_o we_o learn_v of_o no_o other_o viz._n of_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v here_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o walk_v sometime_o before_o their_o admission_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n while_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n who_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o before_o it_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n fine_a white_a finger_n which_o he_o say_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n that_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n will_v not_o have_v he_o foul_a with_o i_o i_o say_v while_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o before_o it_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n finger_n and_o into_o the_o paw_n and_o clutch_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o precious_a one_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o that_o heavy_a burden_n of_o those_o condition_n they_o have_v most_o arrogant_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o have_v not_o only_o put_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o a_o combustion_n but_o most_o blasphemous_o this_fw-mi throne_a christ_n prefer_v their_o own_o vain_a tradition_n before_o his_o most_o holy_a law_n and_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n name_n and_o enslave_v his_o people_n while_o notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v they_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o they_o preach_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o people_n which_o be_v most_o impious_o to_o juggle_v on_o all_o side_n but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o precedent_n of_o admit_v member_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o have_v it_o record_v verse_n 4._o that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o into_o the_o communion_n
not_o speedy_o repent_v for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o relinquish_v their_o ungodly_a unchristian_a and_o unbrother_o practise_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o he_o avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o that_o speedy_o luke_n 17._o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o impious_a cavil_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o hanserdo_v now_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o master_n knollys_n bring_v it_o quite_o overthrow_v their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v point_n bank_n against_o it_o and_o their_o practice_n for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o extreme_a refuge_n upon_o just_a offence_n yet_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o business_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n so_o that_o those_o that_o complain_v may_v not_o be_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o judge_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o know_v a_o maxim_n that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o beside_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o never_o read_v inall_n the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellow_n ship_n or_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o but_o paul_n &_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a persecutor_n and_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n i_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o any_o church_n may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o may_v fear_v such_o a_o one_o and_o suspect_v he_o and_o complain_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v do_v but_o power_n they_o have_v none_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o church-fellowship_n if_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n examine_v of_o the_o business_n they_o find_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o convert_v from_o his_o sinful_a course_n for_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o their_o good_a like_n or_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o they_o he_o may_v appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v god_n steward_n and_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v fit_a and_o for_o this_o his_o so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o presbyter_n accept_v of_o his_o appeal_n they_o have_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o when_o the_o disciple_n fear_v paul_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v he_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o forth_o with_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o his_o appeal_n admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o now_o impose_v upon_o their_o member_n as_o by_o this_o very_a example_n and_o instance_n of_o mr._n knollys_n do_v abundant_o appear_v which_o make_v whole_o against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o tenant_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n lie_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n only_o and_o sole_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o make_v steward_n and_o overseer_n and_o guide_v of_o his_o church_n his_o house_n which_o when_o they_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n they_o only_o and_o not_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n both_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o all_o the_o example_n i_o have_v produce_v and_o by_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o saint_n paul_n allege_v by_o master_n knollys_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n but_o against_o their_o good_a like_n it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v clear_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v ever_o safe_a to_o abide_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o perpetual_a security_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o all_o that_o mr._n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n and_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o look_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n &_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o footstep_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o congregate_a of_o their_o assembly_n as_o for_o christ_n disciple_n they_o be_v all_o send_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o go_v not_o to_o gather_v in_o convert_a man_n from_o among_o convert_a man_n for_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n we_o never_o read_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o fold_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n that_o any_o true_a pastor_n come_v into_o the_o fold_n and_o flock_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o best_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n and_o the_o most_o wholesome_a and_o mould_v they_o into_o a_o independent_a fold_n by_o themselves_o as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v away_o of_o other_o sheep_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15._o and_o preach_v christ_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o before_o and_o plant_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n himself_o and_o leave_v apollo_n to_o water_v it_o and_o commit_v all_o the_o flock_n that_o he_o have_v gather_v as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o command_v both_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o in_o they_o all_o shepherd_n and_o fold_n to_o keep_v unity_n and_o love_n one_o with_o another_o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v separation_n and_o division_n and_o schism_n between_o flock_n and_o flock_n and_o this_o method_n he_o use_v wheresoever_o he_o come_v yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galathian_o he_o go_v into_o arabia_n and_o preach_v there_o among_o the_o poor_a infidel_n he_o get_v not_o other_o man_n sheep_n from_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v any_o separation_n of_o sheep_n from_o sheep_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o flock_n and_o church_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o colosse_n where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o against_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n and_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v very_o
plague_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o just_a provoke_v of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o anger_v now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o we_o have_v sad_a experience_n already_o what_o the_o tolerate_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o dagon_n of_o gingerbread_n have_v bring_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v if_o god_n be_v god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o let_v that_o and_o that_o only_o be_v sâ—t_v up_o among_o christian_n and_o no_o other_o tolerate_v for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v speedy_o bring_v the_o plague_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n and_o confusion_n upon_o we_o all_o as_o we_o may_v well_o perceive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o but_o a_o few_o year_n what_o good_a effect_n they_o will_v produce_v for_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n can_v be_v please_v unto_o god_n no_o more_o in_o our_o time_n than_o it_o be_v among_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o friend_n of_o christ_n nor_o lover_n of_o religion_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v for_o neither_o abraham_n jsaac_n nor_o jacob_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v it_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n ever_o endureit_a but_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n they_o give_v especial_a charge_n to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n and_o forewarn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n ever_o describe_v they_o by_o their_o crafty_a deal_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o in_o all_o seem_a holiness_n and_o feign_a simplicity_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n wish_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v cut_v off_o so_o far_o be_v the_o holy_a apostle_n from_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n as_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n they_o inveigh_v against_o they_o and_o that_o continual_o as_o false_a apostle_n and_o deceiver_n and_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o receive_v no_o other_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o gal._n 1._o and_o bid_v the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v no_o fellowship_n with_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o sure_o if_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n â—id_v command_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n they_o never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o christian_n to_o set_v up_o babylon_n among_o they_o and_o to_o tolerate_v the_o confusion_n and_o mingle_v together_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o this_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o against_o the_o scripture_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o against_o all_o solid_a reason_n and_o sound_a judgement_n nay_o we_o see_v that_o christ_n himself_o in_o write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n he_o blame_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o that_o of_o thyatira_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n with_o two_o edge_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n my_o faithful_a martyr_n be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v they_o there_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o bâ—alam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_n block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o they_o also_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v repent_v or_o else_o i_o come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v fight_v against_o thou_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v his_o eye_n like_v unto_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o his_o foot_n like_o fine_a brass_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o charity_n and_o service_n and_o faith_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o thy_o work_n and_o the_o last_o to_o be_v more_o than_o the_o first_o notwithstanding_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v that_o woman_n jezabel_n which_o call_v herself_o a_o prophetess_n to_o teach_v and_o seduce_v my_o servant_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v unto_o jdol_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 3._o chap._n ver_fw-la 14._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v the_o amen_o the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witnesseâ—c_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o it_o be_v â—_o thing_n high_o displease_v unto_o god_n that_o his_o people_n shall_v give_v a_o tolerátion_n of_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v and_o those_o that_o labour_n for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v lukewarm_a neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a which_o be_v a_o evil_a the_o lord_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v with_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o favour_v more_o of_o licentiousness_n and_o carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n in_o any_o man_n then_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o many_o of_o they_o can_v report_v that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o holland_n where_o there_o be_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o that_o country_n of_o the_o native_a dutch_a people_n that_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o desirous_a that_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n among_o they_o be_v not_o there_o permit_v as_o they_o now_o wish_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v suffer_v here_o among_o we_o for_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o prophanesse_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v there_o the_o like_a occasion_n of_o civil_a combustion_n as_o we_o have_v through_o god_n displeasure_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o ingratitude_n towards_o he_o here_o in_o england_n i_o be_o afraid_a they_o will_v find_v the_o toleration_n of_o all_o those_o religion_n among_o they_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a thing_n to_o they_o if_o not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o whole_a country_n the_o lord_n divert_v his_o judgement_n from_o they_o and_o grant_v that_o they_o may_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o misery_n that_o we_o now_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o for_o tolerate_v of_o popery_n and_o arminianism_n and_o the_o prelatical_a faction_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o the_o suffer_v but_o of_o these_o three_o have_v so_o displease_v god_n the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o will_v give_v he_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o 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to_o touch_v his_o anoint_a people_n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o do_v his_o prophet_n any_o harm_n and_o by_o the_o special_a blessing_n that_o he_o rain_v down_o upon_o his_o people_n and_o by_o his_o miraculous_a preserve_n of_o they_o in_o fiery_a furnace_n and_o in_o lion_n den_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o savage-beast_n &_o deliver_v they_o so_o often_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n he_o strike_v such_o a_o terror_n into_o the_o heathen_a nation_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o oppress_v his_o people_n so_o that_o the_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o watch_v over_o they_o always_o for_o good_a be_v their_o shield_n and_o buckler_n so_o that_o what_o they_o do_v in_o tolerate_v they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o of_o their_o good_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v god_n special_a favour_n towards_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o he_o and_o 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be_v ever_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n alone_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o his_o overswaying_a providence_n and_o guidance_n who_o ever_o preserve_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o reveal_v will_n though_o it_o be_v in_o babylon_n itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o the_o heathen_a neither_o will_v that_o toleration_n now_o be_v tolerable_a in_o christian_n who_o have_v learned_a christ_n otherwise_o than_o to_o set_v up_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o he_o the_o king_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n have_v teach_v they_o but_o now_o i_o will_v bries_o answer_v to_o what_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o run_v through_o the_o several_a objection_n draw_v from_o thence_o and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o that_o of_o joshua_n 21._o where_o he_o faith_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n by_o their_o favour_n there_o be_v no_o toleration_n of_o many_o religion_n for_o he_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o decline_v from_o it_o either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a joshua_n 1._o and_o by_o that_o law_n he_o be_v forbid_v to_o suffer_v or_o tolerate_v any_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o moses_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o therefore_o those_o word_n be_v a_o mere_a scrutiny_n and_o to_o find_v out_o those_o that_o be_v idolater_n to_o punish_v they_o as_o any_o wise_a governor_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v use_v of_o the_o like_a querie_n to_o find_v out_o man_n not_o well_o affect_v to_o religion_n or_o to_o their_o country_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o condign_a punishment_n as_o if_o now_o any_o officer_n or_o commander_n under_o the_o parliament_n shall_v say_v to_o a_o company_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v jealous_a of_o be_v desirous_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o find_v they_o out_o choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o king_n or_o the_o parliament_n but_o for_o myself_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o parliament_n will_v not_o any_o by_o and_o by_o gather_v that_o he_o speak_v this_o only_a to_o find_v out_o malignant_n to_o punish_v they_o even_o so_o joshua_n a_o wise_a and_o religious_a governor_n do_v the_o same_o not_o that_o he_o ever_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o that_o have_v be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o against_o their_o own_o example_n for_o in_o the_o 22._o of_o joshua_n we_o read_v that_o because_o the_o people_n have_v build_v but_o a_o altar_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o jordan_n they_o intend_v forthwith_o to_o make_v war_n upon_o they_o a_o precedent_n to_o teach_v christian_n that_o they_o may_v fight_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v go_v out_o to_o battle_n against_o they_o and_o have_v destroy_v they_o have_v they_o not_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o they_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o bring_v in_o any_o innovation_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a cavil_n now_o for_o that_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o gamaliâ—ls_n speech_n act_v 5._o verse_n 38_o 39_o where_o he_o say_v refrain_v from_o these_o man_n speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o let_v they_o alone_o for_o if_o this_o counsel_n or_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o happy_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n ergo_fw-la all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v this_o objection_n do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o that_o thus_o argue_v may_v well_o be_v make_v fellow_n of_o gotham_n college_n as_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o their_o primer_n in_o politic_n nor_o their_o catechism_n in_o divinity_n for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a with_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n out_o of_o man_n foolishness_n to_o procure_v safety_n for_o his_o own_o people_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o out_o of_o achitophel_n wisdom_n to_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o himself_o and_o to_o turn_v his_o wisdom_n into_o foolishness_n for_o that_o which_o gamaliel_n speak_v be_v neither_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n nor_o as_o a_o christian_a for_o he_o will_v never_o be_v think_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o hear_v of_o any_o commotion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v the_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o suppress_v it_o shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o naught_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v oppose_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o let_v they_o alone_o will_v not_o all_o the_o world_n
be_v credit_v all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v relate_v unto_o we_o concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o these_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a fable_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o believe_v and_o he_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o say_v they_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n whether_o this_o fellow_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o his_o wickedness_n and_o temerity_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a either_o dependent_n or_o independent_o and_o so_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o his_o other_o good_a stuff_n which_o in_o its_o due_a place_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n out_o of_o all_o the_o above_o quote_v place_n of_o scripture_n i_o thus_o far_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_a very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chapter_n the_o 1._o ver_fw-la 21._o 22._o and_o from_o chapter_n the_o sixth_o ver_fw-la the_o 2_o and_o 4._o and_o chapter_n the_o 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a but_o out_o of_o all_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o far_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n and_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a &_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o major_n it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2._o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_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 bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 12._o and_o vers_n 42._o and_o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a worship_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v and_o by_o evident_a argument_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o temple_n those_o discriminate_n and_o distinguish_v ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n interpreter_n gather_v from_o the_o ensue_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v interpret_v by_o all_o divine_n of_o sacramental_a bread_n which_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_o so_o expound_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a upon_o act_n the_o
of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o believe_a repentance_n and_o baptism_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v here_o be_v nothing_o record_v of_o walk_v any_o time_n for_o they_o be_v sudden_o admit_v here_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o practice_n and_o prattle_v of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o mother_n church_n but_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o produce_v a_o example_n or_o two_o more_o omit_v many_o through_o the_o acts._n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n upon_o the_o sudden_a and_o miraculous_a death_n of_o ananias_n &_o saphira_n and_o through_o the_o other_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v it_o be_v say_v that_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o all_o these_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n by_o the_o apostle_n sole_a authority_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v entertain_v without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n they_o now_o require_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v the_o independent_o by_o the_o way_n that_o at_o this_o time_n also_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v have_v challenge_v a_o right_a to_o have_v propound_v those_o condition_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v urge_v upon_o the_o people_n for_o they_o may_v have_v suspect_v that_o this_o sudden_a conversion_n proceed_v more_o from_o the_o miracle_n then_o from_o any_o sound_a conviction_n of_o they_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v have_v urge_v that_o it_o be_v now_o very_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v propound_v some_o other_o condition_n of_o admission_n than_o they_o have_v former_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v requisite_a and_o convenient_a that_o they_o shall_v now_o walk_v sometime_o in_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v more_o &_o better_a assurance_n of_o their_o real_a and_o true_a conversion_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v therefore_o before_o their_o admission_n be_v urge_v to_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o church_n communion_n especial_o they_o see_v now_o before_o their_o eye_n a_o precedent_n of_o so_o gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o false_a deal_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o what_o a_o consternation_n come_v upon_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o it_o and_o by_o the_o which_o also_o god_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v therefore_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v they_o may_v then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n if_o at_o any_o time_n have_v urge_v all_o those_o condition_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v well_o have_v add_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o all_o which_o when_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n it_o be_v abundant_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n communion_n without_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o admit_v member_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o when_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n daily_o swarve_v from_o in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v prevaricator_n both_o against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n by_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o they_o make_v themselves_o offender_n in_o a_o elevate_a nature_n now_o i_o will_v add_v one_o example_n more_o of_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o church_n chap._n 6._o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 7._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o also_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n sole_a authority_n admit_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o here_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n have_v urge_v the_o impose_v of_o new_a condition_n of_o admit_v member_n if_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n have_v do_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o priest_n for_o they_o be_v notorious_o know_v to_o have_v be_v christ_n enemy_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o â—ad_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o his_o crucify_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o disciple_n be_v afraid_a of_o paul_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n because_o he_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v unwilling_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o joint_a member_n with_o they_o they_o have_v very_o good_a warrant_n here_o of_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v desire_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n into_o church-fellowship_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o testimony_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n and_o that_o they_o may_v also_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o be_v receive_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v they_o may_v have_v urge_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o have_v be_v as_o well_o afraid_a of_o these_o priest_n as_o they_o be_v of_o paul_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n admit_v here_o of_o all_o those_o priest_n as_o they_o do_v of_o paul_n act_v 9_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n and_o without_o their_o either_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o fellowship_n some_o time_n or_o without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o without_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o impose_v other_o law_n upon_o the_o people_n in_o their_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v trangrâ—ssors_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n against_o both_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o admit_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o refuse_v none_o and_o against_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o the_o first_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o congregational_a by-path_n that_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o set_v before_o they_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n still_o persist_v in_o their_o unwarrantable_a practice_n against_o both_o the_o precâ—pâ—_n and_o precedent_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o his_o blessed_a apostle_n they_o will_v be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o iâ—_n they_o do_v not_o all_o of_o they_o that_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o these_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n speedy_o repent_v and_o relinguish_v thâ—se_a theâ—â—_n rebellious_a course_n they_o will_v high_o provoke_v the_o lord_n &_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o come_v out_o in_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o who_o know_v but_o as_o he_o let_v the_o devil_n loose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o sceva_n those_o exorcist_n for_o abuse_v his_o authority_n and_o use_v his_o nâ—mâ—_n for_o all_o their_o wicked_a deal_n i_o say_v who_o know_v but_o the_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n may_v in_o