substantial_a part_n of_o church_n government_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v therein_o so_o fix_v and_o establish_v as_o they_o be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o and_o second_o as_o to_o the_o circumstantial_o that_o relate_v to_o this_o government_n we_o say_v they_o be_v set_v down_o under_o general_a rule_n sufficient_a for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o such_o as_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o to_o edification_n our_o second_o assertion_n be_v we_o be_v not_o to_o enter_v here_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n and_o what_o thing_n fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o in_o what_o relation_n they_o be_v to_o handle_v they_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o censure_n and_o how_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o will_v take_v long_a time_n to_o clear_v these_o the_o thing_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v only_o this_o general_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o house_n have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n a_o particular_a way_n for_o govern_v of_o his_o house_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n to_o alter_v we_o proceed_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o comfirm_v this_o truth_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n different_a from_o the_o civil_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n then_o there_o must_v be_v also_o the_o like_a set_v down_o under_o the_o new_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a way_n set_v down_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v the_o like_a set_v down_o under_o the_o new_a for_o make_v out_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o government_n as_o this_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n warrant_v by_o the_o word_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v clear_v be_v that_o therefore_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o must_v be_v also_o the_o like_a under_o the_o new_a for_o prove_v of_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a government_n of_o the_o church_n different_a from_o the_o gvernment_n of_o the_o state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o shall_v clear_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o have_v church_n judicatories_n different_a from_o the_o civil_a judicatories_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o we_o shall_v cite_v two_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v in_o 2_o chron_n 19_o 8_o 9_o 10._o you_o may_v read_v the_o place_n at_o leisure_n but_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n in_o it_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a first_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o the_o churchman_n of_o the_o levit_n and_o priest_n in_o verse_n 8._o second_o we_o see_v that_o the_o thing_n they_o judge_v of_o be_v spiritual_a matter_n distinguish_v from_o civil_a thing_n by_o call_v the_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o second_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n v_o 11._o three_o we_o see_v that_o in_o this_o judicatory_a a_o churchman_n be_v moderator_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n and_o behold_v amariah_n the_o chief_a priest_n be_v over_o you_o and_o four_o we_o see_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o court_n be_v execute_v by_o churchman_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o vers_fw-la also_o the_o levit_n shall_v be_v officer_n before_o you_o all_o which_o be_v lay_v together_o make_v out_o clear_o that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n â—â—â—re_v be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a different_a from_o the_o civil_a the_o second_o place_n be_v in_o jeremiah_n 26._o 8._o 9_o 10_o where_o we_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o present_a point_n first_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v two_o judicatories_n in_o the_o 8_o v._n there_o be_v a_o judicatory_a of_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n condemn_v jeremiah_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n again_o in_o the_o 10._o and_o 1â—_n v_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o civil_a judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o statesman_n when_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n hard_o these_o thing_n than_o they_o come_v up_o from_o the_o king_n house_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v a_o church_n judicatory_a for_o church_n matter_n as_o well_o as_o a_o civil_a judicatory_a for_o civil_a matter_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o the_o church_n different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o state_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o that_o as_o they_o have_v church_n judicatories_n different_a from_o the_o civil_a so_o they_o have_v also_o church_n censure_v different_a from_o civil_a punishment_n as_o we_o have_v among_o we_o and_o first_o public_a confession_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o from_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n ezra_n 10._o 10._o 11._o and_o ezra_n the_o priest_n stand_v up_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v transgress_v now_o therefore_o make_v confession_n unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o your_o father_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v confession_n of_o sin_n appoint_v for_o a_o fault_n that_o be_v scandalous_a to_o wit_n their_o marry_v with_o strange_a wife_n now_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o only_o private_a to_o god_n nor_o on_o a_o fast_a day_n but_o a_o personal_a public_a acknowledgement_n after_o particular_a examination_n of_o all_o one_o by_o one_o and_o we_o gather_v this_o from_o the_o 13._o v._n where_o it_o be_v say_v neither_o be_v this_o a_o work_n of_o one_o day_n or_o two_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 16._o v_o three_o month_n be_v spend_v on_o the_o business_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o personal_a acknowledgement_n give_v by_o every_o one_o of_o they_o after_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o guilt_n as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o church_n judicatory_n second_o beside_o this_o public_a confession_n they_o have_v the_o censure_n of_o suspend_v scandalous_a man_n from_o the_o ordinance_n as_o we_o do_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o will_v find_v this_o in_o david_n his_o appoint_v of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n among_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v record_v of_o jehoiadah_n 2_o chron._n 23._o five_o 19_o and_o he_o set_v the_o porter_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o none_o which_o be_v unclean_a in_o any_o thing_n shall_v enter_v in_o they_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o ordinance_n because_o of_o their_o uncleaness_n and_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o the_o priest_n be_v reprove_v in_o ezek._n 22_o five_o 26._o her_o priest_n have_v violate_v my_o law_n and_o have_v profane_v my_o holy_a thing_n they_o have_v put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o unclean_a and_o clean_a neither_o between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a they_o let_v all_o come_v rush_v together_o to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v reprove_v three_o they_o have_v among_o they_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v down_o under_o the_o name_n of_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o certain_o be_v excommunication_n it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a alledgence_n that_o they_o say_v by_o cut_v off_o be_v mean_v the_o inflict_a of_o temporal_a death_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n he_o that_o have_v touch_v a_o dead_a body_n and_o do_v not_o wash_v after_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o who_o will_v think_v that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o be_v that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v it_o be_v so_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o necessity_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o a_o church_n government_n then_o but_o the_o same_o necessity_n be_v now_o be_v not_o the_o church_n a_o mix_a multitude_n now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v there_o not_o as_o great_a need_n to_o separate_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a now_o as_o then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n now_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v there_o not_o need_v to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n pure_a now_o as_o then_o by_o the_o fence_n of_o government_n be_v there_o not_o need_v now_o to_o
be_v no_o more_o leave_v than_o may_v meet_v in_o a_o single_a congregation_n for_o the_o text_n faith_n they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o throughout_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n before_o this_o persecution_n than_o it_o make_v out_o the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v but_o second_o neither_o do_v we_o yield_v that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o by_o the_o persecution_n mention_v act._n 8._o 1._o the_o multitude_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o few_o number_n as_o they_o can_v make_v up_o but_o one_o congregation_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a except_o the_o apostle_n but_o by_o this_o all_z be_v not_o mean_v all_o the_o professor_n but_o all_o the_o preacher_n and_o there_o be_v several_a reason_n to_o prove_v it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v saul_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n 3_o now_o if_o he_o have_v mean_v that_o all_o the_o professor_n be_v scatter_v where_o shall_v saul_n have_v get_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o hail_n to_o prison_n and_o that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o jerusalem_n paul_n himself_o acknowledge_v act._n 26._o 10._o a_o second_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o all_z that_o be_v scatter_v be_v the_o all_z of_o the_o preacher_n and_o not_o of_o the_o professor_n be_v that_o in_o verse_n 4._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o astrict_v the_o scatter_v main_o to_o those_o who_o be_v preacher_n for_o certain_o the_o whole_a multitude_n can_v not_o have_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o three_o the_o apostle_n remain_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o first_o verse_n now_o to_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n shall_v the_o apostle_n have_v stay_v there_o behind_o the_o rest_n except_o there_o have_v be_v several_a flock_n there_o with_o who_o they_o stay_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n to_o comfort_n they_o against_o the_o persecution_n which_o have_v drive_v their_o preacher_n from_o they_o but_o a_o second_o answer_n be_v that_o however_o they_o have_v be_v so_o scatter_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o persecution_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o make_v up_o a_o single_a congregation_n yet_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o so_o multiply_v that_o they_o behoove_v to_o make_v up_o many_o congregation_n and_o for_o this_o you_o may_v find_v out_o several_a place_n as_o act._n 9_o 31._o they_o be_v multiply_v and_o act._n 12._o 24._o speak_v of_o jerusalem_n the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v but_o we_o shall_v take_v one_o place_n for_o all_o in_o act._n 21._o 20._o where_o the_o elder_n relate_v to_o paul_n the_o exception_n that_o the_o people_n have_v take_v at_o he_o for_o his_o go_v to_o the_o gentile_n thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o thousand_o of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o word_n render_v thousand_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o so_o there_o be_v not_o only_o thousand_o but_o ten_o thousand_o yea_o and_o many_o ten_o thousand_o there_o and_o so_o more_o than_o can_v be_v edify_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o that_o these_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n be_v clear_a from_o verse_n 21._o they_o be_v inform_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o from_o verse_n 22._o the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v from_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o our_o proof_n 2._o the_o second_o ground_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o one_o be_v take_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o christ_n officer_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o shame_n for_o they_o all_o to_o wait_v upon_o one_o flock_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n be_v there_o as_o in_o act._n 6._o 15._o about_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o deacon_n we_o find_v they_o be_v also_o there_o in_o act_n 15._o v_o 6._o now_o beside_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v there_o be_v other_o church-officer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o act_n 11._o verse_n last_o there_o be_v elder_n there_o where_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o verse_n 27._o beside_o there_o be_v prophet_n in_o it_o as_o in_o verse_n 27._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o in_o these_o aaye_n come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n unto_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o several_a interpreter_n that_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o christ_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v be_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act._n 1._o 15._o now_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v if_o it_o be_v likely_a especial_o when_o the_o harvest_n be_v so_o great_a that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o only_o one_o but_o to_o speak_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o when_o christ_n send_v out_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n only_o he_o send_v they_o not_o out_o all_o together_o but_o two_o by_o two_o and_o so_o certain_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v well_o conclude_v that_o there_o behoove_v to_o be_v more_o congregation_n there_o than_o one_o yea_o many_o congregation_n this_o be_v for_o the_o second_o ground_n of_o our_o proof_n the_o three_o ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o language_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o 5_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 11._o and_o act._n 6._o which_o diversity_n do_v necessitate_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n in_o divers_a distinct_a congregation_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o the_o spirit_n furnish_v the_o apostle_n with_o diversity_n of_o language_n the_o four_o ground_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o meeting_n which_o be_v not_o in_o void_a capacious_a room_n build_v for_o the_o purpose_n as_o we_o now_o have_v for_o they_o have_v not_o then_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o they_o to_o allow_v place_n of_o meeting_n for_o the_o purpose_n but_o only_o in_o private_a house_n upper_a chamber_n house_n allow_v to_o they_o by_o private_a christian_n as_o act_n 2._o 46._o and_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o their_o house_n can_v contain_v so_o many_o thousand_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o meet_v all_o in_o one_o congregation_n thus_o we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o first_o point_n that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o in_o jerusalem_n we_o may_v prove_v the_o like_a in_o the_o other_o church_n of_o ephesus_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n thessalonica_n that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o there_o also_o and_o that_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o preacher_n diversity_n of_o language_n but_o for_o brevity_n cause_n we_o pass_v to_o the_o other_o point_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o and_o it_o be_v this_o ii_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v under_o one_o government_n there_o be_v one_o common_a judicatory_a that_o rule_v they_o all_o in_o common_a as_o our_o presbytry_n be_v over_o all_o the_o congregation_n within_o its_o bound_n and_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o we_o lie_v down_o three_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o although_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a congregation_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n so_o in_o several_a place_n they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n act_n 8._o 1._o 15._o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o refute_v one_o of_o the_o independent_a tenet_n whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o name_n of_o church_n be_v never_o give_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o to_o those_o who_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o to_o the_o argument_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v they_o be_v call_v one_o church_n not_o because_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n for_o those_o be_v dispense_v to_o they_o in_o their_o singular_a congregation_n several_o and_o so_o certain_o they_o be_v call_v one_o church_n because_o they_o be_v under_o one_o government_n one_o eldership_n above_o they_o to_o govern_v they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v call_v one_o church_n because_o all_o her_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o one_o general_n assembly_n second_o we_o add_v to_o the_o former_a in_o this_o one_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o church_n we_o find_v there_o be_v rule_v elder_n so_o we_o
alone_o because_o they_o can_v be_v sure_o enough_o that_o any_o other_o have_v grace_n but_o only_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o six_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o similitude_n and_o comparison_n under_o which_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n which_o similitude_n do_v show_v there_o be_v not_o that_o strictness_n require_v in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o separatist_n judge_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o draught_n net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth_n 13._o second_o to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v wheat_n and_o tare_n ibid._n three_o it_o be_v compare_v matth_n 22._o to_o a_o table_n of_o guest_n where_o there_o be_v some_o with_o and_o some_o without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n four_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n wherein_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o dishonour_v and_o to_o a_o fold_n of_o sheep_n and_o goat_n and_o in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v many_o call_v but_o few_o choose_a now_o how_o shall_v tare_n chaff_n goat_n etc._n etc._n give_v convince_a sign_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o certain_o these_o similitude_n seem_v to_o speak_v that_o there_o need_v not_o so_o much_o wal_n or_o pick_v out_o in_o admit_v member_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n provide_v they_o be_v free_a of_o scandal_n once_o take_v they_o in_o and_o and_o then_o let_v the_o word_n work_n on_o they_o this_o great_a wale_n and_o separation_n will_v be_v when_o the_o net_n come_v to_o the_o shore_n when_o the_o great_a harvest_n come_v when_o the_o sheep_n and_o goat_n be_v sever_v this_o much_o for_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o answer_v their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n visible_a shall_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o church_n member_n as_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o obj._n 1_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a be_v take_v from_o these_o glorious_a sâ—â—ies_n give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v saint_n a_o chaste_a â—â—rgine_n spouse_v to_o christ_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o christ_n mystical_a body_n who_o member_n be_v all_o gracious_a now_o say_v they_o see_v the_o church_n have_v these_o style_n in_o scripture_n shall_v any_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o discern_a have_v grace_n for_o answer_v if_o this_o argument_n conclude_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v conclude_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o those_o who_o have_v real_a grace_n for_o none_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o christsâ—_n mystical_a body_n the_o lamb_n wife_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o only_a now_o this_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v they_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v paint_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o same_o for_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n be_v such_o and_o so_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v prove_v more_o than_o they_o will_v grant_v but_o to_o answer_v direct_o you_o will_v know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n visible_a there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a sincere_a christian_n and_o paint_a hypocrite_n now_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n and_o sometime_o according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part_n it_o speak_v so_o of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o evil_a man_n among_o they_o all_o hence_o be_v these_o style_n the_o lamb_n wise_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v so_o according_a to_o the_o better_a part._n again_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o worse_a part_n it_o give_v such_o name_n as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n among_o they_o all_o it_o call_v they_o stifnecked_n a_o rebelious_a house_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n now_o as_o it_o be_v ill_o argue_v to_o conclude_v from_o these_o place_n where_o such_o style_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o every_o one_o within_o the_o church_n be_v corrupter_n stifnecked_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o one_o seek_v god_n for_o there_o he_o give_v they_o those_o style_n from_o the_o evil_a part_n among_o they_o so_o it_o be_v also_o ill_o argue_v from_o these_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o the_o lamb_n wife_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o and_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o more_o full_o from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor_n 6_o 18._o they_o get_v many_o glorious_a style_n they_o be_v call_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o almighty_a they_o be_v call_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor_n 11_o 2._o now_o there_o be_v many_o schismatic_n among_o they_o some_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n some_o vilify_n paul_n doctrine_n many_o who_o be_v contentious_a drunkard_n fornicator_n so_o that_o these_o style_n can_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o only_o of_o the_o better_a part_n that_o be_v among_o they_o even_o as_o man_n speak_v of_o a_o heap_n of_o chaff_n and_o corn_n will_v call_v it_o a_o heap_n of_o corn_n not_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o corn_n in_o it_o but_o because_o the_o corn_n be_v the_o best_a part_n and_o so_o the_o church_n visible_a wherein_o be_v a_o mix_a company_n be_v denominate_v from_o the_o better_a part_n sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o call_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n almighty_a and_o sometime_o from_o the_o worse_a part_n and_o call_v stiffnecked_n etc._n etc._n obj._n two_o their_o second_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o act_n 2._o 47._o where_o it_o be_v say_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v they_o god_n add_v no_o other_o to_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v save_v therefore_o we_o shall_v add_v no_o other_o for_o answer_v if_o any_o thing_n follow_v from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o who_o be_v believer_n real_o for_o no_o other_o will_v be_v save_v but_o this_o be_v against_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o second_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o chief_a care_n of_o add_v those_o to_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o he_o add_v no_o other_o for_o the_o same_o chapter_n say_v he_o add_v more_o five_o 41_o whole_a three_o thousand_o be_v add_v and_o yet_o all_o those_o be_v not_o to_o be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o hypocrite_n among_o they_o obj._n iii_o the_o three_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o matth_n 22._o 12._o in_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o king_n banquet_n where_o he_o bid_v his_o servant_n go_v and_o invite_v to_o the_o marriage_n and_o find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n say_v he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n now_o say_v they_o this_o be_v a_o reproof_n to_o those_o who_o admit_v he_o to_o this_o privilege_n we_o answer_v this_o be_v quite_o contrair_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o command_n v_o 9_o go_v you_o therefore_o into_o the_o highway_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v command_v to_o invite_v all_o and_o to_o hold_v out_o none_o for_o want_n of_o the_o wedding-garment_n for_o that_o be_v inward_a be_v only_o discernible_a by_o god_n indeed_o this_o parable_n will_v show_v this_o much_o that_o minister_n may_v admit_v people_n to_o communion_n and_o yet_o christ_n will_v come_v with_o a_o after_o search_v and_o find_v many_o there_o who_o he_o will_v cast_v that_o minister_n have_v admit_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o every_o man_n that_o come_v through_o a_o minister_n trial_n be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n the_o place_n say_v that_o christ_n find_v one_o want_v the_o wedding_n garment_n but_o it_o say_v not_o that_o minister_n shall_v let_v none_o come_v but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n see_v five_o 14._o there_o it_o be_v say_v for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v ob._n iv_o their_o four_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o the_o lord_n speak_v there_o to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n say_v nevertheless_o i_o have_v
and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o exhortation_n 2._o there_o be_v argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o exhortation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v lend_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a name_n but_o bring_v every_o doctrine_n to_o the_o touchstone_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o exhortation_n first_o there_o be_v the_o compellation_n he_o give_v they_o a_o warm_a and_o kind_o style_n beloved_n and_o then_o second_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o 2._o what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n some_o take_v the_o spirit_n here_o for_o preacher_n believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n and_o some_o for_o doctrine_n believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n but_o both_o may_v well_o be_v join_v together_o thus_o believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o second_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o cast_v at_o all_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o error_n vent_v for_o truth_n as_o the_o natural_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o he_o exhort_v that_o they_o will_v bring_v every_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a touch_n stone_n thus_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o word_n we_o intend_v if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o liberty_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o on_o this_o verse_n of_o those_o doctrine_n or_o error_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o trouble_v our_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o doctrine_n before_o hand_n which_o may_v make_v way_n for_o what_o we_o intend_v doct._n i._n the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n dehort_v believer_n from_o false_a doctrine_n by_o many_o argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o condemnable_a we_o shall_v afterwad_v show_v in_o what_o respect_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a 2._o error_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n because_o they_o steal_v subtle_o in_o upon_o people_n and_o people_n do_v too_o ready_o relish_v they_o so_o there_o be_v many_o who_o nature_n abhor_v gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o fornication_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o the_o devil_n get_v they_o hook_v by_o this_o sin_n of_o error_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o gross_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o natural_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o loathe_v in_o people_n at_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o plead_v conscience_n whereas_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n so_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n be_v dangerous_a because_o subtle_a 3._o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o as_o they_o creep_v easy_o in_o so_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o shut_v to_o the_o door_n again_o and_o that_o because_o delude_a conscience_n plead_v for_o they_o people_n taint_v with_o error_n think_v themselves_o right_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o conscience_n cast_v at_o all_o as_o wrong_v now_o in_o other_o sin_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o second_o table_n although_o affection_n plead_v for_o they_o yet_o usual_o people_n light_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o get_v a_o sin_n of_o error_n thrust_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o root_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o profanity_n itself_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v to_o fit_v you_o for_o receive_v the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
consult_v with_o for_o know_v what_o be_v heresy_n what_o not_o isâ—_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v who_o be_v the_o heretic_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o consult_v vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n but_o use_v a_o judicial_a process_n against_o the_o person_n challenge_v and_o prove_v the_o fact_n by_o witness_n so_o deut._n 17._o 4._o there_o must_v be_v a_o scandal_n of_o idolatry_n upon_o the_o man_n challenge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v tell_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o and_o inquire_v diligent_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o must_v be_v prove_v on_o he_o by_o witness_n verse_n 6._o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n or_o three_o witness_n shall_v he_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o death_n he_o put_v to_o death_n they_o except_o four_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n and_o nonage_n of_o the_o church_n god_n type_v out_o thing_n spiritual_a by_o thing_n earthly_a and_o so_o those_o punishment_n be_v type_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n excommunication_n and_o hell_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n we_o answer_v first_o excommunication_n and_o damnation_n be_v thing_n present_a to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o type_n of_o they_o second_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v scripture_n to_o allegory_n and_o by_o this_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v cast_v at_o punishment_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o be_v type_n of_o spiritual_a censure_n hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n for_o affirm_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o this_o much_o for_o argument_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o shall_v next_o hint_n at_o some_o argument_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n first_o if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v unusual_a for_o magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n then_o certain_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v have_v use_v this_o legal_a defence_n when_o the_o magistrate_n call_v they_o before_o he_o to_o answer_v about_o their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v have_v say_v you_o have_v no_o place_n to_o challenge_v we_o for_o our_o profession_n for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n be_v free_a but_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v that_o they_o decline_v the_o judge_n or_o use_v any_o such_o defence_n for_o sure_a christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v leave_v no_o lawful_a mean_v unessay_v there_o be_v a_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o rom._n 13._o 4._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o apostle_n say_v for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o far_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a there_o be_v set_v down_o the_o object_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v set_v down_o indefinite_o upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o if_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o fall_n worship_n be_v doer_n of_o evil_a they_o fall_v under_o the_o magistrate_n power_n now_o that_o spreader_n of_o heresy_n be_v doer_n of_o evil_a we_o do_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o this_o verse_n where_o we_o show_v that_o heresy_n and_o error_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v eschew_v as_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o the_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n shall_v put_v forth_o his_o zeal_n against_o they_o as_o much_o and_o all_o the_o place_n command_v zeal_n against_o error_n which_o be_v not_o few_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v this_o for_o they_o bind_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o place_n the_o minister_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o the_o magistrate_n according_a to_o he_o there_o be_v one_o exception_n they_o make_v much_o of_o against_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o by_o doer_n of_o evil_a can_v be_v mean_v these_o that_o be_v take_v with_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n and_o that_o because_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a it_o be_v a_o evil_a say_v they_o that_o any_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o have_v need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o magistrate_n because_o of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o error_n and_o heresy_n against_o christian_a truth_n for_o the_o magistrate_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n who_o themselves_o be_v enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o none_o need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o for_o spread_a error_n but_o rather_o for_o mantain_v truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o doer_n of_o evil_a here_o mean_v must_v be_v the_o controveener_n of_o the_o emperor_n civil_a law_n and_o not_o heretic_n and_o such_o like_a for_o answer_v this_o exception_n be_v ground_v on_o a_o wrong_a supposition_n for_o by_o the_o magistrate_n be_v here_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n but_o all_o magistrate_n in_o general_a do_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v paul_n indeed_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n to_o speak_v here_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n and_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n we_o shall_v mark_v one_o of_o they_o from_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o now_o sure_o it_o be_v this_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o magistrate_n in_o general_a and_o not_o astrict_v only_o to_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n he_o not_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n unto_o every_o one_o who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o scripture_n there_o be_v another_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n prove_v this_o in_o the_o 3_o vâ—rse_n for_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n now_o sure_a this_o must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n in_o general_n and_o of_o that_o which_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o of_o the_o roman_a magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n unto_o many_o good_a work_n not_o only_o unto_o christian_a but_o also_o unto_o moral_a virtue_n we_o shall_v give_v you_o only_o another_o argument_n short_o take_v from_o that_o prophecy_n revel_v 17._o 16._o a_o prophecy_n tâ—at_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v bring_v down_o the_o antichrist_n and_o that_o error_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n as_o a_o most_o acceptable_a work_n to_o god_n and_o so_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n be_v not_o bind_v up_o from_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o first_o table_n no_o more_o than_o from_o punish_v other_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o this_o much_o for_o our_o argument_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o promise_v to_o bring_v forth_o some_o of_o their_o argument_n and_o solve_v they_o herein_o we_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n for_o this_o be_v truth_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o say_v against_o it_o which_o be_v truth_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o nimble_a spirit_n to_o propone_v argument_n which_o every_o one_o can_v answer_v we_o shall_v stay_v a_o little_a on_o this_o three_o point_n also_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o object_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n than_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o tollerate_v the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n but_o so_o it_o be_v he_o never_o reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o so_o do_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v record_v by_o any_o of_o the_o evangelist_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v not_o write_v for_o john_n say_v chap._n 20._o 30._o he_o do_v speak_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o write_v so_o it_o follow_v not_o but_o second_o we_o say_v although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o reprove_v they_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o their_o neglect_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n for_o first_o by_o that_o reason_n we_o may_v say_v that_o the_o mgistrate_n shall_v not_o punish_v theft_n because_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o second_o reprove_v he_o the_o church_n for_o not_o censure_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v censure_v that_o way_n and_o three_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n before_o and_o four_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v stire_v up_o the_o magistrate_n to_o this_o duty_n then_o for_o the_o sectary_n
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
suppress_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v not_o christ_n perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n yea_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v nothing_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o necessity_n to_o have_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o under_o the_o new_a the_o second_o argument_n we_o bring_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o native_a end_n of_o church_n government_n which_o be_v spiritual_a to_o wit_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 12._o to_o gain_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n to_o repentance_n matth_n 18._o 15._o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o corinth_n 5_o 5._o so_o the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v a_o spiritual_a end_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a original_a church_n government_n who_o end_n be_v spiritual_a can_v be_v no_o humane_a ordinance_n for_o such_o produce_v no_o supernatural_a effect_n therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o high_a warrant_n for_o it_o than_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o this_o that_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o make_v this_o argument_n that_o government_n who_o substantial_a part_n be_v all_o set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o alter_v it_o or_o put_v a_o other_o in_o its_o place_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o alter_v it_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o in_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v reckon_v up_o five_o thing_n first_o that_o church_n officer_n have_v their_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n thess_n 5_o 12._o 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o ruler_n or_o a_o officer_n with_o power_n to_o rule_v establish_v in_o god_n house_n what_o they_o say_v that_o by_o rule_v there_o be_v mean_v preach_v because_o minister_n guide_v people_n by_o preach_v be_v a_o frivolous_a exception_n and_o that_o because_o of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o rule_v be_v another_o thing_n and_o not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o their_o exception_n affirm_v but_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o clear_a place_n for_o it_o in_o heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o there_o be_v officer_n establish_v with_o power_n to_o rule_n and_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o submit_v and_o give_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o so_o there_o be_v ruler_n officer_n establish_v in_o god_n church_n second_o the_o court_n and_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n and_o for_o this_o see_v matth_n 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n very_o 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 the_o adversary_n be_v so_o shamless_a that_o they_o say_v by_o the_o church_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o complaint_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o here_o mean_v and_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o judicatory_a here_o mean_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v member_n and_o therefore_o in_o five_o 16._o it_o be_v say_v whatever_o you_o to_o wit_v the_o apostle_n shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n give_v no_o power_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o sit_v in_o civil_a court_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o civil_a business_n the_o three_o substantial_a of_o church_n government_n that_o have_v warrant_n in_o the_o word_n be_v the_o subordination_n of_o lesser_a judicatory_n to_o great_a and_o this_o be_v warrant_v in_o act_n 15_o 2._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v up_o from_o antioch_n to_o a_o general_n council_n at_o jerusalem_n because_o the_o controversy_n in_o hand_n can_v not_o be_v end_v at_o antioch_n where_o there_o be_v a_o court_n with_o power_n they_o determine_v the_o question_n censure_v the_o schismatic_n give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o liar_n v._n 24._o the_o four_o substantial_a of_o this_o government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v the_o order_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o censure_n 1._o by_o private_a admonition_n then_o more_o public_a matth_n 18._o 15._o the_o five_o thing_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o their_o censure_n which_o be_v not_o bodily_a as_o take_v way_n the_o life_n but_o spiritual_a to_o wit_n admonition_n reproof_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n matth_n 18_o 17_o let_v he_o he_o unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n and_o see_v he_o have_v do_v so_o what_o man_n dare_v alter_v it_o take_v any_o prudential_a way_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n at_o his_o pleasure_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o charge_n give_v to_o preserve_v all_o these_o inviolable_a till_o christ_n come_v 1_o tim_n 5._o 21._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n so_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v set_v down_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o till_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o argument_n there_o be_v a_o four_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o last_o which_o be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o house_n without_o any_o particular_a government_n only_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o appoint_v what_o government_n they_o please_v it_o will_v reflect_v much_o on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n his_o vinyard_n his_o garden_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o law_n to_o govern_v no_o court_n to_o guide_v this_o kingdom_n but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v by_o who_o and_o how_o it_o please_v he_o best_o a_o king_n of_o clay_n will_v not_o do_v so_o with_o his_o kingdom_n much_o less_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o for_o the_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n answer_v their_o objection_n iii_o the_o first_o be_v say_v they_o from_o 2_o tim_n 3_o 16._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o government_n we_o answer_v this_o same_o argument_n may_v as_o well_o strict_a against_o magistracy_n but_o second_o we_o say_v which_o we_o make_v already_o appear_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n hence_o their_o argument_n prove_v not_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n and_o be_v command_v by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o add_v to_o it_o but_o if_o they_o say_v the_o bare_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v enough_o we_o answer_v not_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o save_v soul_n yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a also_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o say_v for_o three_o reason_n 1._o to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o be_v pollute_v by_o the_o rush_a foreward_n of_o dog_n and_o scandalous_a person_n all_o the_o preach_a that_o can_v be_v to_o bid_v scandalous_a man_n keep_v back_o will_v not_o do_v then_o 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v infect_v by_o the_o contagion_n of_o scandalous_a man_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n therefore_o put_v the_o incestous_a man_n from_o among_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n
of_o god_n to_o commit_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o house_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v not_o qualify_v to_o that_o purpose_n beside_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o he_o trust_v any_o with_o those_o thing_n but_o he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n enable_v they_o according_o so_o when_o he_o send_v forth_o moses_n jeremiah_n isaiah_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o furniture_n and_o when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o apostle_n he_o furnish_v they_o for_o that_o end_n so_o john_n 20._o 21_o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o they_o again_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o there_o be_v the_o commission_n give_v they_o and_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o this_o in_o v_o 22._o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o furniture_n and_o so_o do_v he_o to_o minister_n who_o he_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n matth_n 28_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o the_o minister_n as_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o these_o promise_n can_v not_o be_v full_o verify_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o die_v within_o a_o little_a but_o in_o minister_n their_o successor_n to_o the_o world_n end_n now_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a he_o have_v neither_o make_v such_o promise_n to_o every_o particular_a believer_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n neither_o do_v he_o perform_v they_o unto_o they_o what_o be_v every_o believer_n furnish_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n prudence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v require_v for_o the_o right_a manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o church_n government_n yea_o god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o they_o and_o so_o certain_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o wisdom_n to_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o believer_n this_o for_o ouâ—_n three_o argument_n our_o four_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o church_n member_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o either_o as_o they_o be_v gift_v for_o it_o and_o choose_v out_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o have_v our_o intent_n for_o then_o all_o be_v not_o church_n governor_n but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v gift_v and_o choose_v and_o so_o church_n officer_n or_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o believer_n or_o church_n member_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o for_o every_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v a_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o whatever_o privilege_n flow_v from_o faith_n belong_v to_o every_o believer_n the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a so_o if_o the_o right_n of_o church_n government_n be_v ground_v on_o faith_n and_o grace_n than_o every_o believer_n and_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v the_o right_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o shall_v follow_v many_o absurdity_n as_o that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n the_o simple_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wise_a woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n may_v preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n lay_v on_o hand_n in_o ordain_v the_o minister_n sit_v in_o session_n inflict_v censure_n excommunicate_a and_o what_o not_o second_o then_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o church_n government_n so_o none_o have_v power_n to_o baptise_v censure_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o that_o have_v grace_n and_o upon_o this_o people_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptize_v or_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o if_o the_o minister_n who_o baptize_v they_o have_v grace_n or_o not_o and_o if_o he_o want_v grace_n he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o church_n government_n by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o so_o no_o power_n to_o baptise_v we_o bring_v a_o five_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o private_a christian_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n governor_n there_o be_v no_o name_n nor_o title_n give_v to_o they_o import_v this_o power_n to_o be_v in_o they_o as_o be_v give_v to_o church_n officer_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o title_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v give_v to_o private_a christian_n yea_o they_o be_v set_v down_o plain_o under_o name_n in_o opposition_n to_o governor_n as_o the_o flock_n to_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o take_v heed_n tberefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n obey_v submit_v to_o their_o governor_n set_v over_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o hebr_n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v entrust_v they_o with_o high_a power_n of_o government_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o style_v he_o give_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o import_v of_o that_o power_n but_o much_o of_o their_o subjection_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o with_o officer_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o let_v any_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n a_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v but_o only_o to_o some_o than_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o therefore_o not_o to_o all_o church_n member_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o see_v those_o proof_n that_o limit_v this_o power_n only_o to_o some_o as_o ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n some_o and_o therefore_o not_o all_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o which_o we_o cite_v before_o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n there_o be_v but_o some_o that_o he_o have_v set_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o not_o all_o and_o heb_n 13_o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n tim_n 5._o 17._o as_o be_v likewise_o before_o cite_v there_o be_v some_o then_o that_o rule_n to_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o submit_v and_o so_o all_o be_v not_o ruler_n there_o be_v a_o seven_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o power_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o set_v down_o rule_n and_o limit_n to_o order_v it_o by_o in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n how_o to_o direct_v the_o manage_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church-member_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o whatever_o power_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o order_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a as_o we_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o enumeration_n of_o lawful_a power_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n that_o he_o play_v not_o the_o tyrant_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o master_n parent_n by_o so_o the_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v regulate_v that_o they_o rule_v with_o diligence_n rom._n 12._o 8._o and_o so_o through_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n to_o order_v church_n government_n by_o in_o the_o hand_n particular_a believer_n for_o in_o no_o place_n of_o the_o word_n will_v such_o rule_n be_v find_v you_o that_o be_v the_o flock_n govern_v the_o pastor_n and_o feed_v they_o watch_v over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o direction_n give_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretend_a power_n be_v not_o of_o god_n our_o last_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o every_o
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_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 etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o 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 man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o one_o reason_n that_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o beautify_v it_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o many_o as_o a_o place_n of_o respect_n and_o not_o of_o office_n if_o a_o man_n be_v rich_a than_o his_o neighbour_n he_o think_v he_o be_v not_o respect_v if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a and_o have_v goten_a the_o name_n he_o care_v for_o no_o more_o now_o be_v that_o the_o way_n either_o to_o make_v people_n respect_v thy_o person_n or_o thy_o office_n let_v i_o obtest_v and_o charge_v all_o of_o you_o who_o have_v take_v on_o this_o heavenly_a call_v as_o you_o will_v answer_v on_o your_o hazard_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n that_o you_o will_v study_v by_o all_o mean_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o to_o beautify_v it_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v labour_v to_o disgrace_v it_o and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o independency_n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church-session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o it_o be_v that_o for_o which_o main_o they_o be_v call_v independent_o the_o point_n they_o affirm_v be_v this_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n be_v instruct_v with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n when_o they_o go_v wrong_v to_o rescind_v any_o act_n once_o conclude_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o unjust_a they_o grant_v that_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v meet_v to_o consult_v about_o matter_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n any_o congregation_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v wrong_v by_o a_o session_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o it_o may_v very_o ready_o fall_v out_o he_o must_v sit_v with_o his_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o right_v it_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n or_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n divide_v turn_v heretic_n run_v wrong_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n do_v there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o give_v a_o advice_n which_o they_o may_v either_o follow_v or_o not_o follow_v as_o like_v they_o best_o we_o again_o grant_v that_o particular_a eldership_n have_v a_o power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o exercise_n discipline_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o congregation_n in_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o other_o thing_n of_o more_o public_a concernment_n that_o be_v to_o say_v thing_n that_o concern_v other_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v handle_v by_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a and_o that_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o particular_a concernment_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o appeal_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a so_o that_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v wrong_n partial_a or_o erroneous_a they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o show_v the_o fashood_n of_o this_o error_n as_o also_o for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o speak_v against_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n these_o three_o truth_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o it_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a eldership_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o word_n a_o platform_n or_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o presbytry_n over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a the_o second_o truth_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o beside_o the_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v establish_v by_o presbytry_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n great_a church_n judicatory_n to_o wit_n synod_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n instruct_v with_o power_n of_o church_n government_n from_o christ_n also_o and_o three_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n synod_n to_o general_n assembly_n so_o that_o the_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v power_n over_o the_o inferior_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o and_o complaint_n 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o censure_v they_o for_o miscarry_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o enact_v church_n canon_n or_o conclusion_n bind_v to_o they_o which_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n ¶_o 1_n there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n i_o only_a premit_fw-la this_o that_o however_o we_o have_v the_o very_a name_n of_o this_o presbytry_n whereabout_o we_o dispute_v hold_v out_o in_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o whereby_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v be_v mean_v the_o presbytry_n we_o plead_v for_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o dispute_v about_o name_n though_o the_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a to_o wit_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n we_o may_v instance_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n corinth_n and_o of_o rome_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o church_n be_v not_o single_a congregation_n but_o presbyterial_a church_n under_o one_o common_a government_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o spend_v of_o time_n in_o point_v out_o this_o in_o all_o these_o church_n we_o shall_v instance_n it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o by_o this_o one_o you_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o first_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o their_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o particular_a congregation_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n and_o judicatory_a set_v over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a which_o two_o be_v make_v out_o the_o point_n we_o intend_v will_v appear_v evident_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o government_n set_v over_o many_o congregation_n in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a such_o as_o our_o presbytry_n be_v over_o all_o the_o particular_a church-session_n in_o the_o bound_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o shall_v make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o one_o and_o this_o from_o four_o ground_n first_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o church_n member_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n second_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n that_o be_v there_o more_o than_o can_v get_v work_n in_o one_o single_a congregation_n three_o from_o the_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o that_o church_n and_o four_o from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n they_o resort_v to_o for_o god_n service_n and_o first_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o church_n member_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o compare_v place_n with_o place_n we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v more_o than_o one_o single_a congregation_n take_v a_o view_n of_o some_o of_o these_o place_n act_n 1._o 15._o they_o be_v number_v to_o be_v about_o one_fw-mi hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o act._n 2._o 41._o there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o then_o in_o v_o 47._o there_o be_v daily_a addition_n of_o more_o and_o more_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 4._o 4._o we_o see_v yet_o a_o great_a increase_n there_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o concern_v which_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v add_v present_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o number_n before_o
find_v in_o act_n 15._o 4._o and_o act_n 21._o 15_o 18._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n now_o they_o be_v not_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v meet_v in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o by_o our_o opposite_n who_o prove_v their_o particular_a eldership_n from_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o in_o act_n 20._o 28._o mention_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n from_o whence_o they_o reason_v thus_o ephesus_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n we_o read_v there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v that_o church_n in_o common_a they_o must_v give_v we_o liberty_n to_o reason_n that_o same_o way_n thus_o we_o find_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o particular_a church_n we_o find_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v of_o this_o church_n or_o these_o church_n in_o common_a but_o three_o to_o make_v this_o argument_n yet_o strong_a not_o only_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n but_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a for_o proof_n of_o this_o see_v act_n 11_o 30._o the_o contribution_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o supply_v of_o the_o saint_n be_v send_v to_o the_o elder_n now_o what_o the_o elder_n shall_v do_v with_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o a_o place_n like_o it_o act_n 4._o 35._o 37._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v so_o doubtless_o the_o contribution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v have_v distribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n further_o we_o find_v this_o more_o clear_a act_n 21._o 18._o they_o meet_v together_o and_o judicial_o set_v down_o a_o way_n to_o paul_n for_o remove_v of_o a_o church_n scandal_n by_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a and_o purify_n himself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o five_o 23._o do_v therefore_o this_o etc._n etc._n so_o we_o see_v their_o elderships_n meeting_n together_o for_o remove_v a_o scandal_n we_o find_v a_o three_o place_n to_o confirm_v this_o act._n 15._o 2._o 4_o we_o shall_v afterward_o make_v use_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n only_o this_o much_o at_o present_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v the_o elder_n meet_v and_o make_v bind_v act_n to_o the_o church_n under_o they_o so_o we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o first_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n the_o main_a thing_n our_o opposite_n flee_v to_o at_o the_o last_o be_v this_o that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n in_o act_n 8._o and_o that_o they_o have_v one_o government_n above_o they_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o infer_v a_o government_n by_o presbytry_n for_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o few_o a_o number_n that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v one_o common_a government_n then_o by_o elder_n it_o infer_v not_o a_o presbytry_n but_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n only_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o this_o for_o answer_v they_o grant_v to_o we_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v a_o common_a eldership_n over_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o second_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o there_o even_o after_o the_o dispersion_n and_o we_o have_v also_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v elder_n over_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o whatever_o be_v before_o the_o dispersion_n yet_o even_o from_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o dispersion_n second_o we_o answer_v they_o can_v hardly_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o dispersion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v not_o of_o elder_n until_o act._n 11._o but_o when_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v we_o read_v not_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o elder_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a 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universal_a council_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_n but_o only_o in_o less_o and_o more_o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o every_o one_o of_o they_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n in_o the_o general_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o every_o kind_n in_o particular_a for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o in_o thing_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_a general_n rule_n be_v sufficient_a or_o a_o rule_n for_o one_o particular_a which_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n as_o matth_n 18._o christ_n set_v down_o the_o way_n of_o walk_v in_o private_a scandal_n speak_v
the_o difference_n which_o they_o like_v best_a and_o hence_o arise_v contest_v jangle_n and_o matter_n of_o rent_v the_o church_n now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o independency_n leave_v for_o prevent_v of_o this_o five_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n leave_v no_o remedy_n to_o a_o congregation_n want_v a_o minister_n for_o trial_n of_o the_o next_o that_o come_v who_o trial_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o how_o slight_a that_o trial_n will_v be_v any_o may_v judge_v how_o few_o parish_n can_v try_v a_o minister_n in_o his_o ability_n if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o preach_v convince_v gainsayer_n watch_v against_o raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v remee_v in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n according_a to_o paul_n rule_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o that_o minister_n be_v ordain_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o five_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n other_o defect_n also_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o these_o may_v suffice_v our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o matth._n 18._o 16._o 17._o 18._o where_o jesus_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o private_a scandal_n or_o deal_v with_o a_o offend_a brother_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o gain_v a_o offend_a brother_n how_o much_o more_o for_o gain_v a_o offend_a church_n it_o be_v above_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o church_n may_v offend_v walk_v inoder_o wrest_v justice_n now_o sure_o god_n care_n must_v be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o of_o one_o member_n so_o that_o our_o consequence_n hold_v but_o we_o assume_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o heal_v the_o scandal_n of_o a_o offend_a congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o complean_v to_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n above_o they_o this_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o censure_v 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still_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o the_o way_n then_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n it_o be_v prove_v before_o so_o we_o have_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v so_o now_o and_o to_o clear_v this_o consequence_n consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v record_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n rome_n 15._o 4._o 2._o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v 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they_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytry_n as_o say_v be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o particular_a congregation_n now_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o yet_o second_o in_o act_n 15._o there_o arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o antioch_n and_o because_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v compose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a church_n of_o antioch_n therefore_o it_o be_v refer_v unto_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o many_o presbytry_n all_o concern_v in_o it_o so_o there_o be_v business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o presbytry_n yet_o and_o some_o that_o can_v be_v end_v in_o one_o presbytry_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v synod_n for_o compose_v of_o these_o thing_n yet_o and_o see_v the_o apostle_n extraordinarly_a assist_v one_o whereof_o may_v have_v compose_v the_o controversy_n will_v nevertheless_o have_v a_o synodical_a convention_n for_o end_v controversy_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v it_o who_o gift_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o remain_v clear_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o point_n be_v bind_v to_o we_o now_o argument_n four_o there_o be_v no_o pattern_n of_o such_o a_o independent_a congregation_n by_o precept_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n where_o one_o particular_a congregation_n with_o one_o pastor_n and_o their_o eldership_n do_v exercise_n or_o may_v exercise_v all_o church_n government_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o that_o independent_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a first_o a_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o one_o congregation_n second_o by_o precept_n and_o practice_n ordination_n be_v to_o be_v by_o more_o pastor_n than_o one_o as_o act_n 1._o 13._o act._n 6._o 2._o act_n 13._o 13._o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v by_o pastor_n and_o many_o pastor_n and_o so_o can_v be_v by_o a_o single_a congregation_n where_o there_o be_v require_v and_o shall_v be_v say_v they_o but_o one_o pastor_n as_o to_o what_o they_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a man_n we_o answer_v corinth_n be_v a_o presbyterial_a church_n and_o second_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v independent_o for_o if_o a_o controversy_n have_v arisen_a about_o it_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v end_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o a_o synod_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v act_v 15._o argument_n five_o if_o so_o be_v that_o congregation_n be_v independent_a and_o no_o benefit_n of_o appeal_n allow_v to_o the_o party_n grieve_v then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o great_a slavery_n than_o the_o jewish_a but_o
somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candelstick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o argue_v thus_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n who_o will_v ruin_v the_o church_n but_o all_o those_o who_o can_v convince_o prove_v their_o regeneration_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n be_v false_a for_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n keep_v their_o first_o love_n who_o yet_o can_v neither_o satisfy_v themselves_o nor_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o will_v not_o ruin_v the_o church_n second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n where_o they_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v not_o real_a grace_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n at_o all_o neither_o know_v nor_o unknown_a for_o hypocrite_n can_v do_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o be_v tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n now_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v that_o all_o hypocrite_n be_v debar_v for_o they_o admit_v some_o such_o and_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrair_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o so_o some_o must_v be_v admit_v who_o if_o god_n look_v not_o more_o to_o his_o own_o mercy_n than_o to_o their_o meâ—â—t_n and_o more_o to_o the_o respect_n he_o have_v to_o other_o than_o to_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ruin_v the_o church_n obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 2_o tim_n 3._o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n for_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o place_n those_o who_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n he_o tell_v what_o they_o be_v highminded_a etc._n etc._n v_o 4._o and_o in_o the_o 6_o five_o subtle_a heretic_n who_o lead_v away_o the_o simple_a now_o we_o say_v none_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o those_o be_v scandalous_a but_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o follow_v for_o many_o can_v give_v satisfactory_a sign_n of_o their_o regeneration_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o gross_a liver_n nor_o scandalous_a nor_o seduce_v heretic_n and_o so_o not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o from_o who_o paul_n bid_v turn_v away_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o strong_a of_o their_o objection_n iu_o use._n i._o this_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o clear_v you_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v on_o what_o our_o opposite_n hold_v in_o this_o point_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n neither_o ought_v you_o to_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n with_o which_o they_o cover_v it_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v fearful_a consequence_n for_o by_o this_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o best_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v shall_v be_v put_v in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o pagan_n themselves_o to_o live_v without_o all_o ordinance_n their_o child_n without_o baptism_n and_o this_o will_v hold_v off_o many_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o even_o of_o those_o who_o can_v give_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n man_n conscience_n shall_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o they_o may_v stay_v member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o not_o because_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o all_o in_o it_o have_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o now_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o keep_v conscientious_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_a by_o this_o rule_n a_o insupportable_a burden_n be_v put_v on_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o examine_v themselves_o but_o also_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n christ_n apostle_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o mist_n all_o live_a and_o die_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o without_o baptism_n and_o so_o as_o pagan_n as_o also_o this_o show_n of_o strictness_n beyond_o whatever_o god_n have_v command_v do_v ever_o end_v in_o looseness_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o separatist_n present_v practice_v for_o what_o ever_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o looseness_n of_o other_o church_n that_o we_o be_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o drunkard_n and_o loose_a profane_a liver_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o great_a looseness_n in_o their_o own_o church_n as_o in_o any_o other_o for_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o admit_v heretic_n covetous_a vain_a proud_a boaster_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n if_o so_o be_v they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o principle_n against_o presbyterian_o this_o rule_n put_v man_n in_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o other_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o all_o be_v unclean_a or_o at_o best_o but_o civil_a natural_a moral_a man_n but_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a saint_n and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n put_v people_n to_o overvalue_v themselves_o and_o undervalue_v other_o be_v certain_o not_o of_o god_n this_o rule_n of_o they_o make_v way_n for_o infinite_a jangle_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o self_n interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n for_o when_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n think_v sign_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o alike_o to_o some_o they_o will_v be_v too_o strict_a to_o other_o more_o lax_n as_o affection_n carry_v until_o at_o last_o they_o think_v all_o good_a enough_o who_o be_v for_o their_o way_n and_o all_o other_o but_o natural_a worldly_a and_o carnal_a who_o be_v not_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unhappy_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n hatch_v for_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o satan_n have_v carry_v on_o his_o design_n main_o these_o year_n by_o past_a many_o such_o deceiver_n cry_v up_o strictness_n whereby_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o some_o and_o terrible_a to_o other_o while_o under_o this_o pretence_n they_o have_v bear_v down_o christ_n truth_n and_o holiness_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o countenance_v looseness_n nor_o to_o give_v a_o dash_n to_o holy_a strictness_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v plague_v for_o it_o that_o we_o have_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o rule_n yet_o i_o love_v no_o further_o strictness_n than_o what_o christ_n command_v let_v we_o stretch_v out_o our_o arm_n to_o invite_v sinner_n to_o give_v outward_a obedience_n and_o then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o let_v we_o hew_v they_o with_o the_o word_n and_o discipline_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v so_o when_o separatist_n say_v to_o you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o sinful_a mixture_n in_o your_o church_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v pollute_v to_o come_v among_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v better_a to_o stay_v in_o your_o chamber_n with_o a_o few_o of_o a_o gracious_a temper_n and_o let_v the_o rest_v run_v to_o the_o devil_n tell_v they_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v no_o such_o separation_n and_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v no_o strict_a than_o they_o be_v only_o this_o be_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o our_o come_n short_a of_o christ_n rule_n in_o our_o practice_n that_o scandal_n be_v too_o easy_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o ignorant_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o this_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o separation_n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o head_n concern_v separation_n from_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n i._o that_o which_o our_o adversary_n hold_v concern_v this_o be_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n at_o ordinance_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o godly_a therefore_o say_v they_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n
a_o good_a which_o they_o be_v to_o follow_n the_o evil_a to_o be_v eschew_v be_v in_o the_o second_o sentence_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a schism'_v among_o you_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n or_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o heresy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o text_n to_o know_v what_o division_n or_o schism_n the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o here_o and_o that_o be_v know_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o wit_n their_o factious_a siding_n in_o extol_v one_o minister_n and_o debase_v another_o with_o many_o fruitless_a jangle_n and_o other_o bad_a consequence_n follow_v thereupon_o whereof_o doubtless_o this_o be_v one_o the_o engage_v of_o the_o minister_n themselves_o in_o party_n for_o uphold_v their_o dependent_n so_o verse_n 12._o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n one_o say_v paul_n be_v best_a let_v we_o follow_v he_o another_o say_v nay_o but_o apollo_n be_v best_a we_o will_v follow_v he_o a_o three_o say_v cephas_n be_v better_a than_o they_o both_o i_o will_v follow_v none_o of_o they_o now_o away_o with_o these_o fruitless_a contest_v say_v he_o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v the_o good_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o that_o be_v threefold_a in_o opposition_n to_o three_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o usual_o accompany_v schism_n in_o a_o church_n the_o first_o evil_a accompany_v schism_n be_v flat_a contradiction_n first_o among_o minister_n and_o next_o among_o people_n when_o not_o only_o their_o opinion_n do_v differ_v but_o they_o be_v so_o hot_a upon_o the_o business_n that_o at_o all_o occasion_n they_o proclaim_v their_o difference_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o will_v beware_v of_o contradiction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o small_a importance_n wherein_o they_o agree_v they_o will_v speak_v to_o that_o wherein_o they_o differ_v they_o will_v forbear_v other_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o part_n upon_o more_o edify_a purpose_n the_o second_o evil_a accompany_v schism_n in_o a_o church_n be_v rent_v of_o affection_n when_o the_o member_n of_o one_o body_n turn_v cold-rife_a one_o towards_o another_o and_o their_o affection_n die_v in_o opoosition_n to_o this_o evil_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n or_o the_o same_o affection_n it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n here_o render_v mind_n be_v use_v indifferent_o for_o the_o whole_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n but_o the_o understanding_n be_v speak_v to_o under_o the_o word_n judgement_n which_o follow_v we_o think_v with_o some_o of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n that_o by_o the_o mind_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o affection_n so_o the_o thing_n he_o press_v in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o not_o only_o they_o will_v forbear_v other_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o public_a expression_n but_o also_o will_v labour_v to_o blow_v at_o the_o coal_n of_o their_o almost_o die_a affection_n the_o three_o evil_a accompany_v a_o schism_n be_v difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v perfect_o join_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n be_v they_o will_v labour_v to_o remove_v the_o root_n of_o the_o difference_n by_o come_v to_o one_o judgement_n not_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v careless_a what_o judgement_n they_o have_v be_v of_o provide_v they_o have_v be_v one_o no_o the_o one_o part_n of_o every_o contradiction_n be_v truth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v deny_v for_o peace_n this_o for_o the_o duty_n press_v next_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n persuade_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o 1._o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n insinuation_n partly_o in_o his_o affectionate_a exhortation_n i_o beseech_v you_o partly_o in_o his_o lovely_a compellation_n brethren_n 2._o there_o be_v his_o grave_a obtestation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v dear_a to_o you_o which_o you_o profess_v so_o much_o respect_n unto_o so_o set_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o these_o faction_n and_o fractious_a siding_n and_o schism_n by_o which_o his_o name_n suffer_v so_o much_o there_o be_v a_o three_o argument_n to_o enforce_v this_o duty_n in_o the_o word_n perfect_o join_v whereby_o the_o apostle_n hint_n at_o the_o great_a evil_n the_o church_n be_v under_o by_o the_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o great_a good_a they_o shall_v attain_v to_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v borrow_v from_o the_o office_n of_o surgeon_n and_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o mend_n of_o break_a bone_n and_o set_v in_o joint_n of_o dislocate_v member_n so_o it_o import_v 1._o that_o through_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n they_o be_v put_v all_o out_o of_o joint_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dislocate_v and_o therefore_o unfit_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o that_o case_n for_o do_v of_o any_o good_a office_n to_o the_o body_n 2._o it_o import_v that_o their_o follow_v of_o his_o advice_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o schism_n will_v set_v every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n in_o its_o own_o place_n and_o so_o enable_v the_o body_n for_o go_v about_o action_n profitable_a unto_o itself_o which_o now_o the_o whole_a member_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n it_o can_v not_o do_v this_o this_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divers_a point_n of_o truth_n arise_v from_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o the_o text_n may_v here_o be_v handle_v but_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o scope_n which_o will_v comprehend_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v this_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o and_o seek_v after_o and_o division_n and_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n be_v much_o to_o be_v eschew_v in_o prosecute_a this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v first_o distinguish_v union_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o union_n be_v mean_v 2._o i_o shall_v confirm_v the_o point_n 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n 3._o i_o shall_v apply_v the_o doctrine_n for_o our_o use_n first_o then_o to_o know_v what_o union_n the_o text_n and_o doctrine_n speak_v of_o it_o be_v fit_a you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o union_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a the_o tie_n and_o bond_n whereof_o be_v inward_a grace_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o one_o to_o another_o by_o love_n this_o be_v not_o the_o union_n here_o mean_v the_o text_n speak_v of_o a_o visible_a union_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a in_o opposition_n to_o a_o visible_a rent_n and_o schism_n second_o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o of_o its_o member_n among_o themselves_o this_o again_o be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v that_o union_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n so_o that_o a_o church_n can_v be_v a_o church_n nor_o a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o it_o wherein_o this_o union_n consist_v be_v controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o independent_n but_o the_o doctrine_n mean_v not_o of_o this_o union_n either_o so_o we_o insist_v not_o on_o it_o the_o union_n press_v in_o the_o text_n be_v such_o that_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n for_o the_o time_n do_v want_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n the_o union_n therefore_o here_o mean_v be_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o union_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o a_o church_n without_o the_o which_o though_o a_o church_n remain_v a_o church_n yet_o she_o loss_v much_o of_o her_o outward_a beauty_n her_o authority_n be_v much_o weaken_v her_o great_a work_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o herself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4._o 13._o be_v much_o retard_v she_o remain_v a_o church_n but_o not_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v describe_v cant._n 6._o 10._o who_o be_v she_o that_o look_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n fair_a as_o the_o moon_n clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n a_o divide_a church_n be_v not_o such_o a_o church_n but_o for_o further_a understanding_n of_o the_o union_n here_o press_v you_o will_v know_v that_o this_o union_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o a_o church_n be_v threefold_a 1._o
there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o judgement_n when_o there_o be_v no_o considerable_a difference_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n when_o all_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v here_o press_v be_v prefect_o join_v in_o one_o judgement_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o heart_n and_o affection_n speak_v of_o act._n 4._o 32._o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o here_o press_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n or_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o word_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o be_v when_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o open_o proclaim_v public_a contradiction_n and_o eristick_a debate_n be_v eschew_v and_o a_o unanimous_a joint_a practice_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n be_v follow_v and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o press_v in_o the_o text_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o text_n mean_v all_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o union_n the_o doctrine_n intend_v they_o all_o and_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a other_o scripture_n press_v they_o all_o only_a this_o we_o will_v know_v the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v press_v to_o wit_n so_o as_o every_o breach_n in_o the_o former_a be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o latter_a every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o heart_n or_o affection_n nor_o though_o a_o rent_n be_v in_o both_o do_v it_o infer_v necessary_o a_o divide_a practice_n at_o least_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n and_o for_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a especial_o philipp_n 3._o 15_o 16_o where_o v._n 15_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o philippian_n as_o to_o the_o point_n he_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o subjoin_v for_o matter_n of_o practice_n v_o 16._o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v though_o we_o can_v agree_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o let_v we_o eschew_v the_o prolaim_n of_o our_o difference_n by_o our_o contrary_a practice_n this_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o wit_n what_o union_n the_o doctrine_n press_v it_o be_v a_o union_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n particular_o a_o union_n in_o judgement_n a_o union_n in_o affection_n a_o union_n in_o practice_n a_o union_n all_o these_o way_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o labour_v after_o yet_o so_o as_o if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o union_n in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v yet_o still_o to_o endeavour_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o may_v cite_v several_a scripture_n 1._o these_o wherein_o this_o union_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o rich_a covenant_n blessing_n such_o as_o jer._n 32._o 39_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o the_o like_a be_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 22._o 2._o these_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o union_n be_v high_o commend_v especial_o ps._n 133._o 1._o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o so_o through_o the_o whole_a 3._o these_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o the_o mediator_n prayer_n to_o the_o father_n for_o this_o union_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o so_o v_o 23._o 4._o those_o scripture_n where_o this_o union_n be_v express_o enjoin_v and_o press_v whereof_o there_o be_v many_o such_o as_o philipp_n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o last_o these_o scripture_n where_o division_n contrary_a to_o unity_n be_v condemn_v as_o rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o but_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n bring_v forward_o some_o reason_n conclude_v the_o equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o seek_v after_o and_o entertain_v of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v also_o serve_v as_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n reason_n 1._o union_n further_v edification_n so_o eph._n 4._o 3._o union_n be_v press_v and_o one_o fruit_n among_o many_o to_o be_v reap_v hereby_o be_v v._n 12._o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o unity_n further_v edification_n so_o division_n mar_v it_o division_n in_o a_o church_n though_o about_o small_a thing_n yet_o if_o stiff_o maintain_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a they_o be_v put_v to_o doubt_v all_o truth_n because_o man_n gracious_a and_o learned_a doubt_n of_o some_o so_o division_n not_o only_o mar_v progress_n in_o the_o build_n but_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o what_o be_v already_o build_v reas._n 2._o division_n in_o a_o church_n make_v the_o minister_n contemptible_a of_o all_o man_n minister_n suffer_v most_o this_o way_n because_o usual_o they_o be_v most_o active_a in_o beginning_n and_o uphold_v the_o division_n and_o usual_o even_o these_o who_o have_v truth_n for_o they_o suffer_v much_o if_o not_o most_o this_o way_n paul_n though_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o man_n for_o truth_n yet_o he_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o former_a esteem_n he_o have_v among_o the_o corinthian_n though_o once_o they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n for_o he_o yet_o through_o the_o division_n their_o distemper_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o he_o be_v look_v on_o as_o contemptible_a rude_a in_o speech_n yea_o a_o fool_n and_o what_o not_o as_o appear_v from_o 2_o cor_fw-la 10._o 10._o ch._n 11._o 6_o 16._o reas._o 3_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o many_o thing_n wherein_o a_o church_n agree_v that_o way_n shall_v enforce_v this_o union_n the_o apostle_n paul_n eph._n 4._o draw_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n from_o this_o ground_n the_o duty_n be_v propound_v v._n 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o v_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v press_v by_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v on_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o here_o be_v many_a one_o together_o in_o two_o or_o three_o line_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o you_o who_o be_v so_o many_o way_n one_o to_o rend_v in_o piece_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o small_a moment_n reas._n 4._o division_n in_o a_o church_n turn_v away_o every_o man_n eye_n from_o his_o main_a task_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o joint_n oppose_v of_o satan_n main_a design_n to_o be_v wrangle_v one_o with_o another_o it_o be_v satan_n policy_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n in_o a_o church_n to_o set_v those_o who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o most_o by_o the_o ear_n about_o small_a thing_n that_o so_o he_o may_v carry_v his_o point_n with_o less_o difficulty_n herein_o make_v use_n of_o matchiavil_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o principle_n divide_v &_o impera_fw-la divide_v and_o carry_v it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o the_o near_a those_o who_o differ_v come_v to_o one_o another_o they_o drive_v on_o their_o point_n against_o other_o with_o the_o great_a animosity_n and_o eagerness_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o less_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o have_v the_o more_o hope_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o their_o mind_n hence_o their_o mutual_a on-setts_a be_v more_o furious_a and_o their_o disappointment_n the_o more_o bitter_a the_o high_a they_o be_v in_o their_o hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o they_o mind_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o bear_v down_o one_o another_o satan_n come_v good_a speed_n in_o bear_v down_o of_o truth_n and_o they_o and_o all._n reas._n 5._o union_n when_o once_o lose_v in_o a_o church_n be_v hardly_o ever_o
again_o attain_v we_o read_v act._n 15._o 39_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n part_v but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o meeting_n again_o and_o church_n history_n show_v we_o that_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n for_o almost_o just_a nothing_o have_v continue_v incurable_a for_o some_o generation_n until_o not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o schism_n but_o also_o their_o disciple_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n osiand_n gent._n 4._o reas._n 6._o when_o a_o rent_n be_v make_v in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v hardly_o curable_a so_o it_o still_o grow_v wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whereabout_o a_o rent_n begin_v than_o whereat_o it_o will_v end_v the_o great_a of_o church_n division_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v have_v but_o small_a beginning_n hence_o be_v that_o common_o receive_v maxim_n omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la desinit_fw-la in_o haresin_n the_o faction_n of_o the_o donatist_n at_o first_o make_v but_o a_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o faulty_a officer_n and_o mix_v communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o until_o they_o fall_v into_o several_a heresy_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n our_o first_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n the_o doctrine_n refute_v at_o least_o lay_v a_o just_a odium_fw-la upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o congregational_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o perpetual_a rent_v of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v reckon_v four_n the_o first_o be_v that_o principle_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a church_n a_o most_o divide_v principle_n in_o so_o far_o 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one_o way_n some_o another_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o incline_v to_o charity_n yea_o the_o same_o man_n at_o several_a time_n will_v have_v a_o various_a judgement_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o another_o according_a as_o the_o presumption_n and_o probability_n by_o which_o only_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v within_o be_v more_o full_o or_o spare_o represent_a hence_o there_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o breach_n upon_o breach_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o authoritative_n judge_v to_o walk_v by_o such_o uncertain_a rule_n a_o three_o divide_v principle_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n be_v this_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v sole_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n hence_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n go_v wrong_a though_o but_o make_v up_o of_o seven_o person_n which_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_a in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v they_o this_o must_v needs_o open_v a_o door_n to_o as_o many_o division_n as_o there_o be_v church_n a_o four_o divide_v principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n yea_o no_o church_n visible_a but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o another_o principle_n they_o hold_v which_o follow_v upon_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v exerce_fw-la no_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n hence_o 1._o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o church_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o communion_n of_o member_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n act_n from_o one_o church_n or_o many_o towards_o another_o the_o result_v and_o determination_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a synod_n make_v up_o of_o never_o so_o many_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o act_n of_o so_o many_o private_a christian_n yea_o 2._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n among_o member_n of_o several_a congregation_n in_o public_a church_n ordinance_n as_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n joint_o from_o a_o send_v minister_n in_o receive_v the_o seal_n together_o for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n a_o minister_n can_v authoritative_o preach_v nor_o in_o any_o respect_n administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o any_o though_o never_o so_o gracious_a except_o to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v occasional_o present_a when_o he_o be_v dispense_n these_o ordinance_n unto_o his_o own_o which_o consequence_n be_v express_o grant_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o destroy_v all_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o member_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o union_n several_a such_o like_a principle_n in_o that_o way_n may_v be_v reckon_v out_o concern_v which_o the_o doctrine_n warrand_v we_o to_o say_v this_o much_o if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o than_o such_o divide_v principle_n can_v be_v of_o god_n our_o second_o use_n be_v for_o direction_n if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o than_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o far_o and_o every_o day_n a_o step_n further_o from_o it_o our_o division_n grow_v i_o fear_v all_o the_o three_o way_n and_o in_o all_o rank_n our_o head_n be_v divide_v our_o tongue_n divide_v yea_o and_o our_o heart_n divide_v synod_n be_v divide_v presbytery_n be_v divide_v congregation_n divide_v minister_n divide_v people_n divide_v yea_o and_o in_o some_o place_n family_n divide_v husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o son_n mother_n and_o daughter_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o and_o all_o divide_a we_o be_v as_o madman_n every_o one_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n manasseh_n ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n manasseh_n and_o they_o together_o against_o judah_n a_o evil_a never_o enough_o lament_v and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v make_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a division_n as_o our_o sad_a affliction_n and_o great_a weight_n i_o shall_v reckon_v six_o thing_n 1._o the_o many_o particular_a evil_n which_o upon_o a_o exact_a search_n it_o will_v be_v find_v our_o division_n have_v bring_v upon_o peoples_n own_o spirit_n how_o much_o of_o our_o precious_a time_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a jangle_n by_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o â—e_v make_v worse_a many_o i_o fear_v too_o too_o many_o so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o head_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o heart_n the_o sweetness_n and_o profit_n of_o mutual_a converse_n and_o fellowship_n be_v much_o mar_v our_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o benefit_n that_o way_n much_o impair_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o our_o hot_a debate_n untender_a expression_n and_o bitter_a and_o unnecessary_a reflection_n of_o time_n brangle_v and_o shake_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v we_o look_v on_o our_o present_a division_n as_o our_o great_a weight_n be_v the_o name_n of_o praise_n which_o this_o church_n have_v have_v for_o unity_n in_o time_n bypass_a among_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o as_o a_o rare_a privilege_n of_o this_o church_n beyond_o many_o and_o that_o which_o make_v her_o very_a name_n famous_a among_o church_n abroad_o that_o for_o the_o space_n almost_o of_o sixty_o year_n she_o have_v keep_v unity_n with_o purity_n without_o either_o schism_n or_o heresy_n now_o if_o unity_n have_v be_v former_o this_o church_n praise_n how_o sad_a and_o weighty_a be_v it_o and_o how_o woeful_a man_n be_v we_o that_o
immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o 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