to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v be_v a_o persuasion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v of_o god_n else_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n by_o it_o 1_o thessa_n 2.3.2_o peter_n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o still_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o so_o much_o shall_v seve_o to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v hear_v how_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o our_o more_o easy_a proceed_n in_o the_o point_n that_o which_o concern_v person_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n or_o matter_n of_o substance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v either_o in_o matter_n touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o i_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o lecture_n therein_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o long_o in_o handle_v because_o look_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a point_n shall_v be_v here_o supply_v touch_v this_o point_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a first_o as_o material_a for_o after_o we_o be_v make_v acquaint_v which_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o know_v which_o be_v canonical_a book_n write_v by_o the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o 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maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n the_o heretic_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o heresy_n yea_o among_o and_o true_a believer_n themselves_o one_o interpret_v the_o same_o word_n to_o that_o opinion_n that_o he_o favour_v and_o another_o to_o a_o contrary_n that_o he_o favour_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n be_v here_o thrust_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o only_a or_o chief_a umpyre_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o that_o alone_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o she_o pronounce_v and_o sure_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v as_o probable_o and_o plausible_o challenge_v authority_n to_o deliver_v which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o which_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v give_v the_o church_n her_o due_a touch_v the_o former_a acknowledge_v her_o authority_n in_o and_o about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o over_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o god_n willing_a we_o will_v deal_v as_o ingenurous_o in_o this_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o will_v limit_v and_o bound_v it_o within_o certain_a necessary_a caution_n and_o limitation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o we_o will_v handle_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n yet_o she_o must_v not_o expound_v it_o as_o she_o list_v and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o mind_n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o say_v some_o the_o church_n will_v not_o nor_o can_v expound_v they_o ob._n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o needless_a observation_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o be_v answer_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o bound_v and_o limit_v we_o will_v proceed_v then_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n and_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o rule_n and_o second_o by_o example_n the_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o note_n and_o that_o first_o in_o general_n isaiah_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n &_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o speak_v in_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o special_o in_o expound_v scripture_n it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n that_o god_n intend_v therein_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o peter_n 4.11_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v he_o that_o speak_v speak_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o god_n sense_n as_o in_o general_a all_o must_v thus_o speak_v god_n word_n so_o special_o the_o preacher_n or_o whosoever_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o expound_v god_n word_n he_o must_v speak_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o reverent_o and_o zealous_o as_o become_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o matter_n much_o more_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o as_o he_o be_v then_o in_o god_n stead_n and_o deliver_v his_o message_n else_o he_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n not_o god_n second_o more_o particular_o john_n 5_o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o bide_v they_o take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v they_o and_o give_v what_o sense_n of_o they_o they_o think_v good_a but_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v they_o that_o be_v examine_v they_o and_o consider_v advise_o of_o they_o lay_v they_o right_o together_o &_o weigh_v one_o place_n well_o with_o another_o and_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n after_o the_o sense_n &_o reach_v that_o god_n intend_v in_o they_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v first_o witness_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o that_o they_o be_v help_n to_o eternal_a life_n see_v it_o yet_o more_o near_o rom._n 12.6_o let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n whereby_o prophecy_n be_v express_o mean_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.3.31_o and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n or_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o all_o yet_o still_o
the_o scripture_n and_o plainness_n and_o constancy_n in_o itself_o be_v such_o that_o it_o require_v that_o whosoever_o interpret_v they_o they_o must_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o not_o their_o own_o mind_n so_o much_o of_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o this_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v for_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o principal_o of_o the_o papist_n papist_n and_o it_o meet_v with_o they_o two_o way_n first_o it_o reprove_v their_o opinion_n and_o second_o their_o practice_n and_o first_o it_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o opinion_n for_o they_o esteem_v the_o scripture_n but_o a_o dead_a or_o kill_a letter_n and_o the_o write_a word_n but_o bare_a and_o dead_a ink_n it_o be_v the_o church_n say_v they_o that_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v it_o sound_a and_o sense_n and_o it_o have_v no_o meaning_n but_o what_o she_o pronounce_v this_o be_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v spiritual_a ear_n they_o hear_v god_n himself_o speak_v even_o in_o the_o write_a word_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n sound_v it_o to_o the_o outward_a ear_n but_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_z voice_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n do_v they_o call_v they_o o_o horrible_a blasphemy_n stephen_n call_v they_o lively_a oracle_n act_n 7.38_o and_o the_o angel_n act_v 5.20_o call_v they_o word_n of_o life_n and_o christ_n himself_o say_v john_n 5.39_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o he_o if_o they_o be_v dumb_a as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v than_o they_o give_v but_o a_o slender_a witness_n of_o christ_n but_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o live_a voice_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o say_v john_n 6.63_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v be_v spirit_n and_o life_n i_o say_v not_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n simple_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o faithful_a receiver_n that_o be_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o aaron_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n exod._n 4.16_o he_o shall_v be_v thy_o spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n he_o shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o mouth_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v unto_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n luke_n 1.70_o as_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a prophet_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o far_o she_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o she_o be_v so_o the_o mouth_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o what_o sense_n soever_o she_o speak_v must_v be_v esteem_v the_o voice_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v no_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o dumb_a but_o speak_v itself_o dumb_a rom._n 10.11_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o rom._n 11.2_o wot_v you_o not_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o most_o plain_o rom._n 9.17_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v unto_o pharaoh_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n say_v to_o pharaoh_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o dumb_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n hear_v god_n speak_v in_o they_o as_o it_o condemn_v their_o opinion_n so_o second_o text._n it_o condemn_v their_o practice_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n and_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n for_o they_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o church_n as_o the_o authentical_a text_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n they_o have_v decree_v that_o none_o may_v appeal_v from_o it_o under_o any_o pretence_n and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o god_n curse_n it_o be_v true_a that_o translation_n be_v scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o go_v with_o the_o original_a text_n but_o that_o any_o translation_n be_v to_o be_v equal_v much_o less_o prefer_v to_o the_o original_a text_n wherein_o both_o the_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n own_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n judgement_n not_o blind_v and_o besot_v with_o mist_n of_o prejudice_n and_o error_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n because_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n own_o text_n but_o they_o will_v only_o stand_v to_o their_o own_o translation_n refuse_v the_o other_o church_n the_o second_o practice_n of_o they_o here_o reprove_v be_v that_o all_o their_o expositor_n be_v slave_n and_o vassal_n to_o their_o church_n for_o in_o all_o their_o interpretation_n either_o they_o must_v concur_v to_o award_v with_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o church_n have_v already_o give_v or_o if_o they_o differ_v they_o must_v veil_v bonnet_n and_o say_v with_o submission_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o then_o though_o they_o do_v err_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o damnable_a because_o they_o show_v a_o willingness_n to_o be_v better_o advise_v else_o they_o be_v heretic_n and_o castawaye_n it_o be_v far_o more_o grace_n in_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n with_o entreaty_n of_o pardon_n for_o that_o we_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o his_o word_n for_o if_o any_o wrong_n be_v do_v therein_o it_o be_v most_o to_o he_o who_o word_n we_o have_v mistake_v and_o also_o we_o must_v pray_v unto_o he_o for_o further_a illumination_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o this_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n and_o slave_n of_o man_n scripture_n their_o three_o practice_n here_o reprove_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o general_o all_o papist_n receive_v they_o do_v swear_v to_o understand_v scripture_n only_o so_o as_o the_o father_n joint_o do_v expound_v they_o and_o to_o receive_v no_o other_o interpretation_n but_o that_o which_o they_o do_v general_o consent_v in_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o father_n joint_o consent_v and_o all_o agree_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o scripture_n it_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o move_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o i_o shall_v swear_v to_o it_o but_o i_o ask_v what_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v there_o that_o be_v not_o manifest_a by_o its_o own_o light_n which_o be_v expound_v one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n by_o all_o the_o father_n if_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o itself_o we_o believe_v it_o for_o its_o own_o light_n and_o not_o for_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o itself_o than_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o father_n dissent_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o if_o most_o agree_v than_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o they_o all_o agree_v but_o what_o if_o the_o most_o dissent_n from_o the_o best_a must_v we_o follow_v the_o most_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o commandment_n they_o follow_v not_o the_o most_o but_o leave_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n and_o follow_v austin_n who_o will_v have_v but_o three_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o table_n because_o he_o have_v a_o conceit_n of_o a_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o be_v in_o they_o but_o will_v they_o believe_v the_o most_o and_o leave_v the_o best_a this_o be_v against_o god_n commandment_n to_o follow_v the_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a scripture_n but_o thus_o they_o must_v do_v or_o else_o they_o be_v forswear_a see_v what_o dangerous_a plunge_v these_o desperate_a fellow_n put_v themselves_o on_o to_o uphold_v the_o church_n transcendent_a authority_n in_o expound_v of_o scriptureâ—_n but_o second_o what_o if_o they_o do_v all_o general_o concur_v and_o yet_o miss_v in_o the_o right_n expound_v of_o scripture_n some_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a among_o the_o papist_n challenge_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o we_o can_v give_v instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o dangerous_a heresy_n of_o the_o millenaries_n upon_o that_o place_n reu._n 20.4_o that_o christ_n shall_v reign_v on_o the_o earth_n after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n a_o 1000_o year_n now_o if_o they_o follow_v the_o father_n in_o this_o exposition_n wherein_o they_o general_o err_v they_o must_v forsake_v the_o truth_n if_o they_o
the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o paganism_n the_o turck_n their_o alcoran_n the_o jew_n their_o talmud_n the_o papist_n their_o catechism_n counsel_n custom_n and_o tradition_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o this_o this_o will_v show_v they_o all_o to_o be_v stark_o counterfeit_v very_a dross_n and_o filth_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v once_o look_v after_o much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o precious_a golden_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o last_o yet_o mistake_v not_o as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o salvation_n be_v express_o in_o the_o word_n same_o that_o be_v by_o name_n and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n as_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o to_o be_v deduct_v by_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a reason_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v those_o thing_n that_o concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o miracle_n or_o discipline_n either_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n as_o it_o contain_v altogether_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o do_v miracle_n matth._n 10.1_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o &c_n &c_n and_o mark_v 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.9.10_o to_o another_o be_v give_v the_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n that_o plant_v it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n their_o doctrine_n and_o write_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o power_n be_v restrain_v and_o what_o church_n soever_o challenge_v this_o power_n therein_o may_v just_o be_v censure_v for_o anti-christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o second_o or_o discipline_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o second_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o ceremony_n we_o understand_v the_o time_n place_n and_o gesture_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n we_o will_v contrive_v the_o whole_a business_n into_o this_o observation_n every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n within_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o note_n doct._n first_o i_o say_v every_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o invisible_a not_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o one_o settle_v outward_a state_n can_v have_v no_o such_o order_n second_o i_o say_v particular_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o general_a visible_a church_n can_v so_o be_v proper_o assign_v to_o a_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o common_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o outward_a rite_n three_o i_o say_v have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v ceretaine_n rite_n four_o i_o say_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o church_n business_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n five_o i_o say_v they_o must_v be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o one_o church_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v another_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v except_o their_o case_n be_v very_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o note_n be_v clear_a we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n act_n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o touch_v circumcision_n a_o outward_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v withal_o about_o it_o and_o according_o they_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o 23._o verse_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o show_v their_o power_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n be_v perpetual_a the_o course_n must_v be_v perpetual_a too_o and_o they_o show_v their_o power_n both_o in_o disannul_v some_o ceremony_n as_o circumcision_n vers_fw-la 10._o as_o abstaming_a from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n verse_n 20._o which_o be_v certain_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o the_o apostle_n show_v of_o meat_n 1_o corinth_n 8.8_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o only_a in_o thing_n needful_a as_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o already_o which_o be_v general_o understand_v of_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o plain_a enough_o for_o after_o verse_n 3_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v they_o other_o ordinance_n keep_v which_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v they_o before_o concern_v the_o uncover_v of_o the_o man_n head_n and_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o woman_n head_n which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o comeliness_n sake_n he_o do_v there_o enjoin_v they_o and_o verse_n 20_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v certain_a other_o ordinance_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o their_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o three_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o four_o be_v concern_v justification_n for_o the_o first_o therein_o which_o be_v her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n they_o teach_v very_o erroneous_o not_o only_o that_o which_o disparage_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o by_o consequence_n utter_o overthrow_n they_o first_o scripture_n in_o that_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o in_o that_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n three_o in_o that_o they_o disanulle_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n first_o they_o deny_v express_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a rule_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o they_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o they_o must_v be_v piece_v and_o perfect_v by_o tradition_n no_o man_n dare_v add_v to_o the_o will_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v so_o shameless_a and_o presumptuous_a scripture_n that_o they_o dare_v presume_v to_o add_v to_o the_o sacred_a testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o they_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n teach_v and_o deliver_v first_o concern_v the_o translation_n that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o authentical_a but_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n which_o themselves_o confess_v be_v sometime_o faulty_a and_o do_v miss_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o it_o please_v the_o father_n to_o give_v who_o themselves_o acknowledge_v may_v and_o do_v sometime_o err_v and_o be_v deceive_v now_o to_o teach_v that_o a_o untrue_a translation_n be_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o untrue_a interpretation_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n untrue_a three_o they_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o many_o way_n first_o teach_v that_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o be_v know_v to_o contain_v certain_a untruth_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n second_o equal_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o as_o great_a authority_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n than_o the_o word_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o feeble_a and_o not_o worth_a trust_n to_o three_o they_o go_v further_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n say_v they_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o say_n but_o for_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n thus_o they_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n now_o all_o these_o lay_v together_o see_v whether_o that_o may_v not_o be_v just_o take_v up_o against_o they_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v against_o the_o jew_n john_n 8_o 47._o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o john_n 10.26.27_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o my_o sheep_n my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o god_n child_n hear_v his_o word_n and_o will_v not_o impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o the_o popish_a faction_n will_v not_o hear_v it_o but_o will_v impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n mediator_n so_o much_o for_o their_o error_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n where_o we_o see_v that_o their_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v like_a to_o find_v but_o foul_a water_n in_o their_o channel_n their_o second_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n say_v direct_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &_o that_o be_v christ_n 1._o tim._n 2.5_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o man_n the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n not_o only_o pray_v for_o we_o but_o to_o be_v invocate_v by_o we_o do_v not_o this_o justle_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n at_o least_o to_o sit_v so_o close_o answer_v that_o other_o must_v sit_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o in_o that_o office_n they_o will_v shift_v it_o off_o with_o this_o that_o they_o make_v the_o saint_n mediator_n of_o intercession_n only_o and_o christ_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n he_o mean_v of_o redemption_n not_o of_o intercession_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n mediator_n speak_v of_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n for_o he_o speak_v of_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o as_o in_o reason_n he_o that_o be_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o any_o must_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o enmity_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o party_n who_o he_o intercede_v for_o into_o favour_n else_o it_o will_v be_v a_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a intercession_n and_o he_o that_o intercede_v for_o any_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o person_n intercede_v do_v appoint_v or_o at_o least_o approve_v of_o for_o that_o business_n even_o so_o the_o scripture_n propound_v christ_n alone_o to_o be_v intercessor_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o be_v our_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n and_o our_o propitiation_n or_o reconciliation_n both_o and_o john_n 16.23_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v give_v it_o you_o he_o do_v not_o say_v whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o mother_n name_n or_o in_o the_o saint_n name_n but_o in_o my_o name_n and_o therefore_o both_o redemption_n and_o intercession_n be_v oft_o time_n in_o scripture_n by_o name_n join_v together_o as_o in_o that_o 1_o tim._n 2.5_o 6_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &c_n &c_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o man_n &_o rome_n 8.34_o who_o shall_v condemn_v we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v you_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o answer_v who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o we_o see_v to_o be_v mediator_n of_o intercession_n be_v as_o peculiar_a to_o chrst_n as_o to_o be_v mediator_n of_o redemption_n they_o shift_v again_o &_o say_v we_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n only_o but_o we_o pray_v to_o christ_n as_o intercessor_n and_o helper_n by_o his_o own_o power_n too_o i_o answer_v yet_o still_o they_o make_v they_o intercessor_n then_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o so_o they_o either_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n or_o set_v his_o mother_n and_o the_o saint_n on_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o but_o if_o therebe_n any_o other_o intercessor_n then_o either_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v imperfect_a or_o else_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v superfluous_a but_o say_v they_o we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n than_o you_o do_v to_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o this_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o second_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v they_o intercessor_n for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o he_o no_o but_o he_o entreat_v they_o to_o be_v fellow_n suitor_n and_o joint_a petitioner_n to_o god_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o three_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v alive_a we_o have_v access_n unto_o and_o can_v utter_v our_o mind_n to_o they_o but_o so_o we_o can_v to_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o pray_v to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o fellow_n suitor_n they_o make_v god_n of_o they_o in_o that_o very_a fact_n that_o be_v they_o make_v they_o knower_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o know_v that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n
unto_o we_o the_o sufficiency_n script_n three_o such_o as_o forbid_v any_o addition_n to_o or_o detraction_n from_o the_o scripture_n four_o such_o as_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n rhemist_n 15_o act_n â—_o the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n may_v coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v about_o article_n of_o faith_n hyper_n 6â—_n hyper_n 54._o second_o that_o the_o church_n make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n which_o the_o papist_n hold_v this_o confute_v by_o diverse_a reason_n three_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v prove_v by_o diverse_a thing_n four_o concern_v custom_n the_o father_n judgement_n concern_v custom_n five_o concern_v tradition_n how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v answer_n to_o the_o popish_a tenant_n concern_v traditition_n answer_n 1._o ob._n answer_v wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n and_o be_v not_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n answ_n 2._o answ_n 3._o their_o proof_n out_o of_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o answe_n answ_n 4._o the_o scripture_n the_o so_o only_o rule_v of_o say_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o all_o church_n general_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a trial_n of_o every_o truth_n how_o every_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n one_o of_o miracle_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v concern_v the_o same_o second_o of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o or_o second_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o what_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v therein_o the_o bound_n the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v in_o ordain_v matter_n of_o ceremony_n 1._o 2._o use_v 2._o 1._o the_o nine_o general_a point_n concern_v the_o church_n viz._n the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n into_o eastern_a and_o westenrne_a and_o this_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n second_o according_a to_o their_o language_n and_o so_o some_o be_v greek_n and_o some_o latin_a church_n whether_o schismatical_a or_o heretical_a church_n may_v be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n what_o a_o schismatic_a church_n be_v heretical_a church_n first_o what_o they_o be_v and_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n heresy_n of_o 2._o sort_n first_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n what_o this_o fundation_n be_v resol_n those_o that_o deny_v direct_o this_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v no_o more_o visible_a churcher_n the_o greek_a church_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o what_o wear_v to_o think_v of_o they_o 1._o of_o the_o greek_a church_n general_o disperse_v in_o most_o at_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n ortelius_n 100_o ortelius_n 97._o 98._o 108._o second_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v more_o particular_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v of_o they_o deliver_v in_o a_o observation_n doct._n the_o main_n error_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n the_o greek_a church_n better_a than_o the_o popish-church_n the_o papist_n unchatarible_v censure_v the_o greek_a church_n answer_v the_o greek_a church_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n from_o rome_n the_o greek_a church_n never_o subject_a to_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n account_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n viz_o succession_n of_o bishop_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o perserue_v of_o his_o church_n see_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n the_o misery_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n in_o many_o particular_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o persecution_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n 1._o a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n 2._o it_o overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o please_a religion_n for_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v such_o famous_a church_n to_o come_v to_o ruin_v apply_v to_o us._n the_o western_a church_n and_o first_o of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o that_o hold_v with_o she_o and_o what_o maâ—_n be_v say_v and_o hold_v of_o she_o deliver_v in_o two_o observation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n a_o difference_n between_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o popish_a â—action_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n among_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o who_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a church_n the_o popish_a church_n do_v not_o direct_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fundation_n but_o in_o outward_a show_n of_o word_n affirm_v it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n by_o their_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n must_v overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o by_o this_o over_o throw_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n quest_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o deny_v christ_n direct_o as_o by_o consequence_n yet_o he_o that_o do_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o god_n mercy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n compare_v with_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n 2._o with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n with_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o by_o consequence_n cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n with_o the_o of_o church_n sardis_n baptism_n a_o true_a sacrament_n in_o rome_n and_o right_o administer_v there_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v lawful_o baptize_v ob_fw-la 1._o answ_n ob._n 2._o answ_n the_o ordinati_fw-la of_o our_o minister_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o a_o lawful_a ordination_n the_o question_n where_o the_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n time_n answer_v the_o inconvenience_n prevent_v by_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v account_v a_o true_a church_n what_o to_o think_v of_o our_o father_n that_o live_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n they_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v to_o â—e_v â—udâ—ed_v rather_o misbeliever_n than_o unbeliever_n the_o 2._o observation_n wherein_o be_v further_o delire_v what_o may_v be_v say_v and_o hold_v further_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o she_o this_o that_o be_v speak_v against_o thou_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a factor_n corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reduce_v to_o 2._o sort_n 1._o matter_n of_o doctrine_n reduce_v to_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n four_o head_n 1_o concern_v scripture_n and_o their_o error_n therein_o three_o thing_n 1_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o way_n 1_o teach_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n second_o equal_v tradition_n of_o man_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n three_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n two_o head_n wherein_o they_o orre_v in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n viz_o concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o papist_n say_v there_o be_v many_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o distinction_n of_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n and_o redemption_n answer_v two_o thing_n in_o a_o mediator_n to_o be_v mediator_n of_o intercession_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v mediator_n of_o redemption_n the_o popish_a shâ—ft_n off_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n answer_v the_o popish_a reason_n for_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n depart_v draw_v from_o our_o desire_v the_o saint_n on_o earth_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o answer_v the_o three_o head_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v in_o doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o abominable_a whore_n deserve_v
business_n my_o purpose_n be_v therefore_o god_n will_v to_o traverse_v this_o whole_a controversy_n so_o far_o as_o strength_n and_o time_n and_o your_o capacity_n will_v permit_v and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v i_o will_v deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o and_o indifferent_o without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o adversary_n cause_n or_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o cause_n without_o traduce_v they_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o nor_o will_v i_o witting_o conceal_v any_o of_o god_n truth_n from_o you_o upon_o any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o respect_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n also_o to_o travel_v with_o i_o in_o this_o business_n faithful_o and_o conscionable_o both_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o all_o other_o our_o best_a endeavour_n with_o this_o reach_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v find_v member_n even_o of_o the_o church_n live_v member_n even_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v of_o riches_n it_o be_v comfortable_a speak_n of_o they_o when_o we_o have_v a_o part_n in_o they_o so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n much_o more_o it_o be_v sweet_a and_o comfortable_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o then_o when_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o have_v our_o part_n therein_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o introduction_n to_o prepare_v we_o to_o the_o religious_a and_o sanctify_a handle_v of_o the_o question_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o question_n itself_o in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o first_o some_o general_a point_n art_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o second_o church_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a matter_n the_o general_a point_n be_v these_o first_o of_o the_o name_n second_o of_o the_o title_n three_o of_o the_o nature_n four_a of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o we_o will_v make_v a_o passage_n into_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n name_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o name_n church_n be_v a_o word_n that_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n from_o the_o saxon_n for_o they_o call_v it_o church_fw-mi the_o very_a ancient_a sound_n and_o pronunciation_n whereof_o many_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o the_o northern_a part_n retain_v to_o this_o day_n 16._o but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v fetch_v original_o from_o the_o greek_a for_o as_o they_o call_v the_o sabbath_n day_n the_o time_n wherein_o god_n be_v worship_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n revel_v 1.10_o bullinger_n so_o the_o place_n too_o for_o the_o lord_n public_a service_n musc_n 555._o bull_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o see_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o religious_a matter_n it_o be_v good_a to_o speak_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v we_o will_v therefore_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o name_n that_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o by_o in_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o original_a signify_v a_o company_n or_o congregation_n as_o in_o exod._n 16.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deut._n 5.22_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 33.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o call_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o way_n of_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o be_v the_o assembly_n of_o assembly_n the_o most_o excellent_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o matth._n 16_o 18._o which_o signify_v a_o calling_n or_o a_o company_n call_v forth_o from_o among_o the_o rest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o athenian_n where_o certain_a man_n be_v call_v forth_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o crier_n from_o the_o rest_n by_o some_o special_a meeting_n and_o business_n and_o so_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o translate_v it_o from_o a_o civil_a sense_n and_o use_v to_o a_o religious_a intend_v another_o manner_n of_o cryer_n and_o call_v then_o be_v in_o athens_n and_o it_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o company_n so_o call_v but_o also_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o public_a and_o religious_a exercise_n which_o i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o so_o signify_v in_o scripture_n but_o in_o use_n of_o speech_n among_o we_o and_o in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a history_n piscat_fw-la on_o 1._o cor._n 11.18_o 22._o muscul_fw-la pag._n 556._o hyper._n method_n 527._o 528._o when_o god_n tie_v his_o presence_n to_o a_o material_a building_n as_o in_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o temple_n may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o spiritual_a build_n only_o which_o be_v the_o faithful_a it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v so_o but_o yet_o synagogue_n signify_v as_o well_o the_o place_n as_o the_o company_n luk._n 7_o 5._o and_o by_o a_o figure_n we_o may_v call_v the_o place_n by_o the_o name_n of_o that_o it_o contain_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o justify_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n church_n among_o we_o though_o as_o i_o say_v i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o signify_v so_o in_o scripture_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d congregation_n intend_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o thing_n first_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o they_o whether_o many_o or_o few_o there_o must_v be_v a_o congregation_n second_o they_o must_v have_v usual_a and_o solemn_a meeting_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n three_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v call_v they_o to_o be_v of_o this_o assembly_n and_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o last_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n intend_v in_o this_o word_n doctr._n and_o from_o hence_o from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v draw_v this_o observation_n namely_o that_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v forth_o of_o god_n from_o among_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o will_n to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o easy_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o point_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o discourse_n of_o calling_n this_o word_n be_v use_v much_o in_o scripture_n and_o have_v diverse_a signification_n calling_n we_o will_v make_v four_o division_n of_o calling_n first_o there_o be_v a_o general_a call_n and_o a_o particular_a call_n second_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o a_o ordinary_a call_n three_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a and_o a_o outward_a call_n four_o there_o be_v a_o effectual_a and_o a_o not_o effectual_a call_n particular_a first_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a call_n a_o general_a that_o be_v when_o god_n do_v proffer_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o a_o whole_a city_n or_o a_o nation_n or_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v act._n 17.30_o but_o now_o god_n admonish_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v or_o else_o when_o god_n only_o give_v to_o some_o particular_a man_n some_o general_a or_o confuse_a notice_n of_o save_v grace_n a_o particular_a call_n be_v when_o god_n tender_v occasion_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o some_o particular_a manner_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n come_v near_o to_o sin_n and_o deal_v more_o direct_o with_o sin_n example_n we_o have_v of_o this_o psal_n 31.6_o david_n say_v thou_o have_v teach_v i_o wisdom_n in_o the_o secret_a of_o my_o heart_n and_o such_o a_o calling_n have_v the_o jailor_n act._n 16.31_o there_o god_n deal_v particular_o and_o direct_o with_o sin_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o if_o this_o particular_a call_v be_v apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_n upon_o when_o god_n tender_v it_o than_o we_o be_v save_v if_o not_o it_o increase_v our_o condemnation_n ordinary_a the_o second_o division_n of_o calling_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a extraordinary_a calling_n be_v when_o god_n call_v man_n even_o many_o time_n without_o mean_n or_o by_o some_o bymeane_n or_o by_o weak_a mean_n not_o tend_v or_o at_o least_o not_o sufficient_a usual_o to_o such_o effect_n or_o else_o by_o some_o rare_a and_o strange_a mean_n as_o when_o paul_n be_v call_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n act._n 9.3_o a_o ordinary_a call_n be_v when_o the_o mean_n time_n place_n and_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v usual_o wont_a to_o be_v in_o that_o case_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v away_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o that_o respect_n yet_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v ordinary_a that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o calling_n be_v ordinary_a too_o because_o god_n ordinary_o second_v the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 10.44_o while_o peter_n yet_o speak_v the_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o and_o act._n
this_o as_o a_o general_a ground_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o not_o in_o this_o and_o their_o reach_n herein_o be_v to_o make_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o suspend_v themselves_o upon_o their_o church_n as_o that_o be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o to_o receive_v that_o religion_n and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o their_o church_n do_v teach_v for_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o we_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n you_o must_v find_v it_o out_o by_o our_o church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o gift_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o whereas_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o the_o scripture_n have_v another_o way_n and_o a_o better_a joh_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o church_n than_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v well_o assure_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n before_o he_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o judgement_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o whereas_o before_o his_o care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o thereupon_o resolve_v to_o search_v it_o out_o from_o the_o true_a church_n now_o his_o first_o and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o other_o company_n that_o be_v not_o may_v and_o do_v brag_v ofttimes_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n this_o doctrine_n tell_v we_o direct_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v where_o be_v it_o that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v profess_v there_o and_o no_o where_o else_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_a as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v be_v the_o only_a way_n or_o at_o least_o the_o chief_a way_n to_o find_v out_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o case_n be_v this_o we_o say_v the_o true_a religion_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n say_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o true_a church_n show_v forth_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o that_o they_o say_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v true_a in_o a_o better_a sense_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n show_v the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o cause_n show_v the_o effect_n but_o the_o church_n show_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o the_o effect_n show_v the_o cause_n as_o for_o example_n the_o sunshine_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o day_n prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v now_o one_o man_n may_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o say_v the_o sun_n shine_v therefore_o it_o be_v day_n another_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v day_n therefore_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o both_o say_v true_a but_o the_o first_o be_v the_o more_o forcible_a kind_n of_o reason_v when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n so_o when_o i_o reason_n thus_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o the_o true_a church_n here_o i_o reason_n from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o forcible_a and_o better_a reason_n then_o to_o say_v here_o be_v the_o true_a church_n therefore_o here_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v but_o to_o reason_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n this_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n where_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o candlestick_n now_o what_o serve_v that_o for_o but_o only_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n then_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n now_o the_o candlestick_n be_v not_o see_v at_o all_o without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n though_o it_o be_v of_o gold_n so_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o candlestick_n if_o it_o hold_v not_o forth_o the_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o light_n or_o candle_n it_o can_v be_v see_v itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o make_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n make_v it_o visible_a then_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n nor_o yet_o the_o best_a way_n but_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o papist_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n be_v it_o so_o that_o every_o congregation_n open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n then_o here_o be_v the_o straight_a and_o precise_a rule_n to_o measure_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n by_o the_o definition_n contain_v all_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o no_o more_o therefore_o look_v wheresoever_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o look_v where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o true_a save_a faith_n be_v profess_v for_o these_o hold_n in_o reciprocal_a term_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o will_v prove_v any_o assembly_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o reprove_v and_o convince_v any_o for_o a_o false_a we_o must_v lay_v it_o to_o this_o rule_n so_o whether_o they_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o according_o esteem_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a church_n here_o certain_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o what_o 1._o do_v you_o say_v that_o a_o company_n profess_v the_o save_a truth_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n will_v profession_n only_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o it_o be_v require_v answ_n that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v among_o they_o indeed_o else_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n second_o that_o be_v among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v smother_v but_o profess_v three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o outward_o profess_v but_o inward_o embrace_v too_o at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o 2._o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o but_o what_o say_v you_o if_o they_o profess_v it_o with_o their_o lip_n and_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n be_v such_o a_o church_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n a_o fearful_a state_n be_v all_o such_o church_n in_o for_o god_n can_v be_v more_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n more_o grieve_v his_o gospel_n more_o reproach_v his_o child_n more_o offend_v satan_n and_o all_o god_n enemy_n more_o gratify_v and_o advantage_v then_o by_o this_o yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o fall_n away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o that_o some_o do_v live_v as_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o be_v not_o see_v to_o us._n and_o therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o not_o to_o be_v outward_o discern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a and_o impure_a one_o 3._o the_o three_o exception_n but_o what_o say_v you_o of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a faith_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o certain_a some_o cross_a opinion_n which_o overthrow_n it_o answ_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o manner_n of_o opinion_n these_o be_v which_o that_o church_n hold_v first_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n second_o whether_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n three_o whether_o they_o be_v persist_v in_o after_o they_o have_v be_v admonish_v by_o
church_n govern_v by_o the_o word_n not_o else_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o good_a king_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v always_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o decide_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o god_n word_n decide_v but_o this_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n must_v be_v wary_o use_v because_o it_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o chief_a governor_n be_v and_o therefore_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o king_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n because_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v chief_a governor_n second_o they_o except_v &_o say_v the_o universal_a visible_a church_n have_v a_o visible_a head_n now_o where_o be_v this_o visible_a head_n christ_n be_v not_o visible_a i_o answer_v yes_o christ_n be_v visible_a for_o first_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v in_o this_o dispensation_n of_o time_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v see_v if_o the_o king_n after_o he_o be_v crown_v shall_v keep_v himself_o in_o his_o closet_n all_o his_o life_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o a_o visible_a king_n too_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o his_o subject_n so_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n visible_a where_o the_o saint_n see_v he_o and_o where_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o too_o and_o that_o with_o these_o eye_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v visible_a though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o we_o now_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o be_v visible_a daily_o in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o these_o christ_n be_v among_o we_o and_o in_o our_o sight_n crucify_v gal._n 3.1_o three_o he_o be_v once_o visible_a and_o see_v on_o earth_n for_o many_o year_n and_o shall_v be_v see_v by_o every_o eye_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o that_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n four_o his_o minister_n together_o with_o lawful_a magistrate_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n visible_o represent_v he_o among_o us._n so_o that_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v every_o day_n among_o us._n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n the_o second_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o god_n church_n in_o use_n 2_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o head_n and_o that_o many_o way_n first_o way_n it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o nearness_n it_o have_v with_o christ_n last_o it_o show_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n first_o it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n for_o see_v it_o have_v such_o a_o glorious_a head_n as_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v therefore_o the_o body_n must_v needs_o be_v glorious_a too_o the_o great_a kingdom_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n even_o as_o far_o as_o their_o governor_n come_v short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o mortal_a and_o sinful_a man_n come_v short_a of_o the_o eternal_a and_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n have_v a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o head_n that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a head_n so_o have_v the_o church_n in_o her_o measure_n a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n the_o body_n of_o body_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a body_n in_o the_o world_n second_o it_o show_v the_o near_a conjunction_n the_o church_n have_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n there_o be_v no_o conjunction_n so_o near_o as_o this_o let_v any_o or_o all_o the_o society_n in_o the_o world_n show_v i_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n as_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n servant_n have_v their_o lord_n company_n their_o master_n city_n their_o major_n subject_n their_o king_n sheep_n their_o shepherd_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o the_o church_n have_v christ_n to_o be_v her_o head_n and_o this_o be_v the_o near_a conjunction_n that_o can_v be_v other_o governor_n of_o other_o society_n those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o or_o conjoin_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o company_n may_v have_v hurt_v and_o yet_o they_o not_o know_v of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o they_o do_v not_o affect_v it_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v affect_v it_o it_o be_v but_o for_o conscience_n of_o their_o place_n only_o but_o christ_n know_v the_o harm_n and_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v to_o his_o church_n and_o affect_v they_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o act._n 9_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o take_v the_o injury_n that_o saul_n offer_v to_o his_o church_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o of_o necessity_n christ_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o harm_n do_v to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n be_v of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o head_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o member_n this_o the_o church_n consider_v and_o receive_v inestimable_a comfort_n by_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o for_o by_o this_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o christ_n near_a presence_n to_o they_o in_o their_o affliction_n by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n and_o also_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o will_v relieve_v they_o of_o the_o wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o and_o revenge_v they_o on_o their_o enemy_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o also_o he_o will_v merciful_o recompense_v all_o our_o releever_n as_o if_o they_o have_v relieve_v he_o on_o earth_n in_o his_o great_a extremity_n this_o point_n be_v marvelous_a comfortable_a to_o all_o such_o as_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v live_v member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n three_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o safety_n which_o we_o have_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v against_o christ_n than_o they_o may_v prevail_v against_o we_o too_o but_o the_o one_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o too_o second_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v prevail_v against_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v pass_v do_v for_o it_o be_v do_v already_o for_o christ_n our_o head_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o head_n be_v above_o water_n the_o body_n can_v possible_o be_v drown_v i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n three_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o certain_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o the_o head_n be_v there_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v also_o joh._n 17.24_o yea_o we_o be_v already_o by_o communication_n with_o he_o in_o heavenly_a place_n ephes_n 2.6_o because_o he_o be_v our_o head_n be_v there_o already_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n that_o see_v christ_n be_v the_o use_v 3_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o we_o must_v labour_v so_o to_o esteem_v he_o and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o reverence_v he_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o as_o our_o head_n first_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o head_n to_o convey_v life_n sense_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n let_v we_o therefore_o wait_v upon_o our_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o for_o his_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n and_o discipline_n too_o and_o also_o let_v we_o defy_v all_o other_o direction_n and_o all_o other_o counsel_n that_o do_v not_o agree_v either_o particular_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o general_a with_o his_o reveal_v will_n all_o direction_n therefore_o that_o be_v against_o christ_n and_o against_o his_o word_n though_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o head_n christ_n it_o be_v israel_n perverseness_n 1_o sam._n 8.7_o and_o the_o jew_n wilfulness_n luk._n 19.14_o that_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n
that_o outward_a government_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o well-being_n only_o use_v 4_o four_o see_v there_o be_v a_o outward_a government_n necessary_a in_o god_n church_n for_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o then_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v content_a with_o that_o which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o to_o be_v earnest_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v for_o though_o it_o concern_v not_o our_o life_n yet_o it_o concern_v our_o health_n though_o it_o concern_v not_o the_o be_v yet_o it_o concern_v the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o every_o man_n be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o his_o place_n both_o those_o that_o govern_v that_o they_o govern_v according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o those_o that_o obey_v that_o they_o obey_v according_a to_o god_n word_n use_v 5_o last_o this_o reprove_v those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o not_o as_o man_n and_o minister_n to_o exercise_v this_o government_n but_o they_o will_v be_v lord_n they_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o against_o god_n word_n to_o devise_v a_o new_a government_n so_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v not_o only_o exercise_v the_o government_n as_o a_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o lord_n the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v direct_o against_o it_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o where_o he_o give_v all_o minister_n charge_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o pope_n he_o will_v be_v head_n and_o lord_n over_o all_o church_n on_o earth_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n though_o we_o say_v he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o mean_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o i_o have_v say_v heretofore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v harsh_a and_o dangerous_a yet_o this_o word_n ministerial_a qualify_v it_o well_o if_o it_o be_v sober_o understand_v it_o may_v agree_v to_o a_o particular_a but_o never_o to_o the_o general_a church_n over_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_v it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o fifteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v already_o enter_v into_o the_o business_n concern_v church_n government_n in_o handle_v whereof_o we_o propound_v these_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o discourse_v upon_o first_o of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasional_o bring_v forth_o in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o three_o former_a we_o have_v already_o hear_v now_o we_o be_v as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o word_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-governement_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o man_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o such_o a_o good_a thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v behooveful_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o use_n to_o have_v a_o long_a desire_n after_o it_o he_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v where_o it_o be_v be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o how_o he_o may_v come_v by_o it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v your_o pure_a mind_n in_o this_o case_n you_o have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church-government_n you_o have_v see_v also_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o you_o will_v cast_v about_o to_o see_v where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o so_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o your_o desire_n i_o will_v propound_v it_o here_o by_o way_n of_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church-government_n in_o every_o particular_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o it_o be_v find_v any_o where_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n for_o first_o it_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o must_v have_v god_n own_o warrant_n and_o ordinary_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n but_o in_o his_o word_n second_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o church_n the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n it_o must_v be_v fashion_v to_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o who_o be_v to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o house_n but_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n and_o who_o shall_v prescribe_v order_n for_o this_o house_n the_o church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o this_o house_n and_o we_o can_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n spirit_n reveal_v god_n mind_n only_o by_o god_n word_n therefore_o we_o must_v do_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o all_o other_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n in_o religion_n fly_v to_o the_o golden_a rule_n isai_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o god_n word_n must_v be_v consult_v withal_o and_o what_o that_o faith_n must_v be_v embrace_v if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n in_o it_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o no_o light_n be_v in_o we_o at_o all_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v second_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n they_o testify_v of_o i_o not_o only_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o or_o what_o he_o be_v but_o of_o his_o mind_n what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o all_o our_o course_n position_n now_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o what_o order_n it_o take_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v true_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o these_o two_o position_n first_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n as_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n how_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o second_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o set_v particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o every_o church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o be_v govern_v in_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o two_o position_n be_v well_o understand_v do_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o point_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n betwixt_o they_o the_o one_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n the_o other_o deny_v it_o but_o this_o be_v only_o in_o show_v a_o contradiction_n and_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v by_o this_o distinction_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o general_a another_o thing_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a the_o affirmative_a position_n say_v that_o it_o be_v whole_o set_v down_o there_o in_o the_o general_a and_o partly_o in_o the_o particular_a the_o negative_a say_v it_o be_v not_o there_o whole_o in_o every_o particular_a these_o position_n i_o purpose_v to_o deliver_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n that_o so_o i_o may_v speak_v the_o more_o plentiful_o upon_o they_o observation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o your_o understanding_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v this_o namely_o doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-goverment_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v this_o doctrine_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o god_n matth._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o first_o we_o must_v here_o presuppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o have_v teach_v before_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o have_v also_o before_o show_v and_o than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o they_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o even_o in_o their_o write_n at_o least_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v
profitable_a the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o 17._o verse_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a who_o be_v this_o man_n of_o god_n sure_o timothy_n and_o such_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n for_o government_n in_o god_n church_n and_o these_o must_v be_v perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o to_o this_o work_n to_o govern_v aright_o therefore_o if_o government_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n than_o also_o it_o instruct_v he_o and_o make_v he_o perfect_a in_o this_o good_a work_n last_o the_o main_a business_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o government_n reas_n 6_o be_v set_v down_o and_o provide_v for_o by_o name_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o officer_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o visit_v the_o sick_a relieve_v the_o poor_a cast_v out_o the_o infectious_a and_o such_o like_a as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n yea_o if_o any_o man_n can_v name_v any_o other_o substantial_a part_n or_o business_n of_o church-government_n i_o dare_v undertake_v to_o show_v in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a order_n at_o least_o in_o general_n take_v for_o it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o all_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o go_v by_o in_o their_o government_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o moses_n in_o build_v the_o tabernacle_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o mount_n so_o must_v they_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n avoid_v and_o here_o two_o extremity_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v that_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o first_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o go_v not_o too_o far_o as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o have_v be_v exceed_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a this_o way_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o coin_n new_a law_n and_o to_o devise_v new_a officer_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o whole_a new_a form_n of_o government_n and_o to_o intrude_v it_o upon_o the_o church_n other_o there_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o obtrude_v more_o on_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o he_o mean_v though_o not_o of_o their_o own_o head_n as_o they_o say_v but_o under_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n other_o make_v that_o perpetual_a which_o be_v but_o temporal_a as_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o mischief_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o intent_n of_o these_o may_v be_v good_a yet_o the_o event_n be_v naught_o as_o if_o the_o event_n of_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n good_a yet_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v foul_a and_o naught_o for_o hereby_o they_o accuse_v the_o scripture_n of_o insufficiency_n and_o christ_n himself_o of_o neglect_n that_o he_o do_v not_o or_o of_o want_n of_o wisdom_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o provide_v sufficient_o for_o his_o church_n second_o as_o we_o must_v not_o go_v too_o far_o so_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o come_v not_o too_o short_a for_o that_o be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o leave_v out_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v as_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereto_o to_o decline_v from_o god_n word_n either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a be_v alike_o sinful_a to_o charge_n christ_n with_o superfluity_n as_o well_o as_o with_o defect_n be_v alike_o evil_a thus_o they_o err_v that_o make_v those_o office_n or_o officer_n temporal_a which_o christ_n have_v make_v perpetual_a to_o endure_v to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o this_o be_v to_o charge_n christ_n with_o superfluity_n therefore_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a course_n in_o this_o business_n be_v to_o do_v thus_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n both_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o people_n be_v to_o consult_v with_o god_n word_n and_o to_o entreat_v god_n by_o prayer_n to_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o and_o to_o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o therein_o in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o embrace_v and_o not_o wilful_o either_o to_o take_v or_o refuse_v any_o thing_n but_o with_o submission_n to_o receive_v better_a advice_n if_o god_n send_v it_o they_o and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o as_o if_o himself_o be_v personal_o present_a to_o direct_v they_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o 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that_o it_o do_v not_o suffice_v that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n where_o most_o need_n be_v and_o last_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o government_n they_o speak_v nothing_o of_o he_o neither_o do_v they_o interpret_v any_o of_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o ruler_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n though_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o err_v in_o these_o particular_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v to_o observe_v as_o prescribe_v to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n the_o sixteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v propound_v five_o principal_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v upon_o touch_v church-government_n as_o namely_o first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasion_v in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n rule_n in_o god_n word_n for_o it_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o four_o former_a as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o church-government_n now_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o five_o namely_o that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o prescript_n form_n in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o resolution_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v former_o speak_v for_o whereas_o every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v her_o particular_a government_n and_o the_o word_n have_v not_o prescribe_v any_o one_o set_a form_n for_o all_o church_n 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direction_n which_o the_o word_n afford_v i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o here_o to_o define_v what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n what_o not_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n too_o curious_a for_o i_o and_o too_o tedious_a for_o you_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o enquiry_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n every_o one_o for_o itself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v the_o church_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o special_a use_n for_o this_o purpose_n both_o to_o instruct_v the_o church_n what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o to_o help_v and_o direct_v they_o what_o to_o take_v and_o what_o to_o leave_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o case_n of_o government_n wherein_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o particular_a warrant_n for_o each_o particular_a case_n from_o the_o word_n yet_o because_o i_o will_v fain_o inform_v you_o thorough_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v i_o will_v god_n will_v enlarge_v my_o discourse_n far_o than_o i_o think_v to_o have_v do_v and_o labour_n to_o rip_v it_o up_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n principal_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o conceive_v consist_v of_o three_o principal_n or_o pillar_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o first_o of_o some_o action_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n second_o of_o some_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o three_o of_o some_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o these_o person_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o action_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o once_o you_o can_v tell_v these_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n second_o by_o who_o it_o must_v be_v do_v and_o three_o how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n and_o with_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v you_o may_v sit_v down_o well_o satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o this_o point_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o all_o these_o point_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n either_o to_o be_v too_o intricate_a or_o too_o tedious_a too_o intricate_a if_o i_o shall_v handle_v they_o joint_o all_o together_o or_o too_o tedious_a if_o i_o shall_v frame_v a_o several_a discourse_n for_o each_o particular_a by_o itself_o to_o prevent_v both_o i_o will_v first_o propound_v they_o all_o in_o a_o general_a view_n by_o themselves_o and_o then_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_a duty_n fit_v they_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o law_n that_o so_o any_o man_n of_o understanding_n may_v learn_v thereby_o to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n first_o principal_a we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n haply_o i_o shall_v not_o touch_v they_o all_o but_o i_o will_v labour_v to_o touch_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o those_o to_o which_o all_o 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it_o for_o the_o more_o palpable_a assurance_n of_o ouâ—_n increase_v in_o it_o and_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o they_o both_o that_o they_o may_v be_v effectual_a and_o powerful_a for_o edification_n first_o for_o the_o word_n order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o it_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n first_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v extant_a and_o how_o must_v they_o be_v extant_a sure_o in_o their_o own_o original_a language_n because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o the_o translation_n we_o may_v run_v to_o the_o original_a so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o original_a language_n and_o in_o what_o copy_n sure_o the_o best_a that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o what_o then_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v these_o language_n they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o nation_n who_o language_n be_v not_o the_o mother-tongue_n what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o sure_o we_o must_v get_v the_o most_o faithful_a and_o best_a translation_n that_o be_v and_o when_o they_o be_v get_v what_o must_v the_o church_n see_v to_o be_v do_v with_o they_o first_o some_o of_o these_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o a_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n that_o if_o desolation_n shall_v come_v yet_o the_o write_a word_n may_v be_v preserve_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 2_o chron._n 34.14_o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n own_o hand_n be_v find_v in_o a_o secret_a place_n where_o no_o doubt_n it_o have_v be_v lay_v up_o by_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o be_v preserve_v from_o that_o common_a havoc_n which_o be_v in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o some_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n yea_o but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o extant_a
be_v believe_v beside_o the_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o reas_n 6_o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v answerable_a to_o this_o both_o of_o teacher_n and_o learner_n the_o teacher_n they_o have_v refer_v the_o people_n still_o for_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o light_a in_o they_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n say_v peter_n to_o cornelius_n refer_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o learner_n act_n 17.11_o 12._o the_o man_n of_o berea_n seach_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o paul_n be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v special_o guide_v by_o the_o 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controversy_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v it_o prove_v it_o as_o sufficient_o though_o not_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n so_o plain_o for_o still_o in_o every_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v one_o high_a which_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v settle_v upon_o else_o there_o will_v be_v no_o stay_n at_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v run_v on_o infinite_o and_o without_o end_n now_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o church_n be_v the_o high_a thing_n in_o this_o kind_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v for_o they_o cnanot_v be_v equal_a then_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v high_a and_o if_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v to_o themselves_o for_o there_o be_v none_o great_a nor_o high_a as_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6.13_o to_o 16._o man_n swear_v by_o he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o 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high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o advance_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n that_o his_o apostle_n give_v witness_v to_o he_o answer_v i_o answer_v yes_o for_o they_o make_v the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o underling_n and_o disciple_n they_o reply_v reply_n but_o the_o protestant_n do_v magnify_v every_o one_o himself_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o church_n answer_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o we_o go_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n go_v by_o that_o rule_n we_o will_v follow_v she_o as_o soon_o yea_o soon_o than_o any_o particular_a man_n three_o this_o weaken_v and_o indeed_o overthrow_v religion_n set_v it_o upon_o man_n a_o ground_n weakeand_a insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v both_o ourselves_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o towards_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v with_o a_o even_a hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o tribute_n money_n give_v unto_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n scripture_n so_o must_v we_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o esteem_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o god_n own_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o 22._o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17_o second_o church_n esteem_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n that_o be_v as_o the_o keeper_n and_o uphoulder_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.16_o not_o that_o light_n but_o a_o witness_n of_o that_o light_n john_n 1.8_o she_o be_v to_o inquire_v search_n propound_v expound_v pronounce_v teach_v approve_v &_o judge_v according_a to_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o not_o otherwise_o she_o be_v as_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n that_o propound_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v he_o they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o that_o christ_n john_n 4.42_o so_o the_o church_n propound_v and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o look_v into_o it_o and_o hear_v it_o speak_v than_o we_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v scripture_n how_o then_o do_v we_o know_v which_o be_v scripture_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o content_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o their_o own_o light_n god_n speak_v and_o shine_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v we_o then_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v scripture_n no_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o say_v so_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o second_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o we_o together_o with_o the_o word_n and_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o be_v true_a 1_o john_n 5.6_o three_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o be_v first_o confirm_v john_n 20.30_o 31._o four_o we_o know_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n that_o be_v that_o congregation_n that_o true_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o first_o not_o every_o company_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n but_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o second_o not_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o she_o say_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o three_o that_o which_o be_v so_o believe_v be_v not_o chief_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o she_o say_v so_o but_o in_o a_o second_o place_n aftre_fw-la the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o four_a not_o formal_o or_o essential_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o outward_a instrument_n only_o five_o and_o that_o which_o she_o do_v say_v so_o she_o speak_v not_o infallible_o but_o with_o some_o fayling_n error_n and_o imperfection_n man_n corruption_n still_o betray_v its_o self_n even_o when_o he_o be_v much_o enlighten_v sixthly_a that_o which_o she_o speak_v without_o error_n be_v not_o absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o but_o conditional_o because_o she_o speak_v according_a
it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o that_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o interpretation_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o peter_n 1.20_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n etc._n etc._n where_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v name_v and_o all_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n exclude_v now_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o private_a interpretation_n it_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o opposition_n vers_fw-la 21._o but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o every_o interpretation_n be_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v as_o ptivate_v that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o speak_v in_o scripture_n and_o see_v it_o fall_v in_o right_a with_o the_o observation_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n second_o the_o example_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v plain_a for_o this_o nehem_n 8.7.8_o the_o text_n say_v they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o they_o do_v give_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o but_o they_o give_v that_o sense_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o therein_o intend_v and_o so_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o act._n 8.34_o 35._o the_o eunuch_n read_v that_o place_n esa_fw-la 53._o he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n etc._n etc._n he_o ask_v philip_n whether_o the_o prophet_n speak_v this_o of_o himself_o or_o of_o some_o other_o acknowledge_v thereby_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n himself_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n that_o he_o must_v go_v by_o in_o expound_v the_o prophet_n and_o act._n 17.11_o the_o berean_n take_v not_o the_o apostle_n word_n no_o far_o than_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n luke_n 24.27_o he_o expound_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o they_o that_o be_v he_o do_v plain_o deliver_v their_o meaning_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a office_n of_o a_o interpreter_n as_o when_o two_o speak_v together_o be_v of_o a_o strange_a language_n the_o interpreter_n be_v to_o tell_v what_o each_o of_o they_o mean_v and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a office_n that_o the_o church_n have_v concern_v scripture_n to_o interpret_v they_o she_o be_v then_o to_o give_v no_o other_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o this_o be_v true_a preach_n and_o this_o do_v our_o saviour_n luke_n 4.17.21_o he_o open_v the_o book_n and_o read_v in_o it_o and_o then_o expound_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o what_o the_o church_n do_v according_a to_o her_o own_o will_n not_o follow_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o do_v it_o as_o natural_a man_n for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v spiritual_a so_o far_o they_o follow_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o deny_v themselves_o now_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o and_o when_o peter_n confess_v aright_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v not_o reveal_v this_o unto_o he_o matth._n 16.17_o and_o therefore_o if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v not_o consult_v with_o themselves_o but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v every_o man_n to_o interpret_v his_o own_o word_n accord_v to_o his_o own_o meaning_n special_o he_o that_o make_v law_n be_v to_o expound_v they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o scripture_n god_n own_o word_n and_o be_v not_o he_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n therein_o contain_v and_o shall_v we_o scantle_v god_n of_o that_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v due_a to_o every_o man_n in_o the_o like_a kind_n shall_v every_o man_n expound_v his_o own_o word_n and_o interpret_v the_o law_n he_o make_v according_a to_o his_o own_o meaning_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n do_v so_o much_o more_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n reason_n for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o pet._n 1.20_o 21._o where_o he_o say_v that_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v god_n word_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v interpret_v after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o it_o may_v as_o just_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o prophet_n because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n therefore_o god_n be_v to_o expound_v they_o reas_n 3_o three_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o outward_a and_o carnal_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o god_n therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v proceed_v and_o deal_v in_o after_o his_o will_n and_o not_o our_o own_o the_o judgement_n that_o man_n give_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n as_o jehosaphat_n say_v to_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19.6_o 7._o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o civil_a thing_n that_o the_o judge_n must_v do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v because_o it_o be_v god_n judgement_n much_o more_o in_o religious_a judgement_n as_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o the_o life_n of_o natural_a reason_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a in_o the_o other_o than_o these_o yea_o the_o lord_n himself_o quote_v they_o both_o together_o in_o this_o case_n limit_v both_o alike_o deut._n 17.8_o to_o the_o 11._o if_o a_o controversy_n arise_v they_o must_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n and_o unto_o the_o judge_n and_o what_o they_o inform_v according_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o must_v do_v reas_n 4_o four_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o wife_n must_v be_v advise_v by_o her_o husband_n and_o not_o run_v on_o she_o own_o head_n so_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o to_o follow_v the_o shepherd_n voice_n and_o not_o to_o go_v before_o it_o frame_v it_o to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o further_o but_o as_o follow_v god_n word_n john_n 14.26_o reas_n 5_o five_o the_o church_n have_v err_v and_o that_o most_o dangerous_o in_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v when_o they_o neglect_v to_o observe_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o her_o own_o woeful_a experience_n may_v teach_v she_o this_o wisdom_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a by_o this_o mean_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v and_o be_v occasional_o the_o author_n of_o all_o heresy_n for_o whence_o have_v they_o spring_v but_o from_o hence_o that_o man_n have_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o misinterpret_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n yea_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o church_n that_o particular_a man_n have_v do_v this_o yes_o for_o if_o they_o may_v do_v it_o why_o not_o the_o other_o and_o these_o very_a heretic_n be_v of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o do_v thus_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n reas_n 7_o seventhly_a by_o this_o mean_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a or_o at_o least_o diverse_a from_o herself_o two_o several_a church_n expound_v the_o same_o scripture_n two_o contrary_a way_n yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n expound_v the_o same_o scripture_n now_o one_o way_n and_o now_o another_o way_n reas_n 8_o eight_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o handle_v the_o word_n deceitful_o make_v merchandise_n of_o it_o turn_v it_o to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n affection_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o and_o 4.2_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o god_n minister_n do_v otherwise_o they_o make_v god_n meaning_n plain_a in_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o misapply_v scripture_n wrest_v it_o to_o error_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o so_o they_o allege_v it_o quite_o against_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n as_o satan_n do_v math._n 4_o 6._o last_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o
follow_v they_o not_o they_o break_v their_o oath_n what_o a_o snare_n do_v these_o man_n entangle_v themselves_o in_o last_o if_o they_o shall_v never_o err_v yet_o to_o swear_v to_o the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v to_o enthral_v our_o conscience_n to_o man_n which_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v to_o have_v the_o command_n thereof_o dissent_n the_o last_o practice_n of_o they_o here_o reprove_v be_v that_o when_o the_o church_n dissent_v they_o rely_v final_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o counsel_n and_o pope_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o they_o be_v all_o but_o man_n and_o may_v err_v yea_o and_o have_v err_v one_o of_o they_o cross_v that_o which_o another_o have_v hold_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o tie_v the_o scripture_n to_o man_n humour_n no_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n let_v god_n word_n expound_v itself_o and_o let_v not_o we_o tie_v it_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o never_o so_o holy_a so_o learned_a so_o painful_a or_o so_o great_a in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o counsel_n and_o father_n and_o without_o disgrace_n to_o the_o best_a of_o they_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o john_n baptist_n john_n 1.9_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o light_n but_o man_n that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o light_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n for_o now_o that_o we_o have_v overthrow_v the_o error_n of_o the_o adversary_n we_o must_v set_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o teach_v we_o wariness_n and_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n be_v dishonour_v when_o his_o word_n be_v mistake_v and_o belie_v when_o it_o be_v false_o interpret_v and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n be_v make_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o heresy_n when_o his_o word_n be_v pervert_v to_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o god_n himself_o be_v subject_v to_o man_n when_o man_n presume_v of_o himself_o to_o expound_v or_o to_o tie_v his_o meaning_n to_o other_o man_n interpretation_n brief_o it_o be_v light_n life_n and_o salvation_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v aright_o else_o it_o be_v death_n and_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_n look_v well_o about_o we_o in_o meddle_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o wary_o careful_o and_o conscionable_o therein_o and_o that_o first_o in_o admit_v the_o exposition_n of_o other_o second_o in_o make_v exposition_n of_o our_o own_o first_o in_o admit_v the_o exposition_n of_o other_o we_o must_v not_o altogether_o look_v into_o they_o with_o other_o man_n eye_n but_o with_o our_o own_o 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v any_o exposition_n upon_o any_o man_n or_o any_o church_n bare_a word_n but_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o their_o reason_n whereby_o they_o be_v maintain_v but_o some_o may_v say_v if_o i_o examine_v their_o ground_n i_o make_v myself_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v i_o not_o as_o good_a rest_n on_o the_o church_n judgement_n as_o my_o own_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o if_o i_o do_v thus_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o proper_o censure_v the_o scripture_n but_o their_o ground_n second_o i_o answer_v that_o any_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a may_v judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v as_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o and_o follow_v it_o three_o i_o say_v we_o rest_v neither_o on_o our_o own_o judgement_n nor_o on_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o the_o church_n judge_v according_a to_o they_o we_o must_v willing_o embrace_v it_o if_o she_o dissent_v from_o they_o we_o may_v and_o must_v make_v bold_a to_o dissent_v from_o she_o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a example_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o exposition_n 18._o in_o that_o holy_a father_n austin_n who_o find_v a_o interpetation_n of_o cyprian_n a_o holy_a man_n too_o not_o so_o well_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o another_o of_o liconius_n a_o heretic_n on_o the_o same_o text_n more_o agreeable_a thereto_o refuse_v cyprian_n exposition_n though_o otherwise_o he_o great_o reverence_v he_o and_o receive_v that_o of_o liconius_n though_o otherwise_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n and_o say_v pardon_v i_o cyprian_a i_o must_v leave_v thou_o here_o and_o take_v liconius_n exposition_n not_o because_o it_o be_v he_o but_o because_o it_o be_v god_n this_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a practice_n and_o this_o we_o must_v follow_v we_o must_v look_v into_o other_o man_n exposition_n with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o that_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n second_o scripture_n in_o frame_v exposition_n of_o our_o own_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o seek_v the_o sense_n hereof_o we_o must_v not_o come_v as_o lord_n to_o command_v but_o as_o servant_n to_o obey_v not_o as_o master_n to_o teach_v what_o we_o will_v have_v it_o say_v but_o as_o scholar_n to_o learn_v what_o itself_o do_v say_v not_o as_o the_o speaker_n but_o as_o the_o interpreter_n to_o take_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v upright_o herein_o and_o take_v such_o a_o course_n as_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o be_v rule_v by_o these_o direction_n they_o be_v very_o pithy_a &_o he_o that_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o god_n will_v reveal_v his_o meaning_n to_o they_o so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o salvation_n 7._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o some_o rule_v we_o be_v to_o observe_v after_o it_o i_o labour_v to_o make_v this_o point_n plain_a because_o it_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o also_o because_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v be_v save_v first_o than_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o direction_n before_o we_o take_v the_o scripture_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v first_o we_o must_v go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n we_o must_v begin_v with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v begin_v with_o we_o and_o go_v on_o with_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o safe_a through_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o business_n pray_v with_o david_n psal_n 119.18_o lord_n open_a my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n pray_v for_o light_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o illumination_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n james_n 1.17_o for_o thyself_o be_v darkness_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o wisdom_n james_n 1.5_o for_o all_o thy_o own_o wit_n in_o this_o case_n be_v foolishness_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o effectual_a unto_o we_o to_o instruct_v direct_v quicken_v and_o teach_v we_o for_o that_o which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n perceive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o find_v good_a success_n for_o thou_o have_v god_n promise_n for_o it_o james_n 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o luke_n 11.13_o the_o second_o rule_n we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o herein_o be_v this_o we_o must_v have_v a_o reverend_a affection_n and_o conscionable_a respect_n to_o the_o word_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o voice_n one_o of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n a_o most_o precious_a jewel_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n touch_v it_o not_o with_o unwashen_n hand_n with_o unprepared_a heart_n handle_v it_o reverent_o religious_o and_o chary_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o profitable_a unto_o we_o it_o shall_v be_v life_n and_o salvation_n if_o not_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o we_o it_o shall_v be_v death_n and_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o three_o be_v not_o forestalled_n by_o prejudice_n that_o be_v dote_v not_o upon_o some_o conceit_n and_o be_v not_o wed_v to_o thy_o own_o opinion_n for_o this_o will_v prevent_v we_o of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o otherwise_o we_o may_v receive_v by_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o
perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v in_o such_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o opposition_n in_o this_o point_n for_o that_o sufficiency_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o scripture_n it_o disanull_v all_o such_o power_n challenge_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n disanull_v that_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a as_o we_o will_v prove_v by_o these_o place_n follow_v john_n 20.31_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n all_o thing_n that_o christ_n speak_v and_o do_v be_v not_o write_v yet_o there_o be_v enough_o write_v for_o quantity_n and_o enough_o for_o power_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o so_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o sufficient_a enough_o for_o all_o matter_n of_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o the_o whole_a scripture_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v and_o to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n here_o be_v reckon_v up_o such_o special_a work_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o teach_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o these_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n true_a say_v the_o papist_n they_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v profitable_a to_o these_o but_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a yes_o it_o be_v sufficient_a too_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o profitable_a to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o that_o thereby_o the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o every_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o mean_v so_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o 15._o verse_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o child_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o absolute_o forbid_v any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n from_o scripture_n as_o in_o deut_n 4.2_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v put_v nothing_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o commend_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o and_o pro._n 30.6_o put_v nothing_o unto_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n revel_v 22.18_o 19_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n now_o than_o if_o the_o church_n can_v decree_v any_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n and_o not_o add_v to_o scripture_n nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o than_o they_o may_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o prohibition_n but_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a as_o it_o be_v than_o this_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o point_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n galat._n 3.15_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n testament_n no_o man_n will_v add_v to_o it_o much_o less_o to_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n the_o last_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v those_o that_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n esa_n 29.13_o it_o be_v a_o sore_a complaint_n which_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o against_o the_o people_n there_o because_o the_o religion_n they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o matth._n 15.9_o christ_n utter_o reject_v this_o worship_n as_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a when_o they_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n and_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4._o scripture_n if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o it_o be_v self-conceit_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n yea_o and_o not_o only_a when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o ordinary_a man_n but_o if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o apostle_n nay_o a_o angel_n if_o they_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n not_o only_o that_o be_v against_o this_o but_o beside_o this_o which_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n hold_v he_o accurse_v galat._n 1.8_o 9_o so_o that_o if_o any_o either_o apostle_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n deliver_v or_o teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n that_o be_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v but_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v accurse_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v draw_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o carry_v always_o a_o just_a correspondency_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v of_o who_o saying_n man_n no_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o god_n speak_v faith_n hear_v it_o and_o most_o willing_o and_o sweet_o believe_v and_o embrace_v it_o but_o what_o any_o else_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v man_n or_o church_n or_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v not_o powerful_a to_o beget_v save_v faith_n so_o also_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o refuse_v it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o suspect_v it_o because_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o word_n and_o god_n speak_v it_o not_o second_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o state_n reas_n 2_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v this_o god_n have_v endue_v our_o conscience_n through_o his_o mercy_n and_o ordinance_n with_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v the_o conscience_n well_o rectify_v yield_v to_o it_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n to_o be_v a_o bind_a law_n which_o necessary_o must_v be_v obey_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n be_v impose_v by_o man_n only_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o prescript_n of_o god_n the_o conscience_n feel_v not_o the_o command_a power_n of_o god_n to_o oversway_v it_o and_o therefore_o may_v and_o must_v and_o do_v take_v the_o benefit_n of_o her_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o corinth_n 3.23_o be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o property_n of_o the_o reas_n 3_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o they_o be_v matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v such_o a_o sure_a ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o they_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n upon_o they_o now_o the_o church_n be_v itself_o subject_a to_o error_n where_o iâ—_n build_v not_o upon_o scripture_n be_v unable_a therefore_o to_o afford_v any_o such_o warrant_n therefore_o without_o and_o beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n in_o such_o thing_n reas_n 4_o four_o that_o which_o the_o church_n do_v herein_o in_o ordane_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n she_o do_v enjoin_v it_o with_o condition_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o let_v they_o be_v accurse_v that_o do_v it_o not_o but_o damnation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v threaten_v by_o 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proportion_n in_o like_a case_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v salvation_n speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o father_n john_n 12.49_o 50._o and_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n john_n 16.13_o if_o christ_n do_v tie_v himself_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n and_o nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n have_v not_o great_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n therefore_o as_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o beside_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n so_o by_o proportion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a the_o church_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o herein_o but_o by_o direction_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v horrible_a presumption_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a so_o the_o papist_n themselves_o sometime_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o testimony_n oâ—_n the_o truth_n consist_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n â—_o and_o the_o prelate_n joint_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n alone_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o do_v the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o revelation_n no_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v before_o if_o you_o compare_v john_n 14.26_o with_o john_n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o christ_n promise_v to_o send_v shall_v teach_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o decree_v nothing_o beside_o the_o scripture_n because_o she_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o spirit_n last_o when_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o the_o church_n be_v reas_n 7_o we_o to_o receive_v they_o hand_n over_o head_n or_o upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o you_o say_v haâ—d_a ouâ—r_n head_n without_o examination_n that_o be_v a_o graceless_a speech_n and_o utter_o unlawful_a be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o try_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o then_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n how_o must_v they_o be_v try_v and_o by_o what_o rule_n either_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o say_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o make_v her_o judge_n in_o she_o own_o cause_n than_o it_o must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n do_v paul_n doctrine_n act_n 17.11_o they_o search_v the_o 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the_o papist_n do_v so_o and_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o their_o practice_n make_v they_o guilty_a of_o it_o faith_n pope_n pius_n the_o four_o propound_v a_o creed_n and_o tie_v his_o child_n the_o papist_n to_o it_o wherein_z after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n he_o add_v twelve_o more_o of_o his_o own_o concern_v tradition_n &_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n ob._n but_o say_v they_o why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o you_o that_o have_v your_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n have_v their_o several_a confession_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beside_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n and_o yet_o profess_v and_o believe_v answ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o like_a comparison_n for_o we_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creed_n yet_o we_o believe_v nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_o prove_v by_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n but_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o show_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o be_v matter_n beside_o scripture_n which_o they_o obtrude_v on_o the_o people_n mere_o or_o at_o least_o principal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o church_n than_o no_o authority_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n new_o to_o be_v make_v faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o only_o as_o thus_o if_o any_o article_n have_v be_v neglect_v obscure_a and_o lie_v hide_v in_o former_a time_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v not_o well_o understand_v then_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v 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article_n no_o but_o to_o revive_v and_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v that_o which_o have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v a_o long_a time_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n may_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o second_o position_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v to_o ordain_v and_o decree_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n beside_o scripture_n but_o do_v the_o papist_n do_v this_o yes_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v here_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o it_o as_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n be_v certain_a as_o themselves_o confess_v and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v admit_v more_o second_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v book_n that_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a then_o also_o she_o have_v power_n aswell_o to_o reject_v some_o that_o be_v canonical_a for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o build_v have_v also_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o maim_n and_o mangle_v the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o she_o list_v herself_o what_o a_o horrible_a wrong_n be_v this_o to_o god_n three_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n hear_v his_o voice_n they_o do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v it_o last_o as_o a_o gold_n smith_n take_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o try_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o the_o touch_n stone_n and_o before_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a gold_n he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a gold_n for_o if_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v counterfeit_a all_o the_o gold_n smith_n that_o be_v can_v make_v it_o true_a so_o must_v the_o church_n cry_v which_o be_v canonical_a
book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a 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of_o justification_n balance_n the_o four_o instance_n be_v concern_v christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n say_v with_o we_o that_o christ_n alone_o present_v our_o suit_n to_o god_n and_o make_v they_o available_a with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v upon_o as_o our_o only_a intercessor_n and_o then_o we_o give_v he_o the_o due_a honour_n of_o his_o place_n &_o office_n of_o mediatorship_n joh._n 14.13_o for_o his_o intercession_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o that_o office_n as_o well_o as_o redemption_n wherein_o if_o he_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o we_o make_v he_o our_o alone_a intercessor_n he_o be_v much_o magnify_v but_o if_o other_o be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o they_o make_v it_o he_o be_v much_o disparage_v as_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o himself_o but_o needs_o other_o help_v or_o at_o least_o in_o that_o office_n be_v but_o of_o small_a moment_n such_o as_o the_o saint_n may_v manage_v well_o enough_o and_o so_o not_o christ_n only_o but_o god_n the_o father_n also_o be_v much_o dishonour_v rule_n that_o will_v put_v his_o own_o son_n to_o that_o which_o mean_a person_n may_v do_v as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o five_o instance_n be_v concern_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n let_v we_o worship_n god_n as_o we_o teach_v only_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n without_o a_o image_n and_o he_o be_v right_o and_o true_o worship_v be_v serve_v as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a spirit_n free_a from_o any_o matter_n or_o form_n or_o outward_a apprehension_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v express_v by_o any_o sensible_a representation_n whatsoever_o but_o worship_v he_o in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n as_o they_o teach_v and_o practice_v and_o we_o can_v but_o defile_v ourselves_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n the_o lord_n great_a majesty_n to_o ourselves_o by_o many_o gross_a carnal_a bodily_a and_o material_a thought_n and_o imagination_n whole_o mis-beseeming_a the_o purity_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v and_o majesty_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o carnal_a bodily_a or_o manly_a god_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o so_o not_o more_o derogatory_n to_o his_o glory_n rule_n the_o six_o instance_n be_v of_o our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n once_o offer_v by_o himself_o on_o the_o cross_n be_v thereby_o advance_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o sufficient_a expiation_n by_o itself_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n hereby_o it_o be_v only_o remember_v and_o show_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n but_o not_o repeat_v but_o celebrate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o popish_a mass_n which_o the_o papist_n themselves_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o how_o can_v christ_n once_o sacrifice_v be_v more_o disparage_v rule_n the_o last_o instance_n be_v concern_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n and_o plain_a deal_n among_o we_o that_o all_o may_v look_v into_o they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n and_o hukermucker_n let_v prayer_n be_v make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o we_o honour_n god_n not_o with_o lip_n only_o but_o with_o understand_v too_o but_o let_v it_o be_v make_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o it_o be_v in_o popery_n and_o we_o dishonour_n god_n babble_a and_o prattle_v to_o he_o we_o know_v not_o what_o let_v the_o scripture_n be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o that_o every_o one_o may_v read_v and_o understand_v and_o the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o the_o comfort_n knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o many_o but_o let_v the_o word_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o people_n and_o then_o they_o can_v know_v god_n and_o so_o can_v honour_v he_o let_v man_n have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v particular_o for_o themselves_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o they_o shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v they_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o but_o if_o they_o be_v content_a with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v they_o shall_v dishonour_v god_n in_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o hardly_o shall_v the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o their_o salvation_n god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o so_o must_v all_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n and_o the_o more_o jealous_a we_o be_v of_o that_o and_o zealous_a for_o it_o the_o more_o true_o religious_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o wit_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o be_v it_o to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.3_o so_o we_o see_v in_o these_o seven_o instance_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v full_a weight_n in_o this_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n too_o light_a not_o worthy_a to_o be_v try_v in_o this_o beam_n word_n the_o second_o balance_n wherein_o we_o will_v try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o aim_v at_o god_n glory_n in_o our_o own_o intention_n but_o after_o his_o direction_n for_o he_o can_v be_v true_o glorify_v but_o so_o as_o himself_o teach_v in_o his_o word_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n thaâ—_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o most_o disagree_v with_o god_n word_n levit._n 18.4.5_o you_o shall_v do_v after_o my_o judgement_n and_o seek_v my_o ordinance_n and_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 15.9_o in_o vain_a they_o worshipme_v teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n and_o 1_o joh._n 4.5_o he_o that_o know_v god_n hear_v we_o &c_n &c_n where_o be_v god_n religion_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n book_n as_o the_o jew_n religion_n be_v find_v in_o their_o talmud_n &_o the_o turk_n in_o their_o alcoan_n but_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o our_o church_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n be_v not_o agreeable_a thereto_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n &_o not_o they_o rule_n see_v it_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n it_o have_v above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o 5._o verse_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v a_o stranger_n but_o fly_v from_o he_o for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n for_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n allege_v for_o the_o church_n that_o she_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v matth._n 18.17_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v subordinate_o to_o the_o word_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n be_v advise_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o for_o that_o which_o they_o allege_v for_o tradition_n out_o of_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n by_o word_n and_o epistle_n be_v mean_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n only_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n be_v diverse_a sometime_o by_o word_n sometime_o by_o epistle_n and_o see_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o word_n except_o the_o word_n shall_v disparage_v itself_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v imagine_v there_o be_v no_o seek_v for_o any_o warrant_n for_o they_o within_o the_o word_n the_o second_o instance_n god_n free_a grace_n rule_n against_o man_n free_a will_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o god_n word_n phil._n 2.13_o that_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n and_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o jer._n 31.18_o convert_v thou_o i_o and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o any_o one_o direct_a place_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v some_o
second_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v so_o at_o the_o first_o too_o luther_n and_o other_o first_o spread_v the_o gospel_n first_o some_o of_o our_o own_o love_a believe_v and_o embrace_v it_o by_o their_o preach_n and_o then_o they_o persuade_v other_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o our_o english_a at_o amsterdam_n can_v show_v any_o better_a calling_n to_o their_o church_n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v that_o in_o england_n our_o church_n be_v gather_v by_o proclamation_n and_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n as_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n &_o so_o be_v do_v by_o compulsion_n and_o be_v not_o voluntary_a i_o answer_v first_o some_o do_v come_v voluntary_o and_o glad_o and_o therefore_o at_o least_o for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o true_a constitution_n second_o the_o compulsion_n that_o be_v use_v be_v only_o to_o the_o outward_a mean_n not_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v very_o justifiable_a josiah_n compel_v ill_a that_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n 2_o chron._n 34.33_o but_o they_o say_v that_o be_v at_o the_o restore_n not_o at_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o church_n i_o answer_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o lawful_a in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o true_a restore_n why_o shall_v it_o destroy_v the_o true_a plant_n but_o we_o say_v queen_n elizabeth_n act_n be_v a_o restore_n too_o for_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n here_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n though_o under_o persecution_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a then_o there_o be_v no_o compulsion_n to_o ouâ—_n religion_n nor_o such_o government_n service_n ministry_n or_o people_n among_o the_o protestant_n as_o they_o now_o except_v against_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o restore_n put_v case_n the_o separatist_n have_v any_o child_n or_o servant_n that_o be_v negligent_a cold_a and_o backward_o in_o frequent_v holy_a assembly_n or_o perform_v religious_a duty_n public_a or_o private_a and_o upon_o admontion_n they_o will_v not_o reform_v what_o will_v they_o do_v in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o utter_o cast_v they_o off_o or_o rather_o will_v they_o not_o punish_v they_o and_o thereby_o compel_v they_o to_o the_o outward_a mean_n and_o to_o obedience_n thereunto_o wherein_o if_o god_n do_v bless_v their_o labour_n so_o that_o through_o his_o mercy_n such_o child_n or_o servant_n do_v afterward_o labour_v in_o the_o mean_n sound_o and_o conscionable_o shall_v this_o be_v nought_o because_o they_o be_v bring_v thereto_o by_o compulsion_n no_o sure_o it_o be_v great_a comfort_n to_o the_o compeller_n that_o they_o take_v that_o course_n and_o it_o be_v great_a comfort_n to_o the_o compel_v that_o they_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o so_o the_o compulsion_n use_v in_o restore_v the_o church_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n be_v lawful_a and_o good_a against_o all_o their_o clamour_n and_o exception_n second_o answ_n they_o except_v against_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n and_o say_v that_o we_o have_v a_o false_a government_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n but_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a for_o than_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o a_o true_a government_n make_v a_o true_a church_n which_o be_v not_o true_a the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o if_o they_o have_v say_v it_o make_v a_o faulty_a church_n they_o have_v say_v true_a but_o that_o it_o make_v a_o false_a antichristian_a church_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a slander_n but_o say_v they_o your_o officer_n be_v anti-christian_n i_o answer_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o spurn_v at_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o they_o be_v before_o antichrist_n three_o they_o except_v against_o our_o service_n of_o god_n they_o say_v we_o have_v a_o false_a service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o false_a church_n i_o answer_v if_o they_o mean_v only_o some_o part_n of_o our_o service_n as_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o to_o traduce_v it_o all_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o mean_v all_o than_o the_o antecedent_n be_v notorious_o untrue_a no_o part_n of_o our_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v prove_v false_a it_o be_v perform_v of_o those_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a among_o we_o in_o truth_n and_o understanding_n and_o affection_n they_o except_v first_o say_v they_o it_o be_v carnal_a i_o answer_v haply_o in_o some_o those_o that_o have_v carnal_a mind_n it_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o so_o in_o itself_o nor_o so_o in_o the_o conscionable_a performer_n thereof_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o god_n a_o eternal_a infinite_a spirit_n our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o go_v to_o he_o to_o cry_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o son_n second_o they_o say_v it_o be_v idolatrous_a your_o service_n book_n be_v your_o idol_n say_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o be_v no_o idol_n nor_o our_o service_n thereby_o idolatry_n three_o they_o say_v we_o have_v a_o will_v worship_v invent_v by_o man_n i_o answer_v we_o worship_v not_o god_n by_o any_o invention_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n as_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o only_o as_o outward_a carriage_n thereof_o and_o these_o also_o be_v such_o as_o our_o church_n be_v persuade_v be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o general_a rule_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n answer_v four_o they_o except_v against_o our_o stint_a prayer_n i_o answer_v they_o have_v not_o the_o church_n always_o use_v stint_v prayer_n look_v into_o these_o scripture_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o numb_a 6.23_o there_o be_v a_o stint_a prayer_n appoint_v to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n withal_o thus_o shall_v you_o bless_v the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o &c_n &c_n deut._n 26.3_o to_o the_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n and_o prayer_n set_v down_o which_o the_o people_n be_v to_o use_v when_o they_o bring_v the_o first_o fruit_n 1_o chron._n 16.7_o to_o the_o 36._o there_o be_v a_o psalm_n which_o david_n do_v appoint_v to_o give_v thanks_n unto_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o asaph_n &_o his_o brethren_n praise_v the_o lord_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n &c_n &c_n and_o psal_n 92._o be_v entitle_v a_o psalm_n for_o the_o sabbath_n appoint_v to_o be_v sing_v that_o day_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o appoint_v a_o stint_a prayer_n luk._n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n &c_n &c_n and_o likewise_o himself_o use_v a_o stint_a prayer_n matth._n 26.44_o and_o he_o pray_v the_o three_o time_n say_v the_o same_o word_n and_o therefore_o stint_a prayer_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o sin_n if_o they_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v so_o direct_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o let_v to_o we_o for_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v also_o direct_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o may_v use_v conceive_v prayer_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o special_o from_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o confine_v to_o those_o set_a prayer_n but_o that_o we_o may_v and_o do_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n before_o and_o after_o preach_v enlarge_v add_v alter_v and_o supply_v as_o occasion_n require_v and_o that_o as_o free_o zealous_o and_o spiritual_o as_o any_o may_v do_v in_o other_o church_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o your_o service_n be_v all_o take_v out_o of_o the_o portesse_n or_o mass_n book_n contrary_a to_o god_n commandment_n levit._n 18.2.3_o deut._n 12.30_o &c_n &c_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o in_o that_o time_n there_o be_v some_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o as_o that_o church_n fall_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o her_o integrity_n so_o that_o form_n by_o little_a and_o little_o be_v corrupt_v now_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v 〈…〉_z be_v to_o be_v reform_v too_o and_o so_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a be_v cast_v out_o and_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a be_v retain_v partly_o for_o peace_n sake_n that_o the_o better_a sort_n may_v still_o be_v hold_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o special_o because_o it_o be_v of_o good_a use_n even_o before_o popery_n so_o that_o we_o take_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o what_o may_v in_o a_o charitable_a construction_n be_v well_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v most_o question_v be_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o
either_o more_o or_o less_o pure_a four_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a exception_n 1._o exception_n 2._o exception_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n eleven_o consideration_n to_o move_v we_o in_o england_n to_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n among_o we_o and_o they_o show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o blessing_n the_o second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o cause_n have_v first_o speak_v of_o and_o they_o of_o two_o sort_n of_o this_o diverse_a of_o this_o diverse_a the_o first_o sort_n of_o cause_n handle_v such_o as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o these_o be_v four_o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n take_v the_o church_n absolute_o there_o be_v sieve_n the_o efficient_a cause_n the_o instrumental_a cause_n first_o outward_a second_o inward_a how_o all_o the_o three_o person_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o cause_v the_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n justify_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n against_o the_o separation_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o a_o church_n object_n you_o want_v discipline_n your_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o true_a call_v you_o have_v your_o call_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o have_v no_o covenant_n betwixt_o you_o and_o god_n object_n you_o want_v the_o success_n of_o the_o mean_n it_o be_v ordinary_o effectual_a the_o first_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o it_o first_o of_o the_o head_n and_o in_o it_o three_o thing_n corpus_fw-la adaequatum_fw-la sit_fw-la christus_fw-la christiani_n caput_fw-la aug._n lib._n 3._o cont_n petil._n c._n 42._o reinolds_n confer_v 5._o the_o blasphemy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v run_v into_o in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o blow_n they_o give_v to_o christ_n therein_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n christ_n never_o give_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n to_o peter_n papist_n plea_n for_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o pope_n answer_v place_n allege_v by_o they_o for_o this_o answer_v as_o mat._n 16.19_o and_o joh._n 21.16_o 17._o and_o mat._n 16.18_o christ_n say_v he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o none_o be_v able_a to_o wield_v and_o sway_v it_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pope_n prove_v that_o he_o can_v be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o rather_o a_o supreme_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v make_v the_o doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n do_v what_o he_o do_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o as_o under_o christ_n for_o he_o take_v not_o the_o course_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o do_v the_o pope_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o so_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n and_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v antichrist_n the_o pope_n take_v christ_n name_n upon_o he_o viz._n chief_a shepherd_n object_n you_o make_v the_o king_n head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v wary_o use_v because_o not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v visible_a matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n many_o way_n the_o second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o three_o thing_n touch_v a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o member_n thereof_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n and_o they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o diverse_a kind_n the_o second_o sort_n and_o of_o this_o two_o sort_n the_o three_o sort_n hyper._n method_n 574._o additum_fw-la diminuens_fw-la a_o church_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o hypocrite_n in_o it_o to_o one_o believer_n the_o brownist_n objection_n of_o our_o church_n be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n answer_v diverse_a way_n object_n you_o let_v wicked_a one_o continue_v in_o your_o church_n without_o separation_n hyp._n 577._o 580._o etc._n etc._n bernard_n against_o brownist_n 1034._o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v bad_a there_o the_o good_a must_v separate_v but_o where_o the_o assembly_n be_v good_a there_o the_o bad_a must_v separate_v the_o four_o general_a thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n the_o mark_v of_o it_o reason_n why_o there_o shall_v be_v mark_n of_o the_o church_n two_o quality_n of_o these_o mark_v to_o make_v they_o legitimate_a the_o first_o quality_n and_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o three_o other_o thaâ—_n 〈◊〉_d subordinate_a to_o they_o the_o second_o qualâ—â—â—â—_n of_o these_o mark_n vrsin_n 582._o vogel_n 727._o calvin_n inst_n lib._n 4_o cap._n 1_o sect_n 10._o in_o act_n 2.42_o non_fw-la secùs_fw-la ac_fw-la belli_fw-la deuce_n ut_fw-la dissipatum_fw-la call_v aliqua_fw-la exercitum_fw-la recolligant_fw-la signa_fw-la militaria_fw-la vel_fw-la accensos_fw-la ignes_fw-la ex_fw-la edito_fw-la loce_fw-la conspiciendos_fw-la proponunt_fw-la quo_fw-la pedem_fw-la referant_fw-la quotquot_fw-la ex_fw-la call_v dispersis_fw-la &_o palantes_fw-la vagantur_fw-la morn_n de_fw-fr eccles_n p._n 27._o morney_n â—6_n 29_o one_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n two_o consideration_n necessary_a bernard_n against_o separate_a 122._o 123._o â—â—second_o sort_n of_o excepter_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o their_o exception_n three_o sort_n of_o adversary_n to_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n the_o papist_n and_o the_o mark_v they_o allege_v and_o answer_n to_o they_o bellar._n de_fw-fr eccles_n mili_fw-la p._n 184._o 188._o the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o a_o visible_a church_n viz_o government_n vid._n polâ—â—_n 426_o 459._o and_o in_o it_o five_o thing_n handle_v first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n occasional_o by_o church-government_n second_o thing_n in_o church_n government_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v reason_n and_o that_o of_o some_o sort_n first_o sort_n of_o reason_n second_o sort_n of_o reason_n three_o sort_n of_o reason_n four_o sort_n of_o reason_n five_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_z the_o four_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n viz._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n what_o the_o scripture_n say_v herein_o deliver_v in_o two_o position_n the_o first_o draw_v into_o a_o observation_n two_o extreme_n to_o be_v avoid_v second_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o four_o point_n of_o church-government_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o scripture_n the_o five_o thing_n considerable_a in_o church-government_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n consist_v of_o three_o principal_n first_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n and_o they_o be_v six_o principal_a vid._n separate_a sâ—bisâ—_n 137._o the_o second_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v vid._n zegred_a 120._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o work_n to_o be_v do_v church_n censure_n reason_n of_o this_o how_o to_o proceed_v â—â—_o this_o the_o 〈◊〉_d duty_n the_o six_o duty_n the_o second_o principle_n whereupon_o church-government_n consist_v viz._n the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n general_o church-officer_n must_v have_v two_o thing_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o they_o must_v be_v lawful_o appoint_v to_o such_o office_n particular_o what_o these_o officer_n be_v first_o bishop_n first_o their_o name_n second_o their_o office_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o ordain_v minister_n the_o objection_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v ordain_v as_o apostle_n not_o as_o bishop_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o evangelist_n not_o as_o bishop_n answer_v second_o in_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o second_o presbyter_n their_o office_n first_o general_o second_o more_o particular_o three_o doctor_n four_o govern_v elder_n five_o deacons_n philip_n preach_v and_o baptize_v rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n six_o widow_n eight_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n wherein_o first_o that_o he_o be_v a_o church_n officer_n second_o wherein_o this_o office_n consist_v first_o general_o second_o particular_o in_o five_o thing_n the_o three_o pillar_n whereupon_o the_o church-government_n consist_v viz._n the_o rule_n and_o law_n by_o which_o the_o governor_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n
convey_v life_n and_o spirit_n into_o they_o and_o they_o like_o live_a member_n receive_v this_o life_n and_o perform_v their_o several_a office_n both_o to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o many_o other_o title_n there_o be_v of_o the_o like_a kind_n all_o tend_v to_o show_v not_o a_o communion_n only_o as_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o he_o and_o i_o be_o he_o but_o a_o union_n rather_o as_o they_o be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o they_o their_o sin_n be_v he_o by_o imputation_n and_o so_o his_o righteousness_n be_v they_o yea_o they_o be_v call_v christ_n christ_n 1._o co._n 12.12_o so_o much_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o title_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o micah_n 4.8_o all_o it_o be_v call_v the_o tower_n of_o the_o flock_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v all_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n resort_v to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o a_o strong_a hold_n or_o tower_n and_o if_o they_o recover_v that_o there_o be_v perfect_a safety_n so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 14.32_o the_o lord_n have_v establish_v zion_n and_o the_o poor_a of_o his_o people_n shall_v trust_v in_o it_o so_o in_o gal._n 4.26_o she_o be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o she_o be_v a_o fruitful_a mother_n have_v many_o child_n not_o the_o mother_n of_o one_o nation_n only_o as_o agar_n but_o of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o she_o be_v a_o very_a love_a mother_n give_v her_o child_n suck_v out_o of_o her_o own_o breast_n the_o two_o testament_n and_o thereby_o nourish_v and_o bring_v they_o up_o till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a strength_n yea_o till_o they_o be_v of_o a_o perfect_a and_o full_a age_n in_o jesus_n christ_n earth_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o title_n be_v give_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n isa_n 6.13_o so_o long_o as_o the_o holy_a seed_n stand_v so_o long_o the_o world_n stand_v when_o it_o decay_v the_o substance_n be_v go_v and_o the_o world_n perish_v so_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n lam._n 2.10_o when_o the_o church_n thrive_v the_o whole_a earth_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o howsoever_o many_o man_n grudge_v at_o this_o when_o the_o church_n prosper_v yet_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v at_o it_o themselves_o have_v no_o right_a to_o any_o blessing_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o their_o fellowship_n in_o this_o respect_n also_o it_o be_v call_v a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n thorn_n can._n 2.2_o which_o show_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o great_a and_o goodly_a grace_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n how_o far_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o as_o the_o lily_n that_o be_v far_o more_o glorious_a than_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o royalty_n exceed_v the_o bramble_n the_o bush_n and_o thorn_n and_o second_o it_o show_v also_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o church_n much_o ado_n to_o be_v hatch_v and_o easy_o hurt_v in_o the_o world_n even_o as_o the_o lily_n be_v among_o the_o thorn_n truth_n and_o so_o it_o show_v the_o harshness_n and_o troublesomenesse_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v like_o prick_a thorn_n and_o scratch_a bramble_n to_o she_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o title_n be_v such_o as_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.15_o we_o must_v not_o take_v it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v build_v on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o for_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v rather_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n mat._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n say_v christ_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n that_o be_v upon_o this_o truth_n which_o peter_n have_v profess_v of_o christ_n before_o will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n therefore_o we_o must_v expound_v it_o thus_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o supporter_n and_o upholder_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o sure_a and_o safe_a custody_n that_o neither_o satan_n nor_o all_o his_o instrument_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a utter_o to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v live_v and_o abide_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o candlestick_n candlestick_n revel_v 1.20_o not_o as_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o light_n but_o the_o bearer_n up_o and_o holder_n forth_o of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o title_n now_o that_o we_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o show_v they_o in_o their_o several_a rank_n we_o will_v draw_v they_o into_o a_o head_n in_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o company_n doct._n 2_o and_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o bless_a beautiful_a and_o glorious_a assembly_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n be_v plentiful_a in_o this_o argument_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v enlarge_v our_o heart_n and_o thought_n to_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o title_n we_o speak_v of_o before_o which_o all_o prove_v this_o there_o be_v many_o other_o proof_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o place_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o you_o may_v read_v it_o private_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 2._o esdras_n 5.22_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o reason_n again_o and_o i_o begin_v to_o talk_v with_o the_o most_o high_a again_o and_o i_o say_v oh_o lord_n of_o every_o forest_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o the_o tree_n thereof_o thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o only_a vineyard_n and_o of_o all_o the_o land_n in_o the_o world_n thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o pit_n and_o of_o all_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o ground_n thou_o have_v choose_v thou_o one_o lily_n etc._n etc._n in_o exod._n 19.5_o god_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o chief_a treasure_n above_o all_o people_n as_o if_o many_o pearl_n and_o precious_a stone_n be_v enamel_v in_o beat_a gold_n and_o frame_v together_o into_o one_o body_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a body_n but_o such_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o acceptance_n of_o god_n god_n do_v more_o high_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n then_o of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o trash_n &_o dross_n and_o dung_n the_o lord_n set_v nothing_o by_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o church_n isai_n 4.5_o the_o lord_n shall_v create_v upon_o every_o place_n of_o mount_n zion_n and_o upon_o the_o assembly_n thereof_o a_o cloud_n and_o smoke_n by_o day_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o a_o flame_a fire_n by_o night_n for_o upon_o all_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v a_o defence_n that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o be_v glorious_a yea_o glory_n itself_o all_o other_o pomp_n and_o glory_n without_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n be_v baseness_n and_o smoke_n and_o misery_n see_v the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v shadow_v in_o the_o law_n exod._n 25.8.9_o by_o the_o sanctuary_n or_o tabernacle_n thing_n first_o there_o be_v the_o ark_n verse_n 10._o second_o there_o be_v the_o testimony_n put_v into_o the_o ark._n verse_n 16._o three_o there_o be_v the_o mercy-seat_n verse_n 17._o four_o the_o cherubin_n verse_n 18._o five_o god_n speak_v from_o betwixt_o the_o cherubin_n ver_fw-la 22._o six_o the_o table_n verse_n 23._o seven_o the_o shewbread_n verse_n 30._o last_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n verse_n 31._o these_o do_v all_o figure_n out_o the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o ark_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o have_v not_o we_o the_o same_o god_n there_o be_v the_o testimony_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o god_n presence_n that_o he_o ever_o be_v and_o will_v be_v present_a there_o and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n to_o witness_v god_n continual_a presence_n with_o us._n there_o be_v the_o mercy-seat_n and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o
for_o these_o reason_n first_o many_o of_o the_o church_n be_v choose_v that_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v as_o paul_n a_o elect_a vessel_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o yet_o not_o call_v and_o so_o all_o the_o elect_a before_o their_o conversion_n nay_o many_o be_v choose_v that_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v as_o the_o angel_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n too_o and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o choose_n and_o not_o by_o their_o call_v second_o many_o be_v call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v so_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v describe_v they_o by_o their_o call_v we_o shall_v make_v such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v not_o choose_v and_o so_o be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n three_o those_o which_o be_v choose_v be_v call_v too_o their_o election_n and_o choose_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o call_v and_o not_o their_o call_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o choose_n rome_n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o call_v therefore_o in_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v fit_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v describe_v by_o their_o election_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o description_n namely_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o be_v their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o musâ—_n understand_v thus_o number_n first_o that_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n choose_v and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v choose_v be_v of_o the_o church_n none_o exclude_v as_o who_o shall_v say_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v all_o these_o and_o none_o but_o these_o here_o may_v be_v a_o exception_n make_v for_o you_o will_v say_v be_v the_o elect_a of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o be_v call_v yes_o sure_a in_o the_o purpose_n and_o account_v of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o in_o their_o own_o account_n nor_o in_o the_o account_n of_o thâ—_n world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o actual_o assemble_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o first_o or_o last_o they_o shall_v certain_o have_v a_o effectual_a call_v whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v actual_o of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o account_n and_o second_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o all_o those_o together_o make_v up_o one_o church_n the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n chosen'_n his_o church_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v all_o together_o as_o member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o incorporate_v into_o one_o society_n or_o company_n and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v member_n apart_o and_o also_o so_o â—ll_v together_o as_o that_o all_o the_o choose_v of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n and_o kind_n make_v up_o one_o only_a church_n so_o much_o of_o the_o second_o part_n the_o number_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o three_o thing_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o be_v be_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o so_o we_o do_v first_o fetch_v in_o all_o god_n saint_n whether_o live_v or_o depart_v whether_o fight_v on_o earth_n or_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n as_o also_o second_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v keep_v their_o habitation_n in_o heaven_n be_v all_o comprehend_v together_o as_o so_o many_o several_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a body_n doctrine_n so_o you_o have_v the_o particular_a head_n of_o the_o description_n expound_v and_o enlarge_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n now_o that_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n because_o you_o shall_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o devise_n of_o my_o own_o brain_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n eph._n 1.10_o that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n and_o eph._n 3.15_o of_o who_o be_v name_v the_o whole_a family_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o col._n 1.20_o to_o reconcile_v to_o himself_o through_o he_o i_o say_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v in_o earth_n all_o which_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o saint_n depart_v that_o rest_n in_o heaven_n but_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o fall_v not_o who_o have_v a_o benefit_n by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v seat_v with_o we_o in_o the_o society_n and_o body_n of_o the_o church_n doctr._n now_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n more_o plain_a i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o holy_a angel_n that_o keep_v their_o first_o estate_n be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o first_o in_o express_a word_n second_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n first_o by_o express_a word_n heb._n 12.22_o 23._o but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_n zion_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o the_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n take_v the_o holy_a angel_n as_o limb_n of_o that_o body_n and_o member_n of_o that_o company_n and_o revel_v 19.10_o the_o angel_n tell_v john_n i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n one_o of_o thy_o brethren_n i_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v a_o fellow_n of_o the_o same_o house_n and_o family_n with_o we_o that_o be_v the_o church_n a_o brother_n as_o have_v the_o same_o father_n god_n and_o the_o same_o mother_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o church_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v communicate_v in_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n only_o as_o 1._o cor._n 12._o so_o we_o see_v by_o express_a scripture_n that_o they_o be_v member_n as_o well_o as_o we_o second_o by_o necessary_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n first_o the_o angel_n be_v elect_v 1._o tim._n 5.21_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n second_o christ_n be_v their_o head_n col._n 2.10_o you_o be_v complete_a in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v part_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n three_o the_o angel_n peep_v and_o pry_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o pet._n 1.12_o therefore_o except_o we_o will_v make_v they_o busibody_n to_o pry_v and_o meddle_v with_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o which_o be_v utter_o against_o their_o wisdom_n and_o uprightness_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a reas_n 1_o and_o glorious_a and_o bless_a assembly_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o the_o angel_n therefore_o that_o excel_v in_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o absolute_a happiness_n must_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o it_o second_o the_o church_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o fill_v reas_n 2_o all_o thing_n eph._n 1.23_o if_o the_o angel_n be_v leave_v out_o where_o be_v that_o fullness_n three_o it_o be_v against_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o christ_n and_o reas_n 3_o the_o worthiness_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o any_o creature_n shall_v know_v and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o receive_v benefit_n thereby_o for_o themselves_o but_o the_o choose_a angel_n do_v know_v and_o embrace_v it_o worship_v he_o and_o do_v he_o all_o the_o service_n they_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whilst_o he_o be_v work_v this_o mediation_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o consequent_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o they_o be_v all_o save_a benefit_n peculiar_a and_o proper_o belong_v four_o the_o evil_a angel_n that_o fall_v away_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reas_n 4_o malignant_a church_n of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v we_o
against_o his_o anoint_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o be_v all_o but_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o vain_a thing_n psal_n 2.1_o yet_o i_o will_v tell_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v prevail_v in_o they_o shall_v prevail_v thus_o far_o to_o make_v the_o church_n more_o in_o number_n and_o more_o zealous_a for_o god_n and_o constant_a in_o his_o truth_n contrary_a to_o their_o end_n for_o behold_v when_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o the_o faithful_a when_o they_o have_v burn_v they_o to_o ash_n god_n will_v raise_v out_o of_o those_o very_a ash_n a_o new_a seed_n to_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n shed_v shall_v fatten_v the_o church_n and_o make_v it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n therefore_o for_o they_o to_o threaten_v they_o and_o to_o say_v as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v that_o they_o will_v root_v out_o these_o professor_n it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v nay_o it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o devil_n their_o good_a master_n can_v do_v himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v they_o never_o think_v to_o do_v it_o five_o this_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n by_o use_v 5_o sight_n or_o appearance_n it_o have_v a_o be_v even_o when_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v rest_v rhou_n upon_o this_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o sure_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v where_o or_o how_o etc._n etc._n leave_v that_o to_o god_n for_o it_o may_v be_v hide_v from_o our_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o corn_n be_v among_o the_o chaff_n so_o that_o we_o can_v discern_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o be_v and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o point_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o together_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v of_o man_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n together_o i_o will_v describe_v it_o by_o certain_a quality_n and_o circumstance_n such_o as_o may_v present_v and_o make_v it_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n view_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o now_o that_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o it_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v concern_v this_o point_n church_n therefore_o we_o will_v fetch_v these_o quality_n from_o that_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o i_o will_v reduce_v all_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a three_o that_o it_o be_v catholic_a four_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n five_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o sixth_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o all_o these_o be_v raise_v out_o of_o the_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n that_o it_o be_v one_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n not_o church_n and_o the_o nicen_n creed_n which_o be_v pen_v after_o this_o say_v i_o believe_v one_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a and_o catholic_a so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o both_o these_o be_v intend_v when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o how_o be_v this_o gather_v hence_o why_o thus_o because_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v it_o now_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o see_v and_o therefore_o this_o article_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o papist_n will_v have_v it_o doctr._n one_o now_o first_o of_o the_o first_o note_n it_o be_v but_o one_o for_o so_o the_o nicen_n creed_n for_o plainness_n sake_n add_v this_o particle_n one_o we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o only_a church_n it_o be_v prove_v thus_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o general_a true_a nature_n of_o it_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n eph._n 5.27_o 32._o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o a_o glorious_a church_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o concern_v his_o church_n and_o math._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v sometime_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o than_o it_o speak_v of_o particular_a visible_a congregation_n but_o of_o the_o general_a catholic_a church_n it_o speak_v always_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o be_v but_o one_o and_o so_o express_o ascribe_v oneness_n to_o it_o cant._n 6_o 8._o christ_n say_v to_o his_o church_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.4_o there_o be_v one_o body_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n have_v a_o threefold_a oneness_n it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o it_o have_v a_o oneness_n among_o the_o member_n in_o this_o place_n we_o speak_v but_o of_o the_o oneness_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o of_o the_o other_o two_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o due_a place_n oneness_n that_o it_o be_v one_o in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n not_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n not_o temple_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v but_o one_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o but_o one_o temple_n whereto_o all_o the_o people_n come_v levitic_n 17.3_o 4._o deut._n 21_o 5._o and_o 16.2_o 2._o chron._n 2.4_o so_o now_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a church_n of_o the_o faithful_a reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o be_v take_v out_o of_o ephes_n 4.4_o 5._o there_o be_v many_o reason_n heap_v together_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n therefore_o but_o one_o church_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o soul_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o man_n there_o be_v but_o one_o hope_n at_o which_o all_o god_n people_n joint_o aim_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v one_o corporation_n one_o lord_n and_o therefore_o one_o family_n one_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o life_n than_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o but_o one_o promise_n and_o covenant_n which_o all_o do_v make_v to_o god_n as_o one_o man_n second_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5.23_o reas_n 2_o and_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o christ_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n else_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o monster_n of_o christ_n to_o say_v he_o have_v one_o head_n and_o many_o body_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v her_o husband_n as_o be_v employ_v verse_n 25._o now_o christ_n shall_v have_v many_o wife_n if_o there_o be_v many_o church_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o three_o they_o have_v all_o one_o shepherd_n and_o therefore_o they_o reas_n 3_o be_v all_o but_o one_o sheepfold_a joh._n 10.16_o four_o they_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 4_o but_o one_o body_n 1._o cor._n 10.17_o five_o all_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o be_v abolish_v reas_n 5_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v but_o one_o ephes_n 2.14_o gal._n 3.28_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v we_o the_o unchangeableness_n use_v 1_o of_o god_n heavenly_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o course_n of_o salvation_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n still_o and_o therefore_o but_o one_o truth_n still_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o dispensation_n or_o manner_n of_o carriage_n have_v be_v some_o what_o different_a sometime_o it_o have_v be_v carry_v dark_o sometime_o clear_o sometime_o in_o ceremony_n sometime_o without_o ceremony_n sometime_o by_o the_o law_n sometime_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o tradition_n as_o before_o the_o law_n by_o revelation_n and_o by_o scripture_n yet_o the_o substance_n be_v ever_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o course_n of_o salvation_n that_o adam_n be_v
be_v as_o opposite_a to_o the_o popish_a church_n the_o true_a church_n be_v sometime_o though_o not_o always_o invisible_a which_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o sense_n above_o specify_v so_o that_o the_o church_n even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v after_o a_o sort_n invisible_a be_v also_o after_o a_o sort_n visible_a too_o that_o be_v it_o be_v invisible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a and_o plain_a to_o be_v discern_v and_o visible_a because_o it_o be_v discern_v by_o some_o though_o hardly_o and_o so_o consequent_o those_o papist_n that_o make_v the_o visiblenes_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sometime_o such_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v know_v agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o thing_n direct_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n visible_a now_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o general_a advertisement_n here_o concern_v the_o church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a whereby_o you_o may_v the_o better_o conceive_v and_o understand_v the_o whole_a business_n first_o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v or_o to_o be_v call_v whether_o they_o do_v profess_v the_o truth_n or_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v it_o for_o god_n choose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v nor_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n too_o as_o i_o have_v heretofore_o show_v second_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o know_a professor_n on_o earth_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o universal_a invisible_a church_n and_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n be_v these_o follow_v church_n 1._o the_o invisible_a contain_v all_o good_a wheat_n without_o chaff_n 1._o the_o visible_a contain_v good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o chaff_n together_o 2._o the_o invisible_a be_v partly_o in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o visible_a only_o on_o earth_n 3._o the_o invisible_a be_v of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o visible_a be_v only_o of_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n asunder_o 4._o the_o invisible_a have_v many_o sheep_n belong_v to_o it_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v into_o the_o fold_n 4._o the_o visible_a have_v many_o within_o the_o fold_n that_o profess_v to_o be_v sheep_n yet_o indeed_o be_v wolf_n 5._o against_o the_o invisible_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v 5._o against_o the_o visible_a they_o may_v and_o do_v prevail_v in_o a_o sore_a measure_n sometime_o utter_o root_a it_o out_o in_o some_o particular_a place_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n they_o may_v prevail_v against_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o horrible_a defile_n and_o destroy_v of_o they_o but_o so_o they_o can_v do_v against_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v out_o of_o their_o reach_n the_o second_o advertisement_n be_v this_o that_o the_o invisible_a church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v live_v in_o the_o world_n whether_o profess_v or_o not_o profess_v the_o truth_n whereof_o though_o some_o part_n be_v visible_a that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v open_a profession_n yet_o all_o can_v be_v see_v or_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a or_o professor_n for_o this_o be_v partly_o visible_a may_v have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o even_o whole_a hundred_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o save_v faith_n yet_o so_o secret_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fewness_n of_o their_o number_n or_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o the_o timorousness_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n may_v be_v visible_a and_o invisible_a at_o once_o visible_a as_o make_v some_o profession_n that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v see_v to_o some_o and_o yet_o invisible_a too_o as_o not_o make_v that_o open_a profession_n that_o public_a notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o it_o yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a at_o once_o of_o the_o visible_a as_o his_o profession_n be_v partly_o see_v and_o of_o the_o invisible_a that_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o his_o election_n faith_n and_o other_o inward_a grace_n be_v not_o see_v the_o three_o advertisement_n be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v therefore_o save_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o then_o all_o of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n too_o for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o that_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n but_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o likewise_o a_o man_n may_v be_v no_o member_n either_o of_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o damn_v because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o visible_a but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o four_o advertisement_n be_v this_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o diverse_a sense_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o some_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a as_o that_o in_o matth._n 13.47_o 48._o where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o net_n which_o gather_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n for_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n contain_v only_o the_o elect_n have_v no_o bad_a fish_n in_o it_o again_o some_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n only_o which_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o that_o in_o cant._n 4.7_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o no_o visible_a church_n but_o have_v many_o spot_n therefore_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a only_o and_o so_o likewise_o that_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o heretofore_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n only_o again_o some_o thing_n of_o both_o and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o great_a part_n as_o matth._n 8.12_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o shall_v be_v cast_v off_o and_o yet_o be_v apply_v abusive_o to_o the_o invisible_a to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereas_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v cast_v off_o but_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v so_o revel_v 3.1_o 4._o in_o the_o first_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a here_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n yet_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o live_a church_n how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n but_o be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n which_o be_v among_o they_o the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o great_a part_n and_o rom._n 10.21_o compare_v with_o rom._n 11.1_o in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n and_o last_o verse_n israel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o disobedient_a and_o gainsay_v people_n in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n people_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o place_n before_o some_o thing_n be_v principal_o affirm_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o analogical_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o come_v into_o the_o barn_n and_o see_v a_o heap_n of_o corn_n among_o the_o chaff_n i_o may_v say_v true_o it_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o corn_n though_o the_o most_o of_o it_o be_v chaff_n name_v it_o from_o the_o better_a part_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n when_o the_o visible_a church_n receive_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n the_o church_n may_v be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n
profession_n second_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a or_o open_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v so_o public_a and_o open_a that_o there_o may_v be_v notice_n take_v that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o religion_n else_o they_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o look_v as_o their_o profession_n be_v more_o or_o less_o public_a so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a three_o as_o they_o must_v public_o profess_v so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o profession_n and_o that_o intend_v first_o their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o none_o or_o of_o a_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a religion_n and_o second_o it_o intend_v their_o associate_a or_o sort_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n grow_v into_o and_o live_v in_o a_o love_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o three_o it_o intend_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n some_o join_v for_o fashion_n some_o for_o fear_n some_o for_o hope_n of_o gain_n and_o some_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o all_o these_o do_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v force_v yea_o if_o they_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o they_o though_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o religion_n which_o this_o company_n make_v profession_n of_o must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o without_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n there_o be_v diverse_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o diverse_a church_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o which_o embrace_v that_o true_a religion_n 249._o so_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n under_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o profess_v that_o one_o true_a religion_n let_v they_o profess_v whatsoever_o religion_n they_o will_v beside_o they_o can_v just_o be_v repute_v true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o so_o discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n whatsoever_o company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o same_o congregation_n and_o company_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v general_o in_o all_o congregation_n whatsoever_o of_o that_o quality_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o from_o the_o best_a to_o the_o worst_a for_o first_o whereas_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n of_o god_n religion_n through_o the_o world_n do_v concur_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o common_a save_a faith_n church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o may_v be_v term_v a_o true_a universal_a visible_a church_n so_o also_o every_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profess_v the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o one_o settle_a congregation_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n and_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o province_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v a_o provincial_n a_o parochial_a or_o a_o domestical_a church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n church_n though_o one_o be_v universal_a and_o the_o other_o particular_a for_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o scripture_n first_o for_o a_o provincial_n or_o national_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o nation_n you_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n act._n 9.31_o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_v in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v provincial_a church_n name_v by_o the_o country_n they_o be_v in_o as_o judea_n samaria_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n the_o seven_o church_n there_o mention_v be_v national_n church_n as_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n church_n second_o for_o a_o parochial_a or_o parish_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o they_o in_o act._n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o town_n church_n three_o for_o a_o domestical_a church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o colos_n 4.15_o we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nimphas_n though_o these_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v repute_v invisible_a church_n except_o they_o may_v be_v so_o open_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o notorious_o know_v as_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n 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they_o now_o because_o they_o be_v only_o mention_v therefore_o they_o be_v less_o know_v and_o so_o less_o visible_a &_o yet_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o three_o whereas_o some_o church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n more_o pure_o and_o sincere_o other_o more_z corrupt_o pure_a yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o pure_a not_o more_o true_a the_o other_o less_o instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n some_o church_n there_o be_v more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o all_o true_a church_n church_n more_o pure_a be_v smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n all_o commend_v in_o they_o nothing_o disprayse_v church_n less_o pure_a be_v ephesus_n pergamus_n and_o thiatira_n in_o which_o church_n some_o thing_n be_v commend_v some_o thing_n discommend_v church_n yet_o less_o pure_a be_v sardis_n and_o laodicea_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o commend_v but_o all_o thing_n disprayse_v so_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o these_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n more_o pure_o some_o less_o pure_o and_o some_o more_o corrupt_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o and_o last_o perfect_a whereas_o some_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o some_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n other_o be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v not_o such_o a_o form_n establish_v for_o government_n yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o the_o other_o less_o perfect_a instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n first_o for_o they_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a as_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n be_v bishop_n there_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n there_o the_o apostle_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o consultation_n
christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o be_v nourish_v in_o this_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n now_o all_o these_o three_o outward_a mean_n be_v lay_v down_o together_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n go_v that_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n teach_v there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o baptise_v there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n one_o express_v the_o other_o employ_v these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n without_o us._n inward_a now_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n within_o we_o be_v first_o repentance_n act._n 11.18_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o gentile_n repentance_n to_o life_n second_o faith_n act._n 15.9_o and_o he_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o after_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o have_v purify_v their_o heart_n and_o last_o and_o principal_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o six_o instrumental_a mean_n inward_a and_o outward_a be_v lay_v down_o together_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n from_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n to_o the_o six_o and_o thirty_o there_o be_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o word_n his_o sermon_n then_o peter_n life_n up_o his_o voice_n etc._n etc._n then_o there_o be_v their_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n in_o the_o 38._o and_o 41._o verse_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o 42._o and_o 46._o verse_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o outward_a cause_n so_o likewise_o the_o inward_a as_o first_o there_o be_v repentance_n vers_fw-la 37._o and_o 38._o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n then_o second_o there_o be_v faith_n too_o as_o in_o the_o 41._o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o last_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o seventeen_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o they_o repent_v and_o believe_v do_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o these_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o cause_n be_v the_o material_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n saint_n by_o call_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.19_o as_o member_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n and_o citizens_z the_o matter_n of_o a_o city_n so_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n four_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v inward_a and_o outward_a that_o which_o be_v inward_a be_v the_o effectual_a call_n and_o gather_v of_o god_n people_n to_o christ_n when_o the_o faithful_a be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o outward_a communion_n that_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n both_o for_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o of_o charity_n each_o to_o other_o you_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o first_o their_o effectual_a call_n which_o be_v their_o inward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o 37_o 38_o 41_o and_o 44._o verse_n they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n repent_v baptize_v add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o effectual_a call_n their_o outward_a formal_a cause_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 41_o 42_o 44_o 45_o 46._o verse_n they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v their_o joint_n and_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o their_o outward_a communion_n these_o be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o many_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n glory_n that_o some_o of_o adam_n seed_n may_v glorify_v the_o lord_n god_n here_o in_o his_o church_n by_o believe_v obey_v call_v upon_o he_o and_o hereafter_o in_o heaven_n sing_v everlasting_a praise_n to_o his_o glory_n rom._n 9.23_o that_o he_o may_v declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v to_o glory_n second_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o of_o their_o salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v all_o mankind_n cast_v away_o as_o they_o well_o deserve_v but_o some_o he_o will_v have_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 2.14_o and_o to_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o three_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v embrace_v and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a on_o earth_n that_o some_o man_n may_v not_o only_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o believe_v it_o and_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o the_o scripture_n the_o record_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v safe_o preserve_v first_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v mangle_v or_o tear_v by_o heretic_n second_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v deprave_a by_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o last_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o seal_a book_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o on_o earth_n to_o interpret_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v open_o teach_v and_o practise_v on_o earth_n this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o god_n church_n four_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n when_o as_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o his_o church_n and_o when_o as_o they_o deny_v it_o as_o false_a or_o contemn_v it_o or_o at_o least_o careless_o neglect_v it_o as_o a_o vile_a thing_n not_o worth_a harken_v to_o that_o then_o they_o may_v just_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n both_o of_o those_o that_o cause_n it_o direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o also_o such_o as_o cause_v it_o not_o of_o themselves_o direct_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n we_o hear_v first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o his_o church_n and_o all_o other_o cause_n be_v from_o he_o he_o note_v then_o be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o concur_v and_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o the_o cause_v and_o constitute_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n be_v the_o lord_n himself_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o this_o be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o they_o special_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o church_n as_o first_o that_o be_v more_o special_o respect_v of_o god_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o second_o as_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o near_o upon_o he_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n ephes_n 4.6_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o church_n say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o
the_o church_n have_v a_o head_n so_o it_o have_v but_o one_o head_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n so_o likewise_o if_o there_o be_v two_o or_o many_o head_n to_o one_o body_n it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o excess_n now_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v but_o one_o head_n three_o this_o our_o head_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o alone_a for_o see_v the_o church_n be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o head_n if_o we_o shall_v assign_v any_o other_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o set_v upon_o it_o the_o head_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v a_o body_n against_o nature_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n and_o as_o a_o body_n with_o two_o or_o many_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n beyond_o nature_n by_o excess_n so_o for_o a_o body_n to_o have_v a_o head_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v against_o nature_n &_o be_v as_o monstrous_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v have_v christ_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o way_n be_v beat_v out_o plain_a to_o this_o natural_a observation_n which_o follow_v doctr._n namely_o that_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v most_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n which_o be_v his_o true_a mystical_a body_n as_o we_o have_v teach_v before_o so_o proportionable_o he_o be_v also_o the_o head_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v of_o all_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n profess_v open_o the_o save_v faith_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v hear_v call_v to_o mind_v two_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n affirm_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a the_o whole_a take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o so_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v here_o for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v simple_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v mean_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o some_o of_o those_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o christ_n be_v simple_o the_o head_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o because_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o second_o point_n that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o universal_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n through_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o those_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o time_n etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o mean_v chief_o and_o most_o proper_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v also_o of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o of_o every_o member_n too_o that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o right_a side_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o left_a and_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n yet_o not_o simple_o and_o by_o way_n of_o appropriation_n but_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n and_o communication_n that_o be_v as_o be_v a_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o such_o a_o body_n so_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v indeed_o but_o one_o body_n though_o diverse_a in_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o general_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a universal_a visible_a church_n and_o also_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o that_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o communication_n as_o that_o particular_a church_n concurre_v and_o participate_v with_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n simple_o in_o itself_o christ_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o one_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v make_v many_o head_n and_o many_o body_n as_o the_o head_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o hand_n simple_o by_o itself_o but_o by_o way_n of_o concurrence_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n therefore_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o common_a as_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o plain_a in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n for_o your_o part_n they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v but_o member_n and_o in_o both_o these_o sense_n they_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n consider_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o general_a with_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n ready_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o england_n and_o france_n etc._n etc._n then_o either_o there_o be_v many_o christ_n because_o there_o be_v many_o body_n or_o else_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n to_o many_o body_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a but_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n proportionable_o that_o be_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o explication_n adaequatum_fw-la now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o only_a head_n proportionable_o of_o a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n in_o ephes_n 1.22_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n i_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o and_o proper_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a body_n that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v fit_v and_o equal_v to_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o hold_v consequent_o and_o by_o proportion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o faithful_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n among_o they_o yea_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o speak_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o comfort_n to_o they_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o so_o likewise_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n now_o what_o body_n be_v that_o but_o only_o that_o body_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 11._o and_o 12._o verse_n where_o his_o ministry_n be_v public_o exercise_v and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o ephes_n 5.23_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n that_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a for_o the_o
they_o for_o than_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.10_o howsoever_o some_o heretic_n as_o the_o donatist_n have_v maintain_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n consist_v only_o of_o the_o elect_a and_o choose_v and_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v use_v the_o same_o word_n but_o the_o heretic_n mean_v it_o in_o one_o sense_n and_o our_o divine_n in_o another_o the_o heretic_n intend_v it_o as_o they_o speak_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o our_o divine_n mean_v it_o principal_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a that_o none_o but_o god_n choose_v be_v member_n thereof_o and_o when_o they_o do_v apply_v it_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o live_n abide_v and_o fruitful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o none_o be_v live_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o choose_a but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v rot_v and_o dead_a member_n too_o second_o this_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o esteem_v of_o such_o as_o use_v 2_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o their_o profession_n shall_v we_o say_v present_o they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o church_n certain_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o they_o as_o member_n at_o least_o by_o possession_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v be_v member_n by_o right_a too_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o who_o not_o because_o that_o though_o hypocrite_n may_v discern_v themselves_o by_o notorious_a fall_n yet_o the_o faithful_a sometime_o fall_v as_o dangerous_o as_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v leave_v that_o to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o they_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v by_o right_a too_o this_o be_v harsh_a in_o many_o man_n ear_n but_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a and_o the_o exception_n against_o it_o be_v easy_o answer_v the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o how_o can_v these_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n at_o all_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n to_o we_o both_o because_o they_o seem_v so_o and_o in_o charity_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v they_o so_o till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_n yea_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o joh._n 2.19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o us._n i_o answer_v this_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o after_o their_o fall_v away_o but_o yet_o while_o they_o abide_v with_o they_o they_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n 574._o though_o not_o by_o right_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o judas_n have_v obtain_v fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o be_v number_v among_o they_o beside_o diminuens_fw-la visible_a be_v additum_fw-la diminuens_fw-la that_o be_v it_o add_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n but_o diminish_v from_o the_o strict_a acceptation_n so_o that_o the_o wicked_a reprobate_n and_o castawaye_n may_v be_v of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n simple_o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o how_o can_v they_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v they_o have_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o no_o reprobate_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n though_o simple_o he_o be_v neither_o head_n to_o they_o nor_o they_o member_n to_o he_o but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n proper_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o body_n and_o therefore_o proportionable_o he_o be_v reckon_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o the_o wicked_a pretend_v and_o counterfeit_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n but_o christ_n never_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o head_n and_o therefore_o though_o head_n and_o member_n be_v relative_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v member_n of_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o yet_o he_o no_o way_n pretend_v to_o be_v their_o head_n last_o he_o be_v their_o head_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v his_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o show_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o their_o own_o pretence_n though_o not_o in_o he_o the_o three_o exception_n but_o how_o then_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o so_o it_o be_v call_v many_o time_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v say_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v in_o it_o second_o it_o be_v say_v so_o because_o there_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v all_o even_o the_o wicked_a to_o heaven_n three_o they_o do_v all_o outward_o profess_v to_o be_v citizen_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v repute_v till_o there_o be_v evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o four_o exception_n but_o what_o if_o all_o be_v hypocrite_n be_v that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o preach_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v sincere_o profess_v second_o i_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o till_o it_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o five_o exception_n yea_o but_o you_o confess_v yourself_o that_o though_o they_o be_v member_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o live_v but_o dead_a member_n and_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o a_o dead_a member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o live_a body_n i_o answer_v yes_o even_o as_o a_o rot_a branch_n of_o a_o tree_n till_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o tree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sound_a in_o revel_v 3.1_o the_o case_n be_v avouch_v in_o this_o very_a kind_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o dead_a church_n because_o it_o have_v dead_a member_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v member_n by_o possession_n and_o by_o show_n though_o they_o be_v dead_a member_n and_o so_o by_o right_n be_v not_o member_n for_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o faithful_a three_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v rash_a to_o use_v 3_o condemn_v a_o church_n for_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n or_o no_o church_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o many_o hypocrite_n and_o wicked_a member_n for_o you_o see_v that_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v always_o hypocrite_n in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o church_n full_a of_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v call_v and_o do_v well_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o unsound_a church_n yea_o way_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v some_o it_o and_o of_o it_o that_o do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n in_o sincerity_n though_o otherwise_o it_o be_v full_a of_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o church_n yea_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o hypocrite_n to_o one_o true_a believer_n this_o matter_n concern_v we_o near_o for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a reason_n allege_v by_o browne_n and_o barrow_n and_o greeneway_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o separation_n to_o prove_v we_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n oh_o say_v they_o your_o church_n be_v a_o profane_a multitude_n promiscuous_o mingle_v together_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a all_o be_v admit_v together_o into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o you_o continue_v in_o it_o without_o separation_n i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v so_o this_o may_v prove_v we_o to_o be_v a_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a church_n but_o not_o a_o false_a church_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n open_o embrace_v and_o obey_v by_o some_o among_o we_o we_o be_v still_o a_o true_a church_n though_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o miserable_a and_o fearful_a estate_n because_o the_o wicked_a if_o they_o be_v not_o root_v out_o will_v be_v likely_a at_o length_n to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o first_o for_o admission_n we_o receive_v none_o into_o our_o church_n that_o be_v profess_o wicked_v for_o our_o baptism_n be_v administer_v to_o none_o but_o upon_o solemn_a protestation_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o now_o because_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o our_o church_n be_v young_a therefore_o this_o promise_n
be_v not_o make_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o surety_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n such_o surety_n as_o be_v conscionable_a and_o likewise_o the_o minister_n call_v upon_o they_o to_o consider_v and_o perform_v their_o promise_n make_v in_o baptism_n so_o than_o first_o our_o church_n admit_v none_o but_o such_o as_o make_v solemn_a protestation_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n separation_n and_o second_o whereas_o they_o allege_v that_o we_o let_v the_o wicked_a continue_v in_o our_o church_n without_o separation_n whereas_o we_o shall_v cut_v they_o off_o when_o we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n i_o answer_v we_o do_v separate_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v for_o we_o labour_v to_o have_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o also_o answ_n 1_o we_o labour_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o first_o we_o labour_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o desire_v their_o removal_n bewail_v their_o wickedness_n and_o our_o condition_n that_o live_v in_o mesech_n and_o kedar_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v complain_v against_o they_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_a and_o withal_o we_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o execute_v his_o ordinance_n upon_o they_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o separate_v they_o from_o we_o and_o it_o come_v sometime_o to_o pass_v that_o many_o be_v so_o separate_v from_o we_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o church_n sin_n and_o a_o foul_a sin_n too_o yet_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o true_a be_v of_o our_o church_n second_o answ_n 2_o if_o we_o can_v get_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o yet_o we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o etc._n and_o that_o be_v the_o separation_n that_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o beat_v upon_o in_o private_a person_n as_o we_o be_v more_o conscionable_a so_o we_o do_v more_o separate_v from_o they_o from_o their_o will_n affection_n and_o course_n yea_o we_o must_v separate_v as_o much_o as_o convenient_o we_o may_v from_o their_o person_n at_o least_o from_o their_o sin_n which_o for_o our_o part_n we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a separation_n that_o the_o scripture_n intend_v yea_o but_o this_o be_v a_o secret_a separation_n say_v they_o under_o hand_n not_o open_o know_v nay_o this_o be_v a_o notorious_a and_o know_a separation_n for_o first_o it_o be_v ingenuous_o profess_v on_o our_o part_n to_o the_o move_n of_o their_o after-hatred_n and_o despite_n against_o we_o we_o disclaim_v they_o that_o be_v lewd_a swear_v and_o profane_a wretch_n and_o that_o open_o not_o care_v who_o know_v it_o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v know_v on_o their_o part_n they_o upbraid_v we_o therefore_o very_o reproachful_o with_o the_o name_n of_o puritan_n precision_n holy_a brethren_n and_o such_o like_a because_o we_o will_v not_o accompany_v with_o they_o 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for_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o 1_o sam._n 2.17.24_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o can_v your_o holiness_n sanctify_v they_o if_o not_o than_o your_o congregation_n be_v profane_a i_o answer_v no_o our_o holiness_n sanctify_v not_o they_o yet_o our_o holiness_n be_v true_a in_o we_o and_o open_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o a_o holy_a congregation_n in_o god_n acceptation_n and_o in_o the_o charitable_a estimation_n of_o our_o brethren_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o their_o filthiness_n defile_v you_o and_o your_o holy_a thing_n either_o real_o or_o at_o least_o by_o imputation_n i_o answer_v they_o defile_v these_o holy_a thing_n to_o themselves_o indeed_o numb_a 19.22_o compare_v with_o hag._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o titus_n 1.15_o but_o not_o to_o we_o so_o long_o as_o by_o faith_n we_o receive_v they_o neither_o can_v they_o defile_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o communicate_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o imputation_n galath_n 6.3.15_o the_o four_o use_n see_v wicked_a man_n and_o reprobate_n use_v 4_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n this_o may_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n to_o try_v before_o we_o trust_v be_v not_o too_o credulous_a to_o believe_v every_o show_n of_o profession_n our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n that_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o inward_o they_o be_v raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o bid_v we_o 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 or_o no._n and_o for_o this_o end_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o labour_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o kind_n use_v 5_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o see_v hypocrite_n and_o castaway_n may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v therefore_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o this_o common_a error_n that_o because_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o have_v be_v baptize_v therefore_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v but_o take_v heed_n five_o and_o examine_v and_o be_v always_o dig_v into_o thy_o own_o heart_n for_o fear_n of_o hypocrisy_n for_o though_o thou_o make_v a_o good_a profession_n as_o thou_o think_v yet_o there_o be_v that_o corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o rip_v up_o before_o god_n daily_o it_o will_v betray_v thou_o and_o prevail_v against_o thou_o to_o fall_v away_o as_o many_o do_v in_o these_o day_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v admonish_v we_o heb._n 3.12_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o any_o of_o we_o at_o any_o time_n a_o evil_a heart_n and_o a_o unfaithful_a to_o depart_v away_o from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o great_a and_o as_o bright_a star_n as_o thou_o be_v have_v fall_v from_o heaven_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v every_o one_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v not_o that_o he_o which_o do_v stand_v can_v fall_v but_o he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v try_v therefore_o and_o examine_v thyself_o daily_o five_o hypocrisy_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n that_o so_o as_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o possession_n so_o by_o thy_o stand_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o sincere_a profession_n thereof_o thou_o may_v show_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n by_o right_a too_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n that_o reprobate_n and_o castaway_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v member_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o likewise_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thirteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n after_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o we_o come_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o handle_v such_o point_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o afford_v unto_o us._n it_o now_o we_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v discern_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n we_o know_v that_o all_o soldier_n have_v their_o banner_n and_o colour_n under_o which_o they_o fight_v and_o so_o have_v the_o militant_a church_n the_o soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n her_o colour_n and_o banner_n to_o fight_v under_o so_o likewise_o every_o corporation_n and_o company_n have_v
contain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a because_o about_o that_o very_a time_n that_o be_v somewhat_o before_o his_o ascension_n he_o speak_v unto_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act._n 1.3_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v inward_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n but_o of_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v than_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a apply_v than_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n for_o what_o do_v more_o near_o and_o proper_o appertain_v or_o be_v annex_v to_o that_o kingdom_n than_o this_o now_o the_o apostle_n must_v teach_v all_o that_o christ_n teach_v they_o but_o christ_n teach_v they_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v teach_v it_o too_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o therefore_o there_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o direct_v every_o church_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n let_v we_o come_v somewhat_o near_o to_o the_o point_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v therefore_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o those_o which_o christ_n so_o give_v to_o be_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v sufficient_a direction_n leave_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n now_o government_n be_v one_o special_a mean_n for_o edification_n yea_o and_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v not_o untaught_a by_o they_o and_o so_o consequent_o not_o unwritten_a at_o least_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o ad_fw-la to_o this_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o 1_o cor._n 12.5_o 9_o especial_o in_o vers_fw-la 28._o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v clear_a enough_o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o administration_n and_o gift_n &_o so_o come_v to_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o gift_n and_o that_o be_v to_o exercise_v they_o whereof_o though_o some_o be_v temporal_a yet_o other_o be_v perpetual_a which_o if_o we_o add_v to_o that_o ephes_n 4.11_o then_o here_o be_v sufficient_a provision_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o for_o substance_n of_o governor_n and_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o corinth_n only_a but_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a god_n have_v ordain_v some_o in_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v appliable_a to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o like_a place_n be_v in_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o that_o use_v they_o these_o place_n then_o lay_v together_o prove_v the_o point_n let_v we_o come_v to_o example_n of_o church_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n further_o we_o have_v example_n of_o this_o in_o two_o church_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v best_o provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o of_o ephesus_n take_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o a_o example_n and_o see_v how_o sufficient_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o in_o most_o particular_n for_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n sect_n and_o offender_n be_v punish_v yea_o and_o general_o they_o have_v rule_n give_v they_o for_o the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14._o consider_v what_o rule_v of_o edification_n and_o order_n he_o there_o prescribe_v and_o extend_v they_o to_o all_o church_n in_o their_o kind_n and_o say_v then_o whether_o all_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o general_a for_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n see_v this_o also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20_o 28_o consider_v the_o charge_n there_o give_v to_o all_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v govern_v they_o as_o well_o as_o teach_v they_o consider_v the_o manifold_a instruction_n he_o give_v they_o there_o how_o they_o shall_v carry_v themselves_o and_o withal_o consider_v the_o particular_n he_o charge_v timothy_n withal_o in_o both_o his_o epistle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v if_o this_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n if_o you_o yet_o doubt_v of_o it_o believe_v the_o apostle_n act._n 20.20_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o from_o they_o that_o be_v profitable_a so_o that_o if_o church-government_n be_v profitable_a for_o they_o as_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a then_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v and_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v be_v so_o too_o either_o more_o or_o less_o though_o happy_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o these_o be_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o substance_n reas_n 1_o both_o for_o duty_n of_o life_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o carry_v and_o how_o to_o govern_v himself_o if_o this_o be_v so_o for_o a_o particular_a christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n then_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n partly_o of_o faith_n but_o more_o of_o practice_n and_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n therefore_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n second_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o former_a reas_n 2_o testament_n god_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n very_o precise_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o most_o particular_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a testament_n for_o must_v not_o the_o church_n now_o be_v as_o well_o provide_v as_o then_o sure_o it_o must_v in_o matter_n of_o substance_n reas_n 3_o three_o christ_n care_n of_o his_o church_n prove_v it_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o he_o so_o tender_o love_v her_o welfare_n and_o so_o gracious_o provide_v every_o thing_n else_o for_o she_o that_o he_o will_v fail_v she_o in_o this_o leave_v she_o without_o government_n at_o least_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a but_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n will_v be_v more_o faithful_a in_o god_n house_n than_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o servant_n as_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o comparison_n heb._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o or_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o careful_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o paul_n be_v of_o ephesus_n but_o paul_n write_v sufficient_o to_o timothy_n how_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o that_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o therefore_o christ_n be_v more_o faithful_a than_o moses_n and_o more_o careful_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o paul_n be_v of_o ephesus_n must_v needs_o leave_v sufficient_a direction_n in_o scripture_n how_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v at_o least_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o reas_n 4_o the_o four_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o church_n insufficiency_n if_o she_o be_v leave_v to_o herself_o alas_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o man_n blind_a and_o ignorant_a not_o able_a to_o direct_v and_o govern_v themselves_o beside_o they_o be_v headstrong_a and_o wilful_a that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v or_o else_o they_o be_v peremptory_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n loath_a to_o part_v with_o their_o own_o invention_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o word_n therefore_o christ_n must_v leave_v direction_n and_o where_o but_o in_o his_o word_n reas_n 5_o the_o five_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o word_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n but_o how_o far_o forth_o be_v it_o thus_o
it_o be_v not_o in_o she_o to_o devise_v she_o own_o government_n if_o christ_n therefore_o have_v not_o provide_v for_o she_o in_o this_o case_n but_o have_v leave_v she_o to_o herself_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o she_o have_v never_o hit_v on_o the_o right_a way_n or_o if_o she_o have_v she_o can_v have_v have_v no_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n nor_o hope_v of_o blessing_n in_o the_o course_n because_o still_o she_o will_v have_v be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n so_o let_v we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o good_a god_n that_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o affirmative_a point_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v scripture_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n the_o negative_a position_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o to_o observe_v for_o order_v every_o particular_a this_o be_v a_o negative_a position_n as_o you_o see_v must_v be_v content_a with_o negative_a proof_n for_o see_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o government_n in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a or_o not_o and_o see_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n then_o though_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a place_n to_o confirm_v it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o many_o together_o will_n i_o say_v no_o many_o lay_v all_o together_o will_v not_o they_o that_o pretend_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n must_v instance_n in_o some_o such_o place_n in_o the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v prove_v else_o the_o contrary_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o refutation_n of_o such_o allegation_n be_v the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o position_n therefore_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o negative_a position_n first_o i_o say_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v or_o prescribe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o part_n of_o discipline_n nay_o nor_o many_o place_n confer_v and_o lay_v all_o together_o do_v not_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o in_o general_a there_o be_v proof_n enough_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o in_o the_o former_a point_n but_o not_o for_o any_o particular_a form_n in_o every_o particular_a etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o affirm_v or_o prescribe_v this_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o i_o say_v further_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v intend_v any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o particular_a either_o they_o will_v have_v give_v it_o in_o express_a charge_n particular_o or_o at_o least_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o notorious_a pattern_n of_o it_o in_o some_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o best_a church_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o best_a provide_v for_o in_o that_o case_n yet_o these_o have_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n whereunto_o they_o be_v precise_o bind_v first_o for_o corinth_n there_o be_v more_o write_v to_o that_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a government_n than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n yea_o almost_o as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a no_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o in_o many_o particular_n it_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v not_o by_o writing_n for_o some_o the_o apostle_n respite_v till_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o other_o thing_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v so_o then_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a by_o writing_n for_o herself_o much_o less_o be_v it_o so_o provide_v for_o as_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v thereby_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church-order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n own_o commandment_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o yes_o they_o be_v to_o they_o of_o that_o church_n so_o far_o as_o be_v direct_o enjoin_v they_o but_o not_o to_o all_o church_n else_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o it_o be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o that_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a for_o itself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o particular_n profitable_a if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v than_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o not_o those_o particular_n i_o answer_v sure_o particular_n be_v profitable_a and_o therefore_o this_o church_n have_v enough_o in_o general_a whereby_o they_o may_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o all_o particular_n this_o place_n prove_v the_o former_a position_n well_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n whole_o in_o the_o general_a but_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a though_o they_o have_v some_o to_o measure_v the_o rest_n by_o yea_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a matter_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n than_o in_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n impose_v on_o timothy_n a_o charge_n of_o perpetuity_n as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o spot_n until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o that_o government_n which_o he_o charge_v he_o withal_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a i_o answer_v first_o that_o that_o commandment_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n second_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o government_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o personal_a to_o timothy_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v and_o also_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o those_o particular_a thing_n there_o command_v which_o come_v far_o short_a of_o every_o particular_a that_o they_o shall_v perpetual_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o charge_n he_o give_v timothy_n last_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o matter_n of_o substance_n which_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n for_o this_o nor_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n nay_o there_o be_v example_n against_o it_o because_o we_o find_v not_o the_o same_o government_n in_o all_o church_n for_o some_o want_v that_o which_o other_o have_v and_o so_o by_o this_o rule_n one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v sin_v as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n there_o be_v only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n name_v so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o every_o church_n precise_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o still_o new_a occasion_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n daily_o which_o if_o they_o be_v foresee_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n as_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o civil_a law_n be_v there_o ever_o that_o the_o best_a head_n have_v be_v lay_v together_o to_o devise_v that_o be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o first_o for_o every_o particular_a but_o by_o new_a occasion_n still_o increase_v for_o particular_a cause_n yea_o but_o though_o man_n can_v not_o yet_o god_n can_v have_v provide_v for_o that_o but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o it_o prescribe_v not_o for_o every_o particular_a what_o be_v to_o
be_v do_v but_o there_o be_v general_n from_o which_o and_o some_o particular_n by_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o measure_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o reas_n 2_o second_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o unfit_a fit_a for_o every_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n have_v their_o several_a state_n and_o custom_n and_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o be_v not_o decent_a in_o another_o that_o which_o will_v stand_v with_o some_o civil_a government_n may_v not_o stand_v with_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unfit_a to_o impose_v the_o same_o particular_n on_o the_o church_n in_o every_o several_a government_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o decent_a thing_n in_o some_o church_n to_o wear_v long_a hair_n in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o in_o some_o church_n it_o be_v decent_a to_o have_v the_o head_n cover_v when_o they_o prophesy_v in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o where_o its_o decent_a it_o may_v be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a it_o may_v not_o be_v do_v so_o that_o decency_n be_v hold_v still_o in_o the_o general_a though_o that_o the_o particular_n fail_v and_o differ_v as_o far_o as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n reas_n 3_o three_o some_o thing_n we_o have_v &_o must_v have_v in_o our_o church_n government_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o church_n government_n &_o that_o by_o right_a from_o god_n who_o dare_v deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o particular_n shall_v be_v in_o all_o church_n and_o so_o no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o word_n in_o every_o particular_a whereunto_o all_o church_n be_v to_o conform_v reas_n 4_o last_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o practice_n act._n 6.1_o and_o there_o be_v commandment_n about_o it_o too_o as_o well_o as_o about_o other_o office_n as_o widow_n 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n require_v in_o any_o reform_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v and_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n at_o rest_n from_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o particular_a precise_a and_o necessary_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o case_n in_o god_n word_n it_o be_v but_o vain_a labour_n let_v we_o never_o think_v to_o find_v it_o for_o the_o general_a we_o may_v and_o for_o many_o particular_n but_o for_o every_o particular_a we_o may_v not_o how_o many_o excellent_a wit_n have_v even_o tire_v themselves_o out_o in_o this_o business_n how_o long_o and_o how_o grievous_o have_v many_o learned_a and_o holy_a man_n vex_v themselves_o about_o this_o question_n and_o yet_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o some_o press_v more_o particular_n than_o other_o as_o that_o the_o chief_a governor_n be_v but_o for_o a_o year_n or_o by_o turn_n etc._n etc._n yea_o how_o have_v some_o and_o how_o do_v some_o to_o this_o day_n wrest_v scripture_n lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o god_n own_o holy_a book_n sometime_o put_v out_o somewhat_o as_o timothy_n bishopric_n in_o the_o postscript_n to_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n so_o sometime_o they_o put_v in_o though_o not_o into_o the_o text_n yet_o cunning_o they_o add_v it_o as_o in_o eph._n 4.11_o where_o it_o be_v say_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n they_o say_v and_o some_o pastor_n and_o some_o teacher_n to_o make_v they_o a_o diverse_a office_n so_o likewise_o they_o misinterpret_v as_o in_o phil._n 1.1_o where_o they_o will_v have_v bishop_n to_o signify_v lay-elder_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o that_o they_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o so_o they_o be_v exceed_o unconscionable_a in_o handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o business_n object_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o conceit_n of_o government_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o we_o as_o well_o provide_v for_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v first_o answ_n that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o particular_a national_n church_n and_o so_o may_v the_o better_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o particular_a second_o i_o answer_v that_o some_o particular_n be_v not_o prescribe_v by_o they_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n among_o they_o in_o every_o respect_n be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n know_v by_o any_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n where_o this_o be_v record_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o profess_v i_o can_v by_o all_o my_o poor_a endeavour_n and_o small_a read_n come_v to_o any_o full_a understanding_n in_o every_o particular_a of_o that_o government_n neither_o can_v i_o ever_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o that_o can_v and_o so_o likewise_o i_o profess_v for_o matter_n of_o church-government_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o all_o my_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o general_a substance_n it_o be_v and_o for_o some_o particular_n enough_o to_o receive_v some_o good_a direction_n for_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n and_o reproof_n of_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o particular_a government_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o first_o the_o papist_n they_o allege_v this_o that_o their_o government_n be_v god_n ordinance_n for_o christ_n say_v they_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n mind_v to_o erect_v one_o universal_a head_n over_o all_o as_o his_o substitute_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o his_o beck_n and_o government_n first_o he_o erect_v it_o in_o peter_n and_o from_o he_o it_o come_v to_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o contiene_fw-fr for_fw-mi ever_o and_o therefore_o say_v they_o whosoever_o be_v not_o under_o this_o head_n be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n church_n but_o of_o all_o opposition_n to_o this_o observation_n this_o have_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o opposite_n have_v least_o colour_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o of_o all_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v both_o most_o direct_o against_o it_o first_o for_o precept_n look_v in_o luk._n 22.25.26_o the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n reign_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v our_o saviour_n precept_n direct_o against_o it_o and_o so_o for_o example_n look_v in_o act._n 15.13_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o james_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n moderate_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o give_v sentence_n in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o which_o peter_n shall_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o what_o mean_v paul_n to_o write_v to_o rome_n and_o to_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o other_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o they_o if_o peter_n have_v be_v head_n it_o have_v be_v his_o office_n and_o he_o must_v have_v perform_v it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v dead_a why_o do_v not_o his_o successor_n do_v it_o likewise_o when_o commandment_n come_v from_o heaven_n for_o reformation_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n why_o be_v they_o not_o reveal_v to_o peter_n or_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o pope_n his_o successor_n but_o that_o they_o must_v be_v reveal_v to_o john_n in_o pathmos_n if_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o epistle_n shall_v have_v be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o at_o least_o by_o john_n from_o he_o so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o their_o government_n last_o this_o reprove_v those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o say_v that_o their_o government_n and_o their_o ruler_n which_o they_o require_v be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o endure_v for_o ever_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o furnish_v in_o every_o particular_a for_o first_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v diverse_a or_o if_o they_o be_v so_o than_o second_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n three_o whether_o of_o necessity_n all_o these_o must_v be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n so_o
right_n to_o and_o possession_n in_o when_o god_n give_v a_o man_n gift_n he_o have_v a_o possible_a right_n and_o when_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n that_o give_v he_o actual_a possession_n second_o every_o such_o officer_n be_v a_o officer_n both_o for_o god_n and_o for_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v be_v invest_v by_o each_o man_n invest_v he_o by_o appointment_n god_n invest_v he_o when_o he_o be_v qualify_v by_o himself_o and_o appoint_v by_o man_n according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a answer_n that_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v man_n qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o that_o they_o must_v be_v appoint_v thereto_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v answ_n 2_o be_v now_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n to_o the_o question_n namely_o what_o these_o officer_n be_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o labour_n and_o yet_o to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o reckon_v up_o all_o particular_a officer_n that_o have_v have_v to_o do_v in_o church_n business_n for_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a there_o have_v be_v many_o extraordinary_a some_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v as_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_o teach_v at_o large_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n matth._n 28.19_o etc._n etc._n and_o prophet_n to_o foresee_v and_o foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o agabus_n act._n 11._o and_o evangelist_n to_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n other_o there_o be_v also_o in_o many_o age_n after_o as_o exorcist_n doorkeeper_n acolutive_n and_o reader_n etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o these_o be_v in_o rightful_o or_o wrongful_o be_v to_o be_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v of_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n either_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o or_o else_o be_v pretend_v 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extend_v to_o every_o particular_a in_o that_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v the_o use_n in_o scripture_n phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o most_o plain_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o general_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n but_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o by_o common_a practice_n of_o speech_n i_o find_v this_o name_n always_o almost_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n particular_o apply_v to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o primacy_n and_o precedency_n in_o the_o church_n above_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o so_o bishop_n be_v not_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o pastor_n too_o within_o such_o a_o compass_n some_o great_a some_o small_a which_o we_o call_v diocese_n and_o as_o this_o be_v general_o so_o in_o all_o ancient_a writer_n so_o 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in_o their_o synagogue_n &_o that_o these_o be_v translate_v from_o they_o though_o this_o be_v probable_a and_o likely_a enough_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v sure_a ground_n to_o erect_v a_o church-officer_n upon_o second_o there_o be_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o church_n so_o govern_v three_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o they_o be_v scarce_o and_o few_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o scan_v it_o or_o to_o make_v shift_n against_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o expound_v of_o govern_v elder_n beside_o minister_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o just_a exception_n and_o also_o it_o may_v admit_v many_o interpretation_n to_o the_o contrary_a agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o 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act._n 6._o yet_o afterward_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v act._n 8.5_o 38._o though_o he_o do_v that_o rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v act._n 21_o 8._o that_o philip_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o afterward_o the_o deacon_n baptize_v which_o save_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o better_o learn_v i_o think_v they_o rather_o usurp_v than_o have_v any_o right_n to_o it_o by_o office_n or_o other_o warrant_n for_o it_o yet_o in_o succeed_a age_n they_o have_v general_o a_o degree_n of_o the_o ministry_n answerable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n who_o teach_v and_o look_v to_o the_o treasury_n too_o and_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o favour_v it_o 1_o tim._n 3.13_o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v minister_v well_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o strange_a nor_o much_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o us._n but_o admit_v they_o be_v only_o employ_v in_o church-treasury_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a original_n of_o they_o yet_o either_o they_o be_v only_o for_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o so_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o erection_n act._n 6._o calvin_n in_o act_n 21.8_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v in_o every_o congregation_n or_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a we_o have_v churchwarden_n and_o collector_n answerable_a to_o they_o though_o not_o so_o gift_v as_o they_o be_v in_o act._n 6._o that_o may_v be_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o time_n that_o afford_v not_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v or_o of_o the_o chooser_n of_o they_o that_o make_v not_o better_a choice_n and_o also_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o choose_v by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o either_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a in_o this_o case_n or_o else_o be_v omit_v that_o be_v also_o the_o chooser_n fault_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o retain_v the_o office_n and_o not_o the_o title_n this_o be_v to_o subject_a god_n ordinance_n to_o your_o own_o invention_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o have_v his_o matter_n moderate_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o chancery_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o my_o lord_n chancellor_n who_o the_o king_n appoint_v but_o by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o choose_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n you_o will_v have_v this_o matter_n of_o church-treasury_n order_v and_o yet_o not_o by_o deacon_n who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n about_o word_n so_o long_o as_o we_o retain_v the_o thing_n itself_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n for_o the_o name_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v deacon_n in_o the_o six_o place_n we_o come_v to_o widow_n widow_n of_o these_o we_o may_v read_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o act._n 6.1_o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o be_v mean_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o they_o be_v call_v helper_n and_o rom._n 12.8_o shower_n of_o mercy_n you_o shall_v have_v my_o judgement_n brief_o in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n well_o understand_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v prove_v only_o thus_o much_o first_o that_o in_o many_o church_n there_o be_v then_o such_o widow_n second_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v three_o that_o where_o they_o be_v so_o relieve_v there_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o attend_v the_o sick_a to_o wash_v the_o saint_n foot_n and_o such_o like_a as_o occasion_v require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o the_o church-government_n be_v defective_a that_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v in_o geneva_n they_o have_v rather_o poor_a man_n than_o woman_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n they_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o widow_n at_o all_o seven_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o other_o assistant_n as_o reader_n fellow_n acolutive_n exorcist_n etc._n etc._n concern_v who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o find_v in_o the_o word_n we_o therefore_o do_v pass_v they_o by_o officer_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o though_o he_o be_v last_o name_v yet_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hand_n in_o church-government_n and_o the_o question_n concern_v he_o be_v first_o whether_o he_o may_v be_v right_o call_v a_o church-officer_n i_o answer_v he_o may_v though_o not_o in_o that_o proper_a sense_n as_o the_o minister_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n he_o may_v and_o that_o very_o right_o for_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o how_o can_v he_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o in_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o he_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v christ_n lieutenant_n within_o his_o lawful_a dominion_n why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n in_o church-businesse_n it_o be_v god_n own_o promise_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o his_o church_n themselves_o by_o officer_n be_v nurse_n and_o their_o authority_n and_o countenance_n be_v like_o breast_n or_o dug_n to_o cherish_v and_o feed_v and_o hatch_v up_o the_o church_n withal_o and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n upon_o all_o the_o faithful_a 1_o tim._n 2.2_o that_o they_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n that_o they_o
consequence_n of_o his_o deal_n towards_o his_o church_n for_o ever_o now_o god_n have_v many_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o israel_n and_o he_o deal_v merciful_o and_o gracious_o and_o bountiful_o with_o they_o all_o and_o give_v they_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o health_n and_o life_n and_o all_o but_o so_o as_o with_o israel_n that_o be_v so_o merciful_o and_o so_o bountiful_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o any_o nation_n no_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n under_o the_o sun_n as_o with_o they_o and_o as_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o so_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n he_o vouchsafe_v they_o more_o excellent_a privilege_n than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o peter_n 2.9_o you_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n that_o be_v such_o a_o people_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v endue_v with_o many_o excellent_a privilege_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o and_o psal_n 83.3_o they_o be_v call_v god_n secret_a one_o what_o be_v that_o but_o private_a one_o and_o what_o be_v privilege_n but_o certain_a condition_n grant_v to_o some_o private_a state_n or_o person_n so_o then_o the_o church_n be_v god_n secret_a one_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v he_o grant_v they_o many_o excellent_a privilege_n which_o none_o other_o be_v partaker_n of_o and_o in_o exod._n 19.5_o the_o church_n be_v call_v god_n chief_a treasure_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o be_v all_o full_a of_o his_o treasure_n but_o his_o church_n be_v his_o chief_a treasure_n silver_n have_v her_o prerogative_n above_o all_o base_a mettle_n and_o gold_n his_o prerogative_n above_o silver_n but_o pearl_n and_o precious_a jewel_n be_v a_o chief_a treasury_n and_o have_v prerogative_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n sodom_n be_v a_o goodly_a city_n like_o eden_n and_o egypt_n be_v a_o fat_a and_o fruitful_a soil_n bâ—t_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o canaan_n for_o that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n milk_n and_o honey_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sweet_a thing_n canaan_n flow_v with_o these_o that_o be_v have_v great_a abundance_n of_o they_o niniveb_n be_v a_o great_a and_o famous_a city_n babel_n be_v the_o glory_n and_o pride_n of_o kingdom_n isaiah_n 13.19_o but_o these_o be_v nothing_o to_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a city_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n psal_n 48.1.2_o to_o go_v forward_o bashan_n be_v a_o high_a mountain_n but_o zion_n be_v far_o beyond_o that_o psal_n 68.15.16_o all_o these_o as_o they_o be_v true_a in_o the_o story_n so_o be_v they_o in_o the_o type_n all_o other_o place_n be_v inferior_a to_o god_n church_n the_o scripture_n forbear_v not_o the_o name_n of_o privilege_n in_o effect_n and_o apply_v it_o in_o this_o very_a case_n rom._n 3.1.2_o what_o be_v the_o preferment_n of_o the_o jew_n &_o c_o the_o lord_n question_n it_o there_o and_o answer_v it_o himself_o that_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o it_o much_o every_o manner_n of_o way_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v they_o have_v privilege_n and_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v not_o scant_v of_o they_o much_o that_o be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o kind_n but_o every_o way_n it_o be_v speak_v there_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o by_o analogy_n of_o faith_n it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n john_n 1.12_o to_o they_o that_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n or_o prerogative_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o prerogative_n give_v and_o what_o be_v that_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o all_o privilege_n for_o he_o that_o have_v this_o privilege_n to_o be_v god_n child_n have_v with_o all_o free_a right_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o can_v be_v afford_v to_o man_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o that_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o man_n heart_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o only_o of_o thing_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o even_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o god_n child_n even_o in_o this_o life_n and_o isaiah_n 64.4_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v not_o hear_v nor_o understand_v with_o the_o â—are_n neither_o have_v the_o eye_n see_v any_o other_o god_n beside_o thou_o which_o do_v so_o to_o he_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o god_n do_v so_o for_o none_o as_o he_o do_v for_o his_o child_n reason_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v such_o privilege_n be_v these_o first_o every_o company_n and_o every_o city_n have_v certain_a privilege_n of_o their_o own_o therefore_o the_o church_n the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n must_v have_v she_o much_o more_o second_o the_o special_a favour_n and_o love_n which_o god_n do_v bear_v to_o his_o church_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o less_o for_o they_o those_o who_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n most_o favour_n on_o they_o they_o bestow_v the_o great_a privilege_n therefore_o who_o the_o king_n of_o king_n favour_n most_o of_o all_o that_o be_v the_o church_n he_o be_v to_o bestow_v on_o they_o great_a and_o better_a privilege_n than_o any_o king_n can_v give_v but_o god_n only_o or_o any_o subject_n can_v receive_v but_o god_n own_o darling_n three_o the_o church_n have_v many_o office_n to_o perform_v towards_o god_n in_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a duty_n as_o prayer_n and_o such_o like_a which_o they_o can_v possible_o perform_v unless_o they_o be_v by_o god_n own_o special_a privilege_n exempt_v from_o other_o employment_n and_o enable_v to_o these_o four_o their_o nearness_n to_o christ_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o he_o require_v it_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o he_o be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o shall_v not_o he_o know_v they_o and_o so_o set_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o lead_v they_o forth_o into_o green_a pasture_n etc._n etc._n shall_v not_o he_o guide_v and_o comfort_n and_o preserve_v and_o privilege_v they_o from_o such_o thing_n as_o other_o flock_n be_v subject_a unto_o yea_o their_o oneness_n with_o he_o require_v it_o he_o be_v the_o husband_n the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n they_o be_v one_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o give_v she_o a_o wedding_n ring_n his_o hand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v not_o he_o apparel_n and_o deck_v she_o and_o cherish_v she_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o afford_v she_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n at_o bed_n and_o at_o board_n as_o we_o say_v and_o many_o other_o such_o privilege_n which_o none_o else_o can_v enjoy_v yea_o he_o be_v the_o head_n &_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n and_o shall_v not_o he_o enlive_v and_o quicken_v nourish_v direct_v defend_v and_o endue_v his_o body_n with_o all_o such_o privilege_n and_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o their_o near_a dependence_n on_o christ_n and_o her_o oneness_n with_o he_o require_v that_o he_o bestow_v many_o excellent_a privilege_n on_o she_o which_o other_o may_v not_o enjoy_v five_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n require_v it_o which_o be_v infinite_a in_o itself_o and_o whole_o impart_v to_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o purchase_v and_o procure_v from_o god_n many_o excellent_a privilege_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o six_o the_o church_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o communion_n state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o very_a call_v and_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o notable_a privilege_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o that_o state_n in_o regard_n that_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o other_o seven_o and_o last_o many_o affliction_n be_v to_o be_v suffer_v and_o endure_v of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o that_o state_n but_o even_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o some_o excellent_a privilege_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o comfort_v their_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v they_o a_o full_a amends_o for_o all_o the_o wrong_n cross_n and_o loss_n that_o thereby_o they_o undergo_v the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o use_v 1_o be_v it_o so_o that_o god_n have_v bestow_v so_o many_o excellent_a privilege_n upon_o the_o church_n then_o first_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n that_o do_v so_o merciful_o grace_v and_o glorify_v we_o and_o first_o in_o general_n we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n god_n special_a love_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o church_n that_o bestow_v such_o excellent_a privilege_n and_o royal_a prerogative_n upon_o it_o second_o in_o special_a we_o must_v acknowledge_v with_o
when_o as_o the_o party_n know_v the_o right_a and_o yet_o willing_o decline_v from_o it_o and_o these_o that_o thus_o err_v be_v so_o far_o from_o strive_v against_o their_o error_n that_o they_o rather_o strive_v against_o a_o manifest_a truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o error_n such_o a_o error_n the_o jew_n be_v tax_v for_o by_o stephen_n act_v 7.51_o and_o by_o paul_n himself_o act_v 28.26_o where_o he_o apply_v a_o place_n out_o of_o isaiah_n to_o they_o show_v their_o obstinacy_n that_o in_o see_v they_o do_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o error_n of_o obstinacy_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o willing_o to_o decline_v from_o it_o three_o some_o be_v finite_a and_o for_o a_o time_n only_o some_o final_a and_o for_o ever_o for_o a_o time_n only_o and_o upon_o better_a advice_n they_o change_v their_o mind_n such_o be_v peter_n denial_n of_o christ_n matth._n 26.75_o for_o which_o he_o present_o repent_v and_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o again_o some_o be_v final_a and_o for_o ever_o as_o when_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o sin_n without_o any_o repentance_n at_o all_o at_o least_o without_o any_o true_a and_o sound_a repentance_n such_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o judas_n in_o betray_v christ_n he_o die_v desperate_o in_o it_o without_o any_o true_a repentance_n mat._n 27.3_o 5._o last_o some_o error_n be_v particular_a some_o be_v general_a and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n that_o err_v second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o err_v in_o for_o when_o as_o one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n be_v taint_v with_o error_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a error_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o as_o but_o some_o of_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o not_o all_o 1_o cor._n 15.12_o but_o when_o as_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n in_o a_o church_n err_v this_o be_v a_o general_a error_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o jew_n when_o as_o they_o do_v all_o cry_n out_o against_o our_o saviour_n christ_n crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o so_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n err_v in_o as_o when_o a_o man_n or_o a_o church_n err_v only_o in_o one_o or_o in_o few_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o particular_a error_n in_o that_o respect_n so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n revel_v 2.14_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o but_o when_o a_o man_n or_o a_o church_n err_v in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o thing_n this_o be_v general_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o err_v in_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n err_v in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o thing_n and_o so_o their_o error_n be_v general_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o person_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o all_o or_o in_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o no_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n live_v on_o earth_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v first_o in_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n not_o in_o the_o foundation_n second_o of_o infirmity_n not_o of_o obstinacy_n three_o at_o least_o only_o for_o a_o time_n not_o for_o ever_o four_o particular_o not_o universal_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o all_o these_o which_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o without_o confusion_n deliver_v and_o you_o apprehend_v receive_v it_o plain_o in_o these_o observation_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n militant_a the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n on_o earth_n howsoever_o it_o have_v many_o excellent_a privildge_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exempt_v from_o error_n but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v oftentimes_o err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o handle_v error_n in_o manner_n by_o themselves_o and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n by_o themselves_o for_o each_o of_o these_o be_v transgression_n against_o the_o word_n &_o will_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v both_o damnable_a and_o each_o alike_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 13.12_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o be_v then_o a_o sound_n yea_o a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n acknowledge_v ingenuous_o much_o ignorance_n that_o he_o know_v little_a to_o that_o he_o shall_v know_v he_o know_v but_o in_o part_n now_o ignorance_n be_v a_o error_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n willing_o undergo_v the_o imputation_n of_o error_n and_o if_o he_o be_v in_o error_n who_o can_v look_v to_o escape_v and_o thereupon_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o he_o err_v in_o manner_n too_o for_o we_o can_v be_v obedient_a in_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o that_o as_o his_o knowledge_n be_v imperfect_a so_o be_v his_o love_n and_o obedience_n too_o but_o for_o error_n in_o manner_n it_o be_v far_o plain_a in_o rom._n 7.22_o 23._o where_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n &c_n &c_n and_o this_o be_v not_o his_o infirmity_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o do_v good_a yea_o but_o say_v the_o apostle_n galat._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n you_o will_v and_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o inkling_n of_o this_o to_o his_o disciple_n in_o a_o kind_n of_o parable_n joh._n 13.10_o where_o he_o faith_n he_o that_o wash_v be_v need_v no_o â—â—ue_n to_o wash_v his_o foot_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o a_o negative_a sense_n as_o show_v that_o nothing_o needs_o wash_v in_o they_o but_o their_o foot_n yet_o it_o be_v affirmative_a in_o force_n show_v that_o none_o be_v so_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v but_o that_o still_o he_o have_v foul_a foot_n that_o be_v he_o have_v still_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o he_o and_o these_o must_v be_v cleanse_v and_o wash_v away_o or_o else_o he_o can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o in_o verse_n 8_o so_o likewise_o for_o error_n in_o manner_n the_o apostle_n james_n 3.2_o say_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o there_o all_o be_v include_v and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o kind_n only_o as_o nâ—_n a_o divide_a sense_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v offend_v in_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o in_o another_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o compound_a sense_n not_o one_o or_o many_o but_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o or_o few_o thing_n but_o in_o many_o and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o negative_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 8.46_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o now_o lay_v these_o two_o together_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o none_o be_v exempt_v from_o error_n in_o manner_n so_o for_o error_n in_o doctrine_n rom._n 3.4_o where_o it_o be_v not_o only_o affirm_v in_o general_a of_o all_o and_o of_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a that_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n that_o be_v that_o he_o err_v in_o some_o of_o his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v likewise_o so_o derogate_v the_o hold_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n entire_o and_o incorrupt_o from_o man_n that_o he_o appropriate_v it_o to_o god_n alone_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v god_n as_o not_o to_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v clear_a that_o the_o church_n militant_a that_o be_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n live_v on_o earth_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n out_o of_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o man_n frailty_n the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n true_a believer_n they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o natural_o love_v darkness_n
fall_v away_o final_o after_o true_a conversion_n what_o peace_n or_o quietness_n can_v they_o have_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o still_o they_o will_v be_v fear_v and_o suspect_v and_o distaste_v their_o estate_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o note_n the_o three_o note_n of_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o no_o particular_a doct._n 3_o visible_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o and_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o take_v my_o scantling_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n because_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o who_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n can_v not_o possible_o so_o err_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n can_v not_o final_o nor_o general_o err_v but_o the_o point_n be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o obstinate_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n example_n will_v clear_v it_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v err_v in_o some_o kind_n both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o in_o paradise_n as_o also_o in_o christ_n time_n yea_o even_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v member_n have_v their_o error_n but_o some_o church_n may_v err_v and_o other_o have_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o take_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o a_o example_n that_o once_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o call_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o yet_o it_o err_v in_o the_o apostle_n johns_n time_n yea_o it_o be_v now_o utter_o and_o fina_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n to_o mahomet_n and_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n the_o foundation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v recover_v again_o and_o so_o her_o fall_n be_v not_o final_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v recover_v through_o god_n providence_n at_o the_o last_o yea_o but_o that_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v her_o fall_n be_v as_o well_o final_a as_o fundamental_a and_o that_o which_o be_v her_o case_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o sure_o shall_v be_v if_o they_o walk_v in_o her_o step_n revelat._n 2.5_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o many_o other_o primitive_a church_n how_o many_o famous_a church_n be_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n some_o to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n some_o to_o the_o donatist_n some_o to_o the_o novatian_n etc._n etc._n the_o lamentable_a estate_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n prove_v this_o point_n without_o exception_n they_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o foundation_n christ_n error_n like_o a_o gangrene_n sometime_o overgrow_a all_o but_o some_o may_v say_v when_o may_v a_o church_n be_v say_v to_o err_v thus_o see_v though_o some_o may_v err_v yet_o happy_o not_o the_o rest_n i_o answer_v than_o a_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v either_o when_o a_o error_n be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o general_a or_o special_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n and_o carry_v the_o chief_a face_n and_o port_n of_o the_o church_n with_o they_o which_o error_n if_o it_o be_v general_a in_o all_o or_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o after_o admonition_n they_o persist_v in_o it_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n that_o hold_v otherwise_o then_o be_v that_o church_n degenerate_a into_o a_o faction_n against_o the_o church_n and_o except_v some_o among_o they_o impugn_v their_o untruth_n and_o these_o in_o some_o answerable_a number_n or_o of_o some_o good_a place_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o some_o know_a manner_n that_o notice_n may_v be_v public_o take_v of_o it_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o opposer_n in_o these_o untruth_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o faction_n in_o opinion_n in_o some_o other_o truth_n fundamental_a the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n may_v be_v false_o repute_v by_o all_o that_o know_v that_o opposition_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o prove_v that_o the_o militant_a church_n may_v err_v hold_v direct_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v err_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o choose_v much_o more_o in_o these_o be_v all_o call_v but_o few_o choose_v which_o also_o well_o consider_v will_v prove_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o be_v they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o for_o in_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o god_n choose_v else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n now_o these_o few_o die_a still_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n where_o god_n in_o his_o judgement_n forsake_v decay_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v one_o truth_n after_o another_o and_o one_o faithful_a person_n after_o another_o till_o at_o last_o few_o or_o none_o be_v leave_v not_o enough_o in_o number_n at_o least_o in_o port_n and_o place_n to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n second_o god_n tie_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o no_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o from_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o may_v bring_v forth_o better_a ffruit_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o walk_v wary_o and_o careful_o examine_v themselves_o by_o the_o word_n whether_o their_o course_n be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n if_o any_o error_n arise_v present_o let_v they_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o any_o doubt_n let_v they_o go_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n let_v we_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o best_a expounder_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o though_o we_o may_v err_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o err_v final_o and_o general_o let_v not_o any_o church_n presume_v of_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o pure_a for_o as_o good_a church_n as_o they_o have_v fall_v and_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o without_o great_a heed_n they_o be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o proceed_v of_o a_o final_a fall_n and_o desolation_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n do_v at_o on_o the_o church_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n rather_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o they_o embrace_v it_o and_o build_v on_o it_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v err_v and_o haply_o will_v deny_v that_o afterward_o which_o it_o once_o affirm_v but_o because_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o constant_a to_o itself_o and_o unchangeable_a if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n teach_v out_o of_o moses_n chair_n that_o which_o be_v moses_n doctrine_n believe_v they_o else_o believe_v they_o not_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confutation_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v for_o howsoever_o they_o propound_v it_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o that_o can_v err_v yet_o indeed_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o say_v that_o other_o church_n may_v err_v but_o we_o say_v that_o their_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o yea_o the_o papist_n themselves_o in_o this_o confute_v themselves_o for_o first_o they_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v err_v for_o so_o say_v some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o err_v by_o excommunication_n when_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a cause_n other_o of_o themselves_o say_v that_o they_o err_v in_o canonise_a of_o saint_n when_o they_o canonize_v some_o for_o saint_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v devil_n in_o hell_n second_o they_o confess_v that_o counsel_n may_v err_v too_o and_o three_o that_o their_o pope_n may_v err_v too_o and_o last_o that_o their_o people_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n
in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o if_o man_n be_v never_o before_o baptize_v then_o though_o they_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v baptism_n but_o whether_o have_v the_o church_n power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v member_n no_o sure_o compel_v faith_n can_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o yet_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n he_o by_o his_o authority_n may_v and_o must_v compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n else_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o of_o our_o subjection_n so_o do_v josiah_n cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 34.32_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v power_n to_o repel_v and_o keep_v out_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v plain_a act_v 8.36.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n say_v the_o eunuch_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v etc._n etc._n as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o faith_n be_v want_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v to_o keep_v from_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v child_n do_v then_o i_o answer_v they_o if_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v pre-supposed_n to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o gen._n 17.7_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o there_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o act_n 3.29_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a husband_n etc._n etc._n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a and_o therefore_o where_o child_n be_v tender_v by_o faithful_a parent_n to_o the_o church_n they_o must_v admit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v power_n and_o that_o be_v to_o baptism_n mark_v 10.13.14_o as_o it_o be_v with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o that_o be_v male_n be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o person_n that_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o either_o to_o admit_v or_o repel_v they_o second_o out_o they_o have_v power_n over_o person_n as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o and_o that_o either_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o as_o in_o reu._n 3.11_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o angel_n crown_n but_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v the_o thesalonian_o his_v crown_n and_o how_o must_v he_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o by_o confirm_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o bear_v with_o their_o weakness_n admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n lose_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n so_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o bind_v they_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a each_o way_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o some_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n so_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wonderful_a powerful_a john_n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o we_o see_v how_o the_o church_n do_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a man_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o how_o they_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o displace_v the_o next_o point_n be_v the_o power_n that_o the_o church_n have_v over_o member_n as_o officer_n and_o herein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v to_o place_n or_o displace_v to_o choose_v and_o place_n act_v 6.5_o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n to_o refuse_v and_o displace_v as_o in_o act_n 8.21_o peter_n refuse_v simon_n magus_n when_o he_o will_v have_v buy_v gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o money_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.11_o refuse_v young_a widow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 2.27_o to_o the_o 35._o we_o may_v read_v how_o solomon_n displace_v and_o cast_v out_o abiather_n from_o the_o priest_n office_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o before_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n scripture_n the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n some_o be_v matter_n of_o substance_n some_o of_o circumstance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o stubstance_n be_v either_o touch_v the_o scripture_n it_o sefe_n or_o in_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v either_o touch_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o first_o of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o much_o disparage_v not_o only_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v within_o and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v most_o ligh_o esteem_v it_o some_o of_o of_o her_o champion_n as_o they_o pretend_v challenge_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a yea_o indeed_o a_o superior_a authority_n to_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n spripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o point_n to_o be_v discuse_v here_o be_v whether_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v some_o authority_n concern_v scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o but_o that_o it_o have_v authority_n equal_a with_o or_o above_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v i_o will_v draw_v this_o point_n into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n which_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o above_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a and_o high_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n first_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o of_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o place_n that_o prove_v one_o prove_v both_o joh._n 4.39_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n have_v have_v conference_n with_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n she_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 39_o verse_n that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 41._o verse_n that_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o christ_n own_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o woman_n what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n she_o believe_v in_o christ_n herself_o propound_v he_o unto_o other_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n well_o the_o people_n believe_v for_o her_o say_n but_o do_v they_o rest_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o their_o faith_n no_o for_o verse_n 41._o many_o more_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o word_n and_o verse_n 42._o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v a_o great_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o their_o faith_n disclaim_v the_o former_a as_o insufficient_a now_o say_v they_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o christ_n voice_n to_o
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v many_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o be_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o church_n the_o build_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o foundation_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v stand_v fast_o without_o the_o building_n but_o the_o building_n can_v stand_v at_o all_o without_o the_o foundation_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o far_o sure_a stay_n than_o the_o building_n and_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o church_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v 1_o pet._n 1.23_o now_o which_o be_v great_a the_o seed_n that_o beget_v or_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greateâ—_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o more_o plain_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o man_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n therefore_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n five_o our_o assurance_n of_o any_o truth_n stand_v more_o on_o reas_n 5_o that_o into_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v then_o of_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o mean_n thereto_o be_v itself_o prove_v by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o i_o be_v sure_a the_o king_n will_v give_v i_o a_o hundred_o pound_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o past_o his_o word_n for_o it_o this_o promise_n be_v but_o the_o mean_a of_o this_o assurance_n that_o which_o my_o assurance_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o be_v the_o honesty_n of_o the_o king_n for_o if_o i_o be_v not_o principal_o resolve_v on_o that_o his_o promise_n can_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a assurance_n now_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v last_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o church_n be_v but_o a_o mean_n bring_v we_o thereto_o and_o itself_o lean_v thereon_o for_o if_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o than_o i_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o church_n say_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v it_o but_o by_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o my_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n stand_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o
messiah_n because_o he_o be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o mean_a in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v so_o blind_v that_o see_v they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o the_o four_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v scripture_n be_v this_o we_o must_v bring_v humility_n with_o we_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n lay_v down_o our_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fashion_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o to_o such_o the_o promise_n of_o teach_v be_v make_v psal_n 25.9_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n empty_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n deny_v thyself_o that_o god_n may_v teach_v thou_o and_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a five_o we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o after_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n without_o which_o it_o will_v starve_v and_o die_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v matth._n 5.6_o six_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v a_o good_a mark_n to_o aim_v at_o when_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n namely_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n not_o to_o know_v it_o only_o but_o to_o live_v by_o it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v we_o must_v say_v lord_n it_o be_v thy_o face_n we_o seek_v and_o thy_o glory_n we_o aymeat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n that_o god_n himself_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o scripture_n to_o thou_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o set_v the_o same_o end_n before_o thou_o god_n will_v sure_o assist_v and_o bless_v thou_o according_o last_o before_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v look_v well_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o mark_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o ability_n and_o gift_n and_o attempt_v not_o high_o than_o thou_o can_v reach_v without_o strain_v too_o much_o for_o many_o strive_v to_o reach_v high_a than_o their_o strength_n and_o ability_n will_v reach_v unto_o have_v overreach_v themselves_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o rome_n 12.3.4_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v to_o understand_v above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v itself_o but_o that_o he_o understand_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n second_o in_o the_o business_n itself_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v first_o we_o must_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v it_o and_o consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o consistence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o word_n go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o and_o compare_v sense_n with_o sense_n and_o phrase_n with_o phrase_n and_o if_o thy_o skill_n can_v reach_v so_o far_o go_v to_o the_o original_n and_o thus_o do_v thou_o shall_v see_v the_o sense_n arise_v from_o the_o word_n sensible_o as_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fountain_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a and_o contain_v dark_a speech_n high_a matter_n and_o doubtful_a word_n how_o can_v the_o unlearned_a then_o expound_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o for_o fundamental_a point_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n they_o be_v most_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v or_o at_o least_o in_o other_o place_n as_o always_o we_o find_v it_o the_o lord_n still_o confirm_v every_o truth_n by_o the_o â—outh_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n other_o point_n also_o be_v plain_a enough_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o a_o proportionable_a capacity_n i_o say_v not_o to_o every_o capacity_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o matter_n concern_v salvation_n be_v plain_a enough_o in_o scripture_n that_o be_v enough_o but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o tie_v we_o to_o this_o rule_n to_o seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o scripture_n you_o do_v but_o as_o heretic_n use_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o have_v be_v their_o own_o fault_n the_o fault_n have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n many_o pray_v but_o they_o pray_v amiss_o as_o s._n james_n say_v spirit_n shall_v not_o we_o pray_v because_o of_o that_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o action_n be_v this_o we_o must_v go_v and_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n who_o understand_v they_o and_o best_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 16._o and_o therefore_o consult_v with_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n too_o this_o be_v true_a say_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o prayer_n and_o heavenly_a meditation_n the_o spirit_n be_v by_o name_n christ_n substitute_n on_o earth_n for_o this_o business_n john_n 14.25_o 26._o to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o look_v what_o our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n luke_n 24.32_o 45._o he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o disciple_n and_o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o may_v conceive_v they_o so_o do_v the_o spirit_n now_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o &_o our_o understand_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v they_o &_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o have_v you_o he_o spirit_n say_v the_o papist_n yea_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o to_o the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o learnede_a and_o therefore_o that_o be_v but_o a_o scoff_n of_o they_o to_o say_v you_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n have_v you_o the_o spirit_n three_o we_o must_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v to_o those_o know_a ground_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o not_o admit_v of_o any_o sense_n to_o cross_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o marrow_n of_o scripture_n in_o fundamental_a matter_n they_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o scripture_n itself_o only_o they_o differ_v in_o manner_n that_o which_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v there_o set_v down_o in_o a_o brief_a form_n that_o so_o our_o eye_n may_v the_o better_o be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 12.6_o to_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o portion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o that_o four_o we_o must_v use_v all_o industry_n diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o study_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n these_o help_n procure_v rare_a and_o excellent_a thing_n in_o carnal_a business_n and_o so_o will_v do_v much_o more_o in_o god_n business_n labour_n for_o the_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 6.27_o last_o make_v use_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o and_o of_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o scripture_n both_o old_a and_o new_a the_o papist_n bely_v we_o when_o they_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o scorn_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n no_o we_o harken_v to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o be_v much_o rule_v by_o her_o judgement_n yet_o not_o to_o build_v only_o or_o chief_o thereon_o but_o to_o be_v instruct_v thereby_o and_o to_o be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o dissent_v for_o who_o among_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o they_o of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o the_o three_o place_n after_o we_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v do_v after_o we_o have_v lay_v the_o book_n of_o god_n by_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v do_v then_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o fayling_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n on_o our_o labour_n for_o prayer_n must_v be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o last_o duty_n we_o must_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o it_o second_o meditation_n we_o must_v meditate_v of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o mary_n do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o
shepherd_n and_o of_o christ_n luke_n 2.19_o 51._o she_o do_v ponder_v and_o keep_v these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v ripen_v our_o thought_n &_o digest_v our_o reading_n and_o conceit_n as_o chew_v the_o cud_n separate_v the_o refuse_n and_o turn_v the_o best_a into_o good_a nourishment_n the_o three_o duty_n be_v conference_n we_o must_v confer_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v as_o the_o two_o disciple_n do_v luke_n 24.4_o 32._o for_o this_o will_v revive_v our_o understanding_n and_o quicken_v our_o wit_n and_o wheâ—_n our_o reason_n and_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n and_o throw_v out_o the_o hide_a substance_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o husk_n and_o winnow_v away_o the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o four_a to_o these_o we_o must_v add_v patience_n wait_v the_o lord_n leisure_n and_o tarry_v till_o he_o give_v the_o succsse_n and_o till_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v god_n will_v reveal_v it_o phil._n 3.15_o all_o this_o while_n that_o thou_o have_v be_v toil_a and_o strive_v expect_v and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o success_n in_o god_n good_a time_n thou_o have_v use_v the_o mean_n &_o daily_o labour_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v sure_a it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o thou_o when_o it_o be_v best_o for_o thou_o and_o thou_o fit_a for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v reveal_v to_o thou_o yet_o thy_o former_a pain_n second_v with_o patience_n shall_v make_v thy_o state_n as_o good_a in_o god_n acceptance_n through_o christ_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v it_o five_o that_o which_o strike_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n be_v practice_v and_o experience_n a_o most_o certain_a guide_n in_o all_o point_v fundamental_a after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o the_o former_a rule_n we_o must_v add_v practice_n therefore_o practise_v religion_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n way_n in_o affliction_n in_o temptation_n in_o the_o court_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n in_o thy_o daily_a watch_n in_o the_o continual_a course_n and_o term_v of_o thy_o life_n john_n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o act._n 5.32_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o psal_n 119.100_o i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n god_n will_v not_o see_v we_o err_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o such_o necessary_a point_n as_o he_o see_v we_o desire_v as_o well_o to_o obey_v as_o to_o learn_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o use_n which_o teach_v we_o wariness_n and_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o scripture_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o we_o live_v in_o those_o time_n of_o light_n wherein_o we_o have_v so_o many_o good_a help_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n learning_n tongue_n science_n history_n wit_n all_o of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a and_o ripe_a now_o and_o many_o godly_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o yea_o many_o church_n have_v publish_v their_o judgement_n touch_v the_o sense_n of_o most_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v blind_a now_o let_v they_o be_v blind_a for_o ever_o let_v we_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o help_v thankful_o and_o sober_o and_o let_v we_o add_v to_o these_o the_o use_n of_o those_o seciall_a help_n before_o mention_v &_o then_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o in_o any_o truth_n doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v diverse_a exception_n make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n object_n 1_o first_o say_v some_o all_o this_o while_n this_o be_v but_o private_a interpretation_n flat_o forbid_v 2_o peter_n 1.20_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v private_a which_o be_v of_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n so_o that_o our_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o former_a rule_n be_v frame_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v false_o call_v private_a that_o same_o spirit_n teach_v we_o which_o teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a second_o it_o be_v except_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o detraction_n from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o any_o private_a man_n that_o believe_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o church_n must_v try_v the_o spirit_n so_o must_v every_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o and_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o have_v every_o believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n the_o spirit_n do_v infallible_o teach_v every_o one_o of_o god_n choose_v first_o or_o last_v every_o thing_n needful_a for_o his_o salvation_n he_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v philip_n 3.15_o it_o be_v so_o in_o manner_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o in_o doctrine_n each_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o into_o psal_n 25.5_o lead_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o psal_n 143.10_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o spirit_n to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o distress_n to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o holiness_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o to_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o truth_n ob._n 3_o three_o it_o be_v except_v how_o do_v you_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v from_o god_n spirit_n or_o from_o your_o own_o fancy_n for_o any_o heretic_n can_v and_o will_v say_v as_o much_o as_o you_o answ_n 1_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n john_n 16.13_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n second_o have_v thou_o seek_v and_o attain_v that_o interpretation_n by_o prayer_n then_o out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o give_v thou_o scorpion_n and_o poison_n when_o thou_o ask_v fish_n error_n when_o thou_o ask_v the_o truth_n three_o do_v it_o concur_v with_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n not_o doubt_v of_o than_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n object_n 4_o four_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a that_o a_o whole_a church_n special_o the_o doctor_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o be_v so_o guide_v than_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o he_o answ_n answer_v yes_o if_o they_o follow_v the_o former_a rule_n and_o yet_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v the_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o rule_n sometime_o one_o particular_a man_n or_o two_o follow_v these_o rule_n but_o the_o present_a church_n do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wicklife_n husse_o and_o luther_n one_o or_o few_o then_o deliver_v the_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n because_o they_o observe_v these_o rule_n sometime_o the_o church_n do_v observe_v these_o rule_n and_o particular_a man_n do_v so_o too_o &_o then_o either_o they_o concur_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v direct_o deliver_v &_o receive_v or_o else_o they_o dissente_n and_o then_o rather_o follow_v the_o stream_n than_o one_o or_o two_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o sometime_o even_o in_o this_o case_n too_o one_o man_n may_v see_v more_o than_o many_o as_o paphnutius_fw-la in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a again_o sometime_o the_o church_n observe_v these_o rule_n and_o some_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n particular_a man_n be_v right_a heretic_n and_o the_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o all_o rest_n on_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o so_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n answ_n i_o answer_v our_o judgement_n in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o letter_n &_o sense_n of_o scripture_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o our_o own_o judgement_n indeed_o but_o god_n our_o frailty_n wherewith_o we_o be_v accompany_v be_v we_o only_a but_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o our_o judgement_n from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o rest_v on_o god_n judgement_n now_o and_o not_o our_o own_o every_o man_n must_v have_v faith_n of_o his_o own_o that_o be_v though_o not_o of_o his_o own_o by_o work_v
yet_o of_o his_o own_o by_o possession_n and_o feeling_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n must_v have_v judgement_n of_o his_o own_o too_o for_o faith_n without_o judgement_n be_v blind_a presumption_n and_o must_v i_o not_o rest_v on_o my_o faith_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o why_o not_o on_o my_o own_o judgement_n too_o that_o be_v on_o god_n judgement_n which_o he_o have_v endue_v my_o mind_n and_o soul_n withal_o object_n 6_o last_o it_o be_v object_v this_o be_v strange_a say_v they_o we_o hear_v they_o confess_v that_o every_o man_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o enlighten_v yet_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o assure_v himself_o have_v one_o answ_n no_o more_o warrant_n than_o another_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v full_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n fundamental_a so_o far_o we_o do_v acquit_v all_o the_o faithful_a from_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n final_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o strangeness_n at_o all_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v this_o point_n the_o five_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o plainness_n sake_n concern_v person_n we_o have_v do_v concern_v thing_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n matter_n of_o substance_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o have_v speak_v namely_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n therein_o which_o be_v the_o last_o point_n concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n for_o though_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n either_o express_o or_o at_o least_o by_o sound_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n yet_o because_o some_o have_v fond_o imagine_v and_o confident_o avouch_v that_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n power_n to_o ordain_v they_o and_o because_o some_o church_n have_v usurp_v and_o encroach_v upon_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n then_o ever_o be_v grant_v or_o comit_v to_o they_o from_o god_n therefore_o in_o handle_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o point_n also_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o concern_v faith_n teach_v we_o what_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v other_o concern_v obedience_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o practice_v in_o each_o of_o these_o the_o church_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n where_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n go_v before_o and_o where_o she_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o according_o but_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o any_o thing_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o kind_n there_o the_o church_n must_v be_v silent_a too_o and_o not_o desire_v to_o speak_v we_o will_v deliver_v the_o matter_n plain_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o doct._n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o decree_n and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n either_o for_o faith_n or_o for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n the_o place_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n for_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o head_n first_o sort_n some_o place_n ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o the_o second_o sort_n commend_v we_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o itself_o the_o three_o sort_n condemn_v all_o add_v to_o scripture_n and_o the_o last_o sort_n condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v the_o first_o that_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o alone_o they_o be_v these_o james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o ordain_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o give_v law_n law_n i_o say_v of_o the_o high_a kind_n such_o as_o we_o must_v live_v and_o be_v save_v by_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o give_v these_o law_n he_o only_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v for_o so_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v there_o describe_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o lawgiver_n now_o the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v give_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o therein_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o meaning_n therefore_o beside_o those_o in_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n another_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v matth._n 23.8_o 10._o be_v not_o call_v doctor_n and_o be_v not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o doctor_n and_o master_n and_o who_o be_v that_o but_o christ_n himself_o now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v our_o doctor_n and_o to_o be_v our_o master_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a doctor_n and_o master_n he_o alone_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o joh._n 1.18_o the_o office_n of_o reveal_v god_n to_o man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o christ_n he_o only_o declare_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v there_o employ_v because_o he_o only_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o he_o only_o be_v of_o ability_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v it_o so_o that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o reveal_v any_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n he_o must_v show_v that_o he_o come_v out_o of_o god_n bosom_n else_o he_o neither_o must_v nor_o can_v speak_v in_o this_o business_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v already_o reveal_v that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o which_o ever_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n be_v precise_o tie_v and_o and_o confine_v to_o this_o scantling_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n teacher_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o what_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v first_o teach_v the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o minister_n be_v forbid_v to_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o matth._n 20.28_o that_o and_o nothing_o beside_o that_o yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n special_a and_o chief_a deputy_n on_o earth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v that_o to_o the_o people_n john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o the_o text_n say_v in_o the_o 14._o verse_n that_o he_o shall_v glorify_v christ_n in_o this_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v if_o he_o teach_v aught_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n much_o more_o if_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o so_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v tie_v to_o this_o scantling_n too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o deut._n 18.15_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n unto_o thou_o like_v unto_o i_o from_o among_o you_o even_o of_o your_o brethren_n unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v and_o this_o prophet_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n prove_v act_n 3.17_o and_o this_o be_v after_o confirm_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n own_o sheep_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n john_n 10.6.27_o and_o his_o only_a and_o not_o a_o stranger_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o scripture_n script_n the_o second_o sort_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v such_o as_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o
eight_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v make_v our_o division_n of_o church_n into_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o our_o discourse_n concern_v the_o eastern_a and_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o discourse_n concern_v the_o western_a and_o these_o we_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o some_o that_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o her_o accomplice_n second_o some_o that_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o she_o at_o least_o in_o her_o abuse_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o former_a we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o what_o be_v say_v against_o she_o be_v say_v against_o they_o as_o be_v the_o mother_n so_o be_v her_o daughter_n now_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n churchche_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n for_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v sometime_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n do_v degenerate_a and_o stain_v herself_o with_o sundry_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o please_v god_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly_a and_o learned_a divine_n among_o they_o that_o they_o see_v and_o discern_v these_o corruption_n and_o withal_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o oppose_v open_o against_o they_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o write_v now_o those_o congregation_n that_o by_o these_o man_n labour_n be_v call_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o embrace_v a_o pure_a profession_n do_v thereby_o gain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o reform_a church_n as_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o deform_a church_n still_o wallow_v in_o her_o own_o corruption_n but_o themselves_o have_v recover_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o ancient_a beauty_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o ancient_a time_n and_o sound_a church_n reformation_n now_o to_o make_v the_o way_n plain_a before_o we_o we_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o reformation_n second_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o first_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o reformation_n they_o be_v weighty_a and_o necessary_a many_o notorious_a error_n and_o gross_a abomination_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n as_o before_o we_o have_v show_v possess_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o church_n yea_o the_o head_n and_o all_o such_o as_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v oft_o complain_v of_o and_o the_o godly_a have_v groan_v sore_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o for_o many_o year_n and_o can_v bear_v they_o no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o have_v weighty_a cause_n for_o this_o reformation_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o it_o thing_n be_v approovable_a and_o good_a they_o do_v nothing_o herein_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o business_n but_o that_o which_o may_v well_o beseem_v god_n people_n and_o whereof_o they_o have_v many_o commendable_a precedent_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n in_o like_a case_n for_o first_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o that_o church_n that_o such_o and_o such_o corruption_n be_v among_o they_o second_o they_o make_v proof_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v corruption_n three_o they_o beseech_v the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o tender_v god_n truth_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o people_n salvation_n for_o some_o speedy_a redress_n of_o these_o thing_n four_a they_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o that_o be_v their_o utter_a ruin_n both_o here_o and_o for_o ever_o if_o they_o do_v not_o hearken_v unto_o they_o five_o after_o all_o these_o mean_n use_v and_o after_o long_a expectation_n of_o some_o good_a event_n and_o yet_o nothing_o dâ—ne_o find_v no_o amendment_n but_o that_o indeed_o matter_n do_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o that_o old_a burden_n be_v continue_v new_o impose_v that_o be_v worse_o their_o admonition_n reject_v error_n &_o corruption_n stiff_o maintain_v &_o the_o seeker_n of_o reformation_n hate_v reproach_v persecute_v excommunicate_v and_o the_o like_a find_v no_o redress_n they_o leave_v they_o &_o give_v they_o over_o &_o as_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o apostle_n so_o they_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n do_v you_o serve_v what_o god_n you_o will_v we_o and_o our_o congregation_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n do_v you_o worship_n god_n as_o you_o list_v yourselves_o we_o will_v worship_v he_o after_o his_o own_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n see_v we_o can_v procure_v a_o general_a redress_n of_o these_o corruption_n among_o you_o we_o must_v and_o will_v redress_v they_o in_o ourselves_o what_o can_v these_o man_n do_v more_o than_o they_o do_v or_o what_o fault_n just_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o these_o proceed_n the_o papist_n deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o this_o reformation_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v any_o reformation_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o say_v they_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n make_v by_o heretic_n but_o till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v heresy_n they_o shall_v be_v never_o able_a to_o convince_v this_o for_o a_o heretical_a innovation_n as_o they_o false_o and_o malicious_o slander_v it_o but_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o malice_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o stand_v good_a for_o a_o godly_a and_o religious_a reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o another_o manner_n of_o reformation_n then_o that_o of_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v well_o and_o commendable_o redress_v yet_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o that_o reformation_n run_v on_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o council_n will_v have_v some_o reformation_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o pope_n authority_n may_v not_o be_v mâ—ddled_v withal_o whereas_o that_o very_a authority_n be_v partly_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a corruption_n itself_o and_o partly_o thâ—_n maiâ—_n occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n at_o least_o it_o be_v thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d hindrance_n that_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o reform_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—at_a except_o that_o be_v reform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sound_n and_o through_o reformation_n at_o all_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o their_o reformation_n and_o we_o for_o we_o square_v all_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n so_o much_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o general_n church_n there_o be_v also_o another_o title_n that_o these_o church_n be_v style_v with_o and_o that_o be_v protestant_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o name_n be_v this_o upon_o the_o first_o sound_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o luther_n in_o germany_n there_o be_v great_a stir_n and_o much_o ado_n among_o the_o people_n and_o not_o only_o there_o but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n some_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o luther_n other_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o popish_a religion_n the_o emperor_n and_o the_o state_n consult_v together_o how_o to_o pacify_v these_o tumult_n many_o meeting_n they_o have_v and_o many_o decree_n they_o make_v against_o it_o one_o decree_n more_o famous_a than_o the_o rest_n be_v make_v at_o spier_n in_o germany_n anno_fw-la 15_o 29._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o abolish_v the_o mass_n nor_o make_v any_o further_a change_n in_o religion_n till_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a council_n to_o determine_v these_o difference_n which_o because_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o think_v they_o will_v delude_v they_o they_o promise_v to_o call_v it_o within_o a_o convenient_a time_n within_o a_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o this_o decree_n be_v much_o distasteful_a to_o those_o prince_n and_o state_n that_o have_v engage_v themselves_o with_o luther_n in_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v a_o general_a protestation_n against_o it_o to_o this_o effect_n that_o howsoever_o they_o do_v unfeigned_o affect_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o will_v willing_o satisfy_v the_o emperor_n in_o all_o that_o lawful_o they_o may_v yet_o because_o that_o reformation_n in_o hand_n be_v god_n own_o work_n it_o must_v not_o tarry_v man_n leisure_n for_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v before_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o
esa_n 9.21_o and_o so_o the_o papist_n be_v against_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o both_o against_o our_o church_n of_o england_n each_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o open_a mouth_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o stand_v therein_o and_o the_o papist_n think_v we_o can_v justify_v our_o self_n against_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n boast_v that_o we_o can_v acquit_v ourselves_o of_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o popery_n here_o than_o be_v our_o present_a task_n how_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o adversary_n that_o we_o may_v fall_v foul_a on_o neither_o they_o do_v not_o assault_v we_o both_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o several_a quarrel_n and_o each_o do_v manage_v a_o several_a fight_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v frame_v our_o several_a defence_n according_o against_o they_o the_o papist_n he_o strike_v main_o against_o our_o religion_n the_o very_a life_n of_o our_o church_n the_o separatist_n strike_v special_o at_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n the_o exception_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o yet_o altogether_o unjust_a and_o untrue_a us._n that_o of_o the_o separatist_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o more_o colour_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n but_o be_v much_o less_o dangerous_a first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o papist_n as_o be_v the_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o the_o two_o and_o his_o quarrel_n the_o great_a and_o because_o he_o except_v against_o our_o religion_n we_o will_v balance_v their_o religion_n and_o we_o together_o and_o so_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o trial_n and_o join_v in_o this_o issue_n whether_o their_o religion_n be_v better_a than_o we_o or_o our_o religion_n better_o than_o they_o and_o because_o false_a balance_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v disclaim_v they_o carnal_a reason_n outward_a pomp_n plausible_a show_n and_o probability_n be_v deceitful_a weight_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o use_n let_v we_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o scale_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o equal_a and_o true_a weight_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o be_v by_o such_o spiritual_a and_o sound_a consideration_n as_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o try_v by_o it_o be_v tedious_a if_o not_o infinite_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o i_o will_v therefore_o cull_v out_o six_o or_o seven_o of_o the_o principal_a for_o instance_n and_o thereby_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o will_v weigh_v they_o in_o four_o exceptionlesse_a balance_n and_o make_v it_o plain_a god_n willing_a in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o six_o or_o seven_o instance_n by_o every_o of_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o our_o religion_n will_v hold_v weight_n full_a weight_n down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o that_o they_o be_v too_o light_a not_o worthy_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o beam_n balance_n the_o four_o balance_n that_o we_o will_v weigh_v these_o instance_n in_o be_v first_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n second_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n three_o the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n four_o the_o balance_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n the_o instance_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o which_o we_o will_v weigh_v in_o these_o balance_n be_v these_o be_v the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n it_o have_v above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n the_o second_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n against_o man_n freewill_n the_o three_o be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n of_o merit_n the_o four_o be_v of_o christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n the_o five_o be_v 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above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n and_o see_v how_o god_n glory_n be_v thereby_o advance_a for_o thereby_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v provide_v most_o bountiful_o and_o sufficient_o for_o his_o church_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o need_v no_o addition_n and_o thereby_o god_n shall_v rule_v by_o his_o own_o will_n and_o law_n and_o be_v worship_v by_o his_o own_o ordinance_n only_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n great_a honour_n but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o prefer_v or_o equal_v the_o church_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o mingle_v tradition_n with_o god_n word_n and_o all_o this_o glory_n shall_v be_v much_o eclipse_v the_o second_o instance_n be_v of_o god_n freegrace_n balance_n against_o man_n freewill_n admit_v that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v or_o have_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o any_o will_n or_o towardliness_n to_o good_a in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v thereby_o right_o and_o true_o glorify_v if_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n of_o ourselves_o no_o not_o to_o think_v well_o but_o that_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n be_v both_o from_o god_n grace_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o abilty_a or_o desire_n or_o endeavour_n but_o as_o we_o be_v effectual_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o our_o work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v here_o do_v to_o god_n be_v whole_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n alone_o but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o avouch_v that_o there_o be_v some_o freedom_n in_o our_o own_o will_n to_o good_a than_o god_n do_v the_o less_o for_o we_o and_o so_o do_v the_o less_o glorify_v himself_o on_o we_o extol_v man_n in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n and_o dishonour_n god_n but_o dishonour_n man_n herein_o and_o extol_v god_n the_o three_o instance_n be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n balance_n if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o we_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n and_o we_o yield_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o glory_n and_o prerogative_n of_o our_o alone_a and_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n and_o we_o magnify_v his_o righteousness_n as_o be_v of_o that_o infinite_a worth_n and_o power_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o as_o to_o make_v we_o true_o and_o perfect_o righteous_a that_o believe_v it_o which_o as_o his_o proper_a due_n be_v direct_o assign_v of_o his_o father_n and_o just_o challenge_v by_o himself_o and_o worthy_o obtain_v by_o his_o do_n suffering_n and_o victory_n but_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o we_o do_v merit_v some_o favour_n with_o god_n by_o our_o own_o good_a work_n and_o then_o we_o detract_v from_o christ_n glory_n and_o make_v man_n compartner_n together_o with_o christ_n in_o this_o glorious_a work_n
what_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v warrant_v warrant_n for_o the_o caution_n condition_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n be_v first_o more_o principal_a second_o inferior_a warrant_n second_o head_n and_o in_o it_o five_o rule_n the_o second_o rule_n that_o be_v uncomely_a in_o one_o place_n which_o be_v decent_a in_o another_o what_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v decent_a order_n extend_v itself_o to_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v second_o to_o person_n the_o three_o rule_n three_o way_n how_o peace_n be_v endanger_v the_o four_o rule_n three_o way_n how_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v the_o five_o rule_n the_o three_o head_n and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n and_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o they_o two_o grace_n necessary_a for_o this_o first_o wisdom_n second_o love_n when_o this_o rule_n be_v swerve_v from_o instance_n in_o divers_a duty_n proof_n be_v here_o use_v because_o omit_v before_o the_o six_o general_a thing_n concern_v the_o church_n viz._n the_o privilege_n of_o it_o in_o this_o head_n two_o point_n handle_v 1_o handle_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n reason_n 2_o thing_n handle_v viz._n the_o privilege_n of_o church_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1_o humane_a 2_o diâ—r_n these_o â—uers_a sort_n general_o of_o two_o sort_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o other_o both_o friend_n and_o enemy_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o 1_o temporal_a privilege_n 2._o spiritual_a privilege_n thesis_n of_o two_o sort_n 1_o common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n 2._o proper_a to_o the_o true_a believer_n and_o these_o of_o two_o sort_n 1._o matter_n of_o present_a possession_n of_o diverse_a kind_n 4_o the_o work_v god_n do_v for_o the_o faithful_a 2._o matter_n of_o future_a certainty_n 2._o other_o special_a privilege_n add_v and_o entreat_v on_o 1._o concern_v the_o infallibe_n guidance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o god_n spirit_n and_o so_o whether_o the_o church_n can_v err_v or_o no_o either_o in_o manner_n or_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o both_o or_o in_o neither_o error_n of_o four_o sort_n 1._o what_o a_o fundamental_a error_n be_v error_n in_o small_a matter_n what_o they_o be_v difference_n btwâ—eene_v they_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v attain_v salvation_n and_o so_o whether_o any_o may_v be_v save_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o no._n extra_n fidem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la morn_n 451._o the_o seven_o general_a head_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n the_o adversary_n and_o opposite_n of_o it_o this_o handle_v in_o 5._o point_n â—_o thâ—_n 〈…〉_z that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v many_o adversary_n to_o oppose_v it_o deliver_v in_o a_o doctrine_n stiâ—ting_v up_o to_o many_o duty_n the_o second_o point_n what_o these_o adversary_n be_v and_o they_o be_v many_o 2._o sort_n 3._o sort_n 4._o sort_n 5._o sort_n 6._o sort_n 7._o sort_n 8._o sort_n 9_o sort_n 10._o sort_n 11._o sort_n 12._o sort_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o point_n which_o be_v how_o these_o adversary_n oppose_v us._n the_o matter_n they_o strike_v at_o 1_o against_o the_o person_n of_o professor_n 2_o against_o their_o profession_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n â—_o secret_o 2._o open_v 3._o the_o mean_n or_o weapon_n whereby_o they_o fight_v against_o god_n child_n 1_o carnal_a reason_n and_o therein_o 2._o religious_a pretence_n and_o herein_o 1._o scripture_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n 3._o miracle_n 3._o more_o gross_a deal_n the_o 4._o point_n how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o carry_v herself_o to_o her_o adversary_n 2._o thing_n to_o be_v do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o good_a fight_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o it_o and_o therein_o 2._o thing_n the_o 2_o work_n to_o be_v do_v 2_o thing_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o 5_o point_n how_o the_o lord_n carry_v himself_o to_o his_o church_n and_o their_o adversary_n how_o god_n be_v with_o the_o say_v full_a in_o many_o respect_n how_o god_n be_v against_o the_o enemy_n his_o church_n many_o way_n use_v 2._o the_o 8._o general_a head_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n the_o power_n and_o auhority_n of_o it_o and_o in_o it_o 3._o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v unto_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n 2._o point_n what_o manner_n of_o power_n it_o be_v and_o in_o it_o thing_n assert_v 1_o that_o it_o be_v not_o humane_a but_o divine_a how_o we_o may_v know_v when_o the_o church_n speak_v true_a or_o false_a two_o thing_n assert_v that_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a the_o 3._o thing_n assert_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v limit_v and_o scantle_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n the_o 4._o thing_n assert_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o great_a power_n on_o earth_n king_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v above_o the_o person_n that_o exercise_v it_o the_o 3_o point_n be_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o &_o it_o be_v double_a 1._o over_o person_n and_o that_o 1_o either_o as_o member_n either_o not_o come_v in_o to_o admit_v who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v the_o act_n and_o mean_n of_o admission_n this_n not_o to_o be_v renew_a upon_o any_o fall_n away_o how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n may_v compel_v or_o to_o repel_v they_o or_o second_o as_o come_v in_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o cast_v they_o out_o or_o three_o over_o member_n as_o officer_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v place_n or_o displace_v second_o the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o either_o matter_n of_o substance_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o first_o touch_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o herein_o whether_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o spripture_n bellarmy_a de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la interpret_v 246._o the_o blasphemous_a speech_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v the_o scripture_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n the_o best_a position_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o controversy_n answer_v how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v answer_v reason_n against_o it_o reply_n how_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o the_o scripture_n how_o we_o must_v esteem_v of_o the_o church_n 4._o way_n how_o we_o may_v know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n 6_o rule_n concern_v our_o believe_v what_o the_o church_n say_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o thing_n the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o about_o the_o scripture_n be_v thâ—_n sense_n of_o it_o and_o how_o far_o it_o have_v power_n therein_o hieron_n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la gelat_fw-la cap._n 1._o reprove_v first_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o papist_n the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o have_v a_o voice_n how_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n not_o dumb_a second_o their_o practice_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n impose_v by_o they_o as_o the_o authentical_a text._n second_o in_o that_o all_o their_o expositor_n be_v slave_n and_o vassal_n to_o their_o church_n three_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o oath_n which_o general_o all_o papist_n recrue_v concern_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o father_n do_v all_o general_o concur_v and_o yet_o miss_v in_o the_o right_n expound_v of_o the_o scripture_n four_o in_o that_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o counsel_n and_o the_o popeâ—_n in_o case_n the_o church_n dissent_n first_o other_o man_n and_o the_o church_n exposition_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o us._n ob._n answer_n 1._o rectract_n lib._n cap._n 18._o second_o in_o frame_v exposition_n of_o our_o own_o we_o must_v come_v not_o as_o master_n to_o teach_v but_o as_o scholar_n to_o learn_v to_o the_o scripture_n direction_n to_o walk_v and_o be_v rule_v by_o when_o we_o seek_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1_o some_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n &_o they_o be_v 7._o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o business_n itself_o how_o we_o may_v consulie_o with_o god_n spirit_n what_o be_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n thing_n to_o be_v dove_n after_o diverse_a objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n ob._n 2._o ob_fw-la 5._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n beside_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v therein_o the_o place_n that_o prove_v this_o be_v of_o four_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o ascribe_v thâ—s_a authority_n to_o god_n alone_o second_o such_o as_o commend_v