meaning_n as_o they_o put_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v of_o a_o place_n howsoever_o it_o creep_v in_o in_o our_o translation_n all_o this_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o evince_v this_o also_o that_o they_o lay_v that_o foundation_n of_o their_o new_a fabric_n only_o in_o the_o air_n or_o chimaera_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o for_o the_o word_n in_o roman_a character_n they_o be_v homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o autò_fw-la and_o now_o i_o will_v relate_v how_o philip_n nye_n a_o very_a busy_a advocate_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o independency_n and_o what_o his_o testimony_n be_v who_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o assertion_n he_o fly_v to_o the_o same_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n then_o after_o he_o come_v in_o jeremy_n burrough_n a_o stout_a advocate_n who_o be_v demand_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n for_o the_o make_n of_o affidavit_fw-la to_o what_o they_o have_v plead_v he_o also_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o with_o a_o great_a outice_n say_v and_o they_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n then_o come_v in_o sydrack_n sympson_n a_o brave_a burly_n and_o well_o spread_v advocate_n who_o be_v by_o the_o prolocutor_n request_v to_o bring_v in_o his_o witness_n produce_v the_o very_a same_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v before_o cry_v out_o pleno_fw-la ore_fw-la &_o pingui_fw-la ore_fw-la voce_fw-la that_o they_o be_v altogether_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n i_o will_v not_o mention_v the_o other_o advocate_n for_o they_o be_v all_o at_o their_o homothumadon_n and_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o thus_o do_v these_o brave_a pleader_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o argue_v their_o cause_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n also_o into_o the_o court_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o their_o witness_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v from_o first_o to_o last_o as_o on_o purpose_n show_v this_o as_o if_o his_o scope_n have_v be_v before_o to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o they_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o this_o their_o reason_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o substance_n that_o all_o those_o restless_a spirit_a rabbi_n have_v for_o this_o great_a war_n and_o contention_n between_o we_o and_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n and_o that_o their_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v this_o distraction_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o state_n to_o the_o seduce_a and_o mislead_v of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a soul_n to_o the_o utter_a ruine_n of_o many_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o set_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n on_o fire_n which_o with_o all_o their_o tear_n if_o ever_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v they_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o they_o can_v never_o quench_v and_o for_o the_o better_a deceive_v of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v so_o accustom_v their_o mouth_n to_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la that_o very_a sagomour_n will_n that_o have_v no_o more_o greek_a in_o he_o then_o a_o horse_n upon_o every_o occasion_n come_v out_o with_o his_o homothumadon_n epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n which_o concern_v not_o only_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n but_o be_v of_o everlasting_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o they_o continual_o trifle_v and_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o cat_n usual_o do_v one_o with_o a_o other_o who_o when_o they_o have_v spend_v all_o their_o strength_n with_o fight_v and_o when_o they_o can_v neither_o scratch_v nor_o bite_v any_o long_o than_o they_o spit_v one_o at_o another_o and_o make_v ugly_a face_n even_o so_o do_v these_o man_n with_o we_o when_o they_o have_v torment_v themselves_o &_o spend_v their_o force_n in_o wrangle_v have_v never_o a_o argument_n leave_v to_o maintain_v their_o groundless_a wicked_a and_o divide_v opinion_n than_o they_o stand_v stare_v on_o we_o &_o as_o a_o last_o refuge_n come_v out_o with_o their_o homothumadon_v epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la and_o thus_o spit_v a_o little_a greek_a in_o our_o face_n which_o the_o delude_a people_n not_o understanding_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a conquest_n get_v on_o the_o independent_o side_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n yeâ—_n of_o their_o whole_a army_n lie_v here_o and_o depend_v upon_o this_o fort_n i_o mean_v these_o word_n of_o the_o heavenly_a charter_n i_o will_v take_v the_o more_o pain_n for_o find_v out_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o that_o so_o i_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o wickedness_n and_o vanity_n for_o it_o be_v no_o better_a of_o all_o these_o homothumadon_n impostor_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o make_v some_o stay_n in_o explayn_v the_o mind_n and_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o because_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o key_n and_o inlet_n for_o the_o open_n and_o the_o better_a make_v way_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a dispute_n so_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o his_o natural_a reason_n may_v from_o the_o unfolding_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o juggle_n of_o these_o ungodly_a man_n but_o first_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o the_o answer_n of_o those_o reverend_a judge_n sit_v in_o the_o court_n i_o mean_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n where_o this_o cause_n be_v full_o hear_v and_o debate_v where_o the_o homothumadon_n have_v liberty_n full_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o &_o to_o bring_v in_o whatsoever_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n howsoever_o they_o have_v false_o give_v out_o to_o the_o contrary_a now_o for_o answer_v to_o their_o reason_n above_o mention_v the_o reverend_a assembly_n reply_v that_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v rather_o to_o show_v the_o early_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n jer._n 32._o 39_o of_o give_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n by_o his_o so_o frequent_a mention_v homothumadon_n &_o epi_fw-la to_o auto_fw-la as_o adjunct_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n meeting_n then_o as_o our_o brethren_n suggest_v to_o prevent_v and_o preclude_v all_o reason_n against_o this_o assertion_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o there_o be_v most_o excellent_a reason_n for_o this_o reply_n &_o answer_v of_o the_o reverend_a &_o learned_a assembly_n to_o their_o wicked_a cavil_n for_o so_o i_o may_v true_o call_v it_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o horrid_a impiety_n in_o the_o world_n which_o all_o the_o homothumadon_v minister_n and_o predicant_o and_o itinerary_a preacer_n be_v most_o deep_o guilty_a of_o who_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o people_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v and_o most_o abominable_o cheat_v they_o especial_o the_o silly_a woman_n now_o if_o we_o do_v due_o examine_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o native_a sense_n and_o true_a meaning_n it_o will_v most_o manifest_o appear_v that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a assembly_n be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a and_o solid_a reason_n which_o all_o the_o slight_a of_o all_o the_o homothumadon_n and_o their_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v simple_a soul_n will_v be_v make_v more_o orient_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o colour_n first_o therefore_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o text_n itself_o in_o its_o original_a language_n and_o then_o give_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o tongue_n act_v the_o second_o v._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o translation_n be_v this_o when_o the_o day_n of_o
in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o argue_v if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v against_o the_o independent_o those_o homothumadon_n brethren_n all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o and_o their_o itinerary_a preacher_n those_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n those_o name_n be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n on_o one_o of_o their_o feast_n day_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o independent_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n then_o can_v meet_v at_o all_o time_n in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o their_o ordinance_n will_v not_o all_o the_o independent_o laugh_v at_o any_o presbyterian_a that_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v when_o they_o themselves_o boast_v that_o there_o be_v million_o of_o they_o in_o london_n now_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v true_o inform_v there_o be_v million_o of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n only_o that_o be_v present_a together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o the_o other_o believer_n be_v in_o their_o other_o meet_v place_n yea_o beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v now_o name_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 5._o that_o at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n here_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o these_o and_o all_o these_o be_v then_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v by_o many_o witness_n prove_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o believer_n or_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n how_o therefore_o with_o any_o honesty_n can_v the_o independent_o conclude_v from_o epi_n to_o auto_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o ever_o after_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v never_o any_o fight_n against_o he_o but_o shall_v i_o yield_v unto_o they_o which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n will_v it_o follow_v in_o any_o sound_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o after_o all_o still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v infinite_o daily_o increase_v i_o trow_v not_o for_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o so_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v will_v be_v but_o to_o prove_v fighter_n against_o all_o reason_n yea_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o express_a scripture_n as_o will_v forthwith_o appear_v for_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o then_o that_o company_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o place_n spacious_a enough_o for_o to_o break_v bread_n in_o they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v in_o many_o several_a house_n they_o have_v their_o meeting_n to_o communicate_v in_o therefore_o at_o that_o very_a time_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o disciple_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v speedy_o and_o ready_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a and_o alone_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o walk_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o must_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n nothing_o i_o say_v of_o all_o this_o be_v either_o practise_v in_o this_o mother-church_n or_o any_o daughter-church_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n but_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v most_o certain_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o their_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v without_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o that_o upon_o offer_v themselves_o the_o second_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o instant_a time_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o those_o express_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n then_o but_o it_o will_v far_o more_o illustrious_o yet_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o divers_a other_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a indefinite_o set_v down_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v tell_v which_o add_v no_o small_a emphasis_n unto_o the_o expression_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o require_v of_o all_o their_o member_n in_o these_o our_o time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o only_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n now_o what_o understanding_n man_n can_v easy_o believe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o daily_a increase_n of_o believer_n make_v that_o they_o can_v all_o still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o other_o new_a addition_n and_o that_o of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o beside_o woman_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o now_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o they_o be_v then_o force_v for_o want_n of_o a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o divers_a several_a house_n how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o daily_a then_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n may_v any_o one_o imagine_v when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o daily_a addition_n of_o believer_n but_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o add_v unto_o the_o
church_n at_o one_o time_n without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o then_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n multitude_n now_o by_o multitude_n all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o in_o all_o language_n a_o very_a great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n or_o company_n whereupon_o the_o scripture_n say_v follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o by_o multitude_n be_v ever_o understand_v some_o vast_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n and_o here_o the_o scripture_n say_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o multitude_n and_o that_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o expression_n do_v as_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o they_o come_v in_o so_o fast_o that_o they_o can_v not_o now_o any_o long_o be_v count_v as_o it_o be_v by_o retail_n or_o enumerate_v company_n as_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o small_a number_n as_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o reckon_v but_o that_o now_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o set_v they_o down_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n yea_o and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o this_o business_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o here_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v ascertain_v there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o have_v their_o meeting_n not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o several_a private_a house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a witness_n as_o that_o out_o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n daily_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o two_o more_o witness_n also_o in_o this_o five_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v record_v verse_n 14._o that_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o no_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o business_n the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n be_v also_o express_v viz._n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o point_n be_v so_o evident_o apparent_a to_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n that_o they_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o except_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yet_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o controversy_n may_v yet_o more_o full_o be_v clear_v i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o coroborrate_n of_o it_o and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n more_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n verse_n 7._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n here_o we_o find_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o more_o addition_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o among_o these_o multitude_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v convert_v and_o all_o these_o several_a admission_n of_o believer_n into_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n require_v now_o of_o their_o new_a member_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o come_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n before_o their_o admission_n nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n in_o this_o mother-church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o admission_n in_o our_o new_a congregation_n be_v without_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n and_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v most_o wicked_o to_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o their_o practice_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n but_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v the_o multiplication_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o disciple_n to_o the_o former_a add_v withal_o that_o among_o those_o disciple_n and_o convert_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o what_o a_o increase_n of_o believer_n may_v any_o man_n suppose_v there_o must_v then_o needs_o follow_v when_o so_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_v when_o the_o people_n see_v their_o priest_n turn_v christian_n and_o hear_v they_o also_o in_o their_o preach_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n for_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v withal_o the_o daily_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v infinite_o multiply_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o conversion_n of_o man_n before_o speak_v of_o yet_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a priest_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v have_v procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o we_o find_v it_o by_o hourly_a experience_n how_o many_o hundred_o be_v daily_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o a_o few_o temporize_a unstable_a presbyter_n who_o be_v turn_v independent_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v here_o among_o we_o so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o place_n can_v contain_v their_o proselyte_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o miracle_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o if_o but_o any_o rich_a and_o craze_a gentlewoman_n or_o any_o confound_a lady_n turn_v independent_a or_o if_o but_o any_o unstable_a man_n of_o any_o eminency_n revolt_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o and_o by_o make_v at_o it_o and_o how_o many_o giddy_a head_a man_n and_o woman_n especial_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o prodigy_n now_o i_o say_v all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o truth_n shall_v much_o more_o prevail_v then_o error_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o of_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o those_o also_o in_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o people_n have_v withal_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o to_o the_o speedy_a conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o yea_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v to_o say_v convert_v many_o and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o not_o in_o a_o small_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o
that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n be_v christian_n and_o believer_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o such_o multitude_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n the_o dint_n and_o force_n of_o the_o which_o argument_n he_o think_v he_o sufficient_o evade_v by_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n at_o all_o so_o that_o if_o this_o answer_n be_v well_o look_v into_o and_o examine_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o while_o he_o boast_v and_o glori_v that_o he_o have_v beat_v up_o my_o quarter_n he_o beat_v up_o saint_n johns_n quarter_n yea_o christ_n quarter_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n quarter_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n and_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o now_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o none_o be_v well_o baptize_v and_o make_v christian_n indeed_o but_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n than_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v before_o christ_n ascension_n be_v no_o true_a christian_n nor_o no_o christian_n in_o these_o our_o time_n nor_o many_o generation_n before_o we_o who_o be_v not_o baptize_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n and_o by_o these_o his_o fond_a cavil_v he_o overthrow_v the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o all_o divine_a and_o humane_a authority_n and_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o true_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o impious_a ignorance_n with_o such_o impudent_a confidence_n my_o eye_n yet_o never_o behold_v before_o i._n s._n and_o his_o complice_n come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o strange_n i_o ecee_o that_o such_o man_n as_o he_o and_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v suffer_v by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o go_v unpunished_a who_o may_v shame_v they_o all_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o all_o christian_a religion_n for_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v any_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n or_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o have_v any_o moderation_n or_o good_a temper_n yet_o leave_v in_o they_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n tolerable_a in_o any_o that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o play_v not_o only_o the_o juggler_n to_o deceive_v and_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n but_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o then_o to_o vapour_n and_o brag_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o conquest_n but_o now_o i_o will_v set_v down_o his_o argument_n in_o his_o own_o word_n and_o give_v my_o answer_n to_o they_o several_o we_o say_v he_o answer_v to_o your_o reason_n so_o that_o he_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o as_o one_o of_o the_o commander_n and_o captain_n in_o their_o militia_n and_o as_o one_o of_o their_o champion_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o say_v we_o answer_v to_o your_o reason_n now_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o answer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n 1._o johns_n baptism_n be_v into_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v in_o christum_fw-la moriturum_fw-la not_o in_o christum_fw-la mortuum_fw-la this_o be_v j._n s._n his_o first_o answer_n true_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o look_v on_o all_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o argument_n will_v wonder_v what_o the_o man_n mean_v by_o they_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n he_o utter_v these_o word_n for_o they_o be_v a_o manifest_a fight_v against_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o all_o the_o judicious_a and_o learned_a will_n well_o perceive_v and_o i_o have_v hear_v both_o learned_a &_o pious_a man_n say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o i._o s._n do_v well_o understand_v himself_o when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n and_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o opinion_n for_o he_o confess_v in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n at_o the_o well_n &_o who_o know_v but_o the_o man_n may_v then_o be_v somewhat_o distemper_v in_o his_o brain_n and_o so_o may_v do_v the_o action_n of_o a_o man_n craze_a and_o his_o very_a language_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n speak_v as_o much_o both_o in_o this_o his_o answer_n and_o in_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o his_o book_n as_o in_o their_o due_a place_n will_v appear_v yea_o the_o very_a title_n also_o and_o his_o epistle_n be_v senseless_a call_v his_o pamphlet_n flagellum_fw-la flagelli_fw-la and_o the_o beat_n up_o of_o doctor_n bastwicks_n quarter_n when_o he_o never_o come_v nigh_o they_o and_o the_o take_a hold_n and_o shake_n of_o the_o pillar_n of_o his_o discourse_n when_o he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v they_o with_o many_o such_o other_o expression_n all_o which_o have_v no_o correspondency_n among_o themselves_o and_o show_v that_o the_o man_n be_v either_o a_o very_a stranger_n in_o rhetoric_n not_o know_v how_o to_o keep_v himself_o to_o his_o metaphor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o be_v craze_a indeed_o and_o true_o so_o every_o one_o will_v conceive_v if_o they_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v all_o passage_n in_o his_o book_n especial_o this_o answer_n of_o he_o to_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n no_o believer_n which_o he_o do_v by_o very_o senseless_a reason_n the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o have_v relate_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n to_o die_v and_o not_o dead_a and_o therefore_o in_o his_o opinion_n they_o be_v no_o christian_n i_o omit_v his_o latin_a expression_n as_o think_v it_o a_o vain_a thing_n in_o he_o to_o insert_v latin_a sentence_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n especial_o in_o handle_v point_n of_o divinity_n &_o those_o of_o great_a concernment_n which_o the_o people_n shall_v have_v set_v before_o they_o in_o perspicuous_a and_o plain_a term_n but_o now_o take_v notice_n how_o the_o man_n contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o answer_n for_o the_o drift_n of_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n and_o yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n then_o they_o be_v christian_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n for_o jesus_n christ_n be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13._o and_o he_o be_v ever_o the_o messiah_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n that_o rock_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v mat._n 16._o so_o that_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o while_o he_o be_v live_v or_o dead_a whether_o before_o his_o nativity_n death_n or_o ascension_n or_o after_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n therefore_o he_o contradict_v himself_o in_o say_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o make_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o the_o passeover_n in_o egypt_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o otherwise_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n celebrate_v by_o christ_n himself_o before_o his_o passion_n and_o in_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o it_o be_v after_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o christian_n then_o as_o well_o as_o after_o his_o death_n which_o i_o think_v i._n s._n will_v not_o dare_v affirm_v but_o if_o he_o shall_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o the_o well_o ground_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v his_o adversary_n in_o this_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinth_n 11._o 23_o 24_o 25._o make_v they_o all_o one_o for_o substance_n and_o as_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o same_o for_o essence_n before_o christ_n death_n that_o it_o be_v after_o so_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n to_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v and_o he_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o to_o christ_n before_o his_o death_n as_o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o after_o his_o ascension_n as_o all_o good_a reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o christ_n be_v ever_o the_o messiah_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n which_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v earthly_a thing_n with_o heavenly_a i_o demand_v therefore_o of_o i._o s._n or_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n whether_o all_o such_o subject_n as_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n
out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n where_o john_n say_v i_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n but_o there_o come_v one_o after_o i_o who_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n this_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n nor_o nothing_o against_o my_o opinion_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v never_o my_o belief_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n and_o johns_n baptism_n be_v all_o one_o see_v saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n have_v teach_v the_o contrary_a as_o in_o the_o word_n allege_v it_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o i_o demand_v of_o i._o s._n whether_o the_o apostle_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o johns_n baptism_n before_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o fire_n which_o we_o read_v of_o act._n the_o 2._o as_o they_o be_v after_o the_o cleave_a tongue_n appear_v unto_o they_o ver_fw-la 3._o if_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v deny_v it_o than_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o sixteenth_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n and_o the_o sixth_o of_o saint_n john_n where_o we_o find_v that_o honourable_a confession_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n where_o they_o testify_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n into_o who_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v before_o that_o yea_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n be_v that_o thing_n only_o that_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o believer_n than_o none_o that_o be_v not_o so_o baptize_v be_v good_a christian_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o promiscuous_a and_o give_v to_o all_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 30._o have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o by_o i._o s._n his_o learning_n be_v no_o christian_n neither_o be_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v christ_n work_n only_o who_o first_o breathe_v the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n first_o pour_v down_o those_o gift_n upon_o they_o act_v the_o 2._o and_o after_o that_o at_o many_o other_o time_n through_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n upon_o the_o believer_n christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o manifest_v to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o shed_v down_o those_o miraculous_a grace_n upon_o many_o but_o give_v they_o not_o to_o all_o and_o it_o be_v also_o declare_v that_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o have_v but_o one_o precedent_n that_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v with_o water_n and_o that_o be_v those_o of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v baptize_v with_o water_n before_o and_o therefore_o those_o gift_n make_v they_o not_o christian_n but_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v believer_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o those_o visible_a gift_n be_v not_o essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o they_o be_v always_o believer_n before_o they_o receive_v they_o and_o if_o those_o gift_n have_v be_v essential_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o christian_n than_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v save_v which_o they_o be_v not_o beside_o then_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v true_a believer_n and_o christian_n indeed_o for_o all_o man_n general_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o i_o prove_v before_o and_o all_o the_o christian_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o all_o that_o now_o live_v shall_v be_v no_o good_a christian_n for_o they_o be_v not_o and_o now_o be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o with_o fire_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n this_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o these_o his_o argumentaâ—ions_n and_o how_o vain_a and_o impious_a he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o cavil_v this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o second_o answer_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o three_o which_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o two_o former_a his_o word_n be_v these_o 3._o therefore_o now_o say_v i_o s._n by_o johns_n baptism_n they_o be_v not_o all_o make_v christian_n no_o more_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o john_n be_v turn_v christian_n by_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n by_o their_o baptism_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 3._o i_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v to_o prepare_v man_n for_o christ_n and_o do_v bear_v a_o more_o immediate_a relation_n to_o such_o a_o work_n than_o any_o ordinance_n before_o but_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o absolute_a christian_n it_o do_v not_o absolve_v and_o perfect_v the_o new_a church_n i_o mean_v not_o so_o far_o as_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o do_v afterward_o thus_o i._n s._n blaspheme_v rather_o than_o dispute_v for_o that_o he_o say_v be_v impious_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o lie_n and_o a_o confute_v of_o christ_n himself_o and_o saint_n paul_n and_o a_o oppose_a of_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o as_o every_o understand_a man_n will_v easy_o gather_v for_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o and_o all_o the_o orthodox_n divine_v yea_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o talk_v with_o or_o read_v of_o before_o i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n death_n be_v christian_n and_o believer_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v baptize_v notwithstanding_o i_o s._n out_o of_o his_o learning_n deny_v not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n but_o affirm_v also_o that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v no_o christian_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o beat_v up_o the_o quarter_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o quarter_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o very_a pillar_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v not_o a_o horrid_a blasphemy_n in_o i._n s._n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n the_o 7._o v._o 29._o 30._o and_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o &_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o &_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o council_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o being_n not_o baptize_v of_o he_o here_o we_o have_v christ_n testimony_n who_o assert_v that_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n only_o except_v all_o that_o hear_v john_n of_o which_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o do_v justify_v god_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v his_o council_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v believer_n for_o the_o council_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n and_o in_o token_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v now_o this_o sweet_a council_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n offer_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n do_v the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v to_o their_o own_o perdition_n for_o they_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n that_o be_v they_o will_v neither_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n nor_o repent_v nor_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n they_o despise_v the_o council_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o all_o the_o other_o that_o hear_v john_n say_v christ_n justify_v god_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v his_o council_n that_o be_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
and_o all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o another_o consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o which_o he_o make_v a_o scruple_n say_v that_o among_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o the_o five_o thousand_o be_v all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o company_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o beside_o among_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n as_o master_n knollys_n say_v than_o this_o three_o thousand_o be_v a_o distinct_a company_n from_o the_o former_a now_o three_o thousand_o among_o the_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n and_o five_o thousand_o all_o man_n make_v up_o full_a eight_o thousand_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n by_o his_o whible_v again_o and_o again_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la confirm_v my_o assertion_n that_o the_o full_a number_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n &_o sermon_n be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v all_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o gain_v by_o his_o fond_a cavil_a and_o contention_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o very_a jangler_n and_o one_o like_o that_o wicked_a servant_n that_o condemn_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o number_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o evince_v and_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o convert_n &_o believer_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o groundless_a but_o to_o be_v most_o impious_a and_o wicked_a as_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a to_o their_o own_o tenant_n and_o principle_n his_o word_n be_v these_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o master_n knollys_n for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o stand_v astonish_v at_o the_o vanity_n senslesnes_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n for_o his_o word_n be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v all_o convert_v and_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lie_n as_o i_o say_v before_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o resistance_n and_o opposition_n make_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o for_o this_o very_a end_n i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n the_o holy_a ghh_v say_v that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v five_o thousand_o here_o be_v two_o truth_n evident_o lay_v down_o contrary_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o error_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o call_v man_n but_o believer_n for_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v second_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v be_v there_o in_o terminis_fw-la set_v down_o to_o be_v five_o thousand_o and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o text_n be_v five_o thousand_o so_o that_o from_o this_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o all_o my_o argument_n deduce_v from_o thence_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v evident_o the_o first_o that_o master_n knollys_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a man_n that_o thus_o at_o pleasure_n can_v give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o oppose_v the_o truth_n itself_o upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o second_o that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v possible_o all_o meet_a in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o in_o its_o very_a infancy_n for_o here_o we_o read_v of_o eight_o thousand_o more_o cnovert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o no_o woman_n nor_o child_n new_o add_v to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o all_o they_o be_v innumerable_a for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v baptize_v beside_o the_o many_o other_o thousand_o that_o the_o scripture_n record_v be_v daily_o add_v to_o these_o all_o which_o i_o say_v can_v not_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o conclusion_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v appear_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o mr._n knollys_n &_o his_o complice_n that_o thus_o sottish_o oppose_v it_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a practice_n who_o for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o own_o error_n and_o for_o their_o base_a lucre_n and_o gain_n &_o for_o worldly_a end_n care_v not_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o church_n &_o state_n for_o the_o seduce_a of_o the_o poor_a people_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o master_n knoyll_n his_o other_o cavil_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v yet_o in_o this_o place_n to_o say_v to_o he_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o 5._o thousand_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v if_o these_o word_n of_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o although_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o many_o of_o they_o unbeliever_n jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o be_v not_o true_a convert_n and_o that_o for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o visible_a saint_n for_o here_o master_n knollys_n say_v they_o be_v mix_v good_a and_o bad_a together_o it_o be_v not_o say_v say_v he_o the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o member_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n some_o of_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v up_o into_o a_o church_n body_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o the_o true_a saint_n and_o believer_n make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o all_o continue_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n both_o saint_n and_o infidel_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n now_o whither_o or_o no_o master_n knollys_n by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o do_v not_o fight_v against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o the_o new_a fabric_n of_o independency_n i_o leave_v it_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o but_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o a_o other_o saint_n diotrephes_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v they_o deserve_v censure_n and_o punishment_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o have_v here_o to_o say_v to_o mr_n knollys_n i_o have_v this_o also_o to_o add_v that_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o five_o thousand_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o believe_v so_o that_o if_o he_o may_v
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n in_o their_o new_a church_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o accord_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o take_v their_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o gather_v into_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n have_v act_v and_o manage_v they_o only_o as_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o by_o a_o special_a dispensation_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o only_o peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o as_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a governor_n so_o that_o while_o master_n knollys_n fight_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o i_o he_o with_o the_o same_o weapon_n wound_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n who_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o extraordinary_a man_n take_v their_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n and_o of_o call_v synod_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o discover_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o futility_n as_o for_o his_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n because_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n they_o be_v foolish_a and_o vain_a and_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v of_o my_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v as_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
and_o presbyter_n may_n any_o man_n suppose_v if_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o that_o synod_n and_o shall_v then_o and_o there_o have_v hear_v they_o dispute_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o they_o and_o to_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n can_v bear_v and_o therefore_o decree_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n i_o say_v it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o weak_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n it_o will_v have_v put_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o heat_n and_o rage_n as_o they_o will_v have_v set_v the_o whole_a city_n in_o a_o uproar_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o life_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n there_o and_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v side_v with_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o will_v have_v incense_v they_o against_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n because_o they_o grant_v great_a privilege_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o give_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o the_o jew_n still_o observe_v and_o strict_o keep_v so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v from_o judaea_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v urge_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n among_o the_o gentile_n also_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n now_o i_o say_v if_o these_o zealot_n of_o the_o law_n have_v all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n how_o many_o soever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o to_o use_v master_n knollys_n expression_n be_v present_a as_o he_o groundlesse_o affirm_v and_o shall_v have_v hear_v these_o dispute_n they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o vote_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o they_o will_v have_v vote_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o this_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o in_o the_o one_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o will_v have_v stain_n paul_n for_o this_o their_o jealousy_n only_o that_o he_o preach_v and_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o if_o the_o brethren_n in_o jerusalem_n those_o believe_a jew_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n say_v have_v then_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v assent_v and_o vote_v against_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o it_o as_o master_n knollys_n against_o all_o reason_n say_v they_o do_v for_o than_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o paul_n for_o instruct_v the_o gentile_n and_o all_o people_n in_o their_o christian_n liberty_n and_o for_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n make_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v offend_v with_o paul_n if_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o he_o yet_o urge_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v decree_v the_o abolish_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o whole_a church_n and_o multitude_n as_o many_o as_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o shall_v have_v vote_v with_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o abrogate_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o to_o free_v the_o gentile_n from_o it_o they_o can_v not_o then_o have_v be_v displease_v with_o saint_n paul_n for_o observe_v their_o order_n and_o decree_n and_o for_o obey_v their_o injunction_n but_o when_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o he_o for_o but_o hear_v he_o teach_v the_o gentile_n against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o temple_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o by_o brethren_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n &_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o the_o multitude_n can_v be_v understand_v all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o can_v be_v make_v of_o they_o as_o he_o grollish_o assert_v can_v they_o have_v all_o possible_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o than_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o decree_n and_o be_v offend_v with_o other_o for_o observe_v what_o they_o themselves_o have_v command_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o by_o brethren_n there_o first_o all_o sister_n be_v exclude_v for_o they_o be_v not_o number_v among_o they_o and_o so_o then_o not_o all_o the_o believer_n for_o sister_n also_o be_v believer_n and_o of_o the_o multitude_n and_o second_o all_o those_o zealot_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n have_v no_o vote_n in_o that_o synod_n and_o be_v not_o present_v there_o for_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o saint_n paul_n for_o preach_v according_a to_o those_o decree_n make_v and_o vote_v there_o so_o that_o mr_n knollys_n in_o time_n may_v come_v to_o see_v his_o error_n and_o by_o brethren_n there_o and_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v very_o well_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v viz._n prophet_n and_o choose_a man_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o which_o they_o have_v store_n for_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n be_v convert_v and_o be_v member_n there_o though_o not_o fix_v officer_n and_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n as_o the_o other_o be_v who_o synecdochical_o be_v call_v the_o church_n a_o part_n be_v understand_v for_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n from_o among_o who_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v go_v and_o have_v teach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o and_o with_o these_o also_o may_v be_v reckon_v those_o that_o come_v with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o that_o council_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v the_o brethren_n speak_v of_o as_o the_o text_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v so_o that_o to_o all_o man_n that_o read_v but_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n with_o judgement_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o by_o brethren_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o multitude_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v some_o choose_a man_n man_n of_o eminency_n for_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n prophet_n who_o dispute_v and_o argue_v the_o business_n there_o and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v for_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o not_o the_o people_n man_n and_o woman_n the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o so_o ever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n daily_o though_o false_o assert_v and_o upon_o this_o false_a ground_n and_o rot_a foundation_n lay_v in_o their_o own_o brain_n will_v erect_v and_o build_v their_o new_a confuse_a babel_n of_o independency_n admit_v all_o people_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o only_o to_o vote_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n but_o also_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o dependency_n upon_o other_o church_n which_o tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o mere_a anarchy_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v these_o two_o conclusion_n will_v evident_o ensue_v and_o plain_o arise_v first_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o equal_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o likewise_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o and_o upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n second_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o brethren_n nor_o sister_n in_o those_o day_n be_v to_o have_v their_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admission_n of_o member_n
word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o to_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n any_o long_o leave_v about_o this_o point_n for_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v not_o gainsay_v but_o god_n have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v it_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n that_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v upon_o that_o new_a miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o peter_n &_o john_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gainsay_v but_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o everlasting_a truth_n by_o all_o christian_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o this_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n or_o a_o new_a act_n and_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o now_o five_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o put_v and_o join_v together_o make_v up_o eight_o thousand_o which_o be_v all_o add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o former_a that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o my_o addition_n as_o mr._n knollys_n fond_o and_o childish_o conclude_v and_o his_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v my_o mistake_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o senseless_a for_o say_v he_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n take_v notice_n i_o pray_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o expression_n some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o say_v he_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o and_o it_o stand_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n they_o be_v not_o as_o any_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v although_o i_o do_v not_o set_v it_o down_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o all_o those_o eight_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o mr_n knollys_n here_o commit_v a_o double_a error_n first_o in_o make_v that_o my_o opinion_n and_o ascribe_v that_o to_o i_o which_o i_o only_o then_o relate_v as_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o then_o leave_v it_o in_o medio_fw-la that_o be_v his_o first_o error_n his_o second_o be_v worse_o for_o whereas_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o second_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o act_n master_n knollys_n peremptory_o affirm_v they_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o &_o so_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n who_o declare_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o at_o one_o time_n &_o five_o at_o another_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o 5._o thousand_o in_o all_o as_o m._n knollys_n assert_v then_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o so_o then_o i_o have_v commit_v no_o error_n neither_o can_v m._n knollys_n convince_v i_o of_o a_o error_n if_o i_o have_v say_v it_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n have_v be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n the_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o number_n of_o man_n according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n be_v five_o thousand_o and_o if_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o man_n than_o not_o woman_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v always_o take_v for_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o matth._n 15._o verse_n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o they_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v four_o thousandman_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o among_o these_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n knollys_n &_o by_o his_o own_o interpretation_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n mount_v in_o all_o but_o to_o five_o thousand_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o do_v not_o and_o be_v all_o man_n as_o he_o accord_v to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v he_o raise_v a_o new_a and_o needless_a cavil_n against_o i_o because_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o i_o do_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o relate_v it_o as_o my_o own_o judgement_n neither_o do_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o woman_n among_o those_o eight_o thousand_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n but_o be_v i_o of_o as_o contentious_a a_o spirit_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n i_o can_v bring_v better_a reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n then_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n can_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o mr._n knollys_n himself_o seem_v but_o faint_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o the_o 3._o thousand_o be_v woman_n &_o thus_o he_o trifle_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o first_o argument_n say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n now_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o woman_n make_v no_o real_a conviction_n of_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v but_o a_o naked_a and_o groundless_a supposition_n of_o a_o mistake_n especial_o when_o there_o may_v be_v many_o solid_a reason_n produce_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o such_o kind_n of_o trifling_n be_v not_o sufferable_a in_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o fear_n god_n for_o vain_a jangle_n and_o needless_a contention_n about_o word_n be_v that_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o minister_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o it_o trouble_v i_o not_o a_o little_a that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o vain_a kind_n of_o creature_n who_o cheese_n babble_n be_v about_o word_n but_o notwithstanding_o i_o see_v a_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o in_o this_o the_o man_n show_v but_o his_o ignorance_n and_o while_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o be_v very_o acute_a he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a child_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n give_v some_o man_n rope_n enough_o and_o they_o will_v hang_v themselves_o even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o take_v that_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o run_v out_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o entangle_v himself_o on_o every_o side_n as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v as_o here_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o and_o he_o deny_v withal_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v prove_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o assert_v moreover_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o all_o those_o convert_n amout_v but_o to_o five_o thousand_o and_o he_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o confute_v himself_o i_o desire_v all_o therefore_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n he_o have_v confident_o conclude_v there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o another_o company_n among_o the_o which_o he_o say_v some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v woman_n so_o that_o by_o his_o own_o concession_n here_o be_v two_o distinct_a number_n or_o company_n one_o consist_v of_o 5._o thousand_o