and_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o show_v we_o clear_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v michael_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o both_o 2._o neither_o second_o church_n do_v i_o find_v any_o way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n christ_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o these_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a flesh_n of_o christ_n as_o all_o that_o flesh_n be_v in_o which_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o these_o all_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v in_o no_o fleshly_a form_n ceremony_n or_o worship_n the_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n make_v up_o antichrist_n true_a body_n antichrist_n for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n of_o carnal_a for_o antichrist_n set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o christ_n get_v his_o body_n together_o 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worship_n for_o in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v whoremonger_n idolater_n thief_n murderers_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a and_o unbelieving_a person_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n man_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o very_a many_o particular_n as_o follow_v 1._o member_n come_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o man_n either_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o else_o by_o the_o persuasion_n or_o by_o the_o force_n of_o other_o and_o so_o but_o after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o none_o come_v to_o this_o true_a church_n but_o from_o the_o draw_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o own_o call_n according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n member_n be_v admit_v through_o a_o outward_a confession_n of_o doctrine_n but_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o true_a church_n but_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o right_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o so_o have_v entrance_n into_o the_o true_a church_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n there_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o righteous_a but_o in_o this_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n be_v all_o righteous_a not_o one_o except_v as_o it_o be_v write_v thy_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a isa_n 60._o for_o they_o all_o have_v their_o iniquity_n forgive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o redeem_v and_o wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n 4._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n who_o be_v their_o head_n and_o leader_n and_o who_o judgement_n they_o depend_v on_o
their_o employment_n for_o their_o suffering_n and_o for_o their_o do_n and_o as_o soldier_n that_o be_v under_o a_o wise_a and_o careful_a commander_n when_o they_o be_v near_o a_o engagement_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o run_v rash_o upon_o the_o enemy_n nor_o permit_v to_o go_v forth_o to_o battle_n till_o they_o be_v arm_v and_o mount_v so_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v forth_o in_o his_o warfare_n to_o encounter_v so_o many_o evil_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n and_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n till_o first_o he_o have_v arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a spirit_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o etc._n etc._n christ_n always_o give_v unto_o all_o those_o who_o he_o send_v forth_o and_o employ_v of_o his_o own_o power_n for_o his_o own_o work_n heavenly_a power_n for_o heavenly_a work_n spiritual_a power_n for_o spiritual_a work_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n indeed_o christ_n give_v unto_o some_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n and_o to_o some_o a_o lesser_a according_a as_o he_o intend_v to_o use_v some_o in_o great_a work_n and_o difficulty_n and_o some_o in_o lesser_a but_o still_o they_o have_v of_o christ_n power_n whether_o more_a or_o less_o who_o be_v employ_v by_o christ_n and_o a_o little_a of_o that_o power_n that_o be_v communicate_v by_o christ_n will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n far_o great_a than_o the_o world_n suspect_v or_o imagine_v so_o that_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o call_n to_o any_o business_n and_o of_o our_o employment_n in_o it_o by_o the_o power_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n for_o it_o if_o we_o have_v none_o of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v never_o set_v on_o work_n by_o christ_n for_o christ_n never_o set_v any_o on_o his_o work_n with_o out_o communicate_v unto_o they_o of_o his_o power_n and_o hereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v and_o conclude_v that_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v loose_a and_o vicious_a and_o idle_a and_o negligent_a and_o insufficient_a for_o that_o work_n be_v never_o call_v to_o it_o nor_o employ_v in_o it_o by_o christ_n but_o they_o run_v of_o their_o own_o head_n when_o they_o be_v not_o send_v and_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o money_n and_o preach_v only_o that_o they_o may_v live_v whereas_o if_o christ_n have_v employ_v they_o in_o that_o call_n he_o will_v have_v furnish_v they_o with_o ability_n for_o it_o and_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o ability_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a they_o be_v not_o send_v by_o christ_n eccl._n judge_v then_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o reformation_n this_o church_n be_v like_a to_o have_v if_o some_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n who_o will_v have_v ignorant_a and_o insufficient_a man_n yea_o loose_a and_o profane_a man_n tolerate_v in_o the_o ministry_n under_o pretence_n of_o keep_v up_o ordinance_n when_o yet_o such_o man_n be_v never_o employ_v by_o christ_n nor_o supply_v with_o any_o power_n from_o he_o yea_o and_o what_o ordinance_n i_o pray_v be_v those_o like_a to_o be_v which_o be_v keep_v up_o by_o man_n that_o be_v carnal_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n but_o you_o see_v here_o that_o christ_n way_n and_o wisdom_n be_v different_a from_o this_o for_o he_o first_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v when_o he_o have_v first_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v 2._o you_o see_v here_o doctrine_n that_o christ_n be_v to_o leave_v his_o disciple_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n yet_o leave_v behind_o he_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o this_o be_v some_o establishment_n to_o they_o yea_o this_o give_v great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n to_o they_o who_o before_o have_v their_o heart_n fill_v with_o sorrow_n christ_n though_o sometime_o he_o leave_v his_o people_n in_o regard_n of_o sense_n yet_o he_o never_o leave_v they_o without_o a_o promise_n the_o soul_n sometime_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n may_v want_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o never_o want_v a_o promise_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n make_v christ_n present_a in_o his_o absence_n for_o christ_n himself_o be_v spiritual_o present_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o not_o christ_n only_o but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o for_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v never_o asunder_o but_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o so_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n one_o and_o all_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o uphold_v the_o soul_n in_o any_o condition_n not_o because_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a in_o the_o promise_n and_o they_o be_v infinite_o able_a to_o support_v the_o soul_n through_o the_o promise_n under_o the_o great_a evil_n either_o of_o earth_n or_o hell_n now_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n and_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o intimate_a enjoyment_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o may_v the_o soul_n enjoy_v christ_n presence_n in_o his_o absence_n his_o presence_n according_a to_o faith_n in_o his_o absence_n according_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o christ_n depart_v from_o his_o disciple_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n leave_v with_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o that_o promise_n his_o spiritual_a presence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a condition_n that_o christ_n ever_o leave_v his_o true_a church_n in_o he_o leave_v they_o his_o presence_n in_o a_o promise_n when_o in_o regard_n of_o sense_n he_o forsake_v they_o 3._o note_v doctrine_n that_o luke_n be_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o propagate_a and_o enlarge_n and_o govern_v the_o christian_a church_n do_v first_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o both_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o upon_o the_o disciple_n signify_v hereby_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o necessary_a for_o the_o increase_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v altogether_o deceive_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o of_o god_n who_o think_v the_o increase_n and_o propagation_n and_o preservation_n and_o establishment_n and_o order_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n depend_v especial_o upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n and_o that_o without_o these_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v soon_o come_v to_o woeful_a disorder_n yea_o to_o utter_a ruin_n and_o confusion_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n sit_v idle_a in_o heaven_n and_o have_v leave_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o his_o church_n to_o man_n and_o the_o sacred_a power_n confirm_v with_o the_o secular_a be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o increase_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o regard_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o son_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n among_o we_o and_o the_o very_a head_n of_o antichrist_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v break_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o and_o except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n watch_v but_o in_o vain_a so_o also_o except_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o word_n pour_v forth_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o that_o spirit_n of_o he_o in_o and_o through_o the_o word_n enlarge_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o undertake_v these_o thing_n of_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o through_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lay_n hold_v on_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o bring_v they_o through_o faith_n into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o teach_v they_o and_o order_n they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o preserve_v they_o and_o therefore_o you_o see_v here_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v first_o perform_v before_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o enlargement_n or_o government_n and_o now_o from_o these_o general_a thing_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o word_n more_o particular_o word_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n when_o the_o
christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o you_o ward_v be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a who_o ever_o be_v the_o instrument_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a preacher_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v first_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n before_o they_o preach_v judas_n who_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o be_v not_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n prove_v a_o traitor_n to_o christ_n and_o who_o ever_o preach_v the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o judas_n and_o also_o traitor_n to_o christ_n 11._o the_o church_n of_o man_n have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o lay_v on_o man_n shoulder_n whether_o single_a person_n as_o pope_n or_o archbishop_n or_o combine_v as_o the_o general_n council_n or_o a_o national_a assembly_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o government_n lay_v only_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n as_o the_o prophet_n foretold_v isa_n 9_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v a_o son_n be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o zech._n 6._o 12._o he_o shall_v build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o shall_v sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n for_o none_o can_v rule_v the_o true_a church_n but_o he_o that_o build_v it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v christ_n be_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o if_o christ_n be_v ever_o present_a with_o they_o his_o own_o self_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o christ_n may_v not_o reign_v immediate_o over_o they_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n reckon_v it_o sufficient_a authority_n that_o they_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o what_o ever_o they_o find_v in_o the_o word_n they_o present_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o never_o ask_v leave_n either_o of_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o the_o church_n of_o man_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o assembly_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o their_o religion_n they_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v still_o set_v themselves_o one_o above_o another_o but_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v all_o equal_a have_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n equal_o present_a with_o they_o and_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o believer_n of_o one_o congregation_n can_v say_v they_o have_v power_n over_o the_o believer_n of_o another_o congregation_n see_v all_o congregation_n have_v christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n alike_o among_o they_o and_o christ_n have_v not_o anywhere_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v more_o with_o one_o then_o with_o another_o and_o so_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o congregation_n do_v not_o subject_v neither_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o another_o congregation_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o several_a place_n shall_v be_v above_o and_o under_o themselves_o but_o christ_n in_o each_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v their_o head_n and_o this_o head_n they_o dare_v not_o leave_v and_o set_v up_o a_o fleshly_a head_n to_o themselves_o whether_o it_o consist_v of_o one_o or_o many_o man_n see_v antichrist_n do_v as_o strong_o invade_v christ_n headship_n in_o many_o as_o in_o one_o man_n in_o a_o council_n as_o in_o a_o pope_n last_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v sin_n and_o death_n shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o but_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v always_o fight_v against_o it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o as_o christ_n have_v promise_v mat._n 16._o 18._o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n among_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n or_o corporation_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v point_v out_o by_o the_o finger_n lo_o here_o or_o lo_o there_o see_v it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o certain_a place_n time_n or_o person_n but_o it_o be_v whole_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a society_n as_o i_o have_v say_v that_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o true_a pale_a and_o circumference_n of_o this_o church_n and_o out_o of_o who_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o hereupon_o it_o will_v present_o be_v say_v if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v invisible_a as_o you_o have_v affirm_v then_o 1._o how_o shall_v we_o know_v it_o 2._o how_o can_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o it_o to_o both_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v return_v a_o clear_a answer_n and_o first_o to_o this_o question_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o true_a church_n see_v it_o be_v invisible_a i_o answer_v invisible_a just_o so_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v know_v be_v the_o church_n his_o body_n know_v and_o no_o other_o way_n now_o christ_n be_v know_v 1._o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o peter_n confess_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n christ_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n now_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v without_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n than_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o these_o member_n see_v the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o as_o he_o be_v so_o be_v we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o he_o have_v need_n of_o other_o eye_n then_o the_o world_n see_v withal_o that_o will_v discern_v the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o another_o revelation_n than_o any_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v make_v 2._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o spirit_n rest_v on_o he_o joh._n 1._o 33._o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o say_v john_n baptist_n but_o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o the_o same_o be_v he_o which_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bare_a record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o remain_v on_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o people_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n 3._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o work_v he_o do_v joh._n 10._o 37._o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v the_o true_a church_n know_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o its_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o their_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o head_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o though_o the_o true_a church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v know_v by_o our_o outward_a sense_n yet_o we_o have_v certain_a token_n of_o her_o spiritual_a presence_n whereby_o we_o may_v reckon_v that_o in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n there_o be_v certain_a of_o her_o member_n as_o by_o a_o natural_a example_n though_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o itself_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n yet_o may_v we_o have_v sure_a token_n of_o its_o presence_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o body_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v as_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n understanding_n discourse_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v invisible_a in_o itself_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o some_o certain_a sign_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o sound_v no_o where_o but_o in_o
the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n invisible_a sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o society_n but_o by_o be_v take_v up_o into_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a then_o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a body_n then_o to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o all_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v such_o a_o head_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o body_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o can_v present_o agree_v to_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v have_v far_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o church_n heretofore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o outward_a and_o visible_a officer_n according_a to_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o church_n mystery_n for_o these_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o easy_a reach_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o now_o whole_a christ_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v not_o only_a christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5._o 32._o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a mystery_n though_o both_o indeed_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o body_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v by_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o as_o antichrist_n have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o set_v up_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n instead_o of_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o he_o have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o erect_v a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n instead_o of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a for_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n must_v be_v suitable_a each_o to_o other_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o so_o as_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a body_n the_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n make_v and_o constitute_v by_o a_o mixture_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o power_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n head_n but_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o head_n the_o true_a christ_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o society_n the_o true_a church_n be_v and_o both_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a age_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o head_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o its_o obscure_n and_o darken_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o now_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v in_o this_o present_a age_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v no_o less_o obscure_v than_o the_o former_a that_o so_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o whole_a christ_n may_v both_o be_v know_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v desire_v as_o occasion_n serve_v to_o make_v know_v what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v here_o speak_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o and_o thus_o have_v declare_v what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v lie_v and_o rectify_v some_o ancient_a and_o general_a mistake_n touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v know_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o evident_a word_n the_o true_a and_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o note_n in_o general_n that_o among_o all_o these_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o apostle_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o uniformity_n indeed_o the_o rhemist_n be_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n blind_v from_o this_o very_a place_n urge_v and_o press_v uniformity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a engine_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n to_o its_o throne_n and_o after_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v anon_o by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o no_o conformity_n or_o uniformity_n be_v any_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o union_n see_v the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o peace_n by_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o by_o inward_a principle_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n unity_n which_o the_o apostle_n name_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n seven_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v one_o body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n body_n say_v paul_n the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a or_o political_a but_o a_o spiritual_a body_n even_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n paul_n in_o several_a of_o his_o epistle_n take_v pleasure_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o similitude_n as_o in_o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n and_o all_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o and_o again_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n where_o he_o call_v the_o body_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o head_n both_o make_v up_o one_o christ_n now_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n age_n comprehend_v believer_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o sort_n 1._o of_o all_o age_n for_o all_o believer_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n heretofore_o or_o now_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o do_v all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o bear_v and_o bring_v forth_o of_o god_n in_o several_a time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a example_n a_o child_n be_v not_o bear_v all_o in_o a_o moment_n but_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o degree_n and_o though_o one_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o another_o not_o yet_o bear_v this_o do_v not_o hinder_v unity_n of_o body_n in_o the_o child_n so_o the_o bring_v forth_o the_o church_n into_o the_o world_n in_o several_a age_n do_v in_o no_o wise_n hinder_v this_o unity_n of_o body_n 2._o as_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n sort_n comprehend_v
diversity_n of_o gift_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o divide_v where_o there_o be_v unity_n of_o faith_n further_o among_o they_o that_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v the_o more_o gift_n there_o be_v only_o the_o more_o labour_n but_o there_o be_v not_o another_o or_o a_o better_a christ_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o less_o gift_n there_o be_v the_o same_o christ_n equal_o enjoy_v through_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v five_o talent_n give_v he_o bring_v in_o five_o that_o he_o have_v gain_v and_o he_o that_o have_v ten_o ten_o but_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o most_o talent_n have_v not_o more_o of_o christ_n than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o and_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o have_v not_o less_o of_o he_o than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o more_o but_o each_o have_v christ_n alike_o by_o faith_n bring_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o several_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n and_o second_o work_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n for_o unity_n of_o faith_n make_v all_o believer_n righteous_a alike_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o outward_a work_n for_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n each_o one_o righteousness_n be_v reckon_v by_o his_o faith_n not_o by_o his_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o paul_n heb_n 13._o 7._o have_v reckon_v up_o many_o excellent_a work_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o enjoin_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o work_n but_o their_o faith_n say_v who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o may_v be_v unity_n of_o faith_n in_o diversity_n of_o work_n for_o faith_n use_v free_o any_o outward_a law_n manner_n form_n work_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o our_o neighbour_n wherein_o faith_n also_o will_v judge_v for_o itself_o and_o will_v suffer_v no_o body_n to_o judge_v for_o it_o and_o in_o all_o change_n of_o work_n faith_n be_v the_o same_o and_o change_v not_o and_o the_o church_n still_o remain_v one_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n be_v account_v christian_n for_o such_o and_o such_o outward_a work_n sake_n and_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o teach_v and_o receive_v there_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v certain_o prevail_v and_o this_o be_v the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o faith_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n see_v it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o live_v out_o of_o this_o faith_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n even_o such_o as_o mind_n and_o affect_v and_o love_n and_o desire_v earthly_a thing_n and_o have_v all_o their_o joy_n comfort_n sweetness_n satisfaction_n support_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o creature_n these_o live_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o life_n of_o sense_n be_v clean_a contrary_n to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n faith_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o god_n out_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o sense_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o the_o creature_n out_o of_o god_n 2._o they_o that_o live_v by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v call_v conformity_n as_o the_o prelate_n call_v it_o or_o uniformity_n as_o the_o rhemist_n do_v also_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n for_o to_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o worship_n so_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o good_a christian_n therefore_o and_o other_o evil_a that_o shall_v live_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fall_v apparent_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n see_v faith_n do_v not_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o live_v on_o christ_n only_o in_o every_o duty_n and_o whatsoever_o form_n it_o may_v use_v for_o a_o help_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n it_o live_v above_o form_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o fullness_n the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o baptism_n the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n or_o flesh_n or_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o baptism_n by_o which_o it_o be_v purify_v which_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o that_o baptism_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o which_o be_v not_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o sign_n which_o have_v often_o be_v alter_v and_o change_v but_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o substance_n which_o comprehend_v all_o believer_n and_o all_o age_n and_o under_o several_a and_o various_a dispensation_n and_o be_v the_o same_o before_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o since_o believer_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n drink_v all_o alike_o into_o one_o spirit_n though_o these_o more_o plentiful_o than_o those_o so_o that_o though_o many_o have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o water_n yet_o not_o one_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o true_a christianity_n begin_v now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a baptism_n that_o have_v power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o make_v christian_n one_o for_o through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v make_v one_o body_n as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o greek_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o true_a church_n drink_v all_o into_o one_o spirit_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o through_o one_o spirit_n be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o believer_n be_v never_o true_o one_o till_o they_o partake_v of_o this_o one_o baptism_n now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v but_o one_o so_o it_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o one_o christ_n as_o john_n baptist_n witness_v math._n 3._o 11._o saying_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o reprentance_n but_o he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o who_o shoe_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o bear_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o with_o fire_n for_o as_o none_o can_v give_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n so_o none_o can_v baptize_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n for_o this_o be_v christ_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a baptism_n from_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o this_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o have_v not_o give_v it_o into_o any_o man_n power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n one_o baptism_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o content_n themselves_o only_o with_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o remain_v in_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o all_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o in_o all_o the_o filthiness_n and_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o nature_n with_o those_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o these_o pollution_n and_o be_v wash_v and_o justify_v purify_v and_o sanctify_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o what_o agreement_n can_v there_o be_v between_o they_o that_o live_v in_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o sinful_a man_n and_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n but_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o they_o that_o want_v this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v with_o water_n never_o so_o much_o live_v quite_o and_o clean_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o
christ_n joh_n 16._o the_o world_n shall_v hate_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o shall_v kill_v you_o and_o in_o do_v all_o this_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o say_v he_o i_o will_v send_v you_o the_o comforter_n christ_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o among_o all_o these_o evil_n they_o shall_v have_v no_o comforter_n on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o promise_v to_o send_v they_o one_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o when_o thy_o soul_n be_v place_v in_o affliction_n never_o look_v after_o any_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a or_o creature_n comfort_n for_o they_o will_v prove_v poison_n to_o thy_o soul_n but_o only_o look_v for_o heavenly_a comfort_n such_o as_o the_o spirit_n bring_v such_o as_o flow_v immediate_o from_o god_n for_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o sweet_a and_o unmixed_a and_o refresh_v and_o support_v and_o satisfy_v and_o endure_a comfort_n comfort_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o rejoice_v not_o only_o in_o fullness_n but_o in_o want_n not_o only_o among_o friend_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n not_o only_o in_o good_a report_n but_o in_o evil_a report_n not_o only_o in_o prosperity_n but_o in_o tribulation_n not_o only_o in_o life_n but_o in_o death_n they_o will_v make_v thou_o go_v sing_v to_o prison_n to_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o grave_n they_o be_v mighty_a comfort_n infinite_o strong_a than_o all_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o saint_n and_o martyr_n have_v go_v cheerful_o to_o the_o stake_n and_o sing_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n the_o comfort_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v strengthen_v they_o to_o this_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o in_o union_n with_o christ_n never_o doubt_v of_o this_o comfort_n in_o thy_o great_a sorrow_n when_o christ_n have_v none_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o god_n send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o when_o we_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o we_o shall_v want_v comfort_n god_n will_v send_v we_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o comfort_v we_o yea_o the_o spirit_n itself_o which_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v comfort_v by_o god_n when_o we_o be_v afflict_v and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v by_o man_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n see_v the_o church_n in_o its_o affliction_n promise_n without_o all_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o comfort_v it_o himself_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o promise_n they_o be_v the_o sweet_a comfort_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o in_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o swadling-clothe_n of_o christ_n they_o carry_v christ_n wrap_v up_o in_o they_o and_o christ_n represent_v to_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o evil_n outward_a or_o inward_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o affliction_n take_v hold_v on_o thou_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o promise_n to_o draw_v thy_o comfort_n from_o christ_n through_o they_o oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v that_o life_n that_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o promise_n a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o best_a life_n in_o the_o world_n man_n that_o have_v estate_n in_o money_n or_o land_n depend_v on_o those_o thing_n for_o their_o maintenance_n but_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o these_o in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o make_v his_o life_n more_o comfortable_a i_o be_o god_n all-sufficient_a and_o i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o whereupon_o he_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n say_v my_o soul_n i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a a_o life_n be_v this_o life_n that_o know_v no_o care_n nor_o fear_n nor_o trouble_n nor_o disquietment_n here_o say_v a_o believer_n lie_v my_o estate_n and_o live_v and_o the_o lot_n of_o my_o inheritance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o more_o certain_a estate_n than_o all_o the_o manor_n and_o lordship_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o my_o bread_n shall_v be_v give_v i_o my_o water_n shall_v be_v sure_a the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v no_o not_o then_o when_o the_o lion_n the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o every_o poor_a man_n be_v a_o prey_n shall_v lack_v and_o sufferâ—hunger_n he_o that_o have_v give_v i_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o spirit_n will_v not_o leave_v i_o destitute_a of_o food_n and_o clothing_n take_v another_o instance_n a_o man_n feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v oh_o how_o shall_v i_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o suffer_v this_o or_o that_o or_o to_o part_v with_o my_o relation_n with_o my_o estate_n with_o my_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a unto_o i_o why_o when_o a_o christian_a lay_n hold_v on_o the_o promise_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a o_o say_v a_o christian_n god_n will_v never_o bring_v i_o to_o any_o temptation_n or_o trial_n but_o he_o will_v give_v i_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o it_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o live_v satisfy_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o these_o instance_n that_o a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o sweet_a and_o best_a life_n when_o a_o man_n can_v draw_v all_o from_o god_n himself_o through_o a_o promise_n and_o this_o in_o general_a that_o god_n comfort_v his_o church_n by_o a_o promise_n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o word_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n and_o lay_v thy_o foundation_n with_o saphire_n glorious_o verse_n 12._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o window_n of_o agate_n and_o thy_o gate_n of_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o thy_o border_n of_o pleasant_a stone_n the_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v be_v oft_o in_o scripture_n compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o that_o to_o a_o most_o stately_a sumptuous_a magnificent_a and_o glorious_a build_n as_o be_v all_o build_v of_o precious_a stone_n and_o so_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v up_o of_o common_a stone_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v far_o exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o the_o first_o temple_n be_v solomon_n which_o be_v indeed_o fill_v with_o the_o outward_a presence_n of_o god_n but_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n both_o head_n and_o member_n this_o be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o temple_n that_o god_n have_v build_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o his_o own_o habitation_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v true_o real_o spiritual_o and_o most_o near_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o most_o near_a union_n whereby_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v knit_v together_o and_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o material_a one_o either_o according_a to_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o solomon_n or_o the_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o the_o father_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n here_o than_o you_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n with_o precious_a stone_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o inquire_v particular_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o several_a stone_n here_o name_v for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o full_o agree_v about_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v build_v with_o common_a but_o with_o precious_a stone_n now_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o forth_o in_o several_a particular_n 1._o you_o see_v here_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v make_v and_o that_o be_v not_o of_o common_a but_o of_o precious_a stone_n elect_v and_o precious_a stone_n and_o such_o be_v the_o faithful_a for_o 1._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o other_o man_n have_v for_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o
to_o that_o some_o to_o this_o aid_n and_o some_o to_o that_o but_o the_o spiritual_a church_n scorn_v to_o trust_v to_o any_o creature_n for_o establishment_n but_o look_v to_o be_v establish_v only_o in_o righteousness_n and_o because_o of_o this_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n shall_v prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o that_o be_v of_o this_o temple_n and_o building_n which_o be_v make_v by_o god_n see_v you_o have_v so_o many_o enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n pray_v look_v to_o your_o establishment_n which_o be_v in_o righteousness_n in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o be_v establish_v thou_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o oppression_n for_o thou_o shall_v not_o fear_v and_o from_o terror_n for_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v near_o thou_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n he_o speak_v of_o here_o terror_n be_v inward_a fear_n and_o terror_n from_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v free_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o outward_a evil_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v full_a of_o danger_n and_o persecution_n without_o yet_o it_o be_v free_a from_o fear_n and_o terror_n within_o nay_o the_o church_n have_v trouble_v without_o but_o peace_n within_o affliction_n without_o joy_v within_o weakness_n without_o strength_n within_o imprisonment_n without_o liberty_z within_z persecution_n without_o content_v within_o against_o all_o the_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n on_o the_o flesh_n they_o have_v refresh_n comfort_n hope_n sweetness_n rejoice_n triumph_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o evil_a be_v free_a from_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n be_v free_a from_o pain_n yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o evil_n be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o good_a verse_n 15._o behold_v they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o but_o not_o by_o i_o whosoever_o shall_v gather_v together_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v for_o thy_o sake_n a_o very_a strange_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v this_o build_v and_o teach_v and_o establish_v and_o shall_v yet_o be_v so_o blind_a and_o mad_a as_o to_o engage_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o world_n and_o the_o carnal_a church_n especial_o do_v this_o yea_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o enmity_n the_o world_n and_o formalist_n have_v against_o it_o behold_v they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o establish_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o church_n gather_v together_o into_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n then_o will_v they_o gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o the_o church_n and_o why_o do_v these_o man_n blame_v the_o church_n for_o gather_v together_o unto_o christ_n when_o they_o themselves_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v indeed_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n the_o world_n do_v most_o hate_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n oh_o this_o be_v a_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n to_o they_o it_o make_v their_o heart_n ache_v within_o they_o and_o lose_v the_o joint_n of_o their_o loin_n they_o think_v their_o exaltation_n will_v be_v their_o own_o abasement_n and_o their_o gather_v together_o their_o own_o scatter_n and_o their_o glory_n their_o own_o shame_n and_o their_o strength_n their_o own_o undo_n and_o out_o of_o these_o conceit_n the_o world_n act_n so_o strong_o and_o furious_o to_o scatter_v abroad_o again_o christ_n own_o gather_n together_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v decree_v and_o promise_v to_o hew_v that_o little_a stone_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a church_n out_o of_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o world_n with_o out_o hand_n and_o will_v certain_o accomplish_v it_o and_o be_v now_o about_o that_o very_a business_n but_o the_o world_n that_o never_o look_v beyond_o sense_n they_o think_v this_o be_v sure_o a_o plot_n of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a design_n in_o hand_n and_o so_o we_o have_v indeed_o but_o the_o design_n be_v not_o our_o design_n but_o god_n contrive_v in_o eternity_n and_o discover_v to_o daniel_n chap._n 2._o and_o this_o be_v the_o set_n up_o a_o kingdom_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o world_n under_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n wherein_o the_o people_n shall_v live_v alone_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o communion_n and_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n this_o counsel_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o world_n think_v that_o we_o be_v subtle_a and_o we_o be_v mighty_a whereas_o they_o be_v clear_o mistake_v in_o we_o for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n whereby_o this_o be_v do_v be_v god_n and_o not_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n must_v build_v this_o spiritual_a church_n and_o set_v it_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o preserve_v it_o against_o the_o world_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o increase_v till_o it_o fill_v the_o world_n so_o that_o the_o design_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o we_o and_o they_o that_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o let_v they_o go_v and_o quarrel_n against_o god_n and_o so_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n behold_v say_v he_o they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n the_o world_n gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n yea_o this_o place_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o be_v open_a enemy_n without_o the_o church_n but_o of_o a_o generation_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o calvin_n interpret_v and_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v assure_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o kingdom_n will_v have_v domestic_a enemy_n it_o have_v be_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o what_o wonder_n will_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o the_o first_o division_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v between_o common_a profession_n and_o open_a profaneness_n and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v another_o it_o be_v like_a to_o lie_v between_o the_o form_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n will_v up_o and_o be_v persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o deep_a wound_n we_o shall_v receive_v will_v be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o friend_n not_o our_o friend_n indeed_o but_o of_o such_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o they_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o preach_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o use_v the_o same_o ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o their_o enmity_n of_o all_o other_o will_v be_v the_o great_a against_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v deep_a wound_n in_o the_o house_n of_o these_o friend_n then_o in_o the_o street_n of_o our_o enemy_n they_o shall_v gather_v together_o in_o thou_o against_o thou_o but_o not_o by_o i_o the_o saint_n gather_v together_o by_o god_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n but_o the_o carnal_a church_n gather_v together_o agha_v thou_o spiritual_a not_o by_o god_n but_o without_o he_o for_o worldly_a base_a end_n and_o interest_n and_o profit_n and_o advantage_n but_o mark_v the_o end_n of_o such_o gather_n together_o whosoever_o shall_v gather_v together_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o have_v see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n with_o our_o eye_n church_n even_o a_o great_a party_n of_o the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o of_o mean_a one_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n but_o all_o fall_v what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o army_n that_o be_v in_o the_o west_n and_o the_o north_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v they_o not_o fall_v through_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o if_o any_o new_a party_n shall_v arise_v up_o again_o they_o shall_v also_o fall_v in_o like_a manner_n for_o thy_o sake_n for_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o love_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o thou_o have_v love_v they_o as_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o he_o love_v head_n and_o member_n with_o the_o same_o love_n the_o lord_n people_n be_v his_o portion_n on_o earth_n as_o he_o be_v they_o in_o heaven_n and_o so_o he_o will_v give_v nation_n and_o kingdom_n for_o they_o and_o have_v say_v the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v thou_o shall_v perish_v yea_o those_o nation_n shall_v be_v utter_o waste_v oh_o that_o this_o kingdom_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o representation_n will_v avoid_v this_o evil_a as_o they_o will_v escape_v this_o end_n the_o four_o monarchy_n for_o oppose_v the_o spiritual_a church_n have_v fall_v
understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v apprehend_v the_o whole_a scripture_n not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n scripture_n and_o thus_o be_v antichrist_n kingdom_n first_o set_v up_o and_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o continue_v even_o by_o the_o carnal_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n carnal_o the_o rock_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v carnal_o the_o door_n of_o this_o kingdom_n carnal_o the_o law_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o power_n authority_n government_n glory_n officer_n etc._n etc._n all_o carnal_o and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n which_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o carnal_a church_n understand_v carnal_o i'faith_o hope_n love_n it_o understand_v carnal_o redemption_n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n glorification_n union_n with_o christ_n communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n access_n to_o the_o father_n together_o with_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o office_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v a_o fleshly_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o understand_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o god_n kingdom_n carnal_o carnal_o so_o also_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v not_o great_a and_o grosser_n mistake_v about_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n then_o about_o this_o man_n imagine_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v altogether_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o worldly_a state_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o only_o stand_v in_o outward_a thing_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o humane_a counsel_n and_o humane_a power_n now_o because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o gross_a but_o a_o general_a error_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n both_o of_o high_a and_o of_o low_a degree_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n according_a to_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o i_o to_o represent_v in_o some_o gospel_n light_n to_o this_o honourable_a and_o christian_n auditory_a the_o true_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o bless_v be_v he_o who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o word_n now_o read_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v read_v the_o context_n ver._n 9_o the_o first_o tabernacle_n be_v a_o figure_n for_o the_o time_n then_o present_a in_o which_o be_v offer_v both_o gift_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v._o 10._o which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n it_o shall_v be_v righteousness_n or_o justification_n of_o the_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d impose_v on_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n show_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o old_a law_n law_n because_o it_o stand_v in_o outward_a rite_n ceremony_n duty_n performance_n and_o so_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o use_v they_o and_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o impose_v these_o thing_n on_o the_o church_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o but_o only_o until_o the_o time_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v not_o only_o evil_a thing_n but_o imperfect_a and_o then_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v now_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o make_v man_n perfect_a heretofore_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v any_o new_a law_n invent_v now_o and_o if_o any_o such_o law_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n now_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o same_o strength_n in_o itself_o to_o make_v they_o void_a as_o the_o former_a and_o also_o the_o same_o ground_n from_o they_o because_o all_o such_o law_n and_o ordinance_n devise_v by_o man_n can_v make_v they_o that_o obey_v and_o practice_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v quest_n now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o when_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v when_o christ_n come_v not_o a_o servant_n as_o moses_n but_o the_o son_n out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o doctrine_n be_v not_o letter_n as_o moses_n be_v but_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o now_o when_o christ_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n and_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o strict_a law_n to_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o the_o severity_n of_o death_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n but_o under_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n man_n be_v inward_o as_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a as_o the_o very_a heathen_a for_o all_o their_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n for_o all_o their_o outward_a wash_n they_o be_v inward_o unclean_a for_o all_o their_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n their_o sin_n remain_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o conscience_n for_o all_o their_o strict_a force_n of_o man_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o people_n still_o remain_v far_o from_o god_n even_o in_o all_o those_o duty_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o moses_n law_n the_o people_n remain_v inward_o corrupt_v filthy_a and_o unclean_a and_o without_o any_o true_a reformation_n before_o god_n till_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n in_o the_o flesh_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o indeed_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o thing_n then_o the_o spirit_n will_v have_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n doctr._n when_o ever_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o our_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o this_o point_n we_o will_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o show_v what_o true_a gospel-reformation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v qualify_v that_o so_o you_o may_v the_o better_o distinguish_v it_o from_o political_n and_o ecclesiastical_a reformation_n now_o both_o these_o i_o join_v together_o because_o the_o carnal_a church_n have_v always_o interest_v and_o mingle_v itself_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o it_o 2._o i_o will_v indevor_n to_o show_v to_o who_o hand_n the_o work_n of_o gospel-reformation_n be_v commit_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v he_o to_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v commit_v bring_v it_o about_o 4._o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n where_o it_o be_v wrought_v 5._o the_o use_n the_o first_o general_n what_o true_a gospel_n reformation_n be_v reformation_n and_o how_o qualify_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v be_v it_o be_v the_o mortify_n destroy_a and_o utter_a abolish_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a all_o that_o sin_n corruption_n lust_n evil_a that_o do_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o through_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o it_o be_v the_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v true_a gospel-reformation_n and_o beside_o this_o i_o know_v no_o other_o this_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v chap._n 1._o 27._o zion_n shall_v be_v redeem_v with_o judgement_n and_o her_o convert_v with_o righteousness_n now_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n judgement_n as_o he_o discover_v reprove_v condemn_v and_o destroy_v sin_n so_o he_o be_v call_v judgement_n and_o thus_o be_v judgement_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o gospel_n sense_n and_o not_o terrible_o as_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o judgement_n shall_v at_o last_o break_v forth_o into_o victory_n that_o be_v though_o christ_n in_o
from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o thy_o name_n the_o gather_n and_o increase_a thy_o kingdom_n the_o propagate_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a design_n but_o god_n no_o doubt_n laugh_v at_o this_o wisdom_n of_o i_o and_o say_v go_v to_o now_o i_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a but_o this_o be_v never_o my_o manner_n that_o either_o peter_n or_o martin_n mean_v himself_o shall_v teach_v or_o form_n or_o govern_v or_o lead_v i_o for_o i_o be_o not_o a_o passive_a but_o a_o active_a god_n who_o use_v always_o to_o lead_v govern_z form_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o our_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v only_o passive_a and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v and_o slay_v it_o and_o therefore_o many_o who_o can_v not_o endure_v this_o mortification_n have_v fall_v horrible_o and_o thus_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n be_v whole_o according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o council_n and_o whole_o without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o we_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n over_o his_o church_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n presence_n be_v the_o grvernment_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n or_o god_n government_n within_o we_o for_o the_o right_a church_n be_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o have_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o be_v build_v and_o frame_v and_o that_o according_a to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v and_o god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o if_o any_o will_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a guide_n and_o order_v of_o this_o church_n depend_v whole_o on_o god_n who_o dwell_v within_o it_o for_o god_n will_v not_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o sit_v still_o whilst_z other_o that_o be_v without_o it_o shall_v govern_v it_o but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o right_a church_n lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v immanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o so_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n who_o fill_v it_o govern_v it_o by_o a_o most_o present_a and_o powerful_a but_o invisible_a influence_n lead_v it_o into_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o patience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o patience_n into_o love_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n into_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n into_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o into_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o righteousness_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o contain_v all_o these_o grace_n in_o itself_o and_o work_v they_o in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o government_n we_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a in_o this_o government_n we_o have_v not_o outward_a law_n to_o order_v we_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o a_o inward_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o live_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o live_a word_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o according_a to_o this_o government_n also_o god_n guide_v the_o true_a church_n wonderful_o the_o soul_n not_o see_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o form_n and_o fashion_n the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n clean_a contrary_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o mourning_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o comfort_n bring_v they_o to_o despair_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n to_o death_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n yea_o even_o to_o hell_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n lead_v his_o choose_a people_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o will_v follow_v but_o faith_n which_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fear_n woe_n agony_n temptation_n till_o it_o feel_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o true_a sorrow_n of_o death_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o this_o darkness_n see_v no_o beam_n nor_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n and_o want_v all_o counsel_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v itself_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o lead_v it_o into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o redeem_v it_o from_o all_o distress_n subdue_a the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n under_o it_o yea_o and_o carry_v it_o into_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n age._n to_o wit_n the_o one_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o other_o of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n when_o the_o prelatical_a government_n have_v be_v dissolve_v for_o several_a year_n together_o can_v any_o christian_a think_v that_o the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v without_o all_o government_n nay_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v be_v govern_v most_o powerful_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o most_o sweet_o by_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v neither_o against_o its_o grace_n nor_o comfort_n and_o for_o a_o outward_a formal_a visible_a enforce_a government_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a corporation_n or_o worldly_a kingdom_n the_o true_a church_n can_v as_o well_o want_v such_o a_o government_n at_o all_o time_n as_o at_o any_o time_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v best_o without_o it_o as_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o man_n and_o more_o immediate_o under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n its_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v so_o violent_a for_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n temptation_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sometime_o or_o other_o be_v exercise_v with_o temptation_n of_o despair_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v their_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o speculation_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a power_n and_o method_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o they_o will_v soon_o give_v over_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o faithful_a about_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o power_n in_o they_o to_o free_v from_o eternal_a death_n nor_o to_o procure_v eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o twofold_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n himself_o exercise_v immediate_o in_o and_o over_o it_o whereof_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ignorant_a mans._n if_o we_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o our_o self_n and_o other_o now_o beside_o this_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n exercise_v mediate_o by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_v and_o man_n who_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o understand_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n have_v mistake_v this_o also_o through_o the_o same_o unbelief_n wherefore_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v immediate_a and_o by_o himself_o have_v make_v this_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n to_o be_v all_o and_o this_o also_o i_o say_v they_o have_v understand_v most_o gross_o and_o carnal_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_a heart_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o their_o particular_a mis_fw-fr apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n then_o
pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o john_n keep_v another_o after_o this_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a stickler_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o easter_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o not_o yield_v to_o his_o judgement_n to_o who_o iraeneus_n write_v touch_v the_o diversity_n of_o outward_a thing_n commendat_fw-la use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v these_o word_n notwithstanding_o the_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n among_o the_o former_a christian_n they_o all_o keep_v peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o we_o say_v he_o still_o retain_v it_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o fast_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n remain_v sound_a and_o entire_a till_o this_o victor_n time_n which_o be_v ann_n 200._o and_o he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v or_o rather_o enforce_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o uniformity_n of_o keep_v that_o feast_n to_o be_v first_o require_v as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a and_o all_o they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o against_o this_o judgement_n of_o victor_n polycrates_n and_o many_o other_o bishop_n and_o brethren_n of_o asia_n declare_v and_o the_o matter_n have_v burst_v out_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n have_v not_o some_o godly_a man_n of_o those_o time_n bring_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o quench_v it_o among_o who_o iraeneus_n 26._o as_o eusebius_n relate_v speak_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o the_o variety_n and_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n be_v no_o strange_a matter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o this_o variety_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o easter_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o fast_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o usage_n among_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o fast_a one_o some_o two_o day_n some_o more_o and_o other_o count_v 40._o hour_n both_o day_n and_o night_n reckon_v that_o for_o their_o full_a fast_a day_n and_o this_o so_o divers_a fashion_n of_o fast_v in_o the_o church_n begin_v not_o in_o our_o time_n but_o in_o they_o who_o live_v before_o we_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o with_o all_o this_o diversity_n be_v in_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v we_o neither_o do_v this_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n any_o thing_n hinder_v but_o rather_o commend_v the_o agreement_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o he_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o father_n of_o telesphorus_n pius_n anicetus_n soter_n eleutherius_fw-la and_o such_o other_o who_o neither_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n themselves_o nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o keep_v christian_a charity_n with_o such_o as_o come_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o form_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v as_o well_o appear_v by_o polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n who_o although_o they_o agree_v not_o in_o one_o uniform_a custom_n of_o rite_n communionem_fw-la tamen_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la yet_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o iraeneus_n in_o his_o practice_n answer_v his_o name_n persuade_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o uniformity_n till_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o far_o 19_o socrates_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o live_v after_o the_o day_n of_o theodosius_n speak_v of_o the_o fast_n before_o easter_n ageret_fw-la say_v the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v at_o rome_n fast_o three_o week_n continual_o before_o easter_n beside_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o sunday_n but_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o illyria_n and_o all_o greece_n and_o alexandria_n fast_o six_o week_n before_o easter_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o fast_v in_o several_a church_n say_v and_o because_o no_o can_v bring_v forth_o any_o commandment_n write_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v this_o fast_o free_a to_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o will_n that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v by_o fear_n and_o necessity_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o relate_v many_o several_a form_n and_o usage_n in_o several_a christian_a church_n and_o conclude_v that_o matter_n thus_o potest_fw-la but_o say_v he_o to_o commit_v to_o write_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o church_n that_o be_v use_v in_o each_o city_n and_o country_n as_o it_o will_v be_v very_o troublesome_a so_o hardly_o can_v it_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o further_o i_o find_v that_o austin_n who_o be_v send_v into_o england_n by_o pope_n gregory_n ann_n 598._o among_o other_o question_n to_o the_o pope_n propound_v this_o as_o one_o that_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o divers_a and_o gregory_n return_v this_o answer_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o it_o be_v you_o know_v wherein_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o from_o your_o youth_n but_o rather_o it_o please_v i_o better_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o in_o any_o french_a church_n where_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v better_a to_o the_o service_n and_o please_v of_o god_n that_o you_o choose_v the_o same_o and_o so_o infer_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o english_a church_n which_o be_v yet_o new_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o best_a and_o pickedst_a thing_n choose_v out_o of_o many_o church_n for_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o place_n sake_n but_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a wherefore_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v good_a godly_a and_o religious_a those_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o induce_v to_o your_o people_n that_o they_o may_v take_v root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o english_a man_n so_o that_o yet_o you_o see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o enslave_v by_o any_o enforce_a uniformity_n but_o keep_v its_o own_o christian_a freedom_n till_o antichrist_n grow_v up_o to_o more_o height_n and_o get_v the_o secular_a power_n of_o prince_n to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o and_o his_o clergy_n make_v law_n of_o all_o that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o enforce_v man_n to_o they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o thus_o he_o reign_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o till_o the_o determinate_a time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o than_o god_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n upon_o some_o choose_a servant_n of_o he_o uniformity_n to_o oppose_v antichrist_n as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o in_o this_o also_o of_o uniformity_n among_o other_o who_o after_o the_o general_a fall_v away_o oppose_v this_o uniformity_n be_v john_n gerson_n chancellor_n of_o paris_n who_o live_v about_o a_o 100_o year_n before_o luther_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n receive_v much_o clear_a light_n from_o god_n he_o in_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o king_n of_o france_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n pro_fw-la pace_fw-la &_o union_n graecorum_n in_o his_o 7_o the_o consideration_n speak_v thus_o man_n ought_v not_o general_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a determination_n of_o pope_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o hold_v of_o all_o other_o evangelicae_fw-la who_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n whether_o they_o be_v counsel_n or_o assembly_n to_o hold_v and_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o he_o say_v this_o consideration_n well_o take_v and_o understand_v will_v be_v the_o principal_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o peace_n between_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n who_o differ_v in_o many_o outward_a form_n and_o rule_n as_o in_o baptism_n the_o latin_a church_n say_v i_o baptize_v thou_o the_o greek_a baptizetur_fw-la servus_n christi_fw-la let_v this_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o the_o supper_n the_o latin_a church_n use_v unleavened_a the_o greek_a leaven_a bread_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o he_o speak_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o say_v quaelibet_fw-la provincia_fw-la abundet_fw-la sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la let_v every_o province_n abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n note_v also_o say_v he_o that_o a_o good_a prince_n permit_v divers_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o to_o do_v so_o will_v often_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o
latter_a end_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o your_o beginning_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o many_o great_a and_o wise_a king_n and_o magistrate_n act_v according_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n &_o despise_v or_o neglect_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o word_n have_v with_o all_o their_o own_o wisdom_n prudence_n and_o design_n destroy_v themselves_o and_o their_o kingdom_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a and_o therefore_o renounce_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a counsel_n and_o cleave_v close_o to_o the_o true_a faithful_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o though_o you_o have_v many_o enemy_n and_o kingdom_n against_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o god_n will_v yet_o establish_v you_o in_o all_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o world_n and_o your_o enemy_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o detain_v you_o but_o only_o desire_v this_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o faithful_a god_n peculiar_a portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v oppress_v by_o our_o adversary_n who_o will_v use_v your_o power_n against_o we_o not_o for_o you_o but_o for_o themselves_o neither_o will_v suffer_v they_o thus_o public_o and_o shameless_o to_o call_v we_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n who_o do_v believe_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n but_o that_o you_o will_v suffer_v yea_o procure_v we_o to_o live_v quiet_o and_o safe_o under_o you_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o in_o all_o thing_n obey_v you_o as_o become_v christian_n the_o remainder_n be_v to_o assure_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n shall_v serve_v the_o state_n more_o sincere_o according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n nor_o in_o more_o faithfulness_n and_o humility_n tender_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n either_o to_o yourselves_o or_o the_o kingdom_n as_o occasion_n serve_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n then_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n w._n dell_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o be_v dangerous_a time_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o conceal_v the_o truth_n and_o dangerous_a to_o publish_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o publish_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v teach_v we_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n if_o we_o conceal_v it_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n in_o a_o contrary_a choice_n to_o david_n i_o reckon_v it_o much_o better_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n then_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n see_v the_o wrath_n of_o man_n can_v but_o reach_v the_o body_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n body_n and_o soul_n i_o shall_v therefore_o willing_o confess_v christ_n amid_o a_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n not_o doubt_v but_o christ_n will_v confess_v i_o before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n and_o for_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n it_o be_v best_o conquer_a they_o as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v silendo_fw-la &_o contemnendo_fw-la by_o silence_n and_o contempt_n of_o they_o see_v a_o man_n may_v as_o easy_o restrain_v satan_n himself_o in_o his_o various_a work_n as_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o christian_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n without_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o man_n and_o if_o sometime_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o thing_n because_o we_o be_v flesh_n yet_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n we_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o see_v already_o in_o certain_a faith_n and_o hope_n all_o evil_n and_o enemy_n under_o our_o foot_n and_o therefore_o for_o mr._n love_n and_o other_o man_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o metal_n i_o be_o resolve_v neither_o now_o nor_o hereafter_o to_o take_v they_o into_o any_o more_o consideration_n than_o the_o business_n itself_o necessary_o require_v and_o where_o they_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o let_v they_o quite_o alone_o be_v every_o day_n through_o the_o use_n of_o affliction_n enable_v to_o patience_n and_o through_o patience_n bring_v to_o experience_n and_o so_o to_o a_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o hope_n and_o this_o carry_v i_o above_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o discourse_n thou_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o new_a light_n as_o some_o man_n slanderous_o affirm_v but_o the_o ancient_a light_n that_o spring_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o morning_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v since_o obscure_v by_o the_o new_a darkness_n of_o antichrist_n which_o these_o man_n love_v better_a than_o that_o old_a light_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n exchange_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o this_o light_n that_o now_o after_o a_o long_a night_n break_v forth_o again_o in_o some_o of_o its_o first_o glory_n let_v these_o man_n set_v their_o heart_n at_o rest_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o obscure_v it_o again_o and_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o the_o kingdom_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o quench_v with_o any_o fire_n either_o of_o earth_n or_o hell_n and_o therefore_o we_o fear_v they_o not_o though_o they_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_n now_o and_o ere_o long_o be_v like_a to_o breath_n forth_o blood_n for_o by_o all_o their_o subtle_a and_o industrious_a act_n in_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v not_o work_v the_o truth_n ruin_n but_o their_o own_o and_o these_o as_o well_o as_o their_o forefather_n of_o the_o same_o race_n and_o lineage_n in_o who_o stead_n they_o be_v now_o rise_v up_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n and_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v for_o a_o curse_n to_o all_o god_n choose_v reader_n it_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o this_o new_a form_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o in_o every_o age_n put_v on_o a_o several_a form_n when_o the_o old_a one_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n it_o be_v become_v so_o exceed_o cunning_a and_o so_o furnish_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o form_n of_o righteousness_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o subtle_a work_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v now_o in_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o prevail_v in_o this_o encounter_n have_v antichrist_n under_o his_o foot_n for_o ever_o but_o none_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v here_o but_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a alone_o and_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n 11_o and_o consider_v christ_n encouragement_n to_o this_o work_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o my_o new_a name_n christian_n reader_n i_o commit_v thou_o and_o the_o word_n now_o offer_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o god_n and_o his_o powerful_a blessing_n and_o wonderful_a work_n remain_v thou_o in_o the_o difficult_a and_o despise_a service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n w._n dell_n right_o reformation_n or_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n represent_v in_o gospel-light_n heb._n 9_o 10._o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v paul_n 1_o cor._n 2._o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n neither_o can_v he_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v now_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n with_o all_o his_o part_n ability_n reason_n wisdom_n prudence_n learning_n be_v but_o a_o natural_a man_n still_o and_o so_o have_v no_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o hence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v so_o gross_o and_o dangerous_o mistake_v by_o the_o world_n and_o the_o carnal_a church_n for_o all_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v