Selected quad for the lemma: sin_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
sin_n church_n remit_v retain_v 3,499 5 9.4340 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37502 The way of true peace and unity in the true church of Christ in all humility and bowels of love presented to them / by William Dell. Dell, William, d. 1664. 1651 (1651) Wing D940; ESTC R208819 91,709 110

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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 not_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 to_o inquire_v after_o variety_n of_o error_n wherefore_o let_v alone_o their_o darkness_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v shine_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o herein_o also_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o mediate_a government_n then_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n now_o because_o many_o christian_n desire_v instruction_n and_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v herein_o be_v desirous_a also_o to_o learn_v myself_o of_o they_o that_o can_v teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o distinct_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o order_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n government_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n 5._o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v needful_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n among_o themselves_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v in_o christ._n they_o first_o thing_n than_o be_v 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o answer_v he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o true_a church_n itself_o as_o former_o describe_v even_o to_o each_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o natural_a power_n belong_v to_o all_o natural_a man_n alike_o so_o spiritual_a power_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church-power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n alike_o alike_o christ_n in_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a church-power_n and_o because_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o believer_n alike_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n therefore_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o of_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o no_o one_o partake_v of_o this_o power_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o he_o partake_v of_o christ_n more_o than_o another_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o selfsame_a power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16.19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v explain_v where_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o pope_n and_o papal_a church_n under_o colour_n of_o this_o place_n have_v make_v great_a merchandise_n and_o have_v exceed_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v forth_o and_o the_o day_n of_o their_o traffic_n be_v at_o end_n and_o yet_o since_o other_o have_v be_v truck_v with_o the_o world_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v think_v to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n but_o the_o day_n have_v so_o far_o dawn_v that_o their_o shadow_n also_o be_v fly_v away_o but_o not_o to_o keep_v you_o long_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o peter_n have_v say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n reply_v to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o then_o add_v unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o to_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n father_n touch_v the_o son_n and_o so_o also_o they_o be_v give_v equal_o to_o each_o faithful_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n with_o peter_n as_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o these_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o office_n but_o that_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n he_o it_o be_v to_o who_o these_o key_n be_v give_v and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o so_o they_o be_v give_v to_o each_o believer_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o believer_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v these_o key_n about_o which_o quest._n there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o do_v in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ._n they_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a power_n whatever_o that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o false_a conceit_n wherewith_o many_o former_a and_o present_a writer_n have_v and_o do_v still_o trouble_v the_o church_n john_n do_v tell_v we_o plain_o joh._n 20.22_o what_o matthew_n mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n say_v he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n breathe_v on_o they_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n hear_v be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o add_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o your_o will_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o christ_n then_o before_o his_o ascension_n give_v these_o key_n true_o to_o his_o disciple_n but_o more_o solemn_o and_o full_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n glorify_v and_o after_o the_o gentile_n who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n receive_v the_o spirit_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n
govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o 483._o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ._n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ._n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v christ._n 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v
come_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o seek_v yourselves_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n here_o but_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o now_o here_o in_o this_o discourse_n shall_v you_o see_v a_o better_a peace_n and_o agreement_n than_o you_o be_v strive_v for_o though_o your_o work_n also_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a even_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o they_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o christ_n and_o its_o influence_n into_o each_o communion_n of_o saint_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o peace_n can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o your_o sword_n then_o by_o the_o magistrate_n sceptre_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o now_o have_v power_n in_o your_o hand_n to_o another_o purpose_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v yourselves_o as_o to_o do_v that_o yourselves_o which_o you_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o word_n only_o to_o be_v both_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o true_a church_n remain_v free_a in_o the_o freedom_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o it_o or_o else_o the_o lord_n who_o own_o the_o church_n be_v will_v as_o certain_o in_o his_o due_a time_n take_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o throw_v you_o into_o one_o destruction_n with_o he_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o though_o i_o thus_o speak_v and_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o still_o be_v very_o manifest_a not_o only_o in_o you_o honourable_a one_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a conduct_n but_o also_o in_o very_a many_o of_o the_o council_n and_o army_n beside_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o gather_v together_o of_o god_n people_n and_o saint_n let_v the_o world_n if_o it_o please_v still_o laugh_v at_o that_o word_n who_o can_v but_o think_v he_o have_v some_o choice_n and_o singular_a work_n in_o hand_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n have_v already_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n by_o you_o and_o be_v yet_o do_v great_a if_o you_o will_v continue_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o not_o you._n for_o have_v not_o that_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n dawn_v yea_o the_o morning_n of_o it_o be_v already_o go_v forth_o which_o be_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a and_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v and_o must_v be_v exalt_v in_o this_o day_n now_o the_o lord_n cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o give_v you_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o union_n and_o communion_n i_o remain_v your_o assure_a servant_n w._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o noise_n of_o water_n and_o thundering_n and_o earthquake_n among_o we_o and_o so_o great_a and_o continue_a be_v our_o shake_n and_o confusious_a through_o hatred_n and_o love_n hope_n and_o fear_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n triumph_n and_o indignation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o silence_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o much_o as_o half_a a_o hour_n wherefore_o though_o i_o 〈…〉_z here_o touch_v so_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d ●eclare_v from_o the_o very_a word_n or_o else_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o wherein_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n consist_v and_o also_o how_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n may_v preserve_v that_o peace_n in_o their_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n yet_o man_n head_n and_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o full_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v but_o few_o will_v regard_v it_o notwithstanding_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v among_o we_o a_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o flock_n of_o christ_n who_o both_o know_v and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n i_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n for_o who_o profit_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o be_o very_o conscious_a of_o my_o rudeness_n of_o speech_n in_o this_o discourse_n 11.6_o as_o also_o of_o my_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o many_o thing_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n here_o be_v of_o the_o pure_a river_n of_o water_n of_o life_n without_o any_o humane_a mixture_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v will_v own_o all_o in_o it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o reject_v silver_n try_v four_o or_o five_o time_n because_o it_o be_v not_o try_v seven_o time_n and_o what_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o it_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o dear_a sake_n and_o love_n i_o have_v speak_v all_o this_o see_v it_o be_v peccatorum_fw-la as_o luther_n speak_v the_o queen_n of_o mercy_n who_o very_a bowel_n be_v mere_a compassion_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n will_v easy_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o forgive_v it_o and_o as_o for_o man_n haughty_a and_o high_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n contemn_v and_o disdain_v any_o thing_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n i_o do_v as_o easy_o despise_v their_o censure_n as_o they_o light_o pass_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o i_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v his_o body_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v i_o become_v as_o vile_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v count_v the_o filth_n and_o off_o sour_v of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o mr_n baily_n rutherford_n bastwick_n pryn_n love_n or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o old_a enemy_n in_o parliament_n and_o city_n not_o worth_a the_o name_n annos_fw-la have_v seek_v to_o make_v i_o all_o who_o unless_o god_n give_v they_o repentance_n to_o life_n i_o cite_v as_o once_o hierom_n of_o prague_n do_v his_o enemy_n in_o the_o like_a cause_n to_o appear_v within_o a_o few_o year_n before_o the_o most_o high_a and_o righteous_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v wicked_o if_o not_o malicious_o against_o his_o name_n truth_n gospel_n spirit_n people_n and_o that_o under_o the_o form_n and_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o well_o know_v that_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n it_o will_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o worldly_a church_n i_o commit_v christ_n own_o word_n and_o cause_n to_o his_o own_o care_n and_o protection_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o uphold_v his_o own_o despise_a truth_n against_o the_o glorious_a but_o deceitful_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n and_o so_o wait_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n if_o thou_o love_v christ_n i_o remain_v thou_o in_o he_o william_n dell._n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n pag._n 149_o the_o gospel_n propound_v be_v neither_o 1._o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n p._n 150_o 2._o nor_o between_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n 3._o but_o between_o the_o faithful_a or_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a church_n p._n 151_o the_o true_a church_n describe_v p._n 152_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o 13._o particular_n from_o p._n 153_o to_o p._n 157_o how_o this_o church_n may_v be_v know_v p._n 158_o how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o it_o p._n 159_o the_o church_n a_o great_a mystery_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n p._n 160_o seven_o bond_n of_o this_o church_n unity_n viz._n
the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n but_o it_o be_v first_o with_o the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n and_o then_o with_o one_o another_o in_o they_o and_o christ_n be_v the_o door_n through_o which_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n the_o door_n through_o which_o we_o enter_v into_o christ_n for_o man_n may_v join_v themselves_o to_o believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n nor_o to_o that_o communion_n which_o believer_n have_v in_o christ_n but_o a_o man_n can_v be_v join_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v join_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o he_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o enjoy_v with_o they_o wherever_o he_o meet_v with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v knit_v up_o together_o into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n by_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n the_o church_n of_o man_n by_o a_o outward_a covenant_n or_o agreement_n only_o 10._o the_o church_n of_o man_n have_v humane_a officer_n who_o act_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a or_o acquisite_a part_n who_o do_v all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o study_n learning_n and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o the_o true_a church_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a officer_n and_o man_n only_o so_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o they_o and_o so_o when_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o do_v it_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n seek_v you_o a_o proof_n of_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 6.12_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 16.18_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 invisible_a i_o answer_v 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 1.33_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
one_o another_o but_o not_o master_n and_o this_o same_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n james_n preach_v jam._n 3.1_o my_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o brethren_n who_o be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o to_o make_v themselves_o master_v over_o one_o another_o christ_n also_o have_v speak_v again_o so_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n math._n 20._o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o ever_o the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n shall_v dare_v to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o lordship_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n you_o know_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o twelve_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o he_o speak_v it_o peremptory_o that_o some_o believer_n shall_v not_o exercise_v dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o believer_n no_o not_o the_o great_a over_o the_o least_o all_o be_v fellow_n servant_n alike_o under_o one_o lord._n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n against_o their_o fellow_n servant_n may_v better_o think_v thus_o with_o themselves_o why_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o over_o we_o as_o over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o over_o our_o fellow_n servant_n nor_o they_o under_o we_o but_o both_o of_o we_o be_v equal_o under_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v equal_o over_o we_o both_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o same_o law_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o he_o expect_v the_o same_o obedience_n from_o we_o as_o from_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o command_v one_o another_o but_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v command_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a servant_n that_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n upon_o hope_n of_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o master_n come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o lord_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o either_o make_v themselves_o or_o other_o lord_n over_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n and_o parcel_n out_o this_o one_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n to_o many_o lord_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o dis-union_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v the_o first_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o general_a master_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o the_o pope_n a_o general_a council_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o itself_o and_o by_o degree_n this_o last_o become_v as_o hard_o yea_o a_o hard_a taskmaster_n to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o former_a after_o when_o particular_a kingdom_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o antichristian_a church_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n whole_o dissolve_v but_o only_o be_v contract_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n for_o then_o the_o archbishop_n make_v himself_o general_a master_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o particular_a kingdom_n as_o the_o pope_n before_o have_v do_v in_o all_o and_o after_o the_o archbishop_n rise_v up_o a_o national_a assembly_n as_o the_o general_n council_n after_o the_o pope_n and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o course_n usurp_v lordship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sad_a dissolution_n of_o its_o unity_n most_o evident_a than_o it_o be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n the_o church_n have_v be_v most_o miserable_o lord_v even_o among_o we_o for_o the_o priest_n he_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o people_n the_o archdeacon_n over_o the_o priest_n the_o dean_n over_o the_o arch_a deacon_n the_o bishop_n over_o the_o dean_n and_o the_o archbishop_n over_o the_o bishop_n under_o which_o woeful_a bondage_n the_o church_n cry_v out_o as_o isa._n 26._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o be_v this_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o ease_v by_o cast_v off_o those_o strange_a lord_n yea_o do_v not_o man_n rather_o seek_v to_o increase_v it_o by_o set_v yet_o stranger_n over_o it_o who_o name_n be_v so_o full_a of_o mystery_n that_o the_o common_a people_n can_v understand_v they_o for_o now_o they_o will_v have_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n set_v over_o the_o congregational_a and_o the_o provincial_n over_o the_o classical_a and_o the_o national_a over_o the_o provincial_n for_o so_o it_o be_v voted_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n government_n now_o here_o be_v mystery_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a rise_n up_o into_o the_o old_a power_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o mark_v how_o they_o prove_v this_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o wit_n by_o that_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o where_o it_o be_v write_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v thy_o admonition_n nor_o council_n nor_o the_o admonition_n and_o council_n of_o other_o brethren_n tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o prove_v the_o fore_n mention_v subordination_n of_o assembly_n just_a as_o the_o pope_n once_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o emperor_n to_o wit_n because_o it_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o that_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v by_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n by_o night_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o which_o they_o design_v the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o strange_a lord_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v they_o exceed_o multiply_v for_o what_o be_v a_o national_a assembly_n but_o a_o archbishop_n multiply_v and_o what_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o a_o bishop_n multiply_v and_o a_o classical_a but_o a_o dean_n and_o arch_a deacon_n multiply_v and_o thus_o the_o former_a lord_n be_v remove_v they_o will_v in_o their_o stead_n cause_v the_o church_n to_o swarm_v with_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a lord_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v christ_n own_o kingdom_n to_o return_v to_o his_o own_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n and_o thus_o while_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n seek_v to_o enforce_v these_o ecclesiastical_a lord_n over_o the_o church_n they_o absolute_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o it_o even_o whilst_o they_o bear_v the_o simple_a people_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o above_o all_o other_o man_n seek_v to_o preserve_v it_o see_v the_o plurality_n of_o lord_n be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v one_o but_o under_o one_o lord_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o faith_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n have_v but_o one_o faith_n faith_n wrought_v by_o one_o spirit_n apprehend_v the_o same_o christ_n or_o the_o same_o live_n and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o david_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o who_o now_o believe_v and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v hereafter_o all_o have_v and_o do_v and_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v believer_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o live_v their_o own_o life_n but_o all_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n each_o one_o receive_v equal_o from_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o live_v alike_o in_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n live_v equal_o the_o life_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o one_o branch_n live_v it_o not_o more_o than_o another_o through_o faith_n then_o every_o christian_a be_v carry_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o thing_n into_o christ_n who_o he_o apprehend_v with_o all_o his_o fullness_n for_o his_o own_o and_o in_o this_o faith_n all_o christian_n be_v equal_a and_o none_o have_v a_o better_a or_o worse_a faith_n than_o another_o so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o faith_n also_o there_o be_v among_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o equality_n for_o all_o believer_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n wrought_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o spirit_n work_v neither_o sin_n death_n nor_o the_o devil_n can_v possible_o prevail_v against_o and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o
to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n order_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2_o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v to_o procure_v and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o to_o break_v it_o they_o be_v most_o unhappy_a and_o pernicious_a order_n that_o do_v not_o only_o offend_v a_o few_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o which_o itself_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n but_o do_v grieve_v disquiet_a and_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a 3._o they_o must_v do_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n ecclesiast_n see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o against_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n 4._o they_o must_v appoint_v nothing_o as_o of_o necessity_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o pestilent_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o thus_o the_o liberty_n of_o faith_n be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ensnare_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o believer_n may_v order_v any_o outward_a thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a so_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o necessary_o on_o any_o as_o if_o the_o observe_n of_o they_o be_v righteousness_n and_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o church_n after_o all_o its_o order_n it_o be_v to_o leave_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o that_o be_v free_a and_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n or_o judge_v convenient_a for_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o god_n regard_v no_o more_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n and_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n than_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o marry_v and_o trade_v for_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n without_o be_v tie_v necessary_o to_o a_o set_n and_o unchangeable_a form_n 5._o they_o may_v persuade_v their_o order_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n but_o must_v not_o enforce_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o secular_a punishment_n or_o church_n censure_n as_o those_o use_n to_o do_v that_o make_v themselves_o lord_n and_o tyrant_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o outward_a thing_n the_o church_n can_v order_v only_o for_o the_o willing_a but_o not_o for_o the_o unwilling_a and_o so_o if_o some_o believer_n shall_v think_v good_a upon_o just_a ground_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o these_o outward_a thing_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o censure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v communion_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n for_o when_o christian_n be_v knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o do_v receive_v and_o walk_v in_o his_o spirit_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v at_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o christ_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o he_o whatever_o be_v beside_o christ_n be_v a_o perish_a thing_n and_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v that_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v now_o if_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v any_o outward_a order_n these_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v yea_o the_o spiritual_a church_n do_v always_o observe_v they_o and_o never_o make_v rule_n in_o itself_o upon_o other_o term_n then_o be_v here_o set_v down_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o carnal_a church_n or_o church_n of_o man_n godliness_n they_o especial_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o of_o these_o they_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n yea_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n and_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o judge_v the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o rule_n and_o imposition_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v reckon_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o hereby_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o form_n and_o from_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o circumstance_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o advance_v empty_a form_n and_o shadow_n in_o the_o place_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v say_v with_o peter_z why_o tempt_v you_o god_n in_o put_v such_o a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n will_v with_o these_o thing_n still_o be_v trouble_v we_o and_o bite_v we_o by_o the_o heel_n yet_o in_o the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n we_o will_v by_o degree_n bruise_v its_o head_n till_o at_o last_o we_o break_v it_o quite_o in_o piece_n now_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o shall_v add_v touch_v the_o church_n power_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o order_n as_o conceive_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v these_o outward_a order_n it_o not_o for_o itself_o only_o but_o also_o for_o its_o officer_n which_o also_o be_v part_n of_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v its_o officer_n to_o frame_v or_o impose_v such_o on_o it_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n as_o paul_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v to_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v not_o to_o order_v it_o and_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v servant_n shall_v presume_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v outward_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n without_o the_o church_n as_o now_o be_v do_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v change_n or_o whole_o take_v away_o all_o those_o thing_n as_o it_o see_v occasion_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o grief_n to_o the_o strong_a and_o tend_v to_o work_v division_n among_o the_o faithful_a presumptuous_a officer_n be_v they_o and_o know_v not_o where_o christ_n have_v set_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o be_v order_v by_o the_o church_n go_v about_o to_o order_v it_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o servant_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n and_o if_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n officer_n true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o as_o in_o
along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a faith_n rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o sextum_fw-la infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o cur_n ita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o bu●_n all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v yea_o but_o have_v not_o the_o church_n a_o council_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o see_v act._n 15_o object_n and_o do_v not_o they_o order_n and_o decree_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v the_o church_n have_v a_o council_n then_o answ._n but_o far_o differ_v from_o the_o counsel_n now_o adays_o for_o 1._o that_o council_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o pack_v together_o by_o secular_a power_n but_o free_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o by_o the_o believer_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n 2._o this_o council_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o brethren_n also_o and_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v agree_v and_o order_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n 3._o that_o free_a council_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o mere_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o the_o word_n &_o by_o the_o word_n conclude_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v all_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fore_n name_v place_n and_o in_o these_o regard_v that_o council_n differ_v from_o we_o council_n now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n desire_v a_o council_n for_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v free_a it_o must_v mind_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v power_n itself_o to_o call_v one_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o what_o man_n can_v object_v against_o this_o of_o worldly_a prince_n call_v they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o literal_a man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v
not_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o take_v up_o thing_n on_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n that_o concern_v either_o his_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o officer_n so_o also_o of_o its_o counsel_n for_o the_o church_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o take_v all_o that_o they_o determine_v for_o truth_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a yea_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o other_o church_n and_o christian_n have_v both_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o try_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o whole_a as_o they_o say_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v it_o and_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o judge_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o they_o may_v have_v resist_v they_o as_o paul_n do_v peter_n and_o paul_n give_v this_o liberty_n to_o christian_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o whether_o paul_n have_v allow_v it_o or_o no_o to_o try_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n whether_o they_o bring_v the_o right_a word_n or_o no_o for_o christ_n command_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v the_o nation_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o judge_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o angel_n much_o more_o of_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o anoint_v neither_o do_v live_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o that_o peace_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v in_o christ._n now_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_n it_o in_o peace_n the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v either_o 1._o more_o absolute_a and_o general_a or_o 2._o more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o procure_v and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o nine_o thing_n that_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o least_o place_n 1._o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n 1._o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o preserve_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n world_n and_o be_v neither_o to_o mingle_v it_o self_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o mingle_v itself_o with_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v mingle_v together_o in_o one_o society_n the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v no_o more_o agree_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o such_o differrent_fw-la nature_n principle_n and_o end_n than_o the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v agree_v to_o light_v and_o darkness_n life_n and_o death_n sin_n and_o righteousness_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o they_o but_o the_o carnal_a church_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o savour_v the_o world_n and_o so_o will_v have_v a_o worldly_a religion_n form_n order_n government_n and_o all_o worldly_a as_o itself_o be_v now_o whilst_o these_o two_o be_v mingle_v together_o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousnesness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o light_n with_o darkness_n and_o christ_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o what_o agreement_n have_v believer_n with_o unbeliever_n or_o the_o true_a church_n with_o the_o world_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o mingle_v the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n but_o to_o separate_v they_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o distinct_a that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v of_o one_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o peace_n god_n himself_o teach_v we_o by_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 6.17_o say_v come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o my_o people_n and_o be_v you_o separate_v for_o to_o separate_v the_o church_n from_o the_o world_n in_o its_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o both_o see_v the_o church_n will_v best_o agree_v with_o itself_o and_o the_o world_n with_o itself_o the_o second_o rule_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n affair_n and_o be_v not_o to_o introduce_v or_o entertain_v any_o power_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o worldly_a power_n and_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v only_o to_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n see_v this_o power_n alone_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v the_o whole_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o work_v all_o the_o work_n in_o it_o that_o god_n have_v to_o do_v and_o so_o it_o be_v strong_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o man_n that_o dare_v not_o commit_v the_o success_n of_o their_o business_n to_o christ_n power_n alone_o but_o will_v call_v in_o secular_a power_n over_z and_o above_o to_o help_v they_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v underneath_o some_o secular_a end_n see_v christ_n power_n alone_o be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o his_o kingdom_n beside_o this_o worldly_a power_n never_o work_v peace_n but_o always_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n put_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o method_n into_o man_n and_o work_v man_n will_n rather_o than_o god_n yea_o man_n will_n against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n object_n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v that_o worldly_a power_n do_v well_o in_o the_o church_n because_o it_o keep_v down_o many_o profane_a person_n that_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v down_o by_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o so_o far_o as_o such_o profane_a one_o be_v govern_v by_o worldly_a power_n they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o worldly_a power_n have_v better_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v own_o proper_a sphere_n then_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o line_n especial_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n enough_o in_o itself_o to_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v govern_v willing_o in_o the_o church_n as_o christian_n let_v they_o be_v govern_v against_o their_o will_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o man_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v over_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o spiritual_a but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n be_v over_o man_n as_o man_n as_o natural_a and_o carnal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o government_n belong_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n and_o headship_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o christ_n faithfulness_n in_o he_o but_o now_o if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o power_n but_o will_v needs_o intrude_v on_o christ_n also_o and_o not_o reckon_v it_o enough_o to_o govern_v man_n as_o man_n by_o his_o worldly_a power_n will_v also_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v tamper_n with_o the_o very_a church_n this_o both_o render_v he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithful_a troublesome_a to_o he_o he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o use_v a_o power_n over_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o suitable_a to_o they_o nor_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o troublesome_a to_o he_o because_o in_o god_n kingdom_n as_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o
voice_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o a_o stranger_n the_o pope_n he_o arrogate_v both_o sword_n to_o himself_o when_o neither_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o due_a time_n shall_v perish_v by_o both_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v assume_v to_o himself_o power_n of_o both_o kingdom_n christ_n and_o the_o world_n when_o of_o right_n but_o one_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o world_n and_o not_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a lest_o by_o encroach_a on_o christ_n kingdom_n he_o lose_v his_o own_o let_v the_o magistrate_n therefore_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o state_n and_o let_v he_o suffer_v christ_n to_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o church_n see_v his_o presence_n be_v always_o there_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v quietness_n in_o both_o but_o else_o in_o neither_o see_v christ_n will_v as_o assure_o trouble_v the_o magistrate_n kingdom_n as_o the_o magistrate_n trouble_v he_o the_o three_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v or_o force_v man_n into_o the_o church_n against_o their_o will_n will_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unquiet_a because_o many_o that_o be_v unwilling_a be_v under_o those_o regiment_n but_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v therefore_o quiet_a because_o all_o the_o people_n in_o it_o be_v willing_a and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v force_v in_o but_o all_o be_v persuade_v in_o as_o it_o be_v write_v god_n persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n that_o be_v the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o not_o force_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o christ_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o not_o to_o offer_v they_o outward_a violence_n and_o to_o persuade_v peace_n but_o not_o to_o threaten_v or_o enforce_v it_o pontific_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n that_o inward_a persuasion_n be_v require_v nowhere_o more_o than_o here_o for_o none_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o the_o faith_n against_o their_o will_n and_o god_n will_v be_v love_v with_o the_o whole_a heart_n and_o also_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o sin_n chief_o hate_v of_o god_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n must_v have_v this_o scope_n that_o they_o that_o be_v persuade_v may_v be_v first_o call_v unto_o it_o and_o after_o keep_v in_o it_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n and_o so_o the_o more_o this_o manner_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o dominion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o fit_a it_o be_v to_o govern_v increase_n and_o confirm_v the_o church_n and_o this_o way_n only_o be_v use_v as_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o that_o unquestionable_o for_o 300_o year_n after_o yea_o and_o when_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o worldly_a authority_n yet_o this_o same_o freedom_n still_o be_v allow_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n i_o read_v that_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n will_v have_v no_o man_n enforce_v to_o be_v of_o one_o religion_n more_o than_o another_o also_o the_o same_o constantine_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o his_o subject_n inhabit_v the_o east_n say_v let_v no_o man_n be_v grievous_a one_o to_o another_o 131._o but_o what_o every_o man_n think_v best_n that_o let_v he_o do_v for_o such_o as_o be_v wise_a ought_v thorough_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o only_o mean_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n move_v to_o take_v their_o delight_n and_o recreation_n in_o read_v his_o holy_a will_n and_o if_o other_o wilful_o will_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n cleave_v to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o false_a doctrine_n they_o may_v at_o their_o own_o peril_n as_o for_o we_o we_o have_v the_o worthy_a house_n of_o congregation_n of_o god_n verity_n which_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v we_o and_o this_o also_o we_o wish_v to_o they_o that_o with_o like_a participation_n and_o common_a content_n they_o may_v feel_v with_o we_o the_o same_o delectation_n of_o mind_n and_o after_o let_v no_o man_n hurt_v or_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o neighbour_n in_o that_o wherein_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o have_v do_v well_o if_o by_o that_o which_o any_o man_n know_v or_o have_v experience_n of_o he_o think_v he_o may_v profit_v his_o neighbour_n let_v he_o do_v the_o same_o if_o not_o let_v he_o give_v over_o and_o remit_v it_o till_o another_o time_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n between_o the_o willing_a and_o voluntary_a embrace_v of_o religion_n and_o that_o whereunto_o a_o man_n be_v force_v and_o constrain_v i_o read_v also_o that_o ethelbert_n king_n of_o kent_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n 150._o ann_n 586._o after_o his_o conversion_n innumerable_a other_o daily_a do_v come_v in_o and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n who_o the_o king_n do_v especial_o embrace_v but_o compel_v none_o for_o so_o he_o have_v learn_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o co-act_a the_o church_n then_o at_o first_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o willing_a and_o such_o as_o be_v persuade_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n till_o antichrist_n begin_v to_o prevail_v and_o then_o they_o fall_v from_o persuade_v to_o force_v and_o they_o no_o long_o go_v about_o to_o make_v man_n willing_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o get_v power_n from_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o force_v they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o this_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v perfect_o bring_v forth_o by_o boniface_n the_o three_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o use_v these_o word_n in_o the_o church_n volumus_fw-la mandamus_fw-la statuimus_fw-la ac_fw-la praecipimus_fw-la we_o will_v we_o require_v we_o appoint_v we_o command_v which_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o true_a voice_n of_o thief_n and_o murderer_n and_o from_o that_o time_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v apace_o when_o there_o be_v more_o unwilling_a force_v unto_o it_o then_o will_v persuade_v and_o true_a peace_n will_v never_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o again_o till_o man_n shall_v abandon_v the_o power_n of_o force_n and_o only_o use_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o church_n may_v consist_v only_o of_o a_o willing_a people_n the_o four_o rule_n be_v to_o make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n laity_n for_o the_o clergy_n or_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v all_o along_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o christian_n who_o they_o call_v the_o laity_n and_o have_v make_v up_o a_o distinct_a or_o several_a kingdom_n among_o themselves_o and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lay_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o reckon_v other_o christian_n but_o as_o common_a and_o unclean_a in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o whereas_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n nor_o sect_n nor_o difference_n of_o person_n no_o clergy_n or_o laity_n no_o ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a but_o they_o be_v all_o as_o peter_n describe_v they_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o that_o call_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n and_o so_o all_o christian_n through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v priest_n alike_o unto_o god_n and_o every_o one_o have_v right_a and_o power_n alike_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o so_o there_o be_v among_o they_o no_o clergy_n or_o laity_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v such_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o christian_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o right_n of_o all_o and_o they_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o authority_n at_o all_o to_o this_o office_n but_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o elder_n and_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n differ_v nothing_o from_o other_o christian_n but_o only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o alderman_n or_o common_a council_n man_n in_o the_o city_n differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o citizen_n but_o only_o in_o their_o office_n which_o they_o have_v not_o of_o themselves_o neither_o but_o by_o the_o city_n choice_n or_o as_o the_o speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commons_o but_o only_o in_o his_o office_n which_o he_o have_v also_o by_o
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 sensusuo_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 the_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o lord_n of_o arras_n a_o city_n of_o picardy_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o flanders_n will_v be_v govern_v otherwise_o then_o france_n or_o burgundy_n and_o this_o consideration_n say_v he_o right_o understand_v to_o wit_n not_o to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o let_v the_o church_n use_v its_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n uniformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n luther_n also_o that_o choose_a vessel_n of_o christ_n do_v clear_o oppose_v this_o evil_n of_o uniformity_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n touch_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n mundi_fw-la if_o one_o church_n will_v not_o follow_v another_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n in_o those_o outward_a thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n which_o present_o be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o snare_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v one_o church_n free_o imitate_v another_o or_o let_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o use_v its_o own_o way_n so_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v preserve_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n though_o there_o be_v variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o element_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o same_o luther_n after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o form_n of_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o wittingberg_n conclude_v thus_o in_o quibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cavendum_fw-la ne_fw-la legem_fw-la ex_fw-la libertate_fw-la faciaemus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o sin_n who_o shall_v either_o do_v otherwise_o or_o shall_v omit_v some_o thing_n so_o they_o permit_v the_o word_n of_o blessing_n to_o remain_v entire_a and_o do_v all_o act_n here_o in_o faith_n for_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o freewoman_n who_o may_v keep_v they_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v power_n to_o change_v they_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o any_o shall_v either_o desire_n or_o establish_v any_o necessary_a form_n as_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o ensnare_v or_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o primitive_a church_n any_o example_n of_o any_o such_o rite_n but_o only_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o quod_fw-la legibus_fw-la hic_fw-la obstringi_fw-la nec_fw-la possent_fw-la nec_fw-la debent_fw-la because_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n moreover_o if_o divers_a man_n shall_v use_v a_o diverse_a rite_n let_v none_o either_o judge_n or_o contemn_v another_o but_o let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o all_o favour_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o for_o form_n we_o act_v diverse_o and_o let_v each_o rite_n please_v other_o lest_o by_o diversity_n of_o rite_n follow_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o it_o come_v tun_n pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o outward_a rite_n though_o we_o can_v want_v they_o as_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n yet_o they_o commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n but_o only_a faith_n and_o love_n commend_v we_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o paul_n take_v place_n here_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n accipere_fw-la but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o no_o rite_n nor_o form_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o faith_n within_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o form_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittenberg_n which_o he_o write_v out_o for_o nicholas_n hausmannus_fw-la a_o godly_a minister_n he_o say_v which_o copy_n either_o you_o or_o other_o may_v follow_v if_o you_o please_v if_o not_o we_o willing_o give_v place_n to_o the_o anoint_v be_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v from_o you_o or_o any_o other_o more_o profitable_a thing_n these_o thing_n he_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o in_o other_o that_o act_n these_o thing_n peremptory_o and_o command_v and_o enforce_v they_o by_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v thief_n and_o murderer_n melancton_n also_o persuade_v certain_a christian_n to_o unity_n who_o differ_v in_o uniformity_n uniformity_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o do_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n let_v we_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a love_n nostras_fw-la and_o let_v not_o unlikeness_n and_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o bucer_n quote_v this_o place_n add_v no_o nor_o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n disjoin_v our_o mind_n upon_o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o these_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o form_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o congregation_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o any_o shall_v set_v down_o any_o form_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v use_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o please_v or_o may_v add_v or_o alter_v or_o whole_o reject_v they_o and_o no_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n shall_v enforce_v to_o ensnare_v conscience_n and_o to_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o obscure_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o people_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v most_o horrible_o mistake_v that_o now_o urge_v external_a uniformity_n on_o the_o church_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n who_o scarce_o mind_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o name_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o call_v one_o lord_n faith_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o do_v earnest_o and_o fierce_o labour_v for_o one_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n one_o directory_n one_o confession_n one_o catechism_n one_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v these_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v enforce_v on_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n their_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o seer_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o uniformity_n what_o woeful_a division_n will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n live_v in_o one_o form_n the_o father_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o another_o the_o believer_n under_o
ibid._n 1._o one_o body_n p._n 161_o 2_o one_o spirit_n p._n 165_o 3_o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_n p._n 167_o 4._o one_o lord._n p._n 169_o 5._o one_o faith_n p._n 172_o 6._o one_o baptism_n p._n 175_o 7._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o all_o p._n 176_o these_o seven_o bond_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o man_n devise_v 178._o how_o the_o true_a church_n of_o believer_n thus_o make_v one_o by_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v one_o in_o their_o communion_n among_o themselves_o p._n 180_o to_o this_o end_n 1_o they_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n otherwise_o then_o yet_o they_o do_v ibid._n particular_o they_o must_v be_v instruct_v touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n this_o government_n be_v twofold_a 1._o immediate_a and_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n p._n 181_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n p_o 182_o these_o two_o government_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n nor_o in_o this_o p._n 184_o 2._o mediate_v this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_n p._n 185_o and_o it_o be_v christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ibid._n this_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o several_a particular_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n 186_o and_o here_o 1._o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v 2._o what_o they_o be_v 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v set_v down_o in_o 6._o particular_n 188_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 190_o 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o ibid._n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 192_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 193_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v herein_o 194_o 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n 196_o and_o here_o 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 197_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o ibid._n 1._o by_o who_o 198_o what_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v be_v to_o do_v in_o point_n of_o choose_v officer_n p._n 199_o and_o if_o need_v be_v can_v reform_v they_o p_o 200_o or_o depose_v they_o p._n 201_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n if_o it_o need_v any_o ibid._n certain_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n may_v now_o well_o want_v counsel_n p._n 202_o and_o if_o it_o will_v have_v any_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v touch_v they_o p._n 204_o 5_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n p._n 205_o and_o thus_o the_o judgement_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n among_o themselves_o 2._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n the_o practical_a rule_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n p._n 206_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a church_n content_v itself_o with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n p_o 207_o 3._o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o fetch_v or_o force_v man_n unto_o it_o against_o their_o will_n 209_o 4._o that_o the_o true_a church_n make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n p._n 211_o 5._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n and_o church_n p._n 212_o 6._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o community_n p._n 213_o 7._o that_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n do_v take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n and_o do_v not_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ring_n leader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n p._n 214_o 8._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n p_o 215_o 5_o way_n by_o which_o this_o may_v be_v effectual_o do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n p._n 216_o the_o great_a question_n touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n answer_v p._n 224_o 9_o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n p._n 225_o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o point_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a here_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v first_o consider_v if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o believer_n differ_v be_v circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a only_o then_o there_o be_v 5._o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n p._n 233_o if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o such_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o there_o be_v 7_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n p._n 235_o if_o the_o doctrine_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v be_v such_o as_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n yet_o then_o 1._o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v p._n 237_o 2._o if_o after_o full_a hear_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n than_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v 1_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n p._n 241_o 2_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n ibid._n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o punishment_n the_o true_a church_n can_v inflict_v p._n 242_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o ibid._n the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n time_n together_o observe_v with_o a_o say_a heart_n and_o trouble_a spirit_n the_o grievous_a difference_n and_o dissension_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o perceive_v also_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o heal_n of_o this_o error_n many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o not_o clear_o understanding_n wherein_o their_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v and_o so_o be_v still_o prosecute_a former_a with_o late_a mistake_n till_o their_o wound_n be_v become_v almost_o incurable_a i_o find_v my_o heart_n incline_v and_o engage_v by_o god_n to_o propound_v to_o other_o that_o way_n of_o peace_n which_o myself_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v not_o that_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o or_o be_v account_v of_o any_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n people_n be_v indeed_o unworthy_a to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o the_o church_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o so_o incomparable_a a_o treasure_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v but_o mere_o out_o of_o love_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o my_o brethren_n who_o i_o see_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o spark_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v kindle_v whereby_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o neglect_v the_o true_a light_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o shine_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n till_o all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n be_v do_v away_o and_o as_o my_o end_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o bring_v all_o man_n from_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o conception_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o i_o desire_v all_o man_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v to_o allow_v of_o no_o more_o in_o this_o discourse_n than_o they_o shall_v find_v agreeable_a to_o this_o word_n and_o what_o ever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o shall_v disapprove_v or_o condemn_v so_o far_o let_v they_o also_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v with_o it_o as_o i_o myself_o also_o do_v know_v well_o that_o no_o word_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o carry_v light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n sufficient_a and_o enough_o in_o itself_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o work_v of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n wherefore_o what_o i_o have_v free_o learn_v i_o shall_v free_o communicate_v desire_v every_o one_o
to_o regard_v his_o own_o salvation_n see_v now_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o cloak_n nor_o the_o least_o excuse_n for_o his_o sin_n now_o that_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v you_o now_o at_o first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o propound_v any_o way_n of_o peace_n either_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n or_o else_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v learn_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n world_n for_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v any_o reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n between_o these_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a seed_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o one_o from_o beneath_o the_o other_o from_o above_o the_o one_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o other_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o between_o these_o two_o god_n have_v put_v such_o a_o enmity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v away_o wherefore_o they_o who_o never_o mind_v these_o two_o different_a seed_n between_o who_o god_n have_v put_v such_o irreconciliable_a enmity_n will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n of_o one_o or_o more_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o church_n at_o once_o and_o will_v reconcile_v all_o of_o they_o together_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o device_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o these_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n 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 church_n 2._o neither_o second_o 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 one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 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 for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n antichrist_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 of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o carnal_a christian_n and_o these_o have_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o godliness_n but_o they_o have_v no_o spirit_n or_o power_n in_o that_o form_n yea_o under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o for_o to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v there_o where_o the_o father_n never_o intend_v nor_o the_o son_n never_o undertake_v any_o reconciliation_n will_v not_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o weakness_n so_o then_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n p●ace_n touch_v who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a make_v faithful_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v through_o their_o call_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n than_o i_o seek_v by_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v first_o declare_v the_o church_n it_o self_n who_o peace_n i_o seek_v and_o then_o after_o declare_v wherein_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v and_o also_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o the_o church_n itself_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v speak_v plain_o and_o something_o large_o because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a business_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n and_o mis-apprehension_n touch_v it_o even_o among_o the_o faithful_a the_o right_a church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n not_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o join_v together_o in_o a_o outward_a form_n or_o way_n of_o 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 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 man_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n