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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n ability_n able_a bring_v 38 3 4.2116 3 false
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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

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the_o natural_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n every_o member_n be_v in_o office_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o have_v power_n and_o privilege_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v to_o speak_v the_o word_n that_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o they_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n choose_v one_o or_o mo_z to_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o where_o he_o command_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o where_o the_o apostle_n contemn_v all_o superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o pomp_n of_o ordain_v only_o seek_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v require_v after_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 2._o out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o first_o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v choose_v paul_n teach_v we_o this_o say_v they_o must_v be_v faithful_a man_n apt_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o among_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2_o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14.23_o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ._n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act._n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o
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
eye_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n etc._n etc._n so_o among_o believer_n none_o live_v and_o act_n for_o himself_o only_o but_o each_o believer_n serve_v all_o and_o all_o serve_v each_o one_o in_o love_n 7._o member_n that_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o body_n have_v a_o true_a sympathy_n with_o one_o another_o both_o in_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 12.26_o and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o 8._o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o force_n but_o only_o a_o law_n of_o love_n no_o member_n compel_v another_o but_o each_o member_n serve_v another_o by_o love_n and_o if_o one_o member_n be_v infirm_a the_o rest_n help_v it_o and_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o the_o more_o they_o care_v for_o it_o and_o do_v not_o the_o more_o despise_v it_o and_o this_o now_o be_v the_o first_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o body_n now_o they_o break_v this_o first_o bond_n of_o unity_n unity_n that_o either_o live_v out_o of_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o live_v in_o it_o but_o not_o as_o member_n 1._o they_o that_o do_v content_a themselves_o in_o join_v to_o some_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n though_o call_v a_o church_n and_o think_v that_o by_o be_v knit_v to_o they_o in_o way_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n they_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o live_v out_o of_o that_o one_o body_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n though_o he_o live_v in_o the_o most_o excellent_a society_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o live_v in_o one_o body_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o many_o break_v the_o church_n unity_n that_o never_o think_v on_o it_o 2._o again_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n that_o live_v in_o this_o one_o body_n but_o not_o as_o member_n and_o such_o be_v they_o who_o have_v get_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n will_v needs_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o their_o fellow_n member_n and_o exercise_v authoritative_a coercive_a domineer_a power_n over_o they_o whereas_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n but_o fellow-member_n with_o the_o faithful_a live_v in_o one_o body_n and_o under_o one_o head_n with_o they_o and_o so_o do_v all_o by_o love_n and_o persuasion_n and_o nothing_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n now_o those_o member_n that_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o their_o fellow_n and_o equal_a member_n what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o the_o head_n and_o so_o break_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o head_n he_o that_o in_o a_o single_a or_o combine_a unity_n set_v himself_o up_o above_o other_o believer_n by_o give_v law_n and_o by_o prescribe_v and_o command_v form_n and_o rule_n to_o those_o that_o be_v every_o way_n his_o equal_n he_o advance_v himself_o as_o another_o head_n beside_o christ_n and_o so_o anti_n christ_n be_v near_o to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o many_o man_n that_o be_v so_o forward_o and_o fierce_a to_o make_v and_o enforce_v rule_n and_o order_n colourable_o to_o procure_v the_o church_n peace_n they_o be_v the_o first_o man_n that_o do_v themselves_o break_v this_o first_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n to_o wit_n unity_n of_o body_n which_o make_v all_o believer_n equal_a member_n equal_o subject_a to_o one_o head_n the_o second_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o spirit_z there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n spirit_n say_v paul_n and_o through_o unity_n of_o spirit_n they_o become_v one_o body_n now_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n and_o but_o one_o soul_n comprehend_v quicken_v move_v and_o govern_v all_o these_o member_n make_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o hand_n to_o work_v the_o foot_n to_o walk_v etc._n etc._n so_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n have_v yet_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o comprehend_v quicken_v move_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o most_o near_o and_o intimate_a society_n together_o and_o enable_v each_o member_n to_o its_o several_a office_n according_a to_o its_o place_n and_o use_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o a_o member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o to_o cause_v it_o to_o live_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n so_o he_o that_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o true_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o follow_v he_o to_o make_v he_o live_v single_a by_o himself_o and_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o spirit_n nor_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o body_n and_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n in_o several_a member_n act_n several_o and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n in_o all_o so_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o several_a believer_n work_v several_o as_o it_o please_v and_o yet_o be_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o all_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o this_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o strong_a bond_n of_o its_o peace_n among_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o more_o near_o among_o kindred_n there_o be_v unity_n of_o flesh_n but_o because_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v much_o envy_n hatred_n strife_n and_o variance_n in_o that_o unity_n of_o flesh_n but_o now_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o only_o one_o flesh_n but_o one_o soul_n or_o spirit_n too_o and_o so_o there_o be_v always_o peace_n and_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o one_o body_n but_o one_o spirit_n too_o and_o this_o make_v it_o one_o indeed_o for_o as_o this_o spirit_n be_v the_o love_n and_o connexion_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n so_o it_o be_v also_o our_o love_n and_o connexion_n in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n live_v in_o unity_n of_o spirit_n so_o all_o believer_n live_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o now_o they_o on_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v first_o give_v after_o christ_n be_v glorify_v have_v also_o with_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o spirit_n give_v be_v for_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n &_o so_o they_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o the_o church_n have_v through_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n its_o society_n and_o consociation_n for_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n where_o all_o be_v one_o spirit_n in_o christ_n he_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o and_o when_o a_o believer_n hear_v another_o speak_v it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o himself_o do_v speak_v and_o when_o one_o speak_v it_o be_v as_o if_o all_o speak_v for_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o speak_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o have_v equal_o hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o have_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o a_o church_n even_o as_o our_o soul_n can_v wish_v except_o there_o be_v inward_o in_o that_o church_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v not_o unity_n of_o form_n will_v ever_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o unity_n of_o spirit_n that_o church_n then_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o law_n order_n constitution_n form_n member_n officer_n what_o true_a unity_n can_v that_o have_v in_o all_o its_o uniformity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o spirit_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v in_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o christ_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o a_o different_a spirit_n from_o the_o true_a church_n what_o unity_n can_v they_o possible_o have_v with_o it_o they_o then_o that_o live_v in_o their_o own_o humane_a reason_n understanding_n thought_n council_n will_n end_n they_o live_v quite_o and_o clean_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n yea_o in_o
in_o such_o sort_n that_o though_o the_o flood_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o billow_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v sink_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n on_o high_a be_v mighty_a than_o the_o mighty_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o so_o still_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n lead_v his_o flock_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n yea_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o devil_n in_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a safety_n and_o give_v they_o light_v in_o darkness_n counsel_n in_o difficulty_n and_o success_n in_o all_o attempt_n above_z and_o beyond_o both_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n now_o note_v here_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n god_n do_v not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n no_o not_o of_o his_o very_a people_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n do_v thing_n that_o they_o must_v not_o know_v yet_o but_o must_v know_v afterward_o yea_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v absurd_a and_o absolute_o destructive_a and_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o order_n of_o god_n govern_v his_o saint_n that_o of_o luther_n on_o gen._n 39_o be_v worth_a our_o mind_v here_o i_o say_v he_o have_v often_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v certain_a way_n and_o method_n to_o god_n 542._o which_o he_o shall_v use_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n ah_o lord_n say_v i_o i_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v thus_o do_v in_o this_o order_n with_o this_o event_n but_o god_n do_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o do_v desire_v then_o again_o think_v i_o why_o my_o council_n be_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o thy_o name_n the_o gather_n and_o increase_a thy_o kingdom_n the_o propagate_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a design_n but_o god_n no_o doubt_n laugh_v at_o this_o wisdom_n of_o i_o and_o say_v go_v to_o now_o i_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v wife_n and_o learned_a but_o this_o be_v never_o my_o manner_n that_o either_o peter_n or_o martin_n mean_v himself_o shall_v teach_v or_o form_n or_o govern_v or_o lead_v i_o for_o i_o be_o not_o a_o passive_a but_o a_o active_a god_n who_o use_v always_o to_o lead_v govern_z form_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o our_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v only_o passive_a and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v and_o slay_v it_o and_o therefore_o many_o who_o can_v not_o endure_v this_o mortification_n have_v fall_v horrible_o and_o thus_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n be_v whole_o according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o council_n and_o whole_o without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o we_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n over_o his_o church_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n presence_n or_o god_n government_n within_o we_o for_o the_o right_a church_n be_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o have_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o be_v build_v and_o frame_v and_o that_o according_a to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v and_o god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o if_o any_o will_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a guide_n and_o order_v of_o this_o church_n depend_v whole_o on_o god_n who_o dwell_v within_o it_o for_o god_n will_v not_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o sit_v still_o whilst_z other_o that_o be_v without_o it_o shall_v govern_v it_o but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o right_a church_n lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v immanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o so_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n who_o fill_v it_o govern_v it_o by_o a_o most_o present_a and_o powerful_a but_o invisible_a influence_n lead_v it_o into_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o patience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o patience_n into_o love_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n into_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n into_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o into_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o righteousness_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o contain_v all_o these_o grace_n in_o itself_o and_o work_v they_o in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o government_n we_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a in_o this_o government_n we_o have_v not_o outward_a law_n to_o order_v we_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o a_o inward_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o live_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o live_a word_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o according_a to_o this_o government_n also_o god_n guide_v the_o true_a church_n wonderful_o the_o soul_n not_o see_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o form_n and_o fashion_n the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n clean_a contrary_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o mourning_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o comfort_n bring_v they_o to_o despair_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n to_o death_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n yea_o even_o to_o hell_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n lead_v his_o choose_a people_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o will_v follow_v but_o faith_n which_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fear_n woe_n agony_n temptation_n till_o it_o feel_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o true_a sorrow_n of_o death_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o this_o darkness_n see_v no_o beam_n nor_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n and_o want_v all_o counsel_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v itself_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o lead_v it_o into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o redeem_v it_o from_o all_o distress_n subdue_a the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n under_o it_o yea_o and_o carry_v it_o into_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n age._n now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n to_o wit_n the_o one_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o other_o of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n when_o the_o prelatical_a government_n have_v be_v dissolve_v for_o several_a year_n together_o can_v any_o christian_a think_v that_o the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v without_o all_o government_n nay_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v be_v govern_v most_o powerful_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o most_o sweet_o by_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v neither_o against_o its_o grace_n nor_o comfort_n and_o for_o a_o outward_a formal_a visible_a enforce_a government_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a corporation_n or_o worldly_a kingdom_n the_o true_a church_n can_v as_o well_o want_v such_o a_o government_n at_o all_o time_n as_o at_o any_o time_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v best_o without_o it_o as_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o man_n and_o more_o immediate_o under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n its_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v so_o violent_a for_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n temptation_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sometime_o or_o other_o be_v exercise_v with_o temptation_n of_o despair_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o
a_o poor_a plain_a country_n man_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n touch_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n scholar_n or_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 4_o another_o notable_a mean_n to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o restore_v in_o it_o that_o most_o ancient_a gospel_n ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v which_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o use_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o paul_n witness_v 1_o cor._n 14_o 31._o where_o he_o say_v when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v meet_v together_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o add_v vers_fw-la 37._o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o brethren_n labour_v that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v so_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o commandment_n as_o every_o prophet_n and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v now_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v be_v three_o way_n helpful_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n 1._o for_o first_o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v beside_o he_o as_o he_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o to_o conceit_n that_o wisdom_n only_o dwell_v with_o he_o so_o he_o i●_n more_o ready_a to_o vent_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o to_o speak_v the_o dream_n and_o vision_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o when_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o come_v to_o he_o only_o but_o to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o they_o have_v wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n aswell_a as_o he_o this_o will_n both_o keep_v down_o his_o pride_n and_o make_v he_o careful_a what_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o know_v there_o be_v those_o present_n in_o the_o congregation_n that_o be_v able_a to_o reprove_v his_o darkness_n by_o light_n and_o this_o prophesy_a be_v a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n in_o the_o jaw_n of_o error_n that_o it_o can_v run_v that_o race_n in_o the_o church_n it_o do_v desire_v 2._o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v prove_v to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o in_o the_o common_a ministry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o error_n be_v not_o only_o preach_v but_o also_o go_v away_o uncontrolled_a and_o no_o way_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o restrain_v error_n proportionable_a to_o that_o of_o propagate_a it_o no_o body_n be_v permit_v to_o speak_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o the_o poison_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o liberty_n of_o public_a speak_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o one_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n and_o to_o onesort_v of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n any_o error_n may_v sudden_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n without_o any_o sufficient_a and_o proportionable_a remedy_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o now_o when_o the_o right_a or_o power_n of_o prophesy_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o minister_n can_v no_o soon_o vent_v any_o error_n but_o there_o be_v some_o believer_n or_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n shall_v move_v ready_a to_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o error_n be_v as_o soon_o discover_v and_o detect_v as_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o as_o soon_o destroy_v as_o it_o be_v detect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o from_o a_o private_a christian_a be_v more_o mighty_a to_o destroy_v error_n than_o error_n can_v be_v to_o uphold_v itself_o against_o the_o word_n 3_o prophesy_v be_v a_o most_o useful_a mean_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n in_o this_o regard_n because_o it_o give_v the_o church_n light_n how_o to_o choose_v faithful_a teacher_n out_o of_o its_o own_o child_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o supply_n in_o this_o kind_n see_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v the_o church_n know_v and_o discern_v which_o of_o its_o member_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o clear_o teach_v of_o god_n in_o divine_a thing_n and_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n from_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o most_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v supply_v with_o pastor_n of_o her_o own_o son_n and_o not_o seek_v out_o after_o unknown_a person_n nor_o be_v constrain_v to_o use_v mercenary_a man_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o preach_v as_o their_o trade_n to_o live_v by_o whereupon_o but_o few_o of_o they_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v other_o than_o hireling_n who_o will_v make_v their_o ministry_n serve_v their_o own_o advantage_n and_o frame_v the_o scripture_n to_o sound_v such_o doctrine_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n and_o in_o these_o three_o regard_n the_o use_n of_o prophesy_v help_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n object_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v against_o this_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o rash_a and_o absurd_a after_o a_o able_a learned_a man_n have_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o unlearned_a mechanic_n presen_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o speak_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n answ._n that_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o prophet_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o esteem_v not_o that_o to_o be_v learning_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o man_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o so_o they_o neither_o reckon_v he_o that_o have_v humane_a learning_n to_o be_v learn_v here_o nor_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o to_o be_v ignorant_a yea_o far_o in_o this_o society_n god_n will_v have_v he_o who_o be_v most_o unlearned_a according_a to_o humane_a literature_n to_o speak_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v the_o more_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a truth_n may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o gift_n part_n learning_n or_o study_n but_o only_o to_o his_o spirit_n which_o can_v even_o in_o a_o moment_n teach_v the_o ignorant_a and_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o very_a dumb_a to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n by_o whereas_o when_o a_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n speak_v with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v common_o attribute_v to_o his_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o so_o god_n lose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o if_o a_o plain_a ignorant_a man_n shall_v speak_v spiritual_o and_o divine_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o man_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v admire_v in_o his_o saint_n it_o will_v be_v again_o object_v yea_o but_o if_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n will_v not_o this_o breed_v great_a confusion_n and_o disturbance_n i_o answer_v no_o not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o people_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v christ_n himself_o present_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o demean_n himself_o answerable_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o also_o every_o one_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n but_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o speak_v here_o but_o by_o revelation_n or_o a_o inward_a teach_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n and_o where_o man_n speak_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o speak_v there_o can_v be_v no_o confusion_n but_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n yea._n god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v prophesy_v as_o the_o
the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o johns_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v and_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o this_o bondage_n again_o through_o specious_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n but_o let_v the_o church_n know_v it_o may_v use_v what_o form_n seem_v good_a to_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o true_a unity_n stand_v in_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o thus_o only_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v one_o yea_o thus_o only_a the_o church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o faithful_a to_o know_v that_o uniformity_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o or_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o god_n may_v make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o he_o abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n ephes._n 2.15_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n so_o high_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o he_o repeal_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o dissolve_v his_o own_o outward_a ordinance_n now_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v make_v void_a rather_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n how_o much_o more_o any_o ceremony_n or_o outward_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n devise_v let_v he_o that_o read_v understand_v and_o these_o be_v the_o practical_a rule_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a and_o now_o we_o hasten_v to_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a in_o which_o case_n thing_n we_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o wit_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o no._n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o first_o they_o be_v either_o thing_n ceremonial_a and_o circumstantial_a or_o second_o very_a truth_n themselves_o yet_o such_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v for_o the_o present_a err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n we_o shall_v mind_v these_o thing_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o vanity_n nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v so_o earnest_o contend_v about_o the_o day_n on_o which_o easter_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o upon_o difference_n herein_o shall_v divide_v into_o sect_n as_o they_o do_v see_v there_o always_o shine_v light_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o slight_a circumstance_n not_o worth_a the_o mind_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o no_o where_o for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o 2._o we_o ought_v not_o for_o contrary_a mindedness_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o avoid_v christian_a converse_n and_o communnion_n with_o one_o another_o for_o strangeness_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o case_n both_o breed_v and_o increase_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n &_o cause_n that_o we_o harbour_v hard_a thought_n brother_n against_o brother_n and_o it_o take_v away_o all_o opportunity_n of_o conference_n and_o of_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v one_o another_o and_o so_o of_o reconciliation_n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n whereof_o neither_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n produce_v innumerable_a sect_n in_o the_o church_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o see_v such_o deadly_a enmity_n arise_v among_o sect_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o therefore_o that_o rash_a judgement_n that_o produce_v these_o sect_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a advancer_n of_o the_o devil_n work_v of_o division_n faithful_a 4._o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n kingdom_n stand_v to_o wit_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o order_n and_o where_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v let_v we_o be_v content_v though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n and_o circumstance_n let_v we_o take_v careful_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o circumstance_n the_o high_a good_a in_o the_o church_n be_v salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o other_o thing_n yea_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o where_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v not_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o importance_n 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n in_o these_o circumstantial_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v in_o present_a power_n ought_v take_v care_n especial_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n saint_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v may_v have_v free_a liberty_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o find_v pasture_n it_o be_v a_o most_o antichristian_a thing_n to_o make_v another_o key_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o true_a church_n beside_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o than_o it_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n key_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a without_o man_n also_o yea_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n key_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a without_o christ_n that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o also_o conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o by_o make_v another_o key_n to_o god_n kingdom_n beside_o the_o key_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o