perceive_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n then_o present_o they_o fall_v a_o persecute_v the_o saint_n for_o this_o name_n and_o nature_n sake_n and_o he_o that_o strike_v at_o god_n in_o his_o saint_n will_v if_o he_o can_v strike_v at_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o world_n take_v heed_n what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o point_n for_o while_o they_o persecute_v the_o saint_n they_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n himself_o because_o god_n be_v one_o with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v one_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v the_o saint_n be_v admonish_v so_o to_o hide_v and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o god_n through_o christ_n that_o whoever_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o they_o and_o oppose_v they_o may_v rather_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o oppose_v god_n then_o they_o they_o live_v and_o act_v in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o themselves_o now_o this_o affliction_n the_o church_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v profitable_a for_o the_o church_n it_o be_v good_a for_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v afflict_v for_o the_o more_o it_o be_v afflict_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o more_o it_o thrive_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o affliction_n stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o prayer_n yea_o then_o be_v our_o faith_n most_o active_a and_o vigorous_a and_o our_o prayer_n most_o fervent_a till_o they_o fill_v the_o whole_a heaven_n again_o then_o be_v we_o most_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n then_o be_v we_o set_v off_o further_a from_o the_o world_n then_o do_v we_o keep_v close_a to_o god_n then_o have_v we_o near_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o so_o that_o we_o can_v better_o want_v fire_n and_o water_n and_o the_o sun_n then_o want_v affliction_n which_o god_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a love_n through_o his_o overrule_a power_n and_o wisdom_n cause_v to_o work_v unto_o we_o for_o good_a so_o that_o we_o who_o be_v place_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o any_o harm_n for_o ever_o but_o evil_n itself_o must_v work_v good_a unto_o we_o but_o we_o proceed_v toss_v with_o tempest_n where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o afflict_v afflict_v but_o violent_o afflict_v one_o wave_n come_v against_o it_o after_o another_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n and_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o do_v the_o world_n become_v as_o a_o rage_a sea_n against_o it_o because_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v make_v it_o be_v set_v in_o the_o more_o contrariety_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n to_o it_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v this_o temper_n in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o church_n they_o come_v upon_o i_o like_o a_o ramp_a and_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o again_o they_o come_v upon_o i_o to_o eat_v up_o my_o flesh_n as_o they_o will_v eat_v bread_n when_o the_o saint_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o act_v in_o the_o spirit_n how_o violent_a and_o enrage_a have_v the_o world_n be_v against_o they_o it_o will_v toss_v they_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n from_o place_n to_o place_n from_o post_n to_o pillar_n as_o they_o say_v till_o it_o have_v quite_o toss_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n yea_o man_n natural_o meek_a and_o moderate_a how_o fierce_a have_v they_o become_v against_o the_o saint_n when_o there_o have_v appear_v any_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o for_o the_o enmity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n will_v be_v still_o break_v forth_o and_o though_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v cover_v under_o many_o moral_a virtue_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o when_o god_n leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o let_v they_o act_v outward_o according_a to_o their_o inward_a principle_n how_o cruel_o and_o malicious_o and_o fierce_o and_o desperate_o do_v they_o act_v against_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yea_o there_o be_v not_o that_o enmity_n between_o turk_n and_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v between_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o spiritual_a christian_n the_o former_a hate_v these_o and_o be_v angry_a against_o these_o to_o the_o very_a death_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o lord_n shall_v suffer_v these_o to_o exercise_v their_o enmity_n against_o the_o church_n then_o shall_v the_o church_n condition_n become_v such_o as_o it_o be_v here_o describe_v afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o evil_a it_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n world_n have_v not_o one_o drop_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o world_n it_o have_v affliction_n tribulation_n persecution_n from_o the_o world_n but_o no_o comfort_n this_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n the_o head_n you_o know_v what_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o so_o full_a of_o sorrow_n that_o he_o take_v his_o name_n from_o they_o and_o be_v call_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n at_o last_o out_o of_o mere_a envy_n and_o malice_n they_o apprehend_v he_o bind_v he_o buffet_v he_o spit_v on_o he_o crucify_v he_o and_o all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o have_v suffer_v from_o the_o heathen_a but_o he_o suffer_v all_o this_o from_o the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o put_v he_o to_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o shameful_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n between_o two_o malefactor_n to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v the_o three_o and_o the_o chief_a and_o in_o all_o this_o evil_a he_o have_v no_o body_n to_o pity_v he_o or_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o but_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o and_o deride_v he_o and_o mock_v and_o jeer_v he_o but_o no_o body_n comfort_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n so_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o body_n and_o member_n they_o in_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o woe_n and_o sorrow_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n have_v no_o body_n to_o comfort_v they_o or_o take_v compassion_n on_o they_o refuge_n fail_v i_o say_v david_n no_o man_n care_v for_o my_o soul_n lover_n and_o friend_n have_v thou_o put_v far_o from_o i_o and_o my_o acquaintance_n into_o darkness_n say_v heman_n psal_n 88_o 18._o brethren_n and_o belove_a you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o ever_o the_o lord_n suffer_v the_o world_n to_o prevail_v against_o you_o to_o afflict_v you_o and_o toss_v you_o from_o one_o evil_a to_o another_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n to_o reproach_v you_o throw_v you_o out_o of_o your_o comfort_n banish_v you_o imprison_v you_o etc._n etc._n you_o shall_v find_v no_o body_n to_o comfort_v you_o no_o body_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o you_o or_o regard_v you_o or_o own_o you_o or_o pity_v you_o or_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o your_o condition_n as_o to_o say_v alas_o my_o brother_n you_o must_v look_v for_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n but_o you_o must_v look_v for_o no_o comfort_n there_o when_o god_n shall_v cast_v we_o into_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o not_o look_v for_o one_o worldly_a man_n to_o stand_v by_o we_o no_o not_o of_o those_o that_o now_o smile_v upon_o we_o and_o pretend_v friendship_n to_o we_o no_o norâ—_n yet_o of_o our_o near_a relation_n but_o then_o that_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v i_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o my_o brethren_n a_o alien_n to_o my_o mother_n child_n nay_o yet_o further_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a or_o worldly_a christian_n will_v stand_v aloof_o from_o thou_o and_o will_v be_v shy_a to_o own_o and_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v thou_o public_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o cross_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v and_o leave_v he_o to_o tread_v the_o winepress_n alone_o and_o so_o if_o you_o suffer_v in_o the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v find_v little_a comfort_n from_o man_n o_o thou_o afflict_a toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v now_o this_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o much_o mercy_n to_o his_o saint_n he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o earthly_a comfort_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o heavenly_a he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n from_o man_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o comfort_n from_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o not_o comfort_v lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o say_v
of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o work_n be_v too_o great_a for_o you_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o unto_o christ_n see_v the_o father_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o this_o work_n only_o to_o he_o and_o he_o have_v take_v this_o care_n and_o charge_n upon_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o only_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o equal_a to_o god_n the_o three_o general_n by_o what_o mean_v christ_n bring_v this_o reformation_n about_o and_o that_o be_v by_o these_o two_o and_o they_o only_o to_o wit_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n reform_v the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n word_n by_o this_o christ_n do_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o this_o he_o call_v and_o reject_v by_o this_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o this_o he_o comfort_v and_o terrify_v by_o this_o he_o enlighten_v and_o make_v blind_a by_o this_o he_o kill_v and_o quicken_v by_o this_o he_o save_v and_o damn_v and_o all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o this_o kingdom_n he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o without_o this_o he_o do_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o do_v christ_n do_v all_o in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o the_o word_n only_o but_o antichrist_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o the_o word_n even_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n now_o as_o christ_n do_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n so_o he_o reform_v too_o now_o be_v you_o clean_o through_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o world_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v do_v for_o this_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o do_v change_v and_o renew_v and_o reform_v all_o and_o therefore_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n come_v with_o no_o worldly_a power_n or_o weapon_n but_o only_o with_o the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n yea_o though_o god_n set_v he_o king_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n yet_o he_o reform_v not_o by_o outward_a power_n but_o by_o preach_v say_v i_o will_v publish_v the_o decree_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o for_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o again_o the_o redeemer_n shall_v come_v to_o zion_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o the_o redeemer_n my_o word_n shall_v never_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 10._o and_o in_o psal_n 45._o the_o church_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o christ_n ride_v on_o prosperous_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o christ_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v come_v go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o thus_o he_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o glorious_a reformation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o eave_v the_o world_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v it_o as_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o not_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o he_o bid_v they_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o by_o teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o so_o according_o they_o do_v mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 20._o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v everywhere_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o so_o that_o christ_n send_v they_o not_o forth_o with_o any_o power_n of_o sword_n or_o gun_n or_o prison_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n or_o with_o any_o power_n of_o state_n or_o army_n but_o send_v forth_o poor_a illiterate_a mechanic_n man_n and_o only_o arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o behold_v what_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v by_o that_o power_n alone_o they_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o they_o change_v the_o manner_n custom_n religion_n worship_n life_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o carry_v all_o opposition_n and_o difficulty_n before_o they_o they_o win_v many_o in_o most_o kingdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o willing_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o all_o this_o they_o do_v i_o say_v not_o with_o any_o earthly_a or_o secular_a power_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n alone_o christ_n great_a and_o only_a instrument_n for_o the_o conquer_a subdue_a and_o reform_v of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o the_o power_n appear_v to_o be_v god_n only_o and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o word_n be_v one_o mean_n christ_n use_v for_o reformation_n and_o this_o word_n only_o work_v a_o right_a reformation_n for_o this_o reform_v true_o and_o indeed_o all_o other_o power_n reform_v but_o in_o appearance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o word_n but_o what_o ever_o evil_a be_v reform_v and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o true_o reform_v it_o be_v only_o reform_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v only_o suspend_v in_o the_o outward_a operation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o seed_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n to_o grow_v up_o and_o work_v again_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o evil_a or_o corruption_n be_v reform_v in_o thou_o see_v it_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n if_o the_o word_n have_v kill_v it_o in_o thou_o it_o be_v kill_v indeed_o if_o not_o it_o be_v alive_a in_o thou_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a the_o outward_a power_n of_o the_o world_n may_v set_v up_o a_o image_n of_o reformation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n only_o can_v work_v true_a reformation_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n which_o god_n have_v magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n when_o we_o can_v neglect_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n to_o the_o power_n work_v and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o which_o be_v almighty_a and_o able_a to_o bring_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n when_o man_n dare_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n alone_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o will_v needs_o be_v call_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o rest_n and_o rely_v on_o that_o for_o this_o work_n as_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o reform_v man_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n will_v never_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o well_o say_v luther_n praedicare_fw-la annuntiare_fw-la scribere_fw-la volo_fw-la neminem_fw-la autem_fw-la vi_fw-la adigam_fw-la i_o will_v preach_v and_o teach_v and_o write_v but_o i_o will_v constrain_v no_o body_n oh_o therefore_o that_o our_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n will_v so_o much_o honour_n christ_n word_n as_o to_o trust_v the_o reformation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n with_o it_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n so_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o think_v it_o sufficient_a and_o thus_o shall_v you_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n due_a honour_n as_o well_o as_o declare_v your_o own_o faith_n and_o if_o you_o will_v commit_v this_o work_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o which_o only_o it_o belong_v you_o shall_v soon_o see_v what_o the_o word_n will_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o glorious_a sight_n under_o heaven_n as_o to_o see_v the_o word_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o come_v in_o to_o a_o unreformed_a world_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o change_n and_o
christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o receive_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o receive_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n for_o faith_n do_v not_o apprehend_v bare_a christ_n but_o christ_n with_o his_o spirit_n because_o these_o be_v inseparable_a now_o always_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o 3._o to_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n increase_v the_o spirit_n the_o more_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n the_o more_o we_o pray_v and_o the_o more_o we_o pray_v the_o more_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o truth_n we_o shall_v have_v daily_o a_o great_a and_o great_a increase_n of_o it_o till_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n come_v from_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o carry_v we_o back_o again_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v still_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o receive_v more_o and_o more_o of_o it_o 4._o to_o turn_v ourselves_o daily_o from_o the_o creature_n to_o god_n for_o the_o more_o we_o enlarge_v our_o heart_n towards_o the_o creature_n the_o less_o capable_a be_v we_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o live_v much_o upon_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o live_v much_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o this_o quench_v and_o straiten_n the_o spirit_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v live_v abstract_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o use_v they_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v they_o and_o so_o mind_v they_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o mind_v they_o and_o abandon_v the_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wean_v ourselves_o from_o all_o thing_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o more_o free_a and_o loose_a we_o be_v from_o the_o creature_n the_o more_o capable_a be_v we_o of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o he_o that_o live_v at_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v least_o communion_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o have_v always_o the_o great_a proportion_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o in_o he_o so_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o father_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o he_o now_o the_o more_o any_o one_o love_v the_o father_n the_o less_o he_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o less_o he_o love_v the_o world_n the_o more_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o he_o 5._o to_o cease_v daily_o from_o our_o own_o work_n the_o more_o we_o act_v ourselves_o the_o less_o do_v the_o spirit_n act_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v must_v from_o day_n to_o day_n cease_v from_o our_o own_o work_n from_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o must_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o own_o action_n for_o we_o be_v flesh_n ourselves_o what_o ever_o we_o do_v be_v fleshly_a see_v the_o effect_n can_v be_v better_a than_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o we_o mingle_v the_o work_n of_o our_o flesh_n with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o will_v cease_v from_o work_v in_o we_o but_o the_o less_o we_o act_v in_o ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o more_o will_v the_o spirit_n act_n in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o our_o own_o work_n be_v always_o a_o mighty_a impediment_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n in_o we_o we_o must_v give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o only_o may_v work_v in_o we_o without_o the_o least_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o we_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n act_v all_o in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o body_n do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o but_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o the_o spirit_n may_v do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o we_o may_v do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v work_v excellent_o in_o we_o except_o it_o work_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o and_o in_o such_o a_o man_n in_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v full_a power_n the_o spirit_n work_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o according_a to_o humane_a sense_n be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v secret_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v and_o refresh_v the_o body_n and_o disperse_v life_n and_o spirit_n through_o it_o even_o when_o the_o body_n be_v asleep_a and_o neither_o feel_v it_o nor_o know_v it_o so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o operation_n work_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o for_o the_o quicken_a and_o renew_v it_o whilst_o it_o oftentimes_o for_o the_o present_a be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a of_o it_o 7._o the_o seven_o mean_n to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o attribute_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o attribute_v to_o the_o flesh_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o take_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n he_o will_v work_v no_o long_o in_o we_o wherefore_o we_o must_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v nothing_o and_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o that_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o work_v all_o in_o all_o and_o we_o ourselves_o among_o all_o the_o excellent_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o must_v so_o remain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v and_o wrought_v nothing_o at_o all_o that_o so_o all_o that_o be_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n may_v be_v lay_v low_a in_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n alone_o may_v be_v exalt_v first_o to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o then_o to_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o mean_n to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o consequent_o strength_n as_o well_o as_o to_o get_v it_o and_o by_o the_o daily_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o mean_n we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a and_o may_v run_v and_o not_o faint_a and_o may_v mount_v up_o as_o eagle_n yea_o and_o may_v walk_v as_o angel_n among_o man_n and_o as_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n to_o his_o praise_n and_o honour_n who_o first_o communicate_v to_o we_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o then_o by_o that_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o thus_o be_v he_o glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o admire_v in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v finis_fw-la uniformity_n examine_v whether_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o wil._n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 13._o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v 1651._o uniformity_n examine_v observe_v that_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n together_o with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a judgement_n do_v often_o both_o in_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n exceed_o press_v for_o uniformity_n i_o have_v be_v urge_v in_o my_o spirit_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o ingenuous_o profess_v i_o can_v yet_o discover_v it_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o any_o will_v instruct_v i_o further_o in_o this_o particular_a so_o he_o do_v it_o from_o the_o word_n now_o uniformity_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o unity_n of_o form_n and_o the_o form_n they_o mean_v no_o doubt_n be_v outward_a for_o the_o inward_a form_n as_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v accomplish_v by_o outward_a power_n and_o therefore_o till_o i_o know_v their_o meaning_n better_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o uniformity_n they_o understand_v a_o unity_n
and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n verse_n 12._o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o psal_n 69_o 9_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o be_v fall_v upon_o i_o publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v for_o g._n calvert_n at_o the_o black_a spread_v eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n 1651._o to_o the_o reader_n have_v obtain_v this_o grace_n from_o god_n to_o be_v call_v into_o some_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o poor_a saint_n so_o as_o to_z to_o hear_v and_o receive_v from_o he_o something_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n according_a to_o his_o freegrace_n who_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o have_v after_o many_o tear_n and_o temptation_n not-unknown_a to_o many_o yet_o in_o the_o body_n obtain_v this_o further_a grace_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o boldness_n i_o have_v also_o though_o most_o unworthy_a be_v count_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v into_o some_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o encounter_v the_o rage_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o to_o fight_v with_o man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n altogether_o brutish_a and_o furious_a and_o thus_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o i_o often_o especial_o at_o two_o remarkable_a time_n the_o one_o at_o lincoln_n upon_o occasion_n of_o two_o sermon_n preach_v there_o on_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 9_o 7._o of_o the_o enâ—crease_n of_o his_o government_n &_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n wherein_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o own_o proper_a due_a many_o be_v angry_a i_o have_v take_v too_o much_o from_o man_n to_o who_o yet_o nothing_o belong_v but_o iniquiry_n shame_n and_o confusion_n they_o can_v not_o bear_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v but_o that_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o i_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v strong_o uphold_v with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o have_v since_o shine_v into_o many_o heart_n in_o this_o kingdom_n much_o contrary_n to_o their_o desire_n the_o other_o time_n wherein_o i_o meet_v with_o remarkable_a opposition_n be_v late_o at_o marston_n the_o head_n quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n whither_o some_o come_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n in_o all_o probability_n out_o of_o some_o special_a design_n see_v the_o old_a malignity_n now_o act_n in_o a_o new_a form_n and_o be_v daily_o come_v forth_o in_o a_o second_o and_o more_o plausible_a cunning_a and_o deceive_a edition_n become_v exceed_o angry_a and_o heady_a against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v in_o this_o follow_a exposition_n wherein_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v then_o deliver_v be_v exact_o set_v down_o and_o nothing_o abate_v but_o rather_o some_o thing_n far_o press_v 32._o add_v as_o jeremiah_n in_o the_o second_o role_n many_o like_a word_n to_o the_o former_a now_o some_o of_o these_o man_n see_v themselves_o and_o their_o new_a design_n clear_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o make_v altogether_o naked_a sudden_o they_o grow_v fierce_a and_o furious_a contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v some_o witness_n as_o become_v man_n of_o such_o a_o generation_n 44._o these_o man_n according_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o work_v mighty_o in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n come_v and_o fill_v the_o whole_a city_n with_o lie_n and_o slander_n lay_v to_o my_o charge_n thing_n that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o falsehood_n and_o untruth_n whereof_o there_o be_v some_o hundred_o and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a and_o eminent_a worth_n and_o piety_n ready_a to_o witness_v wherefore_o of_o mere_a necessity_n i_o be_v constrain_v to_o publish_v this_o exposition_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o this_o present_a and_o the_o follow_a generation_n of_o these_o man_n resist_v the_o spirit_n and_o act_v against_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o word_n and_o though_o the_o discourse_n be_v very_o plain_a not_o favour_v of_o any_o accurateness_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v themselves_o spiritual_a will_v acknowledge_v something_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n will_v relish_v and_o love_v it_o though_o other_o will_v therefore_o be_v at_o the_o great_a enmity_n against_o it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o resolution_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o to_o weigh_v all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n or_o hell_n one_o feather_n but_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a trial_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o slander_n and_o lie_v of_o man_n shall_v prevail_v whether_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n that_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o and_o many_o other_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o blot_v out_o or_o darken_v the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n come_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o whether_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o love_n and_o protection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o more_o the_o world_n act_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o more_o will_v christ_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v in_o his_o own_o spirit_n till_o all_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o now_o have_v all_o these_o man_n obtain_v by_o all_o their_o malice_n and_o fury_n but_o a_o great_a and_o more_o open_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o cause_v that_o that_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o only_a stone_n in_o one_o congregation_n shall_v through_o the_o print_n of_o it_o have_v its_o beam_n scatter_v in_o many_o pars_fw-la of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o ever_o the_o truth_n come_v the_o child_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v entertain_v it_o and_o ask_v no_o body_n leave_v and_o thus_o through_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n wisdom_n do_v these_o man_n betray_v their_o own_o and_o their_o fellow_n cause_n and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o and_o their_o end_n and_o whilst_o they_o think_v to_o oppress_v the_o truth_n propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o thus_o shall_v truth_n enemy_n perish_v and_o the_o truth_n itself_o flourish_v yea_o flourish_n through_o slander_n opposition_n contradiction_n blasphemy_n and_o all_o the_o vileness_n and_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o this_o confidence_n in_o we_o arise_v hence_o because_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n but_o be_v rise_v and_o ascend_v and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n among_o his_o friend_n and_o among_o his_o enemy_n till_o these_o be_v make_v his_o footstool_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o be_v now_o in_o expectation_n of_o now_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n withal_o in_o this_o epistle_n be_v this_o that_o none_o of_o these_o thorny_a hearer_n dare_v after_o come_v to_o discourse_n with_o i_o or_o to_o look_v i_o in_o the_o face_n but_o one_o among_o they_o that_o seem_v of_o a_o better_a temper_n than_o the_o rest_n upon_o the_o urge_n of_o a_o godly_a citizen_n then_o present_a do_v speak_v with_o i_o and_o the_o question_n he_o ask_v of_o i_o be_v this_o whether_o i_o think_v that_o all_o presbyterian_o be_v carnal_a gospeler_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o be_v far_o from_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o i_o know_v some_o of_o they_o very_o godly_a christian_n and_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o that_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o distinction_n of_o christian_n as_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o this_o be_v only_o a_o distinction_n of_o man_n make_v tend_v to_o the_o division_n of_o church_n and_o add_v that_o as_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n so_o in_o this_o same_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n neither_o presbytery_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o independency_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o
for_o its_o sake_n and_o so_o shall_v every_o other_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o undertake_v against_o it_o verse_n 16._o behold_v i_o have_v create_v the_o smith_n that_o blow_v the_o coal_n in_o the_o fire_n and_o that_o bring_v forth_o a_o instrument_n for_o his_o work_n and_o i_o have_v create_v the_o waster_n to_o destroy_v verse_n 17._o but_o no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v etc._n etc._n thou_o be_v say_v god_n to_o the_o church_n a_o small_a weak_a despise_a contemn_a persecute_a people_n but_o thy_o safety_n protection_n blessing_n lie_v in_o i_o and_o in_o my_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o love_n behold_v i_o have_v create_v the_o smith_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v i_o have_v form_v he_o that_o make_v the_o sword_n and_o gun_n and_o pike_n and_o that_o prepare_v the_o ammunition_n and_o both_o he_o that_o make_v the_o weapon_n and_o he_o that_o use_v it_o be_v in_o my_o hand_n and_o they_o shall_v only_o do_v what_o i_o will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o no_o more_o and_o so_o no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v god_n blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o weapon_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n and_o puts_z fear_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o use_v it_o and_o so_o no_o weapon_n that_o have_v be_v use_v have_v prosper_v hitherto_o and_o if_o any_o more_o weapon_n shall_v be_v use_v hereafter_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o unprosperous_a as_o these_o and_o every_o tongne_n that_o shall_v rise_v against_o thou_o in_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v condemn_v two_o way_n you_o see_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n assault_v the_o church_n by_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o tongue_n and_o this_o latter_a way_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a of_o the_o two_o by_o the_o former_a they_o scourge_v the_o church_n with_o rod_n by_o this_o latter_a with_o scorpion_n this_o weapon_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a weapon_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v against_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n and_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o annoy_v the_o church_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o enemy_n sail_v at_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o weapon_n he_o undertake_v again_o with_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o tongue_n and_o with_o this_o the_o enemy_n strike_v against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o against_o the_o truth_n itself_o profess_v by_o the_o saint_n against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n clothe_v they_o with_o odious_a name_n and_o load_v they_o with_o base_a aspersion_n independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n and_o some_o suh_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o kingdom_n but_o they_o abuse_v the_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n with_o these_o and_o other_o reproach_n and_o so_o crucify_v christ_n again_o in_o his_o body_n not_o between_o two_o thief_n but_o between_o two_o hundred_o thief_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v he_o their_o tongue_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o it_o intimate_v they_o shall_v have_v specious_a pretence_n against_o the_o church_n oh_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o that_o make_v the_o nation_n full_a of_o tumult_n and_o uproar_n that_o work_v all_o the_o disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v fit_a such_o man_n and_o congregation_n shall_v be_v suppress_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o employment_n in_o church_n or_o state_n it_o will_v never_o be_v a_o quiet_a world_n till_o some_o course_n be_v take_v with_o they_o that_o we_o may_v have_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o government_n again_o and_o thus_o they_o have_v fair_a pretence_n against_o the_o godly_a and_o use_v the_o glorious_a name_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o government_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o they_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n for_o their_o tongue_n to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o yea_o i_o think_v this_o phrase_n intimate_v thus_o much_o as_o if_o they_o will_v call_v in_o the_o aid_n and_o power_n of_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n against_o the_o spiritual_a christian_n and_o then_o their_o tongue_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o indeed_o and_o except_o they_o engage_v the_o magistrate_n power_n against_o the_o saint_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o do_v they_o mischief_n enough_o and_o thus_o their_o tongue_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n 2._o as_o the_o enemy_n strike_v with_o their_o tongue_n against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n so_o also_o against_o the_o truth_n profess_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o this_o they_o call_v by_o way_n of_o reproach_n new_a light_n as_o their_o predecessor_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o kingdom_n call_v it_o new_a learning_n yea_o they_o call_v the_o truth_n error_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o word_n heresy_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n independency_n and_o the_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o grieve_v the_o saint_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o any_o personal_a reproach_n to_o hear_v the_o truth_n and_o light_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n despise_v and_o speak_v against_o and_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v that_o that_o fetch_v not_o only_a tear_n from_o their_o eye_n but_o even_o drop_n of_o blood_n from_o their_o heart_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v much_o dear_a to_o they_o than_o their_o estate_n or_o name_n or_o life_n but_o see_v how_o god_n conquer_v this_o weapon_n of_o the_o enemy_n tongue_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a weapon_n of_o their_o hand_n every_o tongue_n that_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o thou_o shall_v condemn_v all_o that_o speak_v and_o rage_n and_o rail_v and_o reproach_n and_o slander_n and_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v the_o saint_n either_o by_o their_o tongue_n or_o pen_n thou_o by_o thy_o uprightness_n integrity_n innocency_n truth_n faithfulness_n shall_v condemn_v they_o thy_o way_n and_o thy_o work_n that_o be_v lead_v and_o act_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o thy_o enemy_n and_o their_o misreport_n and_o slander_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o as_o a_o mist_n before_o the_o sun_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o integrity_n shall_v break_v forth_o in_o that_o clearness_n and_o brightness_n and_o strength_n that_o they_o shall_v sit_v down_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o saint_n but_o by_o all_o the_o common_a morality_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v carry_v their_o guilt_n with_o they_o night_n and_o day_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o look_v the_o godly_a in_o the_o face_n who_o they_o have_v so_o reproach_v the_o very_a presence_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o have_v before_o so_o unworthy_o judge_v they_o yea_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v see_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v justify_v they_o and_o condemn_v their_o enemy_n and_o shall_v say_v lo_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o the_o world_n judge_v for_o sectary_n and_o schismatic_n &_o what_o not_o see_v how_o faithful_a they_o have_v be_v to_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o state_n and_o sure_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v bad_a man_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o these_o and_o thus_o while_o our_o enemy_n judge_v we_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v themselves_o and_o this_o shall_v certain_o be_v do_v as_o sure_a as_o the_o world_n of_o god_n be_v true_a &_o as_o sure_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n for_o this_o be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v you_o shall_v have_v this_o by_o as_o sure_a right_n as_o any_o man_n have_v a_o inheritance_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o he_o this_o be_v your_o heritage_n o_o you_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o make_v void_a the_o force_n of_o every_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v against_o you_o and_o to_o condemn_v every_o tongue_n that_o judge_v you_o this_o promise_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o the_o lot_n of_o our_o inheritance_n and_o in_o this_o we_o rejoice_v that_o while_o we_o serve_v the_o lord_n true_o and_o faithful_o neither_o the_o hand_n nor_o tongue_n of_o the_o enemy_n shall_v hurt_v we_o but_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conquerous_a over_o all_o let_v my_o portion_n fall_v in_o this_o pleasant_a place_n and_o i_o shall_v have_v a_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 government_n 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 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 alike_o 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_n power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n 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 self_n same_o 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._o 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 father_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 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 quest_n about_o which_o 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 be_v that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o 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._o 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 do_v they_o also_o receive_v these_o key_n and_o so_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n equal_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o these_o key_n appertain_v not_o only_o to_o great_a congregation_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o christ_n have_v promise_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o where_o we_o see_v that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n have_v as_o much_o power_n as_o peter_z and_o all_o the_o apostle_n because_o christ_n be_v equal_o present_a with_o these_o as_o with_o those_o again_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o if_o the_o offend_a brother_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o brethren_n the_o offend_a brother_n shall_v tell_v the_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a see_v man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n through_o any_o office_n but_o only_o through_o faith_n and_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n among_o the_o faithful_a belong_v to_o every_o faithful_a man_n alike_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a power_n that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o power_n
now_o as_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n so_o the_o power_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o this_o church_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a power_n i_o may_v add_v nor_o any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n according_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n it_o that_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o true_a church_n but_o mere_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n without_o any_o conjunction_n or_o mixture_n of_o the_o other_o see_v christ_n power_n be_v perfect_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o so_o man_n may_v as_o well_o carry_v worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n into_o the_o father_n kingdom_n as_o into_o the_o son_n see_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o no_o other_o than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o earth_n which_o have_v not_o be_v understand_v nor_o consider_v by_o they_o who_o have_v be_v so_o busy_a to_o bring_v secular_a power_n into_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o if_o christ_n own_o power_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v either_o weak_a or_o imperfect_a more_o particular_o this_o true_a power_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v as_o i_o say_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o christ_n power_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o violence_n but_o a_o power_n of_o influence_n even_o such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o head_n have_v over_o the_o member_n and_o the_o soul_n over_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o a_o coercive_a but_o a_o persuasive_a power_n a_o power_n that_o make_v man_n willing_a that_o be_v not_o willing_a and_o do_v not_o force_v the_o unwilling_a against_o their_o will_n 2._o this_o power_n be_v humble_a and_o not_o proud_a as_o worldly_a power_n be_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n set_v man_n over_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n set_v man_n under_o other_o i_o say_v christ_n of_o himself_o be_o among_o you_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v and_o again_o he_o that_o will_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o all_o 3._o this_o power_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n as_o paul_n acknowledge_v 10._o again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o power_n the_o lord_n give_v he_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o power_n viz._n not_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o their_o native_a kingdom_n but_o to_o translate_v they_o into_o god_n kingdom_n not_o to_o take_v away_o their_o outward_a liberty_n or_o estate_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o liberty_n and_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v man_n by_o temporal_a death_n 4._o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o more_o than_o its_o own_o yea_o good_a of_o other_o with_o the_o neglect_n of_o its_o own_o so_o moses_n be_v not_o busy_a to_o have_v a_o most_o rebellious_a people_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o desire_v his_o own_o name_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o that_o book_n that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v be_v write_v in_o and_o paul_n desire_v that_o himself_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o christ_n that_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n after_o the_o flesh_n may_v have_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o if_o this_o power_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o other_o after_o this_o high_a rate_n even_o to_o the_o neglect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o own_o eternal_a good_a how_o much_o more_o to_o the_o neglect_v and_o lay_v aside_o their_o temporal_a good_a their_o worldly_a profit_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n 5._o this_o power_n do_v not_o make_v other_o suffer_v to_o enlarge_v the_o church_n but_o suffer_v itself_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o so_o christ_n as_o wickliff_n say_v through_o his_o poverty_n humility_n and_o suffer_a injury_n and_o death_n get_v unto_o he_o the_o child_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o by_o force_n and_o the_o martyr_n enlarge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o cause_v other_o to_o die_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o this_o power_n only_a act_n to_o a_o spiritual_a end_n salvation_n and_o only_o according_a to_o spiritual_a law_n but_o not_o to_o any_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a end_n according_a to_o civil_a and_o humane_a law_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o this_o true_a church_n power_n for_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o both_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a differ_v very_o much_o both_o from_o the_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a man_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o true_a church_n power_n i_o answer_v further_o that_o this_o power_n extend_v itself_o full_a as_o far_o as_o the_o church_n but_o no_o further_o for_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v say_v paul_n with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o church_n power_n which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v no_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o world_n then_o worldly_a power_n which_o be_v fleshly_a be_v suitable_a to_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n power_n only_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n true_o church_n government_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a influence_n and_o operation_n but_o no_o further_o that_o be_v to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a but_o to_o none_o that_o be_v unwilling_a as_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o church_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n so_o nothing_o have_v more_o trouble_v the_o world_n then_o to_o govern_v it_o and_o give_v it_o law_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o aforesaid_a compulsion_n wherefore_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o world_n but_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_a thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o their_o distinct_a government_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o this_o power_n i_o answer_v power_n the_o word_n only_o which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n to_o govern_v his_o people_n and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n christ_n himself_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n use_v no_o other_o instrument_n to_o 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
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._o 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 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