and_o that_o without_o question_n the_o wrong_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v but_o to_o be_v testify_v against_o however_o specious_a its_o appearance_n may_v be_v and_o that_o it_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v judge_v the_o question_n will_v arise_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n or_o judge_n in_o who_o reside_v the_o power_n of_o decide_v this_o controversy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o undertake_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v the_o specific_a difference_n and_o distinguish_a property_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o other_o antichristian-assembly_n and_o church_n of_o man_n building_n and_o frame_v to_o give_v a_o short_a and_o yet_o clear_a and_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o proposition_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a uner_a infallible_a and_o certain_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v observe_v yet_o not_o so_o as_o upon_o which_o either_o main_o or_o only_o the_o infallible_a judgement_n be_v to_o be_v place_v but_o upon_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a foundation_n and_o now_o if_o i_o shall_v 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suppose_v as_o the_o contrary_a but_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n before_o i_o conclude_v i_o shall_v not_o doubt_n both_o to_o affirm_v and_o prove_v these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v second_o that_o god_n have_v ordinary_o in_o the_o communicate_v of_o his_o will_n under_o his_o gospel_n employ_v such_o who_o he_o have_v make_v use_v of_o in_o gather_v of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o feed_v and_o watch_v over_o they_o though_o not_o exclude_v other_o three_o that_o their_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la or_o effectual_o meet_v together_o and_o give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n or_o a_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o universal_a privilege_n that_o all_o christian_n have_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o contradict_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v upon_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o or_o so_o excuse_v they_o from_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n for_o the_o first_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o probation_n then_o that_o of_o mat._n 28_o 20._o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o now_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o in_o case_n of_o difference_n there_o be_v not_o any_o find_v that_o by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n can_v give_v a_o certain_a judgement_n will_v not_o then_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o it_o for_o where_o be_v 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for_o the_o exaltation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o gospel_n in_o the_o earth_n we_o have_v not_o be_v want_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o life_n to_o seek_v the_o scatter_a one_o hold_v forth_o the_o live_n and_o sure_a foundation_n and_o invite_v and_o persuade_v all_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o reproof_n as_o he_o make_v himself_o manifest_a in_o and_o by_o his_o light_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o our_o care_n and_o travail_n be_v and_o have_v be_v towards_o those_o that_o be_v without_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v out_o again_o or_o draw_v aside_o either_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n or_o the_o right_n by_o the_o work_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o clear_v and_o open_v we_o do_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o that_o arise_v among_o ourselves_o do_v oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v acknowledge_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o also_o certain_a practice_n &_o performance_n by_o which_o we_o be_v come_v to_o be_v separate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o so_o as_o to_o meet_v apart_o and_o also_o to_o suffer_v deep_o for_o our_o joint-testimony_n there_o be_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o in_o the_o gather_n of_o we_o so_o in_o the_o preserve_n of_o we_o while_o gather_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n &_o this_o we_o suppose_v neither_o to_o be_v popish_a nor_o antichristian_a let_v our_o opposer_n say_v it_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o can_v without_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n such_o second_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o be_v not_o call_v in_o the_o same_o station_n some_o rich_a some_o poor_a some_o servant_n some_o master_n some_o marry_v some_o unmarried_a some_o widow_n and_o some_o orphan_n and_o so_o forth_o it_o be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o absolute_o needful_a that_o there_o be_v certain_a meeting_n at_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n as_o may_v best_o suit_v the_o conveniency_n of_o such_o who_o may_v be_v most_o particular_o concern_v in_o they_o where_o both_o those_o that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n may_v assemble_v and_o those_o who_o may_v need_v this_o care_n may_v come_v and_o make_v know_v their_o necessity_n and_o receive_v help_n whether_o by_o counsel_n or_o supply_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a needs_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o be_v lead_v inward_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n else_o how_o come_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o day_n of_o the_o powerful_a pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o set_v apart_o man_n for_o this_o purpose_n sure_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lead_v they_o from_o their_o inward_a guide_n yea_o of_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v express_o say_v look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n sure_o they_o be_v not_o to_o undertake_v a_o business_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o may_v import_v a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o fit_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o have_v meeting_n about_o business_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o whimsical_a or_o conceit_a as_o to_o scruple_n their_o be_v at_o set_a place_n and_o time_n though_o these_o be_v nothing_o relative_a to_o the_o essential_a part_n but_o only_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o conveniency_n of_o our_o person_n which_o we_o must_v have_v regard_v to_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o such_o notionist_n as_o be_v against_o this_o godly_a care_n work_v far_o more_o in_o their_o vain_a imagination_n than_o they_o reduce_v to_o practice_n be_v like_a unto_o such_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n james_n testify_v who_o content_n themselves_o with_o say_v to_o the_o naked_a be_v clothe_v and_o to_o the_o hungry_a be_v feed_v while_o they_o offer_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o clothing_n and_o feed_v of_o they_o yet_o shall_v we_o not_o scruple_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o we_o both_o appoint_v place_n and_o time_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o place_n i_o say_v as_o before_o it_o be_v with_o our_o body_n we_o must_v meet_v as_o well_o as_o with_o our_o spirit_n and_o so_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v convey_v our_o body_n unto_o one_o place_n that_o we_o may_v speak_v and_o act_v in_o those_o thing_n we_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o must_v be_v in_o some_o certain_a place_n where_o all_o must_v know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o have_v herein_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o conveniency_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o as_o meet_v be_v it_o fit_a that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n shall_v go_v do_v their_o business_n at_o antioch_n or_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o rome_n nay_o sure_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o always_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v respect_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o appoint_v of_o our_o meeting_n and_o do_v it_o not_o without_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o fear_n and_o so_o the_o like_a as_o to_o time_n which_o be_v no_o contradict_v of_o the_o inward_a lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n else_o how_o come_v the_o apostle_n to_o appoint_v a_o time_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o contribution_n desire_v they_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 2._o to_o lay_v by_o they_o in_o store_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n yea_o say_v he_o not_o that_o he_o give_v the_o same_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o in_o reason_n can_v quarrel_v set-time_n for_o outward_a business_n it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o subjection_n to_o god_n will_n as_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v such_o as_o so_o do_v but_o quarrel_v the_o apostle_n for_o this_o imposition_n at_o that_o rate_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n we_o appoint_v no_o set_a time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o appoint_v man_n to_o preach_v and_o pray_v at_o such_o and_o such_o set-time_n though_o we_o appoint_v time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v feel_v his_o presence_n and_o he_o may_v move_v in_o and_o through_o who_o he_o please_v without_o limitation_n which_o practice_n of_o meet_v together_o we_o be_v great_o encourage_v to_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o bless_a experience_n and_o also_o we_o be_v severe_o prohibit_v to_o lay_v it_o aside_o by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o such_o as_o by_o negligence_n or_o prejudice_n forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n upon_o many_o of_o which_o be_v already_o fulfil_v and_o upon_o other_o daily_o fulfil_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o such_o transgressor_n read_v heb._n 10._o from_o ver_fw-la 23._o to_o the_o end_n where_o that_o duty_n be_v so_o serious_o exhort_v to_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o reckon_v a_o wilful_a sin_n almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o unpardonable_a yea_o a_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n and_o prove_v the_o lamentable_a fruit_n of_o such_o as_o have_v so_o backsliden_fw-mi among_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v so_o much_o good_a and_o real_a ground_n for_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o together_o with_o the_o approbation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o by_o command_n and_o practice_n we_o can_v as_o that_o which_o both_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o foundation_n and_o cap-stone_n faithful_o affirm_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n both_o to_o appoint_v place_n and_o time_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o face_n one_o of_o another_o and_o
the_o anarchy_n of_o the_o ranter_n and_o other_o libertine_n the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o pretend_a church_n equal_o refuse_v and_o refute_v in_o a_o twofold_n apology_n for_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n call_v in_o derision_n quaker_n wherein_o they_o be_v vindicated_n from_o those_o that_o accuse_v they_o of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o from_o such_o as_o calumniate_v they_o with_o tyranny_n and_o imposition_n on_o the_o other_o show_v that_o as_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v restore_v by_o their_o testimony_n so_o be_v also_o the_o ancient_a apostolic_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n reestablish_v among_o they_o and_o settle_v upon_o its_o right_a basis_n and_o foundation_n by_o robert_n barclay_n phil._n 2._o 3._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v another_o better_a than_o themselves_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v print_a in_o the_o year_n 1676._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o his_o fall_a state_n and_o so_o averse_a be_v he_o from_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a and_o even_a path_n of_o truth_n that_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o be_v inclinable_a to_o lean_a either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o the_o left_a yea_o such_o as_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v obtain_v a_o entrance_n in_o this_o way_n be_v daily_o molest_v and_o set_v upon_o on_o all_o hand_n some_o strive_v to_o draw_v they_o the_o one_o way_n some_o the_o other_o and_o if_o through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n they_o be_v keep_v faithful_a and_o stable_a then_o be_v they_o calumniate_v on_o bothside_n each_o liken_v or_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o enemy_n those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v observe_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n but_o especial_o those_o who_o place_n it_o have_v be_v to_o reform_v and_o restore_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o decay_v or_o any_o considerable_a time_n have_v be_v liable_a to_o such_o censure_n hence_o those_o that_o set_v about_o repair_v of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v necessitate_v to_o work_n with_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o defend_v with_o the_o other_o christ_n be_v accuse_v of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o samaritan_n and_o by_o the_o samaritan_n quarrel_v for_o be_v a_o jew_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v whip_v &_o imprison_v by_o the_o gentile_n and_o upbraid_v with_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o teach_v their_o custom_n the_o same_o paul_n be_v hale_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v kill_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o break_v the_o law_n and_o defile_v the_o temple_n with_o the_o gentile_n the_o like_a have_v also_o befall_v these_o faithful_a witness_n and_o messenger_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o in_o this_o day_n to_o witness_v for_o his_o truth_n which_o have_v long_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v but_o now_o be_v again_o reveal_v and_o many_o bring_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o who_o thereby_o be_v come_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o people_n thus_o gather_v have_v not_o want_v those_o trial_n that_o usual_o accompany_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n &_o on_o the_o left_a each_o characterize_n they_o in_o such_o term_n as_o they_o haâ—e_v judge_v will_v prove_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o false_a witness_n against_o their_o lord_n do_v not_o agree_v neither_o do_v these_o against_o we_o some_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v foolish_a mad_a creature_n other_o to_o be_v deep_o subtle_a politition_n vizard_n some_o to_o be_v illiterate_a ignorant_a fellow_n other_o to_o be_v learn_v cunning_a jesuit_n under_o a_o mere_a vizard_n divers_a professor_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v only_a pensioner_n of_o the_o pope_n undoubted_o papist_n but_o the_o papist_n abhor_v we_o as_o heretic_n sometime_o we_o be_v a_o disorderly_a confuse_a rabble_n leave_v every_o one_o to_o do_v as_o they_o list_v against_o all_o good_a order_n and_o government_n at_o other_o time_n we_o be_v so_o much_o for_o order_n as_o we_o admit_v not_o man_n to_o exercise_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n thus_o be_v our_o reputation_n toss_v by_o the_o envy_n of_o our_o adversary_n which_o yet_o can_v but_o have_v this_o effect_n upon_o sober-minded_n people_n as_o to_o see_v what_o malice_n work_v against_o we_o and_o how_o these_o man_n by_o their_o contradictory_n assertion_n concern_v we_o save_v we_o the_o pain_n while_o they_o refute_v one_o another_o true_a it_o be_v we_o have_v labour_v to_o walk_v amid_o these_o extremity_n &_o upon_o our_o appear_v for_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v find_v thing_n good_a in_o themselves_o abuse_v upon_o both_o hand_n for_o such_o have_v always_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o apostasy_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o shadow_n of_o certain_a truth_n that_o therethrough_a they_o may_v shelter_v other_o evil_n thus_o the_o jew_n make_v use_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o vindicate_v their_o abuse_n yea_o and_o to_o crucify_v christ_n and_o how_o much_o many_o christian_n abuse_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o uphold_v thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o it_o will_v in_o the_o general_n be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o most_o but_o to_o descend_v more_o particular_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o both_o of_o which_o in_o their_o primitive_a use_n be_v appoint_v and_o do_v very_o much_o contribute_v towards_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v they_o of_o christ_n for_o the_o gather_v building_n up_o and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o power_n and_o authority_n they_o also_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o other_o be_v that_o privilege_n give_v to_o every_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v teach_v thereof_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o both_o these_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n wrought_v effectual_o towards_o the_o same_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o do_v as_o in_o their_o nature_n they_o may_v and_o in_o their_o use_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o a_o good_a harmony_n very_o well_o consist_v together_o but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n they_o be_v make_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o destroy_v one_o another_o for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o authority_n &_o power_n that_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n while_o it_o be_v annex_v &_o entail_v to_o a_o outward_a ordination_n and_o succession_n of_o teacher_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o cloak_n and_o cover_v all_o manner_n of_o abuse_n even_o the_o height_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o succession_n these_o man_n claim_v the_o like_a infallibility_n that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o any_o inward_a work_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n will_v needs_o oblige_v all_o other_o to_o acquiesce_v and_o agree_v to_o their_o conclusion_n however_o different_a from_o or_o contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o for_o any_o to_o call_v such_o conclusion_n in_o question_n or_o examine_v they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o heinous_a heresy_n deserve_v death_n etc._n etc._n or_o while_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n be_v whole_o bind_v up_o to_o these_o thing_n already_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o if_o god_n have_v speak_v his_o last_o word_n there_o to_o his_o people_n revelation_n we_o be_v put_v with_o our_o own_o natural_a understanding_n to_o debate_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o force_v to_o interpret_v they_o not_o as_o they_o plain_o speak_v but_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o a_o certain_a faith_n make_v by_o man_n not_o so_o much_o contrive_v to_o answer_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v strain_v to_o vindicate_v it_o which_o to_o doubt_v of_o be_v also_o count_v heresy_n deserve_v no_o less_o than_o ejection_n out_o of_o our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o be_v rob_v of_o the_o common_a aid_n our_o nativity_n entitle_v we_o to_o and_o on_o this_o hand_n we_o may_v bold_o say_v both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n have_v great_o go_v aside_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o great_a pretender_n to_o inward_a motion_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o
there_o be_v no_o extravagancy_n so_o wild_a which_o they_o will_v not_o cloak_v with_o it_o and_o so_o much_o be_v they_o for_o every_o one_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o christian-fellowship_n and_o community_n nor_o of_o that_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o this_o give_v a_o open_a door_n to_o all_o libertinism_n and_o bring_v great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o on_o this_o hand_n have_v foul_o fall_v the_o german_a anabaptist_n so_o call_v viz._n john_n of_o leiden_fw-mi knipperdoling_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n these_o monstrous_a thing_n commit_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o some_o more_o moderate_a of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v find_v among_o the_o people_n in_o england_n call_v ranter_n as_o it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v brand_v with_o both_o of_o these_o extreme_n it_o be_v as_o true_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o work_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o even_a and_o good_a path_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o all_o be_v no_o doubt_n lead_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o may_v all_o have_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o subjection_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o authority_n some_o have_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n there_o be_v a_o obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o and_o a_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o a_o know_v of_o the_o inward_a anoint_v by_o which_o each_o individual_a be_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n the_o work_n and_o testimony_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v this_o again_o and_o to_o set_v both_o these_o in_o their_o right_a place_n without_o cause_v they_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o to_o manifest_v how_o this_o be_v accomplish_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o impartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a spirit_n and_o may_v be_v make_v useful_a in_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v friend_n against_o their_o present_a opposer_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o the_o 17_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1674._o by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o content_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n page_n 9_o section_n second_o concern_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n p._n 12._o section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n p._n 18._o section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o p._n 31._o section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v p._n 37._o section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a p._n 47._o section_n seven_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n p._n 66._o section_n eight_o how_o this_o government_n altogether_o differ_v from_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n p._n 75._o the_o conclusion_n p._n 84._o page_n 20._o line_n 18._o for_o gatherng_n read_v gather_v p._n 21._o l._n 17._o f._n chucrch_n r._n church_n l._n 19_o f._n persecutiton_n r._n persecution_n p._n 24._o l._n 22._o f._n dding_n r._n add_v p._n 42._o l._n 2._o f._n god_n d_o r._n god_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o his_o own_o appoint_a time_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n through_o and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o mount_n sinai_n divers_a commandment_n ordinance_n appointment_n and_o observation_n according_a as_o they_o be_v testify_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n it_o please_v he_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n who_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v approve_v himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n he_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v hold_v he_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v his_o despise_a witness_n who_o have_v believe_v in_o he_o in_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a comfort_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v and_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o suffer_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o by_o which_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v fill_v be_v embolden_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n without_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o great_a love_n and_o zeal_n prevail_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o lack_v for_o a_o season_n but_o all_o that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o net_n do_v not_o prove_v good_a and_o wholesome_a fish_n some_o be_v again_o to_o be_v cast_v in_o that_o ocean_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v draw_v of_o those_o many_o that_o be_v call_v all_o prove_v not_o choose_v vessel_n fit_a for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o great_a supper_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n there_o be_v that_o be_v find_v without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n some_o make_v a_o show_n for_o a_o season_n and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o there_o be_v that_o draw_v back_o there_o be_v that_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o do_v backslide_v themselves_o but_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o perdition_n with_o themselves_o seek_v to_o overturn_v their_o faith_n also_o yea_o there_o be_v that_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o also_o of_o those_o member_n that_o become_v not_o whole_o corrupt_v for_o some_o be_v never_o again_o restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v that_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a and_o young_a some_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n some_o be_v to_o be_v purge_v when_o the_o old_a leaven_n receive_v any_o place_n and_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o camp_n for_o a_o time_n until_o their_o leprosy_n be_v heal_v and_o then_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o again_o moreover_o as_o to_o outward_o there_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o fatherless_a of_o the_o stranger_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o several_a member_n of_o that_o body_n know_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o good_a order_n and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o preserve_v and_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o right_a station_n do_v in_o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n minister_v unto_o every_o member_n a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o diverse_a according_a to_o operation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n some_o apostle_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n there_o be_v old_a man_n there_o be_v young_a man_n there_o be_v babe_n for_o all_o be_v not_o apostle_n neither_o be_v all_o elder_n neither_o be_v all_o babe_n yet_o be_v all_o member_n and_o as_o such_o all_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n which_o from_o the_o head_n flow_v unto_o all_o the_o body_n be_v the_o ointment_n of_o aaron_n '_o s_o beard_n unto_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o every_o member_n have_v its_o place_n and_o station_n in_o the_o body_n so_o long_o as_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n and_o
13._o 7._o remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o judas_n 8._o likewise_o also_o these_o filthy_a dreamer_n defile_v the_o flesh_n despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n i_o may_v at_o length_n enlarge_v if_o needful_a upon_o these_o passage_n any_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n but_o that_o what_o be_v say_v may_v satisfy_v such_o as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a from_o these_o testimony_n then_o that_o the_o ancient_a apostle_n &_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o some_o do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v certain_a thing_n condemn_v and_o approve_v certain_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n upon_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o submit_v that_o this_o be_v no_o encroachment_n nor-imposition_n upon_o their_o christian-liberty_n nor_o any_o way_n contradictory_n to_o their_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o last_o that_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o true_a feel_n and_o sense_n will_v find_v it_o their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o be_v one_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o like_a case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n that_o dissent_n and_o be_v disobedient_a under_o the_o false_a prentence_n of_o liberty_n so_o that_o thus_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v in_o this_o place_n three_o i_o judge_v there_o will_v need_v no_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v &_o do_v well_o to_o exercise_v the_o like_a government_n upon_o the_o very_a like_o occasion_n for_o even_o reason_n may_v teach_v we_o that_o what_o prove_v good_a &_o wholesome_a cure_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a age_n will_v not_o now_o the_o very_a like_o distemper_n fall_v in_o prove_v hurtful_a and_o poisonable_a especial_o if_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n not_o only_o allow_v we_o but_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v manifest_a though_o we_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n now_o fall_v in_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v that_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a with_o we_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v sharer_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o consolation_n that_o afterward_o fall_v away_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n that_o some_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o some_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o strive_v to_o sow_v division_n labour_v to_o stumble_v the_o weak_a and_o to_o cause_n offence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o then_o be_v more_o suitable_a and_o more_o christian_n then_o to_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o labour_n and_o travail_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o remove_n all_o that_o be_v hurtful_a even_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o walk_v with_o jesus_n do_v before_o we_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a now_o must_v not_o they_o be_v admonish_v rebuke_v and_o withdraw_v from_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a or_o be_v such_o to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n that_o all_o iniquity_n must_v go_v unreproved_a must_v it_o be_v heresy_n or_o oppression_n to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o in_o love_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o corrupt_a no_o defile_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o careful_o and_o christian_o deal_v with_o they_o for_o restore_v they_o if_o possible_a and_o for_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o incurable_a i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o practice_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n as_o a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o authorise_v a_o practice_n now_o that_o will_v deny_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o usefulness_n hereof_o but_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v as_o some_o have_v do_v do_v not_o you_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o that_o the_o command_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o you_o now_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o you_o be_v again_o authorize_v and_o lead_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n do_v you_o not_o forbear_v some_o thing_n both_o practise_v and_o command_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o saint_n well_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n weaken_v this_o objection_n but_o present_v it_o in_o its_o full_a vigour_n and_o strength_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v clear_o and_o distinct_o answer_v thus_o first_o season_n and_o time_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o though_o it_o may_v cause_v thing_n to_o alter_v as_o to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o not_o usefulness_n of_o they_o second_o thing_n command_v and_o practise_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n fall_v of_o themselves_o whenas_o the_o cause_n and_o ground_n for_o which_o they_o be_v command_v be_v remove_v as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n now_o for_o the_o decision_n about_o circumcision_n see_v there_o be_v none_o contend_v for_o it_o neither_o as_o to_o the_o order_n concern_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n see_v there_o be_v now_o no_o such_o occasion_n yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o command_v enjoin_v in_o the_o same_o place_n act_v 15._o 20._o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n be_v now_o make_v void_a see_v there_o be_v daily_a need_n for_o its_o stand_n in_o force_n because_o it_o yet_o remain_v as_o a_o temptation_n man_n be_v incident_a to_o we_o confess_v indeed_o we_o be_v against_o such_o as_o from_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o if_o it_o be_v seasonable_a now_o to_o debate_v it_o we_o find_v but_o few_o to_o deal_v with_o who_o practice_n be_v so_o exact_o square_v seek_v to_o uphold_v custom_n form_n or_o shadow_n when_o the_o use_v for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v be_v remove_v or_o the_o substance_n itself_o know_v and_o witness_v as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o elsewhere_o answer_v our_o opposer_n in_o the_o case_n of_o water-baptism_n and_o bread_n and_o wine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o objection_n as_o to_o that_o do_v not_o hold_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o wide_a in_o respect_n of_o such_o thing_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o substance_n of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n yea_o without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o people_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o own_o and_o believe_v original_o and_o principal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n have_v constrain_v our_o understanding_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v great_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o comfort_v in_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a believe_v and_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n the_o same_o truth_n so_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 we_o speak_v and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o that_o from_o the_o letter_n have_v have_v the_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v thereby_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n receive_v occasion_n to_o have_v they_o reveal_v in_o the_o life_n for_o we_o free_o acknowledge_v though_o often_o calumniate_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n so_o then_o i_o hope_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v i_o now_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a profitable_a yea_o and_o
absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n none_o will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v savour_v ill_a among_o any_o serious_a solid_a christian_n for_o i_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o this_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o find_v it_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n christ_n command_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v and_o recommend_v it_o now_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v they_o and_o maintain_v they_o again_o after_o the_o apostasy_n in_o their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a purity_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v now_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o like_a holy_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o be_v now_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n minister_v to_o we_o therefore_o what_o can_v any_o christianly_o or_o rational_o object_v against_o it_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o old_a be_v undeniable_a what_o kind_n of_o ground_n than_o can_v any_o such_o opposer_n have_v for_o to_o such_o as_o scruple_v at_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v our_o principle_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n or_o imitation_n more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n see_v as_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v people_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v do_v but_o as_o truth_n move_v and_o draw_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v also_o no_o less_o needful_a when_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a as_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v wrong_n be_v remove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a cherish_v and_o encourage_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o ought_v now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o to_o be_v order_n &_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v first_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o second_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v three_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o a_o other_o than_o the_o oppressive_a and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a then_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v proper_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n for_o some_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o at_o least_o afraid_a of_o the_o very_a word_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o like_a pretence_n have_v be_v the_o great_a weapon_n wherewith_o antichrist_n and_o the_o apostate_n christian_n have_v be_v these_o many_o generation_n persecute_v the_o woman_n and_o war_a against_o the_o manchild_n and_o indeed_o great_a dispute_n have_v be_v among_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n in_o the_o apostasy_n concern_v this_o church_n what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v so_o account_v which_o i_o find_v not_o my_o place_n at_o present_a to_o dive_v much_o in_o but_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_a testimony_n the_o word_n church_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o gather_v company_n or_o assembly_n of_o certain_a people_n call_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v which_o be_v that_o the_o translator_n render_v church_n which_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n evoco_fw-la i_o call_v out_o of_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voco_fw-la i_o call_v now_o though_o the_o english_a word_n church_n be_v only_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n yet_o the_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v so_o render_v be_v take_v in_o general_a for_o every_o gather_v or_o meet_v together_o of_o people_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o town-clark_n of_o the_o ephesian_n dismiss_v the_o tumult_n that_o be_v gather_v there_o together_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act_v 19_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o church_n a_o church_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o meeting_n or_o gather_v of_o certain_a people_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o religious_a sense_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n whereby_o as_o a_o body_n they_o become_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a relation_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o conjunct_a interest_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o propagate_a these_o principle_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v right_a and_o therefore_o have_v a_o certain_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o on_o another_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v all_o occasion_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o break_v this_o their_o conjunct_a interest_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o or_o bring_v infamy_n contempt_n or_o contumely_n upon_o it_o or_o give_v such_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v or_o may_v be_v band_v together_o to_o undo_v they_o just_a occasion_n against_o they_o to_o decry_v and_o defame_v they_o now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v that_o church_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n whereof_o christ_n true_o be_v the_o head_n from_o snch_n as_o false_o pretend_v thereto_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o principle_n &_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n &_o order_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o the_o way_n and_o method_n they_o take_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v which_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o clear_v all_o mistake_v forasmuch_o as_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n among_o true_a christian_n which_o move_v they_o to_o gather_v together_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n define_v the_o church_n in_o his_o salutation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n so_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o a_o church_n meeting_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n claim_v towards_o those_o that_o have_v or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o member_n who_o own_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o go_v under_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o denomination_n who_o escape_n fault_n and_o error_n may_v by_o our_o adversary_n just_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o if_o not_o seasonable_o and_o christian_o reprove_v reclaim_v or_o condemn_v for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o far_o less_o who_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reprove_v instruct_v or_o reclaim_v they_o as_o fellow_z member_n or_o brethren_n yet_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o remove_v the_o general_a reproach_n from_o the_o christian_a name_n with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o
to_o take_v care_n one_o for_o another_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o our_o faith_n and_o cofidence_n herein_o can_v be_v stagger_v by_o a_o mere_a denial_n in_o our_o opposer_n which_o no_o man_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n will_v say_v it_o ought_v see_v the_o thing_n itself_o have_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o real_a cause_n and_o foundation_n so_o good_a and_o suitable_a a_o pattern_n and_o example_n and_o that_o it_o be_v constant_o confirm_v to_o we_o both_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o by_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o daily_o reap_v thereby_o as_o a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v therewith_o and_o approve_v we_o in_o it_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n and_o government_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a meeting_n set_v apart_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v for_o this_o order_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v may_v have_v be_v among_o the_o first_o occasion_n that_o give_v the_o like_a among_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o widow_n and_o orphan_n love_n and_o compassion_n be_v the_o great_a yea_o and_o the_o chief_a mark_n of_o christianity_n hereby_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v say_v christ_n that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o james_n the_o apostle_n place_n religion_n herein_o in_o the_o first_o place_n pure_a religion_n say_v he_o and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o then_o as_o one_o main_a end_n do_v we_o meet_v together_o that_o inquiry_n may_v be_v make_v if_o there_o be_v any_o poor_a of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o need_v that_o they_o may_v be_v supply_v that_o the_o widow_n may_v be_v take_v care_n of_o that_o the_o orphan_n and_o fatherless_a may_v be_v breed_v up_o and_o educate_v who_o will_v be_v so_o unchristian_a as_o to_o reprove_v this_o good_a order_n and_o government_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v needless_a but_o if_o any_o will_v thus_o object_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n lead_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o need_n what_o needs_o meeting_n about_o it_o and_o such_o formality_n i_o answer_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o so_o to_o do_v what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o be_v this_o a_o practice_n any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v now_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a lead_v his_o people_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v orderly_o and_o of_o a_o good_a report_n for_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n &_o therefore_o the_o holy_a apostle_n judge_v it_o no_o inconsistency_n with_o their_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o appoint_v man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n over_o the_o business_n of_o the_o poor_a now_o if_o to_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o qualification_n needful_a for_o this_o employment_n sure_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o employment_n be_v not_o to_o render_v this_o so_o needful_a a_o qualification_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o moreover_o we_o see_v though_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n all_o fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o there_o be_v something_o want_v before_o this_o good_a order_n be_v establish_v there_o be_v a_o murmur_a that_o some_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n go_v about_o to_o remedy_v this_o evil_n that_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n or_o that_o this_o remedy_n they_o be_v lead_v to_o be_v step_v into_o the_o apostasy_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o say_v of_o we_o we_o proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n if_o then_o it_o be_v thus_o needful_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o beggar_n to_o be_v among_o israel_n of_o old_a so_o far_o less_o now_o must_v there_o not_o be_v meeting_n to_o appoint_v contribution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o perform_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o give_v of_o a_o general_a intimation_n what_o the_o needs_o be_v that_o every_o one_o as_o god_n move_v sheir_v heart_n and_o have_v prosper_v they_o without_o imposition_n force_n or_o limitation_n may_v give_v towards_o these_o needful_a uses_n in_o which_o case_n these_o murmurer_n at_o our_o good_a order_n in_o such_o matter_n may_v well_o think_v strange_a at_o the_o apostle_n how_o press_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o reiterate_v his_o desire_n and_o provocation_n so_o to_o speak_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 1_o 2_o and_o the_o 8_o and_o 9th_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2d_o epistle_n throughout_o now_o though_o he_o testify_v to_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o yet_o cease_v he_o not_o to_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v yea_o and_o to_o give_v they_o certain_a order_n in_o this_o matter_n beside_o all_o these_o reason_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o unprejudicate_a man_n the_o secret_a approbation_n of_o god_n spirit_n accompany_v we_o in_o this_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o hundred_o can_v witness_v to_o who_o need_v have_v be_v supply_v and_o themselves_o help_v through_o divers_a difficulty_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o already_o &_o of_o many_o more_o orphan_n and_o fatherless_a child_n who_o have_v find_v no_o want_n neither_o of_o father_n nor_o mother_n or_o other_o relation_n through_o the_o tender_a love_n and_o care_n of_o god_n people_n in_o put_v they_o in_o trade_n and_o employment_n and_o give_v they_o all_o needful_a education_n which_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v ere_o this_o age_n pass_v away_o to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a do_n and_o order_n of_o man_n but_o the_o work_n of_o he_o who_o be_v appear_v in_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o establish_v not_o only_a truth_n but_o mercy_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o that_o end_n therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o take_n up_o and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o betwixt_o friend_n and_o friend_n for_o such_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o through_o the_o intricacy_n of_o diverse_a affair_n where_o neither_o have_v any_o positive_a intention_n to_o injure_v and_o defraud_v his_o neighbour_n as_o in_o many_o case_n may_v be_v instance_a or_o if_o through_o the_o work_n and_o temptation_n of_o he_o who_o work_n be_v to_o beset_v the_o faithful_a and_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o engender_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v strife_n and_o division_n among_o they_o any_o shall_v step_v aside_o as_o to_o offer_v to_o wrong_v or_o prejudge_v his_o neighbour_n we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o without_o go_v to_o other_o to_o seek_v redress_n and_o this_o in_o itself_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v tell_v if_o any_o that_o be_v not_o whole_o prejudicate_v or_o obstinate_a can_v blame_v it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o joint-interest_n to_o bring_v all_o other_o unto_o the_o same_o truth_n with_o we_o as_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v wrong_n what_o confidence_n can_v we_o have_v to_o think_v of_o reclaim_v they_o if_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v have_v not_o efficacy_n as_o to_o reconcile_v we_o among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v force_v to_o go_v out_o to_o other_o for_o equity_n and_o justice_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o among_o ourselves_o
how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v among_o we_o when_o such_o virtue_n as_o which_o still_o accompany_v the_o truth_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v to_o be_v want_v shall_v we_o affirm_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o and_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v no_o less_o tendency_n moreover_o beside_o the_o enforce_v and_o intrinsic_a reason_n of_o this_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n approbation_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 6._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n if_o it_o be_v object_v do_v you_o reckon_v all_o unjust_a that_o be_v not_o of_o you_o think_v you_o all_o other_o people_n void_a of_o justice_n i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v he_o do_v not_o reckon_v all_o other_o unjust_a that_o have_v not_o receive_v then_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n moral_a and_o just_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o paul_n commend_v the_o nobility_n of_o festus_n he_o reckon_v they_o there_o unjust_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o comparative_o with_o they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o just_a principle_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o account_v they_o who_o be_v lest_o esteem_a in_o the_o church_n capable_a to_o decide_v such_o matter_n yet_o he_o suppose_v it_o safe_a to_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n though_o it_o be_v by_o take_v wrong_n or_o suffer_v wrong_n then_o to_o go_v before_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o hope_v though_o many_o occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v fall_v in_o among_o we_o since_o we_o have_v be_v a_o people_n none_o have_v have_v just_a occasion_n to_o decline_v our_o judgement_n and_o though_o some_o shall_v suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v wrong_v yet_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v bring_v their_o matter_n before_o other_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 7._o this_o be_v thereby_o a_o fault_n in_o they_o and_o will_v evidence_n a_o great_a care_n of_o some_o outward_a concern_v then_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_v that_o way_n will_v rather_o suffer_v what_o to_o their_o apprehension_n may_v seem_v wrong_a for_o in_o matter_n wherein_o two_o party_n be_v opposite_a in_o the_o case_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o please_v both_o except_o where_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n thereof_o reach_v to_o that_o of_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n have_v bring_v to_o a_o true_a acknowledgement_n he_o that_o have_v be_v mistake_v or_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o have_v frequent_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o to_o the_o often_o refresh_v and_o confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v his_o promise_v among_o we_o in_o restore_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n now_o suppose_v any_o shall_v be_v so_o pettish_a or_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o agree_v in_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o unbeliever_n for_o though_o i_o reckon_v they_o not_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o heathen_a of_o old_a because_o they_o profess_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n yet_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n must_v be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o he_o that_o so_o appeal_v to_o they_o from_o his_o brethren_n i_o say_v such_o as_o so_o do_v first_o commit_v a_o certain_a hurt_n and_o evil_a in_o stain_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o that_o outward_a matter_n for_o which_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o run_v a_o hazard_n not_o know_v whether_o thing_n shall_v carry_v as_o they_o expect_v if_o they_o lose_v they_o have_v a_o double_a prejudice_n if_o they_o gain_v it_o be_v a_o too_o dear_a rate_n even_o with_o the_o hurt_a of_o truth_n be_v reputation_n which_o their_o outward_a advantage_n can_v make_v up_o if_o then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o even_o a_o spiritual_a good_a far_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v a_o positive_a evil_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o dye_n as_o to_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o good_a land_n and_o give_v the_o uncircumcised_a a_o occasion_n to_o rejoice_v out_o of_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o outward_a gain_n it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o suffer_v loss_n as_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o argue_v in_o the_o place_n above_o mention_v indeed_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o have_v be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o we_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o all_o nor_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v betwixt_o his_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o covet_v to_o meddle_v in_o their_o matter_n be_v persuade_v that_o either_o they_o or_o their_o cause_n be_v naught_o think_v praise_n to_o go_v d_o among_o all_o those_o that_o have_v go_v from_o we_o either_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o be_v so_o mind_v towards_o we_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v let_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o something_n or_o person_n have_v have_v this_o unanimous_a testimony_n concern_v we_o that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright-hearted_n people_n but_o whatever_o sense_n our_o enemy_n or_o apostate_n have_v of_o we_o who_o look_v asquaint_v on_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o aright_o in_o those_o they_o love_v not_o or_o be_v prejudicate_v against_o this_o we_o can_v say_v in_o the_o last_o place_n beside_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture_n above_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o daily_o abound_v to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o government_n the_o lord_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o do_v more_o &_o more_o commend_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v confident_o testify_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o hereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o which_o in_o due_a time_n will_v yet_o more_o appear_v that_o as_o through_o our_o faithful_a testimony_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o antichristian_a and_o apostatise_v generation_n the_o national_a ministry_n have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a blow_n by_o our_o discover_v and_o witness_v against_o their_o force_a maintenance_n and_o tithe_n against_o which_o we_o have_v testify_v by_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n of_o all_o kind_n as_o our_o chronicle_n shall_v make_v know_v to_o generation_n to_o come_v so_o that_o their_o kingdom_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o thousand_o begin_v to_o totter_v and_o loose_v its_o strength_n and_o shall_v assure_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n through_o truth_n be_v prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v we_o by_o come_v to_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o kingdom_n who_o judge_n for_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o such_o as_o preach_v for_o hire_n and_o by_o not_o minister_a occasion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v heap_v up_o riches_n and_o live_v in_o excess_n lust_n and_o riot_n by_o feed_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o iniquity_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o people_n for_o as_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o our_o faithful_a witness_v and_o keep_v to_o it_o the_o nation_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o disburden_v of_o that_o deceitful_a tribe_n of_o lawyer_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n who_o by_o their_o many_o trick_n and_o endless_a intricacy_n have_v render_v justice_n in_o their_o method_n burdensome_a to_o honest_a man_n and_o seek_v not_o so_o much_o to_o put_v a_o end_n as_o to_o foment_n controversy_n and_o contention_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v still_o feed_v and_o uphold_v and_o their_o trade_n keep_v up_o whereas_o by_o truth_n be_v propagation_n as_o many_o of_o these_o controversy_n will_v die_v by_o man_n come_v to_o be_v less_o contentious_a so_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v the_o
saint_n give_v judgement_n without_o gift_n or_o reward_n or_o run_v into_o the_o trick_n and_o endless_a labyrinth_n of_o the_o lawyer_n will_v soon_o compose_v they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v the_o lord_n be_v bring_v about_o in_o our_o day_n though_o many_o do_v not_o and_o many_o will_v not_o see_v it_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o a_o way_n different_a and_o contrary_a to_o man_n wisdom_n who_o be_v now_o despise_v christ_n in_o his_o inward_a appearance_n because_o of_o the_o meanness_n of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v he_o in_o his_o outward_a yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o then_o that_o do_v witness_n and_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a but_o must_v testify_v that_o he_o be_v come_v even_o so_o now_o be_v there_o thousand_o that_o can_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o he_o have_v now_o again_o the_o second_o time_n appear_v and_o be_v appear_v in_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n in_o and_o among_o who_o as_o a_o first_o fruit_n of_o many_o more_o that_o shall_v be_v gather_v he_o be_v restore_v the_o golden_a age_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o son_n who_o be_v rule_v and_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o set_v forth_o the_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o judge_n as_o at_o first_o and_o establish_v truth_n mercy_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n again_o in_o the_o earth_n amen_o halelujah_o three_o these_o meeting_n take_v care_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v clear_a and_o that_o there_o may_v nothing_o be_v do_v in_o that_o procedure_n which_o afterward_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o the_o party_n concern_v which_o be_v a_o outward_a thing_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v lawful_a of_o the_o great_a importance_n a_o man_n or_o a_o woman_n can_v perform_v in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o sudden_a unwary_a or_o disorderly_o procedure_v 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the_o truth_n but_o all_o for_o and_o with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o truth_n have_v divers_a testimony_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o first_o that_o we_o can_v marry_v with_o those_o that_o walk_v not_o in_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v of_o another_o judgement_n or_o fellowship_n or_o pretend_v to_o it_o walk_v not_o suitable_o and_o answerable_o thereto_o second_o nor_o can_v we_o go_v to_o the_o hireling-priest_n to_o uphold_v their_o false_a and_o usurp_a authority_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o marry_v people_n without_o any_o command_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n last_o nor_o can_v we_o suffer_v any_o such_o kind_a of_o marriage_n to_o pass_v among_o we_o which_o either_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n or_o otherwise_o in_o itself_o be_v unlawful_a or_o from_o which_o there_o may_v be_v any_o just_a reflection_n cast_v upon_o our_o way_n as_o to_o the_o first_o two_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o principle_n receive_v and_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o my_o work_n here_o to_o debate_v they_o only_o since_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o own_v as_o such_o for_o which_o we_o can_v and_o have_v give_v out_o sufficient_a reason_n elsewhere_o as_o for_o our_o other_o principle_n we_o ought_v to_o care_v how_o any_o by_o walk_v otherwise_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o we_o yet_o not_o to_o pass_v they_o whole_o by_o as_o to_o the_o first_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o etc._n etc._n now_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v much_o from_o this_o scripture_n to_o plead_v it_o absolute_o unlawful_a in_o any_o case_n to_o join_v in_o marriage_n with_o any_o however_o otherwise_o sober_a because_o of_o their_o not_o be_v one_o with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o shall_v speak_v my_o judgement_n to_o i_o it_o appear_v so_o and_o to_o many_o more_o who_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o we_o think_v we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o i_o can_v say_v positive_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a neither_o do_v it_o edify_v and_o as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n do_v give_v just_o offence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o no_o true_a tender_a heart_n will_v prefer_v his_o private_a love_n to_o the_o good_a and_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o for_o the_o second_o in_o that_o we_o deny_v the_o priest_n their_o assume_v authority_n and_o power_n to_o marry_v it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v no_o wise_a we_o can_v resile_n from_o nor_o can_v we_o own_o any_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o testimony_n against_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o generation_n who_o never_o yet_o that_o i_o ever_o hear_v of_o can_v produce_v any_o scripture-proof_n or_o example_n for_o it_o and_o see_v none_o can_v pretend_v conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o marriage_n if_o any_o pretend_v to_o be_v among_o we_o shall_v through_o fear_n interest_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n come_v under_o and_o bow_v to_o that_o image_n have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o deny_v such_o slavish_a and_o ignoble_a spirit_n as_o mind_v not_o truth_n and_o its_o testimony_n last_o see_v if_o any_o walk_n with_o we_o or_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n shall_v hasty_o or_o disorderly_o go_v together_o either_o be_v within_o the_o degree_n of_o consanguinity_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v or_o that_o either_o party_n shall_v have_v be_v former_o under_o any_o tie_n or_o obligation_n to_o other_o or_o any_o other_o vast_a disproportion_n which_o may_v bring_v a_o just_a reflection_n upon_o we_o from_o our_o opposer_n can_v any_o blame_v we_o for_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v these_o evil_n by_o appoint_v that_o such_o as_o so_o design_n make_v know_v their_o intention_n to_o these_o church_n or_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v most_o know_v that_o if_o any_o know_v just_a cause_n of_o hindrance_n it_o may_v be_v mention_v and_o a_o timous_a let_v put_v to_o the_o hurt_a either_o by_o stop_v it_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o condescend_v or_o by_o refuse_v to_o be_v witness_n and_o concurrer_n with_o they_o in_o it_o if_o they_o will_v not_o for_o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o to_o hinder_v any_o to_o marry_v otherwise_o then_o by_o advice_n or_o disconcern_v ourselves_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v that_o such_o as_o do_v marry_v contrary_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o therefore_o their_o marriage_n be_v null_a and_o void_a in_o itself_o or_o may_v be_v dissolve_v afterward_o nay_o all_o our_o meddle_v be_v in_o a_o holy_a care_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v right_a all_o that_o we_o do_v be_v to_o be_v witness_n and_o if_o otherwise_o that_o we_o may_v say_v for_o our_o vindication_n to_o such_o as_o may_v upbraid_v we_o therewith_o that_o we_o advise_v otherwise_o and_o do_v no_o way_n concur_v in_o the_o matter_n that_o so_o they_o may_v bear_v their_o own_o burden_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v now_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o our_o way_n herein_o be_v so_o answerable_a to_o reason_n and_o christianity_n that_o none_o will_v blame_v we_o therefore_o except_o either_o such_o who_o irregular_a and_o impatient_a lust_n can_v suffer_v a_o serious_a and_o christian_a examination_n and_o a_o advise_v and_o moderate_a procedure_n or_o such_o who_o watch_v for_o evil_n against_o we_o be_v sorry_a we_o shall_v proceed_v so_o orderly_o and_o will_v rather_o we_o
can_v be_v deny_v that_o there_o may_v arise_v person_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o may_v do_v such_o thing_n from_o such_o a_o spirit_n though_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o tenderness_n than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o true_a discern_v by_o his_o spirit_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o judge_v such_o practice_n and_o the_o spirit_n they_o come_v from_o and_o have_v no_o unity_n with_o they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v own_v in_o the_o general_n prove_v the_o case_n to_o wit_n that_o some_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o thing_n seem_v indifferent_a but_o yet_o it_o proceed_v in_o they_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o singularity_n emulation_n or_o strife_n those_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o discern_v thereof_o from_o the_o lord_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o judge_v the_o transgressor_n without_o be_v account_v imposer_n oppressor_n of_o conscience_n or_o enforcer_n of_o uniformity_n contrary_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n also_o guard_v the_o church_n of_o old_a phil._n 2._o 3_o 4._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o strife_n thus_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v so_o to_o be_v do_v be_v they_o not_o to_o be_v avoid_v &_o forsake_v so_o that_o we_o be_v confident_a our_o judgement_n herein_o can_v be_v deny_v or_o repute_v erroneous_a except_o it_o be_v say_v that_o none_o will_v or_o can_v arise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n pretend_v such_o thing_n from_o such_o a_o spirit_n which_o i_o know_v not_o any_o that_o will_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o mat._n 24._o 24._o act_n 15._o 24._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 5._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 8._o mark_v 13._o 21_o 22_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 19_o or_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o those_o that_o abide_v faithful_a and_o have_v a_o discern_v of_o those_o evil_n ought_v to_o be_v silent_a and_o never_o ought_v to_o reprove_v and_o against_o and_o they_o nor_o yet_o warn_v and_o guard_v other_o against_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o commendable_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o suffer_v all_o such_o thing_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o i_o know_v none_o will_v say_v so_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o affirm_v it_o let_v they_o consider_v these_o scripture_n gal._n 2._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25._o tit._n 1._o 9_o 10_o 11._o now_o if_o none_o of_o these_o hold_v true_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o evil_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v find_v to_o creep_v in_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o such_o as_o see_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reprove_v they_o then_o necessary_o the_o do_v so_o be_v neither_o imposition_n force_v nor_o oppression_n as_o to_o the_o three_o concern_v the_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o include_v in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o whatsoever_o tend_v not_o to_o edification_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o destruction_n and_o to_o beget_v discord_n among_o brethren_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 16._o 17._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o great_a mark_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o themselves_o whatsoever_o tend_v to_o break_v that_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n must_v be_v testify_v against_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v i_o peak_v always_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n indeed_o and_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o reckon_n only_o false_a church_n not_o to_o have_v this_o power_n but_o deny_v it_o even_o to_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o judge_v it_o not_o fit_a for_o she_o so_o to_o act_v as_o in_o relation_n to_o her_o member_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o do_v most_o of_o all_o commend_v love_n and_o unity_n to_o his_o disciple_n yet_o i_o also_o know_v he_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v in_o divide_v man_n from_o the_o lust_n and_o sin_n he_o have_v be_v unite_v to_o and_o also_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o messenger_n to_o break_v the_o bond_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o wicked_a wherein_o they_o be_v band_v against_o god_n &_o his_o truth_n &_o the_o confederacy_n of_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o unrighteousness_n by_o invite_v and_o bring_v as_o many_o as_o will_v obey_v unto_o righteousness_n whereby_o they_o become_v disunite_v and_o separate_v from_o their_o companion_n with_o who_o they_o be_v center_a &_o at_o peace_n in_o the_o contrary_a and_o curse_a nature_n and_o indeed_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o be_v send_v forth_o of_o the_o lord_n to_o scatter_v here_o that_o they_o may_v gather_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n and_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n even_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n be_v scatter_v and_o separate_v from_o their_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o know_v the_o brotherhood_n and_o fellowship_n which_o be_v in_o the_o light_n from_o which_o none_o ought_v to_o scatter_v nor_o to_o be_v scatter_v but_o be_v more_o and_o more_o gather_v thereunto_o &_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o what_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o three_o place_n under_o this_o head_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a or_o pure_o conscientious_a which_o may_v be_v thus_o object_v if_o thou_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o a_o oneness_n in_o the_o small_a matter_n wherein_o consist_v the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o proposition_n i_o affirm_v first_o in_o general_n that_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o divers_a in_o its_o appearance_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o which_o in_o the_o tendency_n of_o it_o lay_v not_o a_o real_a ground_n for_o division_n or_o dissension_n of_o spirit_n fellow_n member_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o bear_v one_o another_o but_o strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o they_o now_o the_o respect_n wherein_o this_o may_v be_v i_o can_v describe_v no_o better_o than_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v principal_o in_o two_o place_n which_o therefore_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v at_o length_n for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o matter_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o weighty_a point_n pertain_v to_o this_o subject_n because_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n due_a forbearance_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o its_o right_a place_n so_o on_o the_o other_o the_o many_o device_n and_o false_a pretence_n of_o the_o enemy_n creep_v in_o here_o ought_v to_o be_v guard_v against_o the_o first_o be_v 1_o cor._n 12._o from_o 4._o to_o 31._o thus_o 4_o now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n 5_o and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n 6_o and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o 7_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 8_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n 9_o to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n 10_o to_o another_o the_o work_v of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n 11_o but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 12_o for_o at_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n 13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a
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receive_v a_o outward_a ordination_n and_o so_o be_v by_o a_o lawful_a succession_n formal_o establish_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o meet_v together_o according_a to_o certain_a rule_n above_o declare_v there_o be_v a_o infallibility_n annex_v to_o their_o conclusion_n and_o they_o can_v but_o decide_v what_o be_v right_a or_o rather_o what_o they_o decide_v must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v right_a who_o see_v not_o here_o a_o vast_a disproportion_n now_o we_o differ_v herein_o fundamental_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o very_a basis_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o also_o from_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n in_o this_o matter_n all_o protestant_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o general_n council_n to_o be_v useful_a yea_o necessary_a in_o the_o case_n of_o division_n or_o debate_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o basis_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v and_o the_o stress_n they_o lie_v upon_o it_o first_o all_o joint_o both_o the_o prelatical_a and_o presbyterial_a will_v have_v this_o synod_n or_o council_n to_o consist_v of_o a_o convocation_n of_o the_o clergy_n choose_v and_o send_v from_o the_o particular_a congregation_n with_o some_o few_o laic_a elder_n call_v together_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o case_n he_o be_v one_o in_o judgement_n with_o they_o they_o decide_v by_o plurallity_n of_o vote_n and_o though_o they_o assume_v not_o a_o absolute_a infallibility_n in_o that_o they_o reckon_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o err_v yet_o do_v they_o reckon_v their_o decision_n obligatory_a upon_o their_o suppose_a consonancy_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o however_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o constrain_v all_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v or_o else_o to_o punish_v they_o either_o by_o death_n banishment_n imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n or_o some_o other_o
not_o hold_v suppose_v a_o people_n real_o gather_v unto_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o of_o these_o people_n shall_v arise_v and_o contradict_v any_o of_o those_o fnndamental_a truth_n whether_o have_v not_o such_o as_o stand_v good_a right_a to_o cast_v such_o a_o one_o out_o from_o among_o they_o &_o to_o pronounce_v positive_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o own_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o not_o receive_v nor_o yet_o he_o that_o assert_v it_o as_o one_o of_o we_o and_o be_v not_o this_o obligatory_a upon_o all_o the_o member_n see_v all_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o like_a care_n as_o to_o themselves_o to_o hold_v the_o right_n and_o shut_v out_o the_o wrong_n i_o can_v tell_v if_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v well_o deny_v this_o however_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o next_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 1._o 8._o but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o who_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o i_o have_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v 2_o john_n 10._o if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o rejoice_v for_o so_o the_o greek_a have_v it_o these_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o need_v no_o great_a exposition_n to_o the_o unbiased_a and_o 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bring_v into_o it_o we_o must_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v plain_a with_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o when_o they_o be_v wrong_v and_o by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayer_n if_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n of_o old_a and_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n in_o this_o day_n have_v tell_v all_o people_n however_o wrong_v they_o find_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o principles_n our_o charity_n and_o love_n be_v such_o we_o dare_v not_o judge_v you_o nor_o separate_v from_o you_o but_o let_v we_o all_o live_v in_o love_n together_o &_o every_o one_o enjoy_v his_o own_o opinion_n &_o all_o will_v be_v well_o how_o shall_v the_o nation_n have_v be_v or_o what_o way_n now_o can_v they_o be_v bring_v to_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n will_v not_o the_o devil_n love_v this_o doctrine_n well_o by_o which_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n error_n and_o confusion_n may_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o earth_n unreproved_a and_o uncondemned_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a then_o for_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a to_o reprove_v without_o spare_v to_o tell_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o great_a professor_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v stubborn_a and_o stiff-necked_a and_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o be_v guilty_a of_o imposition_n and_o oppression_n or_o want_v of_o true_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o also_o for_o those_o messenger_n the_o lord_n raise_v up_o in_o this_o day_n to_o reprove_v and_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o hireling_n priest_n and_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n open_o both_o professor_n and_o profane_a that_o they_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n out_o of_o the_o truth_n stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n if_o god_n have_v gather_v a_o people_n by_o this_o mean_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n must_v not_o they_o that_o turn_v and_o depart_v from_o it_o be_v admonish_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v yea_o rather_o than_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n because_o they_o crucify_v afresh_o unto_o themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n judge_v it_o very_o needful_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o deal_v with_o tit._n 1._o 10._o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v many_o unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n especial_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stopped_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o a_o principle_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v separate_v from_o no_o man_n condemn_v or_o exclude_v the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n for_o his_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o blasphemy_n so_o horrid_a what_o heresy_n so_o damnable_a what_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n but_o may_v harbour_v itself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o need_v then_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n if_o no_o doctrine_n make_v unsound_a what_o need_v of_o convince_a and_o exhort_v gainsayer_n if_o to_o gainsay_v be_v no_o crime_n where_o shall_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v be_v not_o this_o a_o inlet_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o abomination_n and_o make_v void_a the_o whole_a tendency_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o render_v the_o gospel_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o give_v a_o liberty_n to_o the_o unconstant_a and_o giddy_a will_n of_o man_n to_o innovate_v alter_v and_o overturn_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o from_o all_o that_o be_v abovementioned_a we_o do_v safe_o conclude_v that_o where_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o of_o that_o people_n shall_v go_v from_o their_o principle_n and_o assert_v thing_n false_a and_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v such_o as_o stand_v and_o abide_v firm_a in_o the_o faith_n have_v power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v use_v christian_a endeavour_n to_o convince_v and_o reclaim_v they_o upon_o their_o obstinacy_n to_o separate_v from_o such_o and_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n for_o otherways_o if_o this_o be_v deny_v farewell_o to_o all_o christianity_n or_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o sound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n may_v in_o some_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n pronounce_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o judgement_n without_o hazard_n of_o imposition_n upon_o the_o member_n it_o come_v to_o be_v inquire_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o power_n reach_v i_o answer_v first_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o case_n any_o shall_v offer_v to_o teach_v otherways_o as_o be_v above_o declare_v and_o prove_v but_o some_o may_v perhaps_o acknowledge_v that_o indeed_o if_o any_o shall_v contradict_v the_o know_a and_o own_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v otherways_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o cast_v out_o and_o exclude_v such_o but_o what_o judge_v thou_o as_o to_o lesser_a matter_n as_o in_o principle_n of_o less_o consequence_n or_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n or_o gesture_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o second_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n they_o proceed_v from_o and_o three_o the_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v upon_o these_o i_o affirm_v and_o that_o according_a to_o truth_n that_o
as_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n may_v and_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n fundamental_a and_o weighty_a without_o which_o no_o decision_n nor_o decree_n in_o whatever_o matter_n be_v available_a so_o the_o same_o church_n and_o assembly_n also_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o to_o themselves_o yet_o be_v needful_a and_o expedient_a with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v fall_v in_o may_v and_o have_v power_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o no_o otherways_o be_v act_v move_v and_o assist_v and_o lead_v by_o it_o thereto_o to_o pronounce_v a_o positive_a judgement_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v find_v obligatory_a upon_o all_o such_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o reject_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o watchful_a and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o the_o feel_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o none_o that_o own_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o a_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v now_o a_o thing_n expect_v or_o dispense_v to_o the_o saint_n can_v without_o contradict_v their_o own_o principle_n deny_v far_o less_o such_o with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n who_o claim_v this_o privilege_n to_o particular_n say_v that_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n though_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o add_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o that_o god_n have_v move_v they_o to_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o suppose_v as_o to_o one_o or_o two_o i_o may_v without_o absurdity_n suppose_v it_o as_o well_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v whereof_o that_o be_v either_o any_o act_n or_o the_o forbearance_n of_o any_o may_v bring_v a_o real_a reproach_n or_o ground_n of_o accusation_n against_o the_o truth_n profess_v and_o own_a and_o in_o &_o through_o which_o there_o may_v a_o visible_a schism_n and_o dissension_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o truth_n be_v enemy_n may_v be_v gratify_v and_o itself_o bring_v into_o disesteem_a than_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o who_o care_n be_v to_o keep_v all_o right_a to_o take_v inspection_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o wait_v for_o his_o counsel_n and_o to_o speak_v forth_o his_o mind_n according_a as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v himself_o in_o and_o among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o circumcision_n for_o here_o lay_v the_o debate_n some_o thought_n it_o not_o needful_a to_o circumcise_v the_o gentile_n other_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o and_o no_o doubt_n of_o these_o for_o we_o must_v remember_v they_o be_v not_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n but_o such_o as_o have_v already_o believe_v in_o christ_n there_o be_v that_o do_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n as_o judge_v circumcision_n to_o be_v still_o obligatory_a for_o they_o say_v thus_o except_o you_o be_v circumcise_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o what_o course_n take_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n in_o these_o case_n act_n 15._o 2._o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n we_o must_v not_o suppose_v they_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o antioch_n to_o have_v decide_v the_o matter_n neither_o that_o these_o apostle_n neglect_v or_o go_v from_o their_o inward_a guide_n in_o undertake_v this_o journey_n yet_o we_o see_v they_o judge_v it_o meet_v in_o this_o matter_n to_o have_v the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a property_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o pure_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o consent_n and_o oneness_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o yet_o admit_v of_o different_a measure_n growth_n and_o motion_n but_o never_o contrary_n and_o contradictory_n one_o and_o in_o these_o diversity_n of_o operation_n yet_o still_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o true_a liberty_n be_v exercise_v as_o shall_v be_v declare_v hereafter_o therefore_o pray_v christ_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o let_v these_o follow_a scripture_n be_v examine_v rom._n 12._o 16._o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n ephes._n 5._o 21._o submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n phil._n 2._o 2._o fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o yet_o more_o remarkable_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 3._o vers._n 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwayesâ—minded_a god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n so_o here_o though_o the_o apostle_n grant_v forbearance_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v yet_o he_o conclude_v they_o must_v walk_v so_o as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o example_n and_o so_o consequent_o not_o contrary_a or_o otherways_o and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o whereas_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n pretend_v conscience_n or_o revelation_n shall_v arise_v to_o teach_v and_o practice_v however_o insignificant_a or_o small_a in_o themselves_o whether_o principle_n or_o practice_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o true_a and_o confirm_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o the_o introduce_v of_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o the_o truth_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o edify_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o stumble_v the_o weak_a those_o who_o have_v a_o true_a and_o right_o discern_v may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n authorise_v they_o and_o no_o otherways_o condemn_v and_o judge_v such_o thing_n and_o they_o so_o do_v it_o it_o will_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o all_o the_o member_n that_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n because_o they_o will_v feel_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o second_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n they_o proceed_v from_o whatsoever_o innovation_n difference_n or_o diverse_a appearance_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o pure_a move_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o be_v not_o do_v out_o pure_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n but_o either_o from_o that_o which_o be_v puff_v up_o affect_v singularity_n and_o there_o through_o will_v be_v observe_v commend_v and_o exalt_v or_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o some_o humour_n and_o natural_a temper_n which_o will_v be_v contradict_v without_o cause_n and_o secret_o beget_v of_o division_n animosity_n and_o emulation_n by_o which_o the_o unity_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v lessen_v or_o rend_v i_o say_v all_o thing_n proceed_v from_o this_o root_n and_o spirit_n however_o little_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v guard_v against_o withstand_v and_o deny_v as_o hurtful_a to_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v say_v how_o know_v you_o that_o these_o thing_n proceed_v from_o that_o ground_n for_o answer_v i_o make_v not_o here_o any_o application_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o thing_n but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o