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perceive_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n then_o present_o they_o fall_v a_o persecute_v the_o saint_n for_o this_o name_n and_o nature_n sake_n and_o he_o that_o strike_v at_o god_n in_o his_o saint_n will_v if_o he_o can_v strike_v at_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o world_n take_v heed_n what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o point_n for_o while_o they_o persecute_v the_o saint_n they_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n himself_o because_o god_n be_v one_o with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v one_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v the_o saint_n be_v admonish_v so_o to_o hide_v and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o god_n through_o christ_n that_o whoever_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o they_o and_o oppose_v they_o may_v rather_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o oppose_v god_n then_o they_o they_o live_v and_o act_v in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o themselves_o now_o this_o affliction_n the_o 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be_v place_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o any_o harm_n for_o ever_o but_o evil_n itself_o must_v work_v good_a unto_o we_o but_o we_o proceed_v toss_v with_o tempest_n where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o afflict_v afflict_v but_o violent_o afflict_v one_o wave_n come_v against_o it_o after_o another_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n and_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o do_v the_o world_n become_v as_o a_o rage_a sea_n against_o it_o because_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v make_v it_o be_v set_v in_o the_o more_o contrariety_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n to_o it_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v this_o temper_n in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o church_n they_o come_v upon_o i_o like_o a_o ramp_a and_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o again_o they_o come_v upon_o i_o to_o eat_v up_o my_o flesh_n as_o they_o will_v eat_v bread_n when_o the_o saint_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o act_v in_o the_o spirit_n how_o violent_a and_o enrage_a have_v the_o world_n be_v against_o they_o it_o will_v toss_v they_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n from_o place_n to_o place_n from_o post_n to_o pillar_n as_o they_o say_v till_o it_o have_v quite_o toss_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n yea_o man_n natural_o meek_a and_o moderate_a how_o fierce_a have_v they_o become_v against_o the_o saint_n when_o there_o have_v appear_v any_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o for_o the_o enmity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n will_v be_v still_o break_v forth_o and_o though_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v cover_v under_o many_o moral_a virtue_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o when_o god_n leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o let_v they_o act_v outward_o according_a to_o their_o inward_a principle_n how_o cruel_o and_o malicious_o and_o fierce_o and_o desperate_o do_v they_o act_v against_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yea_o there_o be_v not_o that_o enmity_n between_o turk_n and_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v between_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o spiritual_a christian_n the_o former_a hate_v these_o and_o be_v angry_a against_o these_o to_o the_o very_a death_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o lord_n shall_v suffer_v these_o to_o exercise_v their_o enmity_n against_o the_o church_n then_o shall_v the_o church_n condition_n become_v such_o as_o it_o be_v here_o describe_v afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o evil_a it_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n world_n have_v not_o one_o drop_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o world_n it_o have_v affliction_n tribulation_n persecution_n from_o the_o world_n but_o no_o comfort_n this_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n the_o head_n you_o know_v what_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o so_o full_a of_o sorrow_n that_o he_o take_v his_o name_n from_o they_o and_o be_v call_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n at_o last_o out_o of_o mere_a envy_n and_o malice_n they_o apprehend_v he_o bind_v he_o buffet_v he_o spit_v on_o he_o crucify_v he_o and_o all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o have_v suffer_v from_o the_o heathen_a but_o he_o suffer_v all_o this_o from_o the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o put_v he_o to_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o shameful_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n between_o two_o malefactor_n to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v the_o three_o and_o the_o chief_a and_o in_o all_o this_o evil_a he_o have_v no_o body_n to_o pity_v he_o or_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o but_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o and_o deride_v he_o and_o mock_v and_o jeer_v he_o but_o no_o body_n comfort_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n so_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o body_n and_o member_n they_o in_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o woe_n and_o sorrow_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n have_v no_o body_n to_o comfort_v they_o or_o take_v compassion_n on_o they_o refuge_n fail_v i_o say_v david_n no_o man_n care_v for_o my_o soul_n lover_n and_o friend_n have_v thou_o put_v far_o from_o i_o and_o my_o acquaintance_n into_o darkness_n say_v heman_n psal_n 88_o 18._o brethren_n and_o belove_a you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o ever_o the_o lord_n suffer_v the_o world_n to_o prevail_v against_o you_o to_o afflict_v you_o and_o toss_v you_o from_o one_o evil_a to_o another_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n to_o reproach_v you_o throw_v you_o out_o of_o your_o comfort_n banish_v you_o imprison_v you_o etc._n etc._n you_o shall_v find_v no_o body_n to_o comfort_v you_o no_o body_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o you_o or_o regard_v you_o or_o own_o you_o or_o pity_v you_o or_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o your_o condition_n as_o to_o say_v alas_o my_o brother_n you_o must_v look_v for_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n but_o you_o must_v look_v for_o no_o comfort_n there_o when_o god_n shall_v cast_v we_o into_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o not_o look_v for_o one_o worldly_a man_n to_o stand_v by_o we_o no_o not_o of_o those_o that_o now_o smile_v upon_o we_o and_o pretend_v friendship_n to_o we_o no_o norâ—_n yet_o of_o our_o near_a relation_n but_o then_o that_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v i_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o my_o brethren_n a_o alien_n to_o my_o mother_n child_n nay_o yet_o further_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a or_o worldly_a christian_n will_v stand_v aloof_o from_o thou_o and_o will_v be_v shy_a to_o own_o and_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v thou_o public_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o cross_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v and_o leave_v he_o to_o tread_v the_o winepress_n alone_o and_o so_o if_o you_o suffer_v in_o the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v find_v little_a comfort_n from_o man_n o_o thou_o afflict_a toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v now_o this_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o much_o mercy_n to_o his_o saint_n he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o earthly_a comfort_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o heavenly_a he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n from_o man_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o comfort_n from_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o not_o comfort_v lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o say_v
of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o work_n be_v too_o great_a for_o you_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o unto_o christ_n see_v the_o father_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o this_o work_n only_o to_o he_o and_o he_o have_v take_v this_o care_n and_o charge_n upon_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v only_o suitable_a to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o only_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o equal_a to_o god_n the_o three_o general_n by_o what_o mean_v christ_n bring_v this_o reformation_n about_o and_o that_o be_v by_o these_o two_o and_o they_o only_o to_o wit_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n reform_v the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n word_n by_o this_o christ_n do_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o this_o he_o call_v and_o reject_v by_o this_o he_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o this_o he_o comfort_v and_o terrify_v by_o this_o he_o enlighten_v and_o make_v blind_a by_o this_o he_o kill_v and_o quicken_v by_o this_o he_o save_v and_o damn_v and_o all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v in_o this_o kingdom_n he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o without_o this_o he_o do_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o do_v christ_n do_v all_o in_o his_o kingdom_n by_o the_o word_n only_o but_o antichrist_n do_v all_o thing_n without_o the_o word_n even_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n now_o as_o christ_n do_v all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n so_o he_o reform_v too_o now_o be_v you_o clean_o through_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o all_o the_o power_n in_o the_o world_n can_v reform_v the_o church_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v do_v for_o this_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o do_v change_v and_o renew_v and_o reform_v all_o and_o therefore_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n come_v with_o no_o worldly_a power_n or_o weapon_n but_o only_o with_o the_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n yea_o though_o god_n set_v he_o king_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n yet_o he_o reform_v not_o by_o outward_a power_n but_o by_o preach_v say_v i_o will_v publish_v the_o decree_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o for_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o again_o the_o redeemer_n shall_v come_v to_o zion_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o the_o redeemer_n my_o word_n shall_v never_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n isa_n 59_o 10._o and_o in_o psal_n 45._o the_o church_n say_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o christ_n ride_v on_o prosperous_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o christ_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v come_v go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o thus_o he_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o glorious_a reformation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o eave_v the_o world_n he_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v it_o as_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o not_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o he_o bid_v they_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o by_o teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o so_o according_o they_o do_v mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 20._o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v everywhere_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o so_o that_o christ_n send_v they_o not_o forth_o with_o any_o power_n of_o sword_n or_o gun_n or_o prison_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n or_o with_o any_o power_n of_o state_n or_o army_n but_o send_v forth_o poor_a illiterate_a mechanic_n man_n and_o only_o arm_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o behold_v what_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v by_o that_o power_n alone_o they_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o they_o change_v the_o manner_n custom_n religion_n worship_n life_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o carry_v all_o opposition_n and_o difficulty_n before_o they_o they_o win_v many_o in_o most_o kingdom_n unto_o christ_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o willing_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o all_o this_o they_o do_v i_o say_v not_o with_o any_o earthly_a or_o secular_a power_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n alone_o christ_n great_a and_o only_a instrument_n for_o the_o conquer_a subdue_a and_o reform_v of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o the_o power_n appear_v to_o be_v god_n only_o and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o word_n be_v one_o mean_n christ_n use_v for_o reformation_n and_o this_o word_n only_o work_v a_o right_a reformation_n for_o this_o reform_v true_o and_o indeed_o all_o other_o power_n reform_v but_o in_o appearance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o word_n but_o what_o ever_o evil_a be_v reform_v and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o true_o reform_v it_o be_v only_o reform_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v only_o suspend_v in_o the_o outward_a operation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o seed_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n to_o grow_v up_o and_o work_v again_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o evil_a or_o corruption_n be_v reform_v in_o thou_o see_v it_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n if_o the_o word_n have_v kill_v it_o in_o thou_o it_o be_v kill_v indeed_o if_o not_o it_o be_v alive_a in_o thou_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a the_o outward_a power_n of_o the_o world_n may_v set_v up_o a_o image_n of_o reformation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n only_o can_v work_v true_a reformation_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o word_n which_o god_n have_v magnify_v above_o all_o his_o name_n when_o we_o can_v neglect_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n to_o the_o power_n work_v and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n alone_o which_o be_v almighty_a and_o able_a to_o bring_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n when_o man_n dare_v not_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n alone_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o will_v needs_o be_v call_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o rest_n and_o rely_v on_o that_o for_o this_o work_n as_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o let_v such_o man_n know_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o reform_v man_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n will_v never_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o well_o say_v luther_n praedicare_fw-la annuntiare_fw-la scribere_fw-la volo_fw-la neminem_fw-la autem_fw-la vi_fw-la adigam_fw-la i_o will_v preach_v and_o teach_v and_o write_v but_o i_o will_v constrain_v no_o body_n oh_o therefore_o that_o our_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n will_v so_o much_o honour_n christ_n word_n as_o to_o trust_v the_o reformation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n with_o it_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reform_v the_o church_n so_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o think_v it_o sufficient_a and_o thus_o shall_v you_o give_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n due_a honour_n as_o well_o as_o declare_v your_o own_o faith_n and_o if_o you_o will_v commit_v this_o work_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o which_o only_o it_o belong_v you_o shall_v soon_o see_v what_o the_o word_n will_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o glorious_a sight_n under_o heaven_n as_o to_o see_v the_o word_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o come_v in_o to_o a_o unreformed_a world_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o change_n and_o
to_o inquire_v after_o variety_n of_o error_n wherefore_o let_v alone_o their_o darkness_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v shine_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o herein_o also_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o mediate_a government_n then_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n now_o because_o many_o christian_n desire_v instruction_n and_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v herein_o be_v desirous_a also_o to_o learn_v myself_o of_o they_o that_o can_v teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o distinct_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o order_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v government_n the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n 5._o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v needful_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n among_o themselves_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v in_o christ_n they_o first_o thing_n than_o be_v 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o answer_v alike_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o true_a church_n itself_o as_o former_o describe_v even_o to_o each_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o natural_a power_n belong_v to_o all_o natural_a man_n alike_o so_o spiritual_a power_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n alike_o christ_n in_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a church-power_n and_o because_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o believer_n alike_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n therefore_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o of_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o no_o one_o partake_v of_o this_o power_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o he_o partake_v of_o christ_n more_o than_o another_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o self_n same_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16._o 19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v explain_v where_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o pope_n and_o papal_a church_n under_o colour_n of_o this_o place_n have_v make_v great_a merchandise_n and_o have_v exceed_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v forth_o and_o the_o day_n of_o their_o traffic_n be_v at_o end_n and_o yet_o since_o other_o have_v be_v truck_v with_o the_o world_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v think_v to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n but_o the_o day_n have_v so_o far_o dawn_v that_o their_o shadow_n also_o be_v fly_v away_o but_o not_o to_o keep_v you_o long_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o peter_n have_v say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n reply_v to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o then_o add_v unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n father_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o to_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o son_n and_o so_o also_o they_o be_v give_v equal_o to_o each_o faithful_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n with_o peter_n as_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o these_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o office_n but_o that_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n he_o it_o be_v to_o who_o these_o key_n be_v give_v and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o so_o they_o be_v give_v to_o each_o believer_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o believer_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v these_o key_n quest_n about_o which_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o do_v in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n they_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a power_n whatever_o be_v that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o false_a conceit_n wherewith_o many_o former_a and_o present_a writer_n have_v and_o do_v still_o trouble_v the_o church_n john_n do_v tell_v we_o plain_o joh._n 20._o 22._o what_o matthew_n mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n say_v he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n breathe_v on_o they_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n hear_v be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o add_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o your_o will_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o christ_n then_o before_o his_o ascension_n give_v these_o key_n true_o to_o his_o disciple_n but_o more_o solemn_o and_o full_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n glorify_v and_o after_o the_o gentile_n who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n receive_v the_o spirit_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o also_o receive_v these_o key_n and_o so_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n equal_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o these_o key_n appertain_v not_o only_o to_o great_a congregation_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o christ_n have_v promise_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o where_o we_o see_v that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n have_v as_o much_o power_n as_o peter_z and_o all_o the_o apostle_n because_o christ_n be_v equal_o present_a with_o these_o as_o with_o those_o again_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o if_o the_o offend_a brother_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o brethren_n the_o offend_a brother_n shall_v tell_v the_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a see_v man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n through_o any_o office_n but_o only_o through_o faith_n and_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n among_o the_o faithful_a belong_v to_o every_o faithful_a man_n alike_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a power_n that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o power_n
this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n as_o the_o child_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o more_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o these_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o say_v peter_n great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n other_o have_v only_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o they_o or_o which_o be_v worse_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n 2._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o other_o have_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o daniel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n find_v with_o he_o then_o with_o all_o the_o other_o wise_a man_n now_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o creature_n be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o but_o the_o saint_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n dwell_v in_o they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o flesh_n as_o christ_n have_v dwell_v in_o his_o flesh_n so_o that_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a lustre_n than_o other_o man_n one_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o precious_a stone_n be_v the_o lustre_n of_o they_o now_o this_o lustre_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o the_o lord_n shall_v arise_v upon_o thou_o and_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v see_v upon_o thou_o say_v isaiah_n chap._n 60._o and_o paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o be_v we_o take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v joh._n 17._o and_o the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o head_n and_o member_n be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o glory_n accord_v to_o their_o proportion_n 4._o they_o have_v more_o excellent_a operation_n for_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o such_o precious_a stone_n that_o be_v only_o for_o show_v but_o they_o also_o have_v some_o virtue_n in_o they_o even_o the_o very_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n that_o he_o do_v and_o so_o the_o saint_n be_v excellent_a in_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n humility_z meekness_n patience_n temperance_n heavenly_a mindedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o regard_n also_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o his_o jewel_n in_o the_o day_n whrein_o i_o make_v up_o my_o jewel_n and_o elsewhere_o they_o be_v call_v the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o precious_a anoint_v though_o some_o wicked_a and_o scurrilous_a libeler_n against_o the_o spiritual_a church_n will_v not_o allow_v they_o this_o name_n but_o according_a to_o the_o anoint_v they_o have_v receive_v from_o satan_n reproach_n it_o and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o the_o true_o faithful_a be_v precious_a stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n partake_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lustre_n and_o operation_n of_o both_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a other_o people_n be_v the_o vile_a of_o the_o earth_n the_o true_a filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n psal_n 15._o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o natural_a man_n a_o sinful_a and_o unregerate_v man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o nature_n in_o he_o but_o that_o corrupt_a nature_n he_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n though_o in_o this_o present_a world_n he_o may_v be_v a_o gentleman_n or_o a_o knight_n or_o a_o noble_a man_n or_o a_o king_n yet_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n he_o be_v but_o a_o vile_a person_n and_o a_o poor_a mean_a christian_n that_o yearn_v his_o bread_n by_o hard_a labour_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a than_o he_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v that_o be_v of_o precious_a stone_n 2._o now_o the_o next_o thing_n observable_a church_n be_v the_o variety_n of_o these_o precious_a stone_n for_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v not_o build_v up_o of_o precious_a stone_n of_o one_o sort_n only_o not_o all_o of_o saphire_n or_o all_o of_o agate_n or_o all_o of_o carbuncle_n but_o of_o all_o these_o both_o saphire_n agate_n carbuncle_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n and_o this_o note_n the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v precious_a stone_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o lustre_n and_o operation_n and_o this_o also_o make_v for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o variety_n of_o lustre_n add_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o if_o the_o body_n be_v all_o but_o one_o member_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n but_o the_o variety_n of_o member_n with_o their_o several_a gift_n and_o operation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o be_v divers_a member_n with_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 4._o etc._n etc._n now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o work_v all_o in_o all_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_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 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 to_o another_o the_o work_n 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 interpretation_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n severally_z as_o he_o will_n here_o you_o see_v be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n and_o operation_n in_o the_o faithful_a but_o all_o proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o whatsoever_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n a_o heavenly_a lustre_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o thou_o and_o flow_v from_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v supernatural_a and_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n in_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n in_o all_o thy_o natural_a ability_n part_n wisdom_n learning_n act_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ungloriousness_n deformity_n darkness_n death_n how_o specious_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o gift_n and_o operation_n that_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n and_o glory_n yea_o even_o in_o weak_a christian_n that_o be_v true_a christian_n you_o shall_v oft_o see_v and_o discern_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n in_o some_o gift_n or_o other_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v not_o forth_o so_o clear_o in_o some_o strong_a christian_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o expect_v all_o gift_n in_o all_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v excel_v in_o every_o gift_n for_o then_o one_o will_v be_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o but_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o
with_o he_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o though_o i_o thus_o speak_v and_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o still_o be_v very_o manifest_a not_o only_o in_o you_o honourable_a one_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a conduct_n but_o also_o in_o very_a many_o of_o the_o council_n and_o army_n beside_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o gather_v together_o of_o god_n people_n and_o saint_n let_v the_o world_n if_o it_o please_v still_o laugh_v at_o that_o word_n who_o can_v but_o think_v he_o have_v some_o choice_n and_o singular_a work_n in_o hand_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n have_v already_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n by_o you_o and_o be_v yet_o do_v great_a if_o you_o will_v continue_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o not_o you._n for_o have_v not_o that_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n dawn_v yea_o the_o morning_n of_o it_o be_v already_o go_v forth_o which_o be_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a and_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v and_o must_v be_v exalt_v in_o this_o day_n now_o the_o lord_n cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o give_v you_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o union_n and_o communion_n i_o remain_v your_o assure_a servant_n w._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o noise_n of_o water_n and_o thundering_n and_o earthquake_n among_o we_o and_o so_o great_a and_o continue_a be_v our_o shake_n and_o confusious_a through_o hatred_n and_o love_n hope_n and_o fear_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n triumph_n and_o indignation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o silence_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o much_o as_o half_a a_o hour_n wherefore_o though_o i_o discourse_v here_o touch_v so_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n and_o do_v declare_v from_o the_o very_a word_n or_o else_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o wherein_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n consist_v and_o also_o how_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n may_v preserve_v that_o peace_n in_o their_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n yet_o man_n head_n and_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o full_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v but_o few_o will_v regard_v it_o notwithstanding_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v among_o we_o a_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o flock_n of_o christ_n who_o both_o know_v and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n i_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n for_o who_o profit_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o be_o very_o conscious_a of_o my_o rudeness_n of_o speech_n 6._o in_o this_o discourse_n as_o also_o of_o my_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o many_o thing_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n here_o be_v of_o the_o pure_a river_n of_o water_n of_o life_n without_o any_o humane_a mixture_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v will_v own_o all_o in_o it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o reject_v silver_n try_v four_o or_o five_o time_n because_o it_o be_v not_o try_v seven_o time_n and_o what_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o it_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o dear_a sake_n and_o love_n i_o have_v speak_v all_o this_o see_v it_o be_v peccatorum_fw-la as_o luther_n speak_v the_o queen_n of_o mercy_n who_o very_a bowel_n be_v mere_a compassion_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n will_v easy_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o forgive_v it_o and_o as_o for_o man_n haughty_a and_o high_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n contemn_v and_o disdain_v any_o thing_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n i_o do_v as_o easy_o despise_v their_o censure_n as_o they_o light_o pass_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o i_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v his_o body_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v i_o become_v as_o vile_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v count_v the_o filth_n and_o offsour_v of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o mr_n baily_n rutherford_n bastwick_n pryn_n love_n or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o old_a enemy_n in_o parliament_n and_o city_n not_o worth_a the_o name_n annos_fw-la have_v seek_v to_o make_v i_o all_o who_o unless_o god_n give_v they_o repentance_n to_o life_n i_o cite_v as_o once_o hierom_n of_o prague_n do_v his_o enemy_n in_o the_o like_a cause_n to_o appear_v within_o a_o few_o year_n before_o the_o most_o high_a and_o righteous_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v wicked_o if_o not_o malicious_o against_o his_o name_n truth_n gospel_n spirit_n people_n and_o that_o under_o the_o form_n and_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o well_o know_v that_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n it_o will_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o worldly_a church_n i_o commit_v christ_n own_o word_n and_o cause_n to_o his_o own_o care_n and_o protection_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o uphold_v his_o own_o despise_a truth_n against_o the_o glorious_a but_o deceitful_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n and_o so_o wait_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n if_o thou_o love_v christ_n i_o remain_v thou_o in_o he_o william_n dell._n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n pag._n 149_o the_o gospel_n propound_v be_v neither_o 1._o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n p._n 150_o 2._o nor_o between_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n 3._o but_o between_o the_o faithful_a or_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a church_n p._n 151_o the_o true_a church_n describe_v p._n 152_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o 13._o particular_n from_o p._n 153_o to_o p._n 157_o how_o this_o church_n may_v be_v know_v p._n 158_o how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o it_o p._n 159_o the_o church_n a_o great_a mystery_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n p._n 160_o seven_o bond_n of_o this_o church_n unity_n viz._n ibid._n 1._o one_o body_n p._n 161_o 2._o one_o spirit_n p._n 165_o 3._o one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_n p._n 167_o 4._o one_o lord._n p._n 169_o 5._o one_o faith_n p._n 172_o 6._o one_o baptism_n p._n 175_o 7._o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o all_o p._n 176_o these_o seven_o bond_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o addition_n of_o man_n devise_v 178._o how_o the_o true_a church_n of_o believer_n thus_o make_v one_o by_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v one_o in_o their_o communion_n among_o themselves_o p._n 180_o to_o this_o end_n 1_o they_o must_v know_v some_o thing_n otherwise_o then_o yet_o they_o do_v ibid._n particular_o they_o must_v be_v instruct_v touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n this_o government_n be_v twofold_a 1._o immediate_a and_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n p._n 181_o 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n p_o 182_o these_o two_o government_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n nor_o in_o this_o p._n 184_o 2._o mediate_v this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_n p._n 185_o and_o it_o be_v christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ibid._n this_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o several_a particular_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n 186_o 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v set_v down_o in_o 6._o particular_n 188_o and_o here_o
after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n yea_o but_o have_v not_o the_o church_n a_o council_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o see_v act._n 15_o and_o do_v not_o they_o order_n and_o decree_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n the_o church_n have_v a_o council_n then_o but_o far_o differ_v from_o the_o counsel_n now_o adays_o for_o 1._o that_o council_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o pack_v together_o by_o secular_a power_n but_o free_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n oâ—_n the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o by_o the_o believer_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n 2._o this_o council_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o brethren_n also_o and_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v agree_v and_o order_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n 3._o that_o free_a council_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o mere_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o the_o word_n &_o by_o the_o word_n conclude_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v all_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fore_n name_v place_n and_o in_o these_o regard_v that_o council_n differ_v from_o we_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o council_n the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n desire_v a_o council_n for_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v free_a it_o must_v mind_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v power_n itself_o to_o call_v one_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o what_o man_n can_v object_v against_o this_o of_o worldly_a prince_n call_v they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o litter_n 〈◊〉_d man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o take_v up_o thing_n on_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n that_o concern_v either_o his_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o officer_n so_o also_o of_o its_o counsel_n for_o the_o church_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o take_v all_o that_o they_o determine_v for_o truth_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a yea_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o other_o church_n and_o christian_n have_v both_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o try_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o whole_a as_o they_o say_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v it_o and_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o judge_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o they_o may_v have_v resist_v they_o as_o paul_n do_v peter_n and_o paul_n give_v this_o liberty_n to_o christian_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o whether_o paul_n have_v allow_v it_o or_o no_o to_o try_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n whether_o they_o bring_v the_o right_a word_n or_o no_o for_o christ_n command_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v that_o nation_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o the_o church_n
thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o to_o speak_v the_o dream_n and_o vision_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o when_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o come_v to_o he_o only_o but_o to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o they_o have_v wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o this_o will_n both_o keep_v down_o his_o pride_n and_o make_v he_o careful_a what_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o know_v there_o be_v those_o present_n in_o the_o congregation_n that_o be_v able_a to_o reprove_v his_o darkness_n by_o light_n and_o this_o prophesy_a be_v a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n in_o the_o jaw_n of_o error_n that_o it_o can_v run_v that_o race_n in_o the_o church_n it_o do_v desire_v 2._o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v prove_v to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o in_o the_o common_a ministry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o error_n be_v not_o only_o preach_v but_o also_o go_v away_o uncontrolled_a and_o no_o way_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o restrain_v error_n proportionable_a to_o that_o of_o propagate_a it_o no_o body_n be_v permit_v to_o speak_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o the_o poison_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o liberty_n of_o public_a speak_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o one_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n and_o to_o onesort_v of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n any_o error_n may_v sudden_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n without_o any_o sufficient_a and_o proportionable_a remedy_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o now_o when_o the_o right_a or_o power_n of_o prophesy_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o minister_n can_v no_o soon_o vent_v any_o error_n but_o there_o be_v some_o believer_n or_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n shall_v move_v ready_a to_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o error_n be_v as_o soon_o discover_v and_o detect_v as_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o as_o soon_o destroy_v as_o it_o be_v detect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o from_o a_o private_a christian_a be_v more_o mighty_a to_o destroy_v error_n than_o error_n can_v be_v to_o uphold_v itself_o against_o the_o word_n 3._o prophesy_v be_v a_o most_o useful_a mean_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n in_o this_o regard_n because_o it_o give_v the_o church_n light_n how_o to_o choose_v faithful_a teacher_n out_o of_o its_o own_o child_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o supply_n in_o this_o kind_n see_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v the_o church_n know_v and_o discern_v which_o of_o its_o member_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o clear_o teach_v of_o god_n in_o divine_a thing_n and_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n from_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o most_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v supply_v with_o pastor_n of_o her_o own_o son_n and_o not_o seek_v oâ—_n after_o unknown_a person_n nor_o be_v constrain_v to_o use_v mercenary_a man_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o preach_v as_o their_o trade_n to_o live_v by_o whereupon_o but_o few_o of_o they_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v other_o than_o hireling_n who_o will_v make_v their_o ministry_n serve_v their_o own_o advantage_n and_o frame_v the_o scripture_n to_o sound_v such_o doctrine_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n and_o in_o these_o three_o regard_n the_o use_n of_o prophesy_v help_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n object_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v against_o this_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o rash_a and_o absurd_a after_o a_o able_a learned_a man_n have_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o unlearned_a mechanic_n presen_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o speak_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n answ_n that_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o prophet_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o esteem_v not_o that_o to_o be_v learning_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o man_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o so_o they_o neither_o reckon_v he_o that_o have_v humane_a learning_n to_o be_v learn_v here_o nor_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o to_o be_v ignorant_a yea_o far_o in_o this_o society_n god_n will_v have_v he_o who_o be_v most_o unlearned_a according_a to_o humane_a literature_n to_o speak_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v the_o more_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a truth_n may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o gift_n part_n learning_n or_o study_n but_o only_o to_o his_o spirit_n which_o can_v even_o in_o a_o moment_n teach_v the_o ignorant_a and_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o very_a dumb_a to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n by_o whereas_o when_o a_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n speak_v with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v common_o attribute_v to_o his_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o so_o god_n lose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o if_o a_o plain_a ignorant_a man_n shall_v speak_v spiritual_o and_o divine_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o man_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v admire_v in_o his_o saint_n it_o will_v be_v again_o object_v yea_o but_o if_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n will_v not_o this_o breed_v great_a confusion_n and_o disturbance_n i_o answer_v no_o not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o people_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v christ_n himself_o present_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o demean_n himself_o answerable_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o also_o every_o one_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n but_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o gâ—d_n as_o it_o be_v write_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o speak_v here_o but_o by_o revelation_n or_o a_o inward_a teach_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n and_o where_o man_n speak_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o speak_v there_o can_v be_v no_o confusion_n but_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n yea_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v prophesy_v as_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o dare_v to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o confusion_n see_v god_n know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n than_o thou_o do_v wherefore_o see_v prophesy_v be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v still_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o a_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a ministry_n or_o the_o only_a power_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v but_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o from_o this_o thing_n 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o you_o and_o be_v it_o to_o come_v out_o only_o from_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o you_o and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o come_v forth_o from_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v come_v see_v they_o can_v but_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v 5._o the_o last_o mean_v i_o shall_v name_v whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v keep_v error_n out_o of_o itself_o be_v to_o exercise_v its_o power_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n as_o paul_n command_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 29._o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n shall_v also_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o judgement_n error_n will_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v vent_v but_o will_v also_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o now_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o