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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n call_v church_n holy_a 7,200 5 5.2401 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37502 The way of true peace and unity in the true church of Christ in all humility and bowels of love presented to them / by William Dell. Dell, William, d. 1664. 1651 (1651) Wing D940; ESTC R208819 91,709 110

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eye_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n etc._n etc._n so_o among_o believer_n none_o live_v and_o act_n for_o himself_o only_o but_o each_o believer_n serve_v all_o and_o all_o serve_v each_o one_o in_o love_n 7._o member_n that_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o body_n have_v a_o true_a sympathy_n with_o one_o another_o both_o in_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 12.26_o and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o 8._o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o force_n but_o only_o a_o law_n of_o love_n no_o member_n compel_v another_o but_o each_o member_n serve_v another_o by_o love_n and_o if_o one_o member_n be_v infirm_a the_o rest_n help_v it_o and_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o the_o more_o they_o care_v for_o it_o and_o do_v not_o the_o more_o despise_v it_o and_o this_o now_o be_v the_o first_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o body_n now_o they_o break_v this_o first_o bond_n of_o unity_n unity_n that_o either_o live_v out_o of_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o live_v in_o it_o but_o not_o as_o member_n 1._o they_o that_o do_v content_a themselves_o in_o join_v to_o some_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n though_o call_v a_o church_n and_o think_v that_o by_o be_v knit_v to_o they_o in_o way_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n they_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o as_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o live_v out_o of_o that_o one_o body_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n though_o he_o live_v in_o the_o most_o excellent_a society_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o live_v in_o one_o body_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o many_o break_v the_o church_n unity_n that_o never_o think_v on_o it_o 2._o again_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n that_o live_v in_o this_o one_o body_n but_o not_o as_o member_n and_o such_o be_v they_o who_o have_v get_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n will_v needs_o lift_v themselves_o up_o above_o their_o fellow_n member_n and_o exercise_v authoritative_a coercive_a domineer_a power_n over_o they_o whereas_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n but_o fellow-member_n with_o the_o faithful_a live_v in_o one_o body_n and_o under_o one_o head_n with_o they_o and_o so_o do_v all_o by_o love_n and_o persuasion_n and_o nothing_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n now_o those_o member_n that_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o their_o fellow_n and_o equal_a member_n what_o do_v they_o else_o but_o usurp_v the_o place_n of_o the_o head_n and_o so_o break_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o head_n he_o that_o in_o a_o single_a or_o combine_a unity_n set_v himself_o up_o above_o other_o believer_n by_o give_v law_n and_o by_o prescribe_v and_o command_v form_n and_o rule_n to_o those_o that_o be_v every_o way_n his_o equal_n he_o advance_v himself_o as_o another_o head_n beside_o christ_n and_o so_o anti_n christ_n be_v near_o to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o many_o man_n that_o be_v so_o forward_o and_o fierce_a to_o make_v and_o enforce_v rule_n and_o order_n colourable_o to_o procure_v the_o church_n peace_n they_o be_v the_o first_o man_n that_o do_v themselves_o break_v this_o first_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n to_o wit_n unity_n of_o body_n which_o make_v all_o believer_n equal_a member_n equal_o subject_a to_o one_o head_n the_o second_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o spirit_z there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n spirit_n say_v paul_n and_o through_o unity_n of_o spirit_n they_o become_v one_o body_n now_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n and_o but_o one_o soul_n comprehend_v quicken_v move_v and_o govern_v all_o these_o member_n make_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o hand_n to_o work_v the_o foot_n to_o walk_v etc._n etc._n so_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n have_v yet_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o comprehend_v quicken_v move_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o most_o near_o and_o intimate_a society_n together_o and_o enable_v each_o member_n to_o its_o several_a office_n according_a to_o its_o place_n and_o use_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o a_o member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o to_o cause_v it_o to_o live_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n so_o he_o that_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o true_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o follow_v he_o to_o make_v he_o live_v single_a by_o himself_o and_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o spirit_n nor_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o body_n and_o as_o the_o same_o soul_n in_o several_a member_n act_n several_o and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n in_o all_o so_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o several_a believer_n work_v several_o as_o it_o please_v and_o yet_o be_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o all_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o this_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o strong_a bond_n of_o its_o peace_n among_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o more_o near_o among_o kindred_n there_o be_v unity_n of_o flesh_n but_o because_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v much_o envy_n hatred_n strife_n and_o variance_n in_o that_o unity_n of_o flesh_n but_o now_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o only_o one_o flesh_n but_o one_o soul_n or_o spirit_n too_o and_o so_o there_o be_v always_o peace_n and_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o one_o body_n but_o one_o spirit_n too_o and_o this_o make_v it_o one_o indeed_o for_o as_o this_o spirit_n be_v the_o love_n and_o connexion_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n so_o it_o be_v also_o our_o love_n and_o connexion_n in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n live_v in_o unity_n of_o spirit_n so_o all_o believer_n live_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o now_o they_o on_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v first_o give_v after_o christ_n be_v glorify_v have_v also_o with_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o spirit_n give_v be_v for_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n &_o so_o they_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o the_o church_n have_v through_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n its_o society_n and_o consociation_n for_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n where_o all_o be_v one_o spirit_n in_o christ_n he_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o all_o and_o when_o a_o believer_n hear_v another_o speak_v it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o himself_o do_v speak_v and_o when_o one_o speak_v it_o be_v as_o if_o all_o speak_v for_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o speak_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o have_v equal_o hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o have_v the_o outward_a form_n of_o a_o church_n even_o as_o our_o soul_n can_v wish_v except_o there_o be_v inward_o in_o that_o church_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v not_o unity_n of_o form_n will_v ever_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o unity_n of_o spirit_n that_o church_n then_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o law_n order_n constitution_n form_n member_n officer_n what_o true_a unity_n can_v that_o have_v in_o all_o its_o uniformity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o spirit_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v in_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o christ_n for_o they_o that_o live_v in_o a_o different_a spirit_n from_o the_o true_a church_n what_o unity_n can_v they_o possible_o have_v with_o it_o they_o then_o that_o live_v in_o their_o own_o humane_a reason_n understanding_n thought_n council_n will_n end_n they_o live_v quite_o and_o clean_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n yea_o in_o
direct_a enmity_n against_o it_o see_v our_o own_o corrupt_a and_o earthly_a spirit_n be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o the_o church_n live_v wherefore_o we_o may_v learn_v hence_o what_o to_o judge_v of_o those_o man_n that_o cry_v out_o much_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o themselves_o neither_o live_v in_o nor_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o either_o by_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o antichrist_n 2._o they_o that_o labour_n to_o join_v man_n into_o one_o body_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o one_o spirit_n with_o it_o do_v mar_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o for_o as_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n so_o diversity_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o this_o one_o body_n that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o one_o spirit_n 3._o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o christ_n prejudice_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n which_o be_v to_o have_v all_o its_o communion_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o pray_v or_o prophesy_v or_o the_o like_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a part_n or_o humane_a study_n and_o invention_n only_o and_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o prophesy_v in_o the_o spirit_n they_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o faithful_a have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v manifest_v in_o each_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest._n how_o may_v i_o know_v christ_n spirit_n in_o these_o act_n and_o duty_n from_o a_o man_n own_o i_o answer_v answ._n that_o as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o as_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o belief_n so_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o spirit_n and_o can_v know_v where_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o where_o be_v a_o different_a or_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o one-ness_a of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o themselves_o the_o three_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n call_n as_o all_o believer_n be_v call_v by_o one_o calling_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a voice_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o be_v all_o call_v into_o one_o bless_a hope_n of_o obtain_v the_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o no_o one_o be_v call_v to_o this_o hope_n more_o than_o another_o or_o have_v more_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o it_o then_o another_o fish_n that_o live_v in_o the_o sea_n though_o some_o be_v great_a and_o some_o less_o yet_o none_o have_v more_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o it_o then_o another_o but_o all_o be_v alike_o produce_v in_o it_o enjoy_v it_o alike_o and_o creature_n that_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n though_o some_o be_v great_a and_o some_o less_o yet_o all_o enjoy_v the_o sun_n and_o air_n alike_o and_o yet_o near_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n though_o of_o different_a quantity_n form_n and_o office_n yet_o all_o have_v alike_o interest_n in_o the_o head_n and_o all_o its_o sense_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculty_n so_o all_o the_o faithful_a enjoy_v christ_n alike_o and_o in_o he_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n and_o no_o believer_n have_v more_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o god_n than_o another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o god_n give_v not_o more_o nor_o better_a thing_n to_o one_o then_o to_o another_o but_o he_o give_v immortality_n glory_n eternal_a life_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o himself_o alike_o to_o all_o and_o make_v all_o to_o sit_v alike_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o father_n all_o the_o faithful_a than_o be_v equal_o call_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o hope_n and_o none_o can_v hope_v for_o great_a or_o better_a thing_n than_o another_o it_o be_v a_o very_a carnal_a thing_n in_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n to_o desire_v of_o christ_n that_o one_o of_o her_o son_n may_v sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o another_o at_o his_o left_a hand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n where_o all_o alike_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o none_o at_o all_o at_o his_o left_a indeed_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n some_o have_v great_a estate_n than_o other_o and_o be_v in_o high_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o breed_v envy_v and_o emulation_n and_o strife_n and_o distance_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o father_n all_o that_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o dwell_v therein_o do_v alike_o inherit_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o say_v paul_n and_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n say_v john_n and_o the_o least_o believer_n have_v no_o less_o and_o the_o great_a have_v no_o more_o and_o this_o cause_n unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o we_o see_v what_o a_o strong_a bond_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n unity_n of_o hope_n be_v in_o they_o that_o travel_v together_o that_o fight_v together_o that_o labour_n together_o and_o so_o much_o more_o in_o they_o who_o be_v equal_o call_v by_o god_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o hope_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o live_v out_o of_o this_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n who_o hope_n be_v in_o earthly_a carnal_a base_a thing_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n yet_o live_v only_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n in_o hope_n of_o worldly_a profit_n honour_n preferment_n and_o the_o attain_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o they_o according_a to_o the_o eagerness_n of_o their_o hope_n prosecute_v mighty_o by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n these_o man_n i_o say_v break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o true_a unity_n can_v they_o have_v with_o the_o true_a church_n that_o live_v not_o in_o unity_n of_o hope_n with_o it_o see_v worldly_a hope_n carry_v man_n one_o way_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o believer_n carry_v they_o another_o carnal_a hope_n make_v man_n leave_v god_n for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o saint_n make_v they_o leave_v the_o world_n for_o god_n wherefore_o they_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o hope_n which_o be_v their_o end_n must_v needs_o differ_v in_o their_o way_n and_o work_n and_o so_o he_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n live_v also_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o it_o the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o lord_n the_o right_a church_n have_v not_o many_o lord_n but_o one_o lord._n and_o this_o one_o and_o only_a lord_n be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v fellow_n servant_n to_o one_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o do_v owe_v equal_a obedience_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o when_o there_o be_v divers_a lord_n there_o be_v divers_a mind_n and_o will_n and_o end_n and_o so_o divers_a law_n and_o these_o breed_v division_n and_o dissension_n and_o war_n among_o man_n but_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n there_o be_v also_o but_o one_o law_n and_o where_o people_n live_v by_o one_o law_n under_o one_o lord_n unto_o who_o all_o be_v equal_o subject_a this_o breed_v peace_n and_o union_n now_o the_o lordship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o creature_n must_v presume_v to_o arrogate_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o see_v unto_o the_o very_a angel_n he_o have_v not_o put_v in_o subjection_n this_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o speak_v and_o for_o man_n christ_n have_v charge_v his_o own_o apostle_n who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n among_o believer_n may_v undoubted_o challenge_v the_o pre-eminence_n i_o say_v christ_n have_v charge_v even_o they_o on_o this_o sort_n matth._n 23.10_o be_v not_o you_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n that_o be_v you_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o
voice_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o a_o stranger_n the_o pope_n he_o arrogate_v both_o sword_n to_o himself_o when_o neither_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o due_a time_n shall_v perish_v by_o both_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v assume_v to_o himself_o power_n of_o both_o kingdom_n christ_n and_o the_o world_n when_o of_o right_n but_o one_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o world_n and_o not_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a lest_o by_o encroach_a on_o christ_n kingdom_n he_o lose_v his_o own_o let_v the_o magistrate_n therefore_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o state_n and_o let_v he_o suffer_v christ_n to_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o church_n see_v his_o presence_n be_v always_o there_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v quietness_n in_o both_o but_o else_o in_o neither_o see_v christ_n will_v as_o assure_o trouble_v the_o magistrate_n kingdom_n as_o the_o magistrate_n trouble_v he_o the_o three_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o 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he_o have_v learn_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v voluntary_a and_o not_o co-act_a the_o church_n then_o at_o first_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o willing_a and_o such_o as_o be_v persuade_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n till_o antichrist_n begin_v to_o prevail_v and_o then_o they_o fall_v from_o persuade_v to_o force_v and_o they_o no_o long_o go_v about_o to_o make_v man_n willing_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o get_v power_n from_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o force_v they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o this_o main_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v perfect_o bring_v forth_o by_o boniface_n the_o three_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o use_v these_o word_n in_o the_o church_n volumus_fw-la mandamus_fw-la statuimus_fw-la ac_fw-la praecipimus_fw-la we_o will_v we_o require_v we_o appoint_v we_o command_v which_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o true_a voice_n of_o thief_n and_o murderer_n and_o from_o that_o time_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n decay_v apace_o when_o there_o be_v more_o unwilling_a force_v unto_o it_o then_o will_v persuade_v and_o true_a peace_n will_v never_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o again_o till_o man_n shall_v abandon_v the_o power_n of_o force_n and_o only_o use_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o church_n may_v consist_v only_o of_o a_o willing_a people_n the_o four_o rule_n be_v to_o make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n laity_n for_o the_o clergy_n or_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v all_o along_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o christian_n who_o they_o call_v the_o laity_n and_o have_v make_v up_o a_o distinct_a or_o several_a kingdom_n among_o themselves_o and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lay_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o reckon_v other_o 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the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o bowel_n of_o love_n present_v to_o they_o by_o william_n dell_n one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n psal._n 120.7_o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n utrum_fw-la nos_fw-la schismatici_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o vos_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la sed_fw-la christus_fw-la interrogetur_fw-la ut_fw-la indicet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la august_n contr_n litter_n petil._n l._n 2._o c._n 85._o london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n near_a ludgate_n 1651._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o 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general_a council_n in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n call_v christian_a or_o for_o the_o archbishop_n or_o national_a assembly_n in_o particular_a kingdom_n man_n have_v common_o think_v that_o to_o preserve_v the_o godly_a in_o worldly_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n whereas_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o faith_n hope_n love_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n in_o and_o through_o the_o spirit_n this_o only_a be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o this_o ofttimes_o be_v better_a do_v by_o christ_n who_o work_n only_o it_o be_v in_o affliction_n then_o in_o prosperity_n wherefore_o do_v you_o look_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o state_n and_o trust_v christ_n with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o be_v both_o faithful_a and_o able_a to_o save_v it_o perfect_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o no_o part_n of_o it_o out_o of_o he_o no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o this_o their_o 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general_n fairfax_n and_o the_o honourable_a lieutenant-general_n cromwell_n together_o with_o the_o council_n of_o war._n the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v turn_v your_o course_n backward_o like_o jordan_n from_o what_o it_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o all_o former_a enchantment_n and_o divination_n use_v against_o you_o be_v dissolve_v through_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o you_o after_o a_o manifest_a withdraw_a of_o it_o and_o you_o through_o a_o bless_a necessity_n be_v now_o do_v that_o work_n of_o god_n which_o once_o you_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o viz._n the_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o subdue_a the_o great_a enemy_n of_o p●ace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o enmity_n against_o peace_n that_o be_v enwrap_v in_o our_o very_a law_n and_o degenerate_v constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o think_v good_a while_o you_o be_v thus_o busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n without_o you_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n within_o you_o and_o a_o eternal_a peace_n as_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o temporal_a for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o have_v peace_n among_o man_n &_o to_o want_v peace_n with_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o destroy_v the_o enemy_n to_o worldly_a peace_n and_o yet_o to_o maintain_v in_o your_o own_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o heavenly_a peace_n take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o your_o present_a employment_n do_v not_o so_o over-ingage_a you_o in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o neglect_v the_o world_n to_o
to_o regard_v his_o own_o salvation_n see_v now_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o cloak_n nor_o the_o least_o excuse_n for_o his_o sin_n now_o that_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v you_o now_o at_o first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o propound_v any_o way_n of_o peace_n either_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n or_o else_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v learn_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n world_n for_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v any_o reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n between_o these_o in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a seed_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o one_o from_o beneath_o the_o other_o from_o 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way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n christ._n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o 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declare_v wherein_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v and_o also_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o the_o church_n itself_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v speak_v plain_o and_o something_o large_o because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a business_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n and_o mis-apprehension_n touch_v it_o even_o among_o the_o faithful_a the_o right_a church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n not_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o join_v together_o in_o a_o outward_a form_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v whoremonger_n idolater_n thief_n murderers_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a and_o unbelieving_a person_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n man_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n
the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n but_o it_o be_v first_o with_o the_o son_n and_o with_o the_o father_n and_o then_o with_o one_o another_o in_o they_o and_o christ_n be_v the_o door_n through_o which_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n the_o door_n through_o which_o we_o enter_v into_o christ_n for_o man_n may_v join_v themselves_o to_o believer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o outward_a ordinance_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n nor_o to_o that_o communion_n which_o believer_n have_v in_o christ_n but_o a_o man_n can_v be_v join_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v join_v to_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o he_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o enjoy_v with_o they_o wherever_o he_o meet_v with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v knit_v up_o together_o into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n by_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n the_o church_n of_o man_n by_o a_o outward_a covenant_n or_o agreement_n only_o 10._o the_o church_n of_o man_n have_v humane_a officer_n who_o act_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a or_o acquisite_a part_n who_o do_v all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o study_n learning_n and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o the_o true_a church_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a officer_n and_o man_n only_o so_o far_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o they_o and_o so_o when_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o do_v it_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n seek_v you_o a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o you_o ward_v be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a who_o ever_o be_v the_o instrument_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a preacher_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o 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shall_v sit_v and_o rule_v upon_o his_o throne_n for_o none_o can_v rule_v the_o true_a church_n but_o he_o that_o build_v it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o christ_n as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v christ_n be_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o if_o christ_n be_v ever_o present_a with_o they_o his_o own_o self_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o christ_n may_v not_o reign_v immediate_o over_o they_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n reckon_v it_o sufficient_a authority_n that_o they_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o what_o ever_o they_o find_v in_o the_o word_n they_o present_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o never_o ask_v leave_n either_o of_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n but_o the_o church_n of_o man_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o assembly_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o their_o religion_n they_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v still_o set_v themselves_o one_o above_o another_o but_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v all_o equal_a have_v christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n equal_o present_a with_o they_o and_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o believer_n of_o one_o congregation_n can_v say_v they_o have_v power_n over_o the_o believer_n of_o another_o congregation_n see_v all_o congregation_n have_v christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n alike_o among_o they_o and_o christ_n have_v not_o anywhere_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v more_o with_o one_o then_o with_o another_o and_o so_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o congregation_n do_v not_o subject_v neither_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o another_o congregation_n as_o if_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o several_a place_n shall_v be_v above_o and_o under_o themselves_o but_o christ_n in_o each_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v their_o head_n and_o this_o head_n they_o dare_v not_o leave_v and_o set_v up_o a_o fleshly_a head_n to_o themselves_o whether_o it_o consist_v of_o one_o or_o many_o man_n see_v antichrist_n do_v as_o strong_o invade_v christ_n headship_n in_o many_o as_o in_o one_o man_n in_o a_o council_n as_o in_o a_o pope_n last_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v sin_n and_o death_n shall_v certain_o prevail_v against_o but_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v always_o fight_v against_o it_o yet_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o as_o christ_n have_v promise_v mat._n 16.18_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n among_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n or_o corporation_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v point_v out_o by_o the_o finger_n lo_o here_o or_o lo_o there_o see_v it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o certain_a place_n time_n or_o person_n but_o it_o be_v whole_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a society_n as_o i_o have_v say_v that_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o true_a pale_a and_o circumference_n of_o this_o church_n and_o out_o of_o who_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v now_o hereupon_o it_o will_v present_o be_v say_v if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v invisible_a as_o you_o have_v affirm_v then_o 1._o how_o shall_v we_o know_v it_o 2._o how_o can_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o it_o to_o both_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v return_v a_o clear_a answer_n and_o first_o to_o this_o question_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o true_a church_n see_v it_o be_v invisible_a invisible_a i_o answer_v just_o so_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v know_v be_v the_o church_n his_o body_n know_v and_o no_o other_o way_n now_o christ_n be_v know_v 1._o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n when_o peter_n confess_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n christ_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n now_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v without_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n than_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o these_o member_n see_v the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o as_o he_o be_v so_o be_v we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o he_o have_v need_n of_o other_o eye_n then_o the_o world_n see_v withal_o that_o will_v discern_v the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o another_o revelation_n than_o any_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v make_v 2._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o spirit_n rest_v on_o he_o joh._n 1.33_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o say_v john_n baptist_n but_o he_o that_o 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the_o second_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n presence_n or_o god_n government_n within_o we_o for_o the_o right_a church_n be_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o have_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o be_v build_v and_o frame_v and_o that_o according_a to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v and_o god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o if_o any_o will_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a guide_n and_o order_v of_o this_o church_n depend_v whole_o on_o god_n who_o dwell_v within_o it_o for_o god_n will_v not_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o sit_v still_o whilst_z other_o that_o be_v without_o it_o shall_v govern_v it_o but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o right_a church_n lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v immanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o so_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n who_o fill_v it_o govern_v it_o by_o a_o most_o present_a and_o powerful_a but_o invisible_a influence_n lead_v it_o into_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o patience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o patience_n into_o love_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n into_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n into_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o into_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o righteousness_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o contain_v all_o these_o grace_n in_o itself_o and_o work_v they_o in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o government_n we_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a in_o this_o government_n we_o have_v not_o outward_a law_n to_o order_v we_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o a_o inward_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o live_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o live_a word_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o according_a to_o this_o government_n also_o god_n guide_v the_o true_a church_n wonderful_o the_o soul_n not_o see_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o form_n and_o fashion_n the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n clean_a contrary_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o mourning_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o comfort_n bring_v they_o to_o despair_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n to_o death_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n yea_o even_o to_o hell_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n lead_v his_o choose_a people_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o will_v follow_v but_o faith_n which_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fear_n woe_n agony_n temptation_n till_o it_o feel_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o true_a sorrow_n of_o death_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o this_o darkness_n see_v no_o beam_n nor_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n and_o want_v all_o counsel_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v itself_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o lead_v it_o into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o redeem_v it_o from_o all_o distress_n subdue_a the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n under_o it_o yea_o and_o carry_v it_o into_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n age._n now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n to_o wit_n the_o one_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o other_o of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n when_o the_o prelatical_a government_n have_v be_v dissolve_v for_o several_a year_n together_o can_v any_o christian_a think_v that_o the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v without_o all_o government_n nay_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v be_v govern_v most_o powerful_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o most_o sweet_o by_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v neither_o against_o its_o grace_n nor_o comfort_n and_o for_o a_o outward_a formal_a visible_a enforce_a government_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a corporation_n or_o worldly_a kingdom_n the_o true_a church_n can_v as_o 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peculiar_a baptism_n from_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o this_o he_o have_v reserve_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o have_v not_o give_v it_o into_o any_o man_n power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n one_o baptism_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o content_n themselves_o only_o with_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o remain_v in_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o all_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o in_o all_o the_o filthiness_n and_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o true_a peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o nature_n with_o those_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o these_o pollution_n and_o be_v wash_v and_o justify_v purify_v and_o sanctify_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o what_o 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one_o god_n and_o father_n from_o who_o all_o receive_v alike_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o without_o any_o difference_n make_v they_o all_o one_o and_o equal_a that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o among_o these_o none_o have_v a_o better_a father_n than_o another_o nor_o none_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o another_o but_o all_o receive_v the_o same_o nature_n from_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n and_o so_o be_v brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o also_o be_v another_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o they_o have_v all_o one_o god_n and_o father_n first_o all_o be_v alike_o dear_a to_o he_o god_n because_o all_o be_v alike_o bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o he_o love_v not_o one_o more_o or_o less_o than_o another_o but_o comprehend_v all_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o love_n with_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o true_o know_v will_v restrain_v believer_n from_o wrong_v one_o another_o when_o they_o know_v that_o 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alike_o and_o all_o alike_o possess_v he_o be_v through_o they_o all_o and_o hereupon_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o because_o god_n never_o differ_v from_o himself_o but_o his_o nature_n be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o in_o all_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o bring_v they_o all_o out_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o nature_n into_o the_o unity_n of_o go_n 3._o he_o be_v in_o they_o all._n all_o god_n be_v such_o a_o father_n as_o have_v his_o presence_n in_o all_o his_o child_n he_o have_v a_o special_a presence_n in_o they_o dwell_v in_o they_o after_o the_o manner_n he_o dwell_v in_o christ_n though_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n for_o god_n dwell_v in_o christ_n and_o christian_n otherwise_o then_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o wit_n by_o communicate_v his_o nature_n to_o they_o through_o his_o union_n with_o they_o and_o wherever_o god_n communicate_v his_o nature_n there_o he_o be_v present_v most_o true_o powerful_o and_o glorious_o indeed_o and_o 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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 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the_o church_n will_v best_o agree_v with_o itself_o and_o the_o world_n with_o itself_o the_o second_o rule_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n affair_n and_o be_v not_o to_o introduce_v or_o entertain_v any_o power_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o worldly_a power_n and_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v only_o to_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n see_v this_o power_n alone_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v the_o whole_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o work_v all_o the_o work_n in_o it_o that_o god_n have_v to_o do_v and_o so_o it_o be_v strong_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o man_n that_o dare_v not_o commit_v the_o success_n of_o their_o business_n to_o christ_n power_n alone_o but_o will_v call_v in_o secular_a power_n over_z and_o above_o to_o help_v they_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v underneath_o some_o secular_a end_n see_v christ_n power_n alone_o be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o his_o kingdom_n beside_o this_o worldly_a power_n never_o work_v peace_n but_o always_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n put_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o method_n into_o man_n and_o work_v man_n will_n rather_o than_o god_n yea_o man_n will_n against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n object_n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v that_o worldly_a power_n do_v well_o in_o the_o church_n because_o it_o keep_v down_o many_o profane_a person_n that_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v down_o by_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v answ._n that_o so_o far_o as_o such_o profane_a one_o be_v govern_v by_o worldly_a power_n they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o worldly_a power_n have_v better_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v own_o proper_a sphere_n then_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o line_n especial_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n enough_o in_o itself_o to_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v govern_v willing_o in_o the_o church_n as_o christian_n let_v they_o be_v govern_v against_o their_o will_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o man_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v over_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o spiritual_a but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n be_v over_o man_n as_o man_n as_o natural_a and_o carnal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o government_n belong_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n and_o headship_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o christ_n faithfulness_n in_o he_o but_o now_o if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o power_n but_o will_v needs_o intrude_v on_o christ_n also_o and_o not_o reckon_v it_o enough_o to_o govern_v man_n as_o man_n by_o his_o worldly_a power_n will_v also_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v tamper_n with_o the_o very_a church_n this_o both_o render_v he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithful_a troublesome_a to_o he_o he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o use_v a_o power_n over_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o suitable_a to_o they_o nor_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o troublesome_a to_o he_o because_o in_o god_n kingdom_n as_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o
the_o church_n remain_v as_o it_o ought_v above_o the_o officer_n it_o quit_v they_o when_o they_o grow_v evil_a and_o unruly_a and_o choose_v better_a in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o preserve_v union_n whereas_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a officer_n when_o they_o do_v degenerate_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o seven_o rule_n be_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o congregation_n to_o take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n head_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n for_o whilst_o some_o say_v we_o be_v of_o paul_n other_o we_o of_o apollo_n other_o we_o of_o cephas_n they_o be_v all_o in_o this_o matter_n carnal_a and_o divide_v both_o from_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o whilst_o several_a set_v up_o several_a head_n who_o they_o especial_o own_v and_o after_o who_o they_o be_v call_v whereas_o each_o that_o 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work_v distinction_n and_o division_n whereas_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v wherever_o it_o be_v one_o church_n under_o one_o head_n and_o governor_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n for_o the_o church_n or_o faithful_a to_o have_v one_o or_o more_o visible_a head●_n to_o go_v to_o not_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o this_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o carnal_a church_n yet_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o people_n do_v only_o own_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n their_o true_a and_o spiritual_a head_n and_o so_o they_o all_o live_v as_o one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o under_o one_o only_a head_n live_v all_o in_o invincible_a peace_n and_o unity_n whereas_o difference_n of_o outward_a head_n and_o ringleader_n always_o breed_v difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n the_o eight_o rule_n be_v for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n doctrine_n see_v this_o breed_v not_o only_a division_n but_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n also_o in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o some_o false_a apostle_n teach_v at_o antioch_n that_o except_o christian_n be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a church_n first_o at_o antioch_n and_o present_o after_o at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o which_o according_o through_o god_n they_o do_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n be_v evident_o against_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o as_o it_o love_v its_o own_o peace_n and_o unity_n now_o if_o any_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n quest._n i_o answer_v answ._n it_o may_v certain_o keep_v out_o error_n by_o these_o mean_n error_n 1._o let_v the_o church_n suffer_v none_o to_o teach_v among_o they_o that_o be_v not_o themselves_o teach_v of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o great_a natural_a part_n and_o never_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n for_o when_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o will_v only_o teach_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n and_o the_o line_n of_o every_o man_n teach_v must_v extend_v no_o further_o but_o when_o they_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v they_o will_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o and_o under_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n will_v give_v forth_o a_o unsound_a and_o false_a sense_n to_o the_o deceive_a of_o many_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o simple_a and_o so_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n will_v utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o endanger_v the_o mis-leading_a of_o some_o sheep_n for_o a_o time_n 2_o let_v the_o faithful_a examine_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o receive_v doctrine_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n who_o through_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n may_v easy_o lead_v they_o unaware_o into_o error_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o print_v and_o general_o receive_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a see_v those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o that_o doctrine_n let_v they_o reject_v it_o as_o reprobate_a silver_n see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o though_o through_o god_n especial_a goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o at_o this_o present_a time_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o search_v and_o see_v if_o our_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o yet_o err_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n and_o whether_o some_o or_o many_o corruption_n do_v not_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o thing_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o keep_v out_o error_n long_o than_o it_o precise_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o god_n and_o try_v all_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n by_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n must_v desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o man_n can_v make_v any_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o word_n he_o hear_v of_o reads_z without_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o this_o anoint_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_o teach_v which_o be_v truth_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v error_n and_o that_o by_o so_o clear_a and_o true_a a_o light_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v wherefore_o christian_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v with_o carnal_a people_n that_o the_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o humane_a and_o antichristian_a error_n depend_v upon_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o science_n for_o thus_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v whole_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o they_o conceive_v after_o this_o manner_n learned_a whereby_o they_o leave_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n through_o which_o the_o teacher_n may_v bring_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o error_n upon_o they_o but_o believer_n must_v know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o without_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o perfect_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o error_n and_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o all_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o so_o
the_o minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_a against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n instead_o of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n and_o kill_v the_o faithful_a instead_o of_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n till_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o let_v all_o christian_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o favour_v the_o magistrate_n with_o this_o power_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o he_o judge_n heretic_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n as_o he_o easy_o may_v see_v he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n or_o if_o another_o shall_v succeed_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n that_o very_a sword_n may_v be_v sheathe_v in_o their_o own_o bowel_n which_o now_o they_o draw_v forth_o against_o other_o man_n 3._o when_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v power_n to_o himself_o to_o suppress_v error_n this_o make_v minister_n negligent_a in_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n do_v that_o by_o force_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o save_v they_o their_o labour_n for_o when_o once_o the_o minister_n shall_v have_v so_o far_o interest_v themselves_o in_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o procure_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o gaoler_n and_o executioner_n against_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v then_o need_v no_o great_a pain_n to_o study_v the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a see_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n at_o all_o adventure_n be_v to_o defend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n the_o hangman_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o pastor_n have_v their_o work_n as_o they_o conceive_v thus_o do_v for_o they_o to_o their_o hand_n do_v common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o ease_n and_o idleness_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o error_n steal_v in_o apace_o upon_o the_o teacher_n themselves_o whereby_o by_o degree_n they_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v very_o many_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n think_v to_o chase_v out_o error_n before_o he_o one_o way_n he_o let_v it_o in_o behind_o he_o seven_o way_n 4._o this_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o destroy_v error_n which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o destroy_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n here_o in_o have_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o all_o the_o sword_n and_o halter_n and_o weapon_n and_o prison_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v error_n withal_o but_o as_o secure_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o leviathan_n a_o bulrush_n and_o yet_o do_v earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o world_n to_o use_v these_o thing_n against_o he_o and_o his_o error_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o fear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n than_o can_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o break_v down_o all_o his_o strong_a hold_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o he_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o his_o great_a cunning_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o that_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n and_o thus_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n presume_v to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o error_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v error_n that_o it_o uphold_v it_o and_o strengthen_v satan_n kingdom_n whilst_o it_o seem_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o error_n and_o evil_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o demand_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o quest._n towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n i_o answer_v answ._n this_o he_o may_v do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v this_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o any_o far_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v do_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o error_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o able_a to_o prevail_v of_o itself_o alone_o without_o call_v in_o any_o power_n or_o borrow_v any_o weapon_n from_o the_o world_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o such_o uniformity_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o the_o hindrance_n but_o the_o very_a break_n neck_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n now_o because_o this_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o strong_o urge_v by_o the_o unskilful_a builder_n of_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o full_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o state_n of_o this_o business_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o show_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o invade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v only_a intent_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o according_o preach_v and_o press_v nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o regard_v and_o for_o all_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o form_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a 72._o they_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o so_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n nor_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n neither_o bind_v the_o church_n to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n except_o those_o necessary_a thing_n mention_v act._n 15._o to_o wit_n thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o without_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o when_o the_o murder_a and_o blood_n of_o infant_n be_v common_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o help_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o common_a beast_n much_o more_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o therefore_o that_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a gentile_n continue_v and_o beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o ceremony_n or_o
all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a gospel_n way_n to_o conquer_v error_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o humane_a yea_o and_o devilish_a doctrine_n by_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o so_o mighty_a that_o all_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a doctrine_n must_v needs_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o see_v strong_a be_v that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o it_o than_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v its_o own_o spirit_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v give_v already_o such_o proof_n of_o its_o power_n in_o former_a time_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o horrible_a ignorance_n and_o error_n &_o darkness_n cover_v the_o earth_n and_o gross_a darkness_n the_o people_n and_o yet_o the_o gospel_n alone_o without_o any_o conjunction_n of_o earthly_a power_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n with_o it_o do_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o his_o possession_n and_o dominion_n and_o overthrow_v all_o false_a religion_n man_n have_v receive_v from_o their_o forefather_n through_o many_o generation_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n custom_n opinion_n religion_n and_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o utter_o dispel_v errror_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o sort_n i_o say_v see_v the_o gospel_n have_v already_o give_v such_o large_a testimony_n of_o its_o power_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v now_o so_o doubt_v the_o power_n of_o it_o as_o to_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o like_v we_o or_o what_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n as_o if_o error_n shall_v have_v now_o get_v more_o power_n to_o make_v void_a the_o word_n than_o the_o world_n power_n to_o make_v void_a error_n wherefore_o if_o the_o word_n be_v suffer_v to_o have_v free_a passage_n i_o dare_v rest_n on_o that_o alone_a and_o so_o dare_v all_o that_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o the_o conquer_a and_o destroy_v all_o error_n and_o heresy_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o now_o it_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o hear_v what_o some_o other_o man_n who_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o same_o light_n and_o spirit_n have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n zuinglius_fw-la in_o his_o book_n 302._o quote_v in_o the_o margin_n speak_v thus_o haec_fw-la unica_fw-la eaque_fw-la sola_fw-la via_fw-la est_fw-la qua_fw-la ad_fw-la concordiam_fw-la proxime_fw-la perveniri_fw-la potest_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o one_o and_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v most_o sudden_o attain_v to_o concord_n if_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v be_v or_o be_v common_o say_v for_o any_o opinion_n or_o against_o it_o be_v free_o propound_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v allow_v free_a judgement_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n for_o god_n who_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o discord_n but_o of_o peace_n never_n suffer_v those_o who_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o spirit_n to_o err_v or_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o this_o way_n be_v observe_v we_o shall_v short_o see_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n enjoy_v sweet_a peace_n and_o concord_n but_o now_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v some_o prince_n and_o city_n that_o will_v have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a to_o all_o presen_o there_o be_v other_o that_o will_v stop_v and_o hinder_v the_o course_n of_o it_o and_o so_o long_o there_o must_v needs_o arise_v great_a discord_n and_o dissension_n and_o hence_o i_o will_v have_v you_o judge_v whether_o you_o or_o we_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o we_o suffer_v those_o write_n that_o proceed_v as_o well_o from_o you_o as_o from_o the_o papist_n to_o be_v open_o and_o free_o read_v and_o read_v again_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o 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as_o low_a thing_n not_o worth_a their_o mind_v and_o glory_v in_o strange_a revelation_n and_o superlative_a holiness_n which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o believer_n and_o these_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o alsteta_n and_o luther_n write_v to_o the_o duke_n in_o who_o province_n this_o town_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n touch_v they_o quod_fw-la uèro_fw-la praesentis_fw-la interest_n negotii_fw-la they_o nolim_fw-la ab_fw-la illustrissimis_fw-la d._n v._o praedicandi_fw-la officium_fw-la praecludi_fw-la cviquam_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v but_o for_o what_o pertain_v to_o our_o present_a business_n i_o will_v not_o that_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v shall_v be_v deny_v to_o any_o by_o your_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n but_o let_v there_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o free_a liberty_n to_o preach_v and_o let_v they_o exhibit_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o their_o learning_n for_o i_o say_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n it_o must_v 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