much_o certainty_n as_o amount_v to_o plerophory_n and_o do_v dispel_v all_o degree_n of_o darkness_n and_o doubt_v this_o we_o assert_v not_o that_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v such_o be_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n neither_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o this_o that_o we_o look_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v as_o be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la if_o we_o mean_v so_o much_o certainty_n as_o do_v incline_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o one_o part_n and_o not_o leave_v it_o in_o suspense_n we_o assert_v that_o this_o may_v be_v attain_v in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v in_o question_n 2._o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v very_o obscure_o if_o not_o fraudulent_o express_v by_o these_o word_n what_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v in_o govern_v church_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v in_o this_o for_o many_o particular_n be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o general_a expression_n but_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v if_o the_o settle_a presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n or_o bishop_n act_v with_o authority_n over_o presbyter_n as_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o fair_a deal_n to_o imply_v as_o this_o proposition_n do_v that_o we_o infer_v the_o only_a divine_a right_n of_o one_o form_n from_o bare_a apostolical_a practice_n he_o know_v that_o we_o walk_v upon_o other_o ground_n viz._n we_o take_v christ_n command_n of_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n the_o parity_n between_o our_o case_n and_o they_o which_o may_v make_v the_o morality_n of_o our_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v not_o the_o one_o form_n which_o several_a party_n imagine_v to_o come_v near_o to_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o that_o which_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o it_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o be_v not_o man_n imagination_n but_o scriptural_a ground_n which_o we_o establish_v that_o correspondency_n upon_o we_o be_v assert_v between_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o what_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o antithesis_fw-la then_o which_o we_o maintain_v against_o this_o his_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o search_v the_o scripture_n may_v come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v on_o good_a ground_n whether_o the_o apostle_n in_o plant_v church_n do_v settle_v presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n or_o bishop_n rule_v over_o presbyter_n as_o their_o ordinary_a officer_n so_o as_o they_o may_v consider_v the_o duty_n lay_v on_o we_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o the_o parity_n of_o our_o case_n with_o they_o infer_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o that_o one_o form_n of_o these_o two_o which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o our_o antithesis_fw-la i_o refer_v to_o the_o consideration_n lay_v down_o p._n 184_o 185._o about_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture-history_n and_o its_o design_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o point_n which_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o i_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o author_n proposition_n as_o such_o a_o reflection_n on_o scripture_n that_o any_o but_o a_o papist_n may_v be_v ashamed_a of_o to_o this_o i_o add_v that_o the_o argument_n bring_v for_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o do_v evident_o destroy_v the_o author_n proposition_n and_o do_v establish_v our_o antithesis_fw-la which_o see_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v nor_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o our_o antithesis_fw-la shall_v be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o have_v bring_v for_o his_o proposition_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o sect._n 11._o his_o first_o argument_n be_v p._n 287._o from_o the_o equivalency_n of_o the_o name_n and_o doubtfulness_n of_o their_o signification_n from_o which_o the_o form_n of_o government_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v determine_v he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v hot_o plead_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o determination_n what_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o name_n be_v in_o scripture_n he_o make_v out_o the_o uncertainty_n by_o lay_v down_o four_o opinion_n about_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o name_n and_o from_o this_o variety_n of_o interpretation_n infer_v that_o we_o can_v know_v what_o sense_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o ans_fw-fr 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v plead_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n this_o be_v a_o misrepresentation_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v argument_n from_o which_o it_o may_v well_o be_v derive_v though_o these_o name_n shall_v never_o be_v mention_v 2._o when_o we_o dispute_v from_o these_o name_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o bare_a force_n of_o the_o word_n but_o from_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v often_o apply_v these_o name_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n never_o to_o divers_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o assert_v the_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n this_o be_v a_o sure_a argument_n than_o what_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o importance_n of_o name_n answ_n 2._o it_o be_v most_o false_a and_o injurious_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o word_n to_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o name_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v then_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v that_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v if_o he_o use_v name_n and_o word_n to_o express_v some_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o these_o word_n signify_v nothing_o or_o that_o they_o mean_v somewhat_o but_o no_o man_n can_v know_v what_o it_o be_v or_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o the_o former_a two_o be_v foul_a reflection_n on_o the_o author_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o reflection_n on_o a_o man_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o a_o book_n design_v for_o instruction_n that_o which_o either_o have_v no_o meaning_n or_o such_o as_o can_v be_v know_v the_o 3d_o contradict_v our_o author_n assertion_n his_o proof_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o name_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o before_o in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v a_o most_o unhappy_a and_o inconsequential_a reason_n man_n have_v divers_a way_n understand_v these_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v be_v understand_v at_o all_o they_o must_v have_v a_o meaning_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v it_o out_o however_o man_n differ_v about_o it_o there_o be_v better_a reason_n bring_v by_o presbyterian_o to_o prove_v that_o these_o two_o name_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o this_o author_n to_o answer_v and_o not_o to_o shift_v the_o matter_n with_o say_v that_o other_o man_n think_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v give_v but_o this_o instance_n or_o hint_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n in_o scripture_n tit._n 2._o the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o crete_n titus_n to_o ordain_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n verse_n 5._o and_o tell_v he_o how_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v verse_n 6_o and_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o they_o must_v have_v such_o qualification_n verse_n 7._o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a if_o a_o bishop_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o a_o presbyter_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o reason_n here_o bring_v ergo_fw-la they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o any_o affirm_v that_o these_o word_n signify_v different_a thing_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o prove_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n i_o may_v also_o show_v that_o the_o same_o office_n and_o work_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n lay_v on_o both_o these_o and_o that_o never_o any_o thing_n be_v give_v to_o the_o one_o but_o what_o be_v give_v to_o the_o other_o but_o this_o have_v be_v do_v and_o other_o argument_n manage_v full_o by_o our_o writer_n against_o episcopacy_n neither_o have_v mr._n still_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o answer_v they_o though_o destroy_v this_o his_o assertion_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v supersede_n this_o labour_n for_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n the_o argument_n bring_v from_o it_o be_v not_o we_o but_o our_o opposite_n sect._n 12._o his_o 2d_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n p._n 290._o
scripture_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n then_o common_a be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o christ_n have_v make_v this_o sense_n common_a among_o they_o neither_o must_v we_o understand_v the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v then_o common_o apprehend_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v among_o christ_n ordinary_a hearer_n who_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o another_o church_n and_o another_o way_n of_o government_n in_o it_o to_o be_v set_v up_o than_o be_v then_o among_o the_o jew_n i_o find_v no_o more_o in_o the_o author_n that_o be_v argumentative_a either_o against_o our_o opinion_n of_o this_o text_n or_o for_o his_o own_o he_o conclude_v p._n 228._o that_o this_o place_n though_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o church-government_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v some_o influence_n on_o it_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n viz._n in_o prove_v 1._o gradual_a appeal_n 2._o church-censure_n 3._o the_o lawfulness_n of_o excommunication_n this_o he_o yield_v at_o least_o that_o something_o of_o church-government_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o place_n then_o ex_fw-la concessis_fw-la it_o be_v not_o so_o impertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n as_o he_o will_v have_v make_v we_o believe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n sect._n 8._o but_o let_v we_o see_v if_o we_o can_v draw_v any_o more_o out_o of_o it_o than_o he_o will_v yield_v we_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v direct_o mean_v of_o church-government_n and_o to_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o right_a manage_n of_o it_o now_o i_o assert_v that_o it_o do_v implicit_o determine_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n viz._n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o parity_n not_o episcopacy_n which_o i_o thus_o make_v out_o the_o first_o authority_n before_o which_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o grieve_a party_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v be_v the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v also_o the_o last_o but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v ergo_fw-la the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n the_o major_n be_v clear_a for_o after_o secret_a and_o private_a admonition_n which_o be_v not_o authoritative_a immediate_o succee_v tell_v the_o church_n sure_o this_o church_n must_v be_v that_o authority_n which_o we_o must_v go_v to_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la and_o also_o that_o which_o must_v final_o decide_v the_o matter_n see_v excommunication_n do_v immediate_o follow_v upon_o disoblige_v this_o authority_n the_o minor_a i_o prove_v thus_o in_o the_o episcopal_a way_n the_o complaint_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n or_o to_o his_o delegate_n or_o delegate_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o authority_n and_o he_o must_v be_v the_o last_o that_o must_v determine_v and_o on_o disobedience_n to_o he_o follow_v excommunication_n but_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o episcopal_a way_n complaint_n can_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n final_o decide_v the_o matter_n the_o minor_a of_o this_o last_o syllogism_n be_v evident_a for_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o scripture-use_a will_v bear_v that_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v so_o model_v as_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbyter_n may_v judge_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o they_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o church_n answ_n in_o that_o case_n either_o the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o decisive_a vote_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n or_o they_o be_v only_o his_o adviser_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o bishop_n be_v only_o a_o praeses_fw-la which_o be_v not_o that_o episcopacy_n plead_v against_o though_o we_o judge_v it_o inconvenient_a in_o the_o 2d_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o only_a power_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n as_o here_o mean_v for_o the_o church_n here_o be_v a_o church_n clothe_v with_o authority_n who_o the_o party_n ought_v to_o hear_v i._n e._n obey_v and_o for_o contumacy_n against_o which_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o counsel_n be_v not_o such_o a_o church_n for_o his_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n and_o himself_o can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o both_o take_v together_o make_v no_o church_n have_v authority_n chap._n vi_o here_o mr._n still_v do_v undertake_v to_o lay_v aside_o apostolical_a practice_n from_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n what_o success_n he_o have_v in_o this_o attempt_n we_o now_o examine_v his_o two_o main_a scope_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v know_v it_o be_v no_o bind_v example_n to_o we_o which_o desperate_a assertion_n do_v not_o a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o cast_v loose_a the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o latter_a of_o they_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o before_o and_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v for_o it_o concern_v the_o former_a i_o shall_v premise_v but_o this_o to_o our_o try_v of_o his_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v write_v so_o much_o of_o their_o practice_n both_o historical_o and_o imply_v it_o in_o doctrinal_a assertion_n and_o precept_n if_o for_o all_o this_o we_o can_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o accuse_v the_o scripture-relation_n of_o thing_n of_o great_a imperfection_n i_o know_v nothing_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n do_v purposely_o set_v down_o much_o of_o their_o practice_n both_o in_o preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n ordination_n of_o officer_n direct_v these_o officer_n in_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n censure_n and_o other_o part_n of_o government_n if_o yet_o we_o can_v know_v by_o scripture_n what_o be_v their_o way_n in_o rule_v the_o account_n give_v of_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v very_o imperfect_a i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o any_o writer_n of_o the_o history_n of_o a_o church_n if_o out_o of_o his_o history_n can_v not_o be_v gather_v what_o be_v the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v we_o then_o think_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o deficient_a especial_o many_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v add_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n out_o of_o which_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o he_o make_v out_o this_o his_o strange_a opinion_n i_o insist_v not_o on_o what_o he_o write_v of_o the_o apostle_n commission_n i_o confess_v the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v not_o express_v in_o it_o though_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o when_o christ_n charge_v they_o to_o tooth_n his_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o he_o command_v they_o matth._n 28.20_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n as_o be_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n to_o man_n will_n but_o that_o his_o institution_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o this_o especial_o see_v he_o spend_v 40_o day_n with_o they_o before_o his_o ascension_n act_v 1.3_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel-church_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v that_o among_o all_o his_o instruction_n to_o they_o then_o he_o tell_v they_o nothing_o of_o his_o will_n about_o the_o way_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n neither_o do_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o division_n of_o province_n among_o the_o apostle_n nor_o of_o his_o too_o true_a observation_n that_o look_v on_o ancient_a practice_n through_o the_o glass_n of_o our_o own_o custom_n have_v breed_v many_o mistake_n only_o i_o wonder_v at_o his_o bring_n that_o for_o a_o instance_n that_o lay-elders_a be_v prove_v from_o the_o name_n presbyter_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o any_o that_o use_v such_o a_o argument_n see_v the_o name_n be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o preaching-elders_a he_o will_v find_v strong_a argument_n than_o this_o for_o that_o order_n of_o church-officer_n if_o he_o please_v to_o read_v the_o assertor_n of_o it_o sect._n 2._o for_o clear_v what_o be_v apostolical_a practice_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o foundation_n p._n 239_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o form_n church_n do_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n about_o this_o notion_n he_o spend_v a_o huge_a deal_n of_o pain_n as_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o cause_n lie_v here_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_v it_o be_v except_o to_o show_v his_o read_n and_o skill_n in_o antiquity_n i_o know_v not_o do_v it_o
maintain_v that_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o man_n for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o that_o because_o there_o be_v controversy_n about_o what_o be_v the_o form_n appoint_v by_o christ_n §_o 6._o but_o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o author_n have_v to_o say_v for_o this_o assertion_n of_o he_o we_o can_v say_v he_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n imagine_v that_o christ_n who_o have_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d endeavour_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v suspend_v 〈◊〉_d performance_n of_o that_o duty_n upon_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o many_o have_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o they_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v their_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o themselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v they_o erect_v a_o far_o different_a fabric_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o foundation_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o weakness_n if_o not_o wickedness_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v easy_o appear_v by_o make_v a_o assumption_n to_o the_o proposition_n here_o set_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o will_v necessary_o follow_v which_o i_o shall_v thus_o perform_v that_o christ_n be_v true_a god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n which_o when_o we_o have_v use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o it_o we_o yet_o find_v that_o those_o very_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v most_o inclinable_a to_o build_v our_o judgement_n upon_o be_v either_o whole_o reject_v by_o other_o as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o we_o or_o else_o that_o they_o erect_v on_o they_o a_o far_o different_a fabric_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o socinian_o who_o be_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ability_n though_o it_o be_v unsanctify_v and_o especial_o grotius_n the_o wonder_n of_o his_o age_n for_o learning_n though_o yet_o he_o profess_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o point_n that_o i_o say_v they_o do_v whole_o reject_v all_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o do_v build_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o on_o many_o of_o they_o they_o endeavour_v to_o erect_v a_o contrary_a fabric_n it_o do_v then_o follow_v vi_fw-la syllogisticâ_fw-la suppose_v our_o author_n proposition_n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n think_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v we_o suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o endeavour_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v true_a god_n and_o so_o we_o must_v by_o this_o argument_n yield_v this_o truth_n as_o a_o matter_n determinable_a by_o man_n rather_o than_o hold_v a_o opinion_n in_o it_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v the_o author_n will_v not_o own_o this_o conclusion_n wherefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o own_o that_o his_o assertion_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v clear_o deducible_a §_o 7._o ans_fw-fr 2._o there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o that_o for_o which_o he_o deny_v all_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o some_o matter_n of_o opinion_n of_o that_o condition_n which_o he_o describe_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v the_o endeavour_v of_o the_o church_n peace_n rather_o than_o part_v with_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o then_o we_o shall_v yield_v it_o upto_o man_n determination_n as_o if_o it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o truth_n ans_fw-fr 3._o when_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v our_o opinion_n about_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o able_a as_o we_o that_o must_v determine_v we_o for_o we_o know_v the_o wise_a may_v mistake_v when_o they_o who_o be_v less_o wise_a may_v hit_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v whether_o these_o ground_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o if_o they_o be_v we_o must_v not_o be_v shake_v in_o mind_n by_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n of_o man_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a yea_o and_o holy_a too_o i_o grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o such_o shall_v make_v we_o search_v careful_o but_o they_o must_v not_o hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o valid_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v to_o suspend_v our_o endeavour_n of_o peac_n on_o some_o matter_n of_o opinion_n though_o contradict_v by_o wise_a and_o able_a man_n §_o 8._o he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o christ_n wisdom_n to_o leave_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a opinion_n which_o be_v most_o uncertain_a for_o it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v too_o great_a rashness_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n can_v be_v a_o wise_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n unless_o he_o take_v course_n for_o its_o setlement_n that_o our_o wisdom_n think_v meet_v i_o hope_v christ_n may_v wise_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o form_n of_o its_o government_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v if_o this_o reason_n prove_v that_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v for_o 2._o we_o may_v easy_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n without_o give_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o the_o assertion_n which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a opinion_n viz._n so_o as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n except_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o opinion_n about_o all_o thing_n for_o peace_n may_v be_v maintain_v among_o dissent_v brethren_n by_o harmony_n of_o affection_n mutual_a forbearance_n and_o a_o prudent_a manage_n and_o conceal_v of_o our_o opinion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o deny_v that_o which_o we_o differ_v about_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o christ_n and_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n leave_v indifferent_a and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o particable_a either_o through_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o dissent_v about_o in_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a or_o so_o important_a that_o it_o can_v be_v conceal_v or_o through_o the_o obstinacy_n or_o wrong_a zeal_n of_o dissenter_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o a_o remedy_n even_o in_o this_o case_n viz._n they_o who_o do_v unreasonaly_a dissent_n must_v be_v censure_v or_o shun_v and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o breach_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v our_o lord_n wisdom_n to_o provide_v that_o we_o shall_v rather_o loose_v peace_n then_o truth_n 3._o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_a will_n as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a truth_n in_o any_o controvert_v point_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a concernment_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v also_o in_o these_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n at_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n private_a opinion_n which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o most_o fundamental_a point_n but_o of_o this_o enough_o §_o 9_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v see_v what_o fit_a advice_n this_o healer_n give_v while_o he_o thus_o say_v p._n 3._o the_o only_a way_n leave_v for_o the_o church_n setlement_n and_o peace_n under_o such_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v the_o mean_n and_o method_n in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n if_o possible_a to_o be_v find_v out_o whereon_o the_o different_a party_n retain_v their_o private_a apprehension_n may_v yet_o be_v agree_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n in_o common_a in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n hitherto_o we_o consent_v with_o he_o and_o wish_v he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o such_o a_o foundation_n so_o as_o itself_o be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o he_o go_v on_o which_o say_v he_o can_v be_v by_o leave_v all_o absolute_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n for_o that_o be_v to_o build_v a_o babel_n instead_o of_o salem_n this_o also_o we_o grant_v but_o that_o which_o follow_v we_o can_v agree_v to_o it_o must_v be_v then_o say_v he_o by_o convince_a man_n that_o neither_o of_o these_o way_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o they_o contend_v about_o be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n though_o some_o be_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n
use_v by_o all_o or_o appoint_v some_o who_o shall_v determine_v what_o the_o particular_a form_n shall_v be_v but_o according_a to_o this_o man_n opinion_n he_o have_v do_v neither_o of_o these_o not_o the_o first_o for_o that_o he_o plead_v against_o nor_o the_o second_o for_o our_o author_n can_v show_v we_o no_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v entrust_v to_o any_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v require_v a_o plain_a and_o direct_a law_n for_o this_o in_o express_a and_o formal_a term_n as_o he_o do_v of_o we_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n beside_o if_o we_o consult_v scripture_n there_o be_v far_o more_o to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n than_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o such_o a_o determination_n and_o reason_n also_o may_v at_o least_o set_v they_o in_o equal_a competition_n if_o not_o cast_v the_o scale_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a that_o be_v contend_v about_o and_o yet_o this_o man_n give_v the_o decide_n power_n in_o this_o to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v strange_a if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o that_o under_o the_o new_a be_v leave_v at_o such_o uncertainty_n §_o 3._o 2._o that_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v compare_v as_o mediator_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o but_o against_o what_o he_o intend_v for_o their_o mediatory_a work_n take_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o the_o deal_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o as_o it_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v chief_o mean_v of_o outward_a administration_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o inward_a administration_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n and_o communicate_v the_o spirit_n to_o believer_n be_v not_o applicable_a to_o moses_n now_o the_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n can_v but_o be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o mediatory_a work_n it_o be_v of_o so_o much_o and_o so_o near_a concernment_n to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o believer_n wherefore_o christ_n and_o moses_n be_v here_o compare_v in_o their_o faithfulness_n in_o settle_v of_o church-government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v clear_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o 5_o v._o of_o that_o chap._n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n then_o the_o law_n of_o comparison_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v also_o there_o say_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n i._n e._n in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o church-government_n be_v one_o and_o that_o a_o main_a one_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o christ_n and_o moses_n be_v here_o compare_v in_o their_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o administration_n 3._o his_o answer_n do_v not_o well_o hang_v together_o when_o first_o he_o will_v have_v they_o here_o compare_v as_o mediator_n as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n be_v impertinent_a to_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v compare_v and_o yet_o subjoin_v that_o moses_n his_o faithfulness_n lie_v in_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o whereas_o christ_n have_v no_o such_o command_n lay_v on_o he_o nor_o pattern_n show_v he_o if_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n do_v lie_v in_o keep_v god_n command_v about_o church-government_n how_o be_v he_o only_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o typical_a mediator_n and_o how_o be_v christ_n faithfulness_n compare_v with_o this_o faithfulness_n of_o moses_n see_v he_o receive_v no_o such_o command_n §_o 4._o it_o be_v false_a that_o christ_n receive_v no_o command_n about_o the_o govenment_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v make_v head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v on_o his_o shoulder_n have_v receive_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o be_v by_o his_o office_n king_n of_o the_o church_n sure_o it_o be_v his_o office_n and_o trust_n to_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n this_o reply_n he_o make_v to_o himself_o and_o answer_v to_o it_o p._n 177._o in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n first_o he_o grant_v that_o christ_n be_v king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o do_v govern_v it_o outward_o by_o his_o law_n and_o inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v necessary_a whether_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o law_n or_o dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n or_o not_o to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o neither_o do_v we_o make_v any_o such_o inference_n if_o we_o prove_v not_o one_o form_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o law_n we_o shall_v pass_v from_o this_o argument_n that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v that_o because_o he_o be_v king_n and_o a_o faithful_a king_n as_o moses_n be_v who_o settle_v a_o form_n of_o government_n therefore_o a_o form_n be_v contain_v in_o his_o law_n not_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a whether_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o law_n or_o not_o 2._o if_o christ_n be_v king_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o his_o law_n and_o that_o outward_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o particular_a form_n of_o its_o government_n be_v what_o many_o may_v think_v fit_a and_o not_o of_o christ_n institution_n for_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o particular_a form_n not_o by_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o government_n for_o universale_fw-la non_fw-la existit_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o suis_fw-la singularibus_fw-la if_o then_o the_o particular_a form_n be_v of_o man_n appoint_v the_o church_n be_v not_o outward_o govern_v by_o christ_n law_n but_o by_o mens_fw-la for_o man_n make_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o its_o government_n if_o a_o king_n shall_v send_v a_o deputy_n to_o govern_v a_o nation_n and_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o choose_v what_o form_n of_o government_n he_o will_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o a_o council_n where_o he_o shall_v have_v but_o equal_a power_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v in_o proper_a speech_n that_o that_o nation_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o king_n law_n for_o he_o make_v not_o the_o law_n of_o its_o government_n but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o they_o who_o determine_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n yea_o suppose_v the_o king_n shall_v make_v some_o law_n about_o it_o as_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v act_v contrary_a to_o his_o will_n or_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v government_n and_o not_o anarchy_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v ruler_n and_o rule_v etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o nation_n may_v rather_o be_v say_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o he_o who_o determine_v the_o particular_a form_n see_v the_o government_n do_v essential_o consist_v in_o the_o management_n of_o a_o particular_a form_n and_o not_o in_o some_o general_a direction_n this_o be_v easy_o applicable_a to_o our_o case_n for_o our_o author_n will_v have_v christ_n to_o give_v some_o general_n directious_a about_o church-government_n and_o man_n to_o determine_v and_o contrive_v the_o form_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n then_o whether_o the_o church_n in_o that_o case_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o law_n of_o man_n wherefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o this_o answer_n destroy_v itself_o while_o it_o deny_v a_o particular_a form_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o yet_o will_v have_v the_o church_n outward_o govern_v by_o his_o law_n 2._o he_o say_v the_o main_a original_n of_o mistake_n here_o be_v the_o confound_a of_o the_o external_a and_o internal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o thence_o whensoever_o man_n read_v of_o christ_n power_n authority_n and_o government_n they_o fancy_v it_o refer_v to_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v intend_v of_o this_o internal_a mediatory_a power_n over_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n reply_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o distinguish_v these_o and_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v show_v any_o of_o we_o who_o do_v confound_v they_o yea_o we_o will_v go_v further_o in_o distinguish_v the_o outward_a and_o inward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n than_o he_o do_v and_o i_o may_v retort_v this_o charge_n on_o himself_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o confound_v these_o two_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o mistake_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v then_o two_o fold_n inward_a and_o outward_a both_o these_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o divers_a object_n of_o this_o government_n for_o inward_a government_n be_v either_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v invisible_a or_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v proper_o spiritual_a