the_o first_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o straight_o and_o perfect_a kind_n of_o discipline_n which_o afterwards_o they_o use_v whenas_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o riperyare_n they_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o it_o yea_o this_o continual_a growth_n of_o the_o church_n be_v show_v by_o ezech._n 4.1_o vers_fw-la 3.4.5_o by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o water_n to_o his_o ankle_n knee_n loin_n and_o head_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o diverse_a stateâ—_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o kind_n of_o church-government_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o force_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n the_o second_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o three_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o we_o may_v fit_o resemble_v unto_o the_o first_o infancy_n of_o a_o child_n be_v new_o bear_v in_o the_o which_o although_o there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n yet_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o do_v their_o function_n and_o therefore_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v so_o in_o this_o first_o state_n there_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o chuch-government_n although_o they_o do_v not_o so_o plain_o appear_v as_o in_o the_o other_o follow_v law_n there_o be_v a_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n although_o join_v or_o rather_o confound_v with_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o both_o the_o office_n lay_v upon_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o the_o family_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o small_a measure_n and_o seldom_o reveal_v the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o diverse_a sacrament_n and_o also_o strengthen_v by_o censure_n against_o the_o disobedient_a but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v little_o practise_v as_o also_o the_o number_n of_o professor_n be_v very_o small_a for_o this_o time_n be_v the_o first_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o grow_v on_o to_o perfection_n next_o unto_o this_o succeed_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n under_o the_o law_n institute_v by_o god_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v much_o more_o perfect_a than_o the_o former_a even_o as_o be_v the_o childhood_n to_o the_o infancy_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o faculty_n do_v their_o several_a function_n and_o may_v easy_o be_v perceave_v in_o themselves_o and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n great_o enlarge_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n increase_v to_o many_o million_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o plentiful_o and_o large_o reveal_v that_o it_o be_v of_o necessity_n commit_v to_o writing_n lest_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v forget_v many_o sacrament_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o against_o unbelief_n sharp_a and_o severe_a censure_n appoint_v for_o offender_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v but_o the_o childhood_n of_o the_o church_n â—al_a 4.1_o &_o be_v so_o far_o yea_o much_o more_o exceed_v in_o perfection_n of_o the_o three_o as_o it_o do_v exceed_v the_o former_a the_o three_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v as_o it_o be_v put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n bring_v it_o to_o that_o perfecton_n which_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n increase_v above_o measure_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o church_n must_v enlarge_v her_o tent_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v to_o dwell_v with_o she_o esa._n 54.1.2.3_o and_o according_o there_o be_v â—_o most_o perfect_a government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n the_o true_a nature_n whereof_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o former_a from_o the_o which_o it_o do_v differ_v as_o do_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o man_n from_o his_o childhood_n so_o that_o now_o the_o church_n may_v true_o say_v when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n i_o understand_v speak_v and_o do_v as_o a_o child_n but_o now_o i_o have_v put_v away_o childish_a thing_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n be_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v both_o hide_v â—nd_n reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n use_v before_o be_v make_v of_o no_o use_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o the_o truth_n itself_o come_v in_o place_n now_o be_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n uncover_v the_o shadow_n be_v drive_v away_o by_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v now_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a hand_n pour_v on_o those_o which_o believe_v which_o god_n keep_v in_o store_n till_o this_o time_n that_o by_o the_o plentiful_a pour_v of_o they_o out_o he_o may_v celebrate_v the_o glorious_a marriage_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n gospel_n hereof_o do_v the_o whole_a difference_n arise_v we_o know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v either_o outward_a consist_v in_o bodily_a action_n or_o inward_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o hart_n this_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v the_o other_o be_v not_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o but_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o this_o fountain_n the_o outward_a worship_n will_v easy_o be_v perform_v although_o it_o have_v most_o straight_a condition_n annex_v unto_o it_o as_o we_o read_v mica_n 6.6_o where_o withal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n will_v he_o accept_v thâ—usands_n of_o ram_n etc._n etc._n but_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o please_v god_n in_o a_o tender_a regard_n which_o he_o have_v to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o law_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o more_o of_o that_o outward_a worship_n and_o to_o accept_v their_o spiritual_a service_n although_o it_o be_v in_o small_a measure_n but_o contrary_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o require_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o enjoin_v little_a of_o the_o other_o this_o distinction_n be_v make_v by_o christ_n john_n 4.21.23_o the_o time_n come_v when_o neither_o at_o jerusalem_n nor_o on_o this_o mount_v you_o shall_v worship_v my_o father_n but_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v also_o that_o new_a covenant_n whereof_o joel_n speak_v whenas_o god_n shall_v pour_v his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flâ—sh_n not_o but_o that_o the_o faithful_a under_o the_o law_n both_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o also_o perform_v unto_o he_o spiritual_a worship_n without_o the_o which_o the_o other_o be_v but_o abominable_a unto_o he_o but_o yet_o not_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n as_o now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n be_v very_o glorious_a in_o outward_a appearance_n for_o this_o end_n to_o purchase_v obedience_n and_o reverence_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o now_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o mighty_a in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 14._o if_o all_o prophecy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v rebuke_v of_o all_o man_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o so_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n ceremony_n and_o say_v plain_o that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o indeed_o the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o under_o the_o law_n the_o priest_n be_v not_o so_o endue_v which_o that_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o they_o have_v outward_a help_n to_o purchase_v reverence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o among_o the_o people_n the_o temple_n for_o outward_a magnificence_n most_o glorious_a the_o holy_a place_n have_v in_o high_a account_v of_o all_o man_n the_o priest_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n in_o many_o respect_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n the_o high_a priest_n be_v adorn_v with_o glorious_a robe_n that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o excel_v but_o now_o none_o of_o these_o mean_n be_v in_o use_n only_o the_o powerful_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v instead_o far_o above_o all_o the_o church_n then_o have_v but_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o time_n and_o according_o be_v they_o teach_v but_o now_o the_o lord_n
although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o simple_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v accept_v and_o red_a by_o the_o mean_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v or_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v a_o probable_a excuse_n for_o this_o presumptuous_a dedication_n last_o we_o desire_v thou_o good_a reader_n to_o use_n christian_n moderation_n in_o suspend_v thy_o judgement_n of_o we_o till_o happy_o time_n make_v that_o manifest_a which_o now_o be_v doubtful_a in_o regard_n of_o two_o opinion_n contain_v in_o these_o treatise_n the_o which_o will_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o some_o and_o perhaps_o to_o thyself_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o enfraunchize_v the_o papist_n arian_n &_o all_o other_o heretic_n profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o the_o which_o we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n from_o the_o which_o many_o do_v utter_o reject_v they_o as_o mere_a infidel_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o other_o opinion_n be_v in_o that_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_n magistrate_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o absolute_a monarchy_n great_a authority_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n than_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n for_o the_o former_a we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o treatise_n it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v by_o many_o sound_n divine_v who_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n far_o more_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o this_o place_n save_v only_o that_o we_o be_v to_o desire_v thou_o not_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o flattery_n rather_o than_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o settle_a persuasion_n the_o suspicion_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v who_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o mighty_a man_n be_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v and_o so_o their_o favour_n as_o usual_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v procure_v we_o do_v indeed_o intend_v in_o publish_v this_o treatise_n the_o good_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o maintain_n of_o that_o powerful_a and_o majestical_a authority_n whereunto_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o make_v we_o subject_a yea_o we_o do_v earnest_o desire_v of_o he_o that_o these_o treatise_n may_v have_v that_o effect_n in_o all_o their_o heart_n into_o who_o hand_n they_o shall_v come_v that_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o do_v nourish_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o opinion_n in_o this_o behalf_n may_v be_v by_o mean_n of_o they_o win_v to_o hearty_a love_n to_o so_o gracious_a a_o prince_n &_o loyal_a subjection_n to_o so_o lawful_a and_o excellent_a a_o kind_n of_o government_n yea_o that_o they_o who_o have_v already_o receive_v these_o grace_n from_o god_n may_v increase_v in_o they_o and_o perform_v all_o duty_n which_o be_v needful_a in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o safety_n or_o the_o majesty_n of_o their_o prince_n more_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o then_o before_o as_o be_v perhaps_o resolve_v of_o some_o point_n â—hereof_o before_o they_o doubt_v and_o last_o that_o as_o touch_v the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n profess_v in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o account_v we_o no_o church_n by_o who_o we_o affirm_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v erroneous_a have_v be_v vehement_o charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o publish_v somewhat_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o manifest_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o that_o behalf_n may_v be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n iâ—_n true_o serve_v his_o word_n preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o his_o name_n call_v upon_o in_o all_o the_o public_a assembly_n throughout_o this_o land_n especial_o by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n nature_n and_o state_n of_o a_o public_a church_n the_o which_o kind_n of_o church_n not_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o mention_v in_o their_o writing_n seem_v strange_a to_o many_o this_o we_o confess_v that_o we_o intend_v in_o this_o action_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o yea_o in_o some_o respect_n ought_v necessare_o to_o do_v but_o we_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v never_o so_o give_v we_o up_o to_o a_o senseless_a mind_n as_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n he_o make_v a_o evil_a bargain_n that_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n or_o rather_o into_o the_o burn_a furnace_n of_o god_n wrath_n in_o adventure_n of_o man_n favour_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o momentaniâ—_n soon_o lose_v then_o get_v &_o in_o respect_n of_o true_a happiness_n altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o we_o trust_v good_a reader_n that_o this_o apology_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v and_o that_o thou_o will_v take_v these_o simple_a treatise_n in_o good_a part_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o like_a heretofore_o thus_o i_o commend_v thou_o as_o i_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v commend_v by_o thou_o to_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o preserve_v without_o blame_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o these_o treatise_n the_o former_a treatise_n declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n the_o which_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o set_v down_o in_o plain_a manner_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n especial_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o samuel_n the_o king_n &_o chronicle_n wherein_o the_o first_o original_n continuance_n and_o end_n yea_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o government_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v where_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o apostatical_a rebellious_a and_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o samaria_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n the_o which_o we_o call_v by_o the_o first_o ancient_a and_o right_a name_n of_o israel_n because_o our_o purpose_n be_v to_o entreat_v of_o the_o state_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o first_o institute_v by_o samuel_n and_o as_o it_o continue_v under_o saul_n david_n and_o solomon_n in_o who_o time_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n but_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o râ—boam_n it_o lose_v ten_o of_o the_o tribe_n and_o together_o the_o right_a name_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o great_a part_n for_o the_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o time_n follow_v it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n for_o that_o the_o tribe_n of_o juda_n do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o but_o also_o have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o kingdom_n annex_v unto_o it_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v move_v to_o think_v the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n most_o worthy_a to_o be_v careful_o seek_v out_o and_o true_o know_v be_v these_o because_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n this_o only_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o approve_a by_o he_o and_o also_o register_v and_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o first_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o true_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v great_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o only_a lawful_a form_n of_o government_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v establish_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o lawful_o use_v amongst_o they_o as_o this_o neither_o as_n if_o all_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v square_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n from_o the_o which_o they_o may_v far_o differ_v without_o any_o blame_n for_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o yet_o do_v we_o affirm_v this_o kingdom_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o convenient_a state_n and_o that_o which_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o
gift_n to_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n secondlie_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o grace_n tend_v to_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n of_o repentance_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n love_n and_o in_o general_a whatsoever_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o true_a believer_n the_o like_a may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n but_o also_o in_o truth_n mark_v 4.16_o hypocrite_n receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o faithful_a these_o grace_n be_v sincere_a evident_a effectual_a constant_a and_o perpetual_a but_o in_o hypocrite_n they_o be_v obscure_a in_o small_a measure_n unprofitable_a and_o temporary_a yea_o mix_v with_o much_o hypocrisy_n so_o that_o both_o faithful_a and_o hypocritical_a man_n be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o where_o there_o be_v one_o spirit_n there_o be_v also_o one_o body_n but_o the_o one_o to_o christ_n as_o to_o their_o saviour_n the_o other_o to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o lord_n the_o one_o to_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n the_o other_o to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o one_o by_o a_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o after_o a_o light_a manner_n the_o one_o for_o a_o time_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o sect._n 4._o that_o heretic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o hypocrite_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o both_o hold_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o also_o lead_v a_o life_n in_o outward_a appearance_n correspondent_a thereunto_o do_v full_o profess_v the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o they_o in_o who_o this_o profession_n be_v in_o a_o great_a part_n want_v as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o who_o either_o lead_v a_o life_n or_o maintain_v some_o heresy_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n for_o both_o kind_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n ready_a to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o word_n although_o they_o do_v indirect_o by_o wickedness_n of_o life_n or_o heresy_n in_o doctrine_n deny_v their_o own_o profession_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v who_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n nor_o yet_o have_v faith_n who_o be_v not_o sanctify_v from_o a_o wicked_a life_n yet_o man_n of_o dissolute_a life_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v by_o excommunication_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v from_o all_o particular_a church_n church_n yet_o they_o remain_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n from_o the_o which_o no_o censure_n can_v separate_v save_o only_a death_n likewise_o as_o touch_v ignorant_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o evil_a estate_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o salvation_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n because_o of_o their_o profession_n but_o there_o be_v great_a question_n make_v of_o heretic_n who_o do_v maintain_v some_o grievous_a heresy_n and_o that_o about_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o who_o think_v erroneous_o of_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o nature_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o justification_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacramenteâ—_n or_o of_o â—ny_n other_o such_o weighty_a point_n of_o doctrine_n whether_o these_o be_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o answer_v that_o such_o be_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v account_v christian_n although_o their_o heresy_n be_v both_o many_o and_o grievous_a yea_o such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o urge_v will_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o argument_n overthrow_n faith_n and_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v instance_n in_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o blasphemous_a heresy_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v to_o wit_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n who_o deny_v by_o divinity_n of_o christ_n this_o do_v almost_o direct_o overthrow_v christianity_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a mediator_n &_o then_o our_o faith_n be_v in_o vain_a this_o will_v follow_v plain_o of_o that_o heresy_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v their_o blindness_n that_o maintain_v it_o that_o they_o do_v together_o maintain_v and_o profess_v zealous_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o and_o do_v believe_v obey_v and_o honour_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n church_n the_o which_o dotâ—_n appear_v by_o that_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o ariuâ—_n the_o chief_a maintaineâ—_n of_o that_o heresy_n do_v exhibit_v to_o constantine_n wherein_o although_o he_o do_v dissemble_v his_o heresy_n yet_o it_o show_v what_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n hold_v in_o the_o test_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 4._o pag._n 13.42_o yea_o this_o heresy_n be_v common_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o iâ—wes_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a thaâ—_n very_o â—ewe_a of_o they_o do_v think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n for_o what_o be_v think_v of_o christ_n even_o of_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n we_o may_v gather_v by_o the_o word_n of_o cleophas_n lâ—ke_n 24._o have_v thou_o not_o hear_v of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o show_v that_o many_o of_o the_o church_n both_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o after_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o not_o to_o overpasse_v in_o â—â—lence_n popery_n the_o most_o common_a heresy_n of_o our_o time_n wherewith_o the_o church_n both_o be_v now_o most_o annoy_v and_o have_v in_o time_n past_o be_v lamentable_o oppress_v and_o almost_o clean_o ourthrowen_v it_o do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o grievous_a error_n that_o most_o man_n do_v think_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o heresy_n but_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o maintainer_n &_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o be_v alienates_v from_o â—he_n commonwealth_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o of_o those_o great_a heresy_n of_o idolatry_n transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n mean_v justification_n by_o work_n freewill_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n yea_o of_o many_o other_o great_a error_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v no_o whole_a part_n but_o all_o full_a of_o loath_a some_o and_o dangerous_a â—oreâ—_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o they_o seemâ—_n to_o many_o to_o have_v in_o they_o no_o life_n of_o christian_n faith_n but_o to_o be_v dead_a &_o rot_a stock_n yea_o to_o have_v no_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o if_o due_a consideration_n be_v have_v how_o far_o â—he_v nature_n and_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o of_o christian_n do_v stretch_v itself_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o may_v true_o account_v theâ—_n christian_n and_o so_o consequent_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o they_o do_v still_o profess_v hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o chief_a fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n religion_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o hiâ—_n dâ—ath_v and_o passion_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n contain_v in_o that_o sum_n of_o religion_n call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n so_o that_o although_o by_o 〈…〉_o they_o do_v wound_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n kill_v themselves_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o keep_v there_o remain_v 〈◊〉_d they_o some_o life_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o a_o man_n who_o although_o he_o both_o lack_v many_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o also_o have_v the_o rest_n corrupt_v with_o pestilent_a disease_n yâ—t_o draw_v breath_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a 〈◊〉_d but_o a_o live_a man_n the_o reason_n by_o the_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o think_v that_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o for_o that_o faith_n and_o especial_o a_o general_a and_o historical_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n be_v account_v a_o christian_n may_v be_v lodge_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n together_o with_o such_o error_n as_o
that_o whenas_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n the_o whole_a building_n will_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v do_v in_o plant_v a_o church_n be_v to_o convert_v infidel_n to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v ordinary_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v plain_o sincere_o &_o effectual_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v notwithstanding_o which_o powerful_a mean_n the_o subdue_a of_o man_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o hard_a matter_n yea_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a in_o these_o time_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v for_o then_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o other_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a than_o any_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v in_o these_o day_n for_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o do_v yet_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o build_n thereof_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n knowledge_n wisdom_n zeal_n and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n but_o they_o have_v also_o other_o most_o wonderful_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n heal_v the_o sick_a work_v of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o which_o serve_v only_o for_o this_o end_n to_o bring_v infidel_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o cor._n 14.22_o not_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v ordinare_o wrought_v by_o these_o mean_n in_o man_n but_o only_a a_o general_n historical_a and_o temporary_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o belief_n be_v profess_v be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v labour_n by_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o it_o be_v effect_v although_o there_o do_v appear_v in_o those_o believer_n few_o or_o no_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a confidence_n in_o the_o â—ercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o hearâ—_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n arise_v of_o a_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n whereof_o this_o general_a faith_n be_v only_o a_o resemblance_n shadow_n and_o appearance_n and_o further_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o such_o other_o do_v great_o avail_v for_o they_o do_v so_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v man_n that_o they_o do_v even_o wring_v out_o of_o they_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v john_n 1.15_o act._n 13.11_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n but_o they_o who_o since_o that_o time_n labour_n in_o this_o work_n be_v destitute_a of_o this_o help_n yea_o also_o of_o another_o far_o more_o effectual_a to_o wit_n of_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o church_n who_o do_v then_o pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o plentiful_o upon_o man_n in_o convert_n their_o heart_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o like_a be_v not_o before_o have_v not_o be_v since_o neither_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o these_o help_n be_v want_v in_o these_o day_n we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o like_a success_n in_o this_o work_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a increase_n as_o it_o have_v in_o the_o beginning_n whenas_o many_o thousand_o be_v at_o once_o add_v unto_o it_o since_o act._n 2.41_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o good_a success_n forsomuch_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o ministry_n destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o convert_v many_o man_n to_o the_o faith_n even_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o for_o although_o the_o extraordinary_a calling_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v not_o now_o in_o the_o church_n neither_o to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o force_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v still_o in_o that_o the_o very_a declaration_n of_o those_o wonderful_a miracle_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v at_o the_o first_o will_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n add_v authority_n and_o give_v success_n to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n although_o they_o be_v much_o more_o effectual_a in_o those_o who_o do_v behold_v they_o with_o their_o eye_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o help_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o for_o the_o supplier_fw-fr whereof_o those_o other_o be_v give_v to_o wit_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o many_o have_v not_o only_o profess_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o seal_v that_o their_o profession_n with_o thâ—ir_a blood_n and_o that_o not_o any_o small_a number_n but_o even_o whole_a nation_n have_v profess_v and_o do_v confess_v the_o gospel_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o forcible_a argument_n and_o even_o as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n whereby_o he_o who_o be_v obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n may_v be_v either_o convert_v or_o confound_v and_o put_v to_o silence_n yea_o this_o general_a embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n be_v that_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o that_o obstinate_a and_o harde-hearted_n nation_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v at_o the_o appoint_a time_n be_v convert_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v not_o so_o obstinate_a in_o infidelity_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v gospel_n but_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o rely_v upon_o that_o force_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o and_o sincere_o deliver_v have_v in_o turn_v man_n heart_n unto_o god_n which_o will_v never_o return_v empty_a but_o in_o some_o measure_n perform_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o convert_n infidel_n now_o of_o the_o same_o in_o particular_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v use_v have_v two_o part_n the_o first_o be_v a_o preparative_n whereby_o infidel_n be_v of_o themselves_o altogether_o unfit_a to_o hear_v and_o unlike_a to_o believe_v the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o second_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o prepare_v ministry_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v to_o purge_v their_o mind_n from_o that_o false_a worship_n whereunto_o they_o be_v give_v gospel_n the_o second_o be_v to_o convince_v their_o conscience_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v hope_v that_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o deity_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o those_o false_a god_n which_o they_o worship_v will_v embrace_v any_o new_a and_o strange_a religion_n thus_o do_v elias_n 1._o king_n 18.24_o bring_v the_o people_n from_o idolatry_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o paul_n deal_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a man_n of_o athens_n act._n 17.29_o and_o with_o they_o of_o lystra_n act._n 14.13_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o point_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o speak_v so_o vile_o and_o base_o of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o do_v deserve_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o corruption_n and_o withal_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o â—o_o the_o other_o false_a worship_n may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v without_o violence_n they_o leave_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o see_v their_o god_n and_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o evil_o speak_v off_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n lest_o at_o the_o first_o we_o so_o alienate_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v but_o become_v utter_a enemy_n unto_o it_o so_o the_o town_n clerk_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o paul_n act_n 19.37_o witness_v that_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v not_o blaspheme_v their_o goddess_n diana_n secondlie_o they_o must_v be_v prepare_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n