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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n father_n nature_n son_n 13,355 5 6.0279 4 true
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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
the_o spirit_n be_v altogether_o invincible_a in_o all_o the_o faithful_a among_o true_a christian_n some_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n and_o some_o by_o work_n but_o all_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n among_o true_a christian_n one_o believer_n faith_n do_v not_o apprehend_v one_o word_n and_o another_o another_o word_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o each_o and_o of_o all_o apprehend_v one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o life_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o among_o believer_n one_o do_v not_o live_v his_o own_o life_n and_o another_o christ_n which_o indeed_o will_v make_v they_o very_o different_a and_o unequal_a but_o all_o live_v christ_n life_n alike_o and_o none_o their_o own_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n knit_v together_o in_o unity_n of_o faith_n now_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v mighty_o able_a to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o believer_n peace_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n either_o of_o inward_a gift_n or_o outward_a work_n 1._o unity_n of_o faith_n preserve_v peace_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n gift_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n through_o such_o and_o such_o gift_n but_o mere_o through_o faith_n and_o so_o he_o that_o have_v one_o or_o a_o less_o gift_n be_v equal_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n through_o his_o faith_n with_o he_o that_o have_v another_o or_o a_o great_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o all_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n and_o diversity_n of_o gift_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o divide_v where_o there_o be_v unity_n of_o faith_n further_o among_o they_o that_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v the_o more_o gift_n there_o be_v only_o the_o more_o labour_n but_o there_o be_v not_o another_o or_o a_o better_a christ_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o less_o gift_n there_o be_v the_o same_o christ_n equal_o enjoy_v through_o faith_n he_o that_o have_v five_o talent_n give_v he_o bring_v in_o five_o that_o he_o have_v gain_v and_o he_o that_o have_v ten_o ten_o but_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o most_o talent_n have_v not_o more_o of_o christ_n than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o and_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o few_o have_v not_o less_o of_o he_o than_o he_o that_o bring_v in_o more_o but_o each_o have_v christ_n alike_o by_o faith_n bring_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o several_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n and_o second_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n work_n for_o unity_n of_o faith_n make_v all_o believer_n righteous_a alike_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o outward_a work_n for_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n each_o one_o righteousness_n be_v reckon_v by_o his_o faith_n not_o by_o his_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o paul_n heb_n 13.7_o have_v reckon_v up_o many_o excellent_a work_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o enjoin_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o work_n but_o their_o faith_n say_v who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o may_v be_v unity_n of_o faith_n in_o diversity_n of_o work_n for_o faith_n use_v free_o any_o outward_a law_n manner_n form_n work_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o our_o neighbour_n wherein_o faith_n also_o will_v judge_v for_o itself_o and_o will_v suffer_v no_o body_n to_o judge_v for_o it_o and_o in_o all_o change_n of_o work_n faith_n be_v the_o same_o and_o change_v not_o and_o the_o church_n still_o remain_v one_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n be_v account_v christian_n for_o such_o and_o such_o outward_a work_n sake_n and_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o teach_v and_o receive_v there_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v certain_o prevail_v and_o this_o be_v the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o faith_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 faith_n of_o god_n elect_n see_v it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o live_v out_o of_o this_o faith_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o that_o live_v by_o sense_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n even_o such_o as_o mind_n and_o affect_v and_o love_n and_o desire_v earthly_a thing_n and_o have_v all_o their_o joy_n comfort_n sweetness_n satisfaction_n support_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o creature_n these_o live_v out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o life_n of_o sense_n be_v clean_a contrary_n to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n faith_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o god_n out_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o sense_n carry_v we_o to_o live_v in_o the_o creature_n out_o of_o god_n 2._o they_o that_o live_v by_o form_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v call_v conformity_n as_o the_o prelate_n call_v it_o or_o uniformity_n as_o the_o rhemist_n do_v also_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n for_o to_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o worship_n so_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o good_a christian_n therefore_o and_o other_o evil_a that_o shall_v live_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fall_v apparent_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n see_v faith_n do_v not_o live_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o live_v on_o christ_n only_o in_o every_o duty_n and_o whatsoever_o form_n it_o may_v use_v for_o a_o help_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n yet_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n it_o live_v above_o form_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o fullness_n the_o six_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o baptism_n the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n or_o flesh_n of_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o baptism_n by_o which_o it_o be_v purify_v which_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o that_o baptism_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v one_o which_o be_v not_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o sign_n which_o have_v often_o be_v alter_v and_o change_v but_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o substance_n which_o comprehend_v all_o believer_n and_o all_o age_n and_o under_o several_a and_o various_a dispensation_n and_o be_v the_o same_o before_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o since_o believer_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n drink_v all_o alike_o into_o one_o spirit_n though_o these_o more_o plentiful_o than_o those_o so_o that_o though_o many_o have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o water_n yet_o not_o one_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n have_v want_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o true_a christianity_n begin_v now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a baptism_n that_o have_v power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o make_v christian_n one_o for_o through_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v make_v one_o body_n as_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12.13_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o greek_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o true_a church_n drink_v all_o into_o one_o spirit_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o through_o one_o spirit_n be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o not_o into_o many_o and_o believer_n be_v never_o true_o one_o till_o they_o partake_v of_o this_o one_o baptism_n now_o this_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v but_o one_o so_o it_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o one_o christ_n as_o john_n baptist_n witness_v math._n 3.11_o say_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o who_o shoe_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o bear_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o with_o fire_n for_o as_o none_o can_v give_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n so_o none_o can_v baptize_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o son_n for_o this_o be_v christ_n proper_a and_o
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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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
come_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o seek_v yourselves_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n here_o but_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o now_o here_o in_o this_o discourse_n shall_v you_o see_v a_o better_a peace_n and_o agreement_n than_o you_o be_v strive_v for_o though_o your_o work_n also_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a even_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o they_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o christ_n and_o its_o influence_n into_o each_o communion_n of_o saint_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o peace_n can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o your_o sword_n then_o by_o the_o magistrate_n sceptre_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o now_o have_v power_n in_o your_o hand_n to_o another_o purpose_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v yourselves_o as_o to_o do_v that_o yourselves_o which_o you_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o word_n only_o to_o be_v both_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o true_a church_n remain_v free_a in_o the_o freedom_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o it_o or_o else_o the_o lord_n who_o own_o the_o church_n be_v will_v as_o certain_o in_o his_o due_a time_n take_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o throw_v you_o into_o one_o destruction_n with_o he_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o though_o i_o thus_o speak_v and_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o still_o be_v very_o manifest_a not_o only_o in_o you_o honourable_a one_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a conduct_n but_o also_o in_o very_a many_o of_o the_o council_n and_o army_n beside_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o gather_v together_o of_o god_n people_n and_o saint_n let_v the_o world_n if_o it_o please_v still_o laugh_v at_o that_o word_n who_o can_v but_o think_v he_o have_v some_o choice_n and_o singular_a work_n in_o hand_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n have_v already_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n by_o you_o and_o be_v yet_o do_v great_a if_o you_o will_v continue_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o not_o you._n for_o have_v not_o that_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n dawn_v yea_o the_o morning_n of_o it_o be_v already_o go_v forth_o which_o be_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a and_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v and_o must_v be_v exalt_v in_o this_o day_n now_o the_o lord_n cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o give_v you_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o union_n and_o communion_n i_o remain_v your_o assure_a servant_n w._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o noise_n of_o water_n and_o thundering_n and_o earthquake_n among_o we_o and_o so_o great_a and_o continue_a be_v our_o shake_n and_o confusious_a through_o hatred_n and_o love_n hope_n and_o fear_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n triumph_n and_o indignation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o silence_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o much_o as_o half_a a_o hour_n wherefore_o though_o i_o 〈…〉_z here_o touch_v so_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d ●eclare_v from_o the_o very_a word_n or_o else_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o wherein_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n consist_v and_o also_o how_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n may_v preserve_v that_o peace_n in_o their_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n yet_o man_n head_n and_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o full_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v but_o few_o will_v regard_v it_o notwithstanding_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v among_o we_o a_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o flock_n of_o christ_n who_o both_o know_v and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n i_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n for_o who_o profit_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o be_o very_o conscious_a of_o my_o rudeness_n of_o speech_n in_o this_o discourse_n 11.6_o as_o also_o of_o my_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o many_o thing_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n here_o be_v of_o the_o pure_a river_n of_o water_n of_o life_n without_o any_o humane_a mixture_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v will_v own_o all_o in_o it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o reject_v silver_n try_v four_o or_o five_o time_n because_o it_o be_v not_o try_v seven_o time_n and_o what_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o it_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o dear_a sake_n and_o love_n i_o have_v speak_v all_o this_o see_v it_o be_v peccatorum_fw-la as_o luther_n speak_v the_o queen_n of_o mercy_n who_o very_a bowel_n be_v mere_a compassion_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n will_v easy_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o forgive_v it_o and_o as_o for_o man_n haughty_a and_o high_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n contemn_v and_o disdain_v any_o thing_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n i_o do_v as_o easy_o despise_v their_o censure_n as_o they_o light_o pass_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o i_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v his_o body_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v i_o become_v as_o vile_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v count_v the_o filth_n and_o off_o sour_v of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o mr_n baily_n rutherford_n bastwick_n pryn_n love_n or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o old_a enemy_n in_o parliament_n and_o city_n not_o worth_a the_o name_n annos_fw-la have_v seek_v to_o make_v i_o all_o who_o unless_o god_n give_v they_o repentance_n to_o life_n i_o cite_v as_o once_o hierom_n of_o prague_n do_v his_o enemy_n in_o the_o like_a cause_n to_o appear_v within_o a_o few_o year_n before_o the_o most_o high_a and_o righteous_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v wicked_o if_o not_o malicious_o against_o his_o name_n truth_n gospel_n spirit_n people_n and_o that_o under_o the_o form_n and_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o well_o know_v that_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n it_o will_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o worldly_a church_n i_o commit_v christ_n own_o word_n and_o cause_n to_o his_o own_o care_n and_o protection_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o uphold_v his_o own_o despise_a truth_n against_o the_o glorious_a but_o deceitful_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n and_o so_o wait_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n if_o thou_o love_v christ_n i_o remain_v thou_o in_o he_o william_n dell._n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n pag._n 149_o the_o gospel_n propound_v be_v neither_o 1._o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n p._n 150_o 2._o nor_o between_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n 3._o but_o between_o the_o faithful_a or_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a church_n p._n 151_o the_o true_a church_n describe_v p._n 152_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o 13._o particular_n from_o p._n 153_o to_o p._n 157_o how_o this_o church_n may_v be_v know_v p._n 158_o how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o it_o p._n 159_o the_o church_n a_o great_a mystery_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n p._n 160_o seven_o bond_n of_o this_o church_n unity_n viz._n
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 above_o the_o one_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o other_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o between_o these_o two_o god_n have_v put_v such_o a_o enmity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v away_o wherefore_o they_o who_o never_o mind_v these_o two_o different_a seed_n between_o who_o god_n have_v put_v such_o irreconciliable_a enmity_n will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n of_o one_o or_o more_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o church_n at_o once_o and_o will_v reconcile_v all_o of_o they_o together_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o device_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o these_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o show_v we_o clear_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v michael_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o both_o church_n 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o find_v any_o 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 thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o these_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a flesh_n of_o christ_n as_o all_o that_o flesh_n be_v in_o which_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o these_o all_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v in_o no_o fleshly_a form_n ceremony_n or_o worship_n the_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n make_v up_o antichrist_n true_a body_n for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n antichrist_n so_o antichrist_n of_o carnal_a for_o antichrist_n set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o christ_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o carnal_a christian_n and_o these_o have_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o godliness_n but_o they_o have_v no_o spirit_n or_o power_n in_o that_o form_n yea_o under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o for_o to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v there_o where_o the_o father_n never_o intend_v nor_o the_o son_n never_o undertake_v any_o reconciliation_n will_v not_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o weakness_n so_o then_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n p●ace_n touch_v who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a make_v faithful_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v through_o their_o call_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n than_o i_o seek_v by_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v first_o declare_v the_o church_n it_o self_n who_o peace_n i_o seek_v and_o then_o after_o 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
differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o very_a many_o particular_n as_o follow_v 1._o member_n come_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o man_n either_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o else_o by_o the_o persuasion_n or_o by_o the_o force_n of_o other_o and_o so_o but_o after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o none_o come_v to_o this_o true_a church_n but_o from_o the_o draw_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o own_o call_n according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n member_n be_v admit_v through_o a_o outward_a confession_n of_o doctrine_n but_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o true_a church_n but_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o right_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o so_o have_v entrance_n into_o the_o true_a church_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n there_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o righteous_a but_o in_o this_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n be_v all_o righteous_a not_o one_o except_v as_o it_o be_v write_v thy_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a isa._n 60._o for_o they_o all_o have_v their_o iniquity_n forgive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o redeem_v and_o wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n 4._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n who_o be_v their_o head_n and_o leader_n and_o who_o judgement_n they_o depend_v on_o and_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o right_a church_n the_o people_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o isaiah_n say_v thy_o child_n shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o christ_n say_v they_o shall_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o john_n say_v the_o anoint_v they_o have_v receive_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n 5._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o great_a part_n be_v hate_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o true_a church_n all_o the_o member_n be_v dear_a to_o god_n as_o christ_n be_v dear_a and_o love_v of_o god_n as_o christ_n be_v love_v as_o be_v one_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n with_o he_o 6._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v of_o man_n building_n contrive_v frame_v fashion_v beautify_v but_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v only_o by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v write_v zach._n 6.12_o the_o man_n who_o name_n be_v the_o branch_n he_o shall_v build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o he_o shall_v build_v it_o and_o again_o math._n 16_o 18._o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o building_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v frame_v but_o christ_n alone_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v all_o of_o they_o more_o or_o less_o the_o habitation_n of_o antichrist_n who_o as_o paul_n say_v 2_o thes._n 2.4_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o true_a temple_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n which_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o that_o name_n and_o title_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o antichrist_n always_o dwell_v there_o where_o man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n but_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v together_o to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 2.22_o and_o again_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o 8._o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v as_o large_a as_o man_n will_v make_v they_o for_o they_o that_o have_v chief_a power_n in_o these_o church_n intere_v themselves_o in_o worldly_a magistrate_n through_o their_o favour_n and_o help_v make_v their_o church_n as_o large_a as_o the_o magistrate_n dominion_n thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v make_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o of_o other_o prince_n in_o who_o the_o pope_n have_v interest_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n in_o other_o kingdom_n be_v make_v as_o large_a as_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o temporal_a magistrate_n and_o all_o under_o their_o power_n must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v of_o their_o church_n but_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n be_v only_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o father_n kingdom_n and_o so_o will_v admit_v no_o more_o into_o it_o than_o the_o father_n kingdom_n will_v admit_v into_o it_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o the_o father_n be_v of_o a_o like_a latitude_n and_o extent_n and_o so_o the_o son_n kingdom_n be_v no_o large_a than_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o father_n than_o the_o son_n the_o father_n kingdom_n will_v not_o receive_v any_o into_o it_o that_o have_v not_o first_o be_v of_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o the_o son_n kingdom_n will_v not_o admit_v into_o it_o what_o the_o father_n kingdom_n will_v not_o after_o receive_v but_o the_o son_n deliver_v up_o his_o whole_a kingdom_n to_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n receive_v it_o all_o without_o any_o exception_n now_o from_o hence_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v evident_a 1._o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n spain_n hungary_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o all_o these_o and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n the_o faithful_a who_o be_v take_v into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o he_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o kingdom_n themselves_o 2._o in_o particular_a assembly_n whether_o parochial_a or_o congregational_a all_o the_o company_n that_o meet_v together_o bodily_a and_o have_v outward_a communion_n in_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v not_o the_o church_n but_o those_o among_o all_o these_o that_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n in_o one_o christ_n and_o god_n for_o herein_o only_o stand_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v hereby_o and_o by_o no_o outward_a thing_n whatsoever_o 3._o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o magistrate_n and_o worldly_a power_n to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o church_n who_o do_v belong_v to_o it_o and_o who_o do_v not_o but_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n only_o to_o point_v out_o his_o own_o church_n see_v he_o only_o know_v it_o and_o it_o only_o stand_v by_o his_o election_n and_o collection_n and_o not_o by_o man_n 9_o the_o church_n of_o man_n knit_v themselves_o together_o into_o such_o society_n by_o some_o outward_a covenant_n or_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a church_n be_v knit_v into_o their_o society_n among_o themselves_o by_o be_v first_o knit_v unto_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v one_o with_o he_o they_o be_v also_o one_o with_o one_o another_o in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o first_o one_o among_o themselves_o and_o then_o after_o one_o with_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a society_n knit_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o knit_v to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o love_n and_o this_o make_v they_o infinite_o more_o one_o than_o any_o outward_a covenant_n they_o can_v engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o union_n wherein_o god_n make_v we_o one_o pass_v all_o the_o union_n wherein_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o one_o and_o so_o when_o some_o believer_n perceive_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o other_o they_o present_o fall_v into_o one_o communion_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o body_n can_v deny_v communion_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o true_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n when_o they_o do_v perceive_v this_o grace_n for_o this_o be_v considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o be_v not_o first_o one_o with_o the_o church_n and_o then_o after_o one_o with_o christ_n but_o we_o be_v first_o one_o with_o christ_n and_o then_o one_o with_o the_o church_n and_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n flow_v from_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o not_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n christ_n joh._n 17._o prey_n that_o they_o all_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o so_o that_o our_o union_n be_v not_o first_o among_o our_o self_n and_o then_o with_o
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 holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v first_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n before_o they_o preach_v judas_n who_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o be_v not_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n prove_v a_o traitor_n to_o christ_n and_o who_o ever_o preach_v the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o judas_n and_o also_o traitor_n to_o christ._n 11._o the_o church_n of_o man_n have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o lay_v on_o man_n shoulder_n whether_o single_a person_n as_o pope_n or_o archbishop_n or_o combine_v as_o the_o general_n council_n or_o a_o national_a assembly_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o government_n lay_v only_o on_o christ_n shoulder_n as_o the_o prophet_n foretold_v isa._n 9_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v a_o son_n be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o zech._n 6.12_o he_o shall_v build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o 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 send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o the_o same_o be_v he_o which_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bare_a record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o remain_v on_o it_o so_o that_o whatever_o people_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o condition_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n 3._o christ_n be_v know_v by_o
the_o work_v he_o do_v joh._n 10.37_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v the_o true_a church_n know_v by_o do_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o its_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o their_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o head_n thus_o than_o you_o see_v that_o though_o the_o true_a church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v know_v by_o our_o outward_a sense_n yet_o we_o have_v certain_a token_n of_o her_o spiritual_a presence_n whereby_o we_o may_v reckon_v that_o in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n there_o be_v certain_a of_o her_o member_n as_o by_o a_o natural_a example_n though_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o itself_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n yet_o may_v we_o have_v sure_a token_n of_o its_o presence_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o body_n wherein_o it_o dwell_v as_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n understanding_n discourse_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v invisible_a in_o itself_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o some_o certain_a sign_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o sound_v nowhere_o but_o in_o the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ._n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n invisible_a and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o society_n but_o by_o be_v take_v up_o into_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a then_o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a body_n than_o to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o all_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v such_o a_o head_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o body_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o can_v present_o agree_v to_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v have_v far_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o church_n heretofore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o outward_a and_o visible_a officer_n according_a to_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o easy_a reach_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o now_o whole_a christ_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v not_o only_a christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 5.32_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a mystery_n though_o both_o indeed_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o body_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v by_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o as_o antichrist_n have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o set_v up_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n instead_o of_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o he_o have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o erect_v a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n instead_o of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a for_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n must_v be_v suitable_a each_o to_o other_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o so_o as_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a body_n the_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n make_v and_o constitute_v by_o a_o mixture_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o power_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n but_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o head_n the_o true_a christ_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o society_n the_o true_a church_n be_v head_n and_o both_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a age_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o head_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o its_o obscure_n and_o darken_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o now_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v in_o this_o present_a age_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v no_o less_o obscure_v than_o the_o former_a that_o so_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o whole_a christ_n may_v both_o be_v know_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v desire_v as_o occasion_n serve●_n to_o make_v know_v what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v here_o speak_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o and_o thus_o have_v declare_v what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v lie_v and_o rectify_v some_o ancient_a and_o general_a mistake_n touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v know_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o evident_a word_n the_o true_a and_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o note_n in_o general_n that_o among_o all_o these_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o apostle_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o uniformity_n indeed_o the_o rhemist_n be_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n blind_v from_o this_o very_a place_n urge_v and_o press_v uniformity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a engine_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n to_o its_o throne_n and_o after_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v anon_o by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o no_o conformity_n or_o uniformity_n be_v any_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o union_n see_v the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o peace_n by_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o by_o inward_a principle_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n unity_n which_o the_o apostle_n name_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n seven_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v one_o body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n say_v paul_n the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n body_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a or_o
acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o vn_fw-fr christian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sext_v be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n 344._o a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o 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ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v
a_o poor_a plain_a country_n man_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n touch_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n scholar_n or_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 4_o another_o notable_a mean_n to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o restore_v in_o it_o that_o most_o ancient_a gospel_n ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v which_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o use_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o paul_n witness_v 1_o cor._n 14_o 31._o where_o he_o say_v when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v meet_v together_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o add_v vers_fw-la 37._o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o 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make_v their_o ministry_n serve_v their_o own_o advantage_n and_o frame_v the_o scripture_n to_o sound_v such_o doctrine_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n and_o in_o these_o three_o regard_n the_o use_n of_o prophesy_v help_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n object_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v against_o this_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o rash_a and_o absurd_a after_o a_o able_a learned_a man_n have_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o unlearned_a mechanic_n presen_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o speak_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n answ._n that_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o prophet_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o esteem_v not_o that_o to_o be_v learning_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o man_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o so_o they_o neither_o reckon_v he_o that_o have_v humane_a learning_n to_o be_v learn_v here_o nor_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o to_o be_v ignorant_a yea_o far_o in_o this_o society_n god_n will_v have_v he_o who_o be_v most_o unlearned_a according_a to_o humane_a literature_n to_o speak_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v the_o more_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a truth_n may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o gift_n part_n learning_n or_o study_n but_o only_o to_o his_o spirit_n which_o can_v even_o in_o a_o moment_n teach_v the_o ignorant_a and_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o very_a dumb_a to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n by_o whereas_o when_o a_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n speak_v with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v common_o attribute_v to_o his_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o so_o god_n lose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o if_o a_o plain_a ignorant_a man_n shall_v speak_v spiritual_o and_o divine_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o man_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v admire_v in_o his_o saint_n it_o will_v be_v again_o object_v yea_o but_o if_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n will_v not_o this_o breed_v great_a confusion_n and_o disturbance_n i_o answer_v no_o not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o people_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v christ_n himself_o present_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o demean_n himself_o answerable_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o also_o every_o one_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n but_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o speak_v here_o but_o by_o revelation_n or_o a_o inward_a teach_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n and_o where_o man_n speak_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o speak_v there_o can_v be_v no_o confusion_n but_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n yea._n god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v prophesy_v as_o the_o
than_o christ_n nor_o we_o worse_o than_o the_o devil_n if_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o have_v the_o truth_n with_o they_o as_o they_o say_v they_o have_v and_o we_o be_v unrighteous_a why_o do_v they_o fear_v since_o the_o truth_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o falsehood_n and_o zorobabel_n declare_v that_o truth_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o mighty_a and_o overcome_v all_o thing_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n 3_o john_n 14._o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n john_n 8._o therefore_o if_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o priest_n have_v the_o truth_n let_v they_o overcome_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o they_o have_v lie_n than_o they_o can_v long_o abide_v in_o all_o their_o presumption_n wherefore_o we_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o the_o imperial_a city_n all_o king_n prince_n nobleman_n rich_a poor_a for_o god_n sake_n and_o for_o his_o righteousness_n that_o one_o of_o they_o write_v hereof_o to_o another_o and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o mean_v make_v how_o we_o may_v commune_v with_o you_o safe_o and_o friendly_a at_o some_o such_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v fit_a both_o for_o you_o and_o we_o and_o bring_v with_o you_o your_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n and_o let_v they_o and_o our_o teacher_n fight_v together_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o hear_v they_o and_o let_v not_o one_o overcome_v the_o other_o by_o violence_n or_o false_a subtlety_n but_o only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o let_v man_n doctrine_n be_v what_o it_o will_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n and_o not_o present_o to_o be_v silence_v and_o subdue_v by_o force_n now_o second_o be_v if_o upon_o hear_v and_o debate_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n it_o shall_v clear_o appear_v that_o our_o adversary_n hold_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o false_a and_o erroneous_a that_o they_o can_v be_v reckon_v 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love_v eternal_a life_n and_o will_v void_a eternal_a death_n and_o thus_o christ_n condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o bid_v his_o disciple_n beware_v of_o they_o and_o paul_n the_o doctrine_n of_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n which_o do_v e●t_v as_o a_o canker_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n may_v also_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n person_n yea_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v silent_a and_o not_o seduce_v other_o seeing_z believer_n 〈…〉_z have_v no_o true_a 〈…〉_z the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o which_o all_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_v wherefore_o such_o p●●sons_n may_v just_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o herein_o also_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v to_o wit_n excommunication_n 1._o that_o this_o censure_n be_v not_o proceed_v to_o for_o every_o vary_a from_o the_o truth_n as_o be_v already_o say_v but_o for_o deny_v such_o truth_n or_o hold_v such_o error_n as_o make_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o salvation_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v not_o do_v till_o all_o other_o way_n have_v be_v try_v to_o reclaim_v he_o 3._o that_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o two_o or_o three_o person_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o communion_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o their_o own_o but_o by_o christ_n authority_n who_o be_v always_o present_a in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n of_o that_o body_n and_o that_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a passion_n or_o violence_n but_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v always_o present_a among_o believer_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o member_n and_o this_o excommunication_n thus_o regulate_v be_v the_o last_o punishment_n the_o church_n can_v inflict_v punishment_n by_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v imprison_v any_o or_o banish_v they_o or_o fine_a they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o death_n for_o we_o must_v not_o expound_v that_o place_n of_o paul_n hareticum_fw-la hominem_fw-la devita_fw-la as_o hugo_n charensis_fw-la do_v to_o take_v a_o heretic_n out_o of_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o heretic_n we_o must_v avoid_v we_o must_v not_o kill_v the_o former_a be_v christ_n rule_n the_o latter_a antichrist_n now_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v and_o propound_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n of_o christ_n conclusion_n wherever_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v cast_v this_o book_n which_o may_v travel_v far_o on_o this_o errand_n then_o weak_a flesh_n can_v do_v and_o i_o so_o propound_v they_o all_o as_o be_v most_o ready_a myself_o to_o hear_v from_o any_o what_o they_o can_v propound_v in_o more_o light_n 〈…〉_z in_o these_o matter_n they_o will_v ye●_n 〈…〉_z over_o and_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o desire_n of_o which_o through_o god_n goodness_n be_v much_o strong_a in_o my_o heart_n than_o any_o private_a interest_n or_o respect_n of_o my_o own_o finis_fw-la 2_o cor._n 11.6_o ecclesia_n regi●a_fw-la misericordiae_fw-la cujus_fw-la viscera_fw-la sunt_fw-la merae_fw-la miserationes_fw-la &_o remissiones_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la cito_fw-la vos_fw-la omnes_fw-la ut_fw-la respondeatis_fw-la mihi_fw-la coram_fw-la attissimo_fw-la &_o justissimo_fw-la judice_fw-la post_fw-la paucos_fw-la annos_fw-la the_o peace_n propound_v be_v 1._o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n 2._o nor_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n spiritual_a christian_n make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n carnal_a christian_n the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n peace_n between_o the_o child_n of_o p●ace_n what_o the_o right_a church_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v how_o the_o church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n how_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v though_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a quest._n 2._o answ._n how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n though_o invisible_a the_o church_n the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n the_o head_n a_o great_a mystery_n the_o church_n just_a such_o a_o body_n as_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a church_n lie_v the_o right_a church_n be_v one_o body_n this_o one_o body_n comprehend_v believer_n of_o all_o age_n of_o all_o sort_n many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v from_o the_o church_n unity_n of_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o right_a church_n be_v one_o spirit_n who_o break_v ●his_fw-la bond_n of_o unity_n quest._n answ._n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o lord._n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o assembly_n vote_v for_o their_o government_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o faith_n unity_n of_o faith_n preserve_v peace_n 1._o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n 2._o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o outward_a work_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n the_o right_a church_n have_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o they_o all_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o brethren_n where_o all_o be_v 1._o alike_o dear_a to_o god_n 2._o alike_o dear_a to_o we_o this_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v 1._o above_o you_o all_o 2._o through_o you_o all_o 3._o in_o they_o all_o who_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v no_o other_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n beside_o these_o seven_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a thing_n to_o cry_v up_o uniformity_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o this_o unity_n how_o the_o union_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v among_o believer_n shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o
much_o clear_a light_n from_o god_n he_o in_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o king_n of_o france_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n pro_fw-la pace_fw-la &_o union_n graecorum_n in_o his_o 7_o the_o consideration_n speak_v thus_o man_n ought_v not_o general_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a determination_n of_o pope_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o hold_v of_o all_o other_o evangelicae_fw-la who_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n whether_o they_o be_v counsel_n or_o assembly_n to_o hold_v and_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o he_o say_v this_o consideration_n well_o take_v and_o understand_v will_v be_v the_o principal_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o peace_n between_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n who_o differ_v in_o many_o outward_a form_n and_o rule_n as_o in_o baptism_n the_o latin_a church_n say_v i_o baptize_v thou_o the_o greek_a baptizetur_fw-la servus_n christi_fw-la let_v this_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o the_o supper_n the_o latin_a church_n use_v unleavened_a the_o greek_a leaven_a bread_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o he_o speak_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o say_v quaelibet_fw-la provincia_fw-la abundet_fw-la sensusuo_fw-la let_v every_o province_n abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n note_v also_o say_v he_o that_o a_o good_a prince_n permit_v divers_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o to_o do_v so_o will_v often_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o lord_n of_o arras_n a_o city_n of_o picardy_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o flanders_n will_v be_v govern_v otherwise_o then_o france_n or_o burgundy_n and_o this_o consideration_n say_v he_o right_o understand_v to_o wit_n not_o to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o let_v the_o church_n use_v its_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n uniformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n luther_n also_o that_o choose_a vessel_n of_o christ_n do_v clear_o oppose_v this_o evil_n of_o uniformity_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n touch_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n mundi_fw-la if_o one_o church_n will_v not_o follow_v another_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n in_o those_o outward_a thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n which_o present_o be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o snare_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v one_o church_n free_o imitate_v another_o or_o let_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o use_v its_o own_o way_n so_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v preserve_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n though_o there_o be_v variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o element_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o same_o luther_n after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o form_n of_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o wittingberg_n conclude_v thus_o in_o quibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cavendum_fw-la ne_fw-la legem_fw-la ex_fw-la libertate_fw-la faciaemus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o sin_n who_o shall_v either_o do_v otherwise_o or_o shall_v omit_v some_o thing_n so_o they_o permit_v the_o word_n of_o blessing_n to_o remain_v entire_a and_o do_v all_o act_n here_o in_o faith_n for_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o freewoman_n who_o may_v keep_v they_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v power_n to_o change_v they_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o any_o shall_v either_o desire_n or_o establish_v any_o necessary_a form_n as_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o ensnare_v or_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o primitive_a church_n any_o example_n of_o any_o such_o rite_n but_o only_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o quod_fw-la legibus_fw-la hic_fw-la obstringi_fw-la nec_fw-la possent_fw-la nec_fw-la debent_fw-la because_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n moreover_o if_o divers_a man_n shall_v use_v a_o diverse_a rite_n let_v none_o either_o judge_n or_o contemn_v another_o but_o let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o all_o favour_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o for_o form_n we_o act_v diverse_o and_o let_v each_o rite_n please_v other_o lest_o by_o diversity_n of_o rite_n follow_v diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o it_o come_v tun_n pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o outward_a rite_n though_o we_o can_v want_v they_o as_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n yet_o they_o commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n but_o only_a faith_n and_o love_n commend_v we_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o paul_n take_v place_n here_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n accipere_fw-la but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o no_o rite_n nor_o form_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o faith_n within_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o form_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittenberg_n which_o he_o write_v out_o for_o nicholas_n hausmannus_fw-la a_o godly_a minister_n he_o say_v which_o copy_n either_o you_o or_o other_o may_v follow_v if_o you_o please_v if_o not_o we_o willing_o give_v place_n to_o the_o anoint_v be_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v from_o you_o or_o any_o other_o more_o profitable_a thing_n these_o thing_n he_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o in_o other_o that_o act_n these_o thing_n peremptory_o and_o command_v and_o enforce_v they_o by_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v thief_n and_o murderer_n melancton_n also_o persuade_v certain_a christian_n to_o unity_n who_o differ_v in_o uniformity_n uniformity_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o do_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n let_v we_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a love_n nostras_fw-la and_o let_v not_o unlikeness_n and_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o bucer_n quote_v this_o place_n add_v no_o nor_o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n disjoin_v our_o mind_n upon_o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o these_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o form_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o congregation_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o any_o shall_v set_v down_o any_o form_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v use_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o please_v or_o may_v add_v or_o alter_v or_o whole_o reject_v they_o and_o no_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n shall_v enforce_v to_o ensnare_v conscience_n and_o to_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o obscure_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o people_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v most_o horrible_o mistake_v that_o now_o urge_v external_a uniformity_n on_o the_o church_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n who_o scarce_o mind_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o name_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o call_v one_o lord_n faith_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o do_v earnest_o and_o fierce_o labour_v for_o one_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n one_o directory_n one_o confession_n one_o catechism_n one_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v these_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v enforce_v on_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n their_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o seer_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o uniformity_n what_o woeful_a division_n will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n live_v in_o one_o form_n the_o father_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o another_o the_o believer_n under_o
the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o johns_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v and_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o this_o bondage_n again_o through_o specious_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n but_o let_v the_o church_n know_v it_o may_v use_v what_o form_n seem_v good_a to_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o true_a unity_n stand_v in_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o thus_o only_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v one_o yea_o thus_o only_a the_o church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o faithful_a to_o know_v that_o uniformity_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o or_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o god_n may_v make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o he_o abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n ephes._n 2.15_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n so_o high_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o he_o repeal_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o dissolve_v his_o own_o outward_a ordinance_n now_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v make_v void_a rather_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n how_o much_o more_o any_o ceremony_n or_o outward_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n devise_v let_v he_o that_o read_v understand_v and_o these_o be_v the_o practical_a rule_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a and_o now_o we_o hasten_v to_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a in_o which_o case_n thing_n we_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o wit_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o no._n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o first_o they_o be_v either_o thing_n ceremonial_a and_o circumstantial_a or_o second_o very_a truth_n themselves_o yet_o such_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v for_o the_o present_a err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n we_o shall_v mind_v these_o thing_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o vanity_n nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v so_o earnest_o contend_v about_o the_o day_n on_o which_o easter_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o upon_o difference_n herein_o shall_v divide_v into_o sect_n as_o they_o do_v see_v there_o always_o shine_v light_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o slight_a circumstance_n not_o worth_a the_o mind_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o no_o where_o for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o 2._o we_o ought_v not_o for_o contrary_a mindedness_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o avoid_v christian_a converse_n and_o communnion_n with_o one_o another_o for_o strangeness_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o case_n both_o breed_v and_o increase_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n &_o cause_n that_o we_o harbour_v hard_a thought_n brother_n against_o brother_n and_o it_o take_v away_o all_o opportunity_n of_o conference_n and_o of_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v one_o another_o and_o so_o of_o reconciliation_n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n whereof_o neither_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n produce_v innumerable_a sect_n in_o the_o church_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o see_v such_o deadly_a enmity_n arise_v among_o sect_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o therefore_o that_o rash_a judgement_n that_o produce_v these_o sect_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a advancer_n of_o the_o devil_n work_v of_o division_n faithful_a 4._o let_v we_o know_v wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n kingdom_n stand_v to_o wit_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o order_n and_o where_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v let_v we_o be_v content_v though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n and_o circumstance_n let_v we_o take_v careful_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o circumstance_n the_o high_a good_a in_o the_o church_n be_v salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o other_o thing_n yea_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o where_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v not_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o importance_n 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n in_o these_o circumstantial_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v in_o present_a power_n ought_v take_v care_n especial_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n saint_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v may_v have_v free_a liberty_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o find_v pasture_n it_o be_v a_o most_o antichristian_a thing_n to_o make_v another_o key_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o true_a church_n beside_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o than_o it_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n key_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a without_o man_n also_o yea_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n key_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a without_o christ_n that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o also_o conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o by_o make_v another_o key_n to_o god_n kingdom_n beside_o the_o key_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o