to_o take_v care_n one_o for_o another_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o our_o faith_n and_o cofidence_n herein_o can_v be_v stagger_v by_o a_o mere_a denial_n in_o our_o opposer_n which_o no_o man_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n will_v say_v it_o ought_v see_v the_o thing_n itself_o have_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o real_a cause_n and_o foundation_n so_o good_a and_o suitable_a a_o pattern_n and_o example_n and_o that_o it_o be_v constant_o confirm_v to_o we_o both_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o by_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o we_o daily_o reap_v thereby_o as_o a_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v therewith_o and_o approve_v we_o in_o it_o have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n and_o government_n among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a meeting_n set_v apart_o for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v and_o first_o as_o to_o outward_o and_o temporal_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o which_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v for_o this_o order_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v may_v have_v be_v among_o the_o first_o occasion_n that_o give_v the_o like_a among_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o widow_n and_o orphan_n love_n and_o compassion_n be_v the_o great_a yea_o and_o the_o chief_a mark_n of_o christianity_n hereby_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v say_v christ_n that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o james_n the_o apostle_n place_n religion_n herein_o in_o the_o first_o place_n pure_a religion_n say_v he_o and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o then_o as_o one_o main_a end_n do_v we_o meet_v together_o that_o inquiry_n may_v be_v make_v if_o there_o be_v any_o poor_a of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n that_o need_v that_o they_o may_v be_v supply_v that_o the_o widow_n may_v be_v take_v care_n of_o that_o the_o orphan_n and_o fatherless_a may_v be_v breed_v up_o and_o educate_v who_o will_v be_v so_o unchristian_a as_o to_o reprove_v this_o good_a order_n and_o government_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v needless_a but_o if_o any_o will_v thus_o object_v may_v not_o the_o spirit_n lead_v every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o need_n what_o needs_o meeting_n about_o it_o and_o such_o formality_n i_o answer_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o so_o to_o do_v what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a nor_o be_v this_o a_o practice_n any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o be_v inward_o and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o 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murmur_a that_o some_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o we_o must_v not_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n go_v about_o to_o remedy_v this_o evil_n that_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n or_o that_o this_o remedy_n they_o be_v lead_v to_o be_v step_v into_o the_o apostasy_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o say_v of_o we_o we_o proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n if_o then_o it_o be_v thus_o needful_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o beggar_n to_o be_v among_o israel_n of_o old_a so_o far_o less_o now_o must_v there_o not_o be_v meeting_n to_o appoint_v contribution_n in_o order_n to_o the_o perform_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o give_v of_o a_o general_a intimation_n what_o the_o needs_o be_v that_o every_o one_o as_o god_n move_v sheir_v heart_n and_o have_v prosper_v they_o without_o imposition_n force_n or_o limitation_n may_v give_v towards_o these_o needful_a uses_n in_o which_o case_n these_o murmurer_n at_o our_o good_a order_n in_o such_o matter_n may_v well_o think_v strange_a at_o the_o apostle_n how_o press_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o reiterate_v his_o desire_n and_o provocation_n so_o to_o speak_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 1_o 2_o and_o the_o 8_o and_o 9th_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2d_o epistle_n throughout_o now_o though_o he_o testify_v to_o they_o elsewhere_o that_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o yet_o cease_v he_o not_o to_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v yea_o and_o to_o give_v they_o certain_a order_n in_o this_o matter_n beside_o all_o these_o reason_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o unprejudicate_a man_n the_o secret_a approbation_n of_o god_n spirit_n accompany_v we_o in_o this_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o hundred_o can_v witness_v to_o who_o need_v have_v be_v supply_v and_o themselves_o help_v through_o divers_a difficulty_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o already_o &_o of_o many_o more_o orphan_n and_o fatherless_a child_n who_o have_v find_v no_o want_n neither_o of_o father_n nor_o mother_n or_o other_o relation_n through_o the_o tender_a love_n and_o care_n of_o god_n people_n in_o put_v they_o in_o trade_n and_o employment_n and_o give_v they_o all_o needful_a education_n which_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v ere_o this_o age_n pass_v away_o to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a do_n and_o order_n of_o man_n but_o the_o work_n of_o he_o who_o be_v appear_v in_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o establish_v not_o only_a truth_n but_o mercy_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o that_o end_n therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o order_n reach_v the_o take_n up_o and_o compose_v of_o difference_n as_o to_o outward_a thing_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o betwixt_o friend_n and_o friend_n for_o such_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o through_o the_o intricacy_n of_o diverse_a affair_n where_o neither_o have_v any_o positive_a intention_n to_o injure_v and_o defraud_v his_o neighbour_n as_o in_o many_o case_n may_v be_v instance_a or_o if_o through_o the_o work_n and_o temptation_n of_o he_o who_o work_n be_v to_o beset_v the_o faithful_a and_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o engender_v so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v strife_n and_o division_n among_o they_o any_o shall_v step_v aside_o as_o to_o offer_v to_o wrong_v or_o prejudge_v his_o neighbour_n we_o do_v bold_o aver_v as_o a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o our_o joint_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n that_o we_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o remove_v these_o thing_n among_o ourselves_o without_o go_v to_o other_o to_o seek_v redress_n and_o this_o in_o itself_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v tell_v if_o any_o that_o be_v not_o whole_o prejudicate_v or_o obstinate_a can_v blame_v it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n concern_v faith_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o joint-interest_n to_o bring_v all_o other_o unto_o the_o same_o truth_n with_o we_o as_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v wrong_n what_o confidence_n can_v we_o have_v to_o think_v of_o reclaim_v they_o if_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v have_v not_o efficacy_n as_o to_o reconcile_v we_o among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v force_v to_o go_v out_o to_o other_o for_o equity_n and_o justice_n because_o we_o can_v find_v it_o among_o ourselves_o
cry_v out_o of_o formality_n and_o apostasy_n because_o they_o be_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o unruliness_n according_a to_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o breach_n of_o liberty_n oppression_n persecution_n we_o will_v have_v none_o of_o your_o order_n and_o government_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n well_o of_o this_o hereafter_o but_o this_o give_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o controversy_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o that_o which_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v now_o to_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o proposition_n i_o meddle_v not_o at_o this_o time_n with_o those_o that_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v reserve_v their_o plea_n to_o another_o place_n neither_o need_v i_o to_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a to_o wit_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o opposer_n both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n who_o ready_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o have_v heretofore_o blame_v we_o for_o want_v of_o it_o though_o now_o some_o of_o they_o and_o that_o of_o the_o high_a pretender_n be_v become_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o accuse_v we_o for_o the_o use_v of_o it_o improve_n it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n for_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o partial_a envy_n that_o whereas_o the_o suppose_a want_n of_o it_o be_v once_o reckon_v heretical_a now_o the_o present_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v count_v criminal_a these_o then_o to_o who_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v this_o thing_n be_v such_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o themselves_o refuse_v all_o subjection_n or_o government_n deny_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o disagree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n or_o those_o who_o not_o be_v so_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o mind_n yet_o be_v fearful_a or_o scrupulous_a in_o the_o matter_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o may_v apprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n may_v draw_v after_o it_o for_o the_o clear_n then_o as_o well_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o one_o as_o answer_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o other_o i_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o follow_a assertion_n will_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o matter_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o evidence_n first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o it_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v practice_v and_o commend_v it_o three_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n now_o occur_v which_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o power_n now_o as_o ever_o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o the_o same_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o very_a word_n order_n and_o government_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o now_o this_o i_o suppose_v have_v proceed_v because_o of_o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n that_o have_v be_v cloak_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o why_o shall_v the_o truth_n be_v neglect_v because_o hypocrite_n have_v pretend_v to_o it_o the_o right_a institution_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n must_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v because_o corrupt_v man_n have_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v they_o i_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v more_o abuse_v and_o pervent_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v we_o then_o renounce_v that_o honourable_a title_n because_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o wicked_a man_n yea_o antichrist_n have_v false_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v in_o his_o temple_n if_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n have_v assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v term_v her_o oppression_n and_o violence_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n thereof_o therefore_o must_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n &_o its_o authority_n be_v exercise_v where_o it_o true_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n this_o i_o prefix_v to_o warn_v all_o to_o beware_v of_o stumble_v at_o thing_n which_o be_v innocent_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v labour_v to_o hold_v the_o steady_a even_a path_n of_o truth_n without_o run_v in_o either_o of_o the_o extreme_n for_o that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v appoint_v order_n &_o government_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v very_o clear_a from_o his_o plain_a word_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o ver._n 15._o moreover_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o of_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n ver_n 16._o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o work_n may_v be_v establish_v ver._n 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n ver._n 18._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n from_o which_o scripture_n it_o do_v manifest_o and_o evident_o follow_v first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o certain_a order_n and_o method_n in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o procedure_n towards_o such_o as_o transgress_v second_o that_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v two_o be_v become_v more_o guilty_a as_o harden_v then_o in_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o first_o reprove_v alone_o three_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a assembly_n he_o do_v thereby_o exclude_v himself_o and_o shut_v out_o himself_o from_o be_v a_o member_n and_o be_v just_o judge_v by_o his_o brethren_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o last_o that_o the_o church_n gatherng_n or_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v and_o call_v to_o a_o account_v such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o own_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o they_o do_v transgress_v and_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o hear_v or_o repent_v to_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o fellowship_n and_o that_o god_n have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o people_n thus_o orderly_o proceed_v so_o as_o to_o hold_v such_o bind_v in_o heaven_n who_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n and_o such_o loose_v in_o heaven_n who_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n i_o be_o partly_o confident_a that_o no_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o above_o mention_a scripture_n and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o find_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o i_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a consequence_n which_o at_o present_a as_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v i_o forbear_v to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v reckon_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o offend_v one_o of_o the_o little_a one_o that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o so_o do_v that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n without_o question_n to_o offend_v and_o gainsay_v the_o whole_a flock_n must_v be_v more_o criminal_a and_o must_v draw_v after_o it_o a_o far_o deep_a judgement_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o order_n nor_o government_n in_o the_o church_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o those_o that_o transgress_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v again_o restore_v will_v not_o this_o make_v all_o reprove_v all_o instruct_v all_o care_v for_o and_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o void_a and_o null_a why_o shall_v christ_n have_v desire_v they_o to_o proceed_v after_o this_o method_n why_o do_v
he_o place_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v the_o refuse_v of_o hear_v it_o to_o draw_v so_o deep_a a_o censure_n after_o it_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v to_o follow_v the_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o apart_o though_o the_o matter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o so_o as_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o intrinsic_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o the_o transgressor_n to_o hear_v that_o one_o as_o well_o as_o all_o for_o that_o one_o advise_v he_o to_o that_o whiâ—h_n be_v right_n and_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a and_o they_o do_v but_o homologate_v or_o confirm_v that_o which_o that_o one_o have_v already_o assert_v yet_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n will_v not_o have_v a_o brother_n cut_v off_o or_o repute_v a_o publican_n for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o but_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o chucrch_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o other_o false_a church_n make_v use_v of_o this_o scripture_n and_o cover_v their_o persecutiton_n and_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n by_o it_o and_o thou_o say_v no_o more_o than_o they_o say_v i_o answer_v i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n abuse_v this_o scripture_n will_v make_v it_o false_a in_o itself_o but_o how_o we_o differ_v in_o we_o application_n of_o this_o scripture_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o hereafter_o i_o be_o not_o now_o claim_v right_o to_o this_o power_n as_o due_a to_o we_o that_o be_v reserve_v for_o another_o place_n but_o this_o i_o say_v be_v that_o which_o i_o now_o aver_v to_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n at_o present_a in_o hand_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o real_o true_a as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v than_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v also_o necessary_o follow_v that_o such_o who_o real_o and_o true_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v right_o to_o exercise_v this_o order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v practice_v order_n and_o government_n we_o need_v but_o to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v a_o few_o pregnant_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n from_o verse_n 13_o to_o the_o end_n where_o at_o the_o very_a first_o meet_v the_o apostle_n and_o brother_n hold_v together_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n they_o begin_v orderly_a to_o appoint_v one_o to_o fulfil_v the_o place_n of_o judas_n it_o may_v be_v think_v this_o be_v a_o needless_a ceremony_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n countenance_v it_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v of_o these_o two_o man_n or_o of_o he_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n do_v not_o fall_v contradict_v their_o inward_a freedom_n or_o impose_v upon_o it_o but_o both_o agree_v very_o well_o together_o the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n and_o move_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o same_o in_o submit_v to_o their_o appointment_n moreover_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o may_v read_v act_n 6._o so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v a_o opport_n unity_n how_o they_o wise_o give_v order_n concern_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o appoint_v some_o man_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o here_o be_v order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v then_o as_o some_o say_v now_o we_o will_v give_v our_o charity_n to_o who_o we_o see_v cause_n and_o we_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o your_o appointment_n and_o order_n whether_o will_v god_n have_v approve_v of_o such_o yea_o or_o nay_o query_n three_o when_o that_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n fall_v in_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a or_o not_o to_o circumcise_v the_o gentile_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n see_v not_o meet_v to_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n they_o do_v not_o judge_v as_o one_o confuse_o suppose_v that_o this_o difference_n in_o a_o â—â—tward_a exercise_n will_v commend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n nay_o they_o take_v another_o method_n it_o be_v say_v express_o act_v 15._o 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o after_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v about_o it_o no_o doubt_n then_o there_o be_v here_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n tell_v their_o judgement_n and_o come_v also_o to_o a_o positive_a conclusion_n sure_o some_o behove_v to_o submit_v else_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v agree_v so_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n and_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v undeniable_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n practise_v a_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o and_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v they_o do_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n concur_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o singular_a practice_n but_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o doctrinal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o these_o follow_a testimony_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 15_o for_o though_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o instructer_n in_o christ_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n 16._o wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o 17_o for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o timotheus_n who_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n and_o faithful_a in_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v bring_v you_o into_o remembrance_n of_o my_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o i_o teach_v every_o where_o in_o every_o church_n here_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o absolute_a first_o in_o that_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o second_o in_o that_o he_o send_v a_o teacher_n yea_o a_o minister_n and_o eminent_a bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v apostate_n and_o dissent_v spirit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o give_v paul_n occasion_n thus_o to_o write_v as_o he_o testify_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n how_o he_o be_v judge_v by_o some_o of_o they_o he_o show_v how_o they_o be_v grow_v high_a ver_fw-la 8._o now_o you_o be_v full_a now_o you_o be_v rich_a you_o have_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o we_o etc._n etc._n may_v not_o these_o dissenter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v reason_v thus_o against_o paul_n do_v not_o this_o paul_n teach_v we_o at_o first_o to_o mind_v the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o follow_v that_o for_o no_o doubt_n that_o be_v paul_n doctrine_n but_o now_o he_o begin_v to_o lord_n over_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v be_v follower_n of_o he_o may_v not_o they_o have_v judge_v the_o belove_a timothy_n to_o be_v far_o out_o of_o his_o place_n may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o god_n that_o move_v thou_o and_o send_v thou_o here_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o lordly_a paul_n that_o seek_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n it_o seem_v thou_o come_v not_o here_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o with_o we_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o to_o mind_v we_o to_o follow_v paul_n way_n and_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v with_o he_o nor_o with_o his_o mâ—ssenger_n nor_o with_o none_o of_o your_o order_n and_o so_o forth_o do_v not_o this_o run_v very_o plausible_a i_o question_v not_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reason_v among_o
there_o be_v no_o extravagancy_n so_o wild_a which_o they_o will_v not_o cloak_v with_o it_o and_o so_o much_o be_v they_o for_o every_o one_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o christian-fellowship_n and_o community_n nor_o of_o that_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o this_o give_v a_o open_a door_n to_o all_o libertinism_n and_o bring_v great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o on_o this_o hand_n have_v foul_o fall_v the_o german_a anabaptist_n so_o call_v viz._n john_n of_o leiden_fw-mi knipperdoling_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n these_o monstrous_a thing_n commit_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o some_o more_o moderate_a of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v find_v among_o the_o people_n in_o england_n call_v ranter_n as_o it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v brand_v with_o both_o of_o these_o extreme_n it_o be_v as_o true_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o work_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o even_a and_o good_a path_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o all_o be_v no_o doubt_n lead_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o may_v all_o have_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o subjection_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o authority_n some_o have_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n there_o be_v a_o obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o and_o a_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o a_o know_v of_o the_o inward_a anoint_v by_o which_o each_o individual_a be_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n the_o work_n and_o testimony_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v this_o again_o and_o to_o set_v both_o these_o in_o their_o right_a place_n without_o cause_v they_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o to_o manifest_v how_o this_o be_v accomplish_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o impartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a spirit_n and_o may_v be_v make_v useful_a in_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v friend_n against_o their_o present_a opposer_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o the_o 17_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1674._o by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o content_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n page_n 9_o section_n second_o concern_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n p._n 12._o section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n p._n 18._o section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o p._n 31._o section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v p._n 37._o section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a p._n 47._o section_n seven_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n p._n 66._o section_n eight_o how_o this_o government_n altogether_o differ_v from_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n p._n 75._o the_o conclusion_n p._n 84._o page_n 20._o line_n 18._o for_o gatherng_n read_v gather_v p._n 21._o l._n 17._o f._n chucrch_n r._n church_n l._n 19_o f._n persecutiton_n r._n persecution_n p._n 24._o l._n 22._o f._n dding_n r._n add_v p._n 42._o l._n 2._o f._n god_n d_o r._n god_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o his_o own_o appoint_a time_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n through_o and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o mount_n sinai_n divers_a commandment_n ordinance_n appointment_n and_o observation_n according_a as_o they_o be_v testify_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n it_o please_v he_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n who_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v approve_v himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n he_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v hold_v he_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v his_o despise_a witness_n who_o have_v believe_v in_o he_o in_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a comfort_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v and_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o suffer_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o by_o which_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v fill_v be_v embolden_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n without_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o great_a love_n and_o zeal_n prevail_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o lack_v for_o a_o season_n but_o all_o that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o net_n do_v not_o prove_v good_a and_o wholesome_a fish_n some_o be_v again_o to_o be_v cast_v in_o that_o ocean_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v draw_v of_o those_o many_o that_o be_v call_v all_o prove_v not_o choose_v vessel_n fit_a for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o great_a supper_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n there_o be_v that_o be_v find_v without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n some_o make_v a_o show_n for_o a_o season_n and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o there_o be_v that_o draw_v back_o there_o be_v that_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o do_v backslide_v themselves_o but_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o perdition_n with_o themselves_o seek_v to_o overturn_v their_o faith_n also_o yea_o there_o be_v that_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o also_o of_o those_o member_n that_o become_v not_o whole_o corrupt_v for_o some_o be_v never_o again_o restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v that_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a and_o young_a some_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n some_o be_v to_o be_v purge_v when_o the_o old_a leaven_n receive_v any_o place_n and_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o camp_n for_o a_o time_n until_o their_o leprosy_n be_v heal_v and_o then_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o again_o moreover_o as_o to_o outward_o there_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o fatherless_a of_o the_o stranger_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o several_a member_n of_o that_o body_n know_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o good_a order_n and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o preserve_v and_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o right_a station_n do_v in_o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n minister_v unto_o every_o member_n a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o diverse_a according_a to_o operation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n some_o apostle_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n there_o be_v old_a man_n there_o be_v young_a man_n there_o be_v babe_n for_o all_o be_v not_o apostle_n neither_o be_v all_o elder_n neither_o be_v all_o babe_n yet_o be_v all_o member_n and_o as_o such_o all_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n which_o from_o the_o head_n flow_v unto_o all_o the_o body_n be_v the_o ointment_n of_o aaron_n '_o s_o beard_n unto_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o every_o member_n have_v its_o place_n and_o station_n in_o the_o body_n so_o long_o as_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n and_o
all_o have_v need_v one_o of_o another_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n to_o assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n then_o god_n have_v give_v it_o nor_o yet_o to_o grudge_v or_o repine_v its_o fellow-member's_a place_n but_o to_o be_v content_a with_o its_o own_o for_o the_o uncomely_a part_n be_v no_o less_o needful_a than_o the_o comely_a and_o the_o less_o honourable_a than_o the_o more_o honourable_a which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n hold_v forth_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o from_o vers._n 13_o to_o 30._o now_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o schism_n division_n or_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n be_v whenas_o any_o member_n assume_v another_o place_n than_o be_v allot_v it_o or_o be_v go_v from_o the_o life_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o le_fw-fr we_o in_o the_o murmurer_n the_o eye_n that_o watch_v for_o evil_a and_o not_o in_o holy_a care_n over_o its_o fellow-member_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o come_v down_o to_o judgement_n in_o itself_o will_v stand_v up_o and_o judge_v its_o fellow-member_n yea_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v in_o a_o more_o honourable_a and_o eminent_a place_n in_o the_o body_n then_o itself_o such_o suffer_v not_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o term_v the_o reproof_n of_o instruction_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n imposition_n and_o oppression_n and_o be_v not_o aware_a how_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n they_o condemn_v other_o for_o while_o they_o spare_v not_o to_o reprove_v and_o revile_v all_o their_o fellow-member_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v but_o admonish_v themselves_o they_o cry_v out_o as_o if_o their_o great_a charter_n of_o gospel-liberty_n be_v break_v now_o though_o such_o and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v be_v sufficient_o see_v and_o feel_v by_o thousand_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v so_o establish_v as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n of_o be_v entangle_v in_o that_o snare_n and_o who_o have_v power_n and_o strength_n in_o themselves_o to_o judge_v that_o spirit_n even_o in_o its_o most_o subtle_a appearance_n yet_o there_o be_v who_o can_v so_o well_o withstand_v the_o subtlety_n and_o seem_a sincerity_n some_o such_o pretend_v to_o though_o in_o measure_n they_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o and_o other_o that_o can_v so_o right_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o some_o there_o be_v that_o through_o weakness_n and_o want_v of_o true_a discern_v may_v be_v deceive_v and_o the_o simplicity_n in_o they_o betray_v for_o a_o season_n as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o fair_a speech_n and_o smooth_a word_n they_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a therefore_o have_v according_a to_o my_o measure_n receive_v a_o open_v in_o my_o understanding_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n under_o the_o weighty_a sense_n of_o they_o i_o find_v at_o this_o instant_n a_o freedom_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n for_o the_o more_o universal_a benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o for_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o clear_a open_n and_o understand_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o sum_v up_o this_o treatise_n in_o these_o follow_a general_a head_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o first_o from_o whence_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v the_o rice_n and_o root_n of_o it_o second_o whether_o there_o be_v now_o any_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n three_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v and_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o another_o than_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n second_o concern_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n whenas_n the_o lord_n god_n by_o his_o mighty_a power_n begin_v to_o visit_v the_o nation_n with_o the_o dawn_v of_o his_o heavenly_a day_n for_o thus_o i_o write_v unto_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o instrument_n who_o he_o have_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o his_o work_n have_v fashion_v they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o to_o his_o own_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o appearance_n as_o fool_n and_o mad_a to_o those_o that_o judge_v according_a to_o man_n but_o their_o word_n and_o testimony_n pierce_v through_o into_o the_o inner_a man_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o reach_v to_o that_o of_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o as_o many_o as_o be_v simple-hearted_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o soul_n receive_v they_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o their_o word_n be_v unto_o they_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o receive_n and_o embrace_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o they_o feel_v their_o soul_n ease_v and_o the_o acceptable_a day_n begin_v to_o dawn_n in_o and_o upon_o they_o now_o what_o evidence_n bring_v these_o man_n to_o make_v their_o testimony_n to_o be_v receive_v do_v they_o entice_v do_v they_o flatter_v do_v they_o daub_v up_o do_v they_o preach_v liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n or_o will_v of_o man_n nay_o very_o they_o use_v no_o such_o method_n their_o word_n be_v as_o thunderbolt_n knock_v down_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n and_o pour_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o transgressor_n every_o where_o do_v they_o spare_v the_o zealous_a professor_n more_o than_o the_o open_a profane_a nay_o very_o they_o condemn_v equal_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o profanity_n of_o the_o other_o yet_o want_v they_o not_o regard_v to_o the_o tender_a seed_n and_o plant_v of_o god_n in_o either_o do_v they_o give_v way_n do_v they_o yield_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n to_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o serpent_n that_o will_v reason_v truth_n from_o themselves_o say_v i_o must_v stay_v until_o i_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o and_o thaâ—_n and_o the_o other_o thing_n i_o see_v not_o yet_o this_o to_o be_v wrong_n or_o the_o other_o thâ—â—g_v to_o be_v my_o duty_n how_o do_v they_o knock_v down_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o wrought_v mighty_o in_o they_o show_v and_o hold_v forth_o that_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v dawn_v that_o all_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o tarry_v behind_o that_o that_o which_o so_o plead_v be_v the_o same_o spirit_n which_o of_o old_a time_n say_v in_o those_o that_o be_v invite_v i_o can_v come_v yet_o i_o must_v first_o marry_v a_o wife_n i_o must_v go_v prove_v my_o yoke_n of_o ox_n i_o must_v go_v visit_v my_o possession_n let_v i_o first_o bury_v my_o dead_a father_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n through_o they_o testify_v and_o declare_v against_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o feel_v the_o enemy_n thus_o reason_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o form_n fellowship_n false_a worship_n and_o foolish_a fashion_n of_o this_o world_n but_o we_o feel_v as_o we_o be_v obedient_a all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v for_o condemnation_n and_o that_o as_o we_o obey_v the_o pure_a manifestation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o jesus_n in_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o haesitation_n we_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v part_v with_o all_o those_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o and_o what_o occasion_v such_o scruple_n be_v but_o that_o which_o draw_v back_o through_o be_v unwilling_a to_o give_v pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o many_o as_o give_v obedience_n and_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n find_v no_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v but_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o that_o appear_v now_o the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n and_o efficacy_n of_o these_o messenger_n testimony_n wrought_v such_o astonishment_n fear_v and_o amazement_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v ingenuous_a that_o many_o begin_v to_o be_v inward_o prick_v as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o many_o begin_v to_o be_v shake_v and_o some_o that_o be_v asleep_o be_v awaken_v and_o many_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o formality_n and_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o all_o sort_n
for_o the_o exaltation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o gospel_n in_o the_o earth_n we_o have_v not_o be_v want_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o life_n to_o seek_v the_o scatter_a one_o hold_v forth_o the_o live_n and_o sure_a foundation_n and_o invite_v and_o persuade_v all_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o reproof_n as_o he_o make_v himself_o manifest_a in_o and_o by_o his_o light_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o our_o care_n and_o travail_n be_v and_o have_v be_v towards_o those_o that_o be_v without_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v out_o again_o or_o draw_v aside_o either_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n or_o the_o right_n by_o the_o work_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o clear_v and_o open_v we_o do_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v a_o people_n gather_v together_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o most_o if_o not_o all_o of_o those_o that_o arise_v among_o ourselves_o do_v oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v acknowledge_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o also_o certain_a practice_n &_o performance_n by_o which_o we_o be_v come_v to_o be_v separate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o so_o as_o to_o meet_v apart_o and_o also_o to_o suffer_v deep_o for_o our_o joint-testimony_n there_o be_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o in_o the_o gather_n of_o we_o so_o in_o the_o preserve_n of_o we_o while_o gather_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n hence_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n &_o this_o we_o suppose_v neither_o to_o be_v popish_a nor_o antichristian_a let_v our_o opposer_n say_v it_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o can_v without_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n such_o second_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o be_v not_o call_v in_o the_o same_o station_n some_o rich_a some_o poor_a some_o servant_n some_o master_n some_o marry_v some_o unmarried_a some_o widow_n and_o some_o orphan_n and_o so_o forth_o it_o be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o absolute_o needful_a that_o there_o be_v certain_a meeting_n at_o certain_a place_n and_o time_n as_o may_v best_o suit_v the_o conveniency_n of_o such_o who_o may_v be_v most_o particular_o concern_v in_o they_o where_o both_o those_o that_o be_v to_o take_v care_n may_v assemble_v and_o those_o who_o may_v need_v this_o care_n may_v come_v and_o make_v know_v their_o necessity_n and_o receive_v help_n whether_o by_o counsel_n or_o supply_v according_a to_o their_o respective_a needs_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o be_v lead_v inward_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n else_o how_o come_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o day_n of_o the_o powerful_a pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o set_v apart_o man_n for_o this_o purpose_n sure_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lead_v they_o from_o their_o inward_a guide_n yea_o of_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v express_o say_v look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n sure_o they_o be_v not_o to_o undertake_v a_o business_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o may_v import_v a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o fit_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o have_v meeting_n about_o business_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o whimsical_a or_o conceit_a as_o to_o scruple_n their_o be_v at_o set_a place_n and_o time_n though_o these_o be_v nothing_o relative_a to_o the_o essential_a part_n but_o only_a circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o conveniency_n of_o our_o person_n which_o we_o must_v have_v regard_v to_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o such_o notionist_n as_o be_v against_o this_o godly_a care_n work_v far_o more_o in_o their_o vain_a imagination_n than_o they_o reduce_v to_o practice_n be_v like_a unto_o such_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n james_n testify_v who_o content_n themselves_o with_o say_v to_o the_o naked_a be_v clothe_v and_o to_o the_o hungry_a be_v feed_v while_o they_o offer_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o clothing_n and_o feed_v of_o they_o yet_o shall_v we_o not_o scruple_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o we_o both_o appoint_v place_n and_o time_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o place_n i_o say_v as_o before_o it_o be_v with_o our_o body_n we_o must_v meet_v as_o well_o as_o with_o our_o spirit_n and_o so_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v convey_v our_o body_n unto_o one_o place_n that_o we_o may_v speak_v and_o act_v in_o those_o thing_n we_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o must_v be_v in_o some_o certain_a place_n where_o all_o must_v know_v where_o to_o find_v it_o have_v herein_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o conveniency_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o as_o meet_v be_v it_o fit_a that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n shall_v go_v do_v their_o business_n at_o antioch_n or_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o rome_n nay_o sure_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n yet_o always_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v respect_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o appoint_v of_o our_o meeting_n and_o do_v it_o not_o without_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o fear_n and_o so_o the_o like_a as_o to_o time_n which_o be_v no_o contradict_v of_o the_o inward_a lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n else_o how_o come_v the_o apostle_n to_o appoint_v a_o time_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o their_o contribution_n desire_v they_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 2._o to_o lay_v by_o they_o in_o store_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n yea_o say_v he_o not_o that_o he_o give_v the_o same_o order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o in_o reason_n can_v quarrel_v set-time_n for_o outward_a business_n it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o subjection_n to_o god_n will_n as_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v such_o as_o so_o do_v but_o quarrel_v the_o apostle_n for_o this_o imposition_n at_o that_o rate_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n we_o appoint_v no_o set_a time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o appoint_v man_n to_o preach_v and_o pray_v at_o such_o and_o such_o set-time_n though_o we_o appoint_v time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v feel_v his_o presence_n and_o he_o may_v move_v in_o and_o through_o who_o he_o please_v without_o limitation_n which_o practice_n of_o meet_v together_o we_o be_v great_o encourage_v to_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o bless_a experience_n and_o also_o we_o be_v severe_o prohibit_v to_o lay_v it_o aside_o by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o such_o as_o by_o negligence_n or_o prejudice_n forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n upon_o many_o of_o which_o be_v already_o fulfil_v and_o upon_o other_o daily_o fulfil_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o such_o transgressor_n read_v heb._n 10._o from_o ver_fw-la 23._o to_o the_o end_n where_o that_o duty_n be_v so_o serious_o exhort_v to_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o reckon_v a_o wilful_a sin_n almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o unpardonable_a yea_o a_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o our_o day_n and_o prove_v the_o lamentable_a fruit_n of_o such_o as_o have_v so_o backsliden_fw-mi among_o we_o and_o therefore_o have_v so_o much_o good_a and_o real_a ground_n for_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o together_o with_o the_o approbation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o by_o command_n and_o practice_n we_o can_v as_o that_o which_o both_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o foundation_n and_o cap-stone_n faithful_o affirm_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n both_o to_o appoint_v place_n and_o time_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o face_n one_o of_o another_o and_o
how_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v among_o we_o when_o such_o virtue_n as_o which_o still_o accompany_v the_o truth_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v to_o be_v want_v shall_v we_o affirm_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n and_o faith_n we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n hand_n build_v up_o and_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v we_o herein_o have_v no_o less_o tendency_n moreover_o beside_o the_o enforce_v and_o intrinsic_a reason_n of_o this_o thing_n we_o have_v the_o concurrence_n approbation_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n 1_o cor._n 6._o dare_v any_o of_o you_o have_v a_o matter_n against_o another_o go_v to_o law_n before_o the_o unjust_a and_o not_o before_o the_o saint_n if_o it_o be_v object_v do_v you_o reckon_v all_o unjust_a that_o be_v not_o of_o you_o think_v you_o all_o other_o people_n void_a of_o justice_n i_o answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v he_o do_v not_o reckon_v all_o other_o unjust_a that_o have_v not_o receive_v then_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n moral_a and_o just_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o paul_n commend_v the_o nobility_n of_o festus_n he_o reckon_v they_o there_o unjust_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o comparative_o with_o they_o as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o just_a principle_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o account_v they_o who_o be_v lest_o esteem_a in_o the_o church_n capable_a to_o decide_v such_o matter_n yet_o he_o suppose_v it_o safe_a to_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n though_o it_o be_v by_o take_v wrong_n or_o suffer_v wrong_n then_o to_o go_v before_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o hope_v though_o many_o occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v fall_v in_o among_o we_o since_o we_o have_v be_v a_o people_n none_o have_v have_v just_a occasion_n to_o decline_v our_o judgement_n and_o though_o some_o shall_v suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v wrong_v yet_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v bring_v their_o matter_n before_o other_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 7._o this_o be_v thereby_o a_o fault_n in_o they_o and_o will_v evidence_n a_o great_a care_n of_o some_o outward_a concern_v then_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_v that_o way_n will_v rather_o suffer_v what_o to_o their_o apprehension_n may_v seem_v wrong_a for_o in_o matter_n wherein_o two_o party_n be_v opposite_a in_o the_o case_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o please_v both_o except_o where_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n thereof_o reach_v to_o that_o of_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n have_v bring_v to_o a_o true_a acknowledgement_n he_o that_o have_v be_v mistake_v or_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o have_v frequent_o fall_v out_o among_o we_o to_o the_o often_o refresh_v and_o confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n that_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v his_o promise_v among_o we_o in_o restore_a judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o counsellor_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n now_o suppose_v any_o shall_v be_v so_o pettish_a or_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o agree_v in_o such_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o to_o go_v before_o the_o unbeliever_n for_o though_o i_o reckon_v they_o not_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o heathen_a of_o old_a because_o they_o profess_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n yet_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v they_o be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o these_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n must_v be_v unbeliever_n as_o to_o he_o that_o so_o appeal_v to_o they_o from_o his_o brethren_n i_o say_v such_o as_o so_o do_v first_o commit_v a_o certain_a hurt_n and_o evil_a in_o stain_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o even_o in_o that_o outward_a matter_n for_o which_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o run_v a_o hazard_n not_o know_v whether_o thing_n shall_v carry_v as_o they_o expect_v if_o they_o lose_v they_o have_v a_o double_a prejudice_n if_o they_o gain_v it_o be_v a_o too_o dear_a rate_n even_o with_o the_o hurt_a of_o truth_n be_v reputation_n which_o their_o outward_a advantage_n can_v make_v up_o if_o then_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o even_o a_o spiritual_a good_a far_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o do_v a_o positive_a evil_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o dye_n as_o to_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o good_a land_n and_o give_v the_o uncircumcised_a a_o occasion_n to_o rejoice_v out_o of_o the_o uncertain_a hope_n of_o a_o outward_a gain_n it_o be_v far_o better_a to_o suffer_v loss_n as_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o argue_v in_o the_o place_n above_o mention_v indeed_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o have_v be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o we_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o we_o all_o nor_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v betwixt_o his_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o covet_v to_o meddle_v in_o their_o matter_n be_v persuade_v that_o either_o they_o or_o their_o cause_n be_v naught_o think_v praise_n to_o go_v d_o among_o all_o those_o that_o have_v go_v from_o we_o either_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o i_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o be_v so_o mind_v towards_o we_o but_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o have_v let_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o something_n or_o person_n have_v have_v this_o unanimous_a testimony_n concern_v we_o that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright-hearted_n people_n but_o whatever_o sense_n our_o enemy_n or_o apostate_n have_v of_o we_o who_o look_v asquaint_v on_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o aright_o in_o those_o they_o love_v not_o or_o be_v prejudicate_v against_o this_o we_o can_v say_v in_o the_o last_o place_n beside_o the_o reason_n and_o scripture_n above_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o daily_o abound_v to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o government_n the_o lord_n be_v establish_v among_o we_o do_v more_o &_o more_o commend_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o certain_a belief_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v confident_o testify_v in_o good_a conscience_n that_o god_n have_v lead_v we_o hereunto_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o we_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n herein_o which_o in_o due_a time_n will_v yet_o more_o appear_v that_o as_o through_o our_o faithful_a testimony_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o antichristian_a and_o apostatise_v generation_n the_o national_a ministry_n have_v receive_v a_o deadly_a blow_n by_o our_o discover_v and_o witness_v against_o their_o force_a maintenance_n and_o tithe_n against_o which_o we_o have_v testify_v by_o many_o cruel_a suffering_n of_o all_o kind_n as_o our_o chronicle_n shall_v make_v know_v to_o generation_n to_o come_v so_o that_o their_o kingdom_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o thousand_o begin_v to_o totter_v and_o loose_v its_o strength_n and_o shall_v assure_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n through_o truth_n be_v prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v we_o by_o come_v to_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o kingdom_n who_o judge_n for_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o such_o as_o preach_v for_o hire_n and_o by_o not_o minister_a occasion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v heap_v up_o riches_n and_o live_v in_o excess_n lust_n and_o riot_n by_o feed_v and_o prey_v upon_o the_o iniquity_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o people_n for_o as_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n prevail_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o our_o faithful_a witness_v and_o keep_v to_o it_o the_o nation_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v ease_v and_o disburden_v of_o that_o deceitful_a tribe_n of_o lawyer_n as_o well_o as_o priest_n who_o by_o their_o many_o trick_n and_o endless_a intricacy_n have_v render_v justice_n in_o their_o method_n burdensome_a to_o honest_a man_n and_o seek_v not_o so_o much_o to_o put_v a_o end_n as_o to_o foment_n controversy_n and_o contention_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v still_o feed_v and_o uphold_v and_o their_o trade_n keep_v up_o whereas_o by_o truth_n be_v propagation_n as_o many_o of_o these_o controversy_n will_v die_v by_o man_n come_v to_o be_v less_o contentious_a so_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v the_o
as_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n may_v and_o have_v power_n to_o decide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n fundamental_a and_o weighty_a without_o which_o no_o decision_n nor_o decree_n in_o whatever_o matter_n be_v available_a so_o the_o same_o church_n and_o assembly_n also_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n as_o to_o themselves_o yet_o be_v needful_a and_o expedient_a with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v fall_v in_o may_v and_o have_v power_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o no_o otherways_o be_v act_v move_v and_o assist_v and_o lead_v by_o it_o thereto_o to_o pronounce_v a_o positive_a judgement_n which_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v find_v obligatory_a upon_o all_o such_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o reject_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o watchful_a and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o the_o feel_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o none_o that_o own_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o a_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v now_o a_o thing_n expect_v or_o dispense_v to_o the_o saint_n can_v without_o contradict_v their_o own_o principle_n deny_v far_o less_o such_o with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n who_o claim_v this_o privilege_n to_o particular_n say_v that_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n though_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o it_o add_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o that_o god_n have_v move_v they_o to_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o they_o to_o suppose_v as_o to_o one_o or_o two_o i_o may_v without_o absurdity_n suppose_v it_o as_o well_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v whereof_o that_o be_v either_o any_o act_n or_o the_o forbearance_n of_o any_o may_v bring_v a_o real_a reproach_n or_o ground_n of_o accusation_n against_o the_o truth_n profess_v and_o own_a and_o in_o &_o through_o which_o there_o may_v a_o visible_a schism_n and_o dissension_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o truth_n be_v enemy_n may_v be_v gratify_v and_o itself_o bring_v into_o disesteem_a than_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o who_o care_n be_v to_o keep_v all_o right_a to_o take_v inspection_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o wait_v for_o his_o counsel_n and_o to_o speak_v forth_o his_o mind_n according_a as_o he_o shall_v manifest_v himself_o in_o and_o among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o circumcision_n for_o here_o lay_v the_o debate_n some_o thought_n it_o not_o needful_a to_o circumcise_v the_o gentile_n other_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o and_o no_o doubt_n of_o these_o for_o we_o must_v remember_v they_o be_v not_o the_o rebellious_a jew_n but_o such_o as_o have_v already_o believe_v in_o christ_n there_o be_v that_o do_v it_o out_o of_o conscience_n as_o judge_v circumcision_n to_o be_v still_o obligatory_a for_o they_o say_v thus_o except_o you_o be_v circumcise_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o what_o course_n take_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n in_o these_o case_n act_n 15._o 2._o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n we_o must_v not_o suppose_v they_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n at_o antioch_n to_o have_v decide_v the_o matter_n neither_o that_o these_o apostle_n neglect_v or_o go_v from_o their_o inward_a guide_n in_o undertake_v this_o journey_n yet_o we_o see_v they_o judge_v it_o meet_v in_o this_o matter_n to_o have_v the_o advice_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a property_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o pure_a unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o consent_n and_o oneness_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o yet_o admit_v of_o different_a measure_n growth_n and_o motion_n but_o never_o contrary_n and_o contradictory_n one_o and_o in_o these_o diversity_n of_o operation_n yet_o still_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o true_a liberty_n be_v exercise_v as_o shall_v be_v declare_v hereafter_o therefore_o pray_v christ_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o let_v these_o follow_a scripture_n be_v examine_v rom._n 12._o 16._o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n ephes._n 5._o 21._o submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n phil._n 2._o 2._o fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o yet_o more_o remarkable_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 3._o vers._n 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwayesâ—minded_a god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n so_o here_o though_o the_o apostle_n grant_v forbearance_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v yet_o he_o conclude_v they_o must_v walk_v so_o as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o example_n and_o so_o consequent_o not_o contrary_a or_o otherways_o and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o whereas_o any_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n pretend_v conscience_n or_o revelation_n shall_v arise_v to_o teach_v and_o practice_v however_o insignificant_a or_o small_a in_o themselves_o whether_o principle_n or_o practice_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o true_a and_o confirm_v by_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o the_o introduce_v of_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o the_o truth_n as_o such_o as_o be_v not_o edify_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o stumble_v the_o weak_a those_o who_o have_v a_o true_a and_o right_o discern_v may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n authorise_v they_o and_o no_o otherways_o condemn_v and_o judge_v such_o thing_n and_o they_o so_o do_v it_o it_o will_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o all_o the_o member_n that_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n because_o they_o will_v feel_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o second_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n they_o proceed_v from_o whatsoever_o innovation_n difference_n or_o diverse_a appearance_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o pure_a move_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o be_v not_o do_v out_o pure_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n but_o either_o from_o that_o which_o be_v puff_v up_o affect_v singularity_n and_o there_o through_o will_v be_v observe_v commend_v and_o exalt_v or_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o malignity_n of_o some_o humour_n and_o natural_a temper_n which_o will_v be_v contradict_v without_o cause_n and_o secret_o beget_v of_o division_n animosity_n and_o emulation_n by_o which_o the_o unity_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v lessen_v or_o rend_v i_o say_v all_o thing_n proceed_v from_o this_o root_n and_o spirit_n however_o little_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v guard_v against_o withstand_v and_o deny_v as_o hurtful_a to_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o prosperity_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v say_v how_o know_v you_o that_o these_o thing_n proceed_v from_o that_o ground_n for_o answer_v i_o make_v not_o here_o any_o application_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o thing_n but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o it_o
and_o that_o without_o question_n the_o wrong_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v but_o to_o be_v testify_v against_o however_o specious_a its_o appearance_n may_v be_v and_o that_o it_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v judge_v the_o question_n will_v arise_v who_o be_v the_o proper_a judge_n or_o judge_n in_o who_o reside_v the_o power_n of_o decide_v this_o controversy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o undertake_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v the_o specific_a difference_n and_o distinguish_a property_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o other_o antichristian-assembly_n and_o church_n of_o man_n building_n and_o frame_v to_o give_v a_o short_a and_o yet_o clear_a and_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o proposition_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o decide_v sole_o lie_v in_o it_o as_o have_v the_o only_a uner_a infallible_a and_o certain_a judgement_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_o annex_v to_o any_o person_n person_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n place_n or_o station_n any_o one_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o any_o have_v ground_n to_o reason_n thus_o because_o i_o be_o or_o have_v be_v such_o a_o eminent_a member_n therefore_o my_o judgement_n be_v infallible_a or_o because_o we_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o that_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o note_a or_o famous_a place_n or_o the_o like_a though_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o true_a weight_n in_o case_n of_o contradictory_n assertion_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v observe_v yet_o not_o so_o as_o upon_o which_o either_o main_o or_o only_o the_o infallible_a judgement_n be_v to_o be_v place_v but_o upon_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o firm_a and_o unmoveable_a foundation_n and_o now_o if_o i_o shall_v go_v on_o no_o further_a i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o vindicate_v we_o from_o imposition_n and_o from_o the_o tyranny_n whether_o of_o propery_n prelacy_n or_o presbytery_n or_o any_o such_o like_a we_o have_v or_o may_v be_v brand_v with_o as_o shall_v after_o appear_v but_o to_o proceed_v herein_o lie_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n or_o new_a covenant_n for_o that_o of_o old_a all_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n for_o he_o that_o appear_v betwixt_o the_o cherubim_n there_o speak_v forth_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o people_n and_o there_o be_v also_o family_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o who_o they_o resort_v for_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o sometime_o as_o a_o signification_n of_o the_o further_a glory_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o some_o even_o to_o they_o who_o be_v neither_o prophet_n nor_o prophet_n son_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v all_o to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n that_o be_v none_o be_v exclude_v from_o this_o privilege_n by_o not_o be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n or_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o this_o privilege_n be_v as_o true_o exercise_v in_o some_o by_o assent_v and_o obey_v to_o what_o god_n command_v and_o reveal_v through_o other_o they_o feel_v unity_n with_o it_o in_o the_o life_n as_o by_o such_o who_o by_o the_o revelation_n and_o command_n of_o god_n spirit_n hold_v forth_o his_o will_n to_o his_o people_n in_o certain_a particular_n which_o the_o same_o spirit_n lead_v and_o command_v they_o to_o obey_v so_o that_o we_o say_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o this_o sound_n and_o unerring_a principle_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o certain_a person_n or_o person_n in_o certain_a case_n be_v infallible_a or_o for_o a_o certain_a person_n or_o person_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n and_o pronounce_v it_o as_o obligatory_a upon_o other_o because_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n thereof_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_a but_o because_o in_o these_o thing_n &_o at_o that_o time_n they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n &_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o shelter_v any_o in_o this_o respect_n to_o pretend_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o fallible_a man_n be_v not_o this_o popery_n i_o not_o be_v persuade_v in_o myself_o because_o it_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o they_o but_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o one_o or_o more_o their_o not_o be_v persuade_v may_v as_o probable_o proceed_v from_o their_o be_v harden_v and_o be_v out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o hear_v the_o requiring_n as_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o require_v of_o they_o which_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v suppose_v as_o the_o contrary_a but_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n before_o i_o conclude_v i_o shall_v not_o doubt_n both_o to_o affirm_v and_o prove_v these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o there_o never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v want_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o give_v judgement_n through_o some_o or_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o long_o as_o any_o assembly_n can_v proper_o or_o in_o any_o tolerable_a supposition_n be_v so_o term_v second_o that_o god_n have_v ordinary_o in_o the_o communicate_v of_o his_o will_n under_o his_o gospel_n employ_v such_o who_o he_o have_v make_v use_v of_o in_o gather_v of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o feed_v and_o watch_v over_o they_o though_o not_o exclude_v other_o three_o that_o their_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la or_o effectual_o meet_v together_o and_o give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o such_o case_n will_v not_o import_v tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n or_o a_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o universal_a privilege_n that_o all_o christian_n have_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o will_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o contradict_v they_o or_o refuse_v to_o submit_v upon_o the_o account_n they_o see_v it_o not_o or_o so_o excuse_v they_o from_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o disobey_v god_n for_o the_o first_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o probation_n then_o that_o of_o mat._n 28_o 20._o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o now_o if_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o in_o case_n of_o difference_n there_o be_v not_o any_o find_v that_o by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n can_v give_v a_o certain_a judgement_n will_v not_o then_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o it_o for_o where_o be_v strife_n and_o division_n and_o no_o effectual_a way_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o there_o not_o only_o the_o gate_n but_o the_o court_n and_o inner_a chamber_n of_o darkness_n prevail_v for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v here_o no_o ground_n of_o mistake_n or_o supposition_n that_o we_o be_v annex_v infallibility_n to_o certain_a person_n or_o limit_v the_o church_n to_o such_o i_o understand_v not_o by_o the_o church_n every_o particular_a gathering_n or_o assembly_n circumscribe_v to_o any_o particular_a country_n or_o city_n for_o i_o will_v not_o refuse_v but_o divers_a of_o they_o both_z apart_z and_o together_o if_o not_o establish_v in_o god_n power_n may_v err_v nor_o yet_o do_v i_o lay_v the_o absolute_a stress_n upon_o the_o a_o general_n assembly_n of_o person_n as_o such_o pick_v and_o choose_v out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o what_o the_o generality_n or_o plurallity_n of_o those_o conclude_v upon_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o truth_n though_o to_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o person_n true_o state_v as_o they_o ought_v in_o god_n power_n he_o have_v heretofore_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o such_o case_n and_o yet_o may_v as_o the_o most_o probable_a way_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o hereafter_o yet_o such_o as_o a_o mere_a assembly_n be_v not_o conclusive_a nor_o yet_o do_v i_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n every_o gather_v or_o assembly_n of_o people_n who_o may_v hold_v sound_a and_o true_a principle_n or_o have_v a_o form_n of_o truth_n for_o some_o may_v lose_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n who_o notwithstanding_o may_v retain_v the_o form_n or_o notion_n of_o thing_n but_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v