along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a faith_n rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o sextum_fw-la infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o cur_n ita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o buâ—_n all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o 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what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o literal_a man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v
all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a gospel_n way_n to_o conquer_v error_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o humane_a yea_o and_o devilish_a doctrine_n by_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o so_o mighty_a that_o all_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a doctrine_n must_v needs_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o see_v strong_a be_v that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o it_o than_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v its_o own_o spirit_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v give_v already_o such_o proof_n of_o its_o power_n in_o former_a time_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o horrible_a ignorance_n and_o error_n &_o darkness_n cover_v the_o earth_n and_o gross_a darkness_n the_o people_n and_o yet_o the_o gospel_n alone_o without_o any_o conjunction_n of_o earthly_a power_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n with_o it_o do_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o his_o possession_n and_o dominion_n and_o overthrow_v all_o false_a religion_n man_n have_v receive_v from_o their_o forefather_n through_o many_o generation_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n custom_n opinion_n religion_n and_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o utter_o dispel_v errror_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o sort_n i_o say_v see_v the_o gospel_n have_v already_o give_v such_o large_a testimony_n of_o its_o power_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v now_o so_o doubt_v the_o power_n of_o it_o as_o to_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o like_v we_o or_o what_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n as_o if_o error_n shall_v have_v now_o get_v more_o power_n to_o make_v void_a the_o word_n than_o the_o world_n power_n to_o make_v void_a error_n wherefore_o if_o the_o word_n be_v suffer_v to_o have_v free_a passage_n i_o dare_v rest_n on_o that_o alone_a and_o so_o dare_v all_o that_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o the_o conquer_a and_o destroy_v all_o error_n and_o heresy_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o now_o it_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o hear_v what_o some_o other_o man_n who_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o same_o light_n and_o spirit_n have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n zuinglius_fw-la in_o his_o book_n 302._o quote_v in_o the_o margin_n speak_v thus_o haec_fw-la unica_fw-la eaque_fw-la sola_fw-la via_fw-la est_fw-la qua_fw-la ad_fw-la concordiam_fw-la proxime_fw-la perveniri_fw-la potest_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o one_o and_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v most_o sudden_o attain_v to_o concord_n if_o whatsoever_o thing_n may_v be_v or_o be_v common_o say_v for_o any_o opinion_n or_o against_o it_o be_v free_o propound_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v allow_v free_a judgement_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n for_o god_n who_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o discord_n but_o of_o peace_n never_n suffer_v those_o who_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o spirit_n to_o err_v or_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o this_o way_n be_v observe_v we_o shall_v short_o see_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n enjoy_v sweet_a peace_n and_o concord_n but_o now_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v some_o prince_n and_o city_n that_o will_v have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n free_a to_o all_o presen_o there_o be_v other_o that_o will_v stop_v and_o hinder_v the_o course_n of_o it_o and_o so_o long_o there_o must_v needs_o arise_v great_a discord_n and_o dissension_n and_o hence_o i_o will_v have_v you_o judge_v whether_o you_o or_o we_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o we_o suffer_v those_o write_n that_o proceed_v as_o well_o from_o you_o as_o from_o the_o papist_n to_o be_v open_o and_o free_o read_v and_o read_v again_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o they_o we_o slay_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o you_o think_v all_o this_o business_n may_v be_v dispatch_v with_o public_a edict_n and_o command_n and_o therefore_o do_v you_o be_v judge_n who_o cause_n be_v most_o to_o be_v suspect_v we_o who_o suffer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o adversary_n to_o be_v publish_v in_o our_o church_n and_o overthrow_v they_o by_o the_o word_n or_o you_o who_o reproach_n our_o doctrine_n before_o the_o simple_a people_n as_o heretical_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o your_o good_a will_n neither_o suffer_v they_o to_o read_v it_o nor_o understand_v it_o thus_o far_o he_o luther_n also_o 509._o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o frederick_n and_o john_n duke_n of_o saxony_n speak_v against_o that_o spirit_n which_o he_o call_v spiritus_fw-la alstetinus_fw-la a_o proud_a haughty_a enthusiastical_a spirit_n that_o despise_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o low_a thing_n not_o worth_a their_o mind_v and_o glory_v in_o strange_a revelation_n and_o superlative_a holiness_n which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o believer_n and_o these_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o alsteta_n and_o luther_n write_v to_o the_o duke_n in_o who_o province_n this_o town_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n touch_v they_o quod_fw-la uèro_fw-la praesentis_fw-la interest_n negotii_fw-la they_o nolim_fw-la ab_fw-la illustrissimis_fw-la d._n v._o praedicandi_fw-la officium_fw-la praecludi_fw-la cviquam_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v but_o for_o what_o pertain_v to_o our_o present_a business_n i_o will_v not_o that_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v shall_v be_v deny_v to_o any_o by_o your_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n but_o let_v there_o be_v grant_v to_o they_o free_a liberty_n to_o preach_v and_o let_v they_o exhibit_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o their_o learning_n for_o i_o say_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o paul_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v sect_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v strive_v and_o wage_v war_n in_o camp_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o psa._n 67._o that_o the_o evangelist_n be_v call_v army_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o the_o psalm_n be_v call_v more_o than_o once_o the_o king_n of_o army_n now_o if_o their_o spirit_n be_v a_o right_n and_o approve_a spirit_n it_o will_v easy_o subsist_v before_o we_o without_o all_o fear_n and_o so_o if_o our_o spirit_n be_v right_a as_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v it_o will_v fear_v neither_o they_o not_o any_o body_n else_o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v not_o contain_v their_o hand_n but_o will_v do_v their_o work_n with_o violence_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o your_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n when_o they_o grow_v fierce_a and_o seditious_a to_o repress_v they_o or_o to_o banish_v they_o out_o of_o your_o dominion_n say_v we_o will_v easy_o grant_v to_o you_o to_o fight_v with_o the_o word_n for_o the_o prove_v and_o examine_v which_o be_v true_a doctrine_n but_o we_o will_v restrain_v the_o fierceness_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o contain_v your_o hand_n for_o these_o thing_n belong_v to_o our_o magistracy_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v not_o herein_o obey_v let_v they_o depart_v the_o country_n for_o say_v he_o we_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n may_v preach_v but_o we_o must_v do_v no_o violence_n and_o daniel_n have_v witness_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v destroy_v without_o hand_n and_o isaiah_n say_v that_o christ_n shall_v fight_v in_o his_o kingdom_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o the_o rod_n of_o his_o lip_n etc._n etc._n also_o albertus_n duke_n of_o borussia_n borussia_n when_o the_o great_a controversy_n fall_v out_o between_o andrea_n osiander_n and_o morlinus_fw-la and_o other_o minister_n touch_v the_o righteousness_n whereby_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v righteous_a before_o god_n he_o will_v not_o forbid_v either_o side_n either_o the_o pulpit_n or_o press_n but_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o both_o alike_o and_o desire_v they_o to_o forbear_v reproach_n one_o against_o another_o osiand_n and_o to_o debate_v the_o business_n quiet_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n likewise_o the_o bohemian_n bohemian_n in_o a_o certain_a exhortation_n of_o they_o to_o king_n and_o prince_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o gospel_n subscribe_v by_o procopius_n and_o conradus_n 858._o and_o other_o captain_n of_o the_o bohemian_n have_v these_o word_n they_o say_v that_o be_v the_o papist_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v hear_v in_o confess_v our_o faith_n now_o how_o may_v that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n since_o christ_n hear_v the_o devil_n as_o be_v write_v mat._n 4_o and_o they_o be_v not_o better_a
the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o bowel_n of_o love_n present_v to_o they_o by_o william_n dell_n one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n psal._n 120.7_o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n utrum_fw-la nos_fw-la schismatici_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o vos_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la sed_fw-la christus_fw-la interrogetur_fw-la ut_fw-la indicet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la august_n contr_n litter_n petil._n l._n 2._o c._n 85._o london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n near_a ludgate_n 1651._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o 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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
govern_v his_o people_n by_o but_o the_o word_n or_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o declare_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o his_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o and_o no_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n do_v all_o in_o itself_o only_o by_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o quicken_v to_o life_n and_o wound_n to_o death_n by_o the_o gospel_n it_o receive_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o gospel_n it_o work_v faith_n renew_v the_o life_n act_n order_n guide_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o church_n that_o have_v another_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n beside_o the_o word_n that_o have_v order_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n to_o govern_v by_o and_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o that_o have_v their_o own_o law_n and_o order_n to_o be_v their_o sceptre_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o sword_n in_o their_o kingdom_n i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v the_o way_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o government_n assure_o the_o church_n they_o boast_v of_o be_v another_o church_n then_o christ_n and_o be_v no_o other_o in_o very_a deed_n but_o a_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o death_n and_o when_o its_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o it_o have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o 483._o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ._n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ._n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v christ._n 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o together_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v
the_o natural_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n every_o member_n be_v in_o office_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n wherefore_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o have_v power_n and_o privilege_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v to_o speak_v the_o word_n that_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o they_o all_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o community_n of_o christian_n may_v by_o a_o common_a consent_n choose_v one_o or_o mo_z to_o speak_v to_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o where_o he_o command_v that_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o where_o the_o apostle_n contemn_v all_o superfluous_a ceremony_n and_o pomp_n of_o ordain_v only_o seek_v that_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v and_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v require_v after_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 2._o out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o first_o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v choose_v paul_n teach_v we_o this_o say_v they_o must_v be_v faithful_a man_n apt_a and_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o among_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2_o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14.23_o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ._n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act._n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o
the_o minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_a against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n instead_o of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n and_o kill_v the_o faithful_a instead_o of_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n till_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o let_v all_o christian_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o favour_v the_o magistrate_n with_o this_o power_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o he_o judge_n heretic_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n as_o he_o easy_o may_v see_v he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n or_o if_o another_o shall_v succeed_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n that_o very_a sword_n may_v be_v sheathe_v in_o their_o own_o bowel_n which_o now_o they_o draw_v forth_o against_o other_o man_n 3._o when_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v power_n to_o himself_o to_o suppress_v error_n this_o make_v minister_n negligent_a in_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n do_v that_o by_o force_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o save_v they_o their_o labour_n for_o when_o once_o the_o minister_n shall_v have_v so_o far_o interest_v themselves_o in_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o procure_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o gaoler_n and_o executioner_n against_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v then_o need_v no_o great_a pain_n to_o study_v the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a see_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n at_o all_o adventure_n be_v to_o defend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n the_o hangman_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o pastor_n have_v their_o work_n as_o they_o conceive_v thus_o do_v for_o they_o to_o their_o hand_n do_v common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o ease_n and_o idleness_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o error_n steal_v in_o apace_o upon_o the_o teacher_n themselves_o whereby_o by_o degree_n they_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v very_o many_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n think_v to_o chase_v out_o error_n before_o he_o one_o way_n he_o let_v it_o in_o behind_o he_o seven_o way_n 4._o this_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o destroy_v error_n which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o destroy_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n here_o in_o have_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o all_o the_o sword_n and_o halter_n and_o weapon_n and_o prison_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v error_n withal_o but_o as_o secure_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o leviathan_n a_o bulrush_n and_o yet_o do_v earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o world_n to_o use_v these_o thing_n against_o he_o and_o his_o error_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o fear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n than_o can_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o break_v down_o all_o his_o strong_a hold_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o he_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o his_o great_a cunning_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o that_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n and_o thus_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n presume_v to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o error_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v error_n that_o it_o uphold_v it_o and_o strengthen_v satan_n kingdom_n whilst_o it_o seem_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o error_n and_o evil_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o demand_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o quest._n towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n i_o answer_v answ._n this_o he_o may_v do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v this_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o any_o far_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v do_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o error_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o able_a to_o prevail_v of_o itself_o alone_o without_o call_v in_o any_o power_n or_o borrow_v any_o weapon_n from_o the_o world_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o such_o uniformity_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o the_o hindrance_n but_o the_o very_a break_n neck_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n now_o because_o this_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o strong_o urge_v by_o the_o unskilful_a builder_n of_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o full_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o state_n of_o this_o business_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o show_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o invade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v only_a intent_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o according_o preach_v and_o press_v nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o regard_v and_o for_o all_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o form_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a 72._o they_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o so_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n nor_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n neither_o bind_v the_o church_n to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n except_o those_o necessary_a thing_n mention_v act._n 15._o to_o wit_n thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o without_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o when_o the_o murder_a and_o blood_n of_o infant_n be_v common_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o help_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o common_a beast_n much_o more_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o therefore_o that_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a gentile_n continue_v and_o beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o ceremony_n or_o
rite_n which_o the_o apostle_n great_o regard_v but_o lest_o such_o thing_n free_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n every_o man_n to_o use_v therein_o his_o own_o discretion_n for_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v thereof_o whereupon_o as_o concern_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a observation_n of_o day_n time_n place_n meat_n drink_n vesture_n and_o such_o other_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v the_o diversity_n among_o man_n great_o note_v nor_o any_o uniformity_n great_o require_v thus_o christian_a liberty_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a man_n do_v not_o much_o struggle_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n till_o the_o asian_o and_o roman_n 4._o begin_v to_o dis-agree_a about_o easter-day_n to_o compose_v which_o controversy_n polycarpus_n a_o godly_a martyr_n go_v to_o rome_n ann_n 157._o and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o antoninus_n pius_n to_o anicetus_n than_o bishop_n there_o and_o though_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o they_o still_o retain_v christian_a communion_n and_o avoid_v all_o breach_n of_o peace_n afterward_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o commodus_n the_o christian_n enjoy_v some_o respite_n from_o pesecution_n begin_v to_o contend_v again_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o easter_n and_o neither_o yet_o do_v the_o difference_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n of_o brotherly_a life_n though_o they_o of_o the_o west_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o paul_n and_o peter_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o hermes_n and_o pius_n and_o not_o they_o keep_v one_o day_n and_o they_o of_o asia_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o john_n keep_v another_o after_o this_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a stickler_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o easter_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o not_o yield_v to_o his_o judgement_n to_o who_o iraeneus_n write_v touch_v the_o diversity_n of_o outward_a thing_n commendat_fw-la use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v these_o word_n notwithstanding_o the_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n among_o the_o former_a christian_n they_o all_o keep_v peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o we_o say_v he_o still_o retain_v it_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o fast_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n remain_v sound_a and_o entire_a till_o this_o victor_n time_n which_o be_v ann_n 200._o and_o he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v or_o rather_o enforce_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o uniformity_n of_o keep_v that_o feast_n to_o be_v first_o require_v as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a and_o all_o they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o against_o this_o judgement_n of_o victor_n polycrates_n and_o many_o other_o bishop_n and_o brethren_n of_o asia_n declare_v and_o the_o matter_n have_v burst_v out_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n have_v not_o some_o godly_a man_n of_o those_o time_n bring_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o quench_v it_o among_o who_o iraeneus_n as_o eusebius_n relate_v 26._o speak_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o the_o variety_n and_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n be_v no_o strange_a matter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o this_o variety_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o easter_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o fast_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o usage_n among_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o fast_a one_o some_o two_o day_n some_o more_o and_o other_o count_v 40._o hour_n both_o day_n and_o night_n reckon_v that_o for_o their_o full_a fast_a day_n and_o this_o so_o divers_a fashion_n of_o fast_v in_o the_o church_n begin_v not_o in_o our_o time_n but_o in_o they_o who_o live_v before_o we_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o with_o all_o this_o diversity_n be_v in_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v we_o neither_o do_v this_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n any_o thing_n hinder_v but_o rather_o commend_v the_o agreement_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o he_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o father_n of_o telesphorus_n pius_n anicetus_n soter_n eleutherius_fw-la and_o such_o other_o who_o neither_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n themselves_o nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o keep_v christian_a charity_n with_o such_o as_o come_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o form_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v as_o well_o appear_v by_o polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n who_o although_o they_o agree_v not_o in_o one_o uniform_a custom_n of_o rite_n communionem_fw-la tamen_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la yet_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o iraeneus_n in_o his_o practice_n answer_v his_o name_n persuade_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o uniformity_n till_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o far_o socrates_n 19_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o live_v after_o the_o day_n of_o theodosius_n speak_v of_o the_o fast_n before_o easter_n say_v the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v at_o rome_n ageret_fw-la fast_o three_o week_n continual_o before_o easter_n beside_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o sunday_n but_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o illyria_n and_o all_o greece_n and_o alexandria_n fast_o six_o week_n before_o easter_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o fast_v in_o several_a church_n say_v and_o because_o no_o can_v bring_v forth_o any_o commandment_n write_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v this_o fast_o free_a to_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o will_n that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v by_o fear_n and_o necessity_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o relate_v many_o several_a form_n and_o usage_n in_o several_a christian_a church_n and_o conclude_v that_o matter_n thus_o but_o say_v he_o potest_fw-la to_o commit_v to_o write_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o church_n that_o be_v use_v in_o each_o city_n and_o country_n as_o it_o will_v be_v very_o troublesome_a so_o hardly_o can_v it_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o further_o i_o find_v that_o austin_n who_o be_v send_v into_o england_n by_o pope_n gregory_n ann_n 598._o among_o other_o question_n to_o the_o pope_n propound_v this_o as_o one_o that_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o divers_a and_o gregory_n return_v this_o answer_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o it_o be_v you_o know_v wherein_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o from_o your_o youth_n but_o rather_o it_o please_v i_o better_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o in_o any_o french_a church_n where_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v better_a to_o the_o service_n and_o please_v of_o god_n that_o you_o choose_v the_o same_o and_o so_o infer_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o english_a church_n which_o be_v yet_o new_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o best_a and_o pickedst_a thing_n choose_v out_o of_o many_o church_n for_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o place_n sake_n but_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a wherefore_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v good_a godly_a and_o religious_a those_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o induce_v to_o your_o people_n that_o they_o may_v take_v root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o english_a man_n so_o that_o yet_o you_o see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o enslave_v by_o any_o enforce_a uniformity_n but_o keep_v its_o own_o christian_a freedom_n till_o antichrist_n grow_v up_o to_o more_o height_n and_o get_v the_o secular_a power_n of_o prince_n to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o and_o his_o clergy_n make_v law_n of_o all_o that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o enforce_v man_n to_o they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o thus_o he_o reign_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o till_o the_o determinate_a time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o than_o god_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n upon_o some_o choose_a servant_n of_o he_o to_o oppose_v antichrist_n as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o in_o this_o also_o of_o uniformity_n among_o other_o who_o after_o the_o general_a fall_v away_o oppose_v this_o uniformity_n be_v john_n gerson_n uniformity_n chancellor_n of_o paris_n who_o live_v about_o a_o 100_o year_n before_o luther_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n receive_v
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
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 serveâ—_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
one_o another_o but_o not_o master_n and_o this_o same_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n james_n preach_v jam._n 3.1_o my_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o brethren_n who_o be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o to_o make_v themselves_o master_v over_o one_o another_o christ_n also_o have_v speak_v again_o so_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n math._n 20._o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o ever_o the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n shall_v dare_v to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o lordship_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n you_o know_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o twelve_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o he_o speak_v it_o peremptory_o that_o some_o believer_n shall_v not_o exercise_v dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o believer_n no_o not_o the_o great_a over_o the_o least_o all_o be_v fellow_n servant_n alike_o under_o one_o lord._n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n against_o their_o fellow_n servant_n may_v better_o think_v thus_o with_o themselves_o why_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o over_o we_o as_o over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o over_o our_o fellow_n servant_n nor_o they_o under_o we_o but_o both_o of_o we_o be_v equal_o under_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v equal_o over_o we_o both_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o same_o law_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o he_o expect_v the_o same_o obedience_n from_o we_o as_o from_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o command_v one_o another_o but_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v command_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a servant_n that_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n upon_o hope_n of_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o master_n come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o lord_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o either_o make_v themselves_o or_o other_o lord_n over_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n and_o parcel_n out_o this_o one_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n to_o many_o lord_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o dis-union_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v the_o first_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o general_a master_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o the_o pope_n a_o general_a council_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o itself_o and_o by_o degree_n this_o last_o become_v as_o hard_o yea_o a_o hard_a taskmaster_n to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o former_a after_o when_o particular_a kingdom_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o antichristian_a church_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n whole_o dissolve_v but_o only_o be_v contract_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n for_o then_o the_o archbishop_n make_v himself_o general_a master_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o particular_a kingdom_n as_o the_o pope_n before_o have_v do_v in_o all_o and_o after_o the_o archbishop_n rise_v up_o a_o national_a assembly_n as_o the_o general_n council_n after_o the_o pope_n and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o course_n usurp_v lordship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sad_a dissolution_n of_o its_o unity_n most_o evident_a than_o it_o be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n the_o church_n have_v be_v most_o miserable_o lord_v even_o among_o we_o for_o the_o priest_n he_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o people_n the_o archdeacon_n over_o the_o priest_n the_o dean_n over_o the_o arch_a deacon_n the_o bishop_n over_o the_o dean_n and_o the_o archbishop_n over_o the_o bishop_n under_o which_o woeful_a bondage_n the_o church_n cry_v out_o as_o isa._n 26._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o be_v this_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o ease_v by_o cast_v off_o those_o strange_a lord_n yea_o do_v not_o man_n rather_o seek_v to_o increase_v it_o by_o set_v yet_o stranger_n over_o it_o who_o name_n be_v so_o full_a of_o mystery_n that_o the_o common_a people_n can_v understand_v they_o for_o now_o they_o will_v have_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n set_v over_o the_o congregational_a and_o the_o provincial_n over_o the_o classical_a and_o the_o national_a over_o the_o provincial_n for_o so_o it_o be_v voted_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n government_n now_o here_o be_v mystery_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a rise_n up_o into_o the_o old_a power_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o mark_v how_o they_o prove_v this_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o wit_n by_o that_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o where_o it_o be_v write_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v thy_o admonition_n nor_o council_n nor_o the_o admonition_n and_o council_n of_o other_o brethren_n tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o prove_v the_o fore_n mention_v subordination_n of_o assembly_n just_a as_o the_o pope_n once_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o emperor_n to_o wit_n because_o it_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o that_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v by_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n by_o night_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o which_o they_o design_v the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o strange_a lord_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v they_o exceed_o multiply_v for_o what_o be_v a_o national_a assembly_n but_o a_o archbishop_n multiply_v and_o what_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o a_o bishop_n multiply_v and_o a_o classical_a but_o a_o dean_n and_o arch_a deacon_n multiply_v and_o thus_o the_o former_a lord_n be_v remove_v they_o will_v in_o their_o stead_n cause_v the_o church_n to_o swarm_v with_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a lord_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v christ_n own_o kingdom_n to_o return_v to_o his_o own_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n and_o thus_o while_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n seek_v to_o enforce_v these_o ecclesiastical_a lord_n over_o the_o church_n they_o absolute_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o it_o even_o whilst_o they_o bear_v the_o simple_a people_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o above_o all_o other_o man_n seek_v to_o preserve_v it_o see_v the_o plurality_n of_o lord_n be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v one_o but_o under_o one_o lord_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o faith_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n have_v but_o one_o faith_n faith_n wrought_v by_o one_o spirit_n apprehend_v the_o same_o christ_n or_o the_o same_o live_n and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o david_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o who_o now_o believe_v and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v hereafter_o all_o have_v and_o do_v and_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v believer_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o live_v their_o own_o life_n but_o all_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n each_o one_o receive_v equal_o from_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o live_v alike_o in_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n live_v equal_o the_o life_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o one_o branch_n live_v it_o not_o more_o than_o another_o through_o faith_n then_o every_o christian_a be_v carry_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o thing_n into_o christ_n who_o he_o apprehend_v with_o all_o his_o fullness_n for_o his_o own_o and_o in_o this_o faith_n all_o christian_n be_v equal_a and_o none_o have_v a_o better_a or_o worse_a faith_n than_o another_o so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o faith_n also_o there_o be_v among_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o equality_n for_o all_o believer_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n wrought_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o spirit_n work_v neither_o sin_n death_n nor_o the_o devil_n can_v possible_o prevail_v against_o and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o