judgement_n zeal_n courage_n constancy_n unity_n unamity_n in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o such_o a_o perfect_a reformation_n may_v be_v wrought_v as_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n call_v for_o as_o his_o word_n appoint_v as_o all_o god_n people_n everywhere_o thirst_v after_o and_o as_o the_o whole_a antichristian_a faction_n be_v afraid_a of_o that_o so_o when_o christ_n alone_o shall_v be_v set_v upon_o his_o throne_n over_o our_o soul_n to_o rule_v we_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o dwell_v among_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o king_n throne_n may_v be_v for_o ever_o establish_v in_o justice_n and_o judgement_n and_o god_n people_n in_o this_o land_n may_v enjoy_v both_o inward_a and_o outward_a peace_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v bless_v god_n and_o for_o ever_o call_v this_o parliament_n the_o bless_a parliament_n let_v the_o reader_n correct_v as_o here_o he_o see_v cause_n errata_fw-la page_n 4._o line_n 1._o read_v 3._o hundred_o l._n 11._o blot_n out_o 1._o p._n 6._o l._n 12._o r._n possible_o be_v l._n 20._o r._n as_o be_v usual_a p._n 7._o l._n 10._o r._n may_v be_v prove_v p._n 11._o l._n 19_o r._n true_o ancient_a p._n 16._o l._n 8._o r._n order_n sake_n l._n ult._n r._n of_o false_a p._n 20._o l._n 10._o r._n of_o prelate_n p._n 16._o l._n 11._o r._n form_n of_o liturgy_n p._n 24._o r._n in_o the_o test._n l._n 26._o r._n commandment_n of_o man_n p._n 28._o l._n 23._o r._n grievance_n p._n 31._o l._n 18._o r._n accommodate_v p._n 34._o l._n 11._o r._n and_o be_v sure_a p._n 38._o l._n 9_o r._n out_o of_o the_o way_n p._n 50._o l._n 16._o r._n say_v article_n p._n 66._o l._n 4._o r._n and_o lay_v p._n 67._o l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d case_n of_o conscience_n case_n i_o whether_o diocesan_n bishop_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v by_o divine_a right_n the_o answer_n be_v negative_a they_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o such_o creature_n as_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o the_o bishop_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v none_o other_o than_o presbyter_n whereof_o one_o or_o more_o be_v set_v over_o their_o several_a congregation_n respective_o as_o we_o clear_o read_v tit._n 1._o 5_o 7._o act._n 20._o 17_o â—8_n so_o act._n 14._o 23._o compare_v with_o philip_n 1._o 1._o so_o as_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n be_v convertible_a term_n every_o presbyter_n a_o bishop_n and_o every_o bishop_n a_o presbyter_n second_o because_o all_o such_o prelatical_a jurisdiction_n and_o domination_n as_o our_o diocesan_n usurp_v and_o exercise_v be_v express_o forbid_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o mat._n 20_o 25_o 26._o mark_n 10._o 42_o 43._o luke_n 22._o 25_o 26._o three_o because_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v all_o such_o jurisdiction_n and_o domination_n as_o our_o prelate_n use_v as_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 20._o 2_o thess._n 2._o 4._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o 3_o joh._n 9_o 10._o four_o because_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o successor_n prelate_n pretend_v to_o be_v never_o use_v any_o such_o jurisdiction_n as_o the_o prelate_n do_v neither_o in_o ordination_n of_o minister_n nor_o in_o excommunication_n both_o which_o they_o do_v most_o gross_o abuse_v nor_o in_o make_v of_o canon_n or_o set_v up_o or_o impose_v of_o ceremony_n both_o of_o mere_a human_a invention_n which_o the_o apostle_n utter_o condemn_v gal._n 4._o 9_o 10._o col._n 2._o 8_o etc._n etc._n five_o because_o the_o prelate_n be_v never_o able_a to_o prove_v by_o any_o demonstration_n from_o scripture_n that_o their_o jurisdiction_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n their_o allegation_n be_v mere_a pervert_n of_o scripture_n episcopacy_n as_o they_o allege_v first_o christ_n ordain_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n here_o be_v a_o inequality_n say_v they_o ergo_fw-la a_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o neither_o can_v he_o prove_v here_o any_o such_o authority_n as_o they_o pretend_v or_o much_o less_o any_o subordination_n of_o the_o seventy_o unto_o the_o twelve_o for_o the_o twelve_o neither_o ordain_v nor_o send_v forth_o the_o seventy_o second_o they_o allege_v the_o postscript_n after_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o after_o that_o to_o titus_n which_o say_v that_o those_o two_o be_v bishop_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o those_o postscript_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o text_n as_o beza_n well_o show_v nor_o be_v they_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n which_o be_v at_o the_o least_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v both_o evangelist_n not_o resident_a anywhere_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o from_o country_n to_o country_n as_o we_o read_v in_o paul_n epistle_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v bishop_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v have_v be_v bishop_n over_o one_o congregation_n respective_o three_o they_o allege_v those_o seven_o angel_n 1_o revel_n 2_o and_o 3._o these_o say_v they_o be_v seven_o bishop_n this_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o if_o bishop_n yet_o diocesan_n they_o be_v not_o see_v for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o there_o be_v no_o such_o diocese_n extant_a and_o our_o last_o translation_n in_o the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n call_v those_o angel_n the_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n and_o for_o the_o angel_n to_o be_v mean_v of_o one_o single_a man_n do_v imply_v many_o absurdity_n as_o that_o god_n shall_v destroy_v a_o whole_a church_n for_o one_o man_n sake_n for_o god_n threaten_v the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n if_o he_o repent_v not_o to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n to_o wit_n that_o whole_a church_n but_o god_n never_o do_v so_o there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o the_o whole_a scripture_n any_o one_o example_n that_o god_n ever_o root_v out_o a_o whole_a state_n or_o church_n general_a or_o particular_a for_o one_o man_n sin_n be_v he_o magistrate_n or_o governor_n and_o if_o god_n for_o one_o pretend_a prelate_n sin_n shall_v remove_v or_o destroy_v a_o whole_a church_n as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o there_o he_o threaten_v the_o angel_n who_o alone_o be_v charge_v with_o one_o only_a sin_n which_o be_v a_o declination_n from_o his_o first_o love_n then_o what_o security_n or_o safety_n can_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o state_n of_o england_n long_a promise_n to_o itself_o so_o long_o as_o it_o harbour_v in_o the_o bosom_n and_o bowel_n thereof_o such_o a_o crew_n and_o confederacy_n of_o most_o notorious_a and_o apostatise_v prelate_n who_o have_v not_o now_o decline_v in_o some_o degree_n from_o the_o faith_n former_o profess_v but_o have_v open_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v the_o preacher_n and_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o even_o unto_o blood_n and_o again_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o prelacy_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o a_o word_n of_o a_o dark_a and_o figurative_a signification_n against_o clear_a and_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v most_o absurd_a and_o too_o presumptuous_a for_o for_o angel_n here_o to_o signify_v a_o prelate_n can_v possible_o because_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o as_o before_o damn_v all_o prelacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o reason_n to_o confute_v they_o that_o these_o angel_n be_v no_o such_o bishop_n other_o than_o scripture_n bishop_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o one_o be_v by_o a_o senechdochae_fw-la speak_v to_o all_o as_o be_v usual_o in_o scripture_n and_o clear_a in_o all_o those_o seven_o epistle_n six_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a of_o the_o prelate_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o do_v wary_o decline_v the_o scripture_n in_o this_o point_n and_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o authority_n as_o be_v point_n blank_a against_o they_o but_o they_o fly_v to_o custom_n and_o antiquity_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v for_o all_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n case_n ii_o whether_o the_o next_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o prelatical_a jurisdiction_n see_v it_o may_v be_v move_v say_v they_o that_o there_o be_v then_o bishop_n the_o answer_n be_v negative_a first_o because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o build_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o any_o human_a example_n which_o have_v not_o express_v warrant_n from_o god_n word_n second_o because_o those_o who_o be_v there_o call_v bishop_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v be_v diocesan_n bishop_n or_o to_o have_v have_v or_o exercise_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n as_o our_o prelate_n usurp_v three_o can_v that_o be_v prove_v yet_o be_v not_o according_a unto_o but_o direct_o against_o the_o scripture_n
in_o god_n service_n it_o be_v also_o a_o strange_a presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o either_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v how_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v or_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o any_o such_o will-worship_n when_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v please_v he_o say_v in_o vain_a they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o comment_n of_o man_n for_o sure_o with_o vain_a worship_n god_n be_v neither_o please_v nor_o honour_v again_o see_v we_o be_v here_o fall_v upon_o the_o consideration_n or_o examination_n of_o the_o service_n book_n let_v all_o wise_a hearted_a and_o well_o instruct_a scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n that_o have_v learn_v the_o art_n of_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a but_o tell_v i_o what_o they_o think_v of_o apocryphal_a book_n public_o read_v in_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o of_o the_o whole_a litany_n so_o stuff_v with_o tautology_n or_o vain_a repetition_n what_o of_o the_o prayer_n in_o the_o litany_n and_o of_o the_o collect_n wherein_o bishop_n or_o prelate_n be_v pray_v for_o be_v antichristian_a and_o false_a bishop_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v pray_v for_o as_o be_v the_o curate_n of_o those_o bishop_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o shame_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n what_o of_o so_o many_o carve_n of_o scripture_n into_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n with_o their_o several_a collect_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o celebration_n of_o saint_n day_n call_v holiday_n what_o of_o the_o lame_a and_o incongruous_a yea_o senseless_a translation_n of_o those_o sundry_a scripture_n with_o the_o psalm_n what_o of_o prayer_n at_o the_o burial_n of_o the_o dead_a what_o of_o church_n of_o woman_n aliâs_fw-la their_o purification_n as_o some_o call_v it_o and_o which_o answer_v to_o that_o under_o the_o law_n what_o of_o priestly_a absolution_n with_o many_o more_o particular_n too_o long_o here_o to_o rehearse_v and_o in_o a_o word_n what_o of_o so_o many_o prayer_n enjoin_v to_o be_v read_v enough_o to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o any_o true_a devotion_n and_o so_o to_o tire_v out_o the_o strong_a side_a minister_n as_o he_o have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o time_n leave_v for_o god_n ordinance_n namely_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o say_v the_o very_a truth_n this_o kind_n of_o long_a service_n be_v devise_v by_o the_o pope_n successive_o to_o that_o very_a end_n namely_o to_o entertain_v the_o people_n with_o a_o blind_a devotion_n and_o to_o retain_v they_o in_o ignorance_n when_o now_o no_o room_n be_v leave_v for_o preach_v which_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n thrust_v by_o the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n out_o of_o their_o church_n and_o thus_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o precious_a time_n be_v take_v up_o with_o a_o long_a dull_a and_o dead_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v spend_v to_o edification_n of_o god_n people_n on_o the_o lord_n own_o day_n which_o shall_v be_v sanctify_v not_o in_o human_a device_n but_o in_o god_n own_o ordinance_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o day_n i_o say_v again_o for_o i_o speak_v nothing_o definitive_o as_o pass_v my_o own_o private_a judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n let_v this_o wise_a and_o grave_a senate_n now_o assemble_v for_o a_o thorough-reformation_n and_o removal_n of_o all_o abuse_n and_o grievanand_z primary_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n mature_o judge_v case_n vii_o whether_o any_o set_a form_n of_o a_o liturgy_n or_o public_a prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o answer_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v unpreaching_a minister_n and_o dumb_a dog_n over_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v nor_o preach_v nor_o pray_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o have_v some_o form_n of_o book_n prayer_n or_o liturgy_n for_o such_o to_o officiate_v by_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o prelate_n have_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o hold_v up_o their_o liturgy_n to_o the_o full_a as_o without_o which_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o for_o their_o mute_n to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n now_o though_o dumb_a priest_n have_v need_n of_o such_o a_o liturgy_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o able_a godly_a minister_n that_o know_v how_o to_o fit_v their_o prayer_n to_o all_o such_o several_a occasion_n as_o do_v continual_o present_v themselves_o which_o a_o set_a prayer_n in_o a_o book_n can_v do_v shall_v be_v tie_v to_o any_o such_o precise_a set_a form_n for_o otherwise_o 5._o this_o be_v to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o muzzle_v the_o mouth_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o do_v wonderful_o improve_v itself_o in_o all_o those_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n on_o who_o god_n have_v pour_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o who_o do_v by_o daily_a exercise_n grow_v unto_o such_o a_o habit_n of_o prayer_n and_o which_o do_v pour_v itself_o forth_o in_o such_o a_o life_n and_o power_n as_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o set_v read_v prayer_n to_o exercise_v or_o have_v for_o true_a fervent_a effectual_a prayer_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o heart_n expression_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o my_o spirit_n and_o phil._n 19_o prayer_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v that_o prayer_n which_o be_v first_o in_o the_o heart_n before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o mouth_n and_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n spirit_n before_o it_o be_v utter_v with_o the_o lip_n whereas_o a_o read_a prayer_n be_v in_o the_o mouth_n before_o it_o can_v come_v unto_o the_o heart_n which_o in_o prayer_n be_v a_o speak_v unadvifed_o with_o the_o lip_n before_o the_o heart_n have_v first_o digest_v and_o suggest_v the_o matter_n this_o be_v a_o abortive_a birth_n which_o never_o have_v a_o right_a conception_n but_o a_o godly_a minister_n that_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v according_o so_o enlarge_v and_o apply_v his_o prayer_n by_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o may_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o the_o congregation_n as_o be_v most_o occmmodate_v to_o their_o spirit_n when_o they_o find_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n to_o be_v that_o the_o want_n whereof_o they_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o so_o as_o there_o be_v here_o a_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n which_o cause_v a_o prayer_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o effectual_a lively_a powerful_a and_o operative_a and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o god_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o those_o who_o joint_a prayer_n it_o be_v whereas_o a_o read_a prayer_n be_v in_o comparison_n a_o dead_a and_o dull_a formal_a prayer_n without_o any_o life_n or_o power_n either_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n or_o to_o profit_v the_o people_n as_o be_v such_o a_o prayer_n as_o suit_n only_o such_o reader_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o god_n regard_v not_o so_o as_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v with_o the_o bond_n and_o line_n of_o a_o write_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o must_v be_v read_v forasmuch_o as_o hereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o he_o be_v bind_v up_o and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n deprive_v both_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o gift_n and_o of_o that_o profit_n also_o which_o the_o prevail_a prayer_n of_o christ_n spirit_n procure_v of_o god_n yea_o not_o even_o a_o set_v write_v prayer_n which_o the_o minister_n make_v and_o say_v by_o heart_n though_o he_o read_v it_o not_o and_o though_o it_o be_v better_a to_o say_v it_o by_o heart_n than_o to_o read_v it_o out_o of_o a_o book_n yet_o be_v or_o can_v be_v so_o lively_a and_o powerful_a as_o that_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n from_o such_o a_o prayer_n as_o be_v utter_v by_o heart_n as_o we_o say_v the_o memory_n be_v more_o exercise_v than_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n within_o he_o there_o be_v now_o a_o suspension_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o grace_n which_o breathe_v forth_o with_o a_o lively_a power_n in_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n wherein_o not_o the_o memory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o whole_a mind_n soul_n spirit_n and_o affection_n have_v their_o joint_a operation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o
declaration_n prefix_v before_o the_o article_n in_o the_o king_n name_n prohibit_v the_o free_a preach_n of_o those_o point_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o minister_n can_v resolve_v what_o it_o be_v they_o subscribe_v unto_o in_o the_o say_a article_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o say_a false_a article_n be_v whole_o expunge_v and_o the_o doubtful_a as_o they_o pretend_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o so_o the_o say_a declaration_n prefix_v take_v away_o case_n xi_o now_o all_o this_o do_v and_o the_o whole_a antichristian_a yoke_n in_o the_o prelacy_n with_o the_o burden_n of_o all_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n remove_v from_o christian_n neck_n what_o be_v that_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o for_o answer_n first_o we_o premise_v something_o hereof_o in_o general_a namely_o that_o christ_n government_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o true_a christian_a congregation_n and_o so_o his_o 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with_o every_o one_o of_o his_o several_a congregation_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o who_o so_o have_v not_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n 8._o now_o have_v thus_o define_v what_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v namely_o a_o congregation_n profess_v the_o know_a true_a faith_n every_o member_n thereof_o be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o profession_n by_o walk_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n hence_o it_o appear_v who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o congregation_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n therein_o to_o participate_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n until_o their_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n namely_o all_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a person_n which_o neither_o believe_v a_o right_a nor_o live_v according_o for_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 26._o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o inquire_v and_o consider_v how_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v to_o find_v this_o out_o be_v no_o difficulty_n first_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o none_o but_o christ_n be_v supreme_a and_o immediate_a lord_n king_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n whether_o of_o the_o catholic_a or_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n right_o constitute_v as_o aforesaid_a so_o as_o no_o power_n on_o earth_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o this_o church_n whether_o for_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n whether_o for_o faith_n or_o worship_n but_o only_o christ_n who_o write_a word_n and_o law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o this_o government_n which_o law_n all_o prince_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v custodes_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la be_v bind_v by_o he_o who_o vicegerent_n they_o be_v to_o see_v well_o observe_v both_o by_o minister_n and_o people_n here_o than_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o officer_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v over_o every_o christian_a congregation_n and_o those_o be_v either_o minister_n or_o other_o officer_n of_o the_o people_n first_o for_o the_o minister_n they_o be_v call_v by_o sundry_a title_n as_o a_o 7._o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n b_o 11._o pastor_n and_o teacher_n c_o 23._o minister_n d_o 26._o labourer_n and_o the_o like_a their_o principal_a office_n be_v to_o pray_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o these_o minister_n however_o style_v in_o scripture_n be_v all_o of_o equal_a authority_n not_o one_o over_o another_o nor_o one_o over_o many_o nor_o many_o over_o one_o each_o be_v in_o his_o place_n and_o peculiar_a congregation_n under_o christ_n alone_o as_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n to_o who_o he_o be_v accountable_a 17._o and_o under_o christ_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v a_o subject_n but_o here_o a_o question_n may_v be_v move_v quest_n whether_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n or_o of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o power_n over_o any_o one_o minister_n and_o so_o over_o all_o the_o congregation_n either_o to_o censure_v particular_a person_n or_o congregation_n or_o to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v order_n rite_n canon_n or_o the_o like_a for_o answer_v answ._n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o a_o synod_n have_v authority_n to_o bind_v particular_a church_n to_o such_o rite_n as_o they_o shall_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v and_o they_o allege_v that_o synod_n or_o assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n 15._o wherein_o be_v determine_v certain_a observance_n which_o they_o send_v and_o impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a convert_n gentile_n as_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v some_o whereof_o be_v jewish_a ceremony_n hence_o they_o conclude_v that_o a_o synod_n collect_v of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o particular_a church_n to_o ordain_v and_o impose_v ceremony_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v but_o this_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o precedent_n or_o pattern_n for_o succeed_a age_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o whole_o guide_v they_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o in_o that_o their_o determination_n they_o say_v express_o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n now_o what_o synod_n in_o any_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o inspire_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o any_o can_v infallible_o assure_v i_o hereof_o that_o a_o synod_n after_o the_o apostle_n can_v err_v but_o that_o they_o can_v true_o say_v it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o then_o i_o will_v obey_v all_o their_o decree_n second_o that_o injunction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o for_o that_o present_a time_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o in_o every_o city_n converse_v together_o which_o james_n the_o apostle_n allege_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o that_o determination_n 21._o but_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o that_o they_o either_o ordain_v or_o impose_v the_o least_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yea_o they_o express_o condemn_v all_o such_o ordinance_n as_o before_o be_v show_v but_o here_o another_o question_n arise_v if_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o be_v rule_v by_o synod_n or_o the_o like_a jurisdiction_n what_o order_n can_v be_v expect_v or_o what_o mean_n be_v leave_v for_o ordain_v of_o minister_n over_o every_o congregation_n for_o answer_v brief_o first_o for_o order_n what_o better_o or_o
christ_n on_o his_o throne_n or_o christ_n church-government_n brief_o lay_v down_o and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a congregation_n resolve_a in_o sundry_a case_n of_o conscience_n ier._n 6._o 16._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a path_n where_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n luke_n 19_o 27._o but_o those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v they_o hither_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o print_v in_o the_o year_n 1640._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o observation_n as_o true_a as_o ancient_a that_o such_o work_n of_o god_n as_o be_v do_v immediate_o by_o himself_o alone_o though_o for_o their_o excellent_a greatness_n far_o surpass_v not_o only_a man_n apprehension_n but_o even_o admiration_n itself_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o he_o without_o any_o rub_n or_o difficulty_n at_o all_o such_o be_v that_o glorious_a and_o magnifical_a work_n of_o creation_n but_o such_o work_n as_o god_n do_v by_o instrumental_a mean_n as_o by_o man_n the_o great_a they_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n they_o be_v attend_v with_o and_o meet_v with_o many_o impediment_n and_o this_o be_v most_o see_v in_o great_a and_o general_a reformation_n of_o church_n or_o state_n even_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a potentate_n 16._o the_o mighty_a god_n when_o he_o come_v to_o restore_v and_o re-erect_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o david_n which_o be_v fall_v down_o to_o wit_n his_o spiritual_a temple_n or_o church_n what_o opposition_n do_v he_o meet_v withal_o what_o sweat_n do_v it_o cost_v he_o before_o he_o can_v finish_v this_o glorious_a and_o wondrous_a work_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o ancient_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o god_n with_o his_o word_n alone_o create_v the_o world_n but_o it_o cost_v the_o life_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v oppose_v by_o devil_n and_o man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o type_n of_o redemption_n israel_n deliverance_n from_o egypt_n where_o god_n mighty_a wonder_n and_o plague_n upon_o egypt_n find_v a_o proud_a and_o hard_o hearted_a pharaoh_n with_o his_o blind_a egyptian_n obstinate_o resist_v to_o the_o very_o last_o so_o in_o the_o reparation_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o jerusalem_n there_o want_v not_o most_o malignant_a spirit_n 6._o envious_a man_n be_v tatnai_n shether_n boznai_n 4._o tobiah_n and_o sanballat_n who_o mock_v and_o accuse_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o king_n and_o by_o force_n seek_v to_o hinder_v the_o work_n and_o therefore_o can_v we_o wonder_v when_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n of_o reformation_n as_o we_o see_v begin_v in_o our_o day_n nothing_o inferior_a all_o circumstance_n consider_v to_o that_o deliverance_n from_o egypt_n or_o to_o the_o restauration_n of_o religion_n after_o babylon_n captivity_n difficulty_n and_o impediment_n both_o great_a and_o many_o have_v and_o do_v interpose_v themselves_o which_o when_o we_o see_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v discourage_v cic._n for_o discouragement_n in_o such_o case_n be_v a_o argument_n and_o consequent_a of_o a_o mind_n too_o much_o rely_v upon_o outward_a mean_n which_o while_o they_o prosper_v they_o be_v as_o a_o good_a gale_n fill_v the_o sail_n of_o our_o hope_n to_o attain_v the_o wish_a port._n but_o when_o a_o adverse_a wind_n begin_v but_o to_o whistle_v a_o little_a up_o we_o be_v afflict_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o cast_v away_o our_o hope_n be_v leave_v as_o a_o ship_n without_o a_o anchor_n float_v and_o without_o a_o rudder_n drive_v with_o every_o wind_n ready_a to_o be_v split_v on_o every_o rock_n or_o shelf_n but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v as_o in_o the_o first_o place_n look_v up_o unto_o god_n the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o wind_n yea_o and_o mover_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o violent_a man_n so_o herein_o behold_v and_o observe_v the_o beat_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o he_o be_v please_v in_o all_o such_o great_a work_n to_o suffer_v himself_o and_o his_o people_n to_o be_v oppose_v and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o special_a reason_n as_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o deep_a wisdom_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o circumvent_v his_o adversary_n to_o cross_v and_o thwart_v they_o even_o in_o those_o great_a and_o good_a work_n which_o himself_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v and_o certain_o purpose_v to_o accomplish_v and_o which_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o command_v they_o to_o do_v that_o so_o he_o may_v take_v they_o off_o from_o trust_v in_o the_o outward_a mean_n though_o never_o so_o fair_a and_o may_v teach_v they_o still_o and_o steadfast_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o help_n in_o his_o strength_n in_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o not_o to_o cease_v to_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o his_o promise_n who_o will_v certain_o save_v and_o full_o answer_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n and_o in_o the_o happy_a issue_n of_o the_o work_n that_o his_o glory_n may_v in_o all_o shine_n forth_o the_o more_o clear_o when_o nothing_o shall_v be_v leave_v in_o man_n to_o glory_n in_o but_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o work_n to_o he_o alone_o again_o in_o all_o such_o great_a work_n of_o general_a reformation_n especial_o of_o religion_n the_o difficulty_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o how_o much_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n to_o be_v purge_v out_o as_o we_o see_v in_o natural_a body_n be_v and_o have_v be_v of_o long_a continuance_n and_o such_o also_o as_o have_v receive_v strength_n under_o pretence_n at_o least_o even_o from_o the_o law_n themselves_o and_o by_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a state_n nor_o only_o this_o but_o there_o be_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n a_o kind_n of_o antipathy_n against_o that_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o main_a end_n that_o all_o true_a reformation_n shall_v aim_v at_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o although_o the_o corruption_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o intolerable_a grievance_n no_o long_o to_o be_v bear_v but_o do_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n press_v to_o a_o reformation_n yet_o there_o stand_v so_o great_a a_o gulf_n in_o the_o way_n as_o until_o it_o be_v remove_v or_o so_o make_v up_o as_o to_o be_v make_v passable_a it_o will_v be_v find_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o compass_v so_o great_a a_o work_n now_o this_o gulf_n be_v ignorance_n and_o that_o of_o a_o long_o stand_v contract_v partly_o through_o a_o general_a security_n and_o sloth_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o want_n of_o mean_n while_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o cowardice_n of_o their_o inferior_n the_o light_n have_v be_v put_v under_o a_o bushel_n so_o as_o though_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o egyptian_a burden_n have_v at_o length_n let_v we_o see_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n our_o misery_n yea_o and_o though_o god_n in_o his_o great_a mercy_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n such_o a_o opportunity_n of_o reformation_n even_o arm_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n to_o work_v it_o yet_o how_o unresolved_a be_v many_o man_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o this_o reformation_n and_o what_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n herein_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v but_o that_o all_o good_a man_n will_v join_v together_o quick_o to_o go_v through_o with_o this_o great_a work_n do_v they_o but_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v as_o well_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n as_o of_o grievance_n for_o which_o cause_n i_o have_v in_o these_o strait_n of_o time_n think_v it_o one_o part_n of_o my_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v unto_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o church_n to_o propound_v and_o brief_o to_o resolve_v as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o some_o important_a case_n of_o conscience_n which_o hope_v they_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o further_n of_o the_o great_a business_n now_o in_o agitation_n concerning_o religion_n i_o have_v adventure_v most_o humble_o to_o recommend_v unto_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o most_o just_a sage_a and_o grave_a senate_n as_o to_o which_o not_o only_o i_o but_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n do_v owe_v our_o best_a service_n and_o for_o who_o happy_a success_n of_o all_o their_o grave_a counsel_n we_o be_v all_o bind_v daily_o and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n to_o solicit_v as_o we_o still_o do_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v abundant_o pour_v forth_o upon_o this_o most_o noble_a assembly_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o in_o all_o