church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
substantial_a part_n of_o church_n government_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v therein_o so_o fix_v and_o establish_v as_o they_o be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o and_o second_o as_o to_o the_o circumstantial_o that_o relate_v to_o this_o government_n we_o say_v they_o be_v set_v down_o under_o general_a rule_n sufficient_a for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o such_o as_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o to_o edification_n our_o second_o assertion_n be_v we_o be_v not_o to_o enter_v here_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n and_o what_o thing_n fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o in_o what_o relation_n they_o be_v to_o handle_v they_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o censure_n and_o how_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o will_v take_v long_a time_n to_o clear_v these_o the_o thing_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v only_o this_o general_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o house_n have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n a_o particular_a way_n for_o govern_v of_o his_o house_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n to_o alter_v we_o proceed_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o comfirm_v this_o truth_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n different_a from_o the_o civil_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n then_o there_o must_v be_v also_o the_o like_a set_v down_o under_o the_o new_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a way_n set_v down_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v the_o like_a set_v down_o under_o the_o new_a for_o make_v out_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o clear_v 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of_o the_o churchman_n of_o the_o levit_n and_o priest_n in_o verse_n 8._o second_o we_o see_v that_o the_o thing_n they_o judge_v of_o be_v spiritual_a matter_n distinguish_v from_o civil_a thing_n by_o call_v the_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o second_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n v_o 11._o three_o we_o see_v that_o in_o this_o judicatory_a a_o churchman_n be_v moderator_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n and_o behold_v amariah_n the_o chief_a priest_n be_v over_o you_o and_o four_o we_o see_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o court_n be_v execute_v by_o churchman_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o vers_fw-la also_o the_o levit_n shall_v be_v officer_n before_o you_o all_o which_o be_v lay_v together_o make_v out_o clear_o that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n â—â—â—re_v be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a different_a from_o the_o civil_a the_o second_o place_n be_v in_o jeremiah_n 26._o 8._o 9_o 10_o where_o we_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o 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different_a from_o civil_a punishment_n as_o we_o have_v among_o we_o and_o first_o public_a confession_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o from_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n ezra_n 10._o 10._o 11._o and_o ezra_n the_o priest_n stand_v up_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v transgress_v now_o therefore_o make_v confession_n unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o your_o father_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v confession_n of_o sin_n appoint_v for_o a_o fault_n that_o be_v scandalous_a to_o wit_n their_o marry_v with_o strange_a wife_n now_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o only_o private_a to_o god_n nor_o on_o a_o fast_a day_n but_o a_o personal_a public_a acknowledgement_n after_o particular_a examination_n of_o all_o one_o by_o one_o and_o we_o gather_v this_o from_o the_o 13._o v._n where_o it_o be_v say_v neither_o be_v this_o a_o work_n of_o one_o day_n or_o two_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 16._o v_o three_o month_n be_v spend_v on_o the_o business_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o personal_a acknowledgement_n give_v by_o every_o one_o of_o they_o after_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o guilt_n as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o church_n judicatory_n second_o beside_o this_o public_a confession_n they_o have_v the_o censure_n of_o suspend_v scandalous_a man_n from_o the_o ordinance_n as_o we_o do_v suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o will_v find_v this_o in_o david_n his_o appoint_v of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n among_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v record_v of_o jehoiadah_n 2_o chron._n 23._o five_o 19_o and_o he_o set_v the_o porter_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o none_o which_o be_v unclean_a in_o any_o thing_n shall_v enter_v in_o they_o be_v suspend_v from_o the_o ordinance_n because_o of_o their_o uncleaness_n and_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o the_o priest_n be_v reprove_v in_o ezek._n 22_o five_o 26._o her_o priest_n have_v violate_v my_o law_n and_o have_v profane_v my_o holy_a thing_n they_o have_v put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o unclean_a and_o clean_a neither_o between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a they_o let_v all_o come_v rush_v together_o to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v reprove_v three_o they_o have_v among_o they_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v down_o under_o the_o name_n of_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o certain_o be_v excommunication_n it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a alledgence_n that_o they_o say_v by_o cut_v off_o be_v mean_v the_o inflict_a of_o temporal_a death_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n he_o that_o have_v touch_v a_o dead_a body_n and_o do_v not_o wash_v after_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o who_o will_v think_v that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o be_v that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v it_o be_v so_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o necessity_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o a_o church_n government_n then_o but_o the_o same_o necessity_n be_v now_o be_v not_o the_o church_n a_o mix_a multitude_n now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v there_o not_o as_o great_a need_n to_o separate_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a now_o as_o then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n now_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v there_o not_o need_v to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n pure_a now_o as_o then_o by_o the_o fence_n of_o government_n be_v there_o not_o need_v now_o to_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v error_n no_o more_o than_o because_o that_o a_o godless_a magistrate_n as_o nero_n be_v may_v abuse_v his_o power_n to_o oppress_v murder_v honest_a citizen_n and_o do_v other_o act_n of_o injustice_n against_o the_o second_o table_n that_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v thief_n robber_n murderer_n because_o either_o through_o mistake_n or_o wickedness_n he_o may_v abuse_v it_o to_o punish_v innocent_a man_n whatever_o remedy_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o magistrate_n abuse_v of_o his_o power_n under_o the_o one_o the_o same_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o other_o as_o insome_a case_n suffer_v in_o other_o resist_v there_o be_v a_o eight_o objection_n they_o have_v against_o this_o truth_n say_v they_o we_o make_v the_o mean_a unproportionate_a to_o the_o end_n no_o outward_a force_n can_v convert_v a_o man_n and_o brâ—ng_v he_o to_o christ_n it_o make_v man_n but_o hypocrite_n the_o blast_n of_o the_o king_n horn_n or_o outlawry_n can_v make_v no_o man_n a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o must_v be_v do_v willing_o not_o by_o compulsion_n and_o this_o be_v to_o cudgel_v people_n out_o of_o their_o opinion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o our_o doctrine_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v any_o mean_a to_o convert_v soul_n only_o this_o it_o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o mean_a to_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v sinful_a act_n against_o christ_n as_o asa_n make_v use_v of_o his_o civil_a power_n to_o keep_v down_o idolatry_n it_o put_v people_n indeed_o on_o the_o profession_n of_o outward_a obedience_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v very_o proportion_v and_o therefore_o second_o though_o the_o blast_n of_o the_o king_n horn_n can_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n invisible_a body_n by_o work_a grace_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_a in_o its_o own_o kind_a for_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a by_o withhold_a from_o sinful_a act_n and_o put_v they_o on_o act_n of_o outward_a obedience_n a_o three_o answer_n we_o give_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n of_o itself_o but_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n who_o make_v himself_o a_o hypocrite_n the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o deut_n 13._o 11._o and_o all_o israel_n shall_v hear_v and_o fear_v and_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o any_o such_o wickedness_n as_o this_o be_v among_o you_o that_o be_v the_o end_n that_o they_o be_v move_v by_o their_o example_n shall_v abstain_v from_o such_o like_a work_n but_o that_o they_o do_v this_o hypocritical_o be_v from_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n who_o fear_v he_o more_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n than_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v the_o body_n can_v cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n we_o answer_v last_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n why_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v for_o false_a doctrine_n because_o throw_v occasion_n thereof_o many_o turn_n hypocrite_n then_o say_v we_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v incest_n adultery_n murder_n theft_n &c._n &c._n because_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o hypocrite_n who_o abstain_v more_o from_o such_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n than_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n yea_o according_o to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v unlawful_a because_o through_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o many_o turn_v hypocrite_n under_o it_o there_o be_v a_o nine_o objection_n they_o have_v against_o this_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o by_o this_o power_n we_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n we_o give_v he_o the_o power_n of_o church_n judicatories_n to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n error_n and_o heresy_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n only_o for_o the_o present_a this_o give_v power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n give_v he_o not_o a_o public_a judgement_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o not_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o church_n matter_n but_o only_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o act_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o lord_n give_v power_n to_o master_n of_o family_n not_o to_o let_v heretic_n come_v into_o their_o house_n it_o be_v not_o a_o put_v the_o power_n of_o church_n judicatory_n in_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o last_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o of_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o use_n of_o this_o and_o the_o first_o be_v to_o reprove_v those_o who_o think_v opinion_n be_v free_a and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o such_o we_o grant_v as_o we_o say_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n among_o error_n some_o more_o damnable_a some_o less_o and_o so_o to_o be_v less_o punish_v and_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v among_o person_n some_o be_v seduce_v some_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v some_o vent_v their_o darkness_n some_o seek_v light_n in_o such_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n observe_v again_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o deal_v one_o way_n with_o a_o community_n another_o way_n with_o some_o person_n before_o it_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o error_n that_o can_v be_v mantain_v without_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o those_o that_o break_v not_o love_n nor_o strike_v not_o at_o any_o material_a point_n of_o truth_n the_o last_o happy_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o do_v not_o evidence_n contempt_n but_o not_o so_o the_o first_o these_o and_o such_o like_a distinction_n may_v be_v to_o qualify_v this_o power_n but_o to_o deny_v it_o altogether_o be_v the_o most_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v vent_v the_o devil_n can_v take_v a_o short_a course_n to_o undo_v religion_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o heart_n zealous_a for_o god_n but_o he_o must_v loathe_v it_o and_o therefore_o look_v so_o on_o it_o think_v not_o what_o be_v that_o to_o you_o what_o other_o do_v if_o you_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n yourself_o be_v that_o all_o your_o zeal_n for_o god_n that_o if_o you_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v he_o you_o care_v not_o that_o all_o beside_o you_o spit_v on_o his_o face_n and_o serve_v the_o devil_n use_v 2._o hence_o see_v what_o a_o account_v those_o magistrate_n have_v to_o make_v who_o make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o power_n this_o way_n for_o god_n if_o they_o get_v their_o own_o house_n build_v care_v not_o for_o his_o if_o rebellion_n against_o themselves_o be_v curb_v care_v not_o for_o the_o curb_v of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n though_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o they_o will_v suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n they_o never_o employ_v their_o power_n that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o for_o anger_v of_o their_o army_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v suffer_v their_o army_n to_o overturn_v they_o and_o set_v themselves_o and_o who_o they_o please_v in_o their_o place_n and_o now_o they_o by_o their_o practice_n give_v toleration_n to_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o i_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o way_n to_o ruin_v they_o a_o people_n swear_v in_o their_o low_a condition_n to_o root_v out_o heresy_n etc._n etc._n and_o god_n bless_v they_o from_o that_o day_n and_o within_o a_o few_o year_n carry_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v the_o contrary_a to_o suffer_v all_o encourage_v all_o invite_v all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n to_o vent_v what_o blasphemy_n they_o please_v and_o for_o their_o encouragement_n to_o give_v they_o surety_n that_o no_o power_n in_o britain_n shall_v hinder_v they_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o affront_n do_v to_o god_n think_v you_o that_o he_o will_v sit_v with_o it_o no_o if_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o one_o half_a avenger_n of_o a_o break_a covenant_n against_o the_o other_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v note_v of_o asa_n 2_o chron._n 14._o 5._o god_n way_n to_o keep_v magistrate_n sure_a and_o their_o kingdom_n quiet_a be_v to_o be_v zealous_a against_o false_a worship_n no_o but_o say_v they_o the_o way_n be_v not_o to_o anger_v heretic_n they_o
the_o magistrate_n have_v much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n but_o he_o have_v no_o church-power_n proper_o so_o call_v that_o belong_v only_o to_o christ_n own_o officer_n second_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n what_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o he_o only_o as_o a_o magistrate_n for_o so_o we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v prove_v a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n otherwise_o if_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v choose_v a_o elder_a he_o have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n only_o we_o say_v as_o a_o magistrate_n he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n ii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o 1_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o warrant_v give_v to_o any_o of_o church_n government_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o any_o of_o they_o only_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o apostle_n minister_n and_o elder_n so_o in_o matth_n 16._o 19_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o matth_n 18._o 17._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o 〈…〉_z be_v etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o in_o timoth_n and_o titus_n the_o scope_n of_o which_o epistle_n be_v to_o instruct_v minister_n concern_v the_o right_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n what_o be_v speak_v there_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o minister_n succeed_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v he_o have_v no_o right_a from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v challenge_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o usurpation_n and_o intrude_a unto_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o right_a our_o second_o argument_n be_v if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n government_n belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n then_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n for_o whatever_o belong_v to_o one_o as_o such_o belong_v to_o all_o such_o now_o this_o have_v many_o absurdity_n follow_v on_o it_o for_o by_o this_o rule_n heathen_a magistrate_n may_v have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v church_n governor_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n then_o second_o woman_n may_v be_v church_n governor_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n yea_o three_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o child_n not_o come_v to_o age_n may_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n when_o magistracy_n go_v by_o succession_n now_o child_n can_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o that_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o deputy_n but_o by_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o a_o three_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o if_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o they_o must_v be_v church_n officer_n if_o any_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n a_o church_n officer_n than_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n will_v do_v it_o for_o state_n government_n and_o state_n officer_n be_v relata_fw-la and_o have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o so_o must_v church_n government_n and_o church_n officer_n have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v no_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o because_o among_o all_o that_o roll_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o christ_n reckon_v up_o his_o officer_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ephes_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o roll_n verse_n 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o in_o rome_n 12_o 6_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o other_o roll_n of_o church_n officer_n but_o no_o word_n of_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v etc._n etc._n but_o neither_o in_o this_o place_n or_o any_o other_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n only_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n mutter_v somewhat_o of_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o that_o by_o government_n there_o mention_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o refute_v for_o the_o text_n speak_v evident_o of_o such_o governor_n as_o the_o church_n have_v at_o that_o time_n and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o for_o above_o 200_o year_n after_o so_o by_o government_n can_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o the_o rule_v elder_a who_o be_v often_o speak_v of_o in_o other_o place_n our_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o government_n within_o herself_o and_o according_o do_v exercise_v it_o near_o 300_o year_n before_o any_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a and_o so_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n within_o herself_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o which_o be_v not_o controvert_v to_o wit_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n a_o christian_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o that_o all_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o they_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n power_n also_o to_o dispense_v censure_n as_o excommunication_n 1_o cor_n 5._o 4_o 5_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v power_n to_o relax_v from_o excommunication_n so_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 6._o where_o paul_n command_v to_o relax_v the_o excommunicate_a man_n from_o that_o sentence_n sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o v_o 7._o so_o that_o contrariwise_o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o forgive_v he_o etc._n etc._n four_o they_o have_v synod_n meet_v together_o make_v bind_a canon_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n act_n 15._o the_o synod_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n meet_v together_o determine_v a_o controversy_n and_o censure_v those_o who_o have_v trouble_v the_o church_n thus_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o discipline_n within_o herself_o long_o before_o any_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o that_o because_o if_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v right_a to_o dispense_v this_o power_n as_o undoubted_o she_o have_v than_o they_o must_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o christ_n take_v this_o right_n from_o she_o and_o
transfer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o they_o can_v do_v our_o five_o argument_n be_v to_o obviate_v that_o which_o they_o say_v that_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o magistrate_n depute_v from_o which_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o church_n officer_n in_o inflict_a censure_n be_v the_o magistrate_n depute_n than_o whatever_o the_o church_n judicatory_a do_v the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v it_o also_o for_o none_o can_v delegate_v more_o right_a to_o there_o than_o what_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o so_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v ordain_v mistress_n himself_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n he_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o if_o he_o may_v do_v this_o by_o consequence_n he_o may_v also_o preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o right_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o one_o which_o may_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v all_o our_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o betwixt_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a power_n scripture_n condemn_v churchmen_n usurp_a the_o civil_a power_n and_o statesman_n usurp_a the_o church_n power_n church_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o judge_v or_o meddle_v with_o civil_a thing_n by_o christ_n himself_o luk_n 12._o 13_o 14._o 22_o 25._o and_o so_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o church_n power_n either_o there_o be_v two_o king_n we_o read_v of_o to_o be_v heavy_o punish_v for_o their_o transgression_n in_o this_o kind_n saul_n for_o offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a 1_o sam_n 13._o 13._o and_o vzziah_n for_o burn_a incense_n 2_o chorn._n 26._o 19_o he_o will_v go_v in_o and_o burn_v incense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o with_o leprosy_n and_o sure_o reason_n will_v say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o church_n officer_n to_o exercise_n the_o civil_a government_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o only_a supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_v of_o the_o opposite_n argument_n the_o first_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o so_o shall_v christian_n magistrate_n have_v it_o under_o the_o new_a we_o answer_v that_o their_o argument_n prove_v nothing_o except_o they_o also_o prove_v that_o what_o power_n of_o church_n government_n magistrate_n have_v then_o they_o have_v it_o as_o magistrate_n for_o we_o grant_v indeed_o what_o do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o magistrate_n then_o under_o other_o respect_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n yet_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o magistrate_n extraordinary_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o moses_n give_v out_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o order_v the_o church_n but_o we_o find_v in_o deut_n 18._o 15._o moses_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o a_o type_n of_o christ._n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v so_o david_n appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o divide_v their_o course_n but_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n 2._o chron_n 8_o 14._o and_o he_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o their_o service_n thus_o in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v show_v how_o david_n do_v this_o at_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 25._o and_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psalter_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o so_o from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a practice_n they_o can_v no_o more_o infer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o in_o church_n matter_n than_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o power_n of_o churchman_n in_o civil-matter_n from_o the_o example_n of_o churchman_n under_o the_o old-testament_n for_o churchman_n do_v meddle_v with_o civil-matter_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o eli_n the_o priest_n he_o govern_v the_o state_n and_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n elisha_n in_o anoint_v jehu_n to_o be_v king_n and_o jehoâ—ada_n the_o priest_n in_o cause_v kill_v attaliah_n the_o usurper_n and_o make_v joash_n king_n all_o which_o we_o grant_v be_v extraordinary_a act_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o churchman_n to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o civil_a thing_n now_o and_o so_o must_v they_o grant_v concern_v these_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o civil_a judge_n in_o meddle_v sometime_o with_o church_n matter_n the_o second_o argument_n they_o use_v be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o magistrate_n be_v set_v over_o church_n officer_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a to_o go_v beyond_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o abuse_n of_o discipline_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o minister_n be_v man_n indeed_o and_o as_o other_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_v power_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o take_v power_n from_o they_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o for_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o abuse_v their_o power_n and_o so_o all_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o confusion_n we_o give_v a_o second_o answer_n that_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o yet_o the_o erasitans_fw-la the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n for_o prevent_v of_o this_o abuse_n may_v step_v into_o the_o pulpit_n himself_o and_o preach_v better_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n better_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o curb_v that_o abuse_n and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v danger_n indeed_o of_o abuse_v that_o power_n but_o we_o say_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o for_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n himself_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v leave_v to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n which_o shall_v be_v our_o three_o answer_n wherein_o we_o shall_v show_v some_o of_o these_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church-officer_n first_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n in_o the_o church_n power_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n so_o that_o although_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n shall_v wrest_v justice_n yet_o there_o be_v above_o they_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o synod_n and_o above_o they_o general_n assembly_n now_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n will_v hardly_o get_v through_o all_o those_o before_o it_o be_v brand_v with_o some_o deserve_a mark_n but_o second_o though_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v connive_v one_o at_o another_o and_o so_o the_o fault_n of_o minister_n go_v through_o unpunished_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n leave_v even_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a he_o may_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_a under_o pretence_n of_o right_v their_o abuse_n no_o more_o than_o he_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o preach_v for_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n of_o preach_v yet_o he_o may_v do_v several_a thing_n 1._o if_o church_n officer_n commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n he_o may_v curb_v they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n 2._o if_o church_n judicatory_n meddle_v to_o judge_v in_o civil_a thing_n which_o concern_v a_o man_n life_n or_o estate_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v null_a what_o they_o conclude_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o abuse_v of_o power_n for_o therein_o they_o meddle_v with_o what_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o 3._o grant_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o ecclesiastic_a wherein_o they_o abuse_v their_o power_n yet_o the_o
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o other_o error_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o error_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n these_o year_n by_o past_a have_v be_v first_o hook_v they_o first_o turn_v independent_o yet_o rest_v not_o long_o there_o but_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o our_o scope_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o main_a head_n of_o this_o error_n of_o independency_n opposite_a to_o the_o two_o last_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o first_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v 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infer_v any_o church_n power_n which_o we_o clear_v in_o both_o first_o the_o people_n power_n in_o elect_v their_o minister_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o they_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n election_n or_o their_o choice_n that_o make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o exercise_n the_o ministerial_a call_n but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n officer_n that_o make_v the_o man_n the_o minister_n and_o give_v he_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o act_v 6_o 3._o where_o the_o people_n election_n and_o ordination_n by_o church_n officer_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v wherefore_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v the_o people_n election_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o 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paul_n authority_n and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o this_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n although_o the_o power_n be_v give_v for_o their_o good_a a_o three_o thing_n for_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o do_v willing_o grant_v to_o private_a christian_n power_n to_o admonish_v exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o this_o they_o may_v extend_v even_o to_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n but_o this_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n do_v not_o import_v any_o church_n power_n in_o they_o over_o those_o who_o they_o rebuke_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n rebuke_v of_o peter_n gal_n 2._o 14._o do_v infer_v a_o power_n in_o paul_n above_o peter_n so_o you_o see_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n this_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o govern_v his_o house_n or_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n must_v be_v clear_a for_o none_o have_v right_a to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o christ_n church_n except_o those_o who_o have_v a_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o it_o now_o that_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o promise_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o word_n this_o power_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o so_o rome_n 10._o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o preach_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o â—e_v send_v v_o 15._o now_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v send_v beside_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o discharge_v this_o office_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o can_v convince_v gainsayer_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n for_o christ_n jesus_n have_v join_v both_o these_o power_n in_o one_o commission_n he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o any_o to_o aministrate_n the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v power_n also_o to_o preach_v matth_n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v them-&c_a them-&c_a them-&c_a power_n of_o preach_v and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n go_v together_o and_o so_o see_v the_o one_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o other_o must_v be_v deny_v also_o three_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o to_o execute_v any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n for_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o try_v minister_n gift_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n command_v they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o practice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v that_o ever_o they_o do_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v in_o answer_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o private_a christian_n do_v overturn_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n none_o may_v doubt_v of_o for_o nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o himself_o now_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v clear_a because_o his_o order_n be_v that_o some_o be_v watchman_n some_o watch_v over_o some_o ruler_n some_o to_o submit_v some_o governor_n some_o to_o be_v govern_v some_o shepherd_n some_o the_o flock_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o all_o shall_v be_v overseer_n watchman_n ruler_n governor_n and_o none_o more_o than_o another_o if_o so_o be_v that_o power_n to_o govern_v shall_v flow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o be_v so_o alike_o the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o to_o whosoever_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v promise_n of_o suitable_a ability_n for_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a trust_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o gift_v neither_o promise_n to_o gift_n every_o christian_a nor_o yet_o require_v he_o answerable_a gift_n for_o government_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n he_o do_v also_o promise_v they_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o their_o trust_n be_v clear_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a person_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o say_v they_o this_o command_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o elder_n only_o as_o also_o the_o command_n be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o reproof_n in_o v_o 2._o and_o you_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o mourn_v etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v more_o reprove_v than_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n belong_v to_o other_o than_o these_o in_o answer_v this_o argument_n we_o shall_v first_o retort_v it_o on_o themselves_o for_o if_o so_o be_v the_o argument_n hold_v good_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n for_o if_o the_o command_n be_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n than_o they_o be_v not_o except_v and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o reproof_n be_v give_v than_o it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o doubtless_o woman_n and_o child_n mourn_v no_o more_o than_o the_o man_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v also_o now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o against_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o two_o main_a pillar_n whereon_o they_o build_v their_o argument_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o like_a latitude_n with_o the_o reproof_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o point_n that_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n know_v that_o god_n use_v to_o give_v command_v indefinite_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v apply_v to_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o those_o person_n to_o who_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a calling_n interest_n or_o relation_n the_o command_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v make_v this_o clear_a from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o 31._o where_o paul_n speak_v general_o to_o the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n you_o may_v all_o prophecy_n one_o by_o one_o etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o and_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n mind_n that_o all_o to_o who_o he_o writ_n shall_v do_v this_o but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v ability_n and_o a_o call_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o precede_a 12_o chap._n 29._o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v than_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v to_o esteem_v high_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o work_n sake_n for_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v for_o the_o people_n so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o yet_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o but_o only_o by_o some_o to_o wit_n the_o church_n officer_n and_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o same_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o wit_n the_o relax_a of_o the_o incestous_a man_n from_o excommunication_n and_o say_v he_o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o now_o he_o do_v not_o say_v inflict_v of_o all_o as_o they_o will_v make_v the_o word_n bear_v but_o inflict_v of_o many_o yea_o as_o the_o learned_a observe_v the_o word_n many_o signify_v the_o chief_a one_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v matth_n 12._o 41_o a_o great_a than_o ionas_n so_o paul_n explain_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o but_o the_o chief_a one_o to_o wit_n the_o ruler_n by_o who_o the_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o now_o for_o answer_v their_o objection_n iv._o in_o the_o nixt_a place_n we_o shall_v come_v and_o apply_v the_o whole_a purpose_n to_o a_o threefold_a use._n and_o the_o first_o be_v see_v this_o error_n as_o we_o have_v now_o make_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o will_v have_v you_o suspect_v fair_a pretence_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o there_o be_v no_o error_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n than_o this_o have_v it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n say_v they_o shall_v not_o they_o judge_v other_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o that_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n have_v and_o so_o we_o need_v to_o stumble_v the_o less_o at_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o say_v they_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n numb-16_a 3._o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o private_a christian_n that_o you_o will_v do_v your_o duty_n and_o second_o content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n and_o first_o do_v your_o duty_n whereof_o many_o come_v short_a doubtless_o many_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n see_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o officer_n thereof_o minister_n and_o elder_n nay_o but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n although_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o believer_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v even_o their_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o private_a christian_n that_o when_o your_o private_a admonition_n do_v not_o the_o business_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v this_o matth_n 16._o where_o christ_n institute_n this_o order_n v_o 16._o 1._o to_o tell_v thy_o brother_n private_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v bring_v two_o or_o three_o more_o witness_n with_o thou_o then_o if_o that_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o every_o church_n member_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v even_o their_o minister_n and_o elder_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o when_o slack_a and_o when_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o tell_v it_o to_o other_o and_o we_o will_v charge_v you_o to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o usual_o you_o do_v a_o second_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n we_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o practice_n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v a_o doctrine_n on_o trust_n from_o minister_n though_o apostle_n nay_o not_o from_o angel_n though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v galat._n 1._o 8._o and_o private_a christian_n come_v short_a of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n also_o many_o seek_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o what_o minister_n preach_v it_o be_v a_o loose_a ground_n for_o you_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o second_o as_o you_o will_v make_v conscience_n of_o your_o duty_n so_o you_o will_v content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n you_o will_v look_v on_o church_n officer_n and_o reverence_n they_o you_o be_v not_o to_o say_v what_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o in_o ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o be_v as_o fit_a as_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n appoint_v by_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o who_o reproach_v they_o reproach_v his_o ordinance_n and_o break_v down_o the_o hedge_n appoint_v by_o god_n the_o three_o use_n be_v direct_v to_o church_n officer_n those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v instruct_v with_o this_o power_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n you_o shall_v so_o carry_v yourselves_o in_o your_o place_n as_o not_o to_o tempt_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o despise_v your_o office_n when_o the_o lord_n people_n hear_v of_o a_o elder_a to_o be_v a_o tipler_n or_o a_o swearer_n it_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o they_o to_o despise_v both_o that_o elder_a and_o his_o office_n many_o sure_o in_o this_o be_v stumble_v block_n to_o people_n as_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o people_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v weight_n
in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o one_o reason_n that_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o beautify_v it_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o many_o as_o a_o place_n of_o respect_n and_o not_o of_o office_n if_o a_o man_n be_v rich_a than_o his_o neighbour_n he_o think_v he_o be_v not_o respect_v if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a and_o have_v goten_a the_o name_n he_o care_v for_o no_o more_o now_o be_v that_o the_o way_n either_o to_o make_v people_n respect_v thy_o person_n or_o thy_o office_n let_v i_o obtest_v and_o charge_v all_o of_o you_o who_o have_v take_v on_o this_o heavenly_a call_v as_o you_o will_v answer_v on_o your_o hazard_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n that_o you_o will_v study_v by_o all_o mean_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o to_o beautify_v it_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v labour_v to_o disgrace_v it_o and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o independency_n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church-session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o it_o be_v that_o for_o which_o main_o they_o be_v call_v independent_o the_o point_n they_o affirm_v be_v this_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n be_v instruct_v with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n when_o they_o go_v wrong_v to_o rescind_v any_o act_n once_o conclude_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o unjust_a they_o grant_v that_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v meet_v to_o consult_v about_o matter_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n any_o congregation_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v wrong_v by_o a_o session_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o it_o may_v very_o ready_o fall_v out_o he_o must_v sit_v with_o his_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o right_v it_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n or_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n divide_v turn_v heretic_n run_v wrong_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n do_v there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o give_v a_o advice_n which_o they_o may_v either_o follow_v or_o not_o follow_v as_o like_v they_o best_o we_o again_o grant_v that_o particular_a eldership_n have_v a_o power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o exercise_n discipline_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o congregation_n in_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o other_o thing_n of_o more_o public_a concernment_n that_o be_v to_o say_v thing_n that_o concern_v other_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v handle_v by_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a and_o that_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o particular_a concernment_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o appeal_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a so_o that_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v wrong_n partial_a or_o erroneous_a they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o show_v the_o fashood_n of_o this_o error_n as_o also_o for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o speak_v against_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n these_o three_o truth_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o it_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a eldership_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o word_n a_o platform_n or_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o presbytry_n over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a the_o second_o truth_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o beside_o the_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v establish_v by_o presbytry_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n great_a church_n judicatory_n to_o wit_n synod_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n instruct_v with_o power_n of_o church_n government_n from_o christ_n also_o and_o three_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n synod_n to_o general_n assembly_n so_o that_o the_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v power_n over_o the_o inferior_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o and_o complaint_n 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o censure_v they_o for_o miscarry_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o enact_v church_n canon_n or_o conclusion_n bind_v to_o they_o which_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n ¶_o 1_n there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n i_o only_a premit_fw-la this_o that_o however_o we_o have_v the_o very_a name_n of_o this_o presbytry_n whereabout_o we_o dispute_v hold_v out_o in_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o whereby_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v be_v mean_v the_o presbytry_n we_o plead_v for_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o dispute_v about_o name_n though_o the_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a to_o wit_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n we_o may_v instance_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n corinth_n and_o of_o rome_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o church_n be_v not_o single_a congregation_n but_o presbyterial_a church_n under_o one_o common_a government_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o spend_v of_o time_n in_o point_v out_o this_o in_o all_o these_o church_n we_o shall_v instance_n it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o by_o this_o one_o you_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o first_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o their_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o particular_a congregation_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n and_o judicatory_a set_v over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a which_o two_o be_v make_v out_o the_o point_n we_o intend_v will_v appear_v evident_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o government_n set_v over_o many_o congregation_n in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a such_o as_o our_o presbytry_n be_v over_o all_o the_o particular_a church-session_n in_o the_o bound_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o shall_v make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o one_o and_o this_o from_o four_o ground_n first_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o church_n member_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n second_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n that_o be_v there_o more_o than_o can_v get_v work_n in_o one_o single_a congregation_n three_o from_o the_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o that_o church_n and_o four_o from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n they_o resort_v to_o for_o god_n service_n and_o first_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o church_n member_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o compare_v place_n with_o place_n we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v more_o than_o one_o single_a congregation_n take_v a_o view_n of_o some_o of_o these_o place_n act_n 1._o 15._o they_o be_v number_v to_o be_v about_o one_fw-mi hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o act._n 2._o 41._o there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o then_o in_o v_o 47._o there_o be_v daily_a addition_n of_o more_o and_o more_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 4._o 4._o we_o see_v yet_o a_o great_a increase_n there_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o concern_v which_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v add_v present_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o number_n before_o
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elâ—ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o meâ—_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o â—aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o james_n add_v somewhat_o to_o wit_n that_o however_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o to_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n they_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v &c_n &c_n v_a 20._o and_o therefore_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n intend_v to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v full_o to_o the_o point_n which_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o that_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o pen_v scripture_n four_o because_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o act_n 15._o 22._o 23._o act._n 16._o 4._o act._n 21._o 25._o now_o
the_o difference_n which_o they_o like_v best_a and_o hence_o arise_v contest_v jangle_n and_o matter_n of_o rent_v the_o church_n now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o independency_n leave_v for_o prevent_v of_o this_o five_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n leave_v no_o remedy_n to_o a_o congregation_n want_v a_o minister_n for_o trial_n of_o the_o next_o that_o come_v who_o trial_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o how_o slight_a that_o trial_n will_v be_v any_o may_v judge_v how_o few_o parish_n can_v try_v a_o minister_n in_o his_o ability_n if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o preach_v convince_v gainsayer_n watch_v against_o raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v remee_v in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n according_a to_o paul_n rule_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o that_o minister_n be_v ordain_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o five_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n other_o defect_n also_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o these_o may_v suffice_v our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o matth._n 18._o 16._o 17._o 18._o where_o jesus_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o private_a scandal_n or_o deal_v with_o a_o offend_a brother_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o gain_v a_o offend_a brother_n how_o much_o more_o for_o gain_v a_o offend_a church_n it_o be_v above_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o church_n may_v offend_v walk_v inoder_o wrest_v justice_n now_o sure_o god_n care_n must_v be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o of_o one_o member_n so_o that_o our_o consequence_n hold_v but_o we_o assume_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o heal_v the_o scandal_n of_o a_o offend_a congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o complean_v to_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n above_o they_o this_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o censure_v them-themselves_a they_o can_v be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o proportion_n for_o by_o that_o same_o rule_n that_o private_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o eldership_n whereof_o they_o be_v part_n so_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o presbytry_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o part_n and_o if_o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o private_a christian_a be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o the_o one_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o eldership_n take_v away_o by_o the_o other_o our_o three_o argument_n be_v from_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v before_o that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v forth_o government_n by_o presbytry_n over_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o synod_n over_o presbytry_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o that_o the_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v still_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o the_o way_n then_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n it_o be_v prove_v before_o so_o we_o have_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v so_o now_o and_o to_o clear_v this_o consequence_n consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v record_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n rome_n 15._o 4._o 2._o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n a_o promise_n of_o who_o presence_n they_o have_v with_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o if_o so_o than_o their_o practice_n must_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o generation_n follow_v 1_o cor_n 11._o 1._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o etc._n etc._n 3._o we_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n as_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o give_v the_o people_n liberty_n in_o choise_v their_o own_o deacon_n act._n 7._o we_o argue_v that_o the_o people_n may_v choice_n their_o own_o officer_n yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 15._o we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v rule_v elder_n yet_o so_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v they_o yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n act_n 27._o we_o argue_v therefore_o 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be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o remain_v clear_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o point_n be_v bind_v to_o we_o now_o argument_n four_o there_o be_v no_o pattern_n of_o such_o a_o independent_a congregation_n by_o precept_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n where_o one_o particular_a congregation_n with_o one_o pastor_n and_o their_o eldership_n do_v exercise_n or_o may_v exercise_v all_o church_n government_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o that_o independent_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a first_o a_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o one_o congregation_n second_o by_o precept_n and_o practice_n ordination_n be_v to_o be_v by_o more_o pastor_n than_o one_o as_o act_n 1._o 13._o act._n 6._o 2._o act_n 13._o 13._o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v by_o pastor_n and_o many_o pastor_n and_o so_o can_v be_v by_o a_o single_a congregation_n where_o there_o be_v require_v and_o shall_v be_v say_v they_o but_o one_o pastor_n as_o to_o what_o they_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a man_n we_o answer_v corinth_n be_v a_o presbyterial_a church_n and_o second_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v independent_o for_o if_o a_o controversy_n have_v arisen_a about_o it_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v end_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o a_o synod_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v act_v 15._o argument_n five_o if_o so_o be_v that_o congregation_n be_v independent_a and_o no_o benefit_n of_o appeal_n allow_v to_o the_o party_n grieve_v then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o great_a slavery_n than_o the_o jewish_a but_o
the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o the_o house_n be_v so_o call_v because_o it_o contain_v they_o by_o a_o usual_a figure_n the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v to_o dispute_v of_o be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v build_v of_o timber_n and_o stone_n second_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a those_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n be_v live_a member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o draw_v spiritual_a influence_n from_o he_o concern_v the_o church_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n but_o that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v only_o make_v up_o of_o believer_n be_v all_o gracious_a because_o this_o church_n be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n the_o lamb_n wife_n all_o fair_a undefiled_a etc._n etc._n three_o the_o question_n then_o be_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n a_o real_a right_o to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o church_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n be_v we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o first_o the_o church_n be_v call_v visible_a not_o because_o the_o member_n of_o it_o may_v be_v see_v for_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o church_n invisible_a the_o church_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v call_v visible_a for_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v believe_a man_n and_o woman_n may_v be_v see_v also_o but_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o those_o two_o sense_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o make_v one_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o one_o church_n as_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o other_o that_o which_o make_v one_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v true_a grace_n sincere_a faith_n inward_a mark_n thereof_o now_o grace_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v see_v by_o another_o certain_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v outward_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v such_o that_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v the_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o so_o as_o the_o one_o can_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o other_o by_o a_o beholder_n the_o nature_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o know_v infallible_o and_o certain_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o church_n be_v call_v invisible_a again_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v something_o that_o may_v be_v see_v something_o that_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o from_o it_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o understanding_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o enjoy_v of_o outward_a privilege_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o inward_a privilege_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n inward_a privilege_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o a_o right_n to_o he_o a_o save_v right_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a these_o be_v the_o inward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o only_a believer_n have_v right_a to_o those_o paint_a hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o be_v take_v a_o care_n of_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o servant_n to_o have_v liberty_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n these_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o these_o be_v privilege_n that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o we_o say_v they_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n or_o a_o church_n right_o to_o they_o that_o be_v such_o a_o right_a as_o give_v warrant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o receive_v they_o to_o enjoy_v these_o privilege_n and_o yet_o possible_o they_o have_v not_o a_o right_n to_o they_o before_o god_n as_o for_o example_n when_o there_o be_v a_o paint_a hypocrite_n in_o a_o congregation_n who_o make_v conscience_n seem_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o man_n have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o come_v to_o a_o communion_n such_o a_o right_a as_o may_v warrant_v the_o minister_n for_o admit_v of_o he_o although_o he_o have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o come_v before_o god_n god_n will_v challenge_v the_o hypocrite_n for_o come_v and_o not_o the_o minister_n for_o suffer_v he_o to_o come_v yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o this_o ecclesiestical_a right_n be_v not_o save_v yet_o it_o be_v real_a in_o its_o kind_n be_v found_v upon_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinance_n of_o admit_v such_o therein_o now_o you_o may_v know_v somewhat_o by_o this_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v warrant_n to_o church_n officer_n to_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v these_o outward_a privilege_n and_o so_o you_o may_v know_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o visible_a church_n whereof_o we_o dispute_v there_o be_v several_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n concern_v the_o visible_a church_n first_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o a_o single_a congregation_n as_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n this_o we_o refute_v in_o the_o former_a controversy_n by_o show_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v that_o society_n till_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o true_o godly_a and_o gracious_a yet_o if_o he_o take_v not_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o if_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n he_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o â—agan_a to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v without_o any_o church_n ordinance_n the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o truth_n herein_o be_v this_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n come_v out_o of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o call_v a_o paroch_n to_o another_o by_o his_o so_o do_v he_o come_v
again_o attain_v we_o read_v act._n 15._o 39_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n part_v but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o meeting_n again_o and_o church_n history_n show_v we_o that_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n for_o almost_o just_a nothing_o have_v continue_v incurable_a for_o some_o generation_n until_o not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o schism_n but_o also_o their_o disciple_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n osiand_n gent._n 4._o reas._n 6._o when_o a_o rent_n be_v make_v in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v hardly_o curable_a so_o it_o still_o grow_v wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whereabout_o a_o rent_n begin_v than_o whereat_o it_o will_v end_v the_o great_a of_o church_n division_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v have_v but_o small_a beginning_n hence_o be_v that_o common_o receive_v maxim_n omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la desinit_fw-la in_o haresin_n the_o faction_n of_o the_o donatist_n at_o first_o make_v but_o a_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o faulty_a officer_n and_o mix_v communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o until_o they_o fall_v into_o several_a heresy_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n our_o first_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n the_o doctrine_n refute_v at_o least_o lay_v a_o just_a odium_fw-la upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o congregational_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o perpetual_a rent_v of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v reckon_v four_n the_o first_o be_v that_o principle_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a church_n a_o most_o divide_v principle_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v way_n for_o every_o man_n to_o separate_a from_o his_o own_o and_o to_o join_v himself_o with_o another_o church_n suppose_v pure_a with_o contempt_n of_o the_o former_a congregation_n to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v but_o not_o to_o heal_v disease_a church_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v many_o church_n for_o make_v up_o of_o one_o as_o if_o one_o go_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n shall_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v out_o all_o the_o sound_a member_n and_o leave_v the_o rot_a and_o disease_a member_n either_o to_o cure_v one_o another_o or_o to_o perish_v a_o strange_a and_o desperate_a way_n of_o cure_n a_o second_o divide_v principle_n in_o that_o way_n be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v ecclesiastic_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o their_o church_n member_n to_o wit_n conviction_n of_o their_o inward_a good_a estate_n which_o rule_n be_v variable_a and_o uncertain_a some_o will_v judge_v 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this_o breach_n shall_v be_v under_o our_o hand_n a_o three_o thing_n to_o make_v our_o present_a division_n weighty_a be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a weight_n which_o god_n people_n up_o and_o down_o the_o land_n lie_v under_o it_o be_v a_o weight_n beyond_o all_o other_o weight_n and_o suffering_n and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o weight_n it_o ought_v for_o many_o reason_n to_o be_v much_o more_o we_o four_o our_o division_n and_o course_v take_v for_o carry_v they_o on_o have_v give_v a_o deep_a inward_a wound_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n house_n than_o all_o the_o outward_a power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v do_v the_o lead_n of_o we_o by_o pair_n to_o a_o stake_n for_o our_o adhere_n to_o the_o government_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mother_n church_n our_o imprisonment_n banishment_n the_o lay_n of_o congregation_n desolate_a for_o that_o cause_n can_v not_o have_v shake_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o in_o relation_n to_o these_o truth_n so_o much_o as_o our_o 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grant_v by_o all_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v much_o withdraw_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o life_n convey_v by_o preach_v not_o such_o access_n grant_v in_o prayer_n no_o such_o delight_n in_o mean_n no_o such_o joy_n in_o his_o presence_n this_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n regret_v by_o all_o but_o lament_v by_o few_o and_o few_o yet_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n return_v and_o show_v himself_o as_o sometime_o he_o have_v do_v and_o until_o this_o be_v we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o less_o success_n of_o any_o attempt_n make_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o our_o sore_a stroke_n but_o if_o god_n will_v return_v it_o be_v then_o easy_a work_n one_o glimpse_n of_o he_o fill_v the_o house_n with_o his_o glory_n will_v scatter_v the_o cloud_n of_o mutual_a jealousy_n make_v we_o as_o man_n ashamed_a steal_v from_o all_o our_o divide_v principle_n will_v put_v to_o silence_v all_o our_o turbulent_a distemper_n and_o make_v we_o blush_v at_o our_o proud_a and_o selfish_a animosity_n o_o for_o more_o of_o god_n then_o will_v all_o be_v well_o but_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v eye_v by_o we_o while_o we_o aim_v at_o union_n first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o our_o union_n will_v begin_v at_o our_o unite_n in_o judgement_n in_o that_o question_n about_o which_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n begin_v it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o stand_n at_o a_o distance_n in_o other_o thing_n until_o we_o shall_v be_v unite_v in_o that_o shall_v put_v we_o at_o a_o further_a distance_n even_o in_o that_o our_o union_n in_o practice_n first_o will_v be_v the_o short_a cut_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o union_n of_o judgement_n about_o that_o question_n if_o ever_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o at_o all_o hence_o public_a debating_n before_o the_o people_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o make_v other_o odious_a who_o be_v not_o of_o our_o way_n be_v not_o the_o way_n for_o union_n such_o work_n irritate_v but_o convince_v not_o it_o be_v true_a no_o truth_n may_v be_v quit_v for_o union_n no_o not_o the_o least_o quisquilâ—a_o veritatâ—â—_n praetiosissima_fw-la the_o very_a refuse_n of_o truth_n be_v most_o precious_a yet_o that_o the_o positive_a assert_v of_o some_o truth_n may_v be_v forbear_v for_o peace_n sake_n i_o believe_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o only_o there_o be_v one_o exception_n here_o necessary_a to_o wit_n when_o truth_n be_v impugn_a then_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o speak_v for_o it_o at_o least_o till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n give_v to_o that_o oppose_v truth_n as_o may_v â—e_v rest_v upon_o and_o in_o this_o case_n some_o may_v be_v make_v unwilling_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v once_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o own_o estimation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 11._o i_o be_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v you_o have_v compel_v i_o for_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v commend_v of_o you_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v god_n know_v i_o have_v no_o more_o delight_n to_o speak_v of_o this_o subject_n than_o you_o have_v to_o hear_v i_o but_o your_o indiscretion_n force_v i_o to_o it_o a_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v carry_v along_o with_o we_o while_o we_o aim_v at_o union_n be_v no_o union_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o which_o the_o doctrine_n speak_v can_v be_v expect_v in_o the_o church_n except_o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o one_o supreme_a representative_a land_n that_o such_o a_o one_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v stand_v under_o for_o the_o present_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o civil_a
have_v be_v convert_v and_o endue_v with_o save_v grace_n neither_o do_v grace_n here_o signify_v god_n grace_n inherent_a in_o they_o but_o god_n grace_n and_o free_a favour_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o in_o bring_v a_o great_a many_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o who_o there_o doubtless_o be_v many_o sincere_a and_o real_a convert_v though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o however_o the_o thing_n he_o see_v be_v the_o mighty_a progress_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o occasion_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n mention_v verse_n 19_o the_o minister_n be_v force_v to_o flee_v from_o their_o flock_n wherever_o they_o go_v they_o preach_v god_n grace_n and_o mighty_a hand_n accompany_v their_o labour_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n which_o barnabas_n see_v hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n that_o sad_a 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little_a other_o comfort_n leave_v they_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n be_v a_o tasty_a sauce_n to_o make_v the_o word_n relish_v psal._n 141._o v_o 6._o when_o their_o judge_n be_v overthrow_v in_o stony_a place_n they_o shall_v hear_v my_o word_n for_o they_o be_v sweet_a 2._o at_o such_o time_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o diligent_a in_o their_o work_n as_o they_o can_v have_v access_n to_o it_o and_o more_o fervent_a in_o deal_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o their_o work_n because_o the_o thrive_a of_o their_o work_n be_v all_o the_o reward_n which_o they_o can_v then_o expect_v and_o 3._o the_o lord_n do_v then_o usual_o countenance_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o servant_n most_o because_o they_o be_v most_o despise_v few_o do_v then_o care_v for_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n take_v this_o way_n both_o to_o hearten_v they_o and_o to_o put_v respect_n upon_o they_o and_o 4._o the_o courageous_a 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barnabas_n it_o make_v he_o glad_a for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o gospel_n and_o truth_n do_v spread_v and_o gain_v ground_n among_o people_n be_v matter_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o a_o godly_a heart_n though_o the_o time_n be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o sad_a for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a at_o this_o time_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o they_o have_v stone_v the_o first_o martyr_n stephen_n to_o death_n a_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o use_v he_o so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o most_o notorious_a malefactor_n that_o ever_o the_o earth_n carry_v and_o 2._o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n the_o scribe_n pharisee_n high-priest_n a_o company_n of_o degenerate_a corrupt_a churchman_n who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v sit_v at_o jerusalem_n guide_v all_o thing_n at_o their_o pleasure_n that_o if_o any_o do_v but_o mutter_v against_o their_o state_n and_o dignity_n though_o in_o the_o further_a part_n of_o all_o the_o realm_n their_o hand_n can_v easy_o reach_v they_o they_o need_v no_o more_o but_o hound_n out_o a_o saul_n with_o a_o commission_n if_o it_o be_v to_o damascâ—s_n to_o take_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o bind_v to_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 9_o 1_o 2._o and_o 3._o if_o you_o consider_v his_o own_o poor_a condition_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n who_o be_v hunt_v from_o corner_n to_o corner_n yea_o from_o kingdom_n to_o kingdom_n these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a and_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o take_v all_o in_o the_o better_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n digest_v all_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v accompany_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o despise_a servant_n and_o a_o rich_a income_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o he_o be_v glad_a he_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n so_o transport_v with_o it_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o forget_v stephen_n death_n he_o envy_v not_o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n noâ—_n do_v much_o resent_v his_o own_o hard_a lot_n or_o that_o of_o other_o who_o be_v christ_n faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n all_o which_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o truth_n will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glad_a though_o the_o time_n otherwise_o be_v never_o so_o sad_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n philip_n 1._o 12._o the_o thing_n which_o happen_v unto_o i_o say_v he_o mean_v his_o bond_n imprisonment_n and_o other_o harsh_a usage_n have_v fall_v out_o rather_o unto_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereupon_o v_o 18._o he_o break_v out_o what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v for_o use_v 1._o try_v yourselves_o by_o this_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v you_o glad_a be_v it_o the_o thrive_a of_o god_n work_n in_o soul_n the_o down-bearing_a of_o sin_n the_o growth_n of_o piety_n if_o so_o it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o barnabas_n temper_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n do_v rather_o make_v the_o sad_a and_o if_o the_o back-going_a of_o god_n work_n the_o destroy_v what_o he_o have_v build_v the_o pluck_n up_o of_o what_o he_o have_v plant_v the_o thrive_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o general_a looseness_n of_o the_o time_n if_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n make_v thou_o glad_a it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o woeful_a temper_n a_o very_a godless_a heart_n but_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glaâ—_n in_o the_o sad_a of_o time_n then_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v thrive_v in_o heart_n that_o those_o woeful_a spiritual_a plague_n of_o security_n deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o gospel_n may_v take_v many_o by_o the_o heart_n who_o never_o hitherto_o know_v the_o power_n of_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o god_n to_o bless_v his_o truth_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o despise_a and_o persecute_v servant_n and_o to_o make_v a_o gracious_a change_n though_o wickedness_n be_v at_o the_o great_a height_n and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o other_o sadness_n of_o the_o time_n thou_o who_o be_v a_o godly_a heart_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v glad_a yea_o and_o thou_o shall_v
state_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o union_n can_v be_v there_o as_o of_o one_o actual_o incorporate_a body_n except_o it_o be_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a ruler_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a representative_a under_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v stand_v for_o the_o present_a but_o one_o part_n stand_v for_o its_o authority_n another_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o or_o set_v up_o another_o against_o it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v clear_a there_o be_v no_o complete_a union_n but_o a_o fix_a schism_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o strong_a tendency_n unto_o it_o a_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v eye_v be_v if_o so_o our_o union_n must_v be_v under_o one_o supreme_a representative_a than_o such_o way_n of_o union_n will_v do_v no_o good_a as_o carry_v not_o along_v the_o body_n a_o union_n if_o not_o with_o the_o body_n instead_o of_o heal_v do_v widen_v the_o rent_n a_o resolution_n or_o desire_n to_o unite_v with_o a_o few_o not_o care_v for_o the_o rest_n will_v not_o produce_v a_o union_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o the_o church_n these_o few_o will_v possible_o as_o glad_o unite_v as_o other_o will_v have_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o a_o strengthen_n of_o the_o breach_n four_o yet_o a_o part_n ought_v to_o labour_v with_o the_o body_n for_o condescend_v as_o low_a as_o warrantable_o can_v be_v for_o peace_n sake_n only_o a_o caveat_n must_v be_v here_o they_o be_v so_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o body_n to_o condescend_v for_o union_n as_o to_o beware_v of_o make_v a_o new_a rupture_n in_o the_o body_n upon_o their_o not_o grant_v for_o that_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a way_n to_o make_v a_o new_a rent_n because_o other_o will_v not_o take_v our_o way_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o old_a five_o if_o we_o desire_v a_o hearty_a cordial_a union_n 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more_o public_a which_o if_o maintain_v in_o our_o judgement_n will_v close_v the_o door_n upon_o union_n in_o haste_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o sit_v in_o a_o assembly_n with_o those_o who_o have_v enact_v persecution_n against_o the_o godly_a and_o this_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o propounder_n &_o as_o it_o be_v express_o though_o injurious_o apply_v by_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o any_o assembly_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o who_o act_v in_o and_o approve_a of_o our_o late_a controvert_v assembly_n now_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o such_o why_o not_o also_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o in_o a_o presbytry_n likewise_o make_v up_o of_o such_o yea_o and_o to_o join_v at_o a_o communion_n table_n where_o the_o most_o part_n be_v such_o and_o indeed_o some_o of_o the_o people_n chief_o draw_v out_o their_o principle_n to_o this_o full_a length_n a_o principle_n which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a throat_n of_o peace_n and_o if_o stand_v to_o make_v it_o desperate_a and_o so_o i_o hope_v be_v and_o will_v be_v disow_v by_o all_o who_o cordial_o pretend_v to_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n these_o i_o conceive_v and_o many_o more_o shall_v be_v eye_v by_o we_o in_o our_o aim_v at_o union_n if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o endeavour_n effectual_a but_o because_o a_o complete_a union_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o soon_o expect_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v two_o direction_n for_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v less_o hurt_n by_o they_o at_o least_o the_o first_o direction_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o guard_v against_o these_o tentation_n which_o our_o stand_a division_n may_v ready_o make_v way_n for_o whereof_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o the_o first_o tentation_n be_v this_o a_o oversight_n of_o every_o other_o fault_n almost_o whether_o in_o minister_n or_o professor_n provide_v they_o be_v true_a to_o the_o party_n a_o party_n be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o in_o this_o that_o it_o drive_v man_n if_o not_o all_o the_o more_o tender_a to_o take_v fidelity_n unto_o the_o party_n to_o be_v the_o prime_n if_o not_o the_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o badge_n of_o honesty_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o look_v on_o all_o other_o thing_n whether_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o loose_a practice_n as_o excusable_a infirmity_n a_o woeful_a tentation_n and_o destructive_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v guard_v against_o on_o both_o hand_n a_o second_o tentation_n be_v the_o secret_a wish_v after_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o slip_v one_o of_o another_o a_o evil_a so_o woeful_a that_o david_n complain_v to_o god_n of_o it_o even_o in_o his_o avow_a enemy_n ps._n 38._o 16._o when_o my_o foot_n slip_v they_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o and_o jeremiah_n complain_v of_o it_o in_o his_o false_a friend_n ch._n 20._o v._n 10._o they_o watch_v for_o my_o halt_n and_o yet_o a_o evil_a that_o even_o good_a man_n if_o once_o engage_v in_o party_n will_v have_v a_o battle_n with_o a_o three_o tentation_n upon_o our_o stand_v divide_v and_o which_o be_v also_o to_o be_v guard_v against_o be_v a_o bend_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o outmost_a of_o light_n and_o possible_o beyond_o it_o for_o strengthen_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o who_o now_o rule_n which_o not_o long_o since_o we_o will_v have_v abhor_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o as_o gift_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a exod._n 23._o so_o the_o seem_a advantage_n unto_o that_o which_o we_o conceive_v truth_n may_v draw_v out_o somewhat_o like_o a_o approbation_n to_o such_o like_a work_n from_o those_o of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o if_o these_o do_v approve_v it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n think_v we_o that_o other_o do_v disapprove_v but_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v there_o be_v other_o to_o sift_v our_o action_n foreign_a church_n abroad_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v sober_a and_o settle_a and_o above_o all_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all._n a_o second_o direction_n for_o manage_v our_o difference_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o other_o as_o to_o take_v our_o eye_n off_o from_o guard_v against_o that_o which_o be_v satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n satan_n do_v as_o a_o subtle_a warrior_n labour_n to_o raise_v a_o mutiny_n among_o the_o force_n which_o shall_v oppose_v he_o that_o while_o they_o be_v wrangle_v one_o with_o another_o he_o may_v carry_v his_o point_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n be_v to_o insist_v a_o little_a on_o this_o direction_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v to_o what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n 2_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o this_o his_o main_a design_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v short-coming_a in_o our_o duty_n against_o it_o and_o first_o for_o take_v up_o what_o be_v satan_n great_a design_n we_o shall_v in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o lay_v before_o you_o a_o wonderful_a contexture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o satan_n malice_n since_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o until_o now_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n almost_o but_o satan_n