the_o commonwealth_n as_o the_o lord_n of_o arras_n a_o city_n of_o picardy_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o flanders_n will_v be_v govern_v otherwise_o then_o france_n or_o burgundy_n and_o this_o consideration_n say_v he_o right_o understand_v to_o wit_n not_o to_o press_v uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o let_v the_o church_n use_v its_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n uniformity_n notwithstanding_o the_o contradiction_n of_o many_o of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n luther_n also_o that_o choose_a vessel_n of_o christ_n do_v clear_o oppose_v this_o evil_n of_o uniformity_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n touch_v uniformity_n of_o ceremony_n mundi_fw-la if_o one_o church_n will_v not_o follow_v another_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n in_o those_o outward_a thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n which_o presen_o be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o snare_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v one_o church_n free_o imitate_v another_o or_o let_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o use_v its_o own_o way_n so_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n be_v preserve_v in_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n though_o there_o be_v variety_n and_o diversity_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o element_n of_o the_o world_n again_o the_o same_o luther_n after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o form_n of_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o wittingberg_n conclude_v thus_o in_o quibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la cavendum_fw-la ne_fw-la legem_fw-la ex_fw-la libertate_fw-la faciamus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o all_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o a_o law_n of_o liberty_n or_o constrain_v they_o to_o sin_n who_o shall_v either_o do_v otherwise_o or_o shall_v omit_v some_o thing_n so_o they_o permit_v the_o word_n of_o blessing_n to_o remain_v entire_a and_o do_v all_o act_n here_o in_o faith_n for_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o rite_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o freewoman_n who_o may_v keep_v they_o willing_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n have_v power_n to_o change_v they_o when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o they_o will_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n that_o any_o shall_v either_o desire_n or_o establish_v any_o necessary_a form_n as_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o ensnare_v or_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o primitive_a church_n any_o example_n of_o any_o such_o rite_n but_o only_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o quod_fw-la legibus_fw-la hic_fw-la obstringi_fw-la nec_fw-la possent_fw-la nec_fw-la debent_fw-la because_o these_o thing_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o law_n moreover_o if_o divers_a man_n shall_v use_v a_o diverse_a rite_n let_v none_o either_o judge_n or_o contemn_v another_o but_o let_v every_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o let_v we_o all_o savour_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o for_o form_n we_o act_v diverse_o and_o let_v each_o rite_n please_v other_o lest_o by_o diversity_n of_o rite_n follow_v divesity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o outward_a rite_n though_o we_o can_v want_v they_o as_o neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n yet_o they_o commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n but_o only_a faith_n and_o love_n commend_v we_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v that_o of_o paul_n take_v place_n here_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n accipere_fw-la but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o no_o rite_n nor_o form_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o faith_n within_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o same_o form_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittenberg_n which_o he_o write_v out_o for_o nicholas_n hausmannus_fw-la a_o godly_a minister_n he_o say_v which_o copy_n either_o you_o or_o other_o may_v follow_v if_o you_o please_v if_o not_o we_o willing_o give_v place_n to_o the_o anoint_v be_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v from_o you_o or_o any_o other_o more_o profitable_a thing_n these_o thing_n he_o speak_v like_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o as_o in_o other_o that_o act_n these_o thing_n peremptory_o and_o command_v and_o enforce_v they_o by_o secular_a power_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v thief_n and_o murderer_n melancton_n also_o uniformity_n persuade_v certain_a christian_n to_o unity_n who_o differ_v in_o uniformity_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o do_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o in_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n let_v we_o embrace_v one_o another_o with_o mutual_a love_n nostras_fw-la and_o let_v not_o unlikeness_n and_o variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o bucer_n quote_v this_o place_n add_v no_o nor_o of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n disjoin_v our_o mind_n upon_o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o these_o godly_a man_n give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o form_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o the_o faithful_a and_o congregation_n of_o saint_n and_o when_o any_o shall_v set_v down_o any_o form_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v use_v they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o please_v or_o may_v add_v or_o alter_v or_o whole_o reject_v they_o and_o no_o law_n be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o the_o secular_a power_n shall_v enforce_v to_o ensnare_v conscience_n and_o to_o infringe_v christian_a liberty_n and_o to_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v and_o to_o obscure_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o people_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v most_o horrible_o mistake_v that_o now_o urge_v external_a uniformity_n on_o the_o church_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n who_o scarce_o mind_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o name_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n of_o call_v one_o lord_n faith_n baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o do_v earnest_o and_o fierce_o labour_v for_o one_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n one_o directory_n one_o confession_n one_o catechism_n one_o discipline_n and_o to_o have_v these_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v enforce_v on_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n their_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o to_o make_v the_o church_n one_o but_o the_o seer_n be_v blind_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n stand_v only_o or_o chief_o in_o uniformity_n what_o woeful_a division_n will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n live_v in_o one_o form_n the_o father_n after_o the_o flood_n in_o another_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n in_o a_o other_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o another_o yea_o these_o be_v free_a from_o all_o form_n use_v any_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n christ_n himself_o and_o john_n baptist_n who_o both_o live_v in_o the_o same_o time_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n between_o they_o for_o john_n live_v retire_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o christ_n live_v in_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v both_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o their_o disciple_n observe_v no_o uniformity_n for_o john_n disciple_n fast_v oft_o and_o christ_n not_o at_o all_o in_o those_o day_n beside_o at_o first_o the_o believe_a jew_n use_v another_o form_n than_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o after_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o greek_a church_n use_v one_o form_n the_o latin_a another_o and_o several_a church_n under_o both_o several_a form_n and_o so_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n still_o use_v some_o or_o other_o form_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v without_o all_o form_n now_o then_o if_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o unity_n but_o where_o be_v uniformity_n what_o a_o earthquake_n of_o confusion_n and_o division_n will_v this_o make_v through_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o god_n own_o dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n wherefore_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o impose_v and_o enforce_v uniformity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n that_o antichrist_n himself_o can_v devise_v
this_o work_n will_v be_v to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o double_a ruin_n to_o wit_n both_o from_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v you_o faithful_a that_o you_o may_v do_v this_o work_n for_o god_n and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o word_n and_o not_o for_o yourselves_o and_o to_o fulfil_v your_o own_o ends._n and_o now_o as_o you_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v that_o upon_o a_o right_n and_o sure_a foundation_n so_o god_n have_v engage_v my_o heart_n to_o meditate_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o have_v exclude_v your_o power_n from_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n wrong_v you_o as_o you_o shall_v perceive_v but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v you_o from_o dash_v yourselves_o against_o that_o rock_n against_o which_o all_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unwise_a ruler_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n both_o have_v and_o yet_o shall_v dash_v themselves_o in_o piece_n it_o shall_v be_v your_o wisdom_n to_o be_v build_v up_o together_o with_o the_o church_n on_o christ_n but_o it_o will_v be_v your_o confusion_n to_o go_v about_o to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o yourselves_o and_o your_o power_n see_v this_o building_n be_v too_o weighty_a for_o any_o foundation_n but_o christ_n himself_o your_o power_n will_v do_v well_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v christ_n inheritance_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n you_o shall_v be_v happy_a to_o be_v subject_a in_o it_o but_o none_o must_v be_v lord_n or_o lawgiver_n here_o but_o christ_n himself_o let_v not_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o these_o last_o time_n have_v in_o many_o place_n translate_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n of_o the_o clergy_n into_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o magistrate_n any_o long_o keep_v it_o there_o see_v it_o will_v be_v as_o pernicious_a in_o this_o as_o in_o that_o for_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a an_o evil_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o make_v himself_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o pope_n or_o general_a council_n in_o all_o the_o kingdom_n call_v christian_a or_o for_o the_o archbishop_n or_o national_a assembly_n in_o particular_a kingdom_n man_n have_v common_o think_v that_o to_o preserve_v the_o godly_a in_o worldly_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n whereas_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o faith_n hope_n love_n in_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n in_o and_o through_o the_o spirit_n this_o only_a be_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o this_o ofttimes_o be_v better_a do_v by_o christ_n who_o work_n only_o it_o be_v in_o affliction_n then_o in_o prosperity_n wherefore_o do_v you_o look_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o state_n and_o trust_v christ_n with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o church_n see_v he_o be_v both_o faithful_a and_o able_a to_o save_v it_o perfect_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v in_o christ_n only_o and_o no_o part_n of_o it_o out_o of_o he_o no_o not_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o this_o their_o peace_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o preserve_v in_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o desperate_a evil_n of_o the_o world_n now_o what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o wherein_o its_o peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v be_v here_o in_o some_o measure_n declare_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o faithful_a everywhere_o and_o particular_o for_o your_o good_a lest_o you_o be_v glorious_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o one_o work_n shall_v miscarry_v in_o another_o and_o this_o i_o have_v do_v through_o god_n not_o because_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o church_n any_o long_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o its_o peace_n and_o why_o shall_v the_o member_n of_o it_o any_o long_a lie_n as_o scatter_a bone_n dry_a and_o dead_a and_o not_o gather_v up_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o live_a body_n and_o who_o can_v long_o endure_v to_o see_v unskilful_a physician_n under_o pretence_n of_o heal_v the_o church_n wound_v it_o still_o deep_o and_o under_o pretence_n of_o procure_v its_o peace_n hurry_v it_o into_o endless_a dissension_n and_o division_n in_o this_o case_n of_o necessity_n i_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v both_o out_o of_o duty_n and_o love_n and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o will_v despise_v to_o hear_v who_o consider_v that_o god_n when_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a choose_v babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n that_o so_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v the_o more_o glorify_v and_o admire_v in_o his_o weak_a and_o mean_a instrument_n now_o let_v his_o praise_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o give_v you_o the_o honour_n that_o all_o his_o saint_n have_v and_o this_o be_v his_o hearty_a desire_n who_o humble_o write_v himself_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n william_n dell._n to_o his_o excellency_n the_o lord_n general_n fairfax_n and_o the_o honourable_a lieutenant-general_n cromwell_n together_o with_o the_o council_n of_o war._n the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v turn_v your_o course_n backward_o like_o jordan_n from_o what_o it_o be_v a_o year_n ago_o and_o all_o former_a enchantment_n and_o divination_n use_v against_o you_o be_v dissolve_v through_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o same_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o you_o after_o a_o manifest_a withdraw_a of_o it_o and_o you_o through_o a_o bless_a necessity_n be_v now_o do_v that_o work_n of_o god_n which_o once_o you_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o viz._n the_o procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o subdue_a the_o great_a enemy_n of_o peace_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o enmity_n against_o peace_n that_o be_v enwrap_v in_o our_o very_a law_n and_o degenerate_v constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o think_v good_a while_o you_o be_v thus_o busy_a about_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n without_o you_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o peace_n within_o you_o and_o a_o eternal_a peace_n as_o the_o former_a be_v but_o a_o temporal_a for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o have_v peace_n among_o man_n &_o to_o want_v peace_n with_o god_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o destroy_v the_o enemy_n to_o worldly_a peace_n and_o yet_o to_o maintain_v in_o your_o own_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o heavenly_a peace_n take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o your_o present_a employment_n do_v not_o so_o over-ingage_a you_o in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o neglect_v the_o world_n to_o come_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o seek_v yourselves_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n here_o but_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o now_o here_o in_o this_o discourse_n shall_v you_o see_v a_o better_a peace_n and_o agreement_n than_o you_o be_v strive_v for_o though_o your_o work_n also_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a even_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o they_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o christ_n and_o its_o influence_n into_o each_o communion_n of_o saint_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o peace_n can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o your_o sword_n then_o by_o the_o magistrate_n sceptre_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o now_o have_v power_n in_o your_o hand_n to_o another_o purpose_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v yourselves_o as_o to_o do_v that_o yourselves_o which_o you_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o word_n only_o to_o be_v both_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o true_a church_n remain_v free_a in_o the_o freedom_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o it_o or_o else_o the_o lord_n who_o own_o the_o church_n be_v will_v as_o certain_o in_o his_o due_a time_n take_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o throw_v you_o into_o one_o destruction_n
for_o its_o sake_n and_o so_o shall_v every_o other_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o undertake_v against_o it_o verse_n 16._o behold_v i_o have_v create_v the_o smith_n that_o blow_v the_o coal_n in_o the_o fire_n and_o that_o bring_v forth_o a_o instrument_n for_o his_o work_n and_o i_o have_v create_v the_o waster_n to_o destroy_v verse_n 17._o but_o no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v etc._n etc._n thou_o be_v say_v god_n to_o the_o church_n a_o small_a weak_a despise_a contemn_a persecute_a people_n but_o thy_o safety_n protection_n blessing_n lie_v in_o i_o and_o in_o my_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o love_n behold_v i_o have_v create_v the_o smith_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v i_o have_v form_v he_o that_o make_v the_o sword_n and_o gun_n and_o pike_n and_o that_o prepare_v the_o ammunition_n and_o both_o he_o that_o make_v the_o weapon_n and_o he_o that_o use_v it_o be_v in_o my_o hand_n and_o they_o shall_v only_o do_v what_o i_o will_v 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in_o the_o word_n heresy_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n independency_n and_o the_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o grieve_v the_o saint_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o any_o personal_a reproach_n to_o hear_v the_o truth_n and_o light_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n despise_v and_o speak_v against_o and_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v that_o that_o fetch_v not_o only_a tear_n from_o their_o eye_n but_o even_o drop_n of_o blood_n from_o their_o heart_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v much_o dear_a to_o they_o than_o their_o estate_n or_o name_n or_o life_n but_o see_v how_o god_n conquer_v this_o weapon_n of_o the_o enemy_n tongue_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a weapon_n of_o their_o hand_n every_o tongue_n that_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o thou_o shall_v condemn_v all_o that_o speak_v and_o rage_n and_o rail_v and_o reproach_n and_o 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face_n who_o they_o have_v so_o reproach_v the_o very_a presence_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o have_v before_o so_o unworthy_o judge_v they_o yea_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v see_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v justify_v they_o and_o condemn_v their_o enemy_n and_o shall_v say_v lo_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o the_o world_n judge_v for_o sectary_n and_o schismatic_n &_o what_o not_o see_v how_o faithful_a they_o have_v be_v to_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o state_n and_o sure_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v bad_a man_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o these_o and_o thus_o while_o our_o enemy_n judge_v we_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v themselves_o and_o this_o shall_v certain_o be_v do_v as_o sure_a as_o the_o world_n of_o god_n be_v true_a &_o as_o sure_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n for_o this_o be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v you_o shall_v have_v this_o by_o as_o sure_a right_n as_o any_o man_n have_v a_o inheritance_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o he_o this_o be_v your_o heritage_n o_o you_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o make_v void_a the_o force_n of_o every_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v against_o you_o and_o to_o condemn_v every_o tongue_n that_o judge_v you_o this_o promise_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o the_o lot_n of_o our_o inheritance_n and_o in_o this_o we_o rejoice_v that_o while_o we_o serve_v the_o lord_n true_o and_o faithful_o neither_o the_o hand_n nor_o tongue_n of_o the_o enemy_n shall_v hurt_v we_o but_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conquerous_a over_o all_o let_v my_o portion_n fall_v in_o this_o pleasant_a place_n and_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o
it_o do_v not_o belong_v be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n real_o against_o magistracy_n further_o than_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o their_o own_o end_n whereas_o we_o reckon_v magistracy_n not_o less_o magistracy_n no_o less_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n though_o we_o suffer_v under_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o clergy-antichristian_a power_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v will_v still_o sit_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o power_n of_o anti-christ_n so_o domineer_a over_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n that_o none_o but_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n can_v cast_v it_o off_o that_o will_v still_o be_v uppermost_a what_o power_n soever_o be_v supreme_a beside_o all_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a age_n which_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n consider_v not_o god_n give_v you_o sparkling_n enough_o of_o it_o in_o this_o age_n some_o preach_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o make_v outward_a and_o visible_a and_o over_o 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whatsoever_o who_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o saint_n or_o any_o other_o title_n may_v plead_v privilege_n or_o exemption_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n or_o estate_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o that_o be_v to_o justify_v the_o papal_a prelatical_a or_o any_o other_o government_n of_o a_o new_a name_n which_o under_o pretence_n of_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la shall_v set_v up_o and_o exercise_v a_o outward_a and_o visible_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n free_a and_o exempt_v from_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o i_o utter_o both_o deny_v and_o detest_v as_o antichristian_a and_o therefore_o i_o humble_o represent_v how_o prejudicial_a this_o may_v prove_v to_o you_o in_o the_o end_n to_o suffer_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o name_n either_o of_o church_n or_o clergy_n who_o power_n preferment_n &_o interest_n be_v different_a and_o excentrical_a from_o the_o power_n 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parliament_n approve_a mr._n dell_n sermon_n it_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v they_o be_v no_o parliament_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v you_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o a_o parliament_n than_o you_o approve_v what_o the_o assembly_n approve_v but_o the_o kingdom_n hope_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o better_a foundation_n and_o to_o he_o who_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a with_o you_o i_o shall_v only_o crave_v leave_n to_o reply_v in_o your_o presence_n if_o the_o assembly_n which_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o shall_v condemn_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o deliver_v then_o by_o mr._n dell_n it_o will_v be_v no_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o last_o prop_n of_o antichrist_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o yourselves_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v &_o that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v give_v free_a passage_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n after_o god_n have_v blessed_v your_o power_n and_o force_n in_o the_o field_n and_o subdue_v that_o malignant_a power_n that_o be_v against_o you_o and_o have_v give_v you_o a_o little_a peace_n &_o quietness_n in_o the_o kingdom_n you_o do_v not_o now_o begin_v your_o affair_n with_o discountenance_v disrelish_v much_o less_o condemn_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a word_n of_o god_n witness_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o confess_v to_o by_o the_o faithful_a and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n and_o with_o the_o set_n off_o from_o you_o that_o ministry_n that_o have_v most_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o lest_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o you_o and_o your_o
understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v apprehend_v the_o whole_a scripture_n not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o flesh_n scripture_n and_o thus_o be_v antichrist_n kingdom_n first_o set_v up_o and_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o continue_v even_o by_o the_o carnal_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o have_v understand_v the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n carnal_o the_o rock_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v carnal_o the_o door_n of_o this_o kingdom_n carnal_o the_o law_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o carnal_o the_o power_n authority_n government_n glory_n officer_n etc._n etc._n all_o carnal_o and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n which_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o carnal_a church_n understand_v carnal_o i'faith_o hope_n love_n it_o understand_v carnal_o redemption_n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n glorification_n union_n with_o christ_n communion_n of_o the_o spirit_n access_n to_o the_o father_n together_o with_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o office_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o understand_v carnal_o and_o have_v a_o fleshly_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o understand_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o god_n kingdom_n carnal_o carnal_o so_o also_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v not_o great_a and_o grosser_n mistake_v about_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n then_o about_o this_o man_n imagine_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v altogether_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o worldly_a state_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o only_o stand_v in_o outward_a thing_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o humane_a counsel_n and_o humane_a power_n now_o because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o gross_a but_o a_o general_a error_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n both_o of_o high_a and_o of_o low_a degree_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n according_a to_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o i_o to_o represent_v in_o some_o gospel_n light_n to_o this_o honourable_a and_o christian_n auditory_a the_o true_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o bless_v be_v he_o who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o word_n now_o read_v until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v read_v the_o context_n ver._n 9_o the_o first_o tabernacle_n be_v a_o figure_n for_o the_o time_n then_o present_a in_o which_o be_v offer_v both_o gift_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v._o 10._o which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n it_o shall_v be_v righteousness_n or_o justification_n of_o the_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d impose_v on_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n show_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o old_a law_n law_n because_o it_o stand_v in_o outward_a rite_n ceremony_n duty_n performance_n and_o so_o can_v not_o make_v he_o that_o use_v they_o and_o be_v busy_v in_o they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o impose_v these_o thing_n on_o the_o church_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o but_o only_o until_o the_o time_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v not_o only_o evil_a thing_n but_o imperfect_a and_o then_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v now_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o make_v man_n perfect_a heretofore_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v any_o new_a law_n invent_v now_o and_o if_o any_o such_o law_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o the_o people_n of_o god_n now_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o same_o strength_n in_o itself_o to_o make_v they_o void_a as_o the_o former_a and_o also_o the_o same_o ground_n from_o they_o because_o all_o such_o law_n and_o ordinance_n devise_v by_o man_n can_v make_v they_o that_o obey_v and_o practice_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n when_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n come_v quest_n now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o when_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n be_v answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v when_o christ_n come_v not_o a_o servant_n as_o moses_n but_o the_o son_n out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o doctrine_n be_v not_o letter_n as_o moses_n be_v but_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o now_o when_o christ_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v outward_a duty_n and_o performance_n and_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o strict_a law_n to_o enjoin_v the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o the_o severity_n of_o death_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o true_a reformation_n but_o under_o all_o that_o outward_a religion_n man_n be_v inward_o as_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a as_o the_o very_a heathen_a for_o all_o their_o circumcision_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n for_o all_o their_o outward_a wash_n they_o be_v inward_o unclean_a for_o all_o their_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n their_o sin_n remain_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o conscience_n for_o all_o their_o strict_a force_n of_o man_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o people_n still_o remain_v far_o from_o god_n even_o in_o all_o those_o duty_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o moses_n law_n the_o people_n remain_v inward_o corrupt_v filthy_a and_o unclean_a and_o without_o any_o true_a reformation_n before_o god_n till_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n in_o the_o flesh_n come_v with_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o indeed_o be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o thing_n then_o the_o spirit_n will_v have_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o time_n of_o reformation_n doctr._n when_o ever_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o time_n of_o reformation_n for_o our_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o this_o point_n we_o will_v observe_v this_o method_n 1._o show_v what_o true_a gospel-reformation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v qualify_v that_o so_o you_o may_v the_o better_o distinguish_v it_o from_o political_n and_o ecclesiastical_a reformation_n now_o both_o these_o i_o join_v together_o because_o the_o carnal_a church_n have_v always_o interest_v and_o mingle_v itself_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o it_o 2._o i_o will_v indevor_n to_o show_v to_o who_o hand_n the_o work_n of_o gospel-reformation_n be_v commit_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v he_o to_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v commit_v bring_v it_o about_o 4._o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n where_o it_o be_v wrought_v 5._o the_o use_n the_o first_o general_n what_o true_a gospel_n reformation_n be_v reformation_n and_o how_o qualify_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v be_v it_o be_v the_o mortify_n destroy_a and_o utter_a abolish_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a all_o that_o sin_n corruption_n lust_n evil_a that_o do_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o through_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o it_o be_v the_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o body_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n this_o be_v true_a gospel-reformation_n and_o beside_o this_o i_o know_v no_o other_o this_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v chap._n 1._o 27._o zion_n shall_v be_v redeem_v with_o judgement_n and_o her_o convert_v with_o righteousness_n now_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n judgement_n as_o he_o discover_v reprove_v condemn_v and_o destroy_v sin_n so_o he_o be_v call_v judgement_n and_o thus_o be_v judgement_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o gospel_n sense_n and_o not_o terrible_o as_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o judgement_n shall_v at_o last_o break_v forth_o into_o victory_n that_o be_v though_o christ_n in_o
alteration_n it_o make_v there_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o one_o mean_n that_o christ_n use_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o word_n but_o here_o i_o must_v further_o declare_v to_o you_o that_o this_o word_n by_o which_o christ_n reform_v the_o church_n gospel-reformes_a be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o this_o be_v the_o only_a word_n that_o work_v reformation_n for_o first_o 1._o this_o word_n work_v faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n faith_n because_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v of_o this_o word_n rom._n 10._o ver_fw-la 8._o and_o ver_fw-la 17._o now_o as_o the_o word_n work_v faith_n so_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o word_n even_o that_o word_n that_o be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n this_o live_n and_o eternal_a word_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o this_o word_n dwell_v in_o we_o by_o faith_n change_v we_o into_o it_o be_v own_o likeness_n as_o fire_n change_v the_o iron_n into_o its_o own_o likeness_n and_o take_v we_o up_o into_o all_o its_o own_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o word_n dwell_v in_o the_o flesh_n reform_v the_o flesh_n and_o it_o dwell_v in_o we_o through_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o the_o word_n whereby_o christ_n reform_v be_v not_o the_o word_n without_o we_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n be_v but_o the_o word_n within_o we_o as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o live_v under_o the_o word_n many_o year_n and_o if_o it_o come_v not_o into_o thy_o heart_n it_o will_v never_o change_v thou_o nor_o reform_v thou_o and_o therefore_o the_o reform_a word_n be_v the_o word_n within_o we_o and_o the_o word_n within_o we_o be_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o gospel_n reform_v righteousness_n because_o it_o do_v not_o only_o reveal_v christ_n righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n but_o also_o it_o communicate_v it_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n because_o it_o work_v righteousness_n so_o that_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o through_o this_o word_n of_o righteousness_n and_o when_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n come_v and_o dwell_v in_o we_o what_o reformation_n of_o sin_n do_v this_o work_n all_o sin_n perish_v at_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o countenance_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n will_v endure_v no_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o so_o the_o gospel_n reform_v by_o work_a righteousness_n in_o we_o 3._o the_o gospel_n reform_v because_o it_o show_v we_o christ_n and_o by_o show_v we_o he_o it_o change_v we_o into_o his_o image_n christ_n the_o more_o we_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o more_o be_v we_o make_v like_a unto_o he_o that_o as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthly_a so_o we_o may_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a adam_n 2._o yea_o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n 2._o and_o change_v we_o into_o that_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v show_v we_o we_o all_o say_v paul_n with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n and_o this_o glass_n be_v the_o gospel_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n by_o show_v we_o god_n change_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o god_n through_o the_o gospel_n arise_v on_o we_o till_o his_o glory_n be_v see_v upon_o we_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o gospel_n reformation_n so_o that_o now_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o only_o reform_v word_n and_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o much_o preach_v if_o it_o be_v but_o legal_a it_o will_v reform_v no_o body_n aright_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o work_a faith_n nor_o communicate_v righteousness_n nor_o change_a man_n into_o god_n image_n and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reformation_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o mean_n of_o reformation_n which_o christ_n use_v which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o this_o word_n the_o gospel_n 2._o mean_n the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v the_o word_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n withal_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n in_o union_n and_o operation_n in_o the_o law_n there_o be_v the_o letter_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o that_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v always_o join_v and_o therefore_o say_v christ_n the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v be_v spirit_n and_o life_n that_o be_v they_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o carry_v spirit_n with_o they_o and_o this_o spirit_n that_o be_v present_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o work_n in_o it_o and_o be_v give_v by_o it_o reform_v mighty_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n and_o burn_a and_o the_o lord_n look_v to_o this_o time_n of_o reformation_n promise_v long_o before_o to_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o so_o to_o reform_v all_o flesh_n now_o the_o spirit_n pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o flesh_n reform_v it_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o take_v away_o all_o evil_n out_o of_o the_o flesh_n 2._o by_o change_v the_o flesh_n into_o its_o own_o likeness_n 1._o the_o spirit_n pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o flesh_n reform_v it_o all_o by_o take_v all_o evil_a out_o of_o the_o flesh_n as_o first_o all_o sin_n and_o corruption_n say_v paul_n if_o you_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o spirit_n you_o shall_v live_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mortify_v by_o any_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n all_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o lust_n and_o covetousness_n and_o carnal_a mindedness_n and_o all_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v reform_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o no_o other_o way_n 2._o the_o spirit_n reform_v not_o only_o all_o sin_n in_o the_o church_n but_o all_o error_n error_n and_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 12._o if_o any_o man_n build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n gold_n silver_z precious_a stone_n wood_n hay_n stubble_n every_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v christ_n for_o a_o foundation_n and_o yet_o build_v wood_n hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v humane_a doctrine_n and_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o false_a and_o wicked_a opinion_n 2._o the_o destruction_n of_o this_o hay_n wood_n and_o stubble_n that_o be_v error_n heresy_n and_o humane_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o people_n build_v on_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v by_o law_n of_o state_n or_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v as_o fire_n the_o spirit_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o saint_n and_o burn_v up_o all_o that_o corrupt_a and_o false_a doctrine_n that_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o spirit_n and_o error_n shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n reform_v all_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o corruption_n in_o the_o faithful_a 2._o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o reform_v the_o flesh_n by_o take_v away_o all_o evil_a out_o of_o it_o whether_o corruption_n or_o error_n but_o also_o it_o change_v the_o flesh_n into_o its_o own_o likeness_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o fire_n that_o change_v every_o thing_n into_o its_o self_n and_o so_o do_v the_o spirit_n in_o the_o flesh_n make_v the_o flesh_n spiritual_a like_o heavenly_a fire_n it_o change_v man_n into_o its_o own_o likeness_n and_o make_v they_o spiritual_a heavenly_a holy_a meek_a good_a love_a etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n reform_v indeed_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o a_o man_n how_o wonderful_o do_v it_o reform_v he_o this_o work_v a_o change_n in_o he_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o true_o reform_v till_o he_o
receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o mean_n that_o christ_n use_v to_o work_v this_o reformation_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n object_n yea_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v allow_v secular_a power_n too_o may_v not_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o christ_n object_n be_v reform_v with_o worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n answ_n i_o answer_v answ_n by_o no_o mean_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n 1._o forceable_a reformation_n be_v unbeseeming_a the_o gospel_n for_o the_o gospel_n gospel_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o force_n and_o fury_n civil-ecclesiastical_a reformation_n reform_v by_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n punishment_n prison_n fire_n and_o death_n but_o the_o gospel_n by_o preach_v peace_n man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o unbeseming_a the_o gospel_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o and_o violent_o for_o the_o advancement_n thereof_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v advance_v by_o violence_n and_o 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with_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o touch_v this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o beyond_o not_o only_o the_o power_n but_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o world_n 9_o god_n have_v say_v there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o kill_v nor_o hurt_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n 18._o and_o again_o violence_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v hear_v in_o thy_o street_n people_n waste_v nor_o destruction_n within_o thy_o border_n 3._o as_o they_o be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n so_o also_o a_o willing_a people_n and_o what_o need_v outward_a power_n to_o force_v a_o people_n make_v willing_a by_o the_o spirit_n 3._o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n the_o very_a day_n of_o christ_n power_n be_v not_o to_o force_v man_n against_o their_o will_n but_o to_o make_v they_o willing_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o kingdom_n make_v they_o willing_a to_o obey_v god_n there_o and_o give_v they_o pleasure_n in_o that_o obedience_n by_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o that_o be_v not_o a_o willing_a people_n belong_v not_o to_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o to_o the_o world_n 3._o by_o this_o forceable_a reformation_n up_o humane_a institution_n be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n reform_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n never_o use_v humane_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o first_o make_v humane_a law_n in_o it_o and_o humane_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o authority_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o have_v power_n not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n 4._o it_o bring_v man_n into_o blind_a obedience_n obedience_n and_o make_v they_o obey_v what_o be_v command_v on_o pain_n of_o punishment_n though_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n with_o the_o word_n or_o against_o the_o word_n so_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o be_o constrain_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v it_o because_o i_o be_o constrain_v i_o read_v in_o frithes_n answer_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rocehester_n that_o a_o youth_n be_v present_a at_o his_o father_n burn_v the_o officer_n see_v he_o resolve_v to_o examine_v he_o also_o to_o try_v if_o they_o may_v find_v he_o a_o sectary_n or_o a_o heretic_n but_o the_o youth_n dismay_v at_o the_o sad_a sight_n of_o his_o father_n death_n and_o fear_v the_o like_a end_n himself_o be_v ask_v of_o one_o of_o they_o how_o he_o believe_v answer_v sir_n i_o believe_v even_o as_o it_o please_v you_o and_o so_o the_o more_o outward_a and_o violent_a power_n be_v use_v upon_o man_n the_o more_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n you_o shall_v have_v when_o man_n shall_v see_v prison_n and_o banishment_n and_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o death_n walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n you_o shall_v at_o last_o have_v man_n say_v sir_n we_o will_v believe_v and_o do_v even_o as_o it_o please_v you_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o the_o state_n please_v or_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o the_o council_n please_v and_o let_v they_o make_v what_o confession_n they_o will_v we_o have_v rather_o believe_v they_o then_o endure_v they_o and_o thus_o by_o fear_n and_o punishment_n may_v man_n be_v bring_v to_o say_v and_o do_v that_o which_o they_o neither_o believe_v nor_o understand_v and_o how_o acceptable_a such_o popish_a faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v unto_o god_n all_o spiritual_a christian_n know_v and_o every_o man_n conscience_n i_o think_v shall_v be_v convince_v 5._o it_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o not_o saint_n hypocrite_n for_o it_o force_v the_o body_n and_o leave_v the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v force_v by_o outward_a power_n but_o by_o the_o inward_a efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v corrupt_a what_o be_v all_o outward_a duty_n they_o be_v force_v to_o but_o so_o much_o hypocrisy_n so_o that_o forceable_a reformation_n make_v only_a hypocrite_n and_o gild_a sepulcher_n put_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n when_o there_o be_v no_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n but_o a_o power_n of_o ungodliness_n that_o reformation_n with_o which_o the_o uncleaness_n of_o the_o heart_n stand_v be_v none_o of_o christ_n reformation_n what_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o atheism_n ignorance_n of_o god_n adultery_n pride_n murder_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n call_v you_o this_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o reformation_n make_v none_o saint_n but_o all_o hypocrite_n force_v man_n action_n contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n 6._o it_o cause_v disturbance_n and_o tumult_n in_o the_o world_n when_o man_n be_v foce_v by_o ouward_a power_n disturbance_n to_o act_v against_o their_o inward_a principle_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n what_o disturbance_n and_o tumult_n this_o have_v breed_v in_o state_n and_o kingdom_n who_o know_v not_o so_o that_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o go_v about_o to_o reform_v heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o outward_a violence_n be_v never_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n but_o always_o of_o tumult_n and_o this_o render_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o gospel_n grievous_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o commend_v it_o and_o therefore_o let_v all_o that_o love_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n abstain_v from_o outward_a violence_n for_o they_o that_o use_v the_o sword_n in_o this_o kind_n shall_v in_o the_o end_n perish_v by_o the_o sword_n a_o man_n when_o he_o sin_v not_o against_o the_o state_n may_v just_o stand_v for_o his_o state-freedom_n and_o to_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o his_o state-liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n sake_n as_o it_o cause_v disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n so_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n 7._o christ_n use_v no_o such_o outward_a force_n himself_o force_n for_o he_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n and_o not_o boisterous_a and_o furious_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v nor_o lift_v up_o his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n to_o call_v in_o outward_a and_o secular_a aid_n and_o power_n he_o never_o use_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v all_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n even_o his_o very_a punishment_n and_o destruction_n he_o execute_v by_o the_o word_n he_o shall_v smite_v the_o earth_n with_o
have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 483._o christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n malorum_fw-la as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n ibid._n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n etc._n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n christ_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o please_v when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o togeâ—ther_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a order_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n order_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2._o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o
have_v power_n to_o examine_v try_v and_o judge_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o angel_n much_o more_o of_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o a_o anoint_v neither_o do_v live_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o that_o peace_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v in_o christ_n now_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v to_o rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_n it_o in_o peace_n the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v either_o 1._o more_o absolute_a and_o general_a or_o 2._o more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o procure_v and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o nine_o thing_n that_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o least_o place_n 1._o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n 1._o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o preserve_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n world_n and_o be_v neither_o to_o mingle_v it_o self_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o mingle_v itself_o with_o it_o for_o if_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v mingle_v together_o in_o one_o society_n the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v no_o more_o agree_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o such_o different_a nature_n principle_n and_o end_n than_o the_o same_o common_a law_n will_v agree_v to_o light_v and_o darkness_n life_n and_o death_n sin_n and_o righteousness_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n for_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v in_o they_o but_o the_o carnal_a church_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o savour_v the_o world_n and_o so_o will_v have_v a_o worldly_a religion_n form_n order_n government_n and_o all_o worldly_a as_o itself_o be_v now_o whilst_o these_o two_o be_v mingle_v together_o what_o peace_n can_v there_o be_v for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o light_n with_o darkness_n and_o christ_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o what_o agreement_n have_v believer_n with_o unbeliever_n or_o the_o true_a church_n with_o the_o world_n wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o mingle_v the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n but_o to_o separate_v they_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o distinct_a that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v of_o one_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o this_o way_n of_o peace_n god_n himself_o teach_v we_o by_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o saying_n come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o my_o people_n and_o be_v you_o separate_v for_o to_o separate_v the_o church_n from_o the_o world_n in_o its_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o both_o see_v the_o church_n will_v best_o agree_v with_o itself_o and_o the_o world_n with_o itself_o the_o second_o rule_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n affair_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n and_o be_v not_o to_o introduce_v or_o entertain_v any_o power_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o worldly_a power_n and_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kingdom_n be_v only_o to_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a power_n see_v this_o power_n alone_o and_o by_o itself_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v the_o whole_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o work_v all_o the_o work_n in_o it_o that_o god_n have_v to_o do_v and_o so_o it_o be_v strong_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o man_n that_o dare_v not_o commit_v the_o success_n of_o their_o business_n to_o christ_n power_n alone_o but_o will_v call_v in_o secular_a power_n over_z and_o above_o to_o help_v they_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v underneath_o some_o secular_a end_n see_v christ_n power_n alone_o be_v full_o sufficient_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a for_o his_o kingdom_n beside_o this_o worldly_a power_n never_o work_v peace_n but_o always_o disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n put_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o god_n way_n and_o method_n into_o man_n and_o work_v man_n will_n rather_o than_o god_n yea_o man_n will_n against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n if_o any_o shall_v reply_v object_n that_o worldly_a power_n do_v well_o in_o the_o church_n because_o it_o keep_v down_o many_o profane_a person_n that_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v down_o by_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v answ_n that_o so_o far_o as_o such_o profane_a one_o be_v govern_v by_o worldly_a power_n they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o worldly_a power_n have_v better_o govern_v they_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v own_o proper_a sphere_n then_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o line_n especial_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n enough_o in_o itself_o to_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v govern_v willing_o in_o the_o church_n as_o christian_n let_v they_o be_v govern_v against_o their_o will_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o man_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v over_o man_n as_o christian_n as_o spiritual_a but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o state_n be_v over_o man_n as_o man_n as_o natural_a and_o carnal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o government_n belong_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o office_n and_o headship_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o christ_n faithfulness_n in_o he_o but_o now_o if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o power_n but_o will_v needs_o intrude_v on_o christ_n alâ—â—_n and_o not_o reckon_v it_o enough_o to_o govern_v man_n a_o man_n by_o his_o world_n power_n will_v also_o by_o the_o same_o power_n be_v tamper_n with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n this_o both_o render_v he_o troublesome_a to_o the_o faithful_a â—nd_v the_o faithful_a troublesome_a to_o he_o he_o troublesome_a to_o thâ—_n faithful_a in_o that_o he_o use_v a_o power_n over_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o suitable_a to_o they_o nor_o their_o affair_n and_o they_o troublesome_a to_o he_o because_o in_o god_n kingdom_n as_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o a_o stranger_n the_o pope_n he_o arrogate_v both_o sword_n to_o himself_o when_o neither_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o due_a time_n shall_v perish_v by_o both_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v assume_v to_o himself_o power_n of_o bothâ—ingdoms_n â—ingdoms_z christ_n and_o the_o world_n when_o of_o right_n but_o one_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o world_n and_o not_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a lest_o by_o encroach_a on_o christ_n kingdom_n he_o lose_v his_o own_o let_v the_o magistrate_n therefore_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o state_n and_o let_v he_o suffer_v christ_n to_o use_v his_o power_n in_o the_o church_n see_v his_o presence_n be_v always_o there_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v quietness_n in_o both_o but_o else_o in_o neither_o see_v christ_n will_v as_o assure_o trouble_v the_o magistrate_n kingdom_n as_o the_o magistrate_n trouble_v he_o the_o three_o rule_n will_n be_v not_o to_o bring_v or_o force_v man_n into_o the_o church_n against_o their_o will_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unquiet_a because_o many_o that_o be_v unwilling_a be_v under_o those_o regiment_n but_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v therefore_o quiet_a because_o all_o the_o people_n in_o it_o be_v willing_a and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v force_v in_o but_o all_o be_v persuade_v in_o as_o it_o be_v write_v god_n persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n that_o be_v the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o not_o force_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o christ_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o not_o to_o offer_v they_o outward_a
themselves_o who_o prosperity_n be_v their_o ruin_n and_o who_o power_n be_v their_o enslave_v and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o the_o make_v void_a christian_a brotherhood_n and_o communion_n wherefore_o the_o right_a church_n to_o preserve_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n must_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n of_o laity_n and_o clerg_n but_o all_o christian_n must_v equallâ—â—â—main_v â—â—main_z it_o it_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n unto_o god_n the_o five_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v equality_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o both_o between_o christian_n and_o church_n for_o this_o also_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o to_o keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n for_o though_o according_a to_o our_o first_o nativity_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n some_o be_v bear_v high_a some_o low_a some_o honourable_a some_o mean_a some_o king_n some_o subject_n etc._n etc._n yet_o according_a to_o our_o new_a or_o second_o birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n there_o be_v exact_a equality_n for_o here_o be_v none_o better_o or_o worse_o high_a or_o low_o but_o all_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n hope_n love_n the_o same_o god_n christ_n spirit_n the_o same_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o precious_a promise_n the_o same_o incorruptible_a crown_n and_o inheritance_n of_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n 28._o speak_v of_o this_o true_a church_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a nor_o bond_n nor_o free_a nor_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n indeed_o in_o the_o world_n and_o before_o man_n i_o say_v again_o there_o be_v distinction_n of_o person_n and_o inequality_n but_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o before_o god_n all_o believer_n aae_fw-mi equal_a and_o this_o equality_n preserve_v peace_n but_o when_o in_o this_o kingdom_n some_o will_v be_v advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o like_o diotrephes_n that_o will_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o some_o will_v be_v strive_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o some_o at_o the_o left_a whilst_o they_o leave_v other_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o footstool_n this_o be_v that_o which_o breed_v difference_n among_o the_o very_a disciple_n who_o envy_v zebedees_n child_n for_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o therefore_o christ_n to_o preserve_v peace_n forbid_v lordship_n in_o his_o church_n and_o command_v service_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o to_o place_v man_n one_o over_o another_o but_o one_o under_o another_o and_o that_o the_o great_a must_v be_v the_o least_o the_o great_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2._o as_o equality_n among_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n church_n so_o also_o among_o church_n for_o all_o church_n be_v equal_a as_o well_o as_o all_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n can_v set_v itself_o before_o or_o above_o another_o all_o be_v sister_n of_o one_o mother_n beam_n of_o one_o sun_n branch_n of_o one_o vine_n stream_n of_o one_o fountain_n member_n of_o one_o body_n branch_n of_o one_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o so_o all_o equal_a in_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o no_o subordination_n which_o make_v void_a at_o once_o both_o equality_n and_o unity_n and_o so_o that_o church_n or_o those_o church_n that_o will_v set_v themselves_o above_o other_o church_n that_o be_v their_o equal_n as_o the_o classical_a above_o the_o congregational_a etc._n etc._n they_o be_v the_o breaker_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o unskilful_a vote_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n be_v not_o a_o way_n to_o make_v peace_n but_o to_o mar_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n moreover_o body_n no_o church_n can_v be_v subject_v to_o another_o but_o christ_n who_o be_v present_a in_o it_o and_o be_v king_n and_o lawgiver_n be_v subject_v too_o which_o not_o true_a church_n will_v either_o require_v or_o allow_v for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n will_v not_o subject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o will_v judge_v all_o by_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o judge_v it_o much_o less_o will_v they_o subject_v christ_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v dishonour_v and_o disannul_v their_o head_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v in_o christ_n name_n christ_n himself_o be_v among_o they_o and_o the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o no_o body_n else_o see_v christ_n have_v make_v no_o great_a nor_o sure_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o any_o body_n then_o to_o they_o the_o six_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o community_n itself_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o get_v head_n over_o it_o see_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v not_o dominion_n but_o service_n we_o read_v act._n 11._o 2._o that_o when_o peter_n have_v preach_v in_o the_o house_n of_o cornelius_n 〈◊〉_d a_o gentile_a or_o heathen_a the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o who_o peter_n be_v minister_n contend_v with_o he_o that_o he_o go_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o for_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o peter_n be_v fain_o to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n in_o a_o vision_n to_o do_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o peter_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o no_o lord_n over_o it_o and_o after_o vers_n 22._o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o the_o grecian_n at_o antioch_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n they_o send_v barnabas_n to_o antioch_n to_o forward_o and_o perfect_a the_o work_n and_o also_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o divers_a town_n and_o country_n all_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o not_o the_o officer_n above_o the_o church_n now_o this_o also_o will_v preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o officer_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o to_o let_v they_o remain_v as_o servant_n in_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n which_o christ_n know_v the_o evil_a and_o inconvenience_n thereof_o have_v forbid_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n get_v above_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a they_o be_v masterful_a and_o troublesome_a and_o though_o never_o so_o bad_a yet_o will_v they_o get_v a_o party_n in_o the_o church_n for_o themselves_o and_o so_o work_v disturbance_n but_o if_o the_o church_n remain_v as_o it_o ought_v above_o the_o officer_n it_o quit_v they_o when_o they_o grow_v evil_a and_o unruly_a and_o choose_v better_a in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o preserve_v union_n whereas_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a officer_n when_o they_o do_v degenerate_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o seven_o rule_n be_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o congregation_n to_o take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n head_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n for_o whilst_o some_o say_v we_o be_v of_o paul_n other_o we_o of_o apollo_n other_o we_o of_o cephas_n they_o be_v all_o in_o this_o matter_n carnal_a and_o divide_v both_o from_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o whilst_o several_a set_v up_o several_a head_n who_o they_o especial_o own_v and_o after_o who_o they_o be_v call_v whereas_o each_o that_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v through_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o as_o near_o to_o christ_n as_o themselves_o be_v and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o fellow_n member_n as_o a_o head_n to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o body_n i_o say_v each_o believer_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v christ_n equal_o for_o their_o head_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o set_v up_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a head_n for_o they_o to_o join_v to_o for_o this_o be_v to_o rend_v the_o body_n in_o piece_n and_o to_o work_v great_a division_n and_o distraction_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v it_o
be_v a_o mistake_n among_o some_o brethren_n to_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o man_n though_o godly_a and_o eminent_a and_o to_o say_v mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n or_o mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n and_o so_o to_o put_v the_o church_n under_o several_a head_n which_o work_v distinction_n and_o division_n whereas_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v wherever_o it_o be_v one_o church_n under_o one_o head_n and_o governor_n jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n for_o the_o church_n or_o faithful_a to_o have_v one_o or_o more_o visible_a head_n to_o go_v to_o not_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o this_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o carnal_a church_n yet_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o people_n do_v only_o own_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n their_o true_a and_o spiritual_a head_n and_o so_o they_o all_o live_v as_o one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o under_o one_o only_a head_n live_v all_o in_o invincible_a peace_n and_o unity_n whereas_o difference_n of_o outward_a head_n and_o ringleader_n always_o breed_v difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n the_o eight_o rule_n be_v for_o the_o true_a church_n doctrine_n to_o keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n see_v this_o breed_v not_o only_a division_n but_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n also_o in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o some_o false_a apostle_n teach_v at_o antioch_n that_o except_o christian_n be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a church_n first_o at_o antioch_n and_o present_o after_o at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o which_o according_o through_o god_n they_o do_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n be_v evident_o against_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o as_o it_o love_v its_o own_o peace_n and_o unity_n now_o if_o any_o say_v quest_n by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o may_v certain_o keep_v out_o error_n by_o these_o mean_n 1._o let_v the_o church_n suffer_v none_o to_o teach_v among_o they_o error_n that_o be_v not_o themselves_o teach_v of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o great_a natural_a part_n and_o never_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n for_o when_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o will_v only_o teach_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n and_o the_o line_n of_o every_o man_n teach_v must_v extend_v no_o further_o but_o when_o they_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v they_o will_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o and_o under_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n will_v give_v forth_o a_o unsound_a and_o false_a sense_n to_o the_o deceive_a of_o many_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o simple_a and_o so_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n will_v utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o endanger_v the_o mis-leading_a of_o some_o sheep_n for_o a_o time_n 2_o let_v the_o faithful_a examine_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o receive_v doctrine_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n who_o through_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n may_v easy_o lead_v they_o unaware_o into_o error_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o print_v and_o general_o receive_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a see_v those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o that_o doctrine_n let_v they_o reject_v it_o as_o reprobate_a silver_n see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o though_o through_o god_n especial_a goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o at_o this_o present_a time_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o search_v and_o see_v if_o our_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o yet_o err_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n and_o whether_o some_o or_o many_o corruption_n do_v not_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o thing_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o keep_v out_o error_n long_o than_o it_o precise_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o god_n and_o try_v all_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n by_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n must_v desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n for_o no_o man_n can_v make_v any_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o word_n he_o hear_v or_o read_v without_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o this_o anoint_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_o teach_v which_o be_v truth_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v error_n and_o that_o by_o so_o clear_a and_o true_a a_o light_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v wherefore_o christian_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v with_o carnal_a people_n that_o the_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o humane_a and_o antichristian_a error_n depend_v upon_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o science_n for_o thus_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v whole_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o they_o conceive_v after_o this_o manner_n learned_a whereby_o they_o leave_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n through_o which_o the_o teacher_n may_v bring_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o error_n upon_o they_o but_o believer_n must_v know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o without_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o perfect_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o error_n and_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o all_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o so_o a_o poor_a plain_a country_n man_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n touch_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n scholar_n or_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 4_o another_o notable_a mean_n to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o restore_v in_o it_o that_o most_o ancient_a gospel-ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v which_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o use_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o paul_n witness_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 31._o where_o he_o say_v when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v meet_v together_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o add_v vers_n 3â—_n if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o brethren_n labour_v that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v so_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o commandment_n as_o every_o prophet_n and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v now_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v be_v three_o way_n helpful_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n 1._o for_o first_o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v beside_o he_o as_o he_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o to_o conceit_n that_o wisdom_n only_o dwell_v with_o he_o so_o he_o iâ—_n more_o ready_a to_o vent_v the_o
otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v and_o that_o be_v this_o quest_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wise_a heart_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ_n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n a_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o â—he_n minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o stead_n of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n
and_o kill_v the_o faithful_a in_o stead_n of_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n till_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o let_v all_o christian_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o favour_v the_o magistrate_n with_o this_o power_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o he_o judge_n heretic_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n as_o he_o easy_o may_v see_v he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n or_o if_o another_o shall_v succeed_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n that_o very_a sword_n may_v be_v sheathe_v in_o their_o own_o bowel_n which_o now_o they_o draw_v forth_o against_o other_o man_n 3._o when_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v power_n to_o himself_o to_o suppress_v error_n this_o make_v minister_n negligent_a in_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n do_v that_o by_o force_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o save_v they_o their_o labour_n for_o when_o once_o the_o minister_n shall_v have_v so_o far_o interest_v themselves_o in_o tâ—e_v magistrate_n as_o to_o procure_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o gaoler_n and_o executioner_n against_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v then_o need_v no_o great_a paâ—ns_n to_o study_v the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a see_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n at_o all_o adventure_n be_v to_o defend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n the_o hangman_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o pastor_n have_v their_o work_n as_o they_o conceive_v thus_o do_v for_o they_o to_o their_o hand_n do_v common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o ease_n and_o idleness_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o error_n steal_v in_o apace_o upon_o the_o teacher_n themselves_o whereby_o by_o degree_n they_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v very_o many_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n think_v to_o chase_v out_o error_n before_o he_o one_o way_n he_o let_v it_o in_o behind_o he_o seven_o way_n 4._o this_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o destroy_v error_n which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o destroy_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n herein_o have_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o all_o the_o sword_n and_o halter_n and_o weapon_n and_o prison_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v error_n withal_o but_o as_o secure_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o leviathan_n a_o bulrush_n and_o yet_o do_v earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o world_n to_o use_v these_o thing_n against_o he_o and_o his_o error_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o fear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n than_o can_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o break_v down_o all_o his_o strong_a hold_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o he_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o his_o great_a cunning_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o that_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n and_o thus_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n presume_v to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o error_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v error_n that_o it_o uphold_v it_o and_o strengthen_v satan_n kingdom_n whilst_o it_o seem_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o error_n and_o evil_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o demand_v quest_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n i_o answer_v answ_n this_o he_o may_v do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v this_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o any_o far_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v do_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o error_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o able_a to_o prevail_v of_o itself_o alone_o without_o call_v in_o any_o power_n or_o borrow_v any_o weapon_n from_o the_o world_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n discipline_n to_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o uniformity_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o the_o hindrance_n but_o the_o very_a break_n neck_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n now_o because_o this_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o strong_o urge_v by_o the_o unskilful_a builder_n of_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o full_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o state_n of_o this_o business_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o show_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o invade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n most_o manifest_a iâ—_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v only_a intent_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o according_o preach_v and_o press_v nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o regard_v 72._o and_o for_o all_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o form_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o frâ—e_v they_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o so_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n nor_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n neither_o bind_v the_o church_n to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n except_o those_o necessary_a thing_n mention_v act._n 15._o to_o wit_n thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o without_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o when_o the_o murder_a and_o blood_n of_o infant_n be_v common_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o help_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o common_a beast_n much_o more_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o therefore_o that_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a gentile_n continue_v and_o beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n which_o the_o apostle_n great_o regard_v but_o leave_v such_o thing_n free_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n every_o man_n to_o use_v therein_o his_o own_o discretion_n for_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v thereof_o whereupon_o as_o concern_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a observation_n of_o day_n time_n place_n meat_n drink_n vesture_n and_o such_o other_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v the_o diversity_n among_o man_n great_o note_v nor_o any_o uniformity_n great_o require_v thus_o christian_a liberty_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a man_n do_v not_o much_o struggle_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n till_o the_o asian_o and_o roman_n 4._o begin_v to_o dis-agree_a about_o easter-day_n to_o compose_v which_o controversy_n polycarpus_n a_o godly_a martyr_n go_v to_o rome_n ann_n 157._o and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o antoninus_n pius_n to_o anicetus_n than_o bishop_n there_o and_o though_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o they_o still_o retain_v christian_a communion_n and_o avoid_v all_o breach_n of_o peace_n afterward_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o commodus_n the_o christian_n enjoy_v some_o respite_n from_o pesecution_n begin_v to_o contend_v again_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o easter_n and_o neither_o yet_o do_v the_o difference_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n of_o brotherly_a life_n though_o they_o of_o the_o west_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o paul_n and_o peter_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o hermes_n and_o pius_n and_o not_o they_o keep_v one_o day_n and_o they_o of_o asia_n