by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o newborn_a truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n &_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n &_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o
can_v not_o do_v it_o ergo._n so_o in_o like_a manner_n these_o man_n argue_v except_o say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n upon_o their_o disciple_n can_v enable_v they_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o heal_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n we_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v true_a elder_n but_o let_v they_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o a_o true_a presbytery_n see_v the_o vanity_n of_o these_o man_n and_o the_o instability_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n miracle_n will_v make_v they_o believe_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o may_v credit_n their_o own_o word_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a christian_n have_v extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a gift_n that_o ravish_v the_o world_n then_o into_o admiration_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v also_o by_o all_o understand_a christian_n that_o those_o wonder-working_a miracle_n be_v but_o temporary_a as_o the_o miraculous_a feed_n of_o the_o people_n with_o manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o they_o be_v fellow-communers_a with_o the_o angel_n and_o continue_v but_o till_o they_o come_v into_o the_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n so_o those_o miracle_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n continue_v but_o for_o a_o time_n till_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v which_o be_v once_o do_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v leave_v to_o posterity_n and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v tie_v and_o command_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v 1_o cor._n 4.6_o and_o forbid_v in_o gal._n 1.8_o 9_o to_o believe_v otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v though_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o after_o i_o say_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n be_v confirm_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o miracle_n cease_v and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o antichrist_n in_o 2_o thess_n chap._n 2._o that_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o strong_a delusion_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenes_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v so_o that_o i_o can_v sufficient_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o deal_n of_o these_o man_n who_o in_o these_o day_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n when_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v forwarn_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o false_a delusion_n and_o command_v to_o the_o contrary_n show_v we_o some_o miracle_n say_v they_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a presbyter_n so_o deal_v the_o jew_n with_o christ_n what_o sign_n show_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o thou_o but_o when_o christ_n have_v show_v they_o sign_n upon_o sign_n and_o miracle_n upon_o miracle_n be_v they_o ever_o the_o more_o convince_v do_v those_o miracle_n create_v belief_n in_o they_o no_o sure_o but_o rather_o harden_v they_o and_o make_v they_o blaspheme_v when_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o say_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n so_o without_o doubt_n if_o the_o presbyter_n have_v those_o gift_n of_o miracle_n that_o they_o can_v gratify_v these_o man_n with_o daily_a prodigy_n and_o work_n of_o wonder_n they_o will_v then_o say_v they_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n abhor_v they_o the_o more_o there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n that_o he_o must_v rise_v early_o and_o never_o go_v to_o bed_n that_o will_v please_v all_o man_n and_o true_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o difficult_a but_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o any_o state_n or_o great_a council_n be_v it_o never_o so_o wise_a to_o please_v all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o god_n himself_o nor_o moses_n nor_o aaron_n his_o servant_n can_v please_v the_o israelite_n though_o they_o see_v never_o such_o wonder_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n to_o confirm_v their_o authority_n yea_o they_o tell_v moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o their_o face_n that_o they_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o afterward_o they_o cast_v off_o god_n own_o government_n and_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o lord_n complain_v to_o samuel_n in_o 1_o samuel_n and_o will_v set_v up_o a_o government_n after_o the_o model_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o that_o book_n and_o not_o long_o after_o they_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o jeroboam_n time_n and_o teach_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n complain_v isay_n 29._o after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o reject_v god_n commandment_n as_o christ_n say_v matth._n 15._o and_o mark_v 7._o so_o that_o what_o they_o think_v best_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v ever_o best_o please_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o write_a word_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o often_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n command_v to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o say_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o in_o these_o day_n they_o content_v not_o themselves_o with_o that_o ordinance_n that_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o write_a word_n but_o say_v come_v show_v we_o some_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v a_o right_a presbytery_n our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o jew_n concern_v s._n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o himself_o john_n say_v he_o come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v behold_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v both_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o method_n or_o way_n god_n use_v to_o convert_v they_o they_o cavile_v against_o it_o and_o be_v never_o satisfy_v always_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o stephen_n tell_v they_o in_o act_n 7._o so_o now_o in_o these_o our_o time_n they_o look_v for_o miracle_n and_o a_o new_a way_n of_o teach_v but_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o listen_v after_o or_o to_o give_v heed_n to_o miracle_n and_o be_v send_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 16._o and_o be_v command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5._o yea_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n luke_n 16._o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v moses_n &_o the_o prophet_n they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o miracle_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o can_v the_o presbyter_n do_v all_o those_o miracle_n these_o man_n desire_v they_o will_v the_o more_o reprocah_n they_o and_o exclaim_v against_o they_o &_o affirm_v they_o wrought_v by_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o jew_n tell_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o these_o man_n not_o only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o miracle_n but_o in_o all_o external_a performance_n for_o i_o be_o instruct_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o that_o the_o deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n shall_v come_v forth_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o for_o outward_a appearance_n shall_v equalise_v if_o not_o exceed_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o special_a command_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o and_o for_o my_o particular_a if_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o of_o never_o such_o seem_a sanctity_n sufficient_a ability_n unblameable_a life_n shall_v come_v forth_o and_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n manner_n or_o government_n then_o that_o i_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o shall_v confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n with_o never_o so_o many_o miracle_n i_o will_v still_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o write_a word_n and_o will_v never_o believe_v contrary_a to_o that_o though_o i_o shall_v undergo_v the_o great_a misery_n or_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o great_a want_n by_o it_o that_o any_o man_n ever_o see_v for_o i_o know_v that_o all_o these_o momentary_a trial_n and_o affliction_n be_v not_o worthy_a that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o for_o this_o very_a point_n of_o the_o
mouth_n against_o john_n the_o baptist_n from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n or_o a_o mighty_a city_n of_o believer_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n there_o 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assembly_n for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n beside_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a understanding_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o rational_a creature_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v manifest_a prove_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o such_o as_o will_v call_v in_o question_n truth_n itself_o i_o may_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n above_o mention_v draw_v many_o more_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n but_o because_o i_o study_v brevity_n these_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o go_v on_o to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n frame_v my_o argument_n as_o out_o of_o the_o former_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o conclusion_n john_n 4.1_o 2._o now_o when_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptize_v not_o but_o his_o disciple_n here_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o relation_n there_o the_o evangelist_n forthwith_o show_v it_o to_o rectify_v man_n understanding_n as_o where_o it_o be_v report_v that_o christ_n baptize_v he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o his_o disciple_n only_o baptize_v but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n that_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a for_o john_n himself_o in_o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 30._o have_v say_v he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v christ_n therefore_o make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o john_n 6.37_o and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o his_o name_n john_n 1.12_o and_o these_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o in_o john_n 7.31_o it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o in_o verse_n 40._o they_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n send_v the_o officer_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o return_v without_o he_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o the_o officer_n reply_v say_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v as_o this_o man_n verse_n 47_o 48._o then_o answer_v the_o pharisee_n be_v you_o also_o deceive_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o pharisce_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v take_v here_o notice_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o very_a pharisee_n excepe_v themselves_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n believe_v in_o he_o here_o be_v increase_v upon_o increase_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n all_o the_o people_n general_o believe_v in_o he_o certain_o one_o place_n can_v
not_o have_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o whereas_o the_o pharisee_n say_v none_o but_o the_o curse_a people_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n in_o this_o very_a chapter_n we_o find_v one_o ruler_n one_o nicodemus_n verse_n 50._o none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o in_o john_n 12.42_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o verse_n 11._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n go_v away_o and_o believe_v on_o jesus_n here_o be_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o verse_n 19_o the_o pharisee_n therefore_o say_v among_o themselves_o perceive_v you_o how_o you_o prevail_v nothing_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o these_o word_n the_o pharisee_n speak_v in_o private_a among_o themselves_o deliberate_o and_o confess_v that_o the_o world_n of_o man_n be_v turn_v christian_n all_o jerusalem_n swarm_v with_o believer_n without_o doubt_v all_o these_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o indeed_o through_o all_o the_o evangelist_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v matth._n 7.29_o because_o he_o teach_v they_o as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o do_v such_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o john_n 7.31_o they_o confess_v none_o can_v do_v but_o christ_n and_o in_o chap._n 12._o verse_n 11._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o raise_n up_o lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a make_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o people_n follow_v he_o and_o do_v so_o high_o honour_v he_o and_o magnify_v he_o and_o do_v receive_v he_o come_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o such_o a_o acclamation_n cry_v hosanna_n as_o in_o this_o 12_o chapter_n be_v specify_v and_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o matth._n 21.8_o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n spread_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o way_n and_o other_o cut_v down_o branch_n and_o the_o people_n that_o go_v before_o &_o they_o that_o come_v after_o cry_v hosanna_n &_o say_v this_o be_v jesus_n the_o prophet_n of_o nazareth_n they_o all_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o confess_v he_o before_o the_o world_n now_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o shall_v confess_v i_o and_o own_v i_o before_o man_n i_o will_v confess_v and_o own_v he_o before_o my_o father_n in_o heaven_n here_o be_v a_o whole_a city_n of_o believer_n and_o confessor_n yea_o the_o very_a child_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o open_o and_o in_o the_o temple_n cry_v hosanna_n and_o christ_n himself_o allow_v of_o their_o testimony_n and_o avouch_v they_o do_v well_o and_o according_o as_o be_v write_v and_o in_o luke_n 19.47_o 48._o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o teach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o they_o may_v do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o universality_n therefore_o of_o the_o people_n by_o all_o these_o place_n be_v believer_n and_o such_o as_o follow_v christ_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v wonder_v how_o that_o jerusalem_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a city_n can_v contain_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n so_o far_o improbable_a it_o be_v that_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n can_v contain_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o the_o great_a miracle_n at_o his_o suffer_v and_o at_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o apparition_n of_o so_o many_o that_o rose_n from_o their_o grave_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n make_v a_o great_a increase_n and_o addition_n of_o disciple_n and_o new_a believer_n so_o that_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o augment_v we_o find_v no_o diminution_n but_o if_o some_o that_o follow_v christ_n for_o bread_n that_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n leave_v follow_v he_o yet_o in_o those_o place_n we_o read_v again_o and_o again_o of_o numberless_a company_n that_o daily_o come_v in_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v force_v to_o baptize_v in_o several_a place_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o john_n 3.23_o after_o these_o day_n come_v jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n into_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o there_o he_o tarry_v with_o they_o and_o baptize_v and_o john_n also_o be_v baptise_v in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o &_o they_o come_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o very_a reason_n will_v tell_v all_o man_n that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o none_o be_v baptise_a but_o believer_n that_o must_v take_v up_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n or_o thereabouts_o for_o our_o saviour_n have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o 70._o disciple_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 9_o of_o luke_n and_o in_o the_o 10._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o john_n have_v also_o many_o disciple_n though_o not_o so_o many_o as_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o many_o of_o they_o in_o work_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o the_o very_a devil_n be_v subject_a unto_o they_o as_o they_o rejoice_o confess_v to_o christ_n when_o they_o return_v to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o without_o doubt_n if_o these_o miracle_n wrought_v so_o with_o the_o very_a disciple_n they_o prevail_v much_o more_o general_o with_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v so_o that_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o people_n come_v in_o and_o be_v baptise_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o inform_v we_o and_o of_o necessity_n so_o many_o minister_n must_v have_v several_a place_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o several_a place_n to_o baptise_v in_o for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v great_a confusion_n for_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v speak_v at_o once_o and_o all_o these_o disciple_n be_v take_v up_o in_o their_o several_a ministery_n and_o have_v their_o hand_n full_a as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o sufficient_o declare_v in_o express_a word_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n disciple_n baptise_a in_o judaea_n and_o john_n in_o enon_n near_o salim_n because_o there_o be_v much_o water_n there_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v too_o little_a water_n to_o baptise_v they_o in_o in_o other_o place_n which_o 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ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o 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be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2.46_o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o here_o in_o express_a word_n the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v specify_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o candid_a or_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o three_o thousand_o christian_n may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n ergò_fw-la all_o that_o believe_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o christ_n ministry_n and_o miracle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n before_o christ_n suffering_n and_o all_o that_o be_v after_o his_o resurrection_n convert_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v yet_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o edification_n i_o refer_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v argue_v against_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v within_o these_o seven_o year_n all_o the_o independent_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n ergò_fw-la there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o but_o one_o church_n still_o of_o independent_o in_o london_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n will_v not_o the_o brethren_n make_v themselves_o as_o merry_a with_o such_o a_o way_n of_o dispute_v as_o they_o have_v make_v other_o sad_a with_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v yes_o doubtless_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v not_o to_o their_o own_o honour_n to_o speak_v but_o favourable_o of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o that_o time_n this_o place_n of_o scripture_n speak_v of_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n specify_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o these_o three_o thousand_o new_a coavert_n and_o accord_n also_o unto_o they_o that_o all_o these_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v grant_v they_o for_o divers_a reason_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o although_o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n yet_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v some_o of_o they_o do_v daily_o meet_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o several_a employment_n and_o other_o in_o private_a and_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o sacrament_n in_o several_a house_n from_o which_o it_o be_v manifelt_o evident_a that_o then_o when_o there_o be_v new_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n they_o have_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v they_o be_v still_o distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o have_v their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n in_o several_a house_n and_o place_n beside_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o those_o several_a house_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o 41_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o the_o 47._o but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o silence_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v nothing_o and_o shall_v i_o grant_v to_o our_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o and_o that_o these_o three_o thousand_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o ten_o thousand_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o more_o to_o they_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o more_o to_o all_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n many_o hundred_o thousand_o more_o will_v any_o man_n think_v or_o believe_v that_o ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n much_o less_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o think_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o abdicate_v his_o understanding_n will_v so_o conclude_v so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argumentation_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o have_v defend_v themselves_o and_o wound_v the_o truth_n they_o wound_v themselves_o and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o tenant_n as_o god_n willing_a i_o shall_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o out_o of_o chap._n 5._o our_o brethren_n conceive_v they_o have_v a_o very_a strong_a &_o invincible_a argument_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o after_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v miraculous_o take_v away_o for_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n ergò_fw-la say_v they_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v meet_v be_v set_v down_o viz._n in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o it_o be_v further_o specify_v that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o that_o place_n this_o be_v their_o argument_n faithful_o and_o true_o set_v down_o and_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o their_o cause_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o argue_v have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o beseem_v grave_a man_n to_o trifle_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o then_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o john_n
apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15_o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplycation_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_v of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22_o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v that_o word_n ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v about_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v all_o this_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o have_v out_o of_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v and_o out_o of_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n no_o not_o in_o a_o few_o whether_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o by_o this_o and_o the_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o argument_n out_o of_o both_o
the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n that_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v god_n testimony_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o which_o he_o give_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n then_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o abraham_n tolerate_v neither_o in_o his_o child_n nor_o in_o his_o household_n any_o religion_n contrary_a unto_o that_o that_o god_n have_v teach_v he_o nor_o suffer_v no_o idolatry_n nor_o sect_n in_o his_o family_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v to_o walk_v upright_o before_o god_n for_o it_o have_v be_v unjust_a deal_n with_o god_n so_o to_o have_v do_v for_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v to_o walk_v perfect_o and_o sincere_o before_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o tolerate_v all_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_v of_o a_o false_a god_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n which_o also_o be_v idolatry_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n but_o abraham_n set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o he_o come_v as_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o his_o life_n do_v abundant_o declare_v and_o so_o do_v isaac_n after_o he_o and_o jacob_n after_o he_o as_o in_o the_o 33._o of_o gen._n do_v appear_v where_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o and_o be_v clean_a and_o change_v your_o garment_n and_o let_v we_o arise_v and_o go_v up_o to_o bethel_n and_o i_o will_v make_v there_o a_o altar_n unto_o god_n who_o answer_v i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o distress_n and_o be_v with_o i_o in_o the_o way_n which_o i_o go_v and_o they_o give_v unto_o jacob_n all_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o jacob_n hide_v they_o under_o the_o oak_n that_o be_v at_o sechem_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o city_n which_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o pursue_v after_o the_o son_n of_o jacob._n in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v a_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n with_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n that_o do_v redound_v to_o all_o those_o people_n &_o nation_n that_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o root_v out_o all_o idolatry_n and_o false_a worship_n out_o of_o their_o family_n &_o country_n for_o jacob_n give_v no_o toleration_n in_o his_o house_n nor_o among_o his_o people_n for_o all_o religion_n or_o for_o any_o other_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v he_o set_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o only_a within_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o bury_v all_o the_o idol_n of_o what_o price_n and_o how_o rich_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o he_o find_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o his_o so_o do_v for_o the_o lord_n for_o this_o his_o faithful_a service_n bless_v he_o and_o protect_v he_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o all_o his_o provoke_v enemy_n for_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o pursue_v he_o and_o if_o we_o take_v notice_n in_o our_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v and_o that_o through_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n ever_o follow_v that_o people_n and_o those_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o their_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o country_n with_o special_a blessing_n and_o singular_a favour_n that_o purge_v their_o country_n from_o idolatry_n and_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o all_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o neither_o do_v they_o ever_o purge_v their_o country_n from_o idolatry_n and_o root_v out_o idolater_n but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v present_o appease_v by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v always_o record_v to_o the_o eternal_a praise_n and_o honour_n of_o those_o king_n ruler_n and_o judge_n that_o be_v most_o forward_o in_o reformation_n and_o that_o set_v more_o thorough_o upon_o that_o good_a work_n of_o reformation_n and_o those_o that_o do_v thing_n but_o to_o the_o half_n in_o reformation_n have_v not_o so_o honourable_a a_o testimony_n in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o god_n have_v ever_o be_v please_v when_o idolatry_n have_v be_v root_v out_o and_o idolater_n put_v to_o death_n there_o be_v many_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n among_o other_o that_o in_o the_o 32._o of_o exodus_fw-la how_o high_o be_v god_n displease_v there_o with_o the_o make_n of_o that_o calf_n and_o how_o well_o be_v he_o please_v when_o execution_n be_v do_v upon_o the_o contriver_n and_o author_n of_o that_o idolatry_n that_o place_n sufficient_o declare_v yea_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o deuteronomie_n the_o lord_n declare_v how_o much_o he_o detest_v idolatry_n &_o all_o false_a worship_n give_v a_o dispensation_n to_o child_n for_o disobedience_n to_o their_o parent_n who_o by_o his_o law_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o god_n matter_n so_o that_o if_o those_o of_o their_o nigh_a relation_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o entice_v any_o to_o idolatry_n or_o to_o the_o worship_v of_o false_a god_n or_o the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o false_a manner_n or_o shall_v endeavour_v but_o to_o bring_v in_o another_o riligion_n than_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v bring_v they_o forth_o and_o have_v justice_n do_v against_o they_o so_o that_o god_n abhor_v that_o any_o religion_n among_o his_o own_o people_n shall_v be_v tolerate_v or_o set_v up_o beside_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v command_v and_o he_o have_v forbid_v in_o his_o law_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v to_o themselves_o any_o grave_a image_n or_o set_v up_o any_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o but_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v ordain_v and_o enjoin_v and_o command_v that_o they_o that_o shall_v attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n we_o see_v likewise_o what_o joshua_n do_v according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o all_o christian_n magistrate_n chap._n 24._o ver_fw-la 14.15_o 16._o now_o therefore_o say_v he_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o put_v away_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o serve_v you_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v whether_o the_o god_n which_o your_o father_n serve_v that_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n or_o the_o god_n of_o the_o amorites_n in_o who_o land_n you_o dwell_v but_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o people_n answer_v and_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v he_o that_o bring_v we_o up_o and_o our_o father_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o joshua_n enjoin_v they_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o sincerity_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v that_o to_o put_v away_o all_o their_o idol_n he_o give_v no_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o joshua_n jos_n 24.15_o and_o that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o more_o alacrity_n yield_v obedience_n to_o god_n command_n he_o set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o their_o eye_n with_o his_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o both_o he_o and_o his_o household_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n only_o and_o set_v up_o his_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o people_n likewise_o assent_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n and_o tolerate_v no_o other_o religion_n because_o say_v they_o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v we_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o make_v we_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o tolerate_v no_o other_o service_n among_o they_o but_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o appoint_v and_o this_o example_n of_o joshua_n and_o the_o people_n