〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d raise_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n brand_a they_o with_o the_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o censure_n and_o a_o virtual_a admonition_n tend_v to_o further_a censure_n but_o actual_o to_o have_v proceed_v further_o to_o excommunication_n at_o first_o be_v not_o seasonable_a prudent_a nor_o needful_a 4._o if_o people_n and_o private_a brethren_n be_v in_o that_o synod_n as_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o determination_n and_o consultation_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o by_o way_n of_o authoritative_a and_o definitive_a vote_n but_o at_o most_o consultative_a and_o by_o way_n of_o private_a consent_n and_o approbation_n as_o we_o clear_v before_o against_o mr._n locky_a 5._o that_o recommendation_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o that_o synod_n from_o the_o goodness_n and_o benefit_n thereof_o express_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o synodical_a letter_n do_v not_o argue_v their_o constitution_n not_o to_o have_v be_v make_v and_o enjoin_v by_o a_o authoritative_a power_n obleige_v under_o hazard_n of_o censure_n the_o most_o authoritative_a act_n of_o any_o juridical_a court_n be_v send_v in_o a_o respective_a way_n may_v be_v so_o recommend_v in_o such_o a_o way_n neither_o that_o that_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o synod_n there_o be_v not_o a_o express_v and_o formal_a threaten_n of_o those_o that_o disobey_v with_o censure_n do_v import_n by_o any_o necessity_n of_o consequence_n that_o the_o power_n they_o exercise_v be_v not_o authoritative_a and_o such_o as_o may_v proceed_v to_o censure_v juridical_a court_n do_v not_o always_o add_v to_o their_o constitution_n express_v and_o formal_a commination_n of_o punishment_n here_o especial_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a it_o be_v a_o clear_a case_n in_o itself_o that_o those_o haretick_n and_o schismatic_n who_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v reduce_v be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v but_o censure_v and_o cast_v forth_o section_n 10_o now_o be_v this_o which_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v the_o pith_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o these_o author_n have_v not_o only_o adventure_v themselves_o to_o desert_n and_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n but_o also_o have_v dar_v to_o advise_v the_o brethren_n to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o epistle_n to_o appear_v with_o they_o upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o business_n that_o be_v to_o put_v to_o their_o hand_n as_o chief_a actor_n to_o throw_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n that_o beautiful_a order_n of_o government_n in_o this_o church_n by_o the_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n appoint_v to_o rule_v his_o church_n on_o earth_n in_o congregationall_a and_o classical_a presbytery_n synod_n provincial_n and_o nationall_n order_v in_o a_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a subordination_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v after_o the_o first_o reformation_n upon_o much_o deliberation_n for_o many_o year_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n as_o warrant_v and_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v afterward_o when_o oppose_v bear_v down_o and_o oppress_v seal_v by_o many_o precious_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a suffering_n of_o imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o even_a sentence_n unto_o death_n which_o the_o only_a hand_n of_o god_n restrain_v from_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o be_v again_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o people_n in_o this_o land_n after_o long_a oppression_n under_o prelacy_n raise_v up_o have_v be_v attest_v by_o foreign_a divine_n and_o church_n as_o the_o true_a government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n have_v be_v always_o the_o hammer_n to_o break_v wickedness_n and_o prophanitie_n and_o the_o hedge_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n make_v this_o church_n against_o all_o evil_a doer_n and_o enemy_n of_o truth_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v the_o eye_n sore_o of_o all_o the_o sect_n and_o heretic_n of_o the_o time_n &_o the_o butt_n of_o satan_n malice_n to_o throw_v down_o and_o raze_v this_o to_o the_o ground_n which_o some_o of_o the_o same_o reverend_a man_n to_o who_o they_o write_v have_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o their_o praise_n in_o all_o the_o church_n vindicated_n against_o all_o enemy_n thereof_o upon_o one_o hand_n and_o other_o and_o stand_v engage_v by_o solemn_a vow_n and_o the_o dreadful_a oath_n of_o god_n to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v to_o their_o life_n end_n to_o set_v up_o i_o wot_v not_o what_o and_o i_o think_v the_o author_n themselves_o wot_v not_o what_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o this_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o streach_v out_o of_o god_n hand_n and_o to_o lay_v upon_o they_o the_o horrid_a imputation_n of_o be_v snare_n to_o god_n people_n o_o lord_n how_o terrible_a be_v thy_o judgement_n in_o these_o time_n as_o upon_o outward_a thing_n so_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n while_o man_n be_v thus_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n what_o need_v have_v these_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o in_o love_n lest_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n section_n 11_o the_o author_n add_v only_o that_o there_o may_v be_v somewhat_o say_v from_o antiquity_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v partly_o aristocratical_a partly_o democraticall_a in_o much_o of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o small_a influence_n in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n but_o that_o they_o forbear_v as_o desire_v to_o lean_v on_o a_o sure_a foundation_n answ_n what_o they_o have_v produce_v of_o this_o sure_a foundation_n i._n e._n the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o lean_v themselves_o upon_o in_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n we_o have_v see_v and_o how_o little_a ground_n it_o afford_v to_o sustain_v they_o we_o have_v see_v too_o i_o wish_v from_o my_o heart_n they_o have_v bring_v somewhat_o also_o though_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a of_o that_o which_o they_o allege_v may_v be_v say_v from_o antiquity_n of_o these_o age_n for_o their_o tenant_n of_o church_n government_n for_o in_o truth_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o reverence_v very_o much_o under_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o lean_a to_o only_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n in_o these_o age_n mr._n locky_a as_o we_o see_v before_o undertake_v somewhat_o of_o this_o before_o magno_fw-la hiatu_fw-la under_o the_o name_n of_o common_a consent_n but_o what_o he_o produce_v to_o instruct_v it_o may_v blush_v before_o all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o wit_n and_o be_v not_o stark_a fool_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v what_o these_o author_n will_v have_v produce_v have_v they_o assay_v it_o shall_v have_v prove_v as_o little_a to_o their_o purpose_n section_n 12_o there_o be_v two_o main_a point_n whereof_o the_o independent_a government_n consist_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o and_o formal_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o community_n of_o professor_n if_o not_o whole_o and_o by_o themselves_o yet_o joint_o with_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n concur_v authoritative_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o large_a judicatory_n or_o assembly_n ecclesiastic_a than_o of_o a_o single_a congregation_n whether_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n juridical_a but_o that_o the_o judicatorie_a of_o every_o single_a congregation_n be_v the_o supreme_a ecclesiastic_a juridical_a court_n upon_o earth_n independent_a upon_o and_o without_o subordination_n to_o any_o large_a or_o superior_a ecclesiastic_a judicatorie_a they_o grant_v indeed_o some_o sort_n of_o synod_n but_o denude_v they_o of_o all_o authoritative_a and_o juridical_a power_n over_o particular_a church_n leave_v they_o only_a power_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n or_o at_o most_o a_o dogmatic_a power_n to_o determine_v case_n and_o question_n in_o religion_n but_o without_o power_n authoritative_o to_o enjoin_v their_o determination_n upon_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v censurable_a in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n or_o to_o inflict_v any_o censure_n at_o all_o upon_o offender_n section_n 13_o now_o 1._o suppose_v which_o yet_o can_v be_v grant_v that_o somewhat_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o antiquity_n to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o mixture_n of_o aristocracy_n and_o democracie_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v some_o influence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n yet_o none_o dare_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o
but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o homogenealnesse_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o mr._n locky_a mean_v that_o it_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o proposition_n we_o answer_v such_o a_o homogenealnesse_n be_v not_o requisite_a for_o such_o a_o derivation_n as_o be_v from_o a_o head_n political_a to_o its_o political_a body_n this_o derivation_n be_v only_o moral_a by_o command_n prohibition_n and_o the_o like_a moral_a act_n but_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o head_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o such_o nor_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n a_o body_n to_o he_o in_o this_o sense_n but_o only_a vocatione_n actiuâ_fw-la and_o in_o external_a profession_n neither_o be_v that_o derivation_n from_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o consider_v according_a to_o its_o visible_a constitution_n but_o unto_o the_o church_n invisible_a internal_a mystical_a as_o such_o section_n 5_o his_o 2d_o reason_n be_v thus_o short_o if_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o stay_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o such_o as_o shall_v bear_v up_o the_o truth_n into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v a_o stay_n to_o truth_n hold_v it_o out_o firm_o and_o faithful_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o trial_n and_o such_o as_o in_o which_o god_n live_v and_o dwell_v and_o walk_v then_o none_o can_v be_v matter_n or_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o real_a saint_n for_o why_o do_v god_n live_v and_o dwell_v in_o dead_a person_n who_o only_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o religion_n will_v such_o person_n be_v a_o stay_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n will_v they_o be_v a_o stay_n to_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d firmamentum_fw-la as_o the_o firmament_n to_o the_o star_n who_o fall_v from_o heaven_n themselves_o and_o so_o how_o can_v god_n have_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n but_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o in_o which_o god_n live_v dwell_v walk_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr mr._n locky_a still_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o his_o other_o argument_n show_v that_o in_o propound_v his_o doctrine_n he_o add_v that_o qualification_n true_o gracious_a so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v but_o dicis_fw-la causa_fw-la and_o in_o show_n to_o avoid_v for_o a_o while_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o the_o great_a anabaptist_n tenent_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o such_o as_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o godly_a so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v man_n judgement_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o this_o as_o himself_o confess_v may_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o such_o as_o will_v not_o hold_v out_o truth_n firm_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o trial_n may_v be_v but_o dead_a person_n and_o so_o such_o as_o in_o who_o god_n do_v not_o live_v walk_v and_o dwell_v 2._o as_o to_o that_o first_o property_n and_o character_n attribute_v to_o a_o visible_a church_n from_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o by_o mr._n locky_a first_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o if_o in_o good_a earnest_n he_o mean_v that_o to_o be_v a_o property_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v in_o its_o matter_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o it_o will_v bear_v up_o the_o truth_n and_o thing_n of_o god_n firm_o and_o faithful_o to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o trial_n sure_o this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o papist_n allege_v from_o this_o place_n for_o the_o unerrabilitie_n and_o indefectibilitie_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n against_o which_o all_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_n yea_o it_o be_v much_o more_o for_o papist_n attribute_v this_o only_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a acknowledge_v that_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v err_v and_o make_v defection_n and_o let_v the_o truth_n and_o thing_n of_o god_n fall_v down_o except_v only_o the_o roman_a church_n because_o they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n virtual_o but_o mr._n locky_a acknowledge_v not_o church_n visible_a but_o a_o independent_a congregation_n and_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v the_o property_n of_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o propound_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o conclusion_n here_o thus_o a_o church_n visible_a i._n e._n any_o visible_a church_n now_o let_v i_o put_v he_o further_o to_o it_o either_o there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n visible_a right_o constitute_v for_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n see_v all_o the_o first_o constitute_v church_n have_v make_v defection_n and_o let_v truth_n fall_v down_o which_o if_o he_o say_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a in_o itself_o i_o ask_v why_o then_o do_v he_o a_o little_a before_o bring_v we_o pattern_n of_o right_a constitute_v church_n from_o these_o first_o mention_v in_o scripture_n or_o if_o they_o be_v right_o constitute_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o make_v defection_n and_o do_v not_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o do_v let_v they_o fall_v if_o he_o answer_v that_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o they_o keep_v not_o a_o right_a constitution_n for_o their_o matter_n i_o repone_fw-la that_o take_v not_o away_o the_o force_n of_o the_o question_n for_o that_o same_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v a_o not_o bear_v up_o and_o hold_v out_o firm_o and_o faithful_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o question_n return_v upon_o this_o 2._o but_o to_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o place_n though_o interpreter_n have_v some_o variety_n among_o themselves_o about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o yet_o never_o one_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o interpretation_n which_o mr._n locky_a give_v but_o oppose_v it_o and_o refute_v it_o in_o papist_n some_o indeed_o expone_fw-la the_o attribute_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n much_o as_o he_o do_v but_o these_o by_o the_o church_n to_o which_o it_o be_v attribute_v understand_v not_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o invisible_a of_o elect._n so_o whittaker_n de_fw-fr eccles_n q._n 3._o c._n 2._o illa_fw-la quidem_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la columna_fw-la &_o firmamentum_fw-la veritatis_fw-la nunquam_fw-la potest_fw-la deficere_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la assumit_n adversarius_fw-la illam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la esse_fw-la visibilem_fw-la illud_fw-la affirmo_fw-la esse_fw-la falsissimum_fw-la invisibilem_fw-la enim_fw-la esse_fw-la affirmo_fw-la &_o demonstro_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o often_o otherwhere_o other_o again_o understand_v the_o subject_n as_o he_o do_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v mean_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o these_o expone_fw-la the_o attribute_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o of_o what_o the_o church_n visible_a will_v do_v always_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la but_o what_o be_v its_o duty_n and_o dignity_n elogium_fw-la hoc_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la &_o officium_fw-la describit_fw-la non_fw-la autem_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la perpetuâ_fw-la luce_fw-fr fulgeat_fw-la gomar_n specul_fw-la ver_fw-la eccles_n c._n 2._o so_o wal._n loc_fw-la come_v de_fw-fr eccles_n milit_fw-la resp_n 1._o hoc_fw-la dicitur_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ephesinâ_fw-la que_fw-la tamen_fw-la periit_fw-la 2._o ergo_fw-la respectu_fw-la officii_fw-la sic_fw-la voco_fw-la see_v more_o concern_v this_o place_n in_o learned_a gomar_n in_o the_o place_n cite_v also_o in_o his_o commentar_n upon_o the_o gallatian_n c._n 2._o in_o the_o second_o tome_n of_o his_o work_n pag._n 244_o 245._o where_o you_o have_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o diverse_a orthodox_n interpretation_n thereof_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a divine_n follow_v we_o pass_v here_o camer_n interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n join_v these_o word_n pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o with_o that_o which_o go_v before_o but_o that_o which_o follow_v section_n 6_o for_o the_o second_o property_n and_o character_n out_o of_o the_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o we_o ans_fw-fr with_o all_o protestant_a divine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o visible_a but_o the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o which_o he_o live_v dwell_v and_o walk_v 442._o see_v whittaker_n de_fw-fr ecâ—ces_n q._n 1_o c._n 11._o pag._n 442._o to_o omit_v many_o other_o argument_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o take_v but_o this_o one_o from_o the_o text_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o this_o place_n be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o praedicat_v of_o singular_a person_n
several_o as_o well_o as_o collective_o and_o joint_o but_o if_o it_o signify_v the_o visible_a church_n it_o can_v be_v predicate_v of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o person_n several_o each_o person_n be_v not_o a_o temple_n in_o this_o sense_n a_o visible_a church_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v here_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o corinth_n ans_fw-fr true_o but_o every_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o competent_a to_o they_o as_o a_o visible_a church_n section_n 7_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n much_o at_o that_o wherewith_o mr._n locky_a close_v this_o reason_n and_o so_o how_o can_v god_n have_v glory_n in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n eph._n 3._o 21._o ans_fw-fr and_o do_v continuation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n depend_v upon_o his_o particular_a way_n of_o constitute_v particular_a visible_a congregation_n of_o all_o true_a saint_n and_o a_o particular_a 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all_o thing_n be_v so_o every_o man_n offering_n be_v as_o he_o be_v let_v his_o offering_n be_v what_o it_o will_v let_v a_o man_n make_v up_o his_o offering_n of_o never_o so_o much_o cost_v and_o worth_a yet_o it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n as_o the_o man_n be_v if_o the_o man_n be_v impure_a so_o be_v his_o offering_n but_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o prophecy_n to_o say_v the_o latter_a ergo._n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr mr._n locky_a himself_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o stroke_n of_o this_o argument_n no_o not_o by_o his_o own_o way_n as_o some_o time_n he_o express_v it_o for_o thereby_o all_o such_o as_o may_v be_v account_v true_o godly_a so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o admit_v as_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n now_o many_o of_o these_o may_v be_v and_o undoubted_o be_v real_o impure_a and_o unbelieved_a and_o so_o of_o necessity_n must_v their_o offering_n be_v impure_a if_o it_o be_v say_v 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to_o a_o member_n of_o another_o congregation_n as_o mr._n hooker_n ingenuous_o acknowledge_v suru._n part._n 2._o admission_n and_o ejection_n of_o member_n shall_v only_o be_v into_o and_o from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n a_o child_n shall_v be_v baptise_a into_o a_o particular_a congregation_n only_o and_o not_o into_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o one_o excommunicate_v cast_v out_o only_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o the_o power_n extend_v no_o further_o way_n be_v make_v to_o let_v in_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o as_o many_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v particular_a congregation_n and_o none_o can_v hinder_v it_o in_o a_o ecclesiastic_a way_n and_o many_o more_o absurdity_n shall_v follow_v as_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n have_v judicious_o observe_v contrair_a to_o those_o assertion_n be_v my_o second_o part_n employ_v for_o vindication_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o word_n and_o 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and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o many_o the_o base_a earthly_a time_n serve_v mind_n of_o other_o unadvised_a principle_n in_o some_o who_o may_v be_v see_v not_o yet_o the_o far_a end_n of_o their_o consequence_n may_v prove_v a_o advantage_n to_o seducement_n &_o produce_v more_o defection_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o temptation_n continue_v then_o as_o yet_o we_o have_v see_v but_o let_v temptation_n and_o trial_n be_v what_o they_o will_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n even_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o stand_v for_o here_o the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o this_o church_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n and_o thereby_o make_v know_v to_o this_o church_n shall_v stand_v firm_a it_o have_v be_v a_o cup_n of_o tremble_v to_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o lay_v siege_n against_o it_o and_o a_o burdensome_a stone_n to_o all_o that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n burden_v themselves_o wâ—…h_v it_o to_o cut_v they_o in_o piece_n &_o it_o will_v yet_o prove_v so_o to_o all_o who_o will_v adventure_v to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o who_o will_v christ_n will_v not_o want_v his_o witness_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o it_o even_o if_o need_v be_v by_o not_o love_v their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n and_o o_o but_o that_o man_n may_v count_v himself_o high_o favour_v of_o god_n who_o he_o shall_v honour_v with_o that_o dignity_n as_o that_o eminent_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mr._n welsch_n speak_v in_o relation_n to_o himself_o of_o suffer_v for_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o cause_n wâ—…ged_v in_o his_o time_n but_o have_v detain_v your_o lordship_n too_o 〈◊〉_d i_o present_v this_o testimony_n i_o have_v give_v to_o it_o according_a to_o my_o weak_a measure_n to_o you_o commend_v it_o not_o only_o to_o your_o favourable_a acceptance_n but_o also_o to_o your_o judicious_a censure_n and_o yourself_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o have_v call_v you_o unto_o the_o uâ—…ained_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o preserve_v you_o therein_o â—…lameable_a unto_o the_o end_n i_o be_o your_o lordsâ—…_n most_o humble_a servant_n in_o the_o lord_n james_n wood._n a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n albeit_o it_o have_v please_v mr._n locky_a to_o prefix_v unto_o his_o book_n two_o epistle_n of_o his_o own_o and_o a_o three_o of_o three_o of_o his_o friend_n contain_v many_o sharp_a invective_n against_o this_o church_n and_o strange_a commentary_n upon_o the_o lord_n dispensation_n towards_o we_o as_o strike_v against_o our_o church_n constitution_n and_o government_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o detain_v the_o reader_n with_o scan_v of_o the_o same_o be_v confident_a that_o upon_o the_o clear_n and_o vindicate_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n these_o discourse_n will_v be_v find_v by_o the_o godly_a and_o judicious_a to_o be_v not_o only_o bitter_a against_o brethren_n in_o affliction_n prove_v they_o to_o be_v physician_n of_o no_o value_n but_o injurious_a to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o ascribe_v our_o calamity_n to_o our_o adhere_n thereto_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o lord_n outward_a dispensation_n towards_o we_o a_o index_n of_o the_o section_n part_n i._o concern_v the_o mater_n of_o the_o visible_a kirk_n sect_n i._o mr._n locky_a his_o analysis_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n act._n 15._o 3._o for_o lay_v a_o ground_n to_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o mater_n of_o the_o visible_a kirk_n consider_v p._n 1._o sect_n ii_o his_o doctrine_n ponder_v and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_a brethren_n touch_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a kirk_n clear_v p._n 16._o sect_n iii_o his_o first_o class_n of_o argument_n from_o act._n 9_o 26._o and_o 2._o 47._o and_o heb._n 3._o 5_o 6._o bring_v as_o direct_o hold_v forth_o his_o doctrine_n answer_v p._n 31._o sect_n iv_o the_o author_n text_n which_o he_o call_v hint_n and_o shadow_n of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 40._o sect_n v._o examination_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o induction_n p._n 56_o sect_n vi_o examination_n of_o his_o proof_n bring_v under_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n p._n 83_o sect_n vii_o a_o short_a modest_a reply_n to_o the_o bitter_a use_n he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n p._n 102._o sect_n viii_o the_o objection_n he_o make_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o answer_n thereto_o consider_v p._n 107._o sect_n ix_o some_o argument_n confirm_v our_o doctrine_n and_o evert_v the_o adverse_a opinion_n about_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a kirk_n p._n 127._o append_v wherein_o be_v examine_v so_o mucâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o letter_n write_v by_o these_o of_o aberdene_n who_o late_o have_v sepâ—…ted_v from_o this_o kirk_n upon_o the_o
gospel_n like_o behaviour_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o esteem_v person_n believer_n what_o at_o least_o be_v requisite_a and_o must_v concur_v to_o make_v it_o up_o and_o less_o than_o which_o will_v not_o serve_v that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v the_o general_n determinat_fw-la rule_n whereby_o cognition_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o estimation_n to_o be_v pass_v upon_o all_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v believer_n or_o otherways_o for_o certain_o while_n as_o they_o say_v but_o indefinite_o such_o a_o blameless_a and_o gospel_n behaviour_n and_o tell_v not_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o behaviour_n they_o leave_v the_o matter_n in_o a_o mist_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v devolve_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o estimation_n upon_o man_n apprehension_n without_o a_o rule_n if_o they_o say_v they_o be_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o friend_n and_o can_v not_o therein_o say_v all_o that_o be_v to_o 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section_n 4_o but_o now_o take_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o thesis_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o make_v one_o of_o year_n fit_a to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v together_o with_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n such_o a_o conversation_n as_o may_v make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v esteem_v i._n e._n positive_o judge_v a_o true_a believer_n or_o regenerate_v person_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o add_v any_o new_a reason_n to_o what_o i_o have_v bring_v before_o but_o shall_v come_v brief_o to_o consider_v if_o these_o present_a author_n have_v bring_v any_o new_a strength_n of_o reason_n for_o that_o tenet_n only_o i_o will_v desire_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o consider_v if_o they_o can_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n among_o all_o these_o many_o who_o admission_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v mention_v therein_o any_o instance_n of_o person_n or_o 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christian_a faith_n albeit_o to_o that_o very_a time_n their_o behaviour_n have_v be_v most_o unblamable_a be_v forthwith_o baptize_v and_o so_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n consider_v this_o i_o beseech_v you_o dear_a brethren_n if_o so_o you_o will_v yet_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v call_v and_o exhort_v by_o i_o section_n 5_o but_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o grâ—…nds_n of_o confirmation_n of_o their_o thesis_fw-la such_o say_v they_o be_v the_o church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v pattern_n to_o we_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n give_v to_o they_o saint_n sanctify_a justify_v wash_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o answer_v we_o refer_v to_o what_o we_o say_v before_o to_o that_o same_o inductive_a argument_n in_o mr._n locky_a now_o in_o a_o word_n only_o to_o make_v this_o argument_n good_a it_o must_v be_v allege_v and_o make_v out_o not_o only_o that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o church_n found_v by_o 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be_v so_o i_o mean_v even_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n because_o these_o title_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o and_o every_o church_n found_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n we_o give_v instance_n of_o the_o church_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n sardis_n laodicea_n nay_o have_v the_o author_n due_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v of_o these_o church_n revel_v 2_o and_o 3._o i_o think_v they_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n say_v what_o they_o say_v here_o nor_o 3._o do_v these_o title_n import_v necessary_o that_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v do_v the_o facto_fw-la and_o eventual_o consist_v of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o such_o these_o title_n may_v and_o must_v at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o visible_a body_n synecdochical_o by_o a_o denomination_n take_v from_o the_o better_a part_n as_o i_o will_v rather_o say_v of_o the_o body_n communiter_fw-la &_o confuse_v not_o universaliter_fw-la section_n 6_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n touch_v not_o at_o the_o two_o former_a exception_n which_o yet_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overturn_v this_o argument_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o of_o the_o author_n he_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v have_v be_v the_o penner_n of_o this_o epistle_n a_o man_n well_o enough_o acquaint_v in_o argumentation_n and_o able_a to_o discern_v what_o may_v be_v allege_v to_o be_v defective_a in_o a_o induction_n may_v well_o perceive_v but_o only_a labour_n to_o infringe_v the_o three_o we_o can_v say_v they_o acquiesce_v to_o the_o common_a answer_n that_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o better_a part_n answ_n yet_o as_o good_a and_o as_o judicious_a as_o you_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o interpreter_n until_o anabaptist_n
case_n ordain_v or_o excommunicate_v but_o we_o say_v that_o when_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n to_o associate_v with_o and_o when_o association_n may_v be_v have_v they_o shall_v not_o perform_v these_o act_n alone_o but_o in_o a_o associate_n presbytery_n and_o we_o make_v not_o the_o principal_a ground_n of_o this_o that_o the_o eldership_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o sufficient_a viz._n for_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o exercise_v these_o act_n although_o there_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o necessity_n of_o it_o ordinary_o from_o this_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o in_o particular_a congregation_n there_o will_v be_v find_v eldership_n sufficient_a for_o manage_v these_o matter_n for_o although_o the_o eldership_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v very_o sufficient_a this_o way_n yet_o we_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o exercise_v these_o act_n by_o themselves_o without_o a_o associate_n presbytery_n at_o least_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v by_o themselves_o independent_o without_o subordination_n to_o large_a associate_n presbytery_n as_o mr._n locky_a intend_v because_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o warrant_n christ_n have_v not_o institute_v this_o but_o the_o contrare_fw-la now_o his_o reason_n follow_v be_v found_v upon_o this_o mistake_n in_o his_o objection_n which_o we_o have_v clear_v there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n to_o insist_v in_o follow_v it_o especial_o consider_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o same_o in_o very_a word_n with_o the_o second_o reason_n by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o prove_v the_o minor_a of_o their_o first_o reason_n against_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n their_o proposition_n touch_v ordination_n and_o you_o have_v it_o full_o consider_v and_o answer_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o their_o answer_n see_v their_o paper_n pag._n 195._o 196._o may_v not_o mr._n locky_a have_v read_v their_o answer_n and_o either_o spare_v the_o present_v we_o with_o that_o reason_n anew_o again_o or_o give_v it_o with_o some_o new_a strength_n against_o the_o assembly_n answer_v to_o it_o exedit_fw-la miseros_fw-la cram_n repetita_fw-la section_n 7_o he_o further_o proceed_v thus_o sect._n 44._o if_o one_o particular_a congregation_n so_o constitute_v as_o be_v before_o mention_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o exercise_v the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n without_o a_o foreign_a still_o we_o must_v bid_v you_o correct_v your_o nick_n name_v thing_n and_o say_v a_o associate_n presbytery_n than_o the_o first_o church_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v lame_a in_o its_o power_n till_o other_o be_v erect_v and_o antioch_n lame_a in_o its_o power_n because_o but_o one_o church_n in_o association_n with_o it_o and_o answerable_o they_o make_v lame_a work_n and_o other_o congregation_n which_o be_v scatter_v up_o &_o down_o in_o pontus_n cappadocia_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n by_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o by_o violence_n of_o heathen_n be_v in_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n to_o any_o stand_v associate_n eldership_n be_v all_o lame_a and_o can_v not_o supply_v the_o mortality_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o officer_n and_o so_o must_v indeed_o sink_v from_o a_o defect_n intrinsical_v be_v not_o able_a to_o relieve_v themselves_o without_o a_o foreign_a a_o associate_n power_n ans_fw-fr 1._o from_o that_o which_o be_v say_v by_o the_o man_n mr._n locky_a dispute_n against_o it_o to_o wit_n that_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n when_o they_o may_v associate_v with_o other_o have_v not_o sufficiency_n by_o divine_a warrant_n to_o exercise_v act_n of_o jurisdiction_n of_o public_a and_o common_a concernment_n alone_o and_o by_o themselves_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o associate_n eldership_n much_o less_o without_o subordination_n to_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o eldership_n of_o one_o single_a congregation_n when_o there_o be_v but_o that_o one_o exist_v in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o he_o suppose_v that_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o or_o if_o a_o single_a congregation_n when_o though_o there_o be_v other_o exist_v in_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v under_o a_o physical_a incapacity_n by_o some_o insuperable_a impediment_n to_o associate_v with_o other_o such_z as_o he_o suppose_v these_o congregation_n in_o pontus_n cappadocia_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v be_v so_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a that_o they_o can_v in_o that_o case_n when_o necessity_n require_v or_o may_v not_o exercise_v these_o act_n it_o be_v grant_v in_o these_o case_n they_o may_v yet_o this_o we_o say_v withal_o a_o congregation_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o case_n of_o absolute_a imperfection_n that_o it_o can_v perform_v necessary_a act_n of_o government_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o so_o complete_a and_o perfect_a a_o state_n of_o government_n as_o when_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v associate_v with_o other_o for_o exercise_v of_o government_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o reason_n only_o 2._o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o particular_n will_v be_v note_v 1._o while_o as_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o single_a congregation_n if_o he_o mean_v all_o the_o time_n till_o other_o church_n in_o other_o place_n be_v erect_v the_o supposition_n be_v beside_o the_o truth_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o author_n we_o refer_v to_o before_o upon_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o doubt_v much_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v that_o at_o any_o time_n when_o there_o be_v a_o government_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a congregation_n 2._o as_o to_o that_o he_o say_v of_o antioch_n by_o that_o one_o church_n wherewith_o it_o be_v associate_v i_o conceive_v that_o he_o mean_v that_o of_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o how_o will_v he_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o associate_v also_o with_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n sure_o there_o be_v great_a likelihood_n that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n consider_v that_o the_o synodical_a letter_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o and_o it_o joint_o again_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n at_o least_o be_v not_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n consist_v of_o more_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o author_n mention_v have_v prove_v and_o so_o be_v antioch_n too_o see_v â—us_a divin_n of_o church_n govern._n p._n 2._o c._n 13._o p._n 204._o further_o do_v not_o mr._n lock_v before_o acknowledge_v that_o meeting_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v a_o synod_n often_o than_o once_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o association_n of_o two_o church_n or_o more_o this_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o synod_n it_o be_v true_a he_o will_v have_v it_o to_o have_v be_v only_o consultative_a and_o not_o juridical_a but_o it_o suffice_v my_o purpose_n in_o call_v to_o mind_n his_o acknowledgement_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o he_o do_v very_o impertinent_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n in_o this_o argument_n see_v he_o confess_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o such_o a_o association_n as_o make_v up_o a_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o associate_n presbytery_n superior_a to_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n section_n 8_o to_o that_o we_o say_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o reason_n mr._n locky_a will_v it_o seem_v say_v somewhat_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o sect_n 44._o to_o say_v that_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n unordinary_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v be_v little_a to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o tender_a heart_n especial_o in_o divine_a thing_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v so_o shape_v his_o public_a ordinance_n which_o be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o place_n that_o place_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o stand_v let_v to_o put_v his_o people_n continual_o to_o run_v beside_o the_o institute_v rule_v to_o this_o 1._o in_o extraordinary_a case_n to_o do_v thing_n unordinary_a i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o course_n appoint_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n may_v be_v with_o very_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o most_o tender_a heart_n that_o be_v a_o well_o inform_v and_o right_o tender_a heart_n and_o not_o a_o superstitious_a heart_n have_v you_o not_o read_v say_v our_o saviour_n math._n 12._o 4_o 5._o what_o david_n do_v when_o he_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o how_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o do_v eat_v the_o shewbread_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o eat_v neither_o for_o they_o which_o be_v with_o he_o but_o only_o for_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v a_o unordinary_a thing_n for_o david_n or_o any_o other_o man_n not_o priest_n to_o eat_v the_o shewbread_n yet_o in_o that_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o david_n and_o his_o company_n be_v hungry_a and_o no_o other_o bread_n be_v to_o be_v have_v let_v their_o heart_n be_v