several_a manner_n and_o among_o all_o these_o family_n there_o be_v no_o external_a uniformity_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v well_o enough_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o city_n nay_o further_o to_o bring_v but_o one_o man_n to_o a_o uniformity_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n by_o a_o outward_a law_n will_v be_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v his_o life_n worse_o than_o death_n to_o compel_v every_o man_n by_o a_o law_n every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n or_o every_o monday_n tuseday_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o week_n to_o a_o uniformity_n of_o life_n that_o he_o shall_v rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n use_v the_o same_o posture_n speak_v the_o same_o word_n eat_v the_o same_o food_n receive_v the_o same_o physic_n sit_v and_o stand_v and_o walk_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o the_o same_o set_a time_n who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o cruel_a bondage_n what_o a_o absurd_a and_o intolerable_a thing_n than_o be_v uniformity_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o 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the_o spiritual_a discipline_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n manage_v the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o saint_n exercise_v and_o all_o this_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o outward_a form_n or_o uniformity_n this_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n the_o straighten_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o limit_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o how_o wise_a so_o ever_o these_o man_n may_v be_v in_o natural_a and_o carnal_a thing_n yet_o their_o wisdom_n be_v but_o foolishness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o uniformity_n then_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o work_v several_o in_o several_a saint_n and_o several_o in_o the_o same_o saint_n at_o several_a time_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v tie_v the_o church_n to_o a_o uniformity_n which_o work_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o as_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o it_o let_v they_o 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spirit_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n may_v have_v divers_a form_n of_o outward_a administration_n as_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o and_o that_o every_o church_n be_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v leave_v free_a and_o no_o church_n force_v by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o follow_v or_o imitate_v another_o church_n against_o its_o will_n not_o be_v free_o lead_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v i_o think_v that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o any_o company_n of_o man_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o world_n to_o shine_v to_o a_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o all_o people_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o follow_v their_o judgement_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o their_o light_n see_v other_o minister_n and_o christian_n may_v have_v more_o light_a and_o spirit_n than_o they_o neither_o have_v christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n and_o spirit_n to_o minister_n more_o than_o to_o believer_n nor_o more_o to_o a_o hundred_o than_o two_o or_o three_o and_o 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work_n in_o my_o eye_n then_o that_o of_o king_n nebuchadnezar_n set_v up_o a_o golden_a image_n and_o force_v all_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o see_v spiritual_a idolatry_n be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o corporal_a as_o the_o spirit_n be_v better_a than_o the_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v think_v let_v they_o teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n that_o can_v that_o uniformity_n the_o great_a diana_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o image_n that_o fall_v down_o from_o the_o brain_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n have_v no_o foot_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a uniformity_n be_v near_o a_o kin_n to_o prelatical_a conformity_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o same_o thing_n under_o another_o word_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n and_o do_v conclude_v that_o unity_n be_v christian_a uniformity_n antichristian_a and_o this_o i_o have_v only_o hint_v and_o that_o brief_o among_o many_o occasion_n to_o discover_v to_o the_o faithful_a that_o some_o of_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o antichristianisme_n still_o prevail_v and_o domineer_v under_o the_o very_a name_n of_o reformation_n and_o also_o to_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n of_o more_o spirit_n and_o ability_n and_o leisure_n to_o discourse_v more_o full_o to_o this_o point_n that_o the_o serpent_n head_n of_o formality_n which_o be_v so_o careful_o nourish_v by_o humane_a reason_n may_v be_v crush_v in_o piece_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o john_n 2._o 27._o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n and_o even_o as_o it_o have_v teach_v you_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o he_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o anoint_v the_o carnal_a church_n by_o counsel_n finis_fw-la the_o building_n beauty_n teach_v and_o establishment_n of_o the_o true_o christian_n and_o spiritual_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o exposition_n on_o isai_n 54_o from_o verse_n 11._o to_o the_o 17._o preach_v to_o his_o excellency_n sir_n tho._n fairfax_n and_o the_o general_a officer_n of_o the_o army_n with_o divers_z other_z officer_n and_o soldier_n and_o people_n at_o marston_n be_v the_o head-quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n june_n 7._o 1646._o by_o william_n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v on_o his_o excellency_n sir_n thomas_n fairfax_n in_o the_o army_n together_o with_o a_o faithful_a testimony_n touch_v that_o valiant_a and_o victorious_a army_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n matth._n 5._o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o
be_v a_o mistake_n among_o some_o brethren_n to_o call_v the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o man_n though_o godly_a and_o eminent_a and_o to_o say_v mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n or_o mr._n such_o a_o one_o church_n and_o so_o to_o put_v the_o church_n under_o several_a head_n which_o work_v distinction_n and_o division_n whereas_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v wherever_o it_o be_v one_o church_n under_o one_o head_n and_o governor_n jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n for_o the_o church_n or_o faithful_a to_o have_v one_o or_o more_o visible_a head_n to_o go_v to_o not_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o this_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o carnal_a church_n yet_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o people_n do_v only_o own_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n their_o true_a and_o spiritual_a head_n and_o so_o they_o all_o live_v as_o one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o under_o one_o only_a head_n live_v all_o in_o invincible_a peace_n and_o unity_n whereas_o difference_n of_o outward_a head_n and_o ringleader_n always_o breed_v difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n the_o eight_o rule_n be_v for_o the_o true_a church_n doctrine_n to_o keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n see_v this_o breed_v not_o only_a division_n but_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n also_o in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o some_o false_a apostle_n teach_v at_o antioch_n that_o except_o christian_n be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a church_n first_o at_o antioch_n and_o present_o after_o at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o which_o according_o through_o god_n they_o do_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n be_v evident_o against_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o as_o it_o love_v its_o own_o peace_n and_o unity_n now_o if_o any_o say_v quest_n by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o may_v certain_o keep_v out_o error_n by_o these_o mean_n 1._o let_v the_o church_n suffer_v none_o to_o teach_v among_o they_o error_n that_o be_v not_o themselves_o teach_v of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o great_a natural_a part_n and_o never_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n for_o when_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o will_v only_o teach_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n and_o the_o line_n of_o every_o man_n teach_v must_v extend_v no_o further_o but_o when_o they_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v they_o will_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o and_o under_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n will_v give_v forth_o a_o unsound_a and_o false_a sense_n to_o the_o deceive_a of_o many_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o simple_a and_o so_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n will_v utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o endanger_v the_o mis-leading_a of_o some_o sheep_n for_o a_o time_n 2_o let_v the_o faithful_a examine_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o receive_v doctrine_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n who_o through_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n may_v easy_o lead_v they_o unaware_o into_o error_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o print_v and_o general_o receive_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a see_v those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o that_o doctrine_n let_v they_o reject_v it_o as_o reprobate_a silver_n see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o though_o through_o god_n especial_a goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o at_o this_o present_a time_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o search_v and_o see_v if_o our_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o yet_o err_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n and_o whether_o some_o or_o many_o corruption_n do_v not_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o thing_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o keep_v out_o error_n long_o than_o it_o precise_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o god_n and_o try_v all_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n by_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n must_v desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n for_o no_o man_n can_v make_v any_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o word_n he_o hear_v or_o read_v without_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o this_o anoint_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_o teach_v which_o be_v truth_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v error_n and_o that_o by_o so_o clear_a and_o true_a a_o light_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v wherefore_o christian_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v with_o carnal_a people_n that_o the_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o humane_a and_o antichristian_a error_n depend_v upon_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o science_n for_o thus_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v whole_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o they_o conceive_v after_o this_o manner_n learned_a whereby_o they_o leave_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n through_o which_o the_o teacher_n may_v bring_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o error_n upon_o they_o but_o believer_n must_v know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o without_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o perfect_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o error_n and_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o all_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o so_o a_o poor_a plain_a country_n man_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n touch_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n scholar_n or_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o 4_o another_o notable_a mean_n to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o restore_v in_o it_o that_o most_o ancient_a gospel-ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v which_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o use_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o paul_n witness_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 31._o where_o he_o say_v when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v meet_v together_o you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v and_o add_v vers_n 3â—_n if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n wherefore_o brethren_n labour_v that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v so_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o commandment_n as_o every_o prophet_n and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v now_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o prophesy_v be_v three_o way_n helpful_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n 1._o for_o first_o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v beside_o he_o as_o he_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o to_o conceit_n that_o wisdom_n only_o dwell_v with_o he_o so_o he_o iâ—_n more_o ready_a to_o vent_v the_o
holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o here_o we_o may_v note_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o that_o be_v power_n you_o shall_v receive_v power_n 2._o how_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o power_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o the_o point_n we_o will_v insist_v on_o from_o both_o be_v this_o that_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o power_n doctr._n till_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n we_o be_v altogether_o without_o power_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o first_o of_o all_o do_v we_o receive_v power_n power_n from_o on_o high_a by_o nature_n we_o be_v all_o without_o strength_n weak_a impotent_a creature_n utter_o unable_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o and_o spiritual_o righteous_a and_o good_a for_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v nothing_o but_o flesh_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n a_o fade_a 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that_o the_o spirit_n be_v power_n in_o himself_o essential_o and_o he_o that_o partake_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n partake_v of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v god_n and_o no_o creature_n 2._o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v power_n operative_o in_o we_o by_o be_v in_o we_o 1._o a_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v we_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n yea_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o righteousness_n what_o death_n be_v and_o what_o life_n what_o heaven_n be_v knowledge_n and_o what_o hell_n what_o ourselves_o be_v and_o what_o god_n be_v and_o these_o thing_n he_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v otherwise_o then_o other_o man_n know_v they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n teach_v a_o christian_n to_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o both_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n in_o we_o and_o so_o of_o power_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n whereas_o a_o ignorant_a man_n be_v a_o weak_a man_n you_o may_v carry_v he_o whither_o you_o will_v but_o knowledge_n render_v a_o man_n strong_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n in_o we_o he_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o strength_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o by_o be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n be_v power_n because_o it_o do_v not_o only_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o only_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v write_v sanctify_v they_o through_o the_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n but_o also_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o into_o the_o truth_n it_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n into_o we_o till_o we_o and_o it_o become_v one_o by_o a_o inseparable_a union_n the_o holy_a spirit_n take_v a_o believer_n and_o lead_v he_o into_o one_o truth_n after_o another_o till_o at_o last_o it_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o wherein_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n for_o through_o the_o truth_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o be_v altogether_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a among_o variety_n of_o different_a and_o contrary_a wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n that_o among_o so_o many_o division_n and_o faction_n and_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o woeful_o prevail_v in_o these_o present_a time_n of_o we_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o seduce_v and_o overcome_v to_o wit_n because_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o truth_n the_o spirit_n i_o say_v and_o not_o man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v full_o and_o final_o be_v deceive_v for_o wherein_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unpossible_a we_o shall_v be_v pervert_v by_o man_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o true_a ground_n why_o so_o many_o be_v seduce_v and_o overcome_v by_o the_o error_n and_o heresy_n of_o this_o age_n be_v because_o they_o have_v take_v up_o their_o religion_n only_o from_o man_n teach_v and_o have_v receive_v their_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n from_o man_n and_o so_o what_o one_o man_n have_v teach_v we_o another_o man_n can_v unteach_v yea_o if_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o truth_n itself_o only_o by_o man_n man_n can_v again_o lead_v we_o from_o it_o for_o all_o the_o world_n can_v lead_v any_o man_n into_o the_o truth_n till_o the_o spirit_n lead_v he_o into_o it_o and_o when_o the_o spirit_n do_v lead_v we_o into_o the_o truth_n all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v so_o sure_a of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v a_o teacher_n to_o we_o that_o if_o all_o the_o counsel_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o contrary_n we_o will_v hold_v they_o accurse_v but_o a_o man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v of_o the_o spirit_n every_o day_n you_o may_v win_v he_o into_o new_a opinion_n by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n together_o with_o the_o strength_n of_o other_o advantage_n but_o he_o that_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v unmoveable_a and_o invincible_a among_o all_o doctrine_n and_o thus_o also_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o 3._o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o wisdom_n by_o be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o so_o it_o be_v because_o it_o make_v we_o wise_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n wise_a upon_o earth_n after_o the_o rate_n of_o heaven_n wise_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v no_o man_n wise_a without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o carnal_a man_n be_v but_o foolishness_n before_o god_n yea_o before_o angel_n and_o saint_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o gracious_a and_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o this_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o more_o he_o have_v of_o it_o the_o more_o mighty_a he_o be_v both_o in_o all_o his_o do_n and_o induring_n it_o be_v say_v eccles_n 9_o 15._o that_o there_o be_v a_o poor_a wise_a man_n deliver_v a_o small_a city_n from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mighty_a king_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n conclude_v that_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o strength_n for_o it_o can_v do_v great_a thing_n than_o strength_n can_v when_o david_n carry_v himself_o wise_o saul_n a_o great_a king_n be_v afraid_a of_o he_o he_o think_v himself_o too_o weak_a to_o deal_v with_o david_n and_o david_n too_o mighty_a to_o deal_v with_o he_o because_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o solomon_n ask_v wisdom_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o government_n 10._o all_o government_n without_o this_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o brittle_a thus_o wisdom_n contribute_v strength_n to_o we_o whereas_o we_o say_v of_o a_o man_n that_o want_v wisdom_n he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n in_o we_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n 4._o the_o holy_a spirit_n faith_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o by_o be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o faith_n for_o
prophet_n be_v not_o fright_v from_o his_o office_n but_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o might_n discharge_v it_o faithful_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o those_o threaten_n and_o whatever_o minister_n want_v this_o spirit_n of_o might_n though_o out_o of_o danger_n they_o may_v be_v confident_a yet_o at_o the_o very_a first_o encounter_n of_o evil_n they_o will_v bend_v and_o yield_v and_o speak_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n rather_o then_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n they_o will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o wrestle_v with_o devil_n and_o overcome_v the_o devil_n who_o subtlety_n and_o wrath_n and_o malice_n and_o power_n they_o must_v needs_o encounter_v with_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n christ_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o preach_v be_v immediate_o lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v temp_v of_o the_o devil_n who_o will_v fain_o have_v take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a but_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o christ_n before_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o kindgdom_n of_o god_n as_o you_o may_v see_v luke_n 9_o 1._o call_v they_o together_o and_o give_v they_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o devil_n and_o when_o they_o return_v they_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o but_o now_o the_o seven_o son_n of_o sceva_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o power_n when_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v over_o one_o who_o have_v a_o evil_a spirit_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o say_v we_o adjure_v you_o by_o jesus_n who_o paul_n preach_v the_o evil_a spirit_n answer_v and_o say_v jesus_n i_o know_v and_o paul_n i_o know_v but_o who_o be_v you_o and_o so_o the_o man_n in_o who_o the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v leap_v upon_o they_o and_o overcome_v they_o and_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o they_o flee_v away_o naked_a and_o wound_a act_n 19_o so_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o power_n from_o on_o high_a the_o devil_n be_v present_o too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o they_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o devil_n but_o now_o they_o that_o be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v able_a to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o out-wrestle_a they_o and_o to_o tread_v satan_n himself_o under_o their_o foot_n six_o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o word_n word_n but_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o evil_n cause_v they_o to_o pull_v in_o their_o horn_n and_o each_o reproach_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n shake_v they_o down_o whereas_o this_o power_n make_v they_o confident_a courageous_a comfortable_a and_o invincible_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o evil_n see_v this_o in_o some_o example_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o with_o power_n do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o life_n but_o also_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o seal_v to_o the_o truth_n with_o his_o death_n paul_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o power_n when_o agabus_n foretell_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n his_o bond_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n hear_v it_o come_v weep_v to_o paul_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o bond_n by_o not_o go_v up_o thither_o paul_n reprove_v they_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v but_o to_o die_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n chrysostome_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o power_n and_o so_o resolve_v to_o preach_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v wage_v war_n against_o he_o alone_o and_o profess_v that_o he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o of_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v immediate_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o stay_v on_o earth_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n he_o will_v a_o thousand_o time_n rather_o choose_v this_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a because_o in_o go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n he_o shall_v seek_v himself_o but_o in_o stay_v on_o earth_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n he_o shall_v whole_o deny_v himself_o and_o seek_v his_o honour_n alone_o luther_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o power_n and_o so_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o worm_n before_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o five_o and_o before_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n perceive_v undue_a deal_v among_o his_o adversary_n persuade_v he_o not_o to_o go_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n but_o he_o answer_v with_o a_o mighty_a spirit_n tectis_fw-la i_o have_v decree_v and_o be_o resolve_v because_o i_o be_o call_v to_o go_v into_o the_o city_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christi_fw-la though_o i_o know_v there_o be_v so_o many_o devil_n to_o oppose_v i_o as_o there_o be_v tile_n on_o all_o the_o house_n of_o the_o city_n and_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o return_v to_o wittenberg_n by_o the_o people_n which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o most_o evident_a and_o apparent_a danger_n he_o be_v already_o condemn_v by_o the_o edict_n and_o authority_n both_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o emperor_n and_o so_o in_o regard_n of_o they_o can_v expect_v no_o less_o than_o a_o violent_a death_n every_o day_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o return_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n have_v this_o passage_n to_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n patr._n but_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v unavoidable_a cause_n urge_v i_o god_n himself_o call_v and_o compel_v i_o and_o here_o i_o will_v turn_v my_o back_n to_o no_o creature_n go_v to_o then_o let_v i_o do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v lord_n both_o of_o life_n and_o death_n again_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o dialogue_n of_o sylvester_n prierias_fw-la who_o have_v threaten_v he_o he_o say_v i_o have_v nothing_o that_o i_o can_v loose_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o i_o be_o lose_v i_o be_o lose_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v i_o be_o find_v and_o therefore_o seek_v some_o body_n else_o to_o fright_v for_o i_o you_o can_v again_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o ambrose_n catharinus_n he_o say_v of_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o instrument_n they_o seek_v not_o to_o overcome_v i_o with_o scripture_n but_o to_o destroy_v i_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n but_o i_o know_v and_o be_o sure_a that_o christ_n our_o lord_n live_v and_o 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with_o the_o temporal_a that_o the_o power_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v be_v uphold_v by_o the_o power_n that_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v get_v this_o advantage_n they_o cry_v destroy_v one_o destroy_v both_o and_o so_o the_o prelate_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v no_o bishop_n no_z king_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n still_o cry_v no_o minister_n no_o magistrate_n and_o so_o still_o mingle_v interest_n and_o power_n with_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o under_o the_o magistrate_n the_o power_n of_o god_n they_o may_v cunning_o shroud_v that_o power_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god._n and_o thus_o they_o still_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o magistrate_n seek_v themselves_o &_o the_o draw_v off_o that_o power_n that_o be_v only_o he_o from_o he_o to_o themselves_o to_o who_o
thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n &_o to_o speak_v the_o dream_n and_o vision_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o when_o he_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o come_v to_o he_o only_o but_o to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o they_o have_v wisdom_n and_o spirit_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o he_o this_o will_n both_o keep_v down_o his_o pride_n and_o make_v he_o careful_a what_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o know_v there_o be_v those_o present_n in_o the_o congregation_n that_o be_v able_a to_o reprove_v his_o darkness_n by_o light_n and_o this_o prophesy_a be_v a_o strong_a bit_n and_o bridle_n in_o the_o jaw_n of_o error_n that_o it_o can_v run_v that_o race_n in_o the_o church_n it_o do_v desire_v 2._o when_o one_o man_n only_o speak_v and_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v prove_v to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o in_o the_o common_a ministry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o error_n be_v not_o only_o preach_v but_o also_o go_v away_o uncontrolled_a and_o no_o way_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o restrain_v error_n proportionable_a to_o that_o of_o propagate_a it_o no_o body_n be_v permit_v to_o speak_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o the_o poison_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o liberty_n of_o public_a speak_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o one_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n and_o to_o onesort_v of_o man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n any_o error_n may_v sudden_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n without_o any_o sufficient_a and_o proportionable_a remedy_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o now_o when_o the_o right_a or_o power_n of_o prophesy_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o minister_n can_v no_o soon_o vent_v any_o error_n but_o there_o be_v some_o believer_n or_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n shall_v move_v ready_a to_o convince_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o error_n be_v as_o soon_o discover_v and_o detect_v as_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o as_o soon_o destroy_v as_o it_o be_v detect_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o from_o a_o private_a christian_a be_v more_o mighty_a to_o destroy_v error_n than_o error_n can_v be_v to_o uphold_v itself_o against_o the_o word_n 3._o prophesy_v be_v a_o most_o useful_a mean_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n in_o this_o regard_n because_o it_o give_v the_o church_n light_n how_o to_o choose_v faithful_a teacher_n out_o of_o its_o own_o child_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o supply_n in_o this_o kind_n see_v through_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophesy_v the_o church_n know_v and_o discern_v which_o of_o its_o member_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o most_o clear_o teach_v of_o god_n in_o divine_a thing_n and_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n from_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o most_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v supply_v with_o pastor_n of_o her_o own_o son_n and_o not_o seek_v oâ—_n after_o unknown_a person_n nor_o be_v constrain_v to_o use_v mercenary_a man_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o preach_v as_o their_o trade_n to_o live_v by_o whereupon_o but_o few_o of_o they_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v other_o than_o hireling_n who_o will_v make_v their_o ministry_n serve_v their_o own_o advantage_n and_o frame_v the_o scripture_n to_o sound_v such_o doctrine_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n and_o in_o these_o three_o regard_n the_o use_n of_o prophesy_v help_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n object_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v against_o this_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v very_o rash_a and_o absurd_a after_o a_o able_a learned_a man_n have_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o unlearned_a mechanic_n presen_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o speak_v i_o return_v this_o answer_n answ_n that_o the_o true_a people_n of_o god_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n be_v a_o kingdom_n of_o prophet_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o esteem_v not_o that_o to_o be_v learning_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v from_o man_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n and_o so_o they_o neither_o reckon_v he_o that_o have_v humane_a learning_n to_o be_v learn_v here_o nor_o he_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o to_o be_v ignorant_a yea_o far_o in_o this_o society_n god_n will_v have_v he_o who_o be_v most_o unlearned_a according_a to_o humane_a literature_n to_o speak_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n may_v the_o more_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a truth_n may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o gift_n part_n learning_n or_o study_n but_o only_o to_o his_o spirit_n which_o can_v even_o in_o a_o moment_n teach_v the_o ignorant_a and_o make_v the_o simple_a wise_a and_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o very_a dumb_a to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n by_o whereas_o when_o a_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n speak_v with_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v common_o attribute_v to_o his_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o so_o god_n lose_v all_o or_o most_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o if_o a_o plain_a ignorant_a man_n shall_v speak_v spiritual_o and_o divine_o and_o hold_v forth_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o man_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o grace_n and_o say_v god_n be_v in_o he_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o so_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v admire_v in_o his_o saint_n it_o will_v be_v again_o object_v yea_o but_o if_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n will_v not_o this_o breed_v great_a confusion_n and_o disturbance_n i_o answer_v no_o not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v a_o people_n meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v christ_n himself_o present_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o so_o every_o one_o demean_n himself_o answerable_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n meekness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o also_o every_o one_o speak_v not_o after_o the_o rashness_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n but_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o gâ—d_n as_o it_o be_v write_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o speak_v here_o but_o by_o revelation_n or_o a_o inward_a teach_n and_o discovery_n of_o god_n and_o where_o man_n speak_v thus_o as_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o speak_v there_o can_v be_v no_o confusion_n but_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n yea_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v prophesy_v as_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o dare_v to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o confusion_n see_v god_n know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n than_o thou_o do_v wherefore_o see_v prophesy_v be_v god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v say_v still_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o a_o proper_a and_o incommunicable_a ministry_n or_o the_o only_a power_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v but_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o from_o this_o thing_n 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o you_o and_o be_v it_o to_o come_v out_o only_o from_o you_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o every_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o you_o and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o come_v forth_o from_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v come_v see_v they_o can_v but_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v 5._o the_o last_o mean_v i_o shall_v name_v whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v keep_v error_n out_o of_o itself_o be_v to_o exercise_v its_o power_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n as_o paul_n command_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 29._o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n shall_v also_o be_v judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o judgement_n error_n will_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v vent_v but_o will_v also_o be_v establish_v and_o confirm_v without_o the_o least_o contradiction_n but_o now_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o
and_o kill_v the_o faithful_a in_o stead_n of_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n till_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o let_v all_o christian_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o favour_v the_o magistrate_n with_o this_o power_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o he_o judge_n heretic_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n as_o he_o easy_o may_v see_v he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n or_o if_o another_o shall_v succeed_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n that_o very_a sword_n may_v be_v sheathe_v in_o their_o own_o bowel_n which_o now_o they_o draw_v forth_o against_o other_o man_n 3._o when_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v power_n to_o himself_o to_o suppress_v error_n this_o make_v minister_n negligent_a in_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n do_v that_o by_o force_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o save_v they_o their_o labour_n for_o when_o once_o the_o minister_n shall_v have_v so_o far_o interest_v themselves_o in_o tâ—e_v magistrate_n as_o to_o procure_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o gaoler_n and_o executioner_n against_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v then_o need_v no_o great_a paâ—ns_n to_o study_v the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a see_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n at_o all_o adventure_n be_v to_o defend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n the_o hangman_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o pastor_n have_v their_o work_n as_o they_o conceive_v thus_o do_v for_o they_o to_o their_o hand_n do_v common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o ease_n and_o idleness_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o error_n steal_v in_o apace_o upon_o the_o teacher_n themselves_o whereby_o by_o degree_n they_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v very_o many_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n think_v to_o chase_v out_o error_n before_o he_o one_o way_n he_o let_v it_o in_o behind_o he_o seven_o way_n 4._o this_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o destroy_v error_n which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o destroy_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n herein_o have_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o all_o the_o sword_n and_o halter_n and_o weapon_n and_o prison_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v error_n withal_o but_o as_o secure_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o leviathan_n a_o bulrush_n and_o yet_o do_v earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o world_n to_o use_v these_o thing_n against_o he_o and_o his_o error_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o fear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n than_o can_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o break_v down_o all_o his_o strong_a hold_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o he_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o his_o great_a cunning_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o that_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n and_o thus_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n presume_v to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o error_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v error_n that_o it_o uphold_v it_o and_o strengthen_v satan_n kingdom_n whilst_o it_o seem_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o error_n and_o evil_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o demand_v quest_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n i_o answer_v answ_n this_o he_o may_v do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v this_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o any_o far_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v do_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o error_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o able_a to_o prevail_v of_o itself_o alone_o without_o call_v in_o any_o power_n or_o borrow_v any_o weapon_n from_o the_o world_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n discipline_n to_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o uniformity_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o the_o hindrance_n but_o the_o very_a break_n neck_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n now_o because_o this_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o strong_o urge_v by_o the_o unskilful_a builder_n of_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o full_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o state_n of_o this_o business_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o show_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o invade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n most_o manifest_a iâ—_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v only_a intent_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o according_o preach_v and_o press_v nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o regard_v 72._o and_o for_o all_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o form_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o frâ—e_v they_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o so_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n nor_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n neither_o bind_v the_o church_n to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n except_o those_o necessary_a thing_n mention_v act._n 15._o to_o wit_n thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o without_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o when_o the_o murder_a and_o blood_n of_o infant_n be_v common_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o help_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o common_a beast_n much_o more_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o therefore_o that_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a gentile_n continue_v and_o beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n which_o the_o apostle_n great_o regard_v but_o leave_v such_o thing_n free_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n every_o man_n to_o use_v therein_o his_o own_o discretion_n for_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v thereof_o whereupon_o as_o concern_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a observation_n of_o day_n time_n place_n meat_n drink_n vesture_n and_o such_o other_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n neither_o be_v the_o diversity_n among_o man_n great_o note_v nor_o any_o uniformity_n great_o require_v thus_o christian_a liberty_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a man_n do_v not_o much_o struggle_v about_o indifferent_a thing_n till_o the_o asian_o and_o roman_n 4._o begin_v to_o dis-agree_a about_o easter-day_n to_o compose_v which_o controversy_n polycarpus_n a_o godly_a martyr_n go_v to_o rome_n ann_n 157._o and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o antoninus_n pius_n to_o anicetus_n than_o bishop_n there_o and_o though_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o they_o still_o retain_v christian_a communion_n and_o avoid_v all_o breach_n of_o peace_n afterward_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o commodus_n the_o christian_n enjoy_v some_o respite_n from_o pesecution_n begin_v to_o contend_v again_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o easter_n and_o neither_o yet_o do_v the_o difference_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n of_o brotherly_a life_n though_o they_o of_o the_o west_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o paul_n and_o peter_n which_o yet_o indeed_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o hermes_n and_o pius_n and_o not_o they_o keep_v one_o day_n and_o they_o of_o asia_n
this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n as_o the_o child_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o more_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o these_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o say_v peter_n great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n other_o have_v only_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o they_o or_o which_o be_v worse_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n 2._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o other_o have_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o daniel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n find_v with_o he_o then_o with_o all_o the_o other_o wise_a man_n now_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o creature_n be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o but_o the_o saint_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n dwell_v in_o they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o flesh_n as_o christ_n have_v dwell_v in_o his_o flesh_n so_o that_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a lustre_n than_o other_o man_n one_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o precious_a stone_n be_v the_o lustre_n of_o they_o now_o this_o lustre_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o the_o lord_n shall_v arise_v upon_o thou_o and_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v see_v upon_o thou_o say_v isaiah_n chap._n 60._o and_o paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o be_v we_o take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v joh._n 17._o and_o the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o head_n and_o member_n be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o glory_n accord_v to_o their_o proportion_n 4._o they_o have_v more_o excellent_a operation_n for_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o such_o precious_a stone_n that_o be_v only_o for_o show_v but_o they_o also_o have_v some_o virtue_n in_o they_o even_o the_o very_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n that_o he_o do_v and_o so_o the_o saint_n be_v excellent_a in_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n humility_z meekness_n patience_n temperance_n heavenly_a mindedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o regard_n also_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o his_o jewel_n in_o the_o day_n whrein_o i_o make_v up_o my_o jewel_n and_o elsewhere_o they_o be_v call_v the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o precious_a anoint_v though_o some_o wicked_a and_o scurrilous_a libeler_n against_o the_o spiritual_a church_n will_v not_o allow_v they_o this_o name_n but_o according_a to_o the_o anoint_v they_o have_v receive_v from_o satan_n reproach_n it_o and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o the_o true_o faithful_a be_v precious_a stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n partake_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lustre_n and_o operation_n of_o both_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a other_o people_n be_v the_o vile_a of_o the_o earth_n the_o true_a filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n psal_n 15._o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o natural_a man_n a_o sinful_a and_o unregerate_v man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o nature_n in_o he_o but_o that_o corrupt_a nature_n he_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n though_o in_o this_o present_a world_n he_o may_v be_v a_o gentleman_n or_o a_o knight_n or_o a_o noble_a man_n or_o a_o king_n yet_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n he_o be_v but_o a_o vile_a person_n and_o a_o poor_a mean_a christian_n that_o yearn_v his_o bread_n by_o hard_a labour_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a than_o he_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v that_o be_v of_o precious_a stone_n 2._o now_o the_o next_o thing_n observable_a church_n be_v the_o variety_n of_o these_o precious_a stone_n for_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v not_o build_v up_o of_o precious_a stone_n of_o one_o sort_n only_o not_o all_o of_o saphire_n or_o all_o of_o agate_n or_o all_o of_o carbuncle_n but_o of_o all_o these_o both_o saphire_n agate_n carbuncle_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n and_o this_o note_n the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v precious_a stone_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o lustre_n and_o operation_n and_o this_o also_o make_v for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o variety_n of_o lustre_n add_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o if_o the_o body_n be_v all_o but_o one_o member_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n but_o the_o variety_n of_o member_n with_o their_o several_a gift_n and_o operation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o be_v divers_a member_n with_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 4._o etc._n etc._n now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o work_v all_o in_o all_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n severally_z as_o he_o will_n here_o you_o see_v be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n and_o operation_n in_o the_o faithful_a but_o all_o proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o whatsoever_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n a_o heavenly_a lustre_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o thou_o and_o flow_v from_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v supernatural_a and_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n in_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n in_o all_o thy_o natural_a ability_n part_n wisdom_n learning_n act_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ungloriousness_n deformity_n darkness_n death_n how_o specious_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o gift_n and_o operation_n that_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n and_o glory_n yea_o even_o in_o weak_a christian_n that_o be_v true_a christian_n you_o shall_v oft_o see_v and_o discern_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n in_o some_o gift_n or_o other_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v not_o forth_o so_o clear_o in_o some_o strong_a christian_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o expect_v all_o gift_n in_o all_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v excel_v in_o every_o gift_n for_o then_o one_o will_v be_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o but_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o
you_o be_v teach_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o no_o man_n or_o angel_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o unteach_v you_o again_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o inward_a teach_n though_o by_o the_o outward_a word_n reach_v to_o the_o inward_a soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o successful_a teach_n he_o so_o teach_v as_o man_n learn_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o my_o father_n hear_v and_o learning_n go_v together_o he_o teach_v faith_n and_o we_o believe_v humility_n and_o we_o be_v humble_a patience_n and_o we_o endure_v etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v any_o far_a in_o this_o point_n it_o follow_v and_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n that_o be_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n then_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o peace_n among_o they_o when_o god_n come_v and_o teach_v thou_o and_o i_o and_o another_o and_o many_o than_o we_o all_o agree_v because_o we_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o light_n and_o apprehend_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o knowledge_n and_o perceive_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n because_o all_o have_v the_o same_o teach_n and_o so_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n though_o one_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o another_o out_o of_o the_o west_n and_o another_o out_o of_o the_o south_n and_o never_o have_v any_o former_a communion_n together_o yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o think_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o there_o be_v love_n and_o amity_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o man_n or_o assembly_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o true_o this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o dissension_n and_o heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n to_o wit_n because_o some_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o some_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n but_o man_n only_o the_o carnal_a church_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n and_o go_v no_o high_a but_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v true_o teach_v of_o god_n now_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n see_v the_o same_o truth_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n and_o hereupon_o arise_v the_o controversy_n and_o quarrel_n for_o one_o will_v have_v the_o truth_n as_o he_o see_v it_o in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n another_o will_v have_v it_o as_o he_o apprehend_v it_o in_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o the_o carnal_a man_n will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v yield_v to_o the_o carnal_a say_v one_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v learn_v it_o from_o his_o own_o teach_n say_v another_o this_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o learned_a minister_n or_o minister_n teach_v i_o otherwise_o and_o so_o i_o apprehend_v it_o and_o thus_o as_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v contrary_a so_o be_v their_o teach_n and_o hence_o our_o division_n and_o trouble_n but_o when_o man_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v all_o at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o all_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o some_o do_v not_o know_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o do_v they_o can_v wait_v with_o patience_n till_o god_n also_o reveal_v that_o unto_o they_o for_o they_o know_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o have_v know_v those_o thing_n except_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v angry_a at_o other_o who_o the_o lord_n as_o yet_o have_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o teach_v and_o so_o they_o be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a towards_o all_o as_o beseem_v the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o at_o peace_n among_o themselves_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n for_o they_o know_v that_o no_o man_n be_v high_a or_o low_a than_o another_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o all_o be_v equal_a in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v challenge_v christ_n more_o to_o himself_o then_o another_o but_o all_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o he_o and_o christ_n be_v alike_o near_o to_o all_o in_o who_o he_o dwell_v yea_o they_o all_o as_o willing_o communicate_v their_o own_o thing_n to_o the_o brethren_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v partake_v of_o christ_n thing_n and_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o peace_n when_o man_n know_v that_o no_o man_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o himself_o but_o every_o one_o be_v all_o that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o when_o man_n love_v christ_n mere_o for_o himself_o and_o where_o they_o see_v most_o of_o christ_n there_o love_v most_o and_o if_o christ_n be_v more_o in_o another_o than_o himself_o can_v love_v such_o a_o one_o more_o than_o himself_o not_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o christ_n sake_n then_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o peace_n great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n verse_n 14._o in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o be_v establish_v etc._n etc._n this_o spiritual_a church_n church_n have_v need_n of_o establishment_n for_o when_o god_n have_v do_v all_o this_o for_o it_o when_o he_o have_v build_v it_o and_o teach_v it_o himself_o it_o shall_v not_o want_v trouble_n and_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n and_o persecution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o establishment_n but_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v do_v why_o say_v he_o in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o be_v establish_v that_o be_v not_o by_o any_o outward_a power_n or_o force_n or_o army_n or_o fortification_n or_o faction_n or_o confederacy_n all_o these_o be_v but_o a_o staff_n of_o reed_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o be_v both_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n receive_v by_o we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o the_o first_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o justification_n the_o second_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o sanctification_n and_o our_o establishment_n lie_v in_o both_o 1._o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o christ_n own_o righteousness_n receive_v into_o we_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v except_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v never_o be_v establish_v for_o by_o faith_n we_o partake_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v a_o infinite_a and_o everlasting_a righteousness_n that_o have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o blemish_n in_o it_o this_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v we_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o so_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o more_o establishment_n than_o it_o have_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o as_o the_o church_n go_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n so_o it_o go_v from_o establishment_n to_o establishment_n 2._o our_o establishment_n lie_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o sanctification_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o christ_n work_v in_o we_o as_o the_o former_a be_v christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o for_o the_o same_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o sanctification_n now_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v when_o we_o let_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n work_v all_o in_o we_o and_o we_o work_v all_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n then_o be_v we_o establish_v mighty_o and_o invincible_o indeed_o and_o how_o much_o christian_n swerve_v from_o this_o rule_n so_o much_o they_o become_v weak_a and_o unsettle_a sometime_o christian_n will_v be_v live_v out_o of_o christ_n in_o themselves_o and_o they_o will_v be_v move_v and_o act_v and_o work_v according_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o the_o counsel_n and_o device_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o in_o all_o this_o they_o have_v no_o establishment_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o you_o that_o be_v faithful_a see_v to_o it_o that_o you_o turn_v aside_o neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a through_o any_o worldly_a hope_n or_o fear_n but_o do_v you_o live_v and_o act_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v though_o you_o have_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n for_o your_o enemy_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o shall_v be_v establish_v more_o firm_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v consider_v your_o establishment_n where_o it_o lie_v and_o that_o be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o righteousness_n only_o some_o trust_n to_o this_o strength_n and_o some_o
latter_a end_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o your_o beginning_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o many_o great_a and_o wise_a king_n and_o magistrate_n act_v according_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n &_o despise_v or_o neglect_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o word_n have_v with_o all_o their_o own_o wisdom_n prudence_n and_o design_n destroy_v themselves_o and_o their_o kingdom_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a and_o therefore_o renounce_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a counsel_n and_o cleave_v close_o to_o the_o true_a faithful_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o though_o you_o have_v many_o enemy_n and_o kingdom_n against_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o god_n will_v yet_o establish_v you_o in_o all_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o world_n and_o your_o enemy_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o detain_v you_o but_o only_o desire_v this_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o faithful_a god_n peculiar_a portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v oppress_v by_o our_o adversary_n who_o will_v use_v your_o power_n against_o we_o not_o for_o you_o but_o for_o themselves_o neither_o will_v suffer_v they_o thus_o public_o and_o shameless_o to_o call_v we_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n who_o do_v believe_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n but_o that_o you_o will_v suffer_v yea_o procure_v we_o to_o live_v quiet_o and_o safe_o under_o you_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o in_o all_o thing_n obey_v you_o as_o become_v christian_n the_o remainder_n be_v to_o assure_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n shall_v serve_v the_o state_n more_o sincere_o according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n nor_o in_o more_o faithfulness_n and_o humility_n tender_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n either_o to_o yourselves_o or_o the_o kingdom_n as_o occasion_n serve_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n then_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n w._n dell_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o be_v dangerous_a time_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o conceal_v the_o truth_n and_o dangerous_a to_o publish_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o publish_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v teach_v we_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n if_o we_o conceal_v it_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n in_o a_o contrary_a choice_n to_o david_n i_o reckon_v it_o much_o better_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n then_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n see_v the_o wrath_n of_o man_n can_v but_o reach_v the_o body_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n body_n and_o soul_n i_o shall_v therefore_o willing_o confess_v christ_n amid_o a_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n not_o doubt_v but_o christ_n will_v confess_v i_o before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n and_o for_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n it_o be_v best_o conquer_a they_o as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v silendo_fw-la &_o contemnendo_fw-la by_o silence_n and_o contempt_n of_o they_o see_v a_o man_n may_v as_o easy_o restrain_v satan_n himself_o in_o his_o various_a work_n as_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o christian_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n without_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o man_n and_o if_o sometime_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o thing_n because_o we_o be_v flesh_n yet_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n we_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o see_v already_o in_o certain_a faith_n and_o hope_n all_o evil_n and_o enemy_n under_o our_o foot_n and_o therefore_o for_o mr._n love_n and_o other_o man_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o metal_n i_o be_o resolve_v neither_o now_o nor_o hereafter_o to_o take_v they_o into_o any_o more_o consideration_n than_o the_o business_n itself_o necessary_o require_v and_o where_o they_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o let_v they_o quite_o alone_o be_v every_o day_n through_o the_o use_n of_o affliction_n enable_v to_o patience_n and_o through_o patience_n bring_v to_o experience_n and_o so_o to_o a_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o hope_n and_o this_o carry_v i_o above_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o discourse_n thou_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o new_a light_n as_o some_o man_n slanderous_o affirm_v but_o the_o ancient_a light_n that_o spring_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o morning_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v since_o obscure_v by_o the_o new_a darkness_n of_o antichrist_n which_o these_o man_n love_v better_a than_o that_o old_a light_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n exchange_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o this_o light_n that_o now_o after_o a_o long_a night_n break_v forth_o again_o in_o some_o of_o its_o first_o glory_n let_v these_o man_n set_v their_o heart_n at_o rest_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o obscure_v it_o again_o and_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o the_o kingdom_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o quench_v with_o any_o fire_n either_o of_o earth_n or_o hell_n and_o therefore_o we_o fear_v they_o not_o though_o they_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_n now_o and_o ere_o long_o be_v like_a to_o breath_n forth_o blood_n for_o by_o all_o their_o subtle_a and_o industrious_a act_n in_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v not_o work_v the_o truth_n ruin_n but_o their_o own_o and_o these_o as_o well_o as_o their_o forefather_n of_o the_o same_o race_n and_o lineage_n in_o who_o stead_n they_o be_v now_o rise_v up_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n and_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v for_o a_o curse_n to_o all_o god_n choose_v reader_n it_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o this_o new_a form_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o in_o every_o age_n put_v on_o a_o several_a form_n when_o the_o old_a one_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n it_o be_v become_v so_o exceed_o cunning_a and_o so_o furnish_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o form_n of_o righteousness_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o subtle_a work_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v now_o in_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o prevail_v in_o this_o encounter_n have_v antichrist_n under_o his_o foot_n for_o ever_o but_o none_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v here_o but_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a alone_o and_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n 11_o and_o consider_v christ_n encouragement_n to_o this_o work_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o my_o new_a name_n christian_n reader_n i_o commit_v thou_o and_o the_o word_n now_o offer_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o god_n and_o his_o powerful_a blessing_n and_o wonderful_a work_n remain_v thou_o in_o the_o difficult_a and_o despise_a service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n w._n dell_n right_o reformation_n or_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n represent_v in_o gospel-light_n heb._n 9_o 10._o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v paul_n 1_o cor._n 2._o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n neither_o can_v he_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v now_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n with_o all_o his_o part_n ability_n reason_n wisdom_n prudence_n learning_n be_v but_o a_o natural_a man_n still_o and_o so_o have_v no_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o hence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v so_o gross_o and_o dangerous_o mistake_v by_o the_o world_n and_o the_o carnal_a church_n for_o all_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v
he_o prosperous_a and_o pray_v now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o your_o purpose_n mr._n love_n if_o it_o be_v good_a in_o your_o heart_n to_o think_v to_o reform_v it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o do_v it_o reply_n do_v not_o god_n say_v it_o be_v well_o that_o david_n think_v to_o build_v a_o temple_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o build_v it_o and_o do_v you_o now_o dare_v to_o blame_v this_o very_a thing_n can_v the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v quiet_a for_o you_o mr._n love_n you_o need_v not_o fear_v lose_v a_o party_n reply_n yea_o but_o how_o if_o god_n be_v in_o that_o party_n what_o then_o sir_n be_v it_o not_o better_o keep_v a_o little_a poor_a despise_a party_n that_o have_v god_n in_o it_o then_o a_o great_a and_o numerous_a party_n without_o god_n again_o do_v you_o preach_v before_o the_o parliament_n to_o make_v or_o cast_v off_o party_n do_v this_o appertain_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n reader_n these_o man_n be_v so_o over_o busy_a in_o make_v and_o mar_v party_n that_o i_o much_o fear_v they_o will_v in_o the_o end_n throw_v the_o kingdom_n into_o more_o misery_n and_o blood_n then_o their_o predecessor_n have_v do_v mr._n love_n reformation_n be_v no_o force_v conscience_n it_o meddle_v not_o with_o conscience_n it_o restrain_v practice_n if_o a_o jesuit_n come_v from_o rome_n to_o kill_v a_o great_a person_n he_o do_v it_o in_o conscience_n but_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o his_o conscience_n i_o restrain_v his_o practice_n reply_n do_v not_o your_o reformation_n meddle_v with_o conscience_n mr._n love_n do_v you_o speak_v this_o of_o yourself_o at_o random_n as_o the_o rest_n or_o be_v this_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o brethren_n and_o do_v your_o reformation_n only_o restrain_v outward_a practice_n then_o to_o tie_v up_o mad_a dog_n and_o bear_n and_o tiger_n be_v your_o most_o excellent_a reformation_n you_o that_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n you_o be_v make_v so_o many_o iron_n yoke_v for_o their_o neck_n and_o so_o many_o snare_n and_o fetter_n to_o hamper_v the_o outward_a man_n the_o proper_a subject_n it_o seem_v of_o your_o reformation_n and_o thus_o take_v upon_o yourselves_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n you_o do_v indeed_o put_v the_o magistrate_n work_v to_o a_o end_n and_o then_o the_o assembly_n may_v serve_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o sion-colledge_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-councel_n see_v you_o not_o yet_o o_o you_o power_n of_o the_o world_n how_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n will_v eat_v you_o out_o and_o for_o your_o jesuit_n do_v you_o ever_o hear_v i_o say_v or_o hint_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o restrain_v and_o punish_v outward_a wickedness_n i_o wish_v therefore_o you_o will_v unriddle_v yourselves_o and_o tell_v true_o if_o you_o dare_v how_o far_o you_o will_v limit_v the_o magistrate_n and_o enlarge_v yourselves_o upon_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o certain_o if_o the_o magistrate_n power_n have_v under_o it_o the_o whole_a outward_a man_n as_o indeed_o it_o have_v and_o if_o christ_n power_n have_v under_o it_o the_o whole_a inward_a man_n as_o indeed_o it_o have_v what_o place_n then_o i_o pray_v be_v there_o leave_v for_o your_o ecclesiastical_a power_n when_o the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v dispose_v of_o before_o sure_o when_o the_o magistrate_n take_v his_o own_o proper_a power_n to_o himself_o and_o christ_n his_o own_o proper_a power_n to_o himself_o your_o power_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o place_n either_o in_o the_o world_n kingdom_n or_o god_n but_o you_o must_v find_v out_o some_o three_o place_n for_o it_o for_o i_o will_v assign_v you_o none_o lest_o you_o prove_v too_o angry_a mr._n love_n the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n may_v think_v she_o have_v new_a light_n and_o yet_o god_n say_v i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n etc._n etc._n reply_n true_o sir_n when_o god_n shall_v make_v you_o a_o new_a creature_n you_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o new_a light_n for_o behold_v say_v god_n i_o make_v all_o thing_n new_a even_o the_o light_n as_o well_o as_o the_o creature_n the_o old_a light_n will_v serve_v the_o old_a man_n well_o enough_o and_o for_o the_o spirit_n reprove_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n for_o suffer_v false_a and_o erroneous_a teacher_n do_v this_o prove_v as_o you_o undertake_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n have_v or_o exercise_v civil_a and_o secular_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n you_o err_v not_o understand_v the_o scripture_n for_o then_o any_o thing_n be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v not_o reprove_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n teach_v and_o publish_v in_o the_o church_n will_v suffer_v no_o error_n there_o but_o you_o understand_v this_o suffering_n of_o outward_a and_o violent_a power_n do_v you_o not_o remember_v that_o i_o say_v at_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o carnal_a church_n understand_v the_o whole_a scripture_n carnal_o mr._n love_n and_o now_o to_o hear_v such_o sermon_n preach_v and_o book_n print_v if_o it_o have_v be_v at_o amsterdam_n it_o have_v be_v no_o marvel_n but_o at_o london_n and_o at_o westminster_n etc._n etc._n reply_n true_o such_o a_o sermon_n as_o i_o may_v have_v be_v preach_v at_o amsterdam_n or_o any_o where_o else_o where_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_a passage_n and_o such_o a_o sermon_n as_o you_o may_v have_v be_v preach_v at_o rome_n or_o any_o where_o else_o where_o the_o precious_a word_n of_o god_n be_v under_o restraint_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n exalt_v itself_o both_o above_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o nation_n your_o sermon_n savour_v as_o ill_a to_o the_o faithful_a as_o i_o to_o the_o world_n many_o other_o weak_a passionate_a inconsiderate_a erroneus_fw-la thing_n fall_v from_o mr._n love_n neither_o worth_a the_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o nor_o myself_o and_o so_o they_o may_v perish_v and_o rot_v in_o their_o owâ—_n grave_n if_o they_o will_v for_o they_o shall_v never_o receive_v a_o resurrection_n from_o i_o and_o now_o at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o our_o enemy_n and_o ourselves_o in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v this_o that_o we_o exalt_v jesus_n christ_n alone_o in_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n his_o full_a power_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o exalt_v themselves_o in_o christ_n stead_n in_o the_o church_n and_o set_v under_o their_o foot_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v some_o operation_n of_o satan_n more_o or_o less_o upon_o he_o that_o see_v it_o not_o finis_fw-la praesens_fw-la male_a judicat_fw-la aetas_fw-la judicium_fw-la melius_fw-la posteritatis_fw-la erit_fw-la the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o bowel_n of_o love_n present_v to_o they_o by_o william_n dell_n one_o of_o the_o least_o and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n psal_n 120._o 7._o i_o be_o for_o peace_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v they_o be_v for_o war_n utrum_fw-la nos_fw-la schismatici_fw-la sumus_fw-la a_o vos_fw-la nec_fw-la ego_fw-la nec_fw-la tu_fw-la sed_fw-la christus_fw-la interrogetur_fw-la ut_fw-la indicet_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la svam_fw-la august_n contr_n litter_n petil._n l._n 2._o c._n 85._o london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n near_a ludgate_n 1651._o to_o the_o honourable_a the_o commons_o of_o england_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o now_o when_o all_o almost_o that_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o noble_a and_o royal_a and_o wise_a and_o learned_a be_v find_v against_o this_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o god_n how_o high_o be_v you_o honour_v of_o he_o and_o how_o happy_a be_v you_o that_o you_o yet_o be_v find_v for_o it_o you_o after_o a_o manifold_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n of_o many_o of_o your_o member_n seem_v yet_o to_o remain_v as_o pillar_n in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n yet_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v among_o those_o call_v and_o choose_v and_o faithful_a one_o that_o now_o continue_v with_o the_o lamb_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n in_o his_o engagement_n against_o and_o conquest_n over_o the_o ten-horned_a beast_n and_o to_o turn_v aside_o from_o
after_o they_o have_v once_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n of_o abomination_n what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v right_o among_o they_o 8._o and_o last_o because_o after_o so_o many_o counsel_n thing_n have_v not_o be_v the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a in_o the_o church_n through_o their_o mean_n for_o it_o be_v not_o dead_a law_n and_o order_n wrtten_v by_o man_n will_v do_v the_o true_a church_n any_o good_a but_o the_o live_a law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v in_o it_o their_o inward_a part_n for_o as_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n have_v be_v write_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o corrupt_v we_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n must_v be_v write_v also_o in_o our_o nature_n to_o reform_v we_o wherefore_o after_o all_o their_o decree_n law_n rule_n order_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n common_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o have_v become_v more_o ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n superstitious_a formal_a profane_a then_o before_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v serious_o consider_v the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o want_v counsel_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n yea_o but_o have_v not_o the_o church_n a_o council_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o see_v act._n 15_o and_o do_v not_o they_o order_n and_o decree_v matter_n in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n the_o church_n have_v a_o council_n then_o but_o far_o differ_v from_o the_o counsel_n now_o adays_o for_o 1._o that_o council_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o pack_v together_o by_o secular_a power_n but_o free_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n oâ—_n the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o by_o the_o believer_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n 2._o this_o council_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o of_o the_o brethren_n also_o and_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v agree_v and_o order_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o matter_n 3._o that_o free_a council_n consist_v of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o mere_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o the_o word_n &_o by_o the_o word_n conclude_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n do_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v all_o in_o that_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fore_n name_v place_n and_o in_o these_o regard_v that_o council_n differ_v from_o we_o now_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o council_n the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n desire_v a_o council_n for_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v free_a it_o must_v mind_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v power_n itself_o to_o call_v one_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o what_o man_n can_v object_v against_o this_o of_o worldly_a prince_n call_v they_o let_v they_o not_o say_v what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v 152._o 2._o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v to_o choose_v its_o council_n so_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v it_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o out_o of_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o know_v nor_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n here_o but_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o the_o natural_a carnal_a and_o litter_n 〈◊〉_d man_n must_v be_v decline_v here_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n only_o who_o speak_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n must_v be_v hear_v and_o regard_v and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o council_n 3._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o itself_o for_o its_o council_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o choose_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v alone_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o thrust_v out_o other_o christian_n as_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v conclude_v in_o and_o by_o they_o 4._o in_o choose_v elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o this_o work_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o choose_v not_o man_n of_o worldly_a power_n or_o place_n lest_o worldly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o honour_n may_v seem_v to_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v whatever_o they_o do_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o love_n all_o secular_a power_n and_o force_n be_v exclude_v 5._o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o that_o both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n the_o clergy_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v exclude_v ordinary_a christian_n from_o it_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o all_o christ_n sheep_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n teach_v whether_o it_o be_v christ_n voice_n or_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10._o and_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o they_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n be_v inward_o raven_a wolf_n mat._n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o have_v say_v let_v one_o or_o two_o speak_v and_o the_o rest_n judge_n 1_o cor._n 14._o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n for_o the_o people_n but_o the_o people_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o according_a as_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o of_o god_n to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o for_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o another_o man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o thing_n of_o faith_n at_o his_o own_o peril_n and_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o take_v up_o thing_n on_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n that_o concern_v either_o his_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o officer_n so_o also_o of_o its_o counsel_n for_o the_o church_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o take_v all_o that_o they_o determine_v for_o truth_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a yea_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o other_o church_n and_o christian_n have_v both_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o try_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o very_a apostle_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o be_v not_o to_o swallow_v it_o down_o whole_a as_o they_o say_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v it_o and_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o judge_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o have_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o if_o not_o they_o may_v have_v resist_v they_o as_o paul_n do_v peter_n and_o paul_n give_v this_o liberty_n to_o christian_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o whether_o paul_n have_v allow_v it_o or_o no_o to_o try_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n whether_o they_o bring_v the_o right_a word_n or_o no_o for_o christ_n command_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v that_o nation_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o say_v paul_n if_o i_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n bring_v you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v so_o that_o the_o church_n
from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o thy_o name_n the_o gather_n and_o increase_a thy_o kingdom_n the_o propagate_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a design_n but_o god_n no_o doubt_n laugh_v at_o this_o wisdom_n of_o i_o and_o say_v go_v to_o now_o i_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a but_o this_o be_v never_o my_o manner_n that_o either_o peter_n or_o martin_n mean_v himself_o shall_v teach_v or_o form_n or_o govern_v or_o lead_v i_o for_o i_o be_o not_o a_o passive_a but_o a_o active_a god_n who_o use_v always_o to_o lead_v govern_z form_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o our_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v only_o passive_a and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v and_o slay_v it_o and_o therefore_o many_o who_o can_v not_o endure_v this_o mortification_n have_v fall_v horrible_o and_o thus_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n be_v whole_o according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o council_n and_o whole_o without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o we_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n over_o his_o church_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n presence_n be_v the_o grvernment_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n or_o god_n government_n within_o we_o for_o the_o right_a church_n be_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o have_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o be_v build_v and_o frame_v and_o that_o according_a to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v and_o god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o if_o any_o will_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a guide_n and_o order_v of_o this_o church_n depend_v whole_o on_o god_n who_o dwell_v within_o it_o for_o god_n will_v not_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o sit_v still_o whilst_z other_o that_o be_v without_o it_o shall_v govern_v it_o but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o right_a church_n lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v immanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o so_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n who_o fill_v it_o govern_v it_o by_o a_o most_o present_a and_o powerful_a but_o invisible_a influence_n lead_v it_o into_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o patience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o patience_n into_o love_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n into_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n into_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o into_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o righteousness_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o contain_v all_o these_o grace_n in_o itself_o and_o work_v they_o in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o government_n we_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a in_o this_o government_n we_o have_v not_o outward_a law_n to_o order_v we_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o a_o inward_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o live_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o live_a word_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o according_a to_o this_o government_n also_o god_n guide_v the_o true_a church_n wonderful_o the_o soul_n not_o see_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o form_n and_o fashion_n the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n clean_a contrary_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o mourning_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o comfort_n bring_v they_o to_o despair_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n to_o death_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n yea_o even_o to_o hell_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n lead_v his_o choose_a people_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o will_v follow_v but_o faith_n which_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fear_n woe_n agony_n temptation_n till_o it_o feel_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o true_a sorrow_n of_o death_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o this_o darkness_n see_v no_o beam_n nor_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n and_o want_v all_o counsel_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v itself_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o lead_v it_o into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o redeem_v it_o from_o all_o distress_n subdue_a the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n under_o it_o yea_o and_o carry_v it_o into_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n age._n to_o wit_n the_o one_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o other_o of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n when_o the_o prelatical_a government_n have_v be_v dissolve_v for_o several_a year_n together_o can_v any_o christian_a think_v that_o the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v without_o all_o government_n nay_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v be_v govern_v most_o powerful_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o most_o sweet_o by_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v neither_o against_o its_o grace_n nor_o comfort_n and_o for_o a_o outward_a formal_a visible_a enforce_a government_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a corporation_n or_o worldly_a kingdom_n the_o true_a church_n can_v as_o well_o want_v such_o a_o government_n at_o all_o time_n as_o at_o any_o time_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v best_o without_o it_o as_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o man_n and_o more_o immediate_o under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n its_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v so_o violent_a for_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n temptation_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sometime_o or_o other_o be_v exercise_v with_o temptation_n of_o despair_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v their_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o speculation_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a power_n and_o method_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o they_o will_v soon_o give_v over_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o faithful_a about_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o power_n in_o they_o to_o free_v from_o eternal_a death_n nor_o to_o procure_v eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o twofold_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n himself_o exercise_v immediate_o in_o and_o over_o it_o whereof_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ignorant_a mans._n if_o we_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o our_o self_n and_o other_o now_o beside_o this_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n exercise_v mediate_o by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_v and_o man_n who_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o understand_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n have_v mistake_v this_o also_o through_o the_o same_o unbelief_n wherefore_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v immediate_a and_o by_o himself_o have_v make_v this_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n to_o be_v all_o and_o this_o also_o i_o say_v they_o have_v understand_v most_o gross_o and_o carnal_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_a heart_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o their_o particular_a mis_fw-fr apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n then_o
to_o inquire_v after_o variety_n of_o error_n wherefore_o let_v alone_o their_o darkness_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v shine_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o herein_o also_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o mediate_a government_n then_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o true_a church_n be_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o christ_n order_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o faithful_a among_o the_o faithful_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n now_o because_o many_o christian_n desire_v instruction_n and_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v herein_o be_v desirous_a also_o to_o learn_v myself_o of_o they_o that_o can_v teach_v i_o better_o by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o distinct_o i_o shall_v propound_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o order_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v government_n the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n 5._o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o reckon_v needful_a for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o know_v for_o the_o preserve_n among_o themselves_o that_o peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v in_o christ_n they_o first_o thing_n than_o be_v 1._o to_o who_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o order_v and_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o true_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o answer_v alike_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o true_a church_n itself_o as_o former_o describe_v even_o to_o each_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o for_o as_o natural_a power_n belong_v to_o all_o natural_a man_n alike_o so_o spiritual_a power_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n power_n to_o all_o spiritual_a man_n alike_o christ_n in_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o root_n of_o true_a church-power_n and_o because_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o believer_n alike_o through_o unity_n of_o faith_n therefore_o all_o believer_n partake_v alike_o of_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o no_o one_o partake_v of_o this_o power_n more_o than_o another_o any_o more_o than_o he_o partake_v of_o christ_n more_o than_o another_o but_o christ_n in_o they_o all_o be_v the_o self_n same_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o according_a this_o sense_n that_o place_n in_o math._n 16._o 19_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v explain_v where_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o pope_n and_o papal_a church_n under_o colour_n of_o this_o place_n have_v make_v great_a merchandise_n and_o have_v exceed_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v forth_o and_o the_o day_n of_o their_o traffic_n be_v at_o end_n and_o yet_o since_o other_o have_v be_v truck_v with_o the_o world_n by_o their_o false_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n and_o have_v think_v to_o use_v it_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n but_o the_o day_n have_v so_o far_o dawn_v that_o their_o shadow_n also_o be_v fly_v away_o but_o not_o to_o keep_v you_o long_o from_o the_o word_n themselves_o peter_n have_v say_v to_o christ_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o christ_n reply_v to_o peter_n bless_v be_v thou_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n and_o then_o add_v unto_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n father_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o to_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o minister_n but_o as_o a_o believer_n who_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n touch_v the_o son_n and_o so_o also_o they_o be_v give_v equal_o to_o each_o faithful_a christian_a who_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n with_o peter_n as_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o these_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o office_n but_o that_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v that_o have_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n he_o it_o be_v to_o who_o these_o key_n be_v give_v and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o so_o they_o be_v give_v to_o each_o believer_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o believer_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v these_o key_n quest_n about_o which_o there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o do_v in_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v answ_n they_o be_v not_o any_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a power_n whatever_o be_v that_o man_n have_v devise_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n withal_o but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o many_o false_a conceit_n wherewith_o many_o former_a and_o present_a writer_n have_v and_o do_v still_o trouble_v the_o church_n john_n do_v tell_v we_o plain_o joh._n 20._o 22._o what_o matthew_n mean_v by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n say_v he_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n breathe_v on_o they_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n hear_v be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o add_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v that_o be_v when_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o your_o will_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_v and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o christ_n then_o before_o his_o ascension_n give_v these_o key_n true_o to_o his_o disciple_n but_o more_o solemn_o and_o full_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n glorify_v and_o after_o the_o gentile_n who_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n receive_v the_o spirit_n even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o also_o receive_v these_o key_n and_o so_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n equal_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o these_o key_n appertain_v not_o only_o to_o great_a congregation_n of_o christian_n but_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o christ_n have_v promise_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o where_o we_o see_v that_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n have_v as_o much_o power_n as_o peter_z and_o all_o the_o apostle_n because_o christ_n be_v equal_o present_a with_o these_o as_o with_o those_o again_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o if_o the_o offend_a brother_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o brethren_n the_o offend_a brother_n shall_v tell_v the_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a see_v man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n through_o any_o office_n but_o only_o through_o faith_n and_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n among_o the_o faithful_a belong_v to_o every_o faithful_a man_n alike_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2._o what_o kind_n of_o power_n this_o be_v which_o the_o true_a church_n have_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a power_n that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o power_n