and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o exhortation_n 2._o there_o be_v argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o exhortation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v lend_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a name_n but_o bring_v every_o doctrine_n to_o the_o touchstone_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o exhortation_n first_o there_o be_v the_o compellation_n he_o give_v they_o a_o warm_a and_o kind_o style_n beloved_n and_o then_o second_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o 2._o what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n some_o take_v the_o spirit_n here_o for_o preacher_n believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n and_o some_o for_o doctrine_n believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n but_o both_o may_v well_o be_v join_v together_o thus_o believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o second_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o cast_v at_o all_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o error_n vent_v for_o truth_n as_o the_o natural_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o he_o exhort_v that_o they_o will_v bring_v every_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a touch_n stone_n thus_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o word_n we_o intend_v if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o liberty_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o on_o this_o verse_n of_o those_o doctrine_n or_o error_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o trouble_v our_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o doctrine_n before_o hand_n which_o may_v make_v way_n for_o what_o we_o intend_v doct._n i._n the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n dehort_v believer_n from_o false_a doctrine_n by_o many_o argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o condemnable_a we_o shall_v afterwad_v show_v in_o what_o respect_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a 2._o error_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n because_o they_o steal_v subtle_o in_o upon_o people_n and_o people_n do_v too_o ready_o relish_v they_o so_o there_o be_v many_o who_o nature_n abhor_v gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o fornication_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o the_o devil_n get_v they_o hook_v by_o this_o sin_n of_o error_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o gross_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o natural_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o loathe_v in_o people_n at_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o plead_v conscience_n whereas_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n so_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n be_v dangerous_a because_o subtle_a 3._o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o as_o they_o creep_v easy_o in_o so_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o shut_v to_o the_o door_n again_o and_o that_o because_o delude_a conscience_n plead_v for_o they_o people_n taint_v with_o error_n think_v themselves_o right_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o conscience_n cast_v at_o all_o as_o wrong_v now_o in_o other_o sin_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o second_o table_n although_o affection_n plead_v for_o they_o yet_o usual_o people_n light_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o get_v a_o sin_n of_o error_n thrust_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o root_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o profanity_n itself_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v to_o fit_v you_o for_o receive_v the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o
of_o god_n to_o commit_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o house_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v not_o qualify_v to_o that_o purpose_n beside_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o he_o trust_v any_o with_o those_o thing_n but_o he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n enable_v they_o according_o so_o when_o he_o send_v forth_o moses_n jeremiah_n isaiah_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o furniture_n and_o when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o apostle_n he_o furnish_v they_o for_o that_o end_n so_o john_n 20._o 21_o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o they_o again_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o there_o be_v the_o commission_n give_v they_o and_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o this_o in_o v_o 22._o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o furniture_n and_o so_o do_v he_o to_o minister_n who_o he_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n he_o promise_v they_o furniture_n matth_n 28_o 20_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o a_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o the_o minister_n as_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o these_o promise_n can_v not_o be_v full_o verify_v in_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o die_v within_o a_o little_a but_o in_o minister_n their_o successor_n to_o the_o world_n end_n now_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a he_o have_v neither_o make_v such_o promise_n to_o every_o particular_a believer_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n neither_o do_v he_o perform_v they_o unto_o they_o what_o be_v every_o believer_n furnish_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n prudence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v require_v for_o the_o right_a manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o church_n government_n yea_o god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o of_o they_o and_o so_o certain_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o wisdom_n to_o have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o believer_n this_o for_o ouâ—_n three_o argument_n our_o four_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o church_n member_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o either_o as_o they_o be_v gift_v for_o it_o and_o choose_v out_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o have_v our_o intent_n for_o then_o all_o be_v not_o church_n governor_n but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v gift_v and_o choose_v and_o so_o church_n officer_n or_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o believer_n or_o church_n member_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o for_o every_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v a_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o whatever_o privilege_n flow_v from_o faith_n belong_v to_o every_o believer_n the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a so_o if_o the_o right_n of_o church_n government_n be_v ground_v on_o faith_n and_o grace_n than_o every_o believer_n and_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v the_o right_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o shall_v follow_v many_o absurdity_n as_o that_o child_n as_o well_o as_o parent_n the_o simple_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wise_a woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n may_v preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n lay_v on_o hand_n in_o ordain_v the_o minister_n sit_v in_o session_n inflict_v censure_n excommunicate_a and_o what_o not_o second_o then_o none_o but_o believer_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o church_n government_n so_o none_o have_v power_n to_o baptise_v censure_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o that_o have_v grace_n and_o upon_o this_o people_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptize_v or_o not_o because_o they_o know_v not_o if_o the_o minister_n who_o baptize_v they_o have_v grace_n or_o not_o and_o if_o he_o want_v grace_n he_o have_v no_o power_n of_o church_n government_n by_o this_o doctrine_n and_o so_o no_o power_n to_o baptise_v we_o bring_v a_o five_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o private_a christian_n be_v in_o no_o place_n of_o scripture_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n governor_n there_o be_v no_o name_n nor_o title_n give_v to_o they_o import_v this_o power_n to_o be_v in_o they_o as_o be_v give_v to_o church_n officer_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o title_n of_o that_o kind_n be_v give_v to_o private_a christian_n yea_o they_o be_v set_v down_o plain_o under_o name_n in_o opposition_n to_o governor_n as_o the_o flock_n to_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o take_v heed_n tberefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n obey_v submit_v to_o their_o governor_n set_v over_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o hebr_n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v entrust_v they_o with_o high_a power_n of_o government_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o style_v he_o give_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o import_v of_o that_o power_n but_o much_o of_o their_o subjection_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o with_o officer_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o let_v any_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n a_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v but_o only_o to_o some_o than_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o therefore_o not_o to_o all_o church_n member_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v only_o give_v to_o some_o see_v those_o proof_n that_o limit_v this_o power_n only_o to_o some_o as_o ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n some_o and_o therefore_o not_o all_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o which_o we_o cite_v before_o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n there_o be_v but_o some_o that_o he_o have_v set_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o not_o all_o and_o heb_n 13_o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n tim_n 5._o 17._o as_o be_v likewise_o before_o cite_v there_o be_v some_o then_o that_o rule_n to_o who_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o submit_v and_o so_o all_o be_v not_o ruler_n there_o be_v a_o seven_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o power_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o set_v down_o rule_n and_o limit_n to_o order_v it_o by_o in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n how_o to_o direct_v the_o manage_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o church-member_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o whatever_o power_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o order_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a as_o we_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o enumeration_n of_o lawful_a power_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n that_o he_o play_v not_o the_o tyrant_n he_o have_v set_v down_o rule_n to_o regulate_v the_o power_n of_o master_n parent_n by_o so_o the_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v regulate_v that_o they_o rule_v with_o diligence_n rom._n 12._o 8._o and_o so_o through_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n to_o order_v church_n government_n by_o in_o the_o hand_n particular_a believer_n for_o in_o no_o place_n of_o the_o word_n will_v such_o rule_n be_v find_v you_o that_o be_v the_o flock_n govern_v the_o pastor_n and_o feed_v they_o watch_v over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o direction_n give_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretend_a power_n be_v not_o of_o god_n our_o last_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o every_o
it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v error_n no_o more_o than_o because_o that_o a_o godless_a magistrate_n as_o nero_n be_v may_v abuse_v his_o power_n to_o oppress_v murder_v honest_a citizen_n and_o do_v other_o act_n of_o injustice_n against_o the_o second_o table_n that_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v thief_n robber_n murderer_n because_o either_o through_o mistake_n or_o wickedness_n he_o may_v abuse_v it_o to_o punish_v innocent_a man_n whatever_o remedy_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o magistrate_n abuse_v of_o his_o power_n under_o the_o one_o the_o same_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o other_o as_o insome_a case_n suffer_v in_o other_o resist_v there_o be_v a_o eight_o objection_n they_o have_v against_o this_o truth_n say_v they_o we_o make_v the_o mean_a unproportionate_a to_o the_o end_n no_o outward_a force_n can_v convert_v a_o man_n and_o brâ—ng_v he_o to_o christ_n it_o make_v man_n but_o hypocrite_n the_o blast_n of_o the_o king_n horn_n or_o outlawry_n can_v make_v no_o man_n a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o must_v be_v do_v willing_o not_o by_o compulsion_n and_o this_o be_v to_o cudgel_v people_n out_o of_o their_o opinion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o our_o doctrine_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v any_o mean_a to_o convert_v soul_n only_o this_o it_o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o mean_a to_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v sinful_a act_n against_o christ_n as_o asa_n make_v use_v of_o his_o civil_a power_n to_o keep_v down_o idolatry_n it_o put_v people_n indeed_o on_o the_o profession_n of_o outward_a obedience_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v very_o proportion_v and_o therefore_o second_o though_o the_o blast_n of_o the_o king_n horn_n can_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n invisible_a body_n by_o work_a grace_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_a in_o its_o own_o kind_a for_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a by_o withhold_a from_o sinful_a act_n and_o put_v they_o on_o act_n of_o outward_a obedience_n a_o three_o answer_n we_o give_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n of_o itself_o but_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n who_o make_v himself_o a_o hypocrite_n the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o deut_n 13._o 11._o and_o all_o israel_n shall_v hear_v and_o fear_v and_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o any_o such_o wickedness_n as_o this_o be_v among_o you_o that_o be_v the_o end_n that_o they_o be_v move_v by_o their_o example_n shall_v abstain_v from_o such_o like_a work_n but_o that_o they_o do_v this_o hypocritical_o be_v from_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n who_o fear_v he_o more_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n than_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v the_o body_n can_v cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n we_o answer_v last_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n why_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v for_o false_a doctrine_n because_o throw_v occasion_n thereof_o many_o turn_n hypocrite_n then_o say_v we_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v incest_n adultery_n murder_n theft_n &c._n &c._n because_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o hypocrite_n who_o abstain_v more_o from_o such_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n than_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n yea_o according_o to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v unlawful_a because_o through_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o many_o turn_v hypocrite_n under_o it_o there_o be_v a_o nine_o objection_n they_o have_v against_o this_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o by_o this_o power_n we_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n we_o give_v he_o the_o power_n of_o church_n judicatories_n to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n error_n and_o heresy_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n only_o for_o the_o present_a this_o give_v power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n give_v he_o not_o a_o public_a judgement_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o not_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o church_n matter_n but_o only_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o act_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o lord_n give_v power_n to_o master_n of_o family_n not_o to_o let_v heretic_n come_v into_o their_o house_n it_o be_v not_o a_o put_v the_o power_n of_o church_n judicatory_n in_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o last_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o of_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o use_n of_o this_o and_o the_o first_o be_v to_o reprove_v those_o who_o think_v opinion_n be_v free_a and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o such_o we_o grant_v as_o we_o say_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n among_o error_n some_o more_o damnable_a some_o less_o and_o so_o to_o be_v less_o punish_v and_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v among_o person_n some_o be_v seduce_v some_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v some_o vent_v their_o darkness_n some_o seek_v light_n in_o such_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n observe_v again_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o deal_v one_o way_n with_o a_o community_n another_o way_n with_o some_o person_n before_o it_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o error_n that_o can_v be_v mantain_v without_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o those_o that_o break_v not_o love_n nor_o strike_v not_o at_o any_o material_a point_n of_o truth_n the_o last_o happy_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o do_v not_o evidence_n contempt_n but_o not_o so_o the_o first_o these_o and_o such_o like_a distinction_n may_v be_v to_o qualify_v this_o power_n but_o to_o deny_v it_o altogether_o be_v the_o most_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v vent_v the_o devil_n can_v take_v a_o short_a course_n to_o undo_v religion_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o heart_n zealous_a for_o god_n but_o he_o must_v loathe_v it_o and_o therefore_o look_v so_o on_o it_o think_v not_o what_o be_v that_o to_o you_o what_o other_o do_v if_o you_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n yourself_o be_v that_o all_o your_o zeal_n for_o god_n that_o if_o you_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v he_o you_o care_v not_o that_o all_o beside_o you_o spit_v on_o his_o face_n and_o serve_v the_o devil_n use_v 2._o hence_o see_v what_o a_o account_v those_o magistrate_n have_v to_o make_v who_o make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o power_n this_o way_n for_o god_n if_o they_o get_v their_o own_o house_n build_v care_v not_o for_o his_o if_o rebellion_n against_o themselves_o be_v curb_v care_v not_o for_o the_o curb_v of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n though_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o they_o will_v suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n they_o never_o employ_v their_o power_n that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o for_o anger_v of_o their_o army_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v suffer_v their_o army_n to_o overturn_v they_o and_o set_v themselves_o and_o who_o they_o please_v in_o their_o place_n and_o now_o they_o by_o their_o practice_n give_v toleration_n to_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o i_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o way_n to_o ruin_v they_o a_o people_n swear_v in_o their_o low_a condition_n to_o root_v out_o heresy_n etc._n etc._n and_o god_n bless_v they_o from_o that_o day_n and_o within_o a_o few_o year_n carry_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v the_o contrary_a to_o suffer_v all_o encourage_v all_o invite_v all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n to_o vent_v what_o blasphemy_n they_o please_v and_o for_o their_o encouragement_n to_o give_v they_o surety_n that_o no_o power_n in_o britain_n shall_v hinder_v they_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o affront_n do_v to_o god_n think_v you_o that_o he_o will_v sit_v with_o it_o no_o if_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o one_o half_a avenger_n of_o a_o break_a covenant_n against_o the_o other_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v note_v of_o asa_n 2_o chron._n 14._o 5._o god_n way_n to_o keep_v magistrate_n sure_a and_o their_o kingdom_n quiet_a be_v to_o be_v zealous_a against_o false_a worship_n no_o but_o say_v they_o the_o way_n be_v not_o to_o anger_v heretic_n they_o
his_o depute_n so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o act_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o commission_n from_o he_o and_o meddle_v only_o with_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o give_v they_o warrant_n for_o and_o so_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n we_o contrary_a to_o all_o these_o shall_v make_v out_o this_o follow_a assertion_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n nor_o yet_o to_o make_v church_n law_n or_o inflict_v church_n censure_n either_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o as_o his_o depute_n but_o all_o this_o power_n do_v belong_v whole_o to_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n which_o power_n they_o be_v to_o execute_v without_o dependency_n on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o appeal_n to_o his_o court_n neither_o have_v he_o power_n to_o rescind_v the_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o they_o in_o follow_v out_o of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v go_v on_o as_o in_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v their_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o refute_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n 1._o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n that_o however_o we_o do_v not_o give_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n yet_o we_o give_v he_o much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n our_o divine_n follow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n a_o threefold_a power_n about_o church_n matter_n 1._o a_o defensive_a protect_a power_n 2_o a_o roll_a power_n and_o 3._o a_o punish_a power_n first_o they_o give_v he_o a_o defend_v power_n and_o that_o be_v ground_v on_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o isa._n 49._o 23._o and_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o do_v three_o thing_n 1._o by_o his_o power_n he_o be_v to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o advance_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n the_o public_a exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o so_o defend_v the_o church_n in_o her_o liberty_n that_o be_v give_v to_o she_o by_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o godly_a king_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o do_v asa_n 2_o chron._n 15._o to_o verse_n â—8_o and_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chron._n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o other_o godly_a king_n they_o encourage_v other_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o countenance_v they_o and_o by_o their_o authority_n and_o example_n allure_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n which_o i_o ower_n christian_n magistrate_n have_v yet_o 2._o by_o this_o power_n they_o be_v to_o provide_v the_o church_n with_o all_o external_a necessary_n as_o public_a convenient_a place_n of_o meeting_n for_o god_n worship_n and_o public_a mantainance_n for_o the_o church_n officer_n &c_n &c_n this_o we_o see_v be_v hezekiah_n practice_n 2_o chron._n 31._o 4._o moreover_o he_o command_v the_o people_n that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n to_o give_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v joâ—â—ah's_n practice_n 2_o chron._n 34._o he_o repair_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o public_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n 3._o by_o this_o defend_n power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n he_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o outward_a impediment_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n such_o as_o profanity_n idolatry_n heresy_n and_o blaspemy_n as_o we_o do_v prove_v at_o length_n in_o the_o former_a controversy_n second_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n a_o rule_v power_n about_o church_n matter_n by_o this_o power_n 1_o he_o may_v convocate_v church_n judicatories_n command_v they_o to_o meet_v and_o to_o enact_v canon_n and_o to_o make_v rule_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n although_o he_o can_v make_v church_n law_n himself_o so_o pious_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v call_v synod_n as_o david_n 1_o chron._n 23_o 2._o and_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n 2._o by_o this_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n judicatories_n and_o to_o give_v the_o force_n of_o a_o civil_a law_n only_o herein_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n they_o say_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v this_o blind_o he_o be_v only_o say_v they_o the_o church_n echo_n to_o â—ay_n amen_o to_o what_o they_o conclude_v but_o we_o say_v the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o do_v this_o blind_o we_o allow_v to_o he_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o try_v whether_o what_o they_o conclude_v be_v right_a or_o not_o and_o according_o he_o be_v to_o add_v his_o authority_n or_o not_o and_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o judge_n in_o church_n matter_n but_o only_o a_o judge_n of_o his_o own_o action_n 3._o by_o this_o power_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o take_v inspection_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n judicatories_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v conclude_v a_o point_n of_o injustice_n though_o he_o may_v not_o rescind_v their_o act_n himself_o yet_o he_o may_v command_v they_o to_o resume_v the_o the_o matter_n take_v it_o to_o their_o second_o thought_n give_v reason_n to_o the_o contrair_a exhort_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n from_o time_n to_o time_n until_o the_o matter_n be_v right_o conclude_v only_o it_o be_v still_o the_o church_n judicatory_a that_o must_v rescind_v their_o own_o act._n by_o this_o roll_a power_n the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v much_o when_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a he_o may_v reform_v it_o that_o be_v when_o church_n judicatories_n be_v all_o wrong_n that_o they_o will_v do_v nothing_o for_o his_o upstirring_a in_o this_o case_n the_o magistrate_n may_v lay_v the_o church_n judicatory_a aside_o and_o do_v that_o himself_o which_o they_o shall_v do_v his_o power_n in_o this_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a he_o may_v reform_v by_o his_o own_o power_n as_o godly_a josiah_n do_v 2_o king_n 23._o and_o as_o asa_n and_o jehoshaphat_n at_o such_o a_o time_n magistrate_n may_v do_v much_o this_o way_n but_o extraordinary_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v ordinary_a rule_n three_o we_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o coactive_a punish_a power_n about_o church-matter_n and_o by_o this_o power_n we_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o person_n of_o churchman_n and_o their_o good_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n civil_a according_a to_o that_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o papist_n teach_v so_o that_o if_o a_o churchman_n shall_v commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o own_o power_n may_v punish_v he_o as_o solomon_n do_v abiathar_n 2._o by_o this_o coactive_a punish_a power_n he_o may_v see_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o divine_a and_o church_n law_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o be_v contemner_n of_o they_o by_o civil_a punishment_n there_o be_v several_a example_n of_o this_o as_o that_o of_o josiah_n he_o make_v all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n now_o by_o all_o that_o be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o we_o give_v to_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n although_o we_o give_v he_o not_o what_o be_v god_n we_o give_v he_o much_o power_n about_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o shall_v clear_v this_o by_o a_o simile_n how_o the_o magistrate_n may_v have_v much_o power_n about_o church-matter_n although_o not_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n you_o know_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o church_n session_n have_v much_o power_n about_o matter_n belong_v to_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n so_o as_o to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o unnatural_a carriage_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o to_o see_v every_o one_o do_v duty_n to_o another_o and_o yet_o neither_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n nor_o church_n session_n have_v marital_a or_o husbandly_a power_n over_o the_o wife_n or_o parental_a power_n over_o the_o child_n so_o as_o they_o may_v challenge_v the_o same_o duty_n from_o they_o to_o be_v do_v to_o themselves_o which_o the_o wife_n owe_v to_o her_o husband_n or_o the_o child_n to_o the_o parent_n the_o husband_n and_o parent_n only_o have_v that_o power_n so_o it_o be_v here_o
the_o magistrate_n have_v much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n but_o he_o have_v no_o church-power_n proper_o so_o call_v that_o belong_v only_o to_o christ_n own_o officer_n second_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n what_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o deny_v it_o to_o he_o only_o as_o a_o magistrate_n for_o so_o we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v prove_v a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n otherwise_o if_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v choose_v a_o elder_a he_o have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n only_o we_o say_v as_o a_o magistrate_n he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n ii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o 1_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o warrant_v give_v to_o any_o of_o church_n government_n there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o any_o of_o they_o only_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o apostle_n minister_n and_o elder_n so_o in_o matth_n 16._o 19_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o matth_n 18._o 17._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o 〈…〉_z be_v etc._n etc._n the_o church_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o so_o in_o timoth_n and_o titus_n the_o scope_n of_o which_o epistle_n be_v to_o instruct_v minister_n concern_v the_o right_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n what_o be_v speak_v there_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o minister_n succeed_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v he_o have_v no_o right_a from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o what_o he_o will_v challenge_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o usurpation_n and_o intrude_a unto_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o right_a our_o second_o argument_n be_v if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n government_n belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n than_o it_o belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a we_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n then_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o every_o magistrate_n for_o whatever_o belong_v to_o one_o as_o such_o belong_v to_o all_o such_o now_o this_o have_v many_o absurdity_n follow_v on_o it_o for_o by_o this_o rule_n heathen_a magistrate_n may_v have_v power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v church_n governor_n which_o be_v absurd_a for_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n then_o second_o woman_n may_v be_v church_n governor_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n yea_o three_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o child_n not_o come_v to_o age_n may_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o they_o may_v be_v magistrate_n when_o magistracy_n go_v by_o succession_n now_o child_n can_v have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o that_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o deputy_n but_o by_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o a_o three_o argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o if_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o they_o must_v be_v church_n officer_n if_o any_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n a_o church_n officer_n than_o power_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n will_v do_v it_o for_o state_n government_n and_o state_n officer_n be_v relata_fw-la and_o have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o so_o must_v church_n government_n and_o church_n officer_n have_v a_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n be_v no_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o because_o among_o all_o that_o roll_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o christ_n reckon_v up_o his_o officer_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ephes_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o roll_n verse_n 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o no_o word_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o in_o rome_n 12_o 6_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o other_o roll_n of_o church_n officer_n but_o no_o word_n of_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v etc._n etc._n but_o neither_o in_o this_o place_n or_o any_o other_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n only_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n mutter_v somewhat_o of_o 1_o cor_n 12._o 28._o that_o by_o government_n there_o mention_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v easy_o refute_v for_o the_o text_n speak_v evident_o of_o such_o governor_n as_o the_o church_n have_v at_o that_o time_n and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o for_o above_o 200_o year_n after_o so_o by_o government_n can_v be_v mean_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o the_o rule_v elder_a who_o be_v often_o speak_v of_o in_o other_o place_n our_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o government_n within_o herself_o and_o according_o do_v exercise_v it_o near_o 300_o year_n before_o any_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_a and_o so_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n within_o herself_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o which_o be_v not_o controvert_v to_o wit_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 300_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o magistrate_n a_o christian_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o that_o all_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n within_o herself_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o they_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n power_n also_o to_o dispense_v censure_n as_o excommunication_n 1_o cor_n 5._o 4_o 5_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v power_n to_o relax_v from_o excommunication_n so_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 6._o where_o paul_n command_v to_o relax_v the_o excommunicate_a man_n from_o that_o sentence_n sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o v_o 7._o so_o that_o contrariwise_o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o forgive_v he_o etc._n etc._n four_o they_o have_v synod_n meet_v together_o make_v bind_a canon_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n act_n 15._o the_o synod_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n meet_v together_o determine_v a_o controversy_n and_o censure_v those_o who_o have_v trouble_v the_o church_n thus_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o church_n do_v enjoy_v full_a power_n of_o discipline_n within_o herself_o long_o before_o any_o magistrate_n become_v christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o church_n hand_n and_o not_o in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o that_o because_o if_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v right_a to_o dispense_v this_o power_n as_o undoubted_o she_o have_v than_o they_o must_v make_v it_o appear_v how_o christ_n take_v this_o right_n from_o she_o and_o
transfer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o they_o can_v do_v our_o five_o argument_n be_v to_o obviate_v that_o which_o they_o say_v that_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o magistrate_n depute_v from_o which_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o church_n officer_n in_o inflict_a censure_n be_v the_o magistrate_n depute_n than_o whatever_o the_o church_n judicatory_a do_v the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v it_o also_o for_o none_o can_v delegate_v more_o right_a to_o there_o than_o what_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o so_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v ordain_v mistress_n himself_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n he_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o if_o he_o may_v do_v this_o by_o consequence_n he_o may_v also_o preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o right_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o one_o which_o may_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v all_o our_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o betwixt_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a power_n scripture_n condemn_v churchmen_n usurp_a the_o civil_a power_n and_o statesman_n usurp_a the_o church_n power_n church_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o judge_v or_o meddle_v with_o civil_a thing_n by_o christ_n himself_o luk_n 12._o 13_o 14._o 22_o 25._o and_o so_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o church_n power_n either_o there_o be_v two_o king_n we_o read_v of_o to_o be_v heavy_o punish_v for_o their_o transgression_n in_o this_o kind_n saul_n for_o offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a 1_o sam_n 13._o 13._o and_o vzziah_n for_o burn_a incense_n 2_o chorn._n 26._o 19_o he_o will_v go_v in_o and_o burn_v incense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o with_o leprosy_n and_o sure_o reason_n will_v say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o church_n officer_n to_o exercise_n the_o civil_a government_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o only_a supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_v of_o the_o opposite_n argument_n the_o first_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o so_o shall_v christian_n magistrate_n have_v it_o under_o the_o new_a we_o answer_v that_o their_o argument_n prove_v nothing_o except_o they_o also_o prove_v that_o what_o power_n of_o church_n government_n magistrate_n have_v then_o they_o have_v it_o as_o magistrate_n for_o we_o grant_v indeed_o what_o do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o magistrate_n then_o under_o other_o respect_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n yet_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o magistrate_n extraordinary_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o moses_n give_v out_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o order_v the_o church_n but_o we_o find_v in_o deut_n 18._o 15._o moses_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o a_o type_n of_o christ._n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v so_o david_n appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o divide_v their_o course_n but_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n 2._o chron_n 8_o 14._o and_o he_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o their_o service_n thus_o in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v show_v how_o david_n do_v this_o at_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 25._o and_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psalter_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o so_o from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a practice_n they_o can_v no_o more_o infer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o in_o church_n matter_n than_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o power_n of_o churchman_n in_o civil-matter_n from_o the_o example_n of_o churchman_n under_o the_o old-testament_n for_o churchman_n do_v meddle_v with_o civil-matter_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o eli_n the_o priest_n he_o govern_v the_o state_n and_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n elisha_n in_o anoint_v jehu_n to_o be_v king_n and_o jehoâ—ada_n the_o priest_n in_o cause_v kill_v attaliah_n the_o usurper_n and_o make_v joash_n king_n all_o which_o we_o grant_v be_v extraordinary_a act_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o churchman_n to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o civil_a thing_n now_o and_o so_o must_v they_o grant_v concern_v these_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o civil_a judge_n in_o meddle_v sometime_o with_o church_n matter_n the_o second_o argument_n they_o use_v be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o magistrate_n be_v set_v over_o church_n officer_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a to_o go_v beyond_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o abuse_n of_o discipline_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o minister_n be_v man_n indeed_o and_o as_o other_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_v power_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o take_v power_n from_o they_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o for_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o abuse_v their_o power_n and_o so_o all_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o confusion_n we_o give_v a_o second_o answer_n that_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o yet_o the_o erasitans_fw-la the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n for_o prevent_v of_o this_o abuse_n may_v step_v into_o the_o pulpit_n himself_o and_o preach_v better_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n better_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o curb_v that_o abuse_n and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v danger_n indeed_o of_o abuse_v that_o power_n but_o we_o say_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o for_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n himself_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v leave_v to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n which_o shall_v be_v our_o three_o answer_n wherein_o we_o shall_v show_v some_o of_o these_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church-officer_n first_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n in_o the_o church_n power_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n so_o that_o although_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n shall_v wrest_v justice_n yet_o there_o be_v above_o they_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o synod_n and_o above_o they_o general_n assembly_n now_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n will_v hardly_o get_v through_o all_o those_o before_o it_o be_v brand_v with_o some_o deserve_a mark_n but_o second_o though_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v connive_v one_o at_o another_o and_o so_o the_o fault_n of_o minister_n go_v through_o unpunished_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n leave_v even_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a he_o may_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_a under_o pretence_n of_o right_v their_o abuse_n no_o more_o than_o he_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o preach_v for_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n of_o preach_v yet_o he_o may_v do_v several_a thing_n 1._o if_o church_n officer_n commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n he_o may_v curb_v they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n 2._o if_o church_n judicatory_n meddle_v to_o judge_v in_o civil_a thing_n which_o concern_v a_o man_n life_n or_o estate_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v null_a what_o they_o conclude_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o abuse_v of_o power_n for_o therein_o they_o meddle_v with_o what_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o 3._o grant_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o ecclesiastic_a wherein_o they_o abuse_v their_o power_n yet_o the_o
magistrate_n may_v do_v somewhat_o here_o also_o he_o may_v command_v they_o to_o resume_v the_o matter_n he_o may_v compear_v in_o person_n and_o reason_n the_o matter_n and_o bid_v they_o see_v to_o it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o judge_v it_o better_o and_o he_o may_v go_v from_o one_o judicatory_a to_o another_o till_o he_o get_v this_o do_v as_o for_o example_n if_o it_o be_v a_o censure_n wrongous_o inflict_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v still_o the_o church_n judicatory_a that_o must_v ranverse_v their_o own_o censure_n the_o three_o argument_n they_o use_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o power_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_a to_o decide_v all_o the_o whole_a controversy_n about_o church_n government_n which_o be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o animosity_n on_o all_o hand_n prelate_n plead_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o independent_o that_o particular_a congregation_n presbyterian_o that_o session_n presbytery_n synod_n general_a assembly_n shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o latter_a session_n to_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n hence_o arise_v all_o our_o debate_n now_o be_v not_o this_o good_a to_o take_v it_o from_o all_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o end_v the_o difference_n such_o as_o solomon_n do_v to_o the_o two_o woman_n strive_v about_o the_o live_a child_n it_o shall_v be_v none_o of_o you_o a_o way_n that_o relish_v not_o with_o the_o kindly_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n 1_o king_n 3._o 25._o second_o we_o answer_v this_o argument_n may_v take_v with_o natural_a heart_n who_o will_v buy_v peace_n at_o any_o rate_n but_o not_o with_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o sell_v it_o for_o it_o hold_v out_o a_o way_n to_o end_v controversy_n which_o be_v not_o god_n his_o way_n be_v to_o establish_v what_o be_v right_a and_o to_o quit_v what_o be_v wrong_v but_o this_o way_n tend_v to_o suppress_v both_o right_a and_o wrong_n such_o peacemaker_n will_v not_o be_v bless_v three_o the_o presbyterian_o may_v borrow_v this_o argument_n against_o prelate_n independent_o erastians_n and_o have_v better_a right_a to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v run_v thus_o if_o church_n government_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n it_o will_v establish_v and_o settle_v all_o difference_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n betwixt_o prelate_n independent_o and_o erastians_n now_o if_o this_o arment_n be_v good_a when_o they_o use_v it_o for_o they_o it_o must_v be_v also_o good_a when_o it_o be_v use_v for_o we_o but_o i_o doubt_v if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o like_a reason_n and_o so_o neither_o can_v we_o there_o be_v a_o four_o argument_n they_o use_v say_v they_o jeremiah_n appeal_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n jerem_n 26._o and_o so_o paul_n act_n 25._o he_o appeal_v to_o caesar._n we_o answer_v let_v that_o place_n of_o jeremiah_n cap._n 26._o be_v read_v and_o nothing_o will_v be_v find_v to_o prove_v that_o jeremiah_n make_v any_o appeal_n to_o the_o civil_a judicatories_n but_o second_o though_o he_o have_v appeal_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o church_n business_n for_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o priest_n have_v pass_v on_o jeremiah_n be_v civil_a thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v v_o 8._o now_o it_o be_v the_o prince_n duty_n to_o see_v to_o it_o that_o innocent_a jeremiah_n shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o death_n especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o powet_n to_o inflict_v such_o a_o punishment_n as_o for_o that_o instance_n act_v 25._o 10_o 11._o about_o paul_n appeal_n to_o caesar_n it_o make_v nothing_o to_o these_o purpose_n he_o appeal_v only_o from_o festus_n a_o inferior_a civil_a magistrate_n to_o the_o superior_a and_o this_o we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o second_o though_o paul_n have_v appeal_v from_o a_o church_n judicatory_a yet_o this_o make_v nothing_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n for_o the_o cause_n here_o whereabout_o paul_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v be_v a_o civil_a cause_n to_o wit_n treason_n against_o caesar_n and_o a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o death_n now_o we_o do_v teach_v that_o a_o churchman_n may_v appeal_v to_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n when_o he_o be_v question_v about_o his_o life_n and_o for_o a_o civil_a crime_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o may_v appeal_v from_o a_o church_n judicatory_a when_o the_o cause_n be_v ecclesiastic_a and_o no_o way_n civil_a their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o king_n 2._o 27._o whereof_o they_o make_v much_o the_o word_n be_v so_o solomon_n thrust_v out_o abiathar_n from_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n from_o which_o they_o argue_v thus_o here_o be_v a_o civil_a magistrate_n inflict_v a_o church_n censure_n to_o wit_n deposition_n of_o a_o churchman_n to_o wit_n of_o abiathar_n the_o priest_n solomon_n thrust_v out_o abiathar_n from_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n therefore_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o dispense_v church_n censure_n yet_o we_o answer_v solomon_n do_v nothing_o here_o but_o what_o we_o yield_v to_o any_o magistrate_n for_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v inflict_v a_o civil_a punishment_n on_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o civil_a crime_n and_o so_o be_v the_o present_a case_n abiathar_n fault_n be_v treason_n in_o assist_v adonijah_n to_o the_o crown_n against_o solomon_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o it_o second_o the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o solomon_n be_v not_o a_o church_n censure_n but_o civil_a to_o wit_n banishment_n to_o anathoth_n as_o appear_v from_o verse_n 26._o and_o therefore_o what_o be_v mention_v in_o verse_n 27._o he_o thrust_v out_o abiathar_n from_o be_v priest_n unto_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o the_o censure_n direct_o intend_v by_o solomon_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v upon_o his_o banishment_n from_o jerusalem_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la because_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o be_v exercise_v but_o at_o jerusalem_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o give_v a_o word_n of_o use_n from_o all_o we_o have_v say_v the_o first_o use_n if_o so_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o government_n in_o his_o house_n as_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o his_o own_o officer_n then_o know_v that_o those_o magistrate_n that_o will_v engross_v this_o power_n to_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o have_v his_o court_n and_o censure_n depend_v on_o they_o or_o rather_o take_v away_o and_o other_o put_v in_o their_o place_n do_v high_o encroach_v on_o the_o regal_a power_n of_o our_o king_n jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n atheist_n profane_a man_n plead_v for_o it_o as_o look_v for_o more_o forbearance_n to_o their_o lust_n from_o civil_a power_n than_o from_o christ_n own_o court_n civil_a power_n plead_v for_o it_o they_o be_v not_o content_a that_o christ_n let_v they_o reign_v and_o that_o they_o let_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o but_o they_o must_v have_v he_o thrust_v out_o of_o his_o throne_n and_o make_v to_o plead_v at_o their_o bar_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n christ_n overturn_v kingdom_n and_o government_n it_o be_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n fault_n they_o fear_v lest_o christ_n court_n shall_v have_v wrong_v their_o privilege_n hence_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o his_o privilege_n they_o set_v up_o indeed_o a_o government_n in_o christ_n house_n but_o it_o be_v a_o lame_a one_o they_o dare_v not_o give_v christ_n court_n their_o full_a power_n but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v their_o depute_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v dash_v themselves_o against_o that_o cornerstone_n christ_n jesus_n until_o they_o be_v strike_v in_o piece_n their_o fear_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o fear_v from_o christ_n court_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o servant_n our_o king_n have_v still_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o and_o malignant_n also_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o royalist_n they_o think_v they_o can_v not_o get_v their_o throne_n secure_a if_o so_o be_v christ_n get_v leave_v to_o reign_v beside_o they_o and_o this_o among_o many_o other_o have_v make_v their_o throne_n shake_v o_o that_o king_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o kiss_v the_o son_n it_o will_v be_v their_o wisdom_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o what_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o but_o for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o charter_n and_o so_o a_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o thrive_v in_o their_o hand_n their_o prudential_a law_n and_o rule_n will_v do_v no_o good_a second_o you_o will_v
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o other_o error_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o error_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n these_o year_n by_o past_a have_v be_v first_o hook_v they_o first_o turn_v independent_o yet_o rest_v not_o long_o there_o but_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o our_o scope_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o main_a head_n of_o this_o error_n of_o independency_n opposite_a to_o the_o two_o last_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o first_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v 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infer_v any_o church_n power_n which_o we_o clear_v in_o both_o first_o the_o people_n power_n in_o elect_v their_o minister_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o they_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n election_n or_o their_o choice_n that_o make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o exercise_n the_o ministerial_a call_n but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n officer_n that_o make_v the_o man_n the_o minister_n and_o give_v he_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o act_v 6_o 3._o where_o the_o people_n election_n and_o ordination_n by_o church_n officer_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v wherefore_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v the_o people_n election_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o 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paul_n authority_n and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o this_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n although_o the_o power_n be_v give_v for_o their_o good_a a_o three_o thing_n for_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o do_v willing_o grant_v to_o private_a christian_n power_n to_o admonish_v exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o this_o they_o may_v extend_v even_o to_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n but_o this_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n do_v not_o import_v any_o church_n power_n in_o they_o over_o those_o who_o they_o rebuke_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n rebuke_v of_o peter_n gal_n 2._o 14._o do_v infer_v a_o power_n in_o paul_n above_o peter_n so_o you_o see_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n this_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o govern_v his_o house_n or_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n must_v be_v clear_a for_o none_o have_v right_a to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o christ_n church_n except_o those_o who_o have_v a_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o it_o now_o that_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o promise_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o word_n this_o power_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o so_o rome_n 10._o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o preach_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o â—e_v send_v v_o 15._o now_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v send_v beside_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o discharge_v this_o office_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o can_v convince_v gainsayer_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n for_o christ_n jesus_n have_v join_v both_o these_o power_n in_o one_o commission_n he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o any_o to_o aministrate_n the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v power_n also_o to_o preach_v matth_n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v them-&c_a them-&c_a them-&c_a power_n of_o preach_v and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n go_v together_o and_o so_o see_v the_o one_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o other_o must_v be_v deny_v also_o three_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o to_o execute_v any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n for_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o try_v minister_n gift_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n command_v they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o practice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v that_o ever_o they_o do_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v in_o answer_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o private_a christian_n do_v overturn_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n none_o may_v doubt_v of_o for_o nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o himself_o now_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v clear_a because_o his_o order_n be_v that_o some_o be_v watchman_n some_o watch_v over_o some_o ruler_n some_o to_o submit_v some_o governor_n some_o to_o be_v govern_v some_o shepherd_n some_o the_o flock_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o all_o shall_v be_v overseer_n watchman_n ruler_n governor_n and_o none_o more_o than_o another_o if_o so_o be_v that_o power_n to_o govern_v shall_v flow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o be_v so_o alike_o the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o to_o whosoever_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v promise_n of_o suitable_a ability_n for_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a trust_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o gift_v neither_o promise_n to_o gift_n every_o christian_a nor_o yet_o require_v he_o answerable_a gift_n for_o government_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n he_o do_v also_o promise_v they_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o their_o trust_n be_v clear_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n
not_o have_v salute_v every_o one_o man_n by_o man_n and_o therefore_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v the_o prime_a man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o second_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o usua_o give_v to_o ruler_n and_o judge_n whether_o ecclesiastic_a or_o civil_a without_o the_o people_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o psalm_n 82_o 1._o god_n stand_v in_o the_o congation_n of_o the_o mighty_a the_o same_o word_n render_v there_o congregation_n be_v render_v the_o church_n elsewhere_o and_o by_o the_o congregation_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o judge_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o we_o find_v it_o take_v for_o the_o ruler_n by_o compare_v exod_a 20._o 18._o 19_o with_o deut_n 5._o 23._o 2_o chron_n 1._o 3._o where_o solomon_n take_v up_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o congregation_n be_v expon_v v._n 2._o to_o have_v be_v chief-man_n and_o ruler_n so_o that_o usualy_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v from_o ruler_n and_o three_o it_o must_v be_v so_o take_v in_o this_o place_n also_o for_o in_o the_o verse_n follow_v he_o tell_v what_o a_o church_n he_o mean_v by_o v_o 18_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o must_v be_v the_o church_n of_o ruler_n who_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o represent_v the_o church_n do_v her_o business_n wherein_o she_o be_v concern_v objection_n five_o this_o be_v say_v they_o to_o establish_v a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n over_o church_n member_n if_o power_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o officer_n to_o make_v act_n bind_v to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o make_v these_o act_n themselves_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n to_o instruct_v officer_n with_o power_n to_o be_v over_o the_o people_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o rule_v they_o according_a to_o his_o will_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o power_n not_o for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o do_v teach_v it_o be_v true_a church_n officer_n may_v abuse_v their_o power_n but_o there_o be_v no_o power_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a but_o come_v in_o man_n hand_n may_v be_v wrong_o use_v but_o second_o there_o be_v as_o great_a danger_n of_o tyranny_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n and_o more_o also_o than_o in_o this_o for_o if_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n shall_v enact_v what_o be_v wrong_a and_o press_v it_o on_o the_o few_o and_o better_a part_n will_v not_o that_o be_v tyranny_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v as_o great_a liklyhood_n of_o this_o as_o of_o what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o eldership_n may_v press_v unjust_a act_n upon_o the_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v as_o lik_o so_o it_o be_v more_o remeedless_a for_o though_o a_o congregation_n or_o any_o in_o it_o be_v wrong_v by_o the_o elerdership_n they_o have_v a_o superior_a judicatory_a to_o complean_a to_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n but_o if_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v wrong_v and_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o the_o great_a according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o power_n under_o heaven_n to_o right_v the_o wrong_n to_o call_v the_o oppress_a party_n to_o a_o account_n so_o of_o all_o government_n under_o heaven_n independency_n be_v the_o most_o tyrannical_a obj._n vi_o the_o six_o objection_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o matth_n 16._o 19_o where_o christ_n say_v 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 shall_v be_v bind_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n that_o by_o the_o key_n there_o be_v mean_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o will_v infer_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v three_o of_o their_o objection_n whereby_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v this_o consequence_n the_o first_o be_v this_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n whereof_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o precede_a 18_o v._n but_o sure_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v believer_n be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o we_o answer_v what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n be_v say_v without_o a_o ground_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v unto_o this_o church_n build_v on_o a_o rock_n do_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o give_v it_o to_o thou_o peter_n sure_a none_o needs_o to_o learn_v our_o lord_n to_o speak_v and_o this_o change_n of_o person_n be_v not_o without_o a_o reason_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n now_o if_o christ_n have_v mean_v to_o have_v establish_v the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v have_v as_o easy_o say_v unto_o this_o church_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o say_v not_o so_o but_o change_v the_o person_n unto_o thou_o to_o wit_n peter_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n beside_o this_o also_o every_o believe_a woman_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o church_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n and_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o own_o grant_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o this_o place_n be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o those_o who_o peter_n do_v represent_v but_o peter_n do_v represent_v all_o believer_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o we_o deny_v what_o be_v affirm_v that_o peter_n in_o this_o place_n do_v represent_v all_o believer_n he_o do_v but_o represent_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o succeed_v to_o the_o aposte_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o grant_n of_o this_o power_n be_v renew_v and_o confirm_v the_o first_o place_n be_v john_n 20._o 21._o then_o say_v jesus_n to_o they_o again_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o five_o 23_o whosoever_n sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o above_o mention_v grant_n be_v renew_v and_o renew_v to_o the_o apostle_n second_o he_o do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o apostle_n but_o all_o minister_n who_o succeed_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n as_o in_o plain_a also_o from_o matth_n 28._o 19_o 20._o where_o you_o will_v find_v these_o thing_n clear_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n 2_o that_o this_o grant_n be_v make_v there_o not_o only_o to_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o these_o who_o shall_v succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o baptise_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v say_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o from_o this_o we_o retort_v the_o argument_n on_o themselves_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o these_o who_o peter_n do_v represent_v but_o so_o it_o be_v peter_n do_v represent_v the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v to_o succeed_v to_o they_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o they_o argue_v three_o from_o this_o place_n that_o the_o grant_v of_o the_o key_n be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o peter_n confession_n v._n 16_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n now_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o believer_n and_o so_o also_o must_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o who_o hold_v out_o peter_n confession_n have_v no_o ground_n but_o their_o own_o assertion_n and_o 2._o we_o say_v it_o be_v false_a for_o this_o confession_n belong_v to_o all_o faithful_a woman_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o man_n who_o yet_o by_o our_o opposite_n own_o concession_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n their_o last_o objection_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 5._o where_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o
in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o one_o reason_n that_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o beautify_v it_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o many_o as_o a_o place_n of_o respect_n and_o not_o of_o office_n if_o a_o man_n be_v rich_a than_o his_o neighbour_n he_o think_v he_o be_v not_o respect_v if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a and_o have_v goten_a the_o name_n he_o care_v for_o no_o more_o now_o be_v that_o the_o way_n either_o to_o make_v people_n respect_v thy_o person_n or_o thy_o office_n let_v i_o obtest_v and_o charge_v all_o of_o you_o who_o have_v take_v on_o this_o heavenly_a call_v as_o you_o will_v answer_v on_o your_o hazard_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n that_o you_o will_v study_v by_o all_o mean_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o to_o beautify_v it_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v labour_v to_o disgrace_v it_o and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o independency_n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church-session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o it_o be_v that_o for_o which_o main_o they_o be_v call_v independent_o the_o point_n they_o affirm_v be_v this_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n be_v instruct_v with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n when_o they_o go_v wrong_v to_o rescind_v any_o act_n once_o conclude_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o unjust_a they_o grant_v that_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v meet_v to_o consult_v about_o matter_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n any_o congregation_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v wrong_v by_o a_o session_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o it_o may_v very_o ready_o fall_v out_o he_o must_v sit_v with_o his_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o right_v it_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n or_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n divide_v turn_v heretic_n run_v wrong_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n do_v there_o be_v no_o church_n power_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o give_v a_o advice_n which_o they_o may_v either_o follow_v or_o not_o follow_v as_o like_v they_o best_o we_o again_o grant_v that_o particular_a eldership_n have_v a_o power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o exercise_n discipline_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o congregation_n in_o particular_a but_o as_o for_o other_o thing_n of_o more_o public_a concernment_n that_o be_v to_o say_v thing_n that_o concern_v other_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v handle_v by_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a and_o that_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o particular_a concernment_n they_o be_v liable_a to_o appeal_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o superior_a judicatory_a so_o that_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v wrong_n partial_a or_o erroneous_a they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o show_v the_o fashood_n of_o this_o error_n as_o also_o for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n that_o be_v now_o so_o much_o speak_v against_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n these_o three_o truth_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o it_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a eldership_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o word_n a_o platform_n or_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o presbytry_n over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a the_o second_o truth_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o beside_o the_o church_n government_n that_o christ_n have_v establish_v by_o presbytry_n there_o be_v also_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n great_a church_n judicatory_n to_o wit_n synod_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n instruct_v with_o power_n of_o church_n government_n from_o christ_n also_o and_o three_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n synod_n to_o general_n assembly_n so_o that_o the_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v power_n over_o the_o inferior_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o and_o complaint_n 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o censure_v they_o for_o miscarry_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o enact_v church_n canon_n or_o conclusion_n bind_v to_o they_o which_o inferior_a judicatories_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o the_o lord_n ¶_o 1_n there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n i_o only_a premit_fw-la this_o that_o however_o we_o have_v the_o very_a name_n of_o this_o presbytry_n whereabout_o we_o dispute_v hold_v out_o in_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o whereby_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v be_v mean_v the_o presbytry_n we_o plead_v for_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o dispute_v about_o name_n though_o the_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a to_o wit_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n we_o may_v instance_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n corinth_n and_o of_o rome_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o church_n be_v not_o single_a congregation_n but_o presbyterial_a church_n under_o one_o common_a government_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o spend_v of_o time_n in_o point_v out_o this_o in_o all_o these_o church_n we_o shall_v instance_n it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o by_o this_o one_o you_o may_v know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o first_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v out_o their_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o particular_a congregation_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n and_o judicatory_a set_v over_o they_o all_o in_o common_a which_o two_o be_v make_v out_o the_o point_n we_o intend_v will_v appear_v evident_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o government_n set_v over_o many_o congregation_n in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a such_o as_o our_o presbytry_n be_v over_o all_o the_o particular_a church-session_n in_o the_o bound_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o shall_v make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o one_o and_o this_o from_o four_o ground_n first_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o church_n member_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n second_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n that_o be_v there_o more_o than_o can_v get_v work_n in_o one_o single_a congregation_n three_o from_o the_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o that_o church_n and_o four_o from_o the_o way_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n they_o resort_v to_o for_o god_n service_n and_o first_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o church_n member_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o compare_v place_n with_o place_n we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v more_o than_o one_o single_a congregation_n take_v a_o view_n of_o some_o of_o these_o place_n act_n 1._o 15._o they_o be_v number_v to_o be_v about_o one_fw-mi hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o act._n 2._o 41._o there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o then_o in_o v_o 47._o there_o be_v daily_a addition_n of_o more_o and_o more_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 4._o 4._o we_o see_v yet_o a_o great_a increase_n there_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o concern_v which_o five_o thousand_o it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v add_v present_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o number_n before_o
the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o the_o house_n be_v so_o call_v because_o it_o contain_v they_o by_o a_o usual_a figure_n the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v to_o dispute_v of_o be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v build_v of_o timber_n and_o stone_n second_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a those_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n be_v live_a member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o draw_v spiritual_a influence_n from_o he_o concern_v the_o church_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n but_o that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v only_o make_v up_o of_o believer_n be_v all_o gracious_a because_o this_o church_n be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n the_o lamb_n wife_n all_o fair_a undefiled_a etc._n etc._n three_o the_o question_n then_o be_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n a_o real_a right_o to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o church_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n be_v we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o first_o the_o church_n be_v call_v visible_a not_o because_o the_o member_n of_o it_o may_v be_v see_v for_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o church_n invisible_a the_o church_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v call_v visible_a for_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v believe_a man_n and_o woman_n may_v be_v see_v also_o but_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o those_o two_o sense_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o make_v one_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o one_o church_n as_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o other_o that_o which_o make_v one_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v true_a grace_n sincere_a faith_n inward_a mark_n thereof_o now_o grace_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v see_v by_o another_o certain_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v outward_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v such_o that_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v the_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o so_o as_o the_o one_o can_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o other_o by_o a_o beholder_n the_o nature_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o know_v infallible_o and_o certain_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o church_n be_v call_v invisible_a again_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v something_o that_o may_v be_v see_v something_o that_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o from_o it_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o understanding_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o enjoy_v of_o outward_a privilege_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o inward_a privilege_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n inward_a privilege_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o a_o right_n to_o he_o a_o save_v right_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a these_o be_v the_o inward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o only_a believer_n have_v right_a to_o those_o paint_a hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o be_v take_v a_o care_n of_o by_o 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church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o 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there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o judgement_n when_o there_o be_v no_o considerable_a difference_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n when_o all_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v here_o press_v be_v prefect_o join_v in_o one_o judgement_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o heart_n and_o affection_n speak_v of_o act._n 4._o 32._o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o here_o press_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n or_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o word_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o be_v when_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o open_o proclaim_v public_a contradiction_n and_o eristick_a debate_n be_v eschew_v and_o a_o unanimous_a joint_a practice_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n be_v follow_v and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o press_v in_o the_o text_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o text_n mean_v all_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o union_n the_o doctrine_n intend_v they_o all_o and_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a other_o scripture_n press_v they_o all_o only_a this_o we_o will_v know_v the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v press_v to_o wit_n so_o as_o every_o breach_n in_o the_o former_a be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o latter_a every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o heart_n or_o affection_n nor_o though_o a_o rent_n be_v in_o both_o do_v it_o infer_v necessary_o a_o divide_a practice_n at_o least_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n and_o for_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a especial_o philipp_n 3._o 15_o 16_o where_o v._n 15_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o philippian_n as_o to_o the_o point_n he_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o subjoin_v for_o matter_n of_o practice_n v_o 16._o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v though_o we_o can_v agree_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o let_v we_o eschew_v the_o prolaim_n of_o our_o difference_n by_o our_o contrary_a practice_n this_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o wit_n what_o union_n the_o doctrine_n press_v it_o be_v a_o union_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n particular_o a_o union_n in_o judgement_n a_o union_n in_o affection_n a_o union_n in_o practice_n a_o union_n all_o these_o way_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o labour_v after_o yet_o so_o as_o if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o union_n in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v yet_o still_o to_o endeavour_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o may_v cite_v several_a scripture_n 1._o these_o wherein_o this_o union_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o rich_a covenant_n blessing_n such_o as_o jer._n 32._o 39_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o the_o like_a be_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 22._o 2._o these_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o union_n be_v high_o commend_v especial_o ps._n 133._o 1._o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o so_o through_o the_o whole_a 3._o these_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o the_o mediator_n prayer_n to_o the_o father_n for_o this_o union_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o so_o v_o 23._o 4._o those_o scripture_n where_o this_o union_n be_v express_o enjoin_v and_o press_v whereof_o there_o be_v many_o such_o as_o philipp_n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o last_o these_o scripture_n where_o division_n contrary_a to_o unity_n be_v condemn_v as_o rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o but_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n bring_v forward_o some_o reason_n conclude_v the_o equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o seek_v after_o and_o entertain_v of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v also_o serve_v as_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n reason_n 1._o union_n further_v edification_n so_o eph._n 4._o 3._o union_n be_v press_v and_o one_o fruit_n among_o many_o to_o be_v reap_v hereby_o be_v v._n 12._o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o unity_n further_v edification_n so_o division_n mar_v it_o division_n in_o a_o church_n though_o about_o small_a thing_n yet_o if_o stiff_o maintain_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a they_o be_v put_v to_o doubt_v all_o truth_n because_o man_n gracious_a and_o learned_a doubt_n of_o some_o so_o division_n not_o only_o mar_v progress_n in_o the_o build_n but_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o what_o be_v already_o build_v reas._n 2._o division_n in_o a_o church_n make_v the_o minister_n contemptible_a of_o all_o man_n minister_n suffer_v most_o this_o way_n because_o usual_o they_o be_v most_o active_a in_o beginning_n and_o uphold_v the_o division_n and_o usual_o even_o these_o who_o have_v truth_n for_o they_o suffer_v much_o if_o not_o most_o this_o way_n paul_n though_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o man_n for_o truth_n yet_o he_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o former_a esteem_n he_o have_v among_o the_o corinthian_n though_o once_o they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n for_o he_o yet_o through_o the_o division_n their_o distemper_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o he_o be_v look_v on_o as_o contemptible_a rude_a in_o speech_n yea_o a_o fool_n and_o what_o not_o as_o appear_v from_o 2_o cor_fw-la 10._o 10._o ch._n 11._o 6_o 16._o reas._o 3_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o many_o thing_n wherein_o a_o church_n agree_v that_o way_n shall_v enforce_v this_o union_n the_o apostle_n paul_n eph._n 4._o draw_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n from_o this_o ground_n the_o duty_n be_v propound_v v._n 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o v_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v press_v by_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v on_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o here_o be_v many_a one_o together_o in_o two_o or_o three_o line_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o you_o who_o be_v so_o many_o way_n one_o to_o rend_v in_o piece_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o small_a moment_n reas._n 4._o division_n in_o a_o church_n turn_v away_o every_o man_n eye_n from_o his_o main_a task_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o joint_n oppose_v of_o satan_n main_a design_n to_o be_v wrangle_v one_o with_o another_o it_o be_v satan_n policy_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n in_o a_o church_n to_o set_v those_o who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o most_o by_o the_o ear_n about_o small_a thing_n that_o so_o he_o may_v carry_v his_o point_n with_o less_o difficulty_n herein_o make_v use_n of_o matchiavil_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o principle_n divide_v &_o impera_fw-la divide_v and_o carry_v it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o the_o near_a those_o who_o differ_v come_v to_o one_o another_o they_o drive_v on_o their_o point_n against_o other_o with_o the_o great_a animosity_n and_o eagerness_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o less_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o have_v the_o more_o hope_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o their_o mind_n hence_o their_o mutual_a on-setts_a be_v more_o furious_a and_o their_o disappointment_n the_o more_o bitter_a the_o high_a they_o be_v in_o their_o hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o they_o mind_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o bear_v down_o one_o another_o satan_n come_v good_a speed_n in_o bear_v down_o of_o truth_n and_o they_o and_o all._n reas._n 5._o union_n when_o once_o lose_v in_o a_o church_n be_v hardly_o ever_o
tend_v to_o the_o refutation_n of_o divers_a error_n error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v a_o subtle_a temptation_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n a_o dangerous_a temptation_n because_o it_o have_v now_o many_o advantage_n to_o plead_v for_o it_o now_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v the_o follow_a discourse_n they_o may_v prove_v a_o antidote_n against_o it_o and_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v shew_v how_o great_a need_v you_o have_v to_o guard_v against_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a sin_n and_o so_o you_o have_v need_n to_o be_v arm_v against_o it_o doct._n ii_o again_o a_o general_a doctrine_n arrise_v from_o the_o connexion_n of_o this_o chapter_n with_o the_o precede_a in_o the_o precede_a the_o apostle_n have_v be_v all_o along_n stir_v up_o christian_n to_o sanctification_n of_o life_n to_o eschew_v profanity_n here_o he_o subjoin_v a_o exhortation_n to_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o give_v we_o this_o obeservation_n that_o a_o orthodox_n judgement_n or_o a_o right_a opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v study_v as_o sanctification_n of_o life_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o they_o both_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v eschew_v that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o guard_v himself_o and_o to_o watch_v as_o much_o against_o heresy_n and_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n as_o against_o profanity_n and_o gross_a sin_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o practice_n we_o have_v need_v to_o clear_v this_o because_o there_o be_v a_o conceit_n in_o people_n whereby_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n it_o make_v not_o much_o what_o man_n be_v many_o that_o have_v error_n may_v have_v grace_n grace_n and_o error_n say_v they_o be_v consistent_a and_o so_o if_o man_n live_v well_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o be_v their_o opinion_n we_o grant_v indeed_o every_o error_n do_v not_o destroy_v grace_n and_o grace_n be_v consistent_a with_o some_o error_n yet_o every_o error_n do_v in_o so_o much_o weaken_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n within_o a_o man_n and_o second_o error_n be_v consistent_a with_o grace_n as_o other_o dam-sin_n be_v as_o david_n adultery_n be_v consistent_a with_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v prove_v that_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v abhor_v by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o gross_a sin_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o practice_n reas._o we_o shall_v bring_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o truth_n to_o you_o and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o scripture_n do_v equal_o discharge_v both_o it_o be_v as_o much_o in_o guard_v against_o error_n as_o profanity_n so_o in_o hebr._n 13_o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n and_o in_o coloss._n 2._o 8._o bewar_n lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n we_o need_v not_o insist_v to_o 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clear_v it_o also_o from_o scripture_n and_o our_o first_o proof_n be_v from_o those_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n have_v usual_o its_o rise_n from_o some_o unmortify_v lust_n within_o which_o make_v way_n for_o such_o a_o error_n so_o rome_n 16_o 17._o 18._o i_o beseech_v yoâ—_n brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o now_o from_o whence_o come_v these_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o right_a doctrine_n v_o 18_o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a unmortified_a corruption_n within_o blow_v wind_n in_o their_o
labour_v to_o bear_v down_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o so_o heretic_n be_v call_v murmurer_n complainer_n judas_n verse_n 16._o so_o a_o minister_n in_o reprove_v error_n will_v guard_n against_o this_o danger_n lest_o he_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o profit_n and_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o his_o pain_n be_v to_o work_v a_o prejudice_n against_o himself_o and_o second_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o strong_a consider_v the_o evil_a that_o come_v by_o prejudice_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o make_v people_n run_v fast_o headlong_o into_o error_n than_o prejudice_n against_o faithful_a pastor_n therefore_o this_o have_v be_v the_o devil_n method_n first_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o ministry_n by_o make_v the_o people_n first_o cast_v at_o one_o then_o at_o another_o and_o so_o at_o all_o that_o their_o ear_n be_v once_o stop_v with_o prejudice_n at_o what_o minister_n say_v their_o ear_n may_v be_v bore_v to_o let_v in_o any_o error_n that_o the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n 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but_o error_n have_v a_o err_a conscience_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o its_o behalf_n therefore_o the_o most_o of_o a_o minister_n work_v will_v be_v in_o convince_a from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o thing_n he_o hold_v be_v error_n otherwise_o to_o inveigh_v against_o what_o he_o hold_v without_o this_o will_v harden_v he_o more_o he_o will_v look_v on_o it_o as_o the_o man_n passion_n and_o that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n against_o what_o he_o hold_v 2._o in_o deal_v with_o err_a person_n there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n put_v betwixt_o seducer_n and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v those_o who_o be_v root_v in_o error_n and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a doubter_n so_o judas_n verse_n 23._o for_o use_v you_o may_v see_v from_o this_o what_o a_o great_a task_n minister_n have_v and_o how_o great_a need_n of_o help_n there_o be_v from_o people_n to_o minister_n in_o err_v time_n in_o some_o respect_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o deal_v with_o one_o man_n taint_v with_o error_n than_o with_o twice_o so_o many_o profane_a liver_n a_o profane_a man_n conscience_n must_v ready_o say_v the_o same_o that_o we_o say_v and_o so_o keep_v we_o at_o reverence_n but_o a_o err_a man_n conscience_n speak_v against_o we_o take_v we_o to_o err_v and_o so_o ready_o can_v endure_v we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v speak_v venture_v in_o god_n strength_n but_o there_o be_v need_v so_o to_o speak_v least_o in_o speak_v we_o lose_v more_o than_o we_o gain_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v the_o exhortation_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v do_v not_o credit_v every_o doctrine_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n or_o every_o preacher_n that_o pretend_v the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o this_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v very_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v there_o be_v even_o then_o some_o who_o contradict_v they_o to_o their_o very_a face_n so_o the_o averrer_n of_o circumcision_n justification_n by_o work_n denier_n of_o the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n reas_n 1._o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v shameless_a it_o will_v affront_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o be_v nature_n brood_n and_o credit_n be_v so_o engage_v in_o it_o that_o it_o trample_v upon_o all_o that_o will_v bear_v it_o under_o if_o a_o apostle_n be_v speak_v a_o sectarian_n spirit_n will_v outdare_v he_o it_o be_v a_o affront_v and_o malapert_a spirit_n second_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o fit_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n his_o people_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o err_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v have_v the_o primitive_a time_n trouble_v with_o they_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o less_o trouble_v see_v that_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o free_v from_o such_o like_a perplexity_n as_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o spirit_n of_o 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heretic_n must_v be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o heresy_n let_v loose_a have_v a_o discover_v efficacy_n with_o it_o it_o discover_v who_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o who_o be_v proud_a lofty_a conceity_n and_o of_o a_o selfish_a spirit_n it_o discover_v who_o be_v light_a weak_a and_o easy_o carry_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n unstable_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o who_o be_v more_o solid_a and_o balance_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o sobriety_n and_o solid_a wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o it_o discover_v these_o who_o have_v put_v a_o price_n on_o truth_n that_o they_o will_v buy_v it_o but_o will_v on_o no_o term_n sell_v it_o and_o also_o discover_v those_o who_o have_v put_v no_o price_n upon_o it_o or_o that_o will_v suffer_v little_a for_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o end_n why_o heretic_n must_v be_v to_o discover_v person_n and_o try_v they_o and_o second_o heretic_n in_o the_o lord_n wise_a providence_n tend_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o make_n of_o they_o bright_a and_o clear_a they_o scour_v truth_n so_o to_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o disput_n of_o heretic_n and_o vent_v of_o error_n make_v truth_n the_o bright_a the_o more_o debate_v there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o error_n grow_v the_o black_a and_o truth_n the_o clear_a when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v a_o truth_n clear_v and_o root_v in_o his_o people_n spirit_n he_o do_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n take_v this_o way_n a_o strange_a way_n indeed_o and_o yet_o make_v much_o for_o the_o purpose_n he_o will_v let_v some_o error_n arise_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n through_o occasion_n whereof_o more_o
like_a to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n than_o that_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o stout_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o error_n will_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o will_v think_v it_o a_o evidence_n very_o good_a when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o do_v humble_a themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o be_v employ_v christ_n daily_o to_o bear_v they_o through_o for_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o fear_v always_o only_o remember_v that_o this_o fear_n will_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o for_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n wherein_o this_o holy_a fear_n do_v consist_v special_o with_o reference_n to_o error_n first_o where_o â—his_v fear_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o labour_a to_o root_v truth_n in_o the_o heart_n you_o know_v when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o lose_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o a_o man_n that_o have_v this_o holy_a fear_n over_o himself_o lest_o he_o be_v ensnare_v with_o error_n will_v study_v to_o get_v truth_n root_v in_o the_o heart_n prov_n 2._o 16._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o hide_v of_o understanding_n put_v it_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o second_o thing_n accompany_v this_o fear_n be_v a_o forecast_v what_o truth_n may_v cost_v you_o there_o will_v be_v a_o forecast_v of_o this_o and_o a_o take_v a_o essay_n of_o the_o cross_n before_o hand_n and_o this_o for_o fear_v lest_o that_o to_o eschew_v suffer_v you_o quite_o the_o truth_n if_o the_o trial_n come_v on_o you_o unexpected_o paul_n while_o he_o be_v exhort_v the_o disciple_n to_o steadfastness_n inform_v they_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act_v 14._o 22._o then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fear_n to_o venture_v on_o temptation_n to_o error_n except_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n put_v to_o it_o of_o necessity_n and_o this_o fear_n rise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o engage_v with_o or_o stand_v the_o shock_n against_o temptation_n this_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n give_v 2_o timoth_n 3_o 5._o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o v_a 6._o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n when_o a_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n the_o fear_n of_o his_o be_v ensnare_v will_v keep_v he_o from_o walk_v among_o snare_n a_o four_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n be_v that_o though_o you_o find_v these_o truth_n you_o have_v have_v once_o seal_v to_o your_o spirit_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o and_o so_o perchance_o your_o judgement_n may_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o what_o you_o think_v once_o to_o be_v truth_n be_v now_o error_n yet_o where_o this_o holy_a fear_n be_v you_o will_v rather_o suspect_v your_o own_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v than_o any_o way_n suspect_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v untruth_n and_o it_o will_v make_v you_o at_o least_o abstain_v from_o venture_v even_o on_o that_o which_o your_o light_a point_n out_o for_o the_o time_n now_o by_o these_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o fearlessness_n that_o make_v people_n to_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v this_o when_o it_o make_v thou_o so_o inconcerned_a that_o thou_o never_o labour_n to_o get_v truth_n bring_v low_a than_o thy_o head_n when_o thou_o never_o cast_v a_o account_n what_o truth_n may_v stand_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o thy_o own_o wit_n and_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o will_v venture_v uncalled_a to_o dispute_v with_o sectarian_n spirit_n or_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v bear_v in_o as_o truth_n contrary_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v maintain_v as_o a_o truth_n before_o and_o contrary_a to_o thy_o covenant_n engagement_n thou_o grippe_v present_o to_o it_o without_o once_o suspect_v that_o thy_o own_o shallow_a understanding_n may_v be_v deceive_v this_o i_o sayâ—_n speak_v a_o fearlesness_n that_o border_n neigh_v unto_o error_n doct_n vii_o the_o doctrine_n that_o follow_v next_o from_o these_o word_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n be_v that_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n they_o be_v not_o to_o humour_v they_o in_o it_o but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o therefore_o say_v john_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v very_o sharp_o inveigh_v against_o people_n when_o they_o be_v beginning_n to_o tamper_v with_o error_n and_o lest_o people_n shall_v say_v paul_n and_o john_n be_v apostle_n and_o know_v what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o be_v truth_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o may_v stout_o testify_v against_o error_n but_o for_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o other_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o what_o minister_n may_v now_o do_v therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o place_n where_o paul_n bind_v it_o as_o duty_n on_o every_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o to_o testify_v against_o error_n in_o the_o act_n ch_z 20._o v._n 28._o therefore_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 29._o verse_n he_o give_v a_o instance_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n for_o i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n verse_n 30._o also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v man_n arise_v etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o ordinary_a preacher_n to_o watch_v over_o their_o people_n lest_o they_o be_v seduce_v with_o error_n and_o that_o because_o first_o of_o that_o which_o we_o speak_v of_o before_o that_o error_n in_o the_o point_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o eschew_v by_o people_n as_o other_o particular_a sin_n and_o therefore_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o guard_v people_n against_o it_o and_o second_o truth_n be_v a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n they_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o and_o three_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v precious_a to_o minister_n and_o therefore_o minister_n ought_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n because_o as_o other_o sin_n so_o error_n be_v a_o damnable_a soul-destroying_a sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o minister_n love_v truth_n and_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o so_o they_o must_v watch_v over_o the_o people_n and_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n use_v i._o this_o show_v the_o great_a task_n lie_v upon_o minister_n at_o every_o time_n but_o chief_o in_o a_o err_v time_n we_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o this_o before_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o meddle_v with_o reprove_v of_o error_n more_o difficile_a than_o to_o reprove_v profanity_n because_o a_o profane_a man_n conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o however_o he_o may_v be_v displease_v with_o free_a preach_v against_o his_o sin_n yet_o his_o conscience_n clear_v the_o minister_n and_o thus_o he_o keep_v he_o at_o least_o at_o some_o reverence_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o a_o soul_n take_v with_o error_n the_o misinform_a conscience_n speak_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v speak_v against_o he_o he_o cast_v at_o it_o as_o error_n and_o untruth_n and_o ready_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v it_o may_v lose_v respect_n for_o his_o pain_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v it_o on_o minister_n to_o speak_v against_o it_o use_v 2._o but_o second_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o reprove_v error_n and_o testify_v against_o it_o then_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o reproof_n from_o they_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o bind_v as_o what_o minister_n say_v shall_v be_v the_o bible_n but_o this_o much_o we_o say_v that_o people_n shall_v presume_v as_o much_o on_o they_o as_o another_o to_o ask_v council_n from_o they_o as_o much_o as_o from_o another_o and_o to_o respect_v they_o as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o public_a minister_n have_v a_o promise_n which_o private_a man_n have_v not_o at_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o samaritan_n and_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v that_o when_o people_n refuse_v christ_n in_o his_o person_n much_o less_o when_o they_o oppose_v he_o in_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o his_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v but_o admonish_v and_o wait_v on_o but_o before_o we_o answer_v they_o must_v prove_v the_o quarrel_n be_v for_o religion_n now_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o james_n will_v have_v â—ire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n be_v because_o of_o a_o act_n of_o inhumanity_n in_o deny_v lodging_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o great_a envy_n and_o hatred_n betwixt_o these_o two_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n the_o second_o answer_n we_o give_v be_v although_o the_o quarrel_n have_v be_v for_o religion_n yet_o it_o make_v not_o against_o this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v whole_o idolater_n utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o that_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v lie_v in_o idolatry_n that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v do_v be_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n to_o slay_v they_o or_o to_o seek_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v they_o we_o say_v it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o go_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o force_v the_o indian_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n only_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v instruct_v and_o restrain_v from_o spread_a blasphemy_n reproach_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n our_o question_n be_v whether_o or_o not_o a_o people_n that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o have_v bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o christian_a truth_n whether_o or_o not_o when_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o truth_n to_o damnable_a error_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v they_o stand_v to_o their_o covenant_n as_o josiah_n do_v 2_o chron_n 34._o 31._o and_o he_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v present_a to_o stand_v to_o it_o object_n 6._o the_o six_o objection_n be_v this_o say_v they_o if_o magistrate_n may_v punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n than_o he_o may_v force_v the_o conscience_n for_o what_o they_o hold_v be_v as_o they_o profess_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n now_o to_o force_v the_o conscience_n be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n answer_n this_o argument_n seem_v plausible_a but_o for_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o say_v conscience_n can_v be_v force_v proper_o only_o we_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v punish_v for_o or_o restrain_v sin_n in_o such_o outward_a motion_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_n inform_v conscience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sinful_a force_n of_o the_o conscience_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o from_o conscience_n kill_v the_o apostle_n john_n 16_o 2._o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n yet_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v the_o punishment_n of_o such_o will_v be_v a_o sinful_a force_n of_o the_o conscience_n so_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a thing_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o make_v their_o child_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n unto_o molech_n under_o the_o name_n of_o conscienceâ—_n these_o and_o many_o other_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o tenet_n of_o they_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v follow_v the_o indytment_n of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n what_o have_v there_o not_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v heretic_n who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o the_o vile_a villainy_n of_o the_o world_n the_o jesuit_n pretend_v conscience_n for_o stob_a king_n and_o magistrate_n the_o gnostic_n to_o have_v wife_n common_a and_o ancient_a heretic_n have_v make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o practice_n adultery_n and_o some_o present_a heretic_n to_o marry_v their_o sister_n so_o that_o the_o â—igher_a in_o blood_n the_o person_n marry_v be_v the_o marriage_n be_v to_o they_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o a_o number_n of_o such_o like_a villainy_n now_o will_v any_o think_v it_o a_o sinful_a force_n of_o conscience_n to_o punish_v such_o whatever_o they_o tattle_n of_o conscience_n but_o second_o to_o what_o they_o say_v for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v man_n for_o error_n be_v a_o persecute_v of_o man_n for_o conscience_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v then_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o god_n command_v sin_n to_o the_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o have_v a_o command_n to_o punish_v man_n for_o idolatry_n three_o if_o this_o be_v a_o persecute_v of_o conscience_n than_o it_o be_v a_o persecute_v of_o conscience_n to_o preach_v against_o error_n to_o refute_v it_o by_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v this_o consequence_n clear_a know_v as_o there_o be_v a_o persecution_n with_o the_o hand_n so_o with_o the_o tongue_n and_o it_o be_v the_o bitter_a persecution_n that_o be_v call_v job_n 5._o 21_o the_o scourge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o mock_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o of_o the_o fearful_a persecution_n he_o meet_v with_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o preach_v against_o they_o etc._n etc._n why_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o persecute_v they_o for_o conscience_n but_o four_o our_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v not_o the_o hurt_n infer_v that_o make_v sinful_a persecution_n but_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v there_o be_v a_o seven_o objection_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o if_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n it_o will_v lay_v a_o tie_n on_o magistrate_n to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n now_o say_v they_o there_o be_v many_o intricate_a question_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o error_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o magistrate_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o say_v they_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n we_o put_v power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whereby_o he_o may_v punish_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n if_o the_o magistrate_n mistake_v and_o take_v truth_n for_o error_n a_o dangerous_a doctrine_n if_o magistrate_n turn_v ignorant_a or_o corrupt_a this_o seem_v plausible_a but_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o it_o if_o this_o argument_n hold_v strong_a then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n for_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o difficult_a question_n even_o about_o these_o as_o in_o some_o case_n of_o murder_n incest_n matter_n of_o false_a witness_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v deut._n 17._o 8._o if_o there_o arise_v a_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o in_o judgement_n between_o blood_n and_o blood_n between_o plea_n and_o plea_n and_o between_o stroke_n and_o stroke_n etc._n etc._n which_o suppones_fw-la there_o be_v many_o doubtful_a question_n even_o about_o thing_n civil_a which_o the_o generality_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o so_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o they_o may_v punish_v the_o honest_a man_n for_o the_o knave_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o evert_v the_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v for_o civil_a crime_n second_o they_o may_v argue_v as_o well_o against_o what_o be_v command_v to_o master_n of_o family_n that_o he_o receive_v not_o a_o heretic_n within_o his_o house_n 2_o john_n v._n 10._o and_o 2_o timoth_n 3_o 6._o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n etc._n etc._n rome_n 16._o 17_o 18._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o avoid_v they_o etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o he_o suppose_v certain_o they_o have_v some_o knowledge_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v heretic_n and_o who_o not_o else_o how_o can_v they_o elchew_v they_o and_o so_o they_o may_v argue_v as_o well_o against_o these_o command_n as_o against_o this_o doctrine_n for_o may_v they_o say_v this_o be_v to_o put_v it_o on_o master_n of_o family_n to_o know_v who_o be_v heretic_n who_o not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o the_o generality_n of_o master_n of_o family_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o so_o a_o power_n put_v on_o they_o to_o bar_v the_o door_n on_o honest_a man_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o heretic_n now_o when_o they_o free_v these_o command_n from_o these_o consequence_n we_o shall_v free_v this_o doctrine_n from_o they_o also_o three_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o this_o doctrine_n put_v a_o power_n on_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v truth_n their_o power_n be_v only_o to_o punish_v error_n they_o may_v indeed_o so_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_o
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
sure_o ordinary_a elder_n do_v never_o concur_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o act_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n as_o pen_v scripture_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o act_v as_o elder_n leave_v a_o pattern_n for_o such_o like_a judicatory_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n ¶_o iii_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subject_a to_o superior_a the_o three_o point_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o great_a have_v power_n of_o government_n over_o the_o lesser_a for_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o complaint_n of_o they_o enact_v of_o church_n canon_n unto_o which_o the_o inferior_a aught_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o point_n in_o short_a be_v that_o particular_a eldership_n be_v not_o independent_a so_o as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o presbytery_n be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o former_a order_n first_o to_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o to_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o to_o answer_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n four_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n i._o for_o the_o first_o we_o allow_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n a_o eldership_n and_o power_n of_o discipline_n within_o themselves_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o particular_a concernment_n but_o as_o for_o thing_n wherein_o other_o congregation_n be_v concern_v with_o they_o we_o hold_v that_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o superior_a judicatory_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n what_o belong_v unto_o all_o shall_v be_v handle_v by_o all_o second_o we_o do_v not_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o single_a congregation_n above_o another_o we_o say_v that_o all_o congregation_n the_o least_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a be_v equal_a in_o power_n this_o way_n be_v the_o bishop_n tyranny_n that_o make_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o diocese_n subject_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n the_o parish_n where_o the_o bishop_n live_v so_o that_o all_o other_o be_v to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o the_o great_a lord_n bishop_n law_n which_o he_o give_v out_o in_o it_o we_o do_v only_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o elder_n take_v from_o among_o themselves_o wherein_o no_o congregation_n can_v challenge_v power_n more_o than_o another_o the_o mean_a have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o they_o as_o the_o great_a three_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n be_v absolute_a so_o that_o whatever_o they_o conclude_v shall_v stand_v for_o a_o law_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o affirm_v their_o power_n be_v a_o limit_a and_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o put_v the_o case_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n shall_v conclude_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v blind_o we_o allow_v to_o every_o particular_a christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o shall_v compare_v the_o act_n of_o church_n judicatories_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o according_o either_o to_o choice_n or_o refuse_v only_o herein_o we_o say_v first_o that_o particular_a christian_n shall_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v other_o blind_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o rather_o than_o they_o we_o mean_v when_o the_o matter_n be_v dubious_a second_o we_o say_v that_o when_o the_o case_n come_v that_o it_o be_v evident_o see_v that_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v go_v wrong_a private_a christian_n be_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o indeed_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_a even_o when_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o dissent_v from_o their_o act_n lest_o by_o their_o furious_a zeal_n they_o cast_v all_o loose_a and_o into_o confusion_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a eldership_n and_o so_o if_o particular_a eldership_n be_v independent_a or_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v warrant_v presbytery_n to_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o maintain_v the_o last_o and_o we_o clear_v our_o part_n the_o controversy_n from_o several_a argument_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n where_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v put_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o none_o we_o shall_v reckon_v four_o or_o five_o of_o these_o defect_n and_o indeed_o very_o great_a defect_n first_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a way_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o right_v a_o man_n that_o be_v wrong_v by_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o eldership_n shall_v wrong_v a_o man_n by_o censure_v he_o unjust_o according_a to_o their_o way_n he_o must_v sit_v with_o the_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o he_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v a_o second_o defect_n according_a to_o this_o independent_a way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o heal_v breach_n in_o a_o congregation_n put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o people_n shall_v divide_v from_o the_o elder_n or_o the_o elder_n among_o themselves_o or_o that_o one_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o contest_v with_o another_o now_o in_o these_o case_n suppose_v both_o these_o party_n to_o be_v wilful_a as_o too_o usual_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o any_o advice_n without_o authority_n to_o back_o it_o now_o what_o remedy_n be_v leave_v in_o such_o case_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o presbytery_n that_o have_v power_n over_o both_o party_n to_o command_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v no_o remedy_n in_o his_o house_n for_o such_o evil_n as_o may_v so_o frequent_o fall_v out_o three_o the_o independent_a way_n leave_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o hold_v down_o plurality_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o so_o then_o let_v a_o particular_a congregation_n set_v up_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v suppose_v it_o be_v popery_n there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n to_o hinder_v it_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v otherwise_o presbytery_n be_v christ_n weeding-hook_n to_o weed_v out_o heresy_n so_o we_o observe_v wherever_o it_o be_v set_v up_o it_o bear_v heresy_n down_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o judicatories_n be_v so_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o that_o what_o be_v oversee_v in_o the_o one_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o other_o four_o by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n among_o congregation_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v take_v a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o this_o congregation_n one_o way_n and_o that_o congregation_n another_o way_n which_o doubtless_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a not_o know_v unto_o what_o congregation_n to_o join_v because_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n among_o all_o put_v the_o case_n to_o clear_v it_o in_o some_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v guess_v at_o other_o that_o in_o one_o congregation_n they_o will_v both_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o another_o they_o will_v only_o read_v in_o other_o the_o line_n be_v not_o read_v for_o sing_v and_o in_o another_o it_o be_v read_v in_o some_o congregation_n child_n be_v not_o baptise_a but_o in_o time_n of_o sermon_n in_o other_o that_o baptism_n be_v administrate_n at_o other_o time_n also_o in_o some_o congregation_n two_o prayer_n before_o a_o sermon_n in_o another_o but_o one_o in_o another_o the_o conclusion_n sing_v in_o another_o not_o now_o though_o the_o strong_a will_v not_o stumble_v at_o these_o thing_n know_v that_o such_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o indifferent_a yet_o to_o the_o weak_a christian_a they_o may_v prove_v a_o ground_n of_o stumble_v for_o usual_o such_o present_o stamp_n conscience_n on_o that_o part_n of_o
a_o good_a which_o they_o be_v to_o follow_n the_o evil_a to_o be_v eschew_v be_v in_o the_o second_o sentence_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a schism'_v among_o you_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n or_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o heresy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o text_n to_o know_v what_o division_n or_o schism_n the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o here_o and_o that_o be_v know_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o wit_n their_o factious_a siding_n in_o extol_v one_o minister_n and_o debase_v another_o with_o many_o fruitless_a jangle_n and_o other_o bad_a consequence_n follow_v thereupon_o whereof_o doubtless_o this_o be_v one_o the_o engage_v of_o the_o minister_n themselves_o in_o party_n for_o uphold_v their_o dependent_n so_o verse_n 12._o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n one_o say_v paul_n be_v best_a let_v we_o follow_v he_o another_o say_v nay_o but_o apollo_n be_v best_a we_o will_v follow_v he_o a_o three_o say_v cephas_n be_v better_a than_o they_o both_o i_o will_v follow_v none_o of_o they_o now_o away_o with_o these_o fruitless_a contest_v say_v he_o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v the_o good_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o that_o be_v threefold_a in_o opposition_n to_o three_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o usual_o accompany_v schism_n in_o a_o church_n the_o first_o evil_a accompany_v schism_n be_v flat_a contradiction_n first_o among_o minister_n and_o next_o among_o people_n when_o not_o only_o their_o opinion_n do_v differ_v but_o they_o be_v so_o hot_a upon_o the_o business_n that_o at_o all_o occasion_n they_o proclaim_v their_o difference_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o will_v beware_v of_o contradiction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o small_a importance_n wherein_o they_o agree_v 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will_v forbear_v other_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o public_a expression_n but_o also_o will_v labour_v to_o blow_v at_o the_o coal_n of_o their_o almost_o die_a affection_n the_o three_o evil_a accompany_v a_o schism_n be_v difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v perfect_o join_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n be_v they_o will_v labour_v to_o remove_v the_o root_n of_o the_o difference_n by_o come_v to_o one_o judgement_n not_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v careless_a what_o judgement_n they_o have_v be_v of_o provide_v they_o have_v be_v one_o no_o the_o one_o part_n of_o every_o contradiction_n be_v truth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v deny_v for_o peace_n this_o for_o the_o duty_n press_v next_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n persuade_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o 1._o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n insinuation_n partly_o in_o his_o affectionate_a exhortation_n i_o beseech_v you_o partly_o in_o his_o lovely_a compellation_n brethren_n 2._o there_o be_v his_o grave_a obtestation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v dear_a to_o you_o which_o you_o profess_v so_o much_o respect_n unto_o so_o set_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o these_o faction_n and_o fractious_a siding_n and_o schism_n by_o which_o his_o name_n suffer_v so_o much_o there_o be_v a_o three_o argument_n to_o enforce_v this_o duty_n in_o the_o word_n perfect_o join_v whereby_o the_o apostle_n hint_n at_o the_o great_a evil_n the_o church_n be_v under_o by_o the_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o great_a good_a they_o shall_v attain_v to_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v borrow_v from_o the_o office_n of_o surgeon_n and_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o mend_n of_o break_a bone_n and_o set_v in_o joint_n of_o dislocate_v member_n so_o it_o import_v 1._o that_o through_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n they_o be_v put_v all_o out_o of_o joint_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dislocate_v and_o therefore_o unfit_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o that_o case_n for_o do_v of_o any_o good_a office_n to_o the_o body_n 2._o it_o import_v that_o their_o follow_v of_o his_o advice_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o schism_n will_v set_v every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n in_o its_o own_o place_n and_o so_o enable_v the_o body_n for_o go_v about_o action_n profitable_a unto_o itself_o which_o now_o the_o whole_a member_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n it_o can_v not_o do_v this_o this_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divers_a point_n of_o truth_n arise_v from_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o the_o text_n may_v here_o be_v handle_v but_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o scope_n which_o will_v comprehend_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v this_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n 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in_o effect_n which_o he_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v thus_o 1._o john_n 3._o 18_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o â—air_a word_n which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o word_n my_o little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v we_o not_o love_v in_o word_n neither_o in_o tongue_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n imply_v where_o word_n and_o deed_n go_v not_o together_o there_o be_v no_o singleness_n sincerity_n or_o truth_n there_o 3._o sincerity_n aim_v at_o the_o right_a end_n and_o work_n from_o right_a approven_v and_o spiritual_a motive_n the_o apostle_n paul_n philip_n 1._o 15_o 16._o put_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sincere_a and_o unsincere_a man_n the_o sincere_a man_n work_v out_o of_o love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o christ_n and_o truth_n the_o unsincere_a man_n again_o work_v the_o same_o work_n and_o as_o much_o of_o it_o but_o he_o work_v out_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n for_o some_o base_a and_o by_o end_n this_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n make_v a_o man_n look_v 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be_v one_o athanasius_n and_o when_o antichrist_n be_v to_o prevail_v it_o be_v show_v rev._n 11._o 3._o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o torrent_n of_o corruption_n in_o these_o time_n god_n shall_v have_v his_o two_o that_o be_v though_o not_o many_o yet_o some_o few_o witness_n 3._o the_o lord_n in_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n do_v measure_n out_o such_o a_o dispensation_n for_o heighten_v his_o church_n trial_n and_o that_o these_o who_o keep_v their_o garment_n clean_o may_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n it_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a trial_n and_o call_v for_o little_a resolution_n to_o stand_v it_o out_o when_o all_o the_o lord_n minister_n speak_v one_o thing_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n as_o a_o trumpet_n and_o denounce_v the_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o all_o who_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o truth_n and_o piety_n but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o minister_n at_o any_o time_n do_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o defection_n 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our_o back_n upon_o it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n not_o to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n or_o his_o way_n this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n who_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o stumbling-block_n or_o rock_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o way_n that_o man_n be_v a_o unhappy_a man_n and_o curse_a i_o may_v prosecute_v both_o these_o point_n but_o for_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v forbear_v and_o only_o say_v something_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o needful_a question_n i_o think_v one_o may_v ready_o ask_v what_o i_o call_v christ_n way_n whereat_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v for_o there_o be_v man_n and_o party_n of_o several_a way_n there_o be_v papist_n and_o protestant_n sectary_n socinian_n formalist_n anabaptist_n prelatist_n or_o episcopâ—l-men_n presbyterian_o independent_o and_o quaker_n every_o one_o whereof_o have_v their_o own_o way_n about_o religion_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o of_o they_o will_v call_v 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what_o to_o choose_v as_o god_n way_n and_o what_o not_o first_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o all._n that_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n whereat_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v the_o essentials_n of_o piety_n and_o christianity_n i_o mean_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n unto_o life_n holiness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n in_o eschew_v all_o know_a sin_n and_o come_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n this_o be_v it_o i_o intend_v main_o all_o along_v to_o wit_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rock_n of_o offence_n you_o will_v not_o turn_v profligate_v profane_a debauch_a and_o irreligious_a atheist_n but_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o substantial_a piety_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o and_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v but_o a_o loose_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o very_o near_o to_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o but_o adhere_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o substantial_a duty_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n while_o in_o other_o thing_n he_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o roll_v about_o with_o the_o time_n for_o hereby_o they_o may_v suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v with_o the_o most_o part_n of_o scripture_n what_o he_o please_v for_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v but_o few_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n have_v so_o provide_v that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v explicit_o comprehend_v they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o see_v they_o can_v be_v save_v without_o they_o but_o though_o there_o be_v some_o few_o truth_n only_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o salvation_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o in_o their_o own_o kind_n also_o necessary_a to_o wit_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v you_o stick_v close_o by_o these_o truth_n once_o know_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n as_o well_o as_o by_o other_o and_o that_o because_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n way_n lie_v in_o a_o man_n adherence_n even_o to_o these_o truth_n to_o wit_n god_n glory_n and_o the_o man_n be_v own_o comfort_n and_o a_o profane_a loose_a and_o indifferent_a spirit_n as_o to_o these_o do_v both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o in_o god_n just_a judgement_n beget_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n profane_a indifferency_n and_o atheism_n as_o to_o other_o more_o great_a and_o substantial_a truth_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n inform_v the_o galatian_n ch._n 5._o 9_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n thus_o than_o the_o great_a question_n be_v to_o know_v which_o be_v christ_n way_n in_o truth_n of_o that_o sort_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o stumble_v at_o it_o for_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v paul_n rule_n philipp_n 3._o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o 2_o john_n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v in_o a_o word_n whatever_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v on_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v christ_n way_n let_v he_o stick_v close_o by_o that_o as_o his_o way_n and_o whatever_o he_o meet_v with_o beware_v of_o do_v any_o thing_n wherein_o his_o own_o heart_n will_v condemn_v he_o i_o say_v this_o because_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n which_o be_v as_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o other_o more_o substantial_a truth_n and_o consequent_o a_o man_n may_v as_o much_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o though_o another_o man_n may_v think_v or_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o contrary_a error_n that_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v deceive_v
have_v be_v convert_v and_o endue_v with_o save_v grace_n neither_o do_v grace_n here_o signify_v god_n grace_n inherent_a in_o they_o but_o god_n grace_n and_o free_a favour_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o in_o bring_v a_o great_a many_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o who_o there_o doubtless_o be_v many_o sincere_a and_o real_a convert_v though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o however_o the_o thing_n he_o see_v be_v the_o mighty_a progress_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o occasion_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n mention_v verse_n 19_o the_o minister_n be_v force_v to_o flee_v from_o their_o flock_n wherever_o they_o go_v they_o preach_v god_n grace_n and_o mighty_a hand_n accompany_v their_o labour_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n which_o barnabas_n see_v hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n that_o sad_a persecution_n for_o truth_n do_v frequent_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o gospel_n spread_v thus_o it_o be_v act_n 8._o 3._o saul_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n commit_v they_o to_o prison_n v_o 4._o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v every_o where_o preach_v the_o word_n even_o as_o far_o as_o phâ—nice_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n as_o it_o be_v ver_fw-la 19_o of_o this_o chapter_n the_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n occasion_v the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v frequent_o fall_v out_o since_o which_o give_v ground_n to_o that_o true_a and_o ancient_a say_n the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o work_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n thrive_v best_a at_o such_o time_n may_v be_v many_o as_o 1._o people_n ear_n be_v then_o bore_v and_o ready_a to_o drink_v in_o the_o word_n with_o greediness_n because_o than_o they_o have_v little_a other_o comfort_n leave_v they_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n be_v a_o tasty_a sauce_n to_o make_v the_o word_n relish_v psal._n 141._o v_o 6._o when_o their_o judge_n be_v overthrow_v in_o stony_a place_n they_o shall_v hear_v my_o word_n for_o they_o be_v sweet_a 2._o at_o such_o time_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o diligent_a in_o their_o work_n as_o they_o can_v have_v access_n to_o it_o and_o more_o fervent_a in_o deal_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o their_o work_n because_o the_o thrive_a of_o their_o work_n be_v all_o the_o reward_n which_o they_o can_v then_o expect_v and_o 3._o the_o lord_n do_v then_o usual_o countenance_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o servant_n most_o because_o they_o be_v most_o despise_v few_o do_v then_o care_v for_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n take_v this_o way_n both_o to_o hearten_v they_o and_o to_o put_v respect_n upon_o they_o and_o 4._o the_o courageous_a constant_a and_o cheerful_a endure_v of_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n for_o truth_n do_v commend_v that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v unto_o other_o even_o to_o indifferent_a spectator_n and_o make_v they_o inquire_v after_o it_o and_o desirous_a to_o know_v what_o so_o much_o worth_n there_o can_v be_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v for_o application_n haste_v forward_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n only_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o people_n be_v not_o to_o lookupon_o persecution_n and_o a_o suffer_a time_n for_o truth_n whenever_o it_o come_v as_o so_o sad_a so_o dismal_a and_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n for_o this_o at_o least_o may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v lovely_a in_o it_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o man_n labour_v to_o bear_v down_o shall_v spread_v the_o fast_o and_o the_o further_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n will_v show_v another_o doctrine_n arise_v from_o the_o first_o effect_n this_o sight_n do_v work_v on_o barnabas_n it_o make_v he_o glad_a for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o gospel_n and_o truth_n do_v spread_v and_o gain_v ground_n among_o people_n be_v matter_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o a_o godly_a heart_n though_o the_o time_n be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o sad_a for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a at_o this_o time_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o they_o have_v stone_v the_o first_o martyr_n stephen_n to_o death_n a_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o use_v he_o so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o most_o notorious_a malefactor_n that_o ever_o the_o earth_n carry_v and_o 2._o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n the_o scribe_n pharisee_n high-priest_n a_o company_n of_o degenerate_a corrupt_a churchman_n who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v sit_v at_o jerusalem_n guide_v all_o thing_n at_o their_o pleasure_n that_o if_o any_o do_v but_o mutter_v against_o their_o state_n and_o dignity_n though_o in_o the_o further_a part_n of_o all_o the_o realm_n their_o hand_n can_v easy_o reach_v they_o they_o need_v no_o more_o but_o hound_n out_o a_o saul_n with_o a_o commission_n if_o it_o be_v to_o damascâ—s_n to_o take_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o bind_v to_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 9_o 1_o 2._o and_o 3._o if_o you_o consider_v his_o own_o poor_a condition_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n who_o be_v hunt_v from_o corner_n to_o corner_n yea_o from_o kingdom_n to_o kingdom_n these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a and_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o take_v all_o in_o the_o better_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n digest_v all_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v accompany_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o despise_a servant_n and_o a_o rich_a income_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o he_o be_v glad_a he_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n so_o transport_v with_o it_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o forget_v stephen_n death_n he_o envy_v not_o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n noâ—_n do_v much_o resent_v his_o own_o hard_a lot_n or_o that_o of_o other_o who_o be_v christ_n faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n all_o which_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o truth_n will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glad_a though_o the_o time_n otherwise_o be_v never_o so_o sad_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n philip_n 1._o 12._o the_o thing_n which_o happen_v unto_o i_o say_v he_o mean_v his_o bond_n imprisonment_n and_o other_o harsh_a usage_n have_v fall_v out_o rather_o unto_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereupon_o v_o 18._o he_o break_v out_o what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v for_o use_v 1._o try_v yourselves_o by_o this_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v you_o glad_a be_v it_o the_o thrive_a of_o god_n work_n in_o soul_n the_o down-bearing_a of_o sin_n the_o growth_n of_o piety_n if_o so_o it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o barnabas_n temper_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n do_v rather_o make_v the_o sad_a and_o if_o the_o back-going_a of_o god_n work_n the_o destroy_v what_o he_o have_v build_v the_o pluck_n up_o of_o what_o he_o have_v plant_v the_o thrive_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o general_a looseness_n of_o the_o time_n if_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n make_v thou_o glad_a it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o woeful_a temper_n a_o very_a godless_a heart_n but_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glaâ—_n in_o the_o sad_a of_o time_n then_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v thrive_v in_o heart_n that_o those_o woeful_a spiritual_a plague_n of_o security_n deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o gospel_n may_v take_v many_o by_o the_o heart_n who_o never_o hitherto_o know_v the_o power_n of_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o god_n to_o bless_v his_o truth_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o despise_a and_o persecute_v servant_n and_o to_o make_v a_o gracious_a change_n though_o wickedness_n be_v at_o the_o great_a height_n and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o other_o sadness_n of_o the_o time_n thou_o who_o be_v a_o godly_a heart_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v glad_a yea_o and_o thou_o shall_v
you_o will_v 3._o do_v not_o needless_o and_o without_o a_o ground_n call_v in_o question_n the_o reality_n of_o your_o former_a close_n with_o he_o for_o that_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o will_v make_v you_o heartless_a to_o set_v to_o it_o of_o new_a or_o however_o you_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o you_o have_v do_v already_o yet_o see_v that_o in_o no_o term_n you_o question_v your_o right_n to_o close_v with_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o whatever_o thou_o have_v do_v former_o the_o gospel_n offer_n be_v yet_o at_o thy_o door_n and_o a_o command_n from_o god_n unto_o thou_o to_o close_v with_o it_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v it_o in_o earnest_n before_o thy_o need_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a to_o do_v it_o frequent_o and_o in_o earnest_n now_o but_o now_o to_o proceed_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o cleave_v be_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o general_o all_o that_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o respect_n to_o he_o thus_o we_o testify_v our_o respect_n to_o absent_a friend_n by_o own_v their_o concern_v and_o interest_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o word_n first_o his_o truth_n and_o next_o his_o service_n so_o that_o 1._o you_o be_v to_o cleave_v unto_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n against_o error_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n judas_n command_v v._o 3_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o truth_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o service_n whether_o the_o duty_n of_o immediate_a worship_n we_o shall_v cleave_v to_o these_o against_o superstition_n voluntary_a neglect_n will-worship_n and_o idolatry_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o station_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v go_v about_o as_o service_n to_o he_o so_o servant_n be_v to_o do_v their_o service_n with_o good_a will_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o man_n ephes._n 6._o 7._o now_o that_o cleave_v to_o all_o these_o be_v mean_v by_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n appear_v from_o deutr._n 10._o 20._o and_o 30._o 20._o where_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v explain_v by_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o obey_v his_o voice_n by_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o you_o must_v cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n gaius_n be_v commend_v for_o this_o 3_o joh._n 3._o even_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o prov._n 23._o 23._o we_o be_v bid_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o and_o you_o hear_a from_o judas_n you_o shall_v contend_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o error_n contrary_a to_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o damn_v nature_n 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o they_o be_v call_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o error_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n make_v way_n for_o profanity_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n a_o sound_a heart_n and_o a_o unsound_a head_n can_v well_o subsist_v therefore_o do_v peter_n 2_o epist._n 3._o 17._o call_v error_n the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o help_v you_o to_o this_o needful_a duty_n of_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o cleave_v to_o his_o truth_n i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n 1._o beware_v of_o scepticism_n or_o make_v all_o truth_n debateable_a or_o those_o truth_n especial_o which_o may_v bring_v you_o in_o great_a hazard_n to_o confess_v or_o cleave_v to_o this_o be_v down_o right_a contrary_n to_o the_o cleave_v to_o truth_n here_o enjoin_v 2._o do_v not_o undervalue_v any_o truth_n say_v of_o no_o truth_n as_o lot_n say_v of_o zoar_n be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o and_o so_o i_o may_v skip_v from_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o difference_n among_o truth_n some_o great_a truth_n and_o some_o small_a but_o as_o it_o be_v of_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v of_o error_n the_o lesser_a alwise_o do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o truth_n which_o you_o shall_v look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o you_o think_v so_o or_o otherwise_o of_o it_o beside_o in_o time_n of_o defection_n from_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a artifice_n of_o persecuter_n to_o extenuate_v those_o truth_n they_o labour_v to_o bear_v down_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o very_a trifle_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o own_o practice_n do_v give_v theâ—r_a profession_n the_o lie_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o trifle_n why_o will_v they_o persecute_v mâ—n_z for_o adhere_v to_o they_o beside_o though_o some_o truth_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o a_o man_n 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