save_v by_o before_o the_o flood_n and_o noah_n in_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n before_o the_o law_n and_o david_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n while_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n the_o same_o say_v be_v we_o and_o all_o the_o faithful_a save_v by_o from_o christ_n ascension_n till_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o some_o hold_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v if_o he_o be_v zealous_a in_o it_o no_o diverse_a religion_n make_v diverse_a church_n but_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o but_o one_o truth_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v save_v by_o use_v 2_o second_o be_v the_o church_n but_o one_o then_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o maintain_v the_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4.3_o beware_v of_o faction_n and_o division_n either_o of_o make_v or_o follow_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o very_a bane_n of_o this_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o pride_n and_o singularity_n for_o that_o be_v the_o common_a mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o dissension_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n as_o when_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v paul_n and_o what_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v they_o teach_v one_o faith_n they_o preach_v one_o and_o the_o same_o christ_n crucify_v they_o have_v receive_v one_o and_o the_o same_o ministration_n therefore_o embrace_v they_o all_o as_o one_o ministry_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n what_o if_o god_n bestow_v diverse_a gift_n on_o diverse_a person_n and_o one_o more_o excellent_a than_o another_o will_v thou_o abuse_v god_n gift_n to_o the_o make_n of_o rent_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n no_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o profit_v the_o more_o by_o he_o that_o have_v more_o gift_n and_o to_o glorify_v god_n the_o more_o for_o they_o and_o not_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o and_o maintain_v sect_n by_o they_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n why_o god_n give_v they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o do_v thus_o abuse_v they_o to_o a_o wrong_a end_n use_v 3_o three_o this_o reprove_v the_o papist_n for_o they_o make_v two_o head_n and_o consequent_o two_o church_n except_o they_o will_v make_v a_o monster_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v two_o head_n and_o but_o one_o body_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o earth_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o be_v not_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o not_o head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o they_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v but_o one_o head_n some_o of_o the_o jesuit_n have_v be_v press_v 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some_o be_v in_o their_o cradle_n other_o in_o their_o full_a age_n some_o before_o christ_n other_o after_o christ_n some_o pure_a some_o impure_a yea_o though_o some_o be_v in_o heaven_n triumph_v other_o some_o in_o earth_n fight_v yet_o all_o be_v but_o one_o church_n all_o be_v the_o same_o wheat_n thresh_v in_o the_o floor_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o garner_n and_o the_o same_o gold_n dig_v out_o of_o the_o mine_n with_o some_o dross_n and_o try_v and_o fine_v by_o the_o fire_n second_o time_n difference_n of_o time_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o after_o the_o law_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o church_n all_o be_v one_o three_o person_n nor_o the_o difference_n of_o person_n jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a male_a and_o female_a poor_a and_o rich_a all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n four_o place_n nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o place_n jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n england_n france_n denmark_n yea_o paradise_n earth_n and_o heaven_n all_o be_v but_o one_o church_n five_o ceremony_n nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n some_o worship_v at_o one_o time_n and_o place_n some_o in_o one_o habit_n some_o in_o another_o so_o long_o as_o all_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n six_o fundamental_a no_o nor_o yet_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o point_n not_o absolute_o fundamental_a do_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o true_a church_n so_o long_o as_o all_o hold_n christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o head-corner-stone_n that_o knit_v they_o all_o together_o into_o one_o building_n so_o much_o of_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o holy_a the_o second_o note_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o it_o be_v holy_a we_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v a_o holy_a company_n and_o every_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o be_v holy_a 1._o pet._n 2.9_o they_o be_v call_v a_o holy_a nation_n and_o in_o the_o five_o verse_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o jerusalem_n that_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a city_n not_o that_o in_o heaven_n only_o revelat._n 21.2_o but_o that_o on_o earth_n too_o math._n 4.5_o and_o in_o ephes_n 5.27_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n etc._n etc._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o which_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v saint_n and_o saint_n on_o earth_n as_o psal_n 16.3_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n psalm_n 89.5_o and_o their_o head_n and_o ruler_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o they_o be_v not_o holy_a in_o profession_n only_o for_o so_o be_v hypocrite_n too_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o be_v holy_a indeed_o they_o be_v true_o sanctify_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o holy_a brethren_n heb._n 3.1_o and_o this_o holiness_n be_v partly_o impute_v heb._n 10.10_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o colos_n 1.21_o 21._o and_o partly_o inherent_a 1._o thess_n 5.23_o now_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o throughout_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v begin_v here_o but_o not_o perfect_v till_o we_o have_v put_v off_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o god_n the_o father_n be_v most_o holy_a himself_o he_o sanctify_v his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o and_o so_o make_v they_o holy_a this_o christ_n pray_v for_o joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o with_o thy_o truth_n etc._n etc._n jude._n 1._o sanctify_a of_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v holy_a reas_n 2_o second_o christ_n their_o head_n be_v holy_a and_o he_o sanctify_v and_o make_v they_o holy_a 1._o cor._n 1.2_o sanctify_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o the_o thirty_o verse_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o sanctification_n and_o eph._n 5.25.26_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v it_o reas_n 3_o three_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v enliven_a quicken_v and_o rule_v be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o he_o sanctify_v they_o and_o make_v they_o holy_a 1._o cor._n 6.11_o but_o now_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o rom._n 15.16_o four_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o be_v gather_v and_o the_o reas_n 4_o seed_n whereby_o they_o be_v beget_v be_v a_o holy_a word_n 2._o pet._n 2.21_o it_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a commandment_n
outward_o discern_v to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o austen_n and_o the_o father_n mean_v lucif_n when_o they_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o the_o moon_n that_o be_v sometime_o in_o a_o eclipse_n so_o darken_v that_o it_o can_v be_v see_v so_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o father_n too_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o they_o all_o strengthen_v one_o another_o especial_o the_o first_o three_o must_v be_v lay_v together_o else_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a apart_o to_o prove_v the_o point_n reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sometime_o very_a few_o they_o be_v always_o few_o in_o comparison_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o sometime_o they_o be_v few_o simple_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o noah_n family_n now_o that_o which_o few_o do_v except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a thing_n or_o person_n be_v little_a observable_a to_o the_o world_n reas_n 2_o second_o as_o they_o be_v few_o so_o withal_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v but_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n now_o that_o which_o poor_a and_o mean_a one_o do_v be_v general_o neglect_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o except_o it_o be_v some_o notorious_a exploit_n and_o therefore_o reas_n 3_o three_o that_o which_o they_o do_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o such_o notorious_a thing_n that_o the_o world_n regard_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o seek_v after_o except_o it_o be_v either_o by_o the_o true_a member_n that_o seek_v to_o join_v with_o it_o and_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o or_o else_o by_o persecutor_n and_o such_o seek_v after_o it_o only_o to_o destroy_v it_o as_o herod_n do_v after_o christ_n matth._n 2.13_o not_o to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o discern_v four_o their_o persecutor_n many_o time_n bring_v they_o to_o reas_n 4_o this_o low_a scantling_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n 1._o king_n 19.10_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o time_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o dioclesian_n time_n all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v find_v be_v put_v to_o death_n their_o body_n be_v burn_v and_o their_o temple_n be_v overthrow_v where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n persecution_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o this_o low_a scantling_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v and_o this_o be_v shadow_v to_o we_o in_o matth._n 8.24_o by_o the_o ship_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v in_o that_o be_v cover_v with_o wave_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v yet_o it_o sink_v not_o so_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o sometime_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o wave_n and_o rage_n of_o persecutor_n like_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o hardly_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o yet_o it_o live_v five_o sometime_o heresy_n and_o schism_n arise_v in_o the_o reas_n 5_o church_n and_o they_o sway_v the_o world_n after_o they_o overcome_v the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n when_o arius_n with_o his_o heresy_n overspread_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o itself_o to_o see_v itself_o become_v a_o arian_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n set_v it_o down_o where_o can_v a_o man_n say_v now_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n whereunto_o i_o must_v join_v six_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n to_o be_v and_o indeed_o reas_n 6_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o fearful_a and_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o their_o profession_n but_o fly_v away_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v matth._n 26.56_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v like_o fearful_a man_n where_o be_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n then_o seven_o counterfeit_v and_o deceiver_n be_v very_o cunning_a reas_n 7_o and_o will_v set_v as_o good_a a_o face_n on_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n on_o hypocrisy_n and_o on_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v do_v on_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o religion_n the_o false_a apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1._o cor._n 11.13_o 14._o and_o mat._n 24.24_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a apostle_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a so_o that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o discern_v because_o of_o these_o deceiver_n reas_n 8_o eight_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o suffer_v itself_o easy_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n be_v go_v as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o estate_n sometime_o reas_n 9_o nine_o it_o be_v from_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n &_o his_o instrument_n for_o they_o can_v abide_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v flourish_v so_o much_o as_o outward_o reu._n 12.4_o to_o 14._o who_o drive_v the_o woman_n into_o the_o wilderness_n but_o the_o great_a red_a dragon_n the_o devil_n reas_n 10_o the_o ten_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n merciful_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o hide_v his_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o have_v they_o in_o a_o corner_n and_o yet_o be_v content_v to_o let_v they_o lie_v hide_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o breathe_a time_n from_o persecution_n and_o that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o bend_v their_o force_n against_o they_o therefore_o ofttimes_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o god_n hide_v the_o faithful_a secret_o in_o his_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v not_o persecute_v they_o as_o also_o thereby_o he_o try_v the_o faithful_a whether_o they_o will_v walk_v by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o by_o appearance_n for_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a face_n of_o a_o true_a church_n many_o will_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o there_o be_v none_o than_o here_o be_v the_o trial_n whether_o man_n will_v walk_v faithful_o or_o no._n likewise_o god_n do_v it_o for_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n he_o leave_v they_o just_o without_o any_o apparent_a teach_n or_o profession_n of_o better_a religion_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n flatter_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o he_o can_v see_v no_o better_o any_o where_o else_o for_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o no_o better_a religion_n than_o their_o own_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o so_o just_o perish_v last_o god_n have_v pass_v his_o promise_n only_o for_o the_o perpetuity_n reas_n 11_o of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o be_v of_o it_o not_o for_o any_o flourish_a outward_a estate_n matth._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n to_o overcome_v it_o and_o to_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o it_o but_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o may_v do_v to_o it_o they_o may_v deface_v it_o suppress_v it_o banish_v it_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o narrow_a corner_n but_o they_o shall_v never_o overcome_v it_o they_o may_v and_o do_v destroy_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o visiblenesse_n of_o it_o but_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o they_o shall_v never_o destroy_v thus_o far_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o tie_v himself_o and_o so_o far_o we_o may_v expect_v and_o look_v for_o it_o and_o no_o further_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o serve_v to_o refute_v those_o papist_n use_v 1_v that_o hold_v a_o perpetual_a notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n some_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o therefore_o it_o refute_v those_o that_o do_v their_o speech_n be_v large_a in_o this_o kind_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v as_o notorious_o visible_a as_o any_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o their_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o multitude_n succession_n pomp_n visibility_n headship_n and_o that_o at_o rome_n
this_o as_o a_o general_a ground_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o not_o in_o this_o and_o their_o reach_n herein_o be_v to_o make_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o suspend_v themselves_o upon_o their_o church_n as_o that_o be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o to_o receive_v that_o religion_n and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o their_o church_n do_v teach_v for_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o we_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n you_o must_v find_v it_o out_o by_o our_o church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o continual_a 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to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o reprove_v and_o convince_v any_o for_o a_o false_a we_o must_v lay_v it_o to_o this_o rule_n so_o whether_o they_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o according_o esteem_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a church_n here_o certain_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o first_o exception_n be_v this_o what_o 1._o do_v you_o say_v that_o a_o company_n profess_v the_o save_a truth_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n will_v profession_n only_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o first_o it_o be_v require_v answ_n that_o the_o save_a truth_n be_v among_o they_o indeed_o else_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n second_o that_o be_v among_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v smother_v but_o profess_v three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o outward_o profess_v but_o inward_o embrace_v too_o at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o they_o rom._n 10.10_o 2._o the_o second_o exception_n be_v this_o but_o what_o say_v you_o if_o they_o profess_v it_o with_o their_o lip_n and_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n be_v such_o a_o church_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n a_o fearful_a state_n be_v all_o such_o church_n in_o for_o god_n can_v be_v more_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n more_o grieve_v his_o gospel_n more_o reproach_v his_o child_n more_o offend_v satan_n and_o all_o god_n enemy_n more_o gratify_v and_o advantage_v then_o by_o this_o yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o general_a a_o fall_n away_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o that_o some_o do_v live_v as_o they_o profess_v though_o they_o be_v not_o see_v to_o us._n and_o therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n though_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o not_o to_o be_v outward_o discern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o a_o very_a corrupt_a and_o impure_a one_o 3._o the_o three_o exception_n but_o what_o say_v you_o of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o though_o they_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a faith_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o certain_a some_o cross_a opinion_n which_o overthrow_n it_o answ_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o manner_n of_o opinion_n these_o be_v which_o that_o church_n hold_v first_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n second_o whether_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n three_o whether_o they_o be_v persist_v in_o after_o they_o have_v be_v admonish_v by_o
the_o church_n have_v a_o head_n so_o it_o have_v but_o one_o head_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n so_o likewise_o if_o there_o be_v two_o or_o many_o head_n to_o one_o body_n it_o be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o excess_n now_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v but_o one_o head_n three_o this_o our_o head_n be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o alone_a for_o see_v the_o church_n be_v his_o own_o body_n therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o head_n if_o we_o shall_v assign_v any_o other_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o set_v upon_o it_o the_o head_n of_o a_o beast_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v a_o body_n against_o nature_n for_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n by_o defect_n and_o as_o a_o body_n with_o two_o or_o many_o head_n be_v a_o monster_n beyond_o nature_n by_o excess_n so_o for_o a_o body_n to_o have_v a_o head_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v against_o nature_n &_o be_v as_o monstrous_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v have_v christ_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o way_n be_v beat_v out_o plain_a to_o this_o natural_a observation_n which_o follow_v doctr._n namely_o that_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v most_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n which_o be_v his_o true_a mystical_a body_n as_o we_o have_v teach_v before_o so_o proportionable_o he_o be_v also_o the_o head_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v of_o all_o congregation_n in_o the_o world_n profess_v open_o the_o save_v faith_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v hear_v call_v to_o mind_v two_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n affirm_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v principal_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a the_o whole_a take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o so_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v here_o for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v simple_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v mean_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n because_o some_o of_o those_o member_n that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o the_o invisible_a universal_a church_n the_o whole_a take_v denomination_n of_o the_o better_a part_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o observation_n that_o christ_n be_v simple_o the_o head_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o proportionable_o because_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o second_o point_n that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a the_o universal_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n through_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o those_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o save_a truth_n in_o some_o particular_a place_n and_o time_n etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o mean_v chief_o and_o most_o proper_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v also_o of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n yea_o and_o of_o every_o member_n too_o that_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o as_o the_o head_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o right_a side_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o left_a and_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n yet_o not_o simple_o and_o by_o way_n of_o appropriation_n but_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n and_o communication_n that_o be_v as_o be_v a_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o such_o a_o body_n so_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v indeed_o but_o one_o body_n though_o diverse_a in_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n they_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o general_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a universal_a visible_a church_n and_o also_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o that_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o communication_n as_o that_o particular_a church_n concurre_v and_o participate_v with_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n simple_o in_o itself_o christ_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o one_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v make_v many_o head_n and_o many_o body_n as_o the_o head_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o hand_n simple_o by_o itself_o but_o by_o way_n of_o concurrence_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n therefore_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o common_a as_o all_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o plain_a in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n for_o your_o part_n they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v but_o member_n and_o in_o both_o these_o sense_n they_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n consider_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consider_v it_o in_o the_o general_a with_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n ready_a to_o be_v make_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o england_n and_o france_n etc._n etc._n then_o either_o there_o be_v many_o christ_n because_o there_o be_v many_o body_n or_o else_o there_o be_v but_o one_o head_n to_o many_o body_n both_o which_o be_v absurd_a but_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n proportionable_o that_o be_v as_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o explication_n adaequatum_fw-la now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o only_a head_n proportionable_o of_o a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n in_o ephes_n 1.22_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n have_v appoint_v he_o over_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n i_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v speak_v principal_o and_o proper_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a body_n that_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v fit_v and_o equal_v to_o the_o head_n and_o the_o head_n to_o it_o yet_o it_o hold_v consequent_o and_o by_o proportion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o faithful_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n among_o they_o yea_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o speak_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n who_o he_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o comfort_n to_o they_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n to_o his_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o so_o likewise_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o body_n now_o what_o body_n be_v that_o but_o only_o that_o body_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 11._o and_o 12._o verse_n where_o his_o ministry_n be_v public_o exercise_v and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o in_o ephes_n 5.23_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n that_o be_v speak_v principal_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o be_v proportionable_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o visible_a for_o the_o
church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v the_o
the_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v be_v heretic_n last_o for_o unity_n and_o consent_n that_o be_v no_o note_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o still_o all_o their_o note_n run_v upon_o this_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v our_o note_n for_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v herself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n sure_o by_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o prove_v that_o she_o be_v once_o a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o so_o that_o their_o note_n of_o antiquity_n succession_n multitude_n and_o unity_n or_o consent_n come_v in_o but_o to_o second_v that_o prove_v by_o these_o that_o therefore_o she_o be_v so_o still_o because_o by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v prove_v first_o that_o she_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o that_o she_o can_v err_v do_v they_o not_o labour_v by_o all_o might_n and_o main_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o church_n may_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v catholic_a so_o that_o still_o they_o justify_v their_o church_n by_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v as_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a witness_n to_o justify_v any_o church_n by_o also_o if_o a_o heresy_n arise_v how_o do_v they_o disprove_v it_o but_o by_o the_o word_n principal_o so_o that_o still_o the_o word_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o shift_n and_o for_o contention-sake_n they_o profess_v be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a of_o a_o catholic_a or_o heretical_a church_n yea_o they_o themselves_o put_v these_o very_a thing_n into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n that_o be_v 188._o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n and_o that_o chief_o as_o bellarmine_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n we_o that_o have_v these_o mark_n be_v more_o certain_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o they_o that_o have_v any_o other_o mark_n whatsoever_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reproof_n of_o these_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confirmation_n to_o we_o that_o our_o stand_n be_v good_a in_o this_o church_n because_o we_o have_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n i_o say_v not_o that_o we_o have_v a_o pure_a church_n free_a from_o all_o corruption_n we_o must_v pray_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o but_o i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o have_v the_o word_n as_o true_o and_o sincere_o preach_v in_o our_o church_n as_o in_o any_o church_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v miscarry_v by_o the_o wear_n of_o a_o garment_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n yet_o it_o hurt_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o so_o for_o obedience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o do_v not_o profess_v obedience_n but_o rather_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o do_v profess_v true_o and_o sincere_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v of_o our_o stand_n but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o let_v we_o praise_v god_n for_o these_o good_a mean_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o they_o lest_o god_n take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o give_v they_o to_o other_o that_o shall_v bring_v forth_o better_a fruit_n than_o we_o have_v do_v and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_v whereby_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v discern_v the_o fourteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a first_o of_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o memher_n of_o it_o four_a of_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o five_o place_n according_a to_o the_o order_n set_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o it_o follow_v orderly_o government_n for_o when_o we_o have_v see_v what_o this_o church_n be_v and_o the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v and_o the_o member_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o it_o be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o company_n than_o it_o follow_v orderly_o to_o know_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o government_n this_o church_n have_v first_o whether_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o second_o if_o it_o have_v any_o to_o know_v what_o government_n this_o be_v that_o be_v the_o point_n than_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o 459._o church_n government_n a_o point_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o exact_o look_v into_o and_o precise_o stand_v upon_o now_o as_o heretofore_o but_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o many_o unhappy_a difference_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v rise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v occasion_v by_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o that_o be_v clamorous_a humourous_a and_o perverse_a and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o state_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n as_o some_o have_v many_o fayling_n and_o sore_a blemish_n in_o their_o government_n yet_o all_o be_v true_a church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v in_o these_o respect_v i_o know_v not_o any_o one_o point_n of_o religion_n not_o fundamental_a so_o necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o seek_v into_o and_o advise_o and_o due_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o handle_v that_o which_o i_o purpose_v to_o speak_v concern_v this_o point_n i_o will_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n first_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v and_o that_o have_v happen_v by_o this_o question_n of_o church-government_n second_o i_o will_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n three_o i_o will_v show_v how_o needful_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o precise_a rule_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o this_o government_n five_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o resolve_v i_o in_o these_o point_n resolve_v i_o of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v speak_v concern_v church-government_n church-government_n we_o will_v begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o first_o point_n the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v up_o in_o god_n church_n hereby_o infinite_a be_v the_o evil_n which_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o breed_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o say_v occasional_o not_o of_o itself_o for_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o natural_o can_v yield_v no_o such_o bad_a fruit_n but_o occasional_o as_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o bring_v forth_o such_o bad_a effect_n the_o fault_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o governor_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o govern_v first_o the_o governor_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a contemn_v their_o inferior_n strive_v with_o equal_n aspire_v to_o the_o high_a place_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o papal_a government_n and_o some_o token_n of_o bad_a governor_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o as_o covetous_a give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n abuse_v their_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o own_o private_a gain_n negligent_a and_o careless_a like_a gallio_n in_o the_o act_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n second_o there_o be_v fault_n in_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v some_o ambitious_o seek_v for_o high_a place_n than_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o some_o be_v envious_a malign_v and_o spite_v their_o superior_n some_o be_v sensual_a despise_v government_n some_o be_v ill-tongued_n speak_v evil_a of_o those_o in_o authority_n some_o be_v obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a resist_v their_o order_n and_o proceed_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v their_o neck_n under_o any_o yoke_n last_o some_o be_v humourous_a and_o peevish_a deny_v that_o power_n set_v over_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a labour_v for_o innovation_n and_o change_n and_o new_a platform_n of_o government_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v contrary_a to_o that_o already_o establish_v these_o and_o the_o like_a advantage_n have_v the_o enemy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n wrought_v upon_o
fall_v away_o final_o after_o true_a conversion_n what_o peace_n or_o quietness_n can_v they_o have_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o still_o they_o will_v be_v fear_v and_o suspect_v and_o distaste_v their_o estate_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o note_n the_o three_o note_n of_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o no_o particular_a doct._n 3_o visible_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o obstinate_o and_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n i_o take_v my_o scantling_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n because_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n have_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o who_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n can_v not_o possible_o so_o err_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n can_v not_o final_o nor_o general_o err_v but_o the_o point_n be_v undoubted_o true_a of_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o obstinate_o final_o and_o general_o and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n example_n will_v clear_v it_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v err_v in_o some_o kind_n both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o in_o paradise_n as_o also_o in_o christ_n time_n yea_o even_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v member_n have_v their_o error_n but_o some_o church_n may_v err_v and_o other_o have_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o take_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o a_o example_n that_o once_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o call_v a_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o yet_o it_o err_v in_o the_o apostle_n johns_n time_n yea_o it_o be_v now_o utter_o and_o fina_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n to_o mahomet_n and_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o christ_n the_o foundation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n may_v recover_v again_o and_o so_o her_o fall_n be_v not_o final_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v recover_v through_o god_n providence_n at_o the_o last_o yea_o but_o that_o be_v uncertain_a and_o therefore_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v her_o fall_n be_v as_o well_o final_a as_o fundamental_a and_o that_o which_o be_v her_o case_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o sure_o shall_v be_v if_o they_o walk_v in_o her_o step_n revelat._n 2.5_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o many_o other_o primitive_a church_n how_o many_o famous_a church_n be_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n some_o to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n some_o to_o the_o donatist_n some_o to_o the_o novatian_n etc._n etc._n the_o lamentable_a estate_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n own_o people_n prove_v this_o point_n without_o exception_n they_o be_v utter_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o foundation_n christ_n error_n like_o a_o gangrene_n sometime_o overgrow_a all_o but_o some_o may_v say_v when_o may_v a_o church_n be_v say_v to_o err_v thus_o see_v though_o some_o may_v err_v yet_o happy_o not_o the_o rest_n i_o answer_v than_o a_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v either_o when_o a_o error_n be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o general_a or_o special_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n and_o carry_v the_o chief_a face_n and_o port_n of_o the_o church_n with_o they_o which_o error_n if_o it_o be_v general_a in_o all_o or_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o after_o admonition_n they_o persist_v in_o it_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n that_o hold_v otherwise_o then_o be_v that_o church_n degenerate_a into_o a_o faction_n against_o the_o church_n and_o except_v some_o among_o they_o impugn_v their_o untruth_n and_o these_o in_o some_o answerable_a number_n or_o of_o some_o good_a place_n and_o quality_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o some_o know_a manner_n that_o notice_n may_v be_v public_o take_v of_o it_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o opposer_n in_o these_o untruth_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o hold_v with_o the_o faction_n in_o opinion_n in_o some_o other_o truth_n fundamental_a the_o church_n for_o their_o sake_n may_v be_v false_o repute_v by_o all_o that_o know_v that_o opposition_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o prove_v that_o the_o militant_a church_n may_v err_v hold_v direct_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v err_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o choose_v much_o more_o in_o these_o be_v all_o call_v but_o few_o choose_v which_o also_o well_o consider_v will_v prove_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o observation_n that_o be_v they_o may_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o for_o in_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o god_n choose_v else_o it_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n now_o these_o few_o die_a still_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n where_o god_n in_o his_o judgement_n forsake_v decay_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v one_o truth_n after_o another_o and_o one_o faithful_a person_n after_o another_o till_o at_o last_o few_o or_o none_o be_v leave_v not_o enough_o in_o number_n at_o least_o in_o port_n and_o place_n to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a church_n second_o god_n tie_v himself_o and_o his_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o no_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o from_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o give_v it_o to_o another_o that_o may_v bring_v forth_o better_a ffruit_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o walk_v wary_o and_o careful_o examine_v themselves_o by_o the_o word_n whether_o their_o course_n be_v agreeable_a thereunto_o and_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n if_o any_o error_n arise_v present_o let_v they_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o any_o doubt_n let_v they_o go_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n let_v we_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o best_a expounder_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o though_o we_o may_v err_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o err_v final_o and_o general_o let_v not_o any_o church_n presume_v of_o itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o pure_a for_o as_o good_a church_n as_o they_o have_v fall_v and_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o without_o great_a heed_n they_o be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o proceed_v of_o a_o final_a fall_n and_o desolation_n neither_o let_v any_o man_n do_v at_o on_o the_o church_n be_v it_o never_o so_o glorious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n rather_o search_v the_o scripture_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n be_v agreeable_a unto_o they_o embrace_v it_o and_o build_v on_o it_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v err_v and_o haply_o will_v deny_v that_o afterward_o which_o it_o once_o affirm_v but_o because_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o constant_a to_o itself_o and_o unchangeable_a if_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n teach_v out_o of_o moses_n chair_n that_o which_o be_v moses_n doctrine_n believe_v they_o else_o believe_v they_o not_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o confutation_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v for_o howsoever_o they_o propound_v it_o as_o for_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o that_o can_v err_v yet_o indeed_o they_o plead_v only_o for_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o say_v that_o other_o church_n may_v err_v but_o we_o say_v that_o their_o church_n may_v err_v and_o that_o fundamental_o and_o final_o too_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o yea_o the_o papist_n themselves_o in_o this_o confute_v themselves_o for_o first_o they_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v err_v for_o so_o say_v some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o err_v by_o excommunication_n when_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a cause_n other_o of_o themselves_o say_v that_o they_o err_v in_o canonise_a of_o saint_n when_o they_o canonize_v some_o for_o saint_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v devil_n in_o hell_n second_o they_o confess_v that_o counsel_n may_v err_v too_o and_o three_o that_o their_o pope_n may_v err_v too_o and_o last_o that_o their_o people_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n
unto_o we_o the_o sufficiency_n script_n three_o such_o as_o forbid_v any_o addition_n to_o or_o detraction_n from_o the_o scripture_n four_o such_o as_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n rhemist_n 15_o act_n â—_o the_o papist_n say_v the_o church_n may_v coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v about_o article_n of_o faith_n hyper_n 6â—_n hyper_n 54._o second_o that_o the_o church_n make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n which_o the_o papist_n hold_v this_o confute_v by_o diverse_a reason_n three_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v prove_v by_o diverse_a thing_n four_o concern_v custom_n the_o father_n judgement_n concern_v custom_n five_o concern_v tradition_n how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v answer_n to_o the_o popish_a tenant_n concern_v traditition_n answer_n 1._o ob._n answer_v wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n and_o be_v not_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n answ_n 2._o answ_n 3._o their_o proof_n out_o of_o 2_o thes_n 2.15_o answe_n answ_n 4._o the_o scripture_n the_o so_o only_o rule_v of_o say_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o all_o church_n general_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a trial_n of_o every_o truth_n how_o every_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n one_o of_o miracle_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v concern_v the_o same_o second_o of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o or_o second_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o what_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o do_v therein_o the_o bound_n the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v in_o ordain_v matter_n of_o ceremony_n 1._o 2._o use_v 2._o 1._o the_o nine_o general_a point_n concern_v the_o church_n viz._n the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n into_o eastern_a and_o westenrne_a and_o this_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n second_o according_a to_o their_o language_n and_o so_o some_o be_v greek_n and_o some_o latin_a church_n whether_o schismatical_a or_o heretical_a church_n may_v be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n what_o a_o schismatic_a church_n be_v heretical_a church_n first_o what_o they_o be_v and_o when_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o heretic_n heresy_n of_o 2._o sort_n first_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n what_o this_o fundation_n be_v resol_n those_o that_o deny_v direct_o this_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v no_o more_o visible_a churcher_n the_o greek_a church_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o what_o wear_v to_o think_v of_o they_o 1._o of_o the_o greek_a church_n general_o disperse_v in_o most_o at_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n ortelius_n 100_o ortelius_n 97._o 98._o 108._o second_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v more_o particular_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v of_o they_o deliver_v in_o a_o observation_n doct._n the_o main_n error_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n the_o greek_a church_n better_a than_o the_o popish-church_n the_o papist_n unchatarible_v censure_v the_o greek_a church_n answer_v the_o greek_a church_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n from_o rome_n the_o greek_a church_n never_o subject_a to_o the_o roman_a church_n one_o note_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o papist_n account_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n viz_o succession_n of_o bishop_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o perserue_v of_o his_o church_n see_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n the_o misery_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n under_o the_o turk_n in_o many_o particular_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o persecution_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o turk_n 1._o a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n 2._o it_o overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o please_a religion_n for_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n suffer_v such_o famous_a church_n to_o come_v to_o ruin_v apply_v to_o us._n the_o western_a church_n and_o first_o of_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o that_o hold_v with_o she_o and_o what_o maâ—_n be_v say_v and_o hold_v of_o she_o deliver_v in_o two_o observation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o now_o it_o stand_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n a_o difference_n between_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o popish_a â—action_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n among_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o who_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a church_n the_o popish_a church_n do_v not_o direct_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fundation_n but_o in_o outward_a show_n of_o word_n affirm_v it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n by_o their_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n must_v overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o by_o this_o over_o throw_v christ_n not_o direct_o but_o by_o consequence_n quest_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n to_o deny_v christ_n direct_o as_o by_o consequence_n yet_o he_o that_o do_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o god_n mercy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n compare_v with_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n 2._o with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n with_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n circumcision_n do_v as_o near_o by_o consequence_n cut_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o justification_n by_o work_n with_o the_o of_o church_n sardis_n baptism_n a_o true_a sacrament_n in_o rome_n and_o right_o administer_v there_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v lawful_o baptize_v ob_fw-la 1._o answ_n ob._n 2._o answ_n the_o ordinati_fw-la of_o our_o minister_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o a_o lawful_a ordination_n the_o question_n where_o the_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n time_n answer_v the_o inconvenience_n prevent_v by_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v account_v a_o true_a church_n what_o to_o think_v of_o our_o father_n that_o live_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n they_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v to_o â—e_v â—udâ—ed_v rather_o misbeliever_n than_o unbeliever_n the_o 2._o observation_n wherein_o be_v further_o delire_v what_o may_v be_v say_v and_o hold_v further_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o she_o this_o that_o be_v speak_v against_o thou_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o popish_a factor_n corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n reduce_v to_o 2._o sort_n 1._o matter_n of_o doctrine_n reduce_v to_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n four_o head_n 1_o concern_v scripture_n and_o their_o error_n therein_o three_o thing_n 1_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o way_n 1_o teach_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n second_o equal_v tradition_n of_o man_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n three_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n two_o head_n wherein_o they_o orre_v in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n viz_o concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o papist_n say_v there_o be_v many_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o distinction_n of_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n and_o redemption_n answer_v two_o thing_n in_o a_o mediator_n to_o be_v mediator_n of_o intercession_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v mediator_n of_o redemption_n the_o popish_a shâ—ft_n off_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n answer_v the_o popish_a reason_n for_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n depart_v draw_v from_o our_o desire_v the_o saint_n on_o earth_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o answer_v the_o three_o head_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v in_o doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o abominable_a whore_n deserve_v
neighbour_n church_n then_o they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o small_a moment_n that_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n than_o the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n shall_v burn_v 1._o cor._n 3.12_o 15._o but_o yet_o they_o shall_v remain_v still_o a_o true_a church_n second_o if_o they_o be_v great_a matter_n error_n that_o do_v overthrow_v the_o foundation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v yet_o if_o upon_o admonition_n of_o other_o neighbour_n church_n they_o do_v recant_v and_o reform_v their_o error_n than_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o any_o to_o forsake_v they_o be_v in_o they_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n to_o they_o live_v in_o they_o deu._n 12.5_o at_o least_o we_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o consent_n and_o communion_n of_o profession_n the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v the_o former_a exception_n clear_a as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o your_o own_o read_n of_o they_o use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v this_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o touch_n of_o conscience_n or_o any_o grace_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v a_o good_a pledge_n and_o witness_v to_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n here_o than_o thou_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n or_o no_o and_o so_o likewise_o how_o to_o become_v a_o member_n first_o therefore_o labour_v to_o find_v out_o to_o know_v understand_v and_o believe_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o confer_v of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o frequent_v public_a christian_a assembly_n and_o also_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o his_o save_a truth_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o eye_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o he_o will_v also_o lead_v thou_o therein_o second_o thou_o must_v labour_v as_o thou_o know_v it_o so_o likewise_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v open_a show_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o royal_a call_v if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angls_n in_o heaven_n and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o so_o we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o shame_n or_o fear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n church_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o glory_n and_o comfort_n therefore_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o reproach_n persecution_n temptation_n all_o outward_a misery_n which_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o endure_v if_o we_o be_v know_v to_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n christ_n jesus_n do_v bold_o oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o jew_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o soldier_n yea_o he_o oppose_v himself_o to_o death_n itself_o and_o to_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o thou_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v thyself_o to_o some_o few_o outward_a danger_n for_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v for_o ourselves_o in_o the_o end_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v wise_a and_o do_v not_o rash_o thrust_v thyself_o into_o any_o danger_n but_o if_o thou_o have_v just_a occasion_n and_o a_o call_v from_o god_n shun_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n let_v not_o thy_o false_a heart_n betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n his_o cause_n but_o rely_v upon_o god_n power_n promise_n and_o protection_n stand_v to_o it_o resolute_o and_o with_o a_o good_a christian_a courage_n and_o say_v i_o be_o a_o professor_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o so_o i_o will_v continue_v by_o his_o assistance_n even_o unto_o the_o very_a death_n though_o i_o be_v crucify_v even_o as_o he_o be_v three_o we_o must_v see_v that_o our_o profession_n be_v not_o in_o hypocrisy_n for_o this_o be_v the_o cankerworm_n that_o eat_v out_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o professor_n therefore_o profess_v the_o truth_n sincere_o and_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o see_v and_o search_v the_o reins_n do_v it_o as_o the_o only_a cause_n whereby_o we_o may_v and_o must_v be_v save_v and_o whereby_o thou_o look_v for_o thy_o reward_n in_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n at_o the_o last_o day_n do_v it_o as_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o glorify_v his_o name_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o complice_n four_o as_o we_o must_v do_v it_o without_o hypocrisy_n so_o we_o must_v see_v we_o practise_v it_o and_o that_o open_o for_o our_o public_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v our_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o titus_n 1.16_o that_o in_o their_o word_n profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o by_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o that_o be_v their_o work_n stand_v up_o against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n that_o which_o we_o profess_v with_o our_o lip_n we_o must_v practice_v with_o our_o life_n put_v the_o case_n that_o two_o man_n be_v at_o odds_n one_o man_n say_v one_o thing_n another_o man_n prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o plain_a and_o evident_a argument_n whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o he_o that_o profess_v in_o his_o word_n only_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o another_o which_o do_v practice_v it_o in_o his_o work_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o god_n truth_n sure_o he_o that_o practise_v it_o in_o his_o work_n five_o as_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o peter_n luk._n 22.32_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n which_o when_o i_o think_v on_o it_o can_v but_o admonish_v i_o of_o my_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o do_v we_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o that_o good_a which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v partaker_n of_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n when_o she_o be_v convert_v she_o labour_v to_o draw_v all_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o christ_n john_n 4.28_o 29._o especial_o we_o shall_v labour_v with_o our_o own_o family_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n as_o joshua_n do_v i_o and_o my_o house_n say_v he_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n so_o shall_v we_o have_v true_a visible_a church_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o own_o house_n howsoever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o land_n or_o country_n or_o parish_n where_o we_o dwell_v use_v 4_o last_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o thankfulness_n for_o our_o state_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v so_o gracious_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n for_o many_o year_n that_o the_o whole_a save_a truth_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v and_o profess_v and_o that_o by_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v countenance_v among_o we_o church_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o sin_n in_o our_o life_n defect_n in_o our_o state_n and_o we_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o groan_n under_o they_o and_o pray_v with_o sigh_n and_o tear_n against_o they_o and_o we_o trust_v god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o redress_v these_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n among_o we_o yet_o through_o god_n mercy_n we_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n against_o all_o schismatic_n and_o papist_n and_o slanderer_n whatsoever_o every_o one_o may_v see_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a of_o god_n that_o still_o this_o profession_n be_v maintain_v be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o honour_n god_n for_o it_o and_o use_v it_o well_o and_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n to_o all_o generation_n the_o blessing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o thankworthy_a blessing_n
when_o as_o the_o party_n know_v the_o right_a and_o yet_o willing_o decline_v from_o it_o and_o these_o that_o thus_o err_v be_v so_o far_o from_o strive_v against_o their_o error_n that_o they_o rather_o strive_v against_o a_o manifest_a truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o error_n such_o a_o error_n the_o jew_n be_v tax_v for_o by_o stephen_n act_v 7.51_o and_o by_o paul_n himself_o act_v 28.26_o where_o he_o apply_v a_o place_n out_o of_o isaiah_n to_o they_o show_v their_o obstinacy_n that_o in_o see_v they_o do_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o error_n of_o obstinacy_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o willing_o to_o decline_v from_o it_o three_o some_o be_v finite_a and_o for_o a_o time_n only_o some_o final_a and_o for_o ever_o for_o a_o time_n only_o and_o upon_o better_a advice_n they_o change_v their_o mind_n such_o be_v peter_n denial_n of_o christ_n matth._n 26.75_o for_o which_o he_o present_o repent_v and_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o again_o some_o be_v final_a and_o for_o ever_o as_o when_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o sin_n without_o any_o repentance_n at_o all_o at_o least_o without_o any_o true_a and_o sound_a repentance_n such_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o judas_n in_o betray_v christ_n he_o die_v desperate_o in_o it_o without_o any_o true_a repentance_n mat._n 27.3_o 5._o last_o some_o error_n be_v particular_a some_o be_v general_a and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n that_o err_v second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o err_v in_o for_o when_o as_o one_o or_o two_o or_o some_o few_o man_n in_o a_o congregation_n be_v taint_v with_o error_n here_o be_v a_o particular_a error_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o as_o but_o some_o of_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o not_o all_o 1_o cor._n 15.12_o but_o when_o as_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n in_o a_o church_n err_v this_o be_v a_o general_a error_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o jew_n when_o as_o they_o do_v all_o cry_n out_o against_o our_o saviour_n christ_n crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o so_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n err_v in_o as_o when_o a_o man_n or_o a_o church_n err_v only_o in_o one_o or_o in_o few_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o particular_a error_n in_o that_o respect_n so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n revel_v 2.14_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o but_o when_o a_o man_n or_o a_o church_n err_v in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o thing_n this_o be_v general_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o err_v in_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n err_v in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o thing_n and_o so_o their_o error_n be_v general_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o person_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o all_o or_o in_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o no_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n live_v on_o earth_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v first_o in_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n not_o in_o the_o foundation_n second_o of_o infirmity_n not_o of_o obstinacy_n three_o at_o least_o only_o for_o a_o time_n not_o for_o ever_o four_o particular_o not_o universal_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n but_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o all_o these_o which_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o without_o confusion_n deliver_v and_o you_o apprehend_v receive_v it_o plain_o in_o these_o observation_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n militant_a the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n on_o earth_n howsoever_o it_o have_v many_o excellent_a privildge_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exempt_v from_o error_n but_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v oftentimes_o err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o handle_v error_n in_o manner_n by_o themselves_o and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n by_o themselves_o for_o each_o of_o these_o be_v transgression_n against_o the_o word_n &_o will_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v both_o damnable_a and_o each_o alike_o may_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 13.12_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o be_v then_o a_o sound_n yea_o a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n acknowledge_v ingenuous_o much_o ignorance_n that_o he_o know_v little_a to_o that_o he_o shall_v know_v he_o know_v but_o in_o part_n now_o ignorance_n be_v a_o error_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n willing_o undergo_v the_o imputation_n of_o error_n and_o if_o he_o be_v in_o error_n who_o can_v look_v to_o escape_v and_o thereupon_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o he_o err_v in_o manner_n too_o for_o we_o can_v be_v obedient_a in_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o that_o as_o his_o knowledge_n be_v imperfect_a so_o be_v his_o love_n and_o obedience_n too_o but_o for_o error_n in_o manner_n it_o be_v far_o plain_a in_o rom._n 7.22_o 23._o where_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n &c_n &c_n and_o this_o be_v not_o his_o infirmity_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a the_o spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o do_v good_a yea_o but_o say_v the_o apostle_n galat._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n you_o will_v and_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o inkling_n of_o this_o to_o his_o disciple_n in_o a_o kind_n of_o parable_n joh._n 13.10_o where_o he_o faith_n he_o that_o wash_v be_v need_v no_o â—â—ue_n to_o wash_v his_o foot_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o a_o negative_a sense_n as_o show_v that_o nothing_o needs_o wash_v in_o they_o but_o their_o foot_n yet_o it_o be_v affirmative_a in_o force_n show_v that_o none_o be_v so_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v but_o that_o still_o he_o have_v foul_a foot_n that_o be_v he_o have_v still_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o he_o and_o these_o must_v be_v cleanse_v and_o wash_v away_o or_o else_o he_o can_v have_v no_o part_n in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o in_o verse_n 8_o so_o likewise_o for_o error_n in_o manner_n the_o apostle_n james_n 3.2_o say_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o there_o all_o be_v include_v and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o kind_n only_o as_o nâ—_n a_o divide_a sense_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v offend_v in_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o in_o another_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o compound_a sense_n not_o one_o or_o many_o but_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o or_o few_o thing_n but_o in_o many_o and_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o negative_o deliver_v as_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 8.46_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o now_o lay_v these_o two_o together_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o none_o be_v exempt_v from_o error_n in_o manner_n so_o for_o error_n in_o doctrine_n rom._n 3.4_o where_o it_o be_v not_o only_o affirm_v in_o general_a of_o all_o and_o of_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a that_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n that_o be_v that_o he_o err_v in_o some_o of_o his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v likewise_o so_o derogate_v the_o hold_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n entire_o and_o incorrupt_o from_o man_n that_o he_o appropriate_v it_o to_o god_n alone_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v god_n as_o not_o to_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v clear_a that_o the_o church_n militant_a that_o be_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n live_v on_o earth_n may_v and_o oftentimes_o do_v err_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n out_o of_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o man_n frailty_n the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n true_a believer_n they_o be_v but_o man_n and_o therefore_o natural_o love_v darkness_n
the_o multitude_n of_o reas_n 2_o their_o enemy_n they_o be_v so_o great_a and_o swarm_v so_o over_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v the_o faithful_a escape_n but_o that_o needs_o they_o must_v be_v assault_v every_o way_n that_o which_o one_o say_v not_o or_o do_v not_o against_o they_o another_o do_v satan_n be_v a_o hunter_n and_o the_o wicked_a be_v his_o hellhound_n and_o the_o faithful_a they_o be_v in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o silly_a hare_n in_o the_o field_n beset_v about_o with_o hound_n in_o every_o corner_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o she_o to_o escape_v they_o but_o that_o still_o he_o be_v assault_v how_o can_v the_o faithful_a choose_v then_o but_o be_v assault_v every_o way_n reas_n 3_o three_o add_v to_o their_o multitude_n their_o malice_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o snatch_v at_o all_o advantage_n and_o let_v not_o any_o opportunity_n slip_v to_o satisfy_v their_o blood_n thirsty_a malice_n reas_n 4_o four_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v assist_v by_o satan_n continual_o and_o very_o effectual_o so_o that_o if_o they_o do_v lack_v power_n or_o subtlety_n or_o mean_n any_o help_n inward_o or_o outward_o he_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o make_v supply_n and_o when_o earth_n and_o hell_n too_o man_n and_o devil_n do_v altogether_o join_v their_o force_n against_o god_n poor_a church_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o utter_a ruin_n at_o least_o great_a hurt_n reas_n 5_o five_o god_n permit_v these_o thing_n for_o a_o time_n in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v their_o very_a hour_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n none_o be_v able_a either_o to_o help_v we_o or_o to_o hinder_v and_o bridle_v they_o but_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o he_o let_v the_o devil_n loose_v on_o they_o and_o give_v way_n to_o his_o instrument_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v their_o full_a force_n and_o strength_n to_o attempt_v what_o they_o will_v against_o they_o though_o yet_o the_o lord_n bridle_v they_o that_o they_o can_v accomplish_v it_o reas_n 6_o sixthly_a be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v try_v as_o in_o the_o fire_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o blemish_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v purge_v and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v appear_v much_o more_o precious_a then_o gold_n reas_n 7_o seventhly_a it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o wicked_a may_v make_v up_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o a_o just_a and_o full_a measure_n of_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o their_o soul_n reas_n 8_o last_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v glorify_v himself_o the_o more_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o other_o exod._n 9.16_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o show_v we_o the_o exceed_a great_a danger_n that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v nor_o no_o one_o thing_n name_v in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v endanger_v by_o that_o the_o faithful_a can_v safe_o say_v i_o be_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o see_v how_o many_o danger_n one_o silly_a soul_n be_v beset_v withal_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 11.26_o that_o be_v often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n in_o peril_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o city_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n he_o be_v in_o peril_n every_o way_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v but_o danger_n beside_o which_o he_o have_v many_o forcible_a and_o cruel_a blow_n lay_v on_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o the_o 23_o to_o the_o 28._o verse_n in_o labour_n more_o abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n in_o prison_n more_o plenteous_o in_o death_n often_o etc._n etc._n many_o man_n marvel_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o dear_o belove_v as_o they_o be_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o often_o foil_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o so_o many_o trouble_n yea_o oftentimes_o sinful_a and_o reproachful_a evil_n but_o if_o they_o can_v see_v but_o half_a the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o they_o will_v rather_o marvel_v that_o they_o fall_v into_o no_o more_o yea_o that_o they_o be_v not_o utter_o overthrow_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o overthrow_v by_o their_o enemy_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o lam._n 3.22_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o psalm_n 124.1.2_o 3._o except_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v on_o our_o side_n may_v israel_n now_o say_v except_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a when_o their_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o we_o and_o this_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o a_o comfortable_a use_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o the_o straits_n that_o we_o be_v drive_v to_o in_o this_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o look_v on_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n which_o we_o be_v in_o but_o on_o the_o merciful_a protection_n and_o all-sufficient_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o do_v so_o uphold_v we_o that_o let_v our_o enemy_n do_v what_o they_o can_v and_o all_o that_o may_v be_v do_v yet_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o they_o in_o the_o 2_o king_n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o prophet_n elishae_n man_n when_o he_o see_v that_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o a_o host_n he_o be_v strike_v with_o great_a fear_n and_o cry_v out_o alas_o master_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v but_o elisha_n answer_v fear_v not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v with_o they_o and_o when_o elisha_n have_v pray_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v open_v his_o servant_n eye_n he_o see_v the_o mountain_n full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o his_o master_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o great_a terror_n to_o we_o to_o see_v ourselves_o assault_v and_o compass_v about_o with_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o see_v danger_n on_o every_o side_n but_o let_v we_o look_v about_o we_o and_o see_v also_o the_o merciful_a protection_n and_o all-sufficient_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o embrace_v we_o on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o our_o enemy_n can_v no_o way_n prevail_v against_o we_o and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o against_o all_o the_o assault_n that_o our_o enemy_n make_v against_o us._n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o see_v we_o have_v so_o many_o enemy_n that_o assault_n we_o every_o way_n than_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o by_o god_n and_o cleave_v steadfast_o and_o whole_o to_o he_o alone_o first_o by_o a_o lively_a confidence_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o promise_n and_o salvation_n with_o a_o assure_a persuasion_n that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o it_o be_v israel_n case_n and_o moses_n direction_n exod._n 14.13_o when_o their_o enemy_n be_v behind_o they_o and_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o the_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n of_o they_o and_o no_o way_n for_o they_o to_o escape_v moses_n say_v to_o they_o fear_v not_o stand_v still_o and_o he_o hold_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o will_v show_v to_o you_o this_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o lord_n do_v deliver_v they_o there_o want_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n on_o god_n part_n if_o there_o be_v not_o want_v of_o our_o apprehend_n and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o we_o must_v cleave_v unto_o god_n by_o confidence_n so_o second_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o but_o we_o must_v beg_v it_o too_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o eye_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n for_o help_v and_o deliverance_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o you_o shall_v see_v this_o course_n take_v and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o both_o together_o in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 32.20_o 22._o when_o senacherib_n come_v up_o with_o his_o host_n against_o jerusalem_n than_o hezechiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prophet_n esaiah_n pray_v against_o they_o and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n and_o the_o lord_n send_v a_o angel_n which_o destroy_v all_o the_o valiant_a man_n and_o prince_n of_o senacheribs_n host_n and_o save_v hezechiah_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o senacherib_n king_n of_o ashur_n three_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o god_n by_o use_v the_o
conscience_n to_o proceed_v in_o it_o as_o they_o have_v begin_v whatsoever_o decree_v of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o if_o any_o trouble_n do_v ensue_v of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n nor_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o cause_n but_o in_o man_n ill_a disposition_n that_o will_v abuse_v so_o good_a a_o cause_n to_o their_o bad_a purpose_n upon_o this_o very_a protestation_n it_o be_v that_o then_o present_o and_o ever_o since_o not_o only_o there_o but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n these_o prince_n and_o state_n and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o church_n approve_v the_o reformation_n be_v call_v protestant_n the_o name_n we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v neither_o great_o approve_v nor_o much_o dislike_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n that_o be_v that_o princely_a and_o christian_a resolution_n to_o hold_v out_o zealous_o for_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n against_o all_o decree_n and_o threaten_n of_o man_n we_o see_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o and_o so_o be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o bear_v and_o wear_v his_o title_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v in_o general_a concern_v the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a handle_n of_o these_o church_n and_o so_o to_o the_o main_a mark_n reform_v which_o all_o this_o while_n we_o special_o aim_v at_o of_o these_o reform_a church_n some_o be_v more_o some_o be_v less_o reform_v and_o each_o of_o these_o either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n for_o some_o be_v more_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n than_o other_o but_o less_o in_o discipline_n some_o be_v more_o discipline_v than_o other_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o sound_a as_o they_o reform_v who_o discipline_n be_v faulty_a the_o church_n in_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n and_o other_o of_o that_o mould_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v think_v by_o some_o the_o best_a reform_v and_o yet_o i_o hear_v that_o the_o brownist_n deny_v even_o geneva_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o first_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v say_v as_o much_o and_o as_o just_o against_o their_o adversary_n as_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o those_o which_o be_v less_o reform_v be_v true_a church_n they_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o to_o bestow_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n those_o that_o be_v account_v less_o reform_v be_v as_o some_o think_v the_o lutheran_n church_n the_o lutheran_n church_n be_v less_o reform_v for_o doctrine_n first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o lutheran_n church_n they_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o maintain_v certain_a private_a opinion_n that_o luther_n hold_v or_o at_o least_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n i_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n from_o we_o second_o of_o the_o tumult_n that_o have_v rise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o three_o i_o will_v show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n opinion_n notwistand_v these_o difference_n and_o first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n they_o be_v first_o more_o easy_a and_o favourable_a in_o matter_n of_o image_n than_o we_o be_v though_o they_o worship_v they_o not_o beside_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v utter_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o deny_v but_o the_o great_a and_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o first_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n even_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v every_o where_o whereas_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v and_o have_v god_n word_n for_o it_o that_o since_o his_o ascension_n his_o body_n be_v contain_v in_o one_o certain_a place_n namely_o in_o heaven_n act_v 3.21_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n they_o affirm_v that_o his_o body_n be_v real_o present_a in_o under_o and_o with_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n we_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v real_o there_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a receiver_n and_o only_o sacramental_o and_o spiritual_o and_o not_o bodily_a as_o john_n 6.63_o these_o two_o be_v matter_n of_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o press_v they_o will_v give_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o true_a body_n than_o it_o can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o once_o i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o discuss_v these_o point_n but_o only_o as_o fall_v in_o by_o the_o way_n haply_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v some_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o more_o full_o only_o let_v it_o suffice_v for_o the_o present_a that_o these_o their_o opinion_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o do_v direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o so_o much_o for_o their_o opinion_n they_o second_o the_o tumult_n and_o unnatural_a contention_n raise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n they_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n very_o bitter_a and_o uncharitable_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v bitter_a enough_o against_o they_o but_o they_o as_o man_n of_o fiery_a spirit_n be_v marvelous_a bitter_a against_o we_o as_o bitter_a as_o against_o the_o papist_n yea_o they_o be_v more_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o they_o be_v against_o the_o papist_n i_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n therefore_o i_o will_v suppress_v they_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v best_a if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v broach_v but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v it_o be_v best_o to_o bury_v they_o in_o silence_n and_o perpetual_a oblivion_n but_o yet_o see_v there_o be_v such_o dissension_n i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o exception_n the_o papist_n take_v against_o we_o for_o they_o second_o what_o use_v we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o the_o papist_n rejoice_v great_o at_o it_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o they_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o together_o by_o the_o care_n and_o they_o insult_v over_o both_o party_n allege_v it_o as_o a_o firm_a exception_n that_o therefore_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n no_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v a_o very_a malicious_a but_o yet_o a_o very_a weak_a consequence_n it_o be_v a_o malicious_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o build_v up_o themselves_o on_o other_o man_n ruin_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v other_o ruin_n will_v make_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o sandy_a building_n first_o diverse_o we_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o man_n and_o then_o to_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o the_o papist_n we_o answer_v what_o if_o there_o be_v dissension_n betwixt_o we_o what_o get_v they_o by_o that_o indeed_o if_o they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o oppose_v we_o than_o it_o be_v some_o exception_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o lutheran_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o consubstantiaton_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o opposite_a to_o they_o as_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v little_a vantage_n by_o that_o beside_o if_o dissension_n betwixt_o we_o make_v we_o to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n than_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o the_o papist_n themselves_o be_v at_o as_o great_a dissension_n and_o as_o bitter_a one_o against_o another_o as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o old_a but_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jesuit_n and_o secular_a priest_n maintain_v a_o mortal_a hatred_n betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a exception_n against_o we_o it_o be_v so_o also_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v they_o with_o chirst_n in_o the_o gospel_n hypocrite_n first_o pull_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.2_o first_o let_v they_o purge_v their_o church_n of_o their_o own_o dissension_n and_o difference_n and_o then_o let_v they_o charge_v we_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n itself_o that_o consent_n do_v not_o always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o do_v consent_n nor_o that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v consent_v in_o neither_o do_v dissent_n always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n that_o do_v dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n nor_o that_o a_o false_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n dissent_v in_o first_o