what_o wild_a and_o woeful_a work_n do_v man_n make_v when_o they_o will_v undertake_v to_o be_v build_v the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o counsel_n when_o they_o think_v we_o will_v have_v the_o church_n of_o god_n thus_o and_o thus_o and_o we_o will_v make_v it_o up_o of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o we_o will_v govern_v it_o by_o such_o and_o such_o law_n and_o we_o will_v get_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o back_v we_o and_o then_o what_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o will_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n poor_a man_n that_o think_v that_o these_o new_a heaven_n wherein_o the_o lord_n will_v dwell_v must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o finger_n or_o that_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n must_v of_o necessity_n come_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v to_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n or_o that_o they_o can_v build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n all_o of_o precious_a stone_n whereas_o this_o must_v be_v god_n own_o work_n and_o his_o own_o do_v and_o no_o state_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bring_v this_o about_o and_o after_o much_o trial_n and_o pain_n and_o weariness_n the_o lord_n will_v at_o last_o teach_v his_o own_o that_o the_o gather_n and_o lay_v these_o precious_a stone_n together_o must_v be_v the_o lord_n own_o do_v even_o his_o own_o do_v when_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o man_n how_o woeful_o be_v it_o manage_v why_o say_v one_o we_o must_v needs_o admit_v such_o a_o one_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a man_n in_o the_o parish_n or_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n or_o he_o be_v a_o noble_a man_n or_o he_o be_v my_o near_a kinsman_n or_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o relate_v to_o i_o or_o he_o be_v a_o good_a civil_a fair_a deal_n man_n and_o we_o must_v needs_o admit_v he_o and_o thus_o will_v flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o carnal_a temple_n for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o but_o god_n true_a habitation_n can_v never_o be_v frame_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o look_v high_o than_o the_o high_a instrument_n for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o lord_n own_o work_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o though_o every_o man_n be_v against_o it_o and_o oppose_v it_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o hand_n to_o build_v it_o up_o he_o will_v build_v it_o up_o without_o hand_n i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v ver._n 13._o and_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n see_v here_o how_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n carry_v up_o the_o saint_n above_o all_o visible_a and_o sensible_a thing_n god_n even_o as_o high_a as_o god_n himself_o god_n say_v he_o to_o the_o church_n shall_v build_v thou_o and_o god_n shall_v teach_v thou_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o note_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a child_n of_o the_o church_n have_v god_n own_o teach_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n christ_n himself_o confirm_v where_o he_o say_v it_o be_v write_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n he_o therefore_o that_o hear_v and_o learn_v of_o my_o father_n come_v to_o i_o and_o again_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o doctrine_n john_n after_o preach_v thus_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 27._o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o â—ceed_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n hereby_o now_o we_o perceive_v how_o few_o true_a child_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v among_o those_o who_o be_v common_o call_v christian_n for_o among_o all_o these_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o have_v the_o teach_n of_o god_n but_o most_o have_v their_o teach_n only_o from_o man_n and_o no_o high_o consider_v therefore_o i_o pray_v whether_o the_o knowledge_n you_o have_v be_v from_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n or_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n you_o all_o pretend_v to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n be_v by_o he_o alone_o but_o how_o come_v you_o by_o this_o knowledge_n do_v you_o read_v it_o in_o the_o letter_n or_o do_v some_o body_n tell_v you_o so_o or_o have_v god_n himself_o teach_v you_o this_o for_o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o father_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o peter_n say_v thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n christ_n answer_v flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o teach_v thou_o this_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o though_o all_o of_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o christian_n yet_o none_o of_o you_o know_v christ_n true_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v teach_v of_o the_o father_n and_o this_o hold_v in_o all_o other_o point_n as_o touch_v calling_n and_o faith_n and_o union_n and_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n touch_v the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o government_n of_o it_o oh_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o teach_n of_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n you_o be_v none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n what_o ever_o truth_n thou_o know_v from_o the_o letter_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o will_v do_v thou_o no_o good_a thou_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n spiritual_o and_o save_o wherein_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o man_n look_v for_o their_o teach_n no_o far_o than_o man_n they_o only_o look_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o to_o such_o a_o able_a learned_a orthodox_n man_n as_o they_o phrase_v it_o or_o at_o the_o high_a to_o the_o assembly_n and_o what_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o stand_v by_o it_o and_o build_v upon_o it_o for_o their_o foundation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n never_o regard_v in_o truth_n the_o teach_n of_o god_n but_o say_v what_o can_v so_o many_o grave_n learned_a godly_a man_n err_v and_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v what_o they_o determine_v why_o now_o these_o be_v none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n for_o they_o neither_o have_v god_n teach_v nor_o care_n for_o it_o but_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v god_n teach_v without_o mean_n answ_n i_o answer_v no_o god_n teach_v but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o chief_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n without_o the_o word_n be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n be_v to_o despise_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n and_o inspeakings_n without_o the_o word_n see_v god_n teach_v all_o his_o child_n by_o the_o word_n and_o none_o without_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v and_o despise_v the_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o use_v the_o word_n and_o the_o mean_n as_o not_o to_o look_v for_o our_o teach_n from_o they_o but_o from_o god_n himself_o in_o and_o through_o they_o and_o when_o you_o come_v to_o hear_v not_o to_o think_v i_o will_v hear_v what_o mr._n such_o a_o one_o or_o mr._n such_o one_o will_v say_v but_o with_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v say_v and_o true_o i_o will_v not_o care_v to_o hear_v what_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v say_v in_o who_o christ_n himself_o do_v not_o speak_v now_o much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o teach_n of_o god_n but_o that_o i_o intend_v brevity_n in_o all_o as_o namely_o that_o this_o teach_n 1._o be_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a teach_n that_o you_o shall_v have_v certainty_n in_o what_o
and_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o true_a church_n suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v reduce_v under_o this_o bondage_n again_o through_o specious_a pretence_n of_o reformation_n but_o let_v the_o church_n know_v it_o may_v use_v what_o form_n seem_v good_a to_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o true_a unity_n stand_v in_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o thus_o only_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n be_v one_o yea_o thus_o only_a the_o church_n in_o earth_n and_o heaven_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o faithful_a to_o know_v that_o uniformity_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o or_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o god_n may_v make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n one_o he_o abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n ephes_n 2._o 15._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n so_o high_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o to_o bring_v this_o about_o he_o repeal_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o dissolve_v his_o own_o outward_a ordinance_n now_o if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o god_n own_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v make_v void_a rather_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n how_o much_o more_o any_o ceremony_n or_o outward_a rule_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n devise_v let_v he_o that_o read_v understand_v and_o these_o be_v the_o practical_a rule_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a and_o now_o we_o hasten_v to_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o case_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o in_o which_o case_n we_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v to_o wit_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o no._n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o first_o they_o be_v either_o thing_n ceremonial_a and_o circumstantial_a or_o second_o very_a truth_n themselves_o yet_o such_o wherein_o a_o christian_a may_v for_o the_o present_a err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n consider_v if_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a thing_n we_o shall_v mind_v these_o thing_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o contend_v for_o vanity_n thing_n nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o trifle_n and_o thing_n of_o no_o weight_n or_o moment_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n that_o the_o ancient_a christian_n shall_v so_o earnest_o contend_v about_o the_o day_n on_o which_o easter_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o upon_o difference_n herein_o shall_v divide_v into_o sect_n as_o they_o do_v see_v there_o always_o shine_v light_n enough_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v a_o slight_a circumstance_n not_o worth_a the_o mind_v the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o no_o where_o for_o the_o form_n of_o it_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o 2._o we_o ought_v not_o for_o contrary_a mindedness_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o avoid_v christian_a converse_n and_o communnion_n with_o one_o another_o for_o strangeness_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o case_n both_o breed_v and_o increase_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n &_o cause_n that_o we_o harbour_v hard_a thought_n brother_n against_o brother_n and_o it_o take_v away_o all_o opportunity_n of_o conference_n and_o of_o understanding_n and_o persuade_v one_o another_o and_o so_o of_o reconciliation_n 3._o in_o these_o thing_n whereof_o neither_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o to_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n produce_v innumerable_a sect_n in_o the_o church_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o see_v such_o deadly_a enmity_n arise_v among_o sect_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o therefore_o that_o rash_a judgement_n that_o produce_v these_o sect_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o great_a advancer_n of_o the_o devil_n work_v of_o division_n 4._o let_v we_o know_v faithful_a wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n kingdom_n stand_v to_o wit_n in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o order_n and_o where_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v let_v we_o be_v content_v though_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o form_n and_o circumstance_n let_v we_o take_v careful_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o godliness_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o form_n and_o circumstance_n the_o high_a good_a in_o the_o church_n be_v salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n give_v to_o all_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o other_o thing_n yea_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o where_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a we_o ought_v not_o in_o these_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n to_o contend_v about_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o 5._o in_o case_n man_n differ_v in_o judgement_n importance_n in_o these_o circumstantial_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v in_o present_a power_n ought_v take_v care_n especial_a 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v man_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n saint_n but_o that_o every_o one_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v give_v may_v have_v free_a liberty_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o find_v pasture_n it_o be_v a_o most_o antichristian_a thing_n to_o make_v another_o key_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o true_a church_n beside_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o than_o it_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n key_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a without_o man_n also_o yea_o soon_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n key_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a without_o christ_n that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o be_v believer_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o also_o conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n but_o to_o be_v of_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o by_o make_v another_o key_n to_o god_n kingdom_n beside_o the_o key_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v keep_v out_o and_o keep_v out_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v let_v in_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v avoid_v as_o extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o they_o must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o prefer_v christian_n to_o place_n of_o public_a ministry_n and_o employment_n they_o that_o be_v only_o of_o one_o judgement_n but_o that_o they_o dispose_v of_o they_o alike_o to_o godly_a man_n of_o 〈◊〉_d judgement_n lest_o otherwise_o many_o smell_v the_o design_n of_o anti-christ_n underneath_o which_o be_v that_o none_o shall_v buy_v or_o sell_v or_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n or_o university_n but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v take_v a_o certain_a mark_n into_o their_o forehead_n and_o right_a hand_n and_o though_o the_o outward_a mark_n of_o the_o mystery_n may_v change_v yet_o the_o inward_a mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o do_v not_o change_v with_o the_o change_n of_o form_n 3._o if_o one_o sort_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n other_o or_o prefer_v as_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o another_o much_o less_o be_v one_o party_n to_o be_v destroy_v for_o another_o for_o thus_o will_v satan_n also_o be_v a_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o will_v destroy_v christ_n kingdom_n to_o exalt_v his_o own_o that_o he_o may_v possess_v all_o quiet_o and_o alone_o but_o christ_n way_n be_v to_o reconcile_v those_o that_o differ_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o of_o twain_o to_o make_v they_o one_o new_a man_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o christ_n if_o we_o seek_v to_o bring_v both_o into_o one_o in_o
love_n and_o not_o to_o destroy_v either_o by_o force_n these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o mean_n of_o peace_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v circumstantial_a now_o if_o they_o be_v very_a truth_n peace_n wherein_o christian_n differ_v yet_o such_o wherein_o they_o may_v err_v without_o danger_n of_o salvation_n than_o these_o rule_n be_v of_o use_n 1._o to_o hear_v they_o speak_v their_o judgement_n with_o freedom_n and_o not_o to_o condemn_v they_o unheard_a for_o thus_o may_v thou_o soon_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a and_o make_v thyself_o guilty_a 2._o to_o understand_v full_o what_o thy_o adversary_n mean_v before_o thou_o contend_v against_o he_o lest_o it_o thou_o want_v this_o wisdom_n and_o patience_n thou_o oppose_v not_o so_o much_o his_o judgement_n as_o thy_o own_o conceit_n much_o better_a be_v it_o calm_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n mind_n from_o himself_o then_o hasty_o to_o guess_v at_o it_o yea_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v so_o before_o thou_o have_v hear_v he_o speak_v if_o thou_o can_v but_o have_v patience_n to_o hear_v he_o relate_v his_o own_o mind_n perhaps_o in_o the_o end_n thou_o shall_v understand_v it_o differ_v little_a from_o thy_o own_o in_o substance_n 3._o reproach_v not_o any_o thing_n thy_o adversary_n speak_v with_o this_o that_o thou_o never_o hear_v it_o before_o for_o this_o may_v not_o so_o much_o discover_v his_o error_n as_o thy_o ignorance_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o thou_o a_o new_a error_n if_o it_o be_v true_o examine_v by_o the_o word_n may_v prove_v a_o old_a truth_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v needs_o condemn_v whatever_o savour_v of_o novelty_n how_o shall_v the_o truth_n we_o yet_o know_v not_o be_v bring_v in_o or_o the_o error_n that_o yet_o remain_v with_o we_o be_v purge_v out_o 4_o be_v not_o over-confident_a in_o what_o thou_o hold_v upon_o thy_o own_o judgement_n or_o other_o man_n strengthen_v from_o multitude_n custom_n and_o antiquity_n for_o man_n have_v err_v most_o gross_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v think_v themselves_o most_o certain_a and_o therefore_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o thou_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n upon_o clear_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n then_o upon_o the_o strong_a presumption_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n 5._o in_o these_o difference_n make_v the_o word_n the_o judge_n and_o not_o man_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a and_o perfect_a judge_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o one_o say_v well_o qui_fw-la ponit_fw-la legem_fw-la judicem_fw-la ponit_fw-la deum_fw-la qui_fw-la autem_fw-la addit_fw-la hominem_fw-la addit_fw-la &_o bestiam_fw-la that_o be_v he_o that_o make_v the_o law_n judge_n make_v god_n judge_n but_o he_o that_o make_v man_n judge_n make_v a_o beast_n judge_n for_o every_o man_n be_v brutish_a in_o his_o knowledge_n and_o then_o only_o be_v we_o sure_a of_o any_o thing_n when_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o take_v the_o word_n in_o any_o fashion_n for_o judge_n in_o these_o matter_n but_o we_o must_v necessary_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n see_v we_o see_v so_o many_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o man_n that_o make_v use_v alike_o of_o the_o same_o outward_a word_n for_o their_o rule_n now_o though_o all_o have_v the_o same_o outward_a word_n yet_o all_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n except_o they_o attain_v to_o one_o spirit_n for_o paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 2._o that_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v man_n sense_n or_o reason_n understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v only_o judge_v aright_o of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o we_o can_v only_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o word_n if_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o it_o to_o we_o 6._o if_o thou_o can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o shall_v agree_v with_o thou_o wherein_o he_o differ_v then_o observe_v that_o moderate_a and_o christian_a rule_n of_o paul_n where_o he_o say_v as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v 16._o if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v also_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o and_o so_o let_v we_o wait_v with_o patience_n will_v god_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n shall_v please_v to_o teach_v he_o as_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o teach_v we_o because_o without_o this_o teach_n he_o can_v never_o know_v it_o aright_o though_o thou_o teach_v he_o never_o so_o much_o 7._o and_o last_o when_o in_o many_o inconsiderable_a point_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v agree_v with_o many_o that_o be_v true_o faithful_a nor_o they_o with_o we_o let_v we_o according_a to_o paul_n rule_n leave_v the_o final_a judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o due_a time_n appoint_v of_o god_n as_o paul_n have_v say_v judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o time_n this_o be_v christ_n have_v tell_v we_o say_v if_o any_o one_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v not_o i_o judge_v he_o not_o but_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o the_o sense_n reason_n knowledge_n judgement_n and_o discern_v of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o many_o time_n the_o pure_a thâ—ngs_n be_v reckon_v vile_a and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a thing_n carnal_a and_o the_o very_o high_a thing_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o conceit_n or_o error_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o far_o beyond_o humane_a comprehension_n shall_v be_v defer_v to_o the_o last_o day_n god_n judgement_n be_v better_a in_o his_o own_o time_n case_n then_o in_o we_o now_o in_o case_n the_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o differ_v be_v such_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o without_o believe_v which_o man_n can_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o christ_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n 1._o hear_v they_o speak_v and_o be_v rather_o confident_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v prevail_v over_o their_o error_n then_o fearful_a that_o their_o error_n will_v prevail_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o strive_v not_o for_o secular_a power_n to_o shut_v up_o man_n mouth_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n writing_n though_o they_o speak_v and_o print_v thing_n that_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o man_n have_v not_o liberty_n to_o divulge_v their_o doctrine_n public_o they_o will_v spread_v they_o private_o to_o infect_v and_o corrupt_v many_o ere_o it_o can_v be_v know_v or_o prevent_v and_o if_o man_n vent_v error_n public_o if_o there_o be_v as_o public_a liberty_n to_o preach_v the_o truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o the_o success_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o at_o any_o time_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a gospel_n way_n to_o conquer_v error_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o humane_a yea_o and_o devilish_a doctrine_n by_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o so_o mighty_a that_o all_o false_a teacher_n and_o false_a doctrine_n must_v needs_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o see_v strong_a be_v that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o it_o than_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v its_o own_o spirit_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v give_v already_o such_o proof_n of_o its_o power_n in_o former_a time_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o horrible_a ignorance_n and_o error_n &_o darkness_n cover_v the_o earth_n and_o gross_a darkness_n the_o people_n and_o yet_o the_o gospel_n alone_o without_o any_o conjunction_n of_o earthly_a power_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n with_o it_o do_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o his_o possession_n and_o dominion_n and_o overthrow_v all_o false_a religion_n man_n have_v receive_v from_o their_o forefather_n through_o many_o generation_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n custom_n opinion_n religion_n and_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o utter_o dispel_v errror_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o sort_n i_o say_v see_v the_o gospel_n have_v already_o give_v such_o large_a testimony_n of_o its_o power_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v now_o so_o doubt_v the_o power_n of_o it_o as_o to_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o
latter_a end_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o your_o beginning_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v unto_o you_o how_o many_o great_a and_o wise_a king_n and_o magistrate_n act_v according_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n &_o despise_v or_o neglect_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o word_n have_v with_o all_o their_o own_o wisdom_n prudence_n and_o design_n destroy_v themselves_o and_o their_o kingdom_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v but_o vain_a and_o therefore_o renounce_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o fleshly_a counsel_n and_o cleave_v close_o to_o the_o true_a faithful_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o though_o you_o have_v many_o enemy_n and_o kingdom_n against_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o god_n will_v yet_o establish_v you_o in_o all_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o world_n and_o your_o enemy_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o detain_v you_o but_o only_o desire_v this_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o faithful_a god_n peculiar_a portion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v oppress_v by_o our_o adversary_n who_o will_v use_v your_o power_n against_o we_o not_o for_o you_o but_o for_o themselves_o neither_o will_v suffer_v they_o thus_o public_o and_o shameless_o to_o call_v we_o sectary_n and_o heretic_n who_o do_v believe_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n but_o that_o you_o will_v suffer_v yea_o procure_v we_o to_o live_v quiet_o and_o safe_o under_o you_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o in_o all_o thing_n obey_v you_o as_o become_v christian_n the_o remainder_n be_v to_o assure_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n shall_v serve_v the_o state_n more_o sincere_o according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n nor_o in_o more_o faithfulness_n and_o humility_n tender_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n either_o to_o yourselves_o or_o the_o kingdom_n as_o occasion_n serve_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n then_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n w._n dell_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o be_v dangerous_a time_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o conceal_v the_o truth_n and_o dangerous_a to_o publish_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o publish_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v teach_v we_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n if_o we_o conceal_v it_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n in_o a_o contrary_a choice_n to_o david_n i_o reckon_v it_o much_o better_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n then_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n see_v the_o wrath_n of_o man_n can_v but_o reach_v the_o body_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n body_n and_o soul_n i_o shall_v therefore_o willing_o confess_v christ_n amid_o a_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n not_o doubt_v but_o christ_n will_v confess_v i_o before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n and_o for_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n it_o be_v best_o conquer_a they_o as_o luther_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v silendo_fw-la &_o contemnendo_fw-la by_o silence_n and_o contempt_n of_o they_o see_v a_o man_n may_v as_o easy_o restrain_v satan_n himself_o in_o his_o various_a work_n as_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o christian_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n without_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o man_n and_o if_o sometime_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o thing_n because_o we_o be_v flesh_n yet_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n we_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o see_v already_o in_o certain_a faith_n and_o hope_n all_o evil_n and_o enemy_n under_o our_o foot_n and_o therefore_o for_o mr._n love_n and_o other_o man_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o metal_n i_o be_o resolve_v neither_o now_o nor_o hereafter_o to_o take_v they_o into_o any_o more_o consideration_n than_o the_o business_n itself_o necessary_o require_v and_o where_o they_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o let_v they_o quite_o alone_o be_v every_o day_n through_o the_o use_n of_o affliction_n enable_v to_o patience_n and_o through_o patience_n bring_v to_o experience_n and_o so_o to_o a_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o hope_n and_o this_o carry_v i_o above_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o discourse_n thou_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o new_a light_n as_o some_o man_n slanderous_o affirm_v but_o the_o ancient_a light_n that_o spring_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o morning_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v since_o obscure_v by_o the_o new_a darkness_n of_o antichrist_n which_o these_o man_n love_v better_a than_o that_o old_a light_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n exchange_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o this_o light_n that_o now_o after_o a_o long_a night_n break_v forth_o again_o in_o some_o of_o its_o first_o glory_n let_v these_o man_n set_v their_o heart_n at_o rest_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o obscure_v it_o again_o and_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o the_o kingdom_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o quench_v with_o any_o fire_n either_o of_o earth_n or_o hell_n and_o therefore_o we_o fear_v they_o not_o though_o they_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_n now_o and_o ere_o long_o be_v like_a to_o breath_n forth_o blood_n for_o by_o all_o their_o subtle_a and_o industrious_a act_n in_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v not_o work_v the_o truth_n ruin_n but_o their_o own_o and_o these_o as_o well_o as_o their_o forefather_n of_o the_o same_o race_n and_o lineage_n in_o who_o stead_n they_o be_v now_o rise_v up_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n become_v a_o reproach_n and_o a_o shame_n and_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v for_o a_o curse_n to_o all_o god_n choose_v reader_n it_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o this_o new_a form_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o in_o every_o age_n put_v on_o a_o several_a form_n when_o the_o old_a one_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n it_o be_v become_v so_o exceed_o cunning_a and_o so_o furnish_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o form_n of_o righteousness_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o subtle_a work_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v now_o in_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o prevail_v in_o this_o encounter_n have_v antichrist_n under_o his_o foot_n for_o ever_o but_o none_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v here_o but_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a alone_o and_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n 11_o and_o consider_v christ_n encouragement_n to_o this_o work_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o my_o new_a name_n christian_n reader_n i_o commit_v thou_o and_o the_o word_n now_o offer_v to_o thou_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o god_n and_o his_o powerful_a blessing_n and_o wonderful_a work_n remain_v thou_o in_o the_o difficult_a and_o despise_a service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n w._n dell_n right_o reformation_n or_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n represent_v in_o gospel-light_n heb._n 9_o 10._o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o natural_a man_n say_v paul_n 1_o cor._n 2._o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n neither_o can_v he_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v now_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n with_o all_o his_o part_n ability_n reason_n wisdom_n prudence_n learning_n be_v but_o a_o natural_a man_n still_o and_o so_o have_v no_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o hence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v so_o gross_o and_o dangerous_o mistake_v by_o the_o world_n and_o the_o carnal_a church_n for_o all_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v
otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v and_o that_o be_v this_o quest_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wise_a heart_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ_n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n a_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o â—he_n minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o stead_n of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n
pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o john_n keep_v another_o after_o this_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a stickler_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o easter_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o not_o yield_v to_o his_o judgement_n to_o who_o iraeneus_n write_v touch_v the_o diversity_n of_o outward_a thing_n commendat_fw-la use_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v these_o word_n notwithstanding_o the_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n among_o the_o former_a christian_n they_o all_o keep_v peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o we_o say_v he_o still_o retain_v it_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o fast_n commend_v the_o unity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n remain_v sound_a and_o entire_a till_o this_o victor_n time_n which_o be_v ann_n 200._o and_o he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v or_o rather_o enforce_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o uniformity_n of_o keep_v that_o feast_n to_o be_v first_o require_v as_o a_o thing_n necessary_a and_o all_o they_o to_o be_v account_v as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o dissent_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o against_o this_o judgement_n of_o victor_n polycrates_n and_o many_o other_o bishop_n and_o brethren_n of_o asia_n declare_v and_o the_o matter_n have_v burst_v out_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n have_v not_o some_o godly_a man_n of_o those_o time_n bring_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o quench_v it_o among_o who_o iraeneus_n 26._o as_o eusebius_n relate_v speak_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o the_o variety_n and_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n be_v no_o strange_a matter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o this_o variety_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o easter_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o fast_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o usage_n among_o the_o christian_n for_o some_o fast_a one_o some_o two_o day_n some_o more_o and_o other_o count_v 40._o hour_n both_o day_n and_o night_n reckon_v that_o for_o their_o full_a fast_a day_n and_o this_o so_o divers_a fashion_n of_o fast_v in_o the_o church_n begin_v not_o in_o our_o time_n but_o in_o they_o who_o live_v before_o we_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o with_o all_o this_o diversity_n be_v in_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v we_o neither_o do_v this_o difference_n of_o ceremony_n any_o thing_n hinder_v but_o rather_o commend_v the_o agreement_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o he_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o father_n of_o telesphorus_n pius_n anicetus_n soter_n eleutherius_fw-la and_o such_o other_o who_o neither_o observe_v the_o same_o usage_n themselves_o nor_o prescribe_v it_o to_o other_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o keep_v christian_a charity_n with_o such_o as_o come_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o form_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o observe_v as_o well_o appear_v by_o polycarpus_n and_o anicetus_n who_o although_o they_o agree_v not_o in_o one_o uniform_a custom_n of_o rite_n communionem_fw-la tamen_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la yet_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o iraeneus_n in_o his_o practice_n answer_v his_o name_n persuade_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n and_o so_o christian_n liberty_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o uniformity_n till_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o far_o 19_o socrates_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n who_o live_v after_o the_o day_n of_o theodosius_n speak_v of_o the_o fast_n before_o easter_n ageret_fw-la say_v the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v at_o rome_n fast_o three_o week_n continual_o before_o easter_n beside_o the_o sabbath_n and_o the_o sunday_n but_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o illyria_n and_o all_o greece_n and_o alexandria_n fast_o six_o week_n before_o easter_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o fast_v in_o several_a church_n say_v and_o because_o no_o can_v bring_v forth_o any_o commandment_n write_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v this_o fast_o free_a to_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o will_n that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v compel_v by_o fear_n and_o necessity_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o relate_v many_o several_a form_n and_o usage_n in_o several_a christian_a church_n and_o conclude_v that_o matter_n thus_o potest_fw-la but_o say_v he_o to_o commit_v to_o write_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o church_n that_o be_v use_v in_o each_o city_n and_o country_n as_o it_o will_v be_v very_o troublesome_a so_o hardly_o can_v it_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o further_o i_o find_v that_o austin_n who_o be_v send_v into_o england_n by_o pope_n gregory_n ann_n 598._o among_o other_o question_n to_o the_o pope_n propound_v this_o as_o one_o that_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o divers_a and_o gregory_n return_v this_o answer_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n what_o it_o be_v you_o know_v wherein_o you_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o from_o your_o youth_n but_o rather_o it_o please_v i_o better_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o in_o any_o french_a church_n where_o you_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v better_a to_o the_o service_n and_o please_v of_o god_n that_o you_o choose_v the_o same_o and_o so_o infer_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o english_a church_n which_o be_v yet_o new_a in_o the_o faith_n the_o best_a and_o pickedst_a thing_n choose_v out_o of_o many_o church_n for_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o place_n sake_n but_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a wherefore_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v good_a godly_a and_o religious_a those_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o induce_v to_o your_o people_n that_o they_o may_v take_v root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o english_a man_n so_o that_o yet_o you_o see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o enslave_v by_o any_o enforce_a uniformity_n but_o keep_v its_o own_o christian_a freedom_n till_o antichrist_n grow_v up_o to_o more_o height_n and_o get_v the_o secular_a power_n of_o prince_n to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o and_o his_o clergy_n make_v law_n of_o all_o that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o enforce_v man_n to_o they_o against_o their_o will_n and_o thus_o he_o reign_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o till_o the_o determinate_a time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v and_o than_o god_n pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n upon_o some_o choose_a servant_n of_o he_o uniformity_n to_o oppose_v antichrist_n as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n so_o in_o this_o also_o of_o uniformity_n among_o other_o who_o after_o the_o general_a fall_v away_o oppose_v this_o uniformity_n be_v john_n gerson_n chancellor_n of_o paris_n who_o live_v about_o a_o 100_o year_n before_o luther_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n receive_v much_o clear_a light_n from_o god_n he_o in_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o king_n of_o france_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o paris_n pro_fw-la pace_fw-la &_o union_n graecorum_n in_o his_o 7_o the_o consideration_n speak_v thus_o man_n ought_v not_o general_o to_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o positive_a determination_n of_o pope_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o hold_v of_o all_o other_o evangelicae_fw-la who_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n whether_o they_o be_v counsel_n or_o assembly_n to_o hold_v and_o believe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o immediate_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o he_o say_v this_o consideration_n well_o take_v and_o understand_v will_v be_v the_o principal_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o peace_n between_o the_o greek_n and_o latin_n who_o differ_v in_o many_o outward_a form_n and_o rule_n as_o in_o baptism_n the_o latin_a church_n say_v i_o baptize_v thou_o the_o greek_a baptizetur_fw-la servus_n christi_fw-la let_v this_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v baptize_v and_o in_o the_o supper_n the_o latin_a church_n use_v unleavened_a the_o greek_a leaven_a bread_n etc._n etc._n and_o herein_o he_o speak_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o say_v quaelibet_fw-la provincia_fw-la abundet_fw-la sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la let_v every_o province_n abound_v in_o its_o own_o sense_n note_v also_o say_v he_o that_o a_o good_a prince_n permit_v divers_a law_n and_o custom_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o to_o do_v so_o will_v often_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o