hand_n and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n this_o catechism_n say_v he_o be_v perfect_a and_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n we_o meet_v not_o with_o such_o a_o excellent_a epitome_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v write_v to_o this_o mother-church_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v some_o mention_n of_o a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o the_o believe_a roman_n and_o timothy_n be_v command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o st._n paul_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v will_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o none_o of_o these_o place_n do_v show_v we_o as_o the_o text_n under_o consideration_n what_o this_o form_n of_o doctrine_n this_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n this_o profession_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o composition_n and_o foundamentality_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v there_o any_o thing_n be_v assign_v that_o be_v so_o proper_o the_o analogy_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o these_o principle_n of_o catechism_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v if_o all_o christian_a church_n have_v hold_v fast_o this_o catechism_n though_o no_o more_o have_v ever_o be_v compose_v unity_n in_o the_o truth_n will_v have_v be_v better_o maintain_v by_o this_o one_o than_o by_o so_o many_o as_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o sure_o this_o be_v of_o divine_a composure_n and_o authority_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o outweigh_v all_o other_o be_v but_o of_o human_a composition_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o this_o church_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n we_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v why_o repentance_n be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n even_o before_o faith_n sure_o it_o be_v because_o no_o unrepent_v sinner_n can_v have_v the_o faith_n of_o justification_n therefore_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v follow_v repentance_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o will_v both_o punish_v sinner_n and_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o this_o faith_n must_v needs_o precede_v repentance_n heb._n 11._o 6._o this_o repentance_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o this_o mother-church_n comprehend_v three_o thing_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o exceed_a sinfulness_n of_o it_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o or_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act._n 2._o 37._o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o with_o amendment_n of_o life_n without_o which_o repentance_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o than_o to_o be_v esteem_v any_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n repent_v you_o therefore_o and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o act._n 3._o 19_o without_o which_o repentance_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n luk._n 13._o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v say_v our_o saviour_n how_o bless_a have_v it_o be_v if_o this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o man_n bring_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o before_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o not_o keep_v to_o this_o rule_n have_v fill_v all_o national_a church_n with_o unregenerate_a unconverted_a person_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n in_o this_o mother-church_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o mother-church_n appear_v in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n act._n 2._o 40._o to_o the_o illumination_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o expelling_a the_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o unbelief_n by_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v their_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o their_o confidence_n in_o god_n have_v a_o great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o love_n and_o expectation_n of_o which_o they_o willing_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n whilst_o they_o be_v make_v a_o gazingstock_n both_o by_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n with_o joyfulness_n and_o be_v willing_o companion_n with_o and_o charitable_o compassionate_a towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n minister_a to_o the_o saint_n labour_v in_o love_n all_o which_o be_v argument_n of_o true_a and_o lively_a faith._n heb._n 6._o 10_o 11._o heb._n 10._o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35._o he_o that_o read_v and_o consider_v this_o excellent_a epistle_n write_v to_o this_o mother-church_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o no_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deliver_v but_o the_o same_o corroborate_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v shall_v find_v that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o christ_n be_v among_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divinity_n chap._n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o humanity_n chap._n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o priestly_a office_n and_o sacrifice_n with_o all_o other_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o which_o we_o can_v now_o speak_v particular_o 3._o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n in_o this_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v full_o teach_v the_o guide_n of_o this_o mother-church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n both_o by_o word_n and_o example_n and_o thereby_o have_v inform_v they_o of_o a_o threefold_a baptism_n the_o first_o deliver_v by_o precept_n himself_o make_v the_o people_n disciple_n by_o teach_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o appoint_v his_o disciple_n to_o dip_v they_o in_o the_o river_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o dip_v or_o baptise_a more_o disciple_n than_o john_n mat._n 4._o 17._o john_n 4._o 1._o john_n 3._o 22._o his_o own_o example_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a rule_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o baptise_v he_o be_v dip_v of_o john_n into_o jordan_n as_o the_o greek_a have_v it_o mark_v 1._o 9_o and_o then_o come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o of_o this_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v say_v their_o heart_n be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o their_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n for_o baptismal_a water_n be_v therefore_o pure_a because_o it_o be_v sanctify_v for_o our_o religious_a use_n both_o by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n and_o of_o this_o church_n be_v first_o require_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o then_o be_v baptise_a and_o of_o they_o it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n preach_v by_o st._n peter_n be_v baptize_v act_v 2._o 38_o 40._o they_o be_v also_o instruct_v concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n make_v to_o all_o the_o call_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v particular_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o pour_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v baptise_a with_o affliction_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospels-sake_n they_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o discourse_n with_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o by_o his_o own_o suffering_n luke_n 12._o 30._o of_o which_o they_o be_v also_o partaker_n heb._n 10._o 32._o as_o also_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v expect_v the_o same_o and_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v by_o what_o rule_n any_o man_n can_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v baptism_n the_o first_o principle_n see_v christ_n himself_o have_v make_v it_o the_o three_o principle_n and_o by_o what_o rule_n any_o man_n can_v call_v sprinkle_v baptise_v dare_v they_o speak_v as_o they_o act_n that_o be_v dare_v they_o say_v i_o sprinkle_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o their_o conscience_n fly_v in_o their_o face_n if_o they_o shall_v so_o speak_v and_o yet_o behold_v they_o prevaricate_v in_o action_n and_o lie_v in_o expression_n in_o that_o which_o they_o call_v their_o baptism_n god_n will_v sure_o send_v the_o proud_a prevaricator_n in_o this_o case_n a_o quo_fw-la warranto_fw-la for_o their_o presumptuous_a deal_n herein_o of_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v two_o great_a blessing_n belong_v to_o all_o true_a christian_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o gift_n
who_o be_v his_o church_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v she_o nor_o do_v he_o reveal_v this_o but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o must_v we_o find_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o no_o where_o for_o none_o but_o enthusiast_n pretend_v to_o any_o other_o revelation_n in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o speak_v feee_o i_o doubt_v the_o papist_n be_v more_o than_o a_o little_a enthusiastical_a for_o rather_o than_o let_v god_n word_n decide_v this_o question_n about_o the_o church_n they_o will_v fly_v to_o miracle_n as_o if_o a_o false_a prophet_n may_v not_o show_v a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n yea_o and_o that_o sign_n and_o wonder_v come_v to_o pass_v too_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n he_o bring_v it_o to_o prove_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o lie_n see_v deut._n 15._o sure_o he_o that_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v a_o miracle_n or_o wonder_n in_o these_o day_n to_o prove_v such_o or_o such_o a_o people_n to_o be_v the_o church_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o suspect_a both_o he_o and_o his_o church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n already_o which_o word_n do_v as_o full_o set_v forth_o the_o church_n as_o it_o set_v forth_o any_o thing_n insomuch_o as_o man_n may_v as_o well_o call_v for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v true_a as_o to_o call_v for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a church_n indeed_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v once_o find_v than_o all_o wise_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v ready_o lend_v a_o ear_n to_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o when_o she_o undertake_v to_o expound_v the_o dark_a or_o mysterious_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o offer_v her_o judgement_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a for_o as_o for_o the_o common_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o that_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o no_o way_n bias_v by_o interest_n may_v perhaps_o know_v these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o churchman_n but_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o any_o church_n in_o these_o day_n as_o to_o a_o people_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o attribute_n too_o high_a for_o any_o society_n of_o sinful_a man_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o for_o see_v god_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o any_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v or_o be_v mistake_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v speak_v and_o if_o it_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o the_o almighty_a to_o say_v he_o can_v lie_v it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n that_o she_o can_v lie_v lest_o he_o reprove_v we_o and_o we_o be_v find_v liar_n rom._n 3._o 4._o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v and_o again_o hos_fw-la 11._o 12._o ephraim_n compass_v i_o about_o with_o lie_n and_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n with_o deceit_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o though_o judah_n be_v justify_v as_o to_o these_o impiety_n yet_o chap._n 12._o 2._o god_n tell_v they_o he_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o they_o also_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o famous_a church_n have_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o they_o no_o church_n be_v herein_o privilege_v above_o another_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v say_v in_o his_o word_n but_o he_o every_o where_o exhort_v his_o people_n to_o beware_v of_o sin_n error_n and_o apostasy_n and_o command_v every_o one_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v to_o any_o of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v err_v therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v such_o a_o story_n of_o any_o church_n mat._n 16._o 18._o be_v a_o gracious_a promise_n indeed_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o found_v upon_o himself_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o this_o promise_n belong_v to_o all_o true_a church_n equal_o yet_o no_o man_n ever_o dare_v affirm_v from_o hence_o that_o no_o true_a church_n can_v possible_o err_v and_o st._n peter_n who_o understand_v this_o promise_n never_o tell_v any_o church_n of_o his_o plant_v that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o rather_o tell_v they_o they_o may_v err_v so_o as_o to_o fall_v from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a indeed_o if_o any_o church_n can_v be_v assign_v here_o on_o earth_n that_o can_v err_v or_o be_v deceive_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o find_v the_o truth_n have_v once_o find_v the_o church_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o need_n to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o that_o church_n speak_v and_o to_o receive_v her_o determination_n as_o god_n oracle_n but_o then_o i_o consider_v again_o that_o we_o shall_v perhaps_o have_v great_a inconvenience_n also_o for_o if_o all_o the_o decree_v make_v by_o general_a council_n be_v oblige_v to_o we_o and_o be_v bind_v up_o together_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o read_v they_o nor_o i_o doubt_v to_o understand_v they_o it_o will_v then_o be_v our_o best_a at_o the_o long-run_a to_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o church_n but_o i_o consider_v far_o that_o no_o man_n make_v any_o particular_a church_n this_o guide_n but_o do_v refer_v we_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o assemble_v in_o a_o general_n council_n sure_o either_o this_o be_v to_o make_v as_o many_o universal_a church_n at_o least_o as_o there_o have_v be_v age_n since_o christ_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o if_o all_o make_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n the_o direction_n give_v to_o follow_v her_o sentence_n be_v scarce_o practicable_a for_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v what_o be_v hold_v and_o what_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n indeed_o there_o be_v man_n bear_v of_o great_a confidence_n who_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n have_v always_o hold_v such_o doctrine_n and_o such_o traditior_n as_o be_v unwritten_a etc._n etc._n now_o it_o high_o concern_v all_o christian_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o make_v sure_a work_n with_o such_o bold_a talker_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v especial_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o they_o appear_v by_o some_o divine_a record_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o the_o first_o church_n by_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o divine_a institutes_n and_o if_o they_o fail_v here_o it_o will_v be_v ill_o venture_v to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o after-enquiry_n and_o there_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o stand_v as_o strong_o as_o possible_a for_o the_o first_o age_n for_o such_o pure_a and_o undoubted_a antiquity_n be_v necessary_a in_o our_o case_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n argumentation_n against_o the_o jew_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o tradition_n or_o moysaicall_a precept_n in_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n mat._n 19_o 8._o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o see_v the_o apostle_n do_v faithful_o deliver_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o the_o first_o church_n condemn_v all_o that_o shall_v teach_v otherwise_o than_o they_o have_v teach_v the_o the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n or_o that_o shall_v not_o consent_v to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o test_n of_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o primitive_a antiquity_n for_o that_o church_n which_o have_v that_o argument_n fair_o on_o her_o side_n can_v fail_v of_o all_o other_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v any_o way_n necessary_a for_o her_o justification_n for_o indeed_o this_o first_o argument_n do_v infer_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o they_o that_o have_v not_o this_o have_v none_o of_o the_o other_o which_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v look_v back_o upon_o your_o principle_n o_o you_o baptise_a christian_n and_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o they_o even_o by_o your_o adversary_n and_o take_v comfort_n for_o whoever_o boast_v of_o the_o best_a antiquity_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o you_o only_o have_v it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n doubtless_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o so_o let_v the_o
hear_v the_o church_n or_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all._n be_v a_o epistle_n to_o all_o the_o baptise_a believer_n in_o england_n exhort_v they_o to_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n together_o with_o some_o far_a consideration_n of_o seven_o query_n send_v to_o the_o baptise_a believer_n in_o lincolnshire_n concern_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o three_o part_n by_o thomas_n grantham_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v be_v turn_v into_o fable_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 4._o but_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v note_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o hold_v with_o i_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o michael_n your_o prince_n dan._n 10._o 21._o london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1687._o to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o man_n sincere_o religious_a do_v more_o hearty_o desire_n than_o that_o all_o man_n be_v so_o too_o and_o because_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v in_o that_o very_a way_n which_o most_o true_o lead_v to_o life_n they_o therefore_o strive_v that_o all_o may_v know_v it_o and_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o true_o this_o be_v my_o case_n my_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o all_o man_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o as_o i_o believe_v it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o show_v i_o the_o path_n of_o life_n i_o can_v but_o do_v my_o best_a to_o show_v it_o to_o other_o for_o as_o some_o by_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v helpful_a to_o i_o so_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o other_o when_o i_o call_v the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o i_o allude_v to_o that_o place_n gal._n 4._o 26._o interpreter_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v take_v jerusalem_n there_o for_o the_o gospel_n catholic_n church_n now_o this_o church_n have_v its_o beginning_n and_o this_o beginning_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o because_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n for_o near_o one_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o year_n there_o have_v abundance_n of_o error_n creep_v in_o and_o much_o truth_n in_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n of_o it_o reject_v i_o think_v it_o high_o rational_a that_o all_o prejudice_n be_v lay_v apart_o men_n shall_v seek_v with_o the_o great_a diligence_n for_o their_o great_a security_n into_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n gospel-church_n as_o by_o himself_o establish_v for_o whatsoever_o have_v not_o be_v plant_v by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v nigh_o to_o its_o be_v root_v up_o god_n almighty_n direct_v we_o all_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o thy_o friend_n thomas_n grantham_n let_v the_o reader_n further_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o paper_n be_v original_o write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n otherwise_o some_o thing_n repeat_v will_v have_v be_v otherwise_o let_v thy_o discretion_n bear_v with_o this_o hear_v the_o church_n the_o first_o part_n contain_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o appeal_n to_o her_o as_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all._n it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v converse_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o make_v know_v and_o establish_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o have_v be_v great_a strive_v among_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o some_o honour_n and_o prerogative_n above_o the_o rest_n sometime_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n sometime_o the_o church_n at_o constantinople_n and_o especial_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n press_v very_o hard_o for_o precedence_n of_o honour_n and_o pre-eminence_n of_o power_n few_o mind_v the_o poor_a afflict_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o true_a mother_n of_o all_o true_a christian_a church_n when_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v leave_v a_o high_a commendation_n upon_o those_o who_o do_v follow_v she_o both_o in_o the_o effectual_a reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o man_n though_o preach_v by_o apostle_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 2._o 13_o 14._o and_o also_o not_o in_o persecute_v but_o in_o suffer_v like_o thing_n of_o their_o countryman_n as_o they_o do_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o desire_v and_o hope_v that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o all_o due_a consideration_n have_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o heavenly_a frame_n and_o holy_a walk_v of_o that_o mother-church_n unto_o who_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o our_o dear_a lord_n be_v a_o personal_a minister_n and_o do_v actual_o dispense_v to_o and_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o divine_a mystery_n or_o ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o who_o be_v pour_v the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n it_o be_v this_o church_n from_o who_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n shall_v first_o go_v forth_o isa_n 2._o 3._o mich._n 4._o 1_o 2._o here_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v flow_v unto_o it_o a_o honour_n not_o give_v to_o other_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 36._o what_o come_v the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o from_o you_o no_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o another_o for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n which_o by_o special_a order_n from_o christ_n be_v fulfil_v when_o he_o give_v commandment_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n in_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n luk._n 24._o 47._o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n give_v utterance_n unto_o the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v in_o all_o language_n that_o then_o some_o of_o all_o nation_n who_o be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v hear_v from_o thence_o the_o joyful_a sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o keep_v the_o same_o holy_a doctrine_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v there_o deliver_v and_o confirm_v by_o divers_a sign_n and_o miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o heb._n 2._o 4._o act._n 2._o forasmuch_o then_o as_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o follow_v this_o church_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n command_v they_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o concern_v at_o this_o time_n to_o declare_v our_o unfeigned_a assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v here_o deliver_v and_o our_o humble_a resolution_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v here_o practise_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o same_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o church_n at_o the_o first_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o a_o safe_a way_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o the_o manifold_a error_n which_o since_o the_o plantation_n of_o this_o church_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a nation_n to_o the_o intent_n then_o that_o we_o may_v avoid_v error_n and_o cleave_v to_o truth_n we_o shall_v consider_v particular_o though_o very_o brief_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o heavenly_a building_n in_o respect_n of_o her_o foundation_n her_o form_n of_o government_n and_o the_o way_n of_o her_o worship_n in_o order_n to_o her_o perfection_n and_o first_o we_o find_v her_o foundation-principle_n to_o consist_v in_o six_o particular_n call_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n which_o article_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o foundation_n because_o of_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o foundation_n to_o his_o church_n as_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o own_o doctrine_n and_o other_o foundation_n than_o christ_n so_o hold_v forth_o can_v no_o man_n lay_v of_o such_o importance_n be_v these_o sacred_a principle_n that_o we_o find_v the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v to_o call_v they_o the_o christian_a catechism_n chrysostoms_n testimony_n be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o be_v fundamental_a article_n that_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o repent_v from_o dead_a work_n to_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v worthy_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v give_v by_o imposition_n of_o
itself_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o reveal_v they_o but_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n what_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v concern_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o what_o before_o that_o time_n have_v be_v show_v unto_o st._n peter_n by_o a_o certain_a vision_n of_o god_n accept_v the_o gentile_n though_o not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o legal_a purification_n and_o therefore_o till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reverse_v those_o decree_n they_o be_v to_o oblige_v all_o church_n to_o keep_v they_o inviolable_a and_o in_o this_o point_n as_o indeed_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o baptise_a church_n in_o this_o age_n do_v stand_v a_o witness_n against_o the_o disorder_n and_o disobedience_n of_o most_o of_o the_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o abstain_v from_o blood_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o know_v the_o true_a church_n do_v religious_o observe_v these_o decree_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n after_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o the_o custom_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o when_o they_o feed_v at_o their_o table_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o beast_n it_o be_v further_a safe_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n be_v so_o far_o oblige_v only_o as_o the_o thing_n decree_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o because_o they_o be_v decree_v in_o council_n only_o for_o here_o st._n peter_n prove_v that_o church_n be_v free_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o legal_a ceremony_n because_o they_o wear_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a to_o be_v bear_v 2._o because_o god_n have_v accept_v they_o already_o without_o they_o and_o james_n the_o angel_n of_o this_o church_n prove_n or_o confirm_v the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o argument_n and_o probation_n satisfy_v the_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o these_o decree_n be_v always_o forbid_v even_o to_o noah_n and_o his_o perpetual_a generation_n gen._n 9_o 12_o etc._n etc._n nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n excommunicate_a or_o anathematise_v all_o that_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o very_o sweet_o tell_v the_o brethren_n they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o advice_n for_o they_o know_v that_o every_o church_n have_v power_n to_o punish_v offender_n and_o to_o they_o they_o seem_v to_o leave_v that_o care_n and_o not_o to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v of_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n in_o the_o mother-church_n in_o all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o the_o plantation_n and_o growth_n of_o this_o famous_a church_n or_o in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o write_v to_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n to_o be_v find_v of_o any_o one_o infant_n be_v bring_v to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v to_o the_o negative_a of_o this_o question_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o here_o infant-circumcision_n be_v absolute_o exclude_v yet_o be_v there_o no_o argument_n urge_v for_o it_o from_o their_o baptism_n which_o have_v be_v very_o considerable_a have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o usage_n in_o this_o or_o the_o gentile_a church_n and_o because_o it_o be_v grant_v now_o by_o many_o and_o these_o the_o most_o learned_a too_o among_o who_o the_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v no_o scripture_n for_o infant-baptism_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o it_o stand_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a tradition_n all_o that_o we_o shall_v say_v to_o that_o plea_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o show_v who_o deliver_v this_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a for_o see_v tradition_n signify_v a_o thing_n deliver_v it_o be_v fit_a the_o person_n or_o person_n deliver_v such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v person_n lawful_o impower_v to_o deliver_v such_o a_o tradition_n before_o we_o can_v with_o safety_n receive_v it_o tradition_n but_o how_o then_o shall_v infant_n be_v save_v if_o baptism_n belong_v not_o to_o they_o i_o answer_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o st._n peter_n verse_n 11._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o sure_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o ask_v how_o can_v infant_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o repentance_n see_v it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v etc._n etc._n and_o what_o answer_n can_v any_o wise_a man_n make_v save_v this_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n suffice_v they_o have_v christ_n express_a word_n for_o it_o that_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o he_o speak_v to_o unbaptised_a infant_n too_o which_o be_v therefore_o so_o satisfactory_a that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o evidence_n if_o any_o man_n say_v the_o word_n which_o st._n peter_n speak_v in_o council_n act_v 15._o 11._o be_v not_o mean_v of_o infant_n and_o therefore_o not_o pertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o opposition_n to_o this_o position_n that_o without_o circumcision_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n the_o gentile_n can_v not_o be_v save_v now_o we_o know_v it_o be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n to_o circumcise_v infant_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o these_o false_a teacher_n do_v question_v the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n die_v without_o circumcision_n therefore_o these_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n which_o teach_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v be_v save_v have_v their_o clear_a extent_n to_o infant_n as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o we_o have_v far_o write_v in_o a_o treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_a entitle_v the_o controversy_n about_o infant-church-member-ship_n and_o baptism_n epitomise_v of_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o saint_n angel_n and_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o this_o mother-church_n it_o be_v in_o this_o church_n where_o the_o holy_a virgin_n mother_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v her_o conversation_n and_o society_n be_v with_o that_o select_a company_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n act_n 1._o 15._o among_o who_o this_o most_o bless_a woman_n be_v express_o name_v and_o by_o who_o presence_n this_o mother-church_n be_v honour_v above_o all_o other_o and_o here_o be_v the_o last_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o she_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o honourable_a mention_n of_o she_o by_o name_n and_o as_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o doubtless_o call_v for_o great_a reverence_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o god_n people_n be_v all_o the_o honour_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v here_o confer_v upon_o she_o this_o church_n make_v no_o prayer_n to_o she_o nor_o to_o christ_n in_o her_o name_n nor_o teach_v the_o succeed_a church_n to_o do_v so_o yet_o sure_o she_o be_v the_o great_a saint_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n from_o any_o direction_n nor_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o perform_v such_o devotion_n to_o she_o we_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n or_o pretence_n of_o truth_n do_v it_o to_o any_o other_o creatrue_a saint_n or_o angel_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o though_o this_o church_n have_v occasion_n to_o make_v express_a mention_n of_o david_n in_o their_o prayer_n act_n 4._o 25._o yet_o do_v they_o not_o use_v his_o intercession_n at_o all_o but_o this_o honour_n they_o give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o through_o his_o name_n such_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v as_o may_v confirm_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n nor_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o worship_v of_o angel_n saint_n nor_o the_o holy_a virgin_n in_o particular_a in_o that_o sacred_a epistle_n which_o be_v send_v to_o this_o church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o bless_a mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n so_o that_o this_o mother-church_n seem_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o such_o devotion_n and_o much_o more_o may_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o pay_v no_o such_o devotion_n to_o the_o image_n of_o these_o or_o of_o any_o of_o they_o if_o any_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a we_o answer_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o jerom_n non_fw-la credimus_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la legimus_fw-la and_o with_o apollinarius_n we_o dare_v add_v nothing_o to_o
the_o perfect_a word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereto_o nothing_o may_v be_v add_v and_o wherefrom_o nothing_o may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o he_o that_o will_v lead_v a_o life_n agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n euseb_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 14._o thus_o brethren_n i_o have_v for_o your_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o other_o taken_z a_o fresh_a view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o this_o most_o primitive_a church_n to_o who_o holy_a pattern_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o have_v diligent_o labour_v to_o conform_v your_o soul_n her_o principle_n be_v you_o her_o government_n in_o good_a measure_n be_v you_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o of_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v my_o heart_n desire_n be_v that_o god_n will_v speedy_o reveal_v even_o the_o same_o unto_o you_o and_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o all_o well_o dispose_v will_v in_o time_n see_v themselves_o concern_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o principle_n in_o the_o very_a order_n wherein_o you_o maintain_v they_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o a_o epistle_n to_o all_o the_o baptise_a christian_n in_o england_n exciting_a they_o to_o steadfastness_n in_o their_o holy_a profession_n under_o their_o various_a trial_n and_o great_a affliction_n the_o second_o part_n brethren_n as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o exercise_v you_o many_o year_n with_o various_a trial_n and_o affliction_n for_o your_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o restoration_n of_o it_o to_o its_o ancient_a purity_n both_o in_o the_o form_n and_o power_n of_o it_o wherein_o you_o have_v labour_v hitherto_o and_o have_v not_o faint_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v attain_v to_o some_o degree_n in_o that_o behalf_n above_o what_o have_v as_o yet_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o your_o countryman_n for_o which_o you_o owe_v the_o great_a thankfulness_n to_o almighty_a god._n and_o have_v as_o i_o very_o believe_v lay_v a_o right_a foundation_n for_o a_o true_a church-state_n you_o be_v indispensible_o oblige_v to_o go_v on_o unto_o perfection_n as_o the_o first_o church_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n be_v express_o require_v and_o exhort_v heb._n 6._o 1_o 2_o 3._o in_o which_o holy_a profession_n be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n one_o with_o you_o and_o also_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o office_n of_o a_o messenger_n of_o your_o church_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o despise_a office_n among_o all_o christian_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 9_o do_v hold_n it_o my_o duty_n at_o this_o time_n to_o endeavour_v to_o strengthen_v you_o in_o what_o i_o may_v in_o your_o holy_a profession_n as_o also_o to_o call_v upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v shake_v in_o mind_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o have_v befall_v they_o in_o common_a with_o their_o brethren_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o those_o undoubted_o shall_v who_o draw_v back_o from_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v once_o embrace_v unto_o perdition_n so_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o for_o any_o to_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v profess_v by_o the_o baptise_a church_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o other_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o near_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o pristine_a order_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o own_o the_o honourable_a appellation_n of_o christian_a for_o what_o sort_n of_o christian_n can_v with_o any_o confidence_n look_v upon_o or_o bring_v themselves_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o st._n paul_n catechism_n also_o heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o as_o the_o ancient_n use_v to_o call_v it_o except_o the_o baptise_a church_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o other_o can_v they_o of_o the_o present_a roman_a catholick-church_n in_o any_o wise_a square_v themselves_o or_o justify_v their_o present_a church-state_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o sacred_a principle_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o they_o no_o these_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v concordant_a with_o the_o catechism_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n see_v a_o doctor_n of_o their_o own_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v our_o rule_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v all_o cross_v the_o cudgel_n to_o the_o anabaptist_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o victory_n to_o the_o baptise_a church_n unless_o a_o better_a form_n of_o doctrine_n can_v be_v assign_v than_o this_o be_v which_o will_v never_o be_v yea_o so_o press_v be_v this_o place_n from_o the_o true_a institution_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a religion_n that_o the_o rhemist_n seem_v to_o be_v under_o no_o small_a difficulty_n how_o to_o express_v themselves_o about_o it_o for_o thus_o they_o speak_v upon_o the_o text_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o we_o see_v hereby_o say_v they_o what_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o christian_a institution_n or_o catechism_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o necessary_a instruction_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a point_n have_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o tradition_n before_o man_n come_v to_o the_o scripture_n which_o can_v not_o treat_v of_o thing_n so_o particular_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o teach_n of_o all_o necessary_a ground_n among_o these_o point_n be_v the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o doctrine_n of_o penance_n before_o baptism_n the_o manner_n and_o necessity_n of_o baptism_n the_o sacrament_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o baptism_n call_v confirmation_n the_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n judgement_n and_o such_o like_a without_o which_o thing_n first_o lay_v if_o one_o shall_v be_v send_v to_o pick_v his_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v mad_a rule_n quick_o 1._o it_o be_v high_o observable_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o church_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o man_n read_v heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o be_v open_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o most_o potent_a opposite_n to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v for_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o institution_n of_o christianity_n or_o christian_a institution_n and_o catechism_n that_o in_o the_o primitime_a church_n these_o ground_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o very_a order_n now_o observe_v by_o the_o baptise_a church_n particular_o repentance_n before_o baptism_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o baptism_n sure_o this_o be_v a_o full_a testimony_n that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o baptise_a church_n now_o wrongful_o call_v anabaptist_n and_o they_o only_o be_v true_o apostolical_a whilst_o all_o the_o paedobaptist_n in_o the_o world_n among_o who_o the_o papist_n have_v quite_o subvert_v this_o order_n give_v their_o suppose_a baptism_n before_o repentance_n and_o that_o unto_o person_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o repentance_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a instruction_n and_o belief_n of_o certain_a point_n have_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o tradition_n before_o man_n come_v to_o the_o scripture_n admit_v this_o to_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o such_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v then_o unwritten_a when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_o false_a in_o respect_n of_o such_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v then_o in_o be_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n propound_v the_o text_n of_o scripture_n luke_n 4._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o thence_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o command_v his_o hearer_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5._o 29._o he_o do_v not_o send_v his_o hearer_n to_o tradition_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n st._n peter_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 2._o 17._o preach_v from_o and_o notable_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2._o not_o by_o tradition_n and_o philip_n act_v 8._o 35._o begin_v at_o the_o same_o scripture_n which_o the_o eunuch_n read_v and_o preach_v to_o he_o jesus_n without_o make_v any_o use_n of_o tradition_n apollo_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n not_o in_o tradition_n convince_v the_o jew_n show_v not_o by_o tradition_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n st._n paul_n act_v 28._o 2d_o persuade_v man_n concern_v jesus_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n not_o out_o of_o tradition_n from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o st._n paul_n hearer_n search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o not_o tradition_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o
the_o priest_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n yet_o they_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n because_o they_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n mat._n 2._o 8._o it_o suppose_v whoever_o fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v as_o sure_o damn_v as_o he_o be_v cast_v or_o hang_v that_o fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o judge_n in_o law._n which_o may_v be_v false_a for_o the_o priest_n do_v joint_o sentence_v our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o our_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o the_o church_n do_v bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o then_o nothing_o be_v bind_v on_o earth_n unless_o she_o judge_v righteous_o for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o curse_v causeless_o shall_v not_o come_v prov._n 26._o 2._o and_o see_v she_o may_v be_v deceive_v at_o least_o by_o false_a witness_n she_o may_v condemn_v the_o innocent_a though_o she_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v so_o which_o show_v she_o be_v not_o infallible_a whatever_o man_n talk_v to_o the_o contrary_n i_o do_v not_o like_o this_o opinion_n therefore_o because_o it_o leave_v not_o liberty_n for_o those_o who_o the_o church_n condemn_v to_o appeal_v so_o much_o as_o to_o almighty_a god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n whilst_o the_o church_n know_v they_o not_o but_o i_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n by_o say_v 1._o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n authoritative_a this_o indeed_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n ever_o think_v otherwise_o and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v content_a to_o abide_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v innocent_a till_o god_n clear_v their_o innocency_n but_o all_o this_o while_n we_o suppose_v the_o church_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o she_o judge_n according_a to_o evidence_n and_o yet_o because_o she_o know_v not_o all_o secret_n nor_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n we_o also_o suppose_v she_o may_v possible_o mistake_v though_o never_o so_o honest_a but_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o knowledge_n or_o discretion_n by_o which_o man_n receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o understanding_n and_o so_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o by_o the_o same_o judgement_n he_o refuse_v what_o be_v false_a as_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o till_o his_o understanding_n be_v well_o inform_v or_o rational_o satisfy_v by_o convince_a evidence_n he_o can_v if_o he_o have_v the_o understanding_n and_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n do_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v offer_v to_o man_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o choice_n josh_n 24._o 15._o choose_v then_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v heb._n 11._o 25._o moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o man_n be_v not_o call_v at_o the_o same_o moment_n but_o some_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o their_o youth_n other_o in_o their_o middle_a age_n some_o not_o till_o old_a age_n all_o the_o liberty_n which_o we_o contend_v for_o be_v that_o man_n may_v have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v allow_v to_o understand_v it_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o sacred_a thing_n that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o also_o be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o they_o be_v also_o exhort_v prove_v every_o man_n his_o own_o work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o gal._n 6._o 4_o 5._o thus_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o will_v more_o glad_o than_o myself_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o that_o honour_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v she_o but_o to_o say_v she_o can_v err_v be_v to_o make_v she_o more_o like_a god_n than_o she_o be_v i_o think_v all_o that_o can_v be_v safe_o affirm_v be_v that_o she_o shall_v not_o sail_v so_o as_o utter_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v but_o that_o god_n will_v have_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o the_o apostasy_n be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o seem_o universal_a and_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o foreshow_v the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o the_o christian_a nation_n so_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o intermix_v some_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o when_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v like_o the_o dove_n in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n cant._n 2._o 14._o or_o thrust_v into_o prison_n and_o out_o of_o sight_n which_o may_v cause_v the_o faithful_a even_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o church_n remain_v like_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o desire_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v because_o he_o think_v the_o faithful_a have_v utter_o fail_v and_o himself_o leave_v alone_o i_o say_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v remember_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v always_o have_v a_o church_n however_o she_o may_v be_v obscure_v final_o brethren_n my_o heart_n desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o be_v that_o you_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o in_o these_o sacred_a principle_n before_o mention_v and_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o your_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o threefold_a order_n of_o minister_n under_o which_o the_o first_o church_n be_v undoubted_o govern_v viz._n messenger_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o advise_v to_o this_o because_o some_o have_v be_v please_v to_o publish_v in_o print_n that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o office_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n elder_n and_o deacon_n this_o presbyterian_a principle_n will_n i_o fear_v undo_v such_o as_o receive_v it_o they_o bold_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o office_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v temporary_a as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o what_o i_o have_v former_o write_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o office_n be_v extant_a among_o you_o and_o as_o yet_o unanswered_a and_o to_o that_o i_o refer_v you_o our_o division_n have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v if_o continue_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o our_o adversary_n know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o against_o we_o and_o our_o holy_a 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