send_v to_o samaria_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n the_o 8._o and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n by_o that_o church_n there_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v send_v again_o to_o antioch_n syria_n &_o galatia_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dependent_a as_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o m._n knollys_n be_v altogether_o in_o error_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a neither_o be_v that_o true_a also_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n any_o far_a than_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v a_o special_a caution_n &_o caveat_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a christ_n but_o also_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o who_o bid_v all_o the_o gentile_n beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o any_o as_o come_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o decree_n yea_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n gal_n 1._o verse_n 7_o 8._o give_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n a_o special_a charge_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v he_o accurse_v and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o 11._o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a apostle_n although_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoin_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o they_o warn_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n though_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v not_o according_a to_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n and_o command_v they_o withal_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n jude_n in_o his_o and_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o be_v commend_v for_o discover_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o proof_n and_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o christ_n who_o minister_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v and_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n apocalyp_v the_o 2._o verse_n 1._o who_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o and_o who_o preserve_v and_o protect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o as_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n sufficient_o declare_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o master_n knollys_n fond_o say_v who_o be_v their_o fellow_n servant_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transaction_n of_o all_o the_o business_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o much_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o council_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o i_o say_v in_o my_o argument_n and_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o by_o god_n assistance_n more_o abundant_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o master_n knollys_n who_o think_v all_o man_n shall_v take_v for_o a_o oracle_n every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o pen_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o never_o so_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o just_a control_n as_o that_o other_o of_o his_o expression_n be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a error_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o satan_n neither_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o when_o he_o temporize_v among_o the_o galatian_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n church_n as_o he_o erroneous_o and_o ignorant_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o who_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 2_o cor._n 4._o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o themselves_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n if_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o his_o church_n and_o his_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o timothy_n aver_v ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o therefore_o i_o say_v church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o special_a prohibition_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v over_o they_o that_o be_v their_o subject_n how_o then_o can_v mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n church_n every_o man_n i_o conceive_v that_o have_v any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o with_o deliberation_n shall_v read_v mr_n knollys_n scribble_n will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o frontless_a man_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n he_o will_v never_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o error_n and_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v he_o ever_o have_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n in_o my_o first_o book_n that_o they_o act_v in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n but_o because_o mr_n knollys_n be_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v about_o that_o point_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n if_o not_o to_o he_o at_o least_o to_o other_o i_o will_v here_o prove_v that_o point_n a_o little_a more_o full_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v brief_o also_o answer_v mr_n knollys_n his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o fufferage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o that_o whole_a business_n do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n but_o as_o presbyter_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o ordinary_a counsel_n and_o synod_n for_o first_o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n though_o both_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o be_v at_o that_o time_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ver_fw-la 2._o as_o servant_n of_o that_o presbytery_n who_o willing_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o act_v as_o
he_o may_v also_o true_o be_v say_v of_o cretensis_n and_o all_o those_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o word_n be_v sword_n and_o spear_n who_o all_o fight_n rather_o with_o their_o heel_n then_o with_o their_o head_n and_o kick_v rather_o than_o argue_v and_o whip_v rather_o than_o answer_v whether_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n though_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o gray_a head_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o their_o deal_n be_v so_o palpable_o unjust_a and_o their_o opinion_n so_o schismatical_a heretical_a and_o erroneous_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o as_o know_v what_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n my_o brother_n burton_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pretend_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o god_n word_n for_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o affirm_v moreover_o in_o the_o five_o page_n that_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o several_a congregation_n be_v all_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o both_o which_o assertion_n of_o his_o be_v most_o false_a as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o all_o those_o that_o know_v their_o practice_n and_o will_v vouchsafe_v but_o to_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n where_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n in_o all_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o any_o of_o their_o new_a practice_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n how_o then_o can_v the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o it_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o way_n as_o by_o their_o practice_n will_v be_v evidence_v therefore_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o will_v brief_o examine_v some_o of_o their_o proceed_n and_o first_o whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o all_o their_o church_n be_v dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o this_o i_o say_v be_v most_o false_a for_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n whatsoever_o they_o publish_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o people_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o method_n well_o know_v so_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o of_o their_o church_n breast_n and_o be_v at_o their_o pleasure_n whether_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o confer_v or_o consult_v with_o each_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v at_o any_o time_n vouchsafe_v one_o another_o that_o courtesy_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o voluntary_a whether_o they_o will_v give_v each_o other_o a_o account_n of_o either_o their_o censure_n or_o proceed_n for_o they_o all_o pretend_v as_o absolute_a a_o sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o several_o as_o any_o free-state_n or_o commonwealth_n &_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o neither_o can_v they_o appeal_v for_o any_o relief_n if_o wrong_v one_o to_o or_o from_o another_o and_o if_o any_o member_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o church_n or_o any_o one_o of_o those_o church_n divide_v among_o themselves_o or_o upon_o some_o eminent_a receive_v wrong_v shall_v fond_o complain_v to_o another_o neighbour_n church_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o relieve_v they_o no_o more_o than_o one_o private_a man_n can_v relieve_v another_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v appeal_v to_o by_o another_o and_o if_o that_o church_n shall_v desire_v a_o account_n of_o the_o other_o church_n proceed_n that_o church_n may_v refuse_v it_o if_o it_o please_v they_o but_o if_o to_o gratify_v their_o desire_n that_o church_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o other_o church_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o proceed_n all_o this_o be_v but_o gratis_o and_o out_o of_o their_o good_a nature_n they_o have_v still_o no_o power_n to_o call_v that_o church_n in_o question_n that_o have_v do_v the_o wrong_n if_o that_o church_n stand_v upon_o its_o point_n and_o privilege_n and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n then_o forsooth_o they_o will_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o that_o church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v the_o high_a censure_n any_o one_o church_n can_v proceed_v to_o against_o another_o church_n be_v not_o this_o i_o pray_v fine_a dependency_n what_o more_o unrighteous_a deal_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o profess_v themselves_o independent_o and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n and_o when_o that_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n they_o have_v no_o more_o real_a dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o than_o we_o have_v with_o they_o yea_o what_o a_o great_a unrighteousness_n be_v this_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o a_o communion_n among_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n when_o it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o more_o union_n and_o communion_n nor_o true_a friendship_n among_o they_o then_o be_v between_o herod_n and_o pilate_n they_o refuse_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n each_o to_o other_o in_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v deadly_a enemy_n one_o to_o another_o as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v although_o they_o all_o agree_v together_o to_o persecute_v the_o presbyterian_o as_o herod_n and_o pilate_n do_v well_o accord_n to_o persecute_v christ_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v hear_v the_o independent_o protest_v against_o the_o brownist_n anabaptist_n antinomian_o and_o seeker_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o new_a fraternity_n proclaim_v they_o all_o sectary_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o have_v hear_v those_o several_a society_n rail_v against_o all_o the_o independent_o especial_o those_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a esteem_n of_o any_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n then_o of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v unanimous_o accuse_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n of_o as_o great_a tyranny_n as_o the_o prelate_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n here_o among_o we_o have_v their_o different_a law_n and_o custom_n every_o one_o of_o they_o dissent_v more_o or_o less_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a church_n yea_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o other_o practice_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n know_v not_o that_o the_o woman_n in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n have_v their_o voice_n there_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o also_o have_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o their_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o their_o new_a church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v page_n the_o five_o when_o as_o they_o all_o of_o they_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o independent_a what_o unrighteousness_n then_o be_v this_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o in_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o affirm_v that_o in_o all_o their_o church_n there_o be_v a_o dependent_a independency_n or_o a_o independent_a dependency_n which_o be_v but_o a_o contradictory_n bull_n at_o best_a at_o the_o bait_v whereof_o a_o man_n if_o he_o regard_v not_o mispending_a his_o time_n may_v make_v far_o better_a sport_n than_o he_o do_v some_o year_n since_o in_o bait_v the_o pope_n bull._n the_o truth_n be_v as_o their_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a babel_n so_o all_o their_o language_n be_v confound_v and_o they_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n principle_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v all_o real_o independent_a and_o therefore_o whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n where_o they_o be_v so_o unrighteous_a in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v and_o practise_v another_o and_o when_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o do_v i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a reader_n but_o the_o unrighteousness_n of_o their_o way_n will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v if_o we_o but_o look_v into_o some_o other_o of_o their_o practice_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o instance_n the_o very_a
church_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o vanish_v for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n there_o that_o have_v not_o a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o but_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o another_o authority_n above_o they_o then_o of_o necessity_n that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a chimaera_n or_o whimsy_n of_o your_o own_o head_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o your_o tribe_n do_v acknowledge_v now_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v not_o only_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o argument_n prove_v it_o he_o have_v utter_o i_o say_v lose_v the_o field_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o combat_n as_o will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o by_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v you_o may_v see_v how_o unhappy_a you_o be_v in_o all_o these_o your_o champion_n and_o general_n that_o give_v as_o great_a wound_n unto_o your_o cause_n as_o any_o adversary_n you_o have_v in_o the_o world_n now_o live_v ever_o give_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o all_o your_o leader_n and_o guide_n be_v earnest_o to_o entreat_v they_o as_o they_o look_v for_o true_a comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o as_o they_o desire_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o this_o distract_a state_n and_o kingdom_n they_o will_v now_o no_o long_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v but_o that_o they_o will_v unfeigned_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o repent_v of_o their_o seduce_a and_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v god_n and_o cause_v the_o enemy_n to_o blaspheme_v our_o christian_a 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your_o eternal_a felicity_n if_o any_o of_o you_o that_o have_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v convert_v by_o it_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v the_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o shall_v hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n james_n 5._o 19_o 20._o john_n bastwick_n the_o antiloqvie_n solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n and_o one_o belove_v of_o god_n give_v this_o counsel_n to_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o universality_n of_o all_o mankind_n say_v unto_o they_o all_o prov._n 23._o for_o 23._o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o also_o wisdom_n instruction_n and_o understanding_n he_o counsel_v they_o all_o to_o prise_fw-fr truth_n with_o wisdom_n instruction_n and_o understanding_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o make_v man_n happy_a not_o in_o this_o life_n alone_o but_o eternal_o for_o so_o solomon_n that_o wise_a man_n assert_v prov._n 3_o ver_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o saying_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o then_o fine_a gold_n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o if_o all_o the_o orator_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v gather_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o can_v not_o with_o so_o illustrious_a a_o brevity_n have_v set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n nor_o with_o more_o glorious_a encomium_n and_o ellogy_n have_v decipher_v the_o amability_n of_o they_o for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o specious_a and_o lovely_a and_o for_o the_o invite_a of_o all_o man_n to_o the_o ready_a and_o willing_a embrace_n of_o they_o for_o if_o either_o life_n profit_n pleasure_n honour_n or_o any_o delectable_a content_n or_o any_o thing_n indeed_o desirable_a in_o the_o world_n can_v invite_v any_o creature_n to_o be_v enamour_v with_o any_o object_n of_o love_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o way_n of_o the_o praise_n thereof_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o description_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n deliver_v by_o solomon_n and_o yet_o truth_n have_v the_o preeminency_n before_o they_o all_o the_o first_o place_n for_o dignity_n be_v give_v &_o assign_v unto_o she_o and_o by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n himself_o who_o speak_v by_o his_o servant_n solomon_n all_o man_n be_v enjoin_v to_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o upon_o any_o term_n and_o not_o to_o bartell_n it_o away_o or_o sell_v it_o or_o to_o part_v with_o it_o though_o it_o may_v be_v with_o never_o so_o much_o worldly_a emolument_fw-fr unto_o they_o buy_v the_o truth_n say_v god_n &_o sell_v it_o not_o keep_v it_o for_o ever_o for_o by_o the_o truth_n thou_o shall_v perfect_o attain_v unto_o liberty_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o life_n yea_o which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n liberty_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n contend_v for_o every_o man_n not_o only_o desire_v it_o but_o fight_v for_o it_o now_o the_o truth_n will_v make_v every_o man_n free_a so_o say_v christ_n john_n 8._o for_o 32._o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a from_o all_o error_n and_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o from_o the_o very_a terror_n of_o both_o and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v serious_o doubt_v what_o truth_n be_v as_o pilate_n scornful_o do_v christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o john_n 17._o v._o 17._o saying_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o that_o truth_n that_o sanctifi_v his_o people_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n 1_o tim._n 4._o v._n 5._o this_o precious_a good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3._o contain_v in_o it_o be_v that_o that_o all_o man_n be_v exhort_v earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o therefore_o more_o especial_o in_o these_o our_o time_n every_o one_o ought_v vigorous_o to_o stand_v up_o and_o contend_v for_o it_o yea_o upon_o any_o term_n or_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o buy_v it_o when_o it_o be_v become_v such_o a_o rarity_n as_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o thicket_n meander_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o so_o many_o error_n so_o that_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n be_v very_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n through_o the_o involution_n and_o entanglement_n of_o writhe_v and_o restless_a spirit_n who_o whole_a work_n and_o design_n it_o be_v as_o by_o their_o daily_a practice_n it_o do_v appear_v either_o whole_o to_o eclipse_v or_o darken_v it_o or_o total_o to_o take_v it_o away_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v truth_n and_o light_n be_v once_o remove_v the_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n may_v the_o better_o put_v off_o their_o corrupt_a and_o putrid_a ware_n and_o commodity_n and_o the_o poor_a delude_a people_n may_v the_o more_o facilly_a and_o ready_o be_v delude_v cheat_v and_o consened_z and_o those_o that_o be_v wayfaring_a man_n for_o the_o want_n of_o its_o direction_n may_v wander_v in_o the_o by-path_n of_o darkness_n to_o their_o own_o eternal_a perdition_n and_o the_o verity_n be_v too_o too_o many_o by_o their_o needless_a vain_a and_o unnecessary_a jangle_n about_o the_o truth_n
and_o the_o way_n have_v lose_v they_o both_o and_o be_v now_o turn_v seeker_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o their_o eternal_a shame_n and_o misery_n too_o if_o they_o speedy_o repent_v not_o for_o god_n in_o the_o 30._o of_o deut._n ver_fw-la 11._o say_v there_o this_o commandment_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o neither_o be_v it_o far_o of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o heaven_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o for_o we_o to_o heaven_n and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o beyond_o the_o sea_n that_o thou_o shall_v say_v who_o shall_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n for_o we_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o but_o the_o word_n be_v very_o nigh_o unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o see_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o this_o day_n life_n and_o good_a and_o death_n and_o evil_a now_o if_o in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o near_o unto_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o unto_o his_o people_n that_o he_o have_v set_v it_o before_o their_o eye_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o they_o have_v then_o no_o need_n to_o run_v from_o land_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o sea_n to_o land_n to_o find_v it_o how_o much_o more_o obvious_a be_v it_o now_o may_v every_o rational_a man_n conclude_v when_o it_o be_v so_o glorious_o set_v forth_o and_o that_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a will_v all_o such_o be_v find_v that_o complain_v the_o truth_n be_v not_o yet_o clear_a unto_o they_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o all_o man_n to_o hear_v any_o that_o have_v read_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n say_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o dark_a &_o the_o truth_n do_v not_o appear_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o man_n there_o be_v who_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o profess_v it_o that_o they_o be_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n and_o many_o have_v often_o say_v unto_o i_o when_o i_o have_v be_v in_o familiar_a discourse_n with_o they_o that_o as_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o make_v out_o unto_o they_o concern_v the_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v neither_o communicate_v with_o our_o assembly_n nor_o yet_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n now_o that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v wander_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o old_a way_n and_o those_o that_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o seek_v it_o may_v find_v it_o and_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v a_o command_n from_o god_n to_o buy_v and_o purchase_v and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o clear_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o by-path_n of_o error_n that_o be_v still_o sceptic_n and_o doubt_v about_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n endeavour_v to_o be_v their_o guide_n nothing_o doubt_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o special_a assistance_n if_o they_o will_v bring_v docible_a heart_n and_o willing_a mind_n to_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o his_o word_n and_o be_v direct_v by_o that_o unerring_a line_n of_o the_o same_o they_o may_v speedy_o be_v lead_v and_o come_v into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o find_v the_o truth_n and_o with_o it_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o life_n and_o death_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o dissipate_v and_o scatter_v those_o mist_n that_o have_v be_v cast_v before_o their_o eye_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v cloud_v and_o remove_v all_o those_o stumble_a block_n that_o have_v be_v put_v before_o they_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o howsoever_o it_o be_v think_v a_o difficult_a work_n yea_o a_o unpossible_a thing_n but_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n evident_o appear_v unto_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n from_o which_o some_o have_v wander_v and_o stray_v and_o other_o yet_o doubt_v of_o and_o i_o hope_v so_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o way_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v plain_a to_o they_o but_o to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o lose_v the_o eyesight_n of_o their_o reason_n or_o have_v not_o sacrifice_v themselves_o to_o error_n and_o vanity_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o presbyterian_a way_n may_v the_o more_o elucidate_o appear_v to_o every_o intelligible_a man_n i_o will_v here_o briesly_a state_n the_o question_n which_o be_v full_o handle_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o show_v what_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o put_v so_o many_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o keep_v and_o deter_v other_o from_o it_o and_o withal_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o rise_v of_o the_o independent_a tenant_n &_o show_v upon_o what_o as_o a_o foundation_n they_o lay_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o this_o their_o new_a babel_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a chimaera_n and_o fancy_n in_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v i_o be_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o discover_v to_o all_o those_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o blind_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n those_o that_o call_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o independent_o and_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n count_v we_o such_o saint_n as_o job_n will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n call_v we_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n proclaim_v we_o to_o be_v the_o enemy_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n for_o this_o be_v their_o language_n concern_v we_o all_o those_o i_o say_v pretend_v that_o they_o have_v both_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o independency_n and_o for_o these_o their_o unbrother_o proceed_n who_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o mother_n church_n consist_v of_o of_o no_o more_o believer_n at_o any_o time_n than_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o they_o teach_v withal_o that_o this_o church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o have_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n within_o itself_o independent_a without_o reference_n to_o any_o other_o church_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o may_v be_v no_o appeal_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o conceive_a wrong_n and_o they_o moreover_o affirm_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o conceit_a form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o true_a gospel_n form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o authority_n within_o themselves_o several_o that_o they_o imagine_v this_o church_n do_v though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n apiece_o yea_o few_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n who_o in_o this_o differ_v from_o all_o his_o brethren_n believe_a yea_o acknowledge_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o which_o he_o have_v overthrow_v their_o opinion_n while_o notwithstanding_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o maintain_v it_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o its_o due_a place_n whereas_o all_o the_o other_o independent_o as_o i_o say_v before_o confident_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n at_o first_o and_o last_o then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o 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in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o 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present_a together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o the_o other_o believer_n be_v in_o their_o other_o meet_v place_n yea_o beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v now_o name_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 5._o that_o at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n here_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o these_o and_o all_o these_o be_v then_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v by_o many_o witness_n prove_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o believer_n or_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n how_o therefore_o with_o any_o honesty_n can_v the_o independent_o conclude_v from_o epi_n to_o auto_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o ever_o after_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v never_o any_o fight_n against_o he_o but_o shall_v i_o yield_v unto_o they_o which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n will_v it_o follow_v in_o any_o sound_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o after_o all_o still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v infinite_o daily_o increase_v i_o trow_v not_o for_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o so_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v will_v be_v but_o to_o prove_v fighter_n against_o all_o reason_n yea_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o express_a scripture_n as_o will_v forthwith_o appear_v for_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o then_o that_o 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which_o the_o independent_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o disciple_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v speedy_o and_o ready_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a and_o alone_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o walk_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o must_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n nothing_o i_o say_v of_o all_o this_o be_v either_o practise_v in_o this_o mother-church_n or_o any_o daughter-church_n in_o the_o 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for_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a indefinite_o set_v down_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v tell_v which_o add_v no_o small_a emphasis_n unto_o the_o expression_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o require_v of_o all_o their_o member_n in_o these_o our_o time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o only_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n now_o what_o understanding_n man_n can_v easy_o believe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o daily_a increase_n of_o believer_n make_v that_o they_o can_v all_o still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o 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church_n at_o one_o time_n without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o then_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n multitude_n now_o by_o multitude_n all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o in_o all_o language_n a_o very_a great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n or_o company_n whereupon_o the_o scripture_n say_v follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o by_o multitude_n be_v ever_o understand_v some_o vast_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n and_o here_o the_o scripture_n say_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o multitude_n and_o that_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o expression_n do_v as_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o they_o come_v in_o so_o fast_o that_o they_o can_v not_o now_o any_o long_o be_v count_v as_o it_o be_v by_o retail_n or_o enumerate_v company_n as_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o small_a number_n as_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o reckon_v but_o that_o now_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o set_v they_o down_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n yea_o and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o this_o business_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o here_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v ascertain_v there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o have_v their_o meeting_n not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o several_a private_a house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a witness_n as_o that_o out_o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n daily_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o two_o more_o witness_n also_o in_o this_o five_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v record_v verse_n 14._o that_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o no_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o business_n the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n be_v also_o express_v viz._n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o point_n be_v so_o evident_o apparent_a to_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n that_o they_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o except_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yet_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o controversy_n may_v yet_o more_o full_o be_v clear_v i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o coroborrate_n of_o it_o and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n more_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n verse_n 7._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n here_o we_o find_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o more_o addition_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o among_o these_o multitude_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v convert_v and_o all_o these_o several_a admission_n of_o believer_n into_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n require_v now_o of_o their_o new_a member_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o come_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n before_o their_o admission_n nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n in_o this_o mother-church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o admission_n in_o our_o new_a congregation_n be_v without_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n and_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v most_o wicked_o to_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o their_o practice_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n but_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v the_o multiplication_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o disciple_n to_o the_o former_a add_v withal_o that_o among_o those_o disciple_n and_o convert_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o what_o a_o increase_n of_o believer_n may_v any_o man_n suppose_v there_o must_v then_o needs_o follow_v when_o so_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_v when_o the_o people_n see_v their_o priest_n turn_v christian_n and_o hear_v they_o also_o in_o their_o preach_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n for_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v withal_o the_o daily_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v infinite_o multiply_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o conversion_n of_o man_n before_o speak_v of_o yet_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a priest_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v have_v procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o we_o find_v it_o by_o hourly_a experience_n how_o many_o hundred_o be_v daily_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o a_o few_o temporize_a unstable_a presbyter_n who_o be_v turn_v independent_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v here_o among_o we_o so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o place_n can_v contain_v their_o proselyte_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o miracle_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o if_o but_o any_o rich_a and_o craze_a gentlewoman_n or_o any_o confound_a lady_n turn_v independent_a or_o if_o but_o any_o unstable_a man_n of_o any_o eminency_n revolt_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o and_o by_o make_v at_o it_o and_o how_o many_o giddy_a head_a man_n and_o woman_n especial_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o prodigy_n now_o i_o say_v all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o truth_n shall_v much_o more_o prevail_v then_o error_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o of_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o those_o also_o in_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o people_n have_v withal_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o to_o the_o speedy_a conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o yea_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v to_o say_v convert_v many_o and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o not_o in_o a_o small_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o
priest_n be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n relate_v there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o more_o congregation_n of_o the_o ordinary_a people_n and_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v yet_o reckon_v upon_o a_o new_a account_n and_o upon_o a_o new_a list_n so_o that_o there_o be_v numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a business_n as_o the_o independent_o say_v and_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o for_o they_o have_v often_o say_v prove_v once_o but_o clear_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o we_o will_v grant_v you_o the_o day_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o shall_v brief_o add_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o for_o to_o these_o that_o be_v daily_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n we_o hear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o of_o increase_n upon_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o believer_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n verse_n 31._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n through_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o be_v multiply_v for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a now_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o chief_a church_n in_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o she_o also_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o disciple_n daily_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a speak_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n upon_o the_o miraculous_a death_n of_o herod_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n 24._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o great_a increase_n of_o '_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o daily_a to_o multiply_v so_o that_o all_o these_o addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o omit_v many_o argument_n that_o i_o can_v produce_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o from_o the_o miracle_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o necessary_o call_v for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o one_o place_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_n may_v for_o ever_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a and_o abundan_o prove_v unto_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o if_o not_o numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v notice_n what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n speak_v unto_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o church_n must_v all_o necessary_o know_v not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o believer_n there_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o number_n of_o they_o now_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o pain_n and_o attention_n to_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v there_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o witness_n yea_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v james_n the_o apostle_n by_o name_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o synodian_o who_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o they_o give_v in_o this_o evidence_n to_o saint_n paul_n concern_v the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n here_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v there_o then_o of_o strong_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o church_n where_o there_o be_v able_a and_o learned_a minister_n it_o be_v ever_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v three_o strong_a brethren_n to_o one_o weak_a one_o at_o least_o more_o strong_a brethren_n then_o weak_a one_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a in_o that_o church_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n fix_a minister_n there_o and_o able_a preacher_n beside_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n and_o all_o painful_a and_o laborious_a that_o preach_v unto_o they_o night_n and_o day_n &_o instruct_v they_o all_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o with_o miracle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v also_o for_o a_o far_o strengthen_n of_o they_o in_o that_o their_o christian_a liberty_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o ratify_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v daily_o preach_v unto_o they_o all_o this_o their_o christian_a liberty_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o more_o thousand_o of_o strong_a christian_n then_o weak_a in_o that_o church_n yea_o our_o daily_a experience_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n witness_v unto_o saint_n paul_n concern_v this_o point_n verse_n 20._o thou_o see_v brother_n paul_n say_v they_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v nothing_o of_o stranger_n those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o place_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v say_v thou_o see_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inhabitant_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o they_o speak_v of_o inhabitant_n as_o by_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o of_o all_o these_o they_o assert_v these_o thing_n first_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o second_o that_o they_o be_v all_o believer_n disciple_n and_o very_o good_a christian_n yea_o very_a zealous_a one_o three_o they_o do_v witness_v that_o all_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v but_o weak_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o give_v saint_n paul_n counsel_n yea_o a_o order_n somewhat_o to_o connive_v at_o their_o weakness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o their_o favour_n the_o story_n be_v there_o full_o set_v down_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o more_o ten_o thousand_o of_o strong_a believer_n may_v any_o rational_a man_n suppose_v be_v then_o there_o in_o that_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o apostle_n forth_o most_o part_n and_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o able_a presbyter_n all_o miraculous_a teacher_n and_o assist_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sure_o a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n or_o place_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v hold_v their_o very_a body_n much_o less_o can_v a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n have_v hold_v they_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o have_v not_o absolute_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n yea_o to_o wage_v war_n against_o heaven_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n there_o as_o in_o every_o house_n one_o so_o that_o for_o this_o point_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v it_o be_v now_o without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n assert_v in_o many_o place_n make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o how_o in_o any_o ordinary_a man_n understanding_n can_v many_o congregation_n be_v one_o political_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o associate_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n that_o be_v to_o say_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n there_o as_o this_o 21._o ch_z testify_v and_o the_o 15._o chap._n and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n all_o which_o have_v the_o government_n over_o that_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o wonder_n to_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v any_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o abundant_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v yet_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o assertion_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o scripture_n very_o common_a reason_n overthrow_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v jerusalem_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n in_o which_o there_o be_v never_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o inhabitant_n who_o daily_o expect_v the_o messiah_n who_o it_o be_v well_o know_v when_o he_o come_v have_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n at_o his_o command_n to_o go_v and_o come_v at_o pleasure_n who_o powerful_a preach_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o satan_n be_v see_v fall_n down_o like_o iightning_n from_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o say_v who_o kingdom_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o all_o who_o efficacious_a preach_n and_o miracle_n we_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o at_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o time_n beside_o daily_a addition_n add_v unto_o that_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v daily_o increase_v of_o believer_n upon_o increase_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v yet_o prevail_v to_o convert_v no_o more_o in_o future_a time_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n it_o seem_v a_o thing_n very_o incredible_a and_o true_o for_o any_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o error_n against_o all_o reason_n and_o against_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o have_v it_o record_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o very_a weak_a believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n beside_o the_o strong_a it_o be_v a_o open_a and_o wilful_a fight_v against_o god_n and_o a_o resist_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n for_o all_o these_o be_v convince_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o numberless_a multitude_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o thâ—s_n brigade_n of_o argument_n militate_v against_o the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n sectary_n and_o shall_v i_o hope_v for_o ever_o serve_v to_o vanquish_v they_o all_o and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o field_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o every_o one_o a_o church_n or_o church_n several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o as_o all_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n do_v now_o here_o in_o london_n but_o all_o those_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o subordinate_a and_o be_v combine_v together_o make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o under_o a_o common_a counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n within_o that_o precinct_n the_o example_n of_o which_o mother-church_n be_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n for_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o that_o tenant_n of_o the_o homothumadon_n independent_o concern_v the_o congregationall_a way_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a whimsy_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o have_v its_o foundation_n only_o in_o the_o air_n and_o will_v soon_o vanish_v or_o be_v speedy_o blow_v away_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o breath_n of_o truth_n now_o my_o other_o company_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n they_o militate_v against_o all_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o deny_v they_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v now_o though_o by_o their_o grant_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o day_n as_o in_o the_o follow_a skirmish_n will_v appear_v yet_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o sconce_n of_o error_n to_o which_o they_o have_v betake_v themselves_o can_v defend_v their_o cause_n i_o shall_v with_o one_o company_n at_o this_o time_n beat_v they_o out_o of_o that_o hold_n and_o full_o vanquish_v they_o in_o the_o pitch_a field_n it_o be_v record_v act._n 2._o v._n 42._o of_o all_o those_o new_a convert_n which_o be_v in_o many_o assembly_n &_o in_o many_o house_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n this_o very_a troop_n alone_o serve_v for_o the_o beat_n of_o they_o all_o out_o of_o what_o bulwark_n soever_o they_o can_v betake_v themselves_o to_o for_o shelter_n for_o if_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n with_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v in_o they_o several_o whatsoever_o do_v make_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o form_v church_n than_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a so_o that_o to_o any_o rational_a man_n this_o question_n be_v also_o out_o of_o controversy_n for_o let_v any_o man_n but_o due_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o 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their_o several_a tub_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o poor_a creature_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o no_o such_o music_n as_o be_v exercise_v by_o those_o of_o this_o new_a militia_n as_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o church_n fellowship_n and_o the_o church_n way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o new_a light_n and_o new_o bear_v truth_n and_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o eternity_n which_o come_v only_o out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o god_n and_o from_o between_o his_o leg_n from_o god_n immediate_a hand_n by_o providence_n not_o to_o be_v explain_v just_a as_o a_o lot_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o with_o many_o such_o be_v the_o noise_n they_o have_v now_o make_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o poor_a silly_a creature_n that_o they_o have_v make_v they_o all_o run_v mad_a to_o the_o disorder_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o disturb_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a army_n that_o may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o we_o have_v be_v well_o order_v without_o these_o division_n and_o distraction_n they_o have_v make_v among_o we_o be_v able_a to_o have_v encounter_v with_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o antichrist_n but_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n only_o between_o the_o turkish_a drum_n and_o whiffel_n and_o these_o our_o whiffeller_n that_o they_o only_o scare_v a_o few_o horse_n and_o make_v they_o mad_a but_o these_o have_v make_v man_n and_o woman_n mad_a among_o we_o with_o these_o their_o new_a and_o barbarous_a sound_n of_o those_o their_o new_a way_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v like_o the_o turkish_a drum_n and_o whiffel_n now_o as_o those_o turkish_a instrument_n though_o they_o make_v a_o terrible_a noise_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o wind_n and_o ventosity_n so_o these_o our_o whiffeller_n &_o tubman_n for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o they_o be_v but_o look_v into_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o mere_a vapour_n and_o frothy_a windiness_n which_o they_o spread_v &_o blow_v abroad_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o simple_a creature_n persuade_v they_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v be_v more_o tyrannical_a and_o lordly_a then_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v a_o antichristian_a brood_n the_o son_n of_o belial_n the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o the_o people_n ought_v not_o nor_o can_v lawful_o hear_v they_o or_o read_v any_o thing_n they_o write_v or_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n persuade_v they_o that_o all_o they_o write_v or_o preach_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o disthron_n of_o christ_n &_o the_o set_v he_o up_o as_o a_o pageant_n king_n but_o indeed_o all_o their_o endeavour_n be_v but_o while_o they_o cry_v hail_n master_n to_o crucify_v he_o as_o the_o wicked_a jew_n do_v and_o with_o such_o uncouth_a &_o barbarous_a noise_n as_o these_o they_o have_v put_v the_o people_n general_o into_o such_o a_o heat_n fury_n and_o distemper_n against_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o they_o have_v deter_v many_o thousand_o from_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v they_o or_o come_v into_o their_o presence_n yea_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o of_o they_o but_o accidental_o happen_v into_o their_o company_n they_o find_v they_o more_o barbarous_a towards_o they_o then_o the_o very_a turk_n be_v towards_o many_o christian_n even_o when_o they_o have_v they_o at_o their_o mercy_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v the_o presbyterian_o at_o their_o mercy_n they_o will_v find_v less_o courtesy_n from_o they_o then_o from_o the_o very_a saricen_n and_o i_o have_v very_o good_a ground_n for_o this_o my_o persuasion_n from_o that_o insolent_a behaviour_n i_o myself_o have_v see_v they_o exercise_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o presbyterian_o but_o principal_o towards_o the_o minister_n who_o they_o affront_v often_o and_o that_o in_o a_o unseemly_a manner_n in_o the_o very_a church_n while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o ministry_n and_o when_o they_o go_v and_o pass_v along_o the_o street_n and_o when_o they_o pass_v but_o through_o the_o town_n where_o there_o be_v any_o store_n or_o company_n of_o they_o for_o they_o can_v ride_v by_o any_o of_o they_o without_o some_o reproachful_a calumny_n or_o other_o or_o without_o some_o uncivil_a behaviour_n which_o will_v not_o be_v tolerate_v in_o very_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o as_o for_o myself_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o neither_o mywife_n nor_o my_o poor_a child_n can_v pass_v quiet_o by_o the_o street_n for_o they_o without_o some_o contumelious_a disgraceful_a language_n from_o they_o and_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a though_o i_o never_o wrong_v they_o i_o can_v true_o say_v and_o can_v also_o prove_v it_o that_o i_o have_v and_o that_o often_o after_o they_o hear_v i_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n suffer_v such_o inhumanity_n from_o many_o of_o they_o as_o scarce_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v from_o
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
and_o they_o only_a in_o every_o church_n have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o more_o noble_a member_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o man_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o that_o office_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o at_o large_a rom._n 12._o ver_fw-la 6._o have_v gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o find_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o office_n he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wait_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_v they_o be_v ever_o to_o rule_v and_o the_o other_o that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v every_o member_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o this_o mystical_a body_n the_o magistrate_n and_o parent_n and_o master_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o rank_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o place_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o whether_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n they_o be_v likewise_o to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v their_o place_n for_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o teach_v we_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o 7._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o circumcision_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o yield_a of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obey_n of_o those_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o the_o honour_v of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o our_o power_n be_v that_o that_o commend_v any_o man_n unto_o god_n especial_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reverence_v of_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o painful_a pastor_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o know_v they_o which_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o people_n their_o flock_n they_o father_n and_o the_o people_n child_n beget_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o bvilder_n and_o the_o people_n the_o stone_n lay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o build_n they_o steward_n and_o the_o people_n domestics_n under_o they_o and_o their_o conduct_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o until_o they_o by_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o eminent_a ability_n be_v remove_v to_o a_o high_a calling_n or_o else_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 7._o ver_fw-la 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v once_o specify_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n he_o reiterate_v this_o precept_n say_v brethren_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n so_o that_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o master_n or_o parent_n of_o family_n for_o either_o of_o they_o i_o say_v to_o leave_v their_o call_n in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o rule_v and_o for_o either_o the_o flock_n under_o the_o pastor_n or_o subject_n under_o the_o magistrate_n or_o servant_n and_o child_n in_o the_o several_a family_n under_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n to_o offer_v to_o take_v the_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n in_o either_o church_n state_n or_o family_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o leave_v their_o calling_n and_o so_o to_o transgress_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v enjoin_v the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o each_o of_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n and_o station_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v find_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o violator_n of_o that_o order_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n in_o both_o now_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o have_v enjoin_v all_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o rule_v and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_n and_o yield_v double_a honour_n unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n they_o be_v ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n god_n appoint_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v rule_v in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o too_o too_o many_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o now_o the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v imbroyl_v with_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v learn_v but_o this_o lesson_n to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v he_o will_v know_v that_o the_o magistrate_n place_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclersiasticall_a be_v to_o command_v and_o that_o the_o subject_n and_o people_n place_n under_o they_o in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o will_v understand_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o kingdom_n commonwealth_n corporation_n or_o in_o any_o province_n and_o country_n or_o church_n that_o howsoever_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o each_o of_o those_o government_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o and_o rule_v and_o order_v of_o they_o respective_o belong_v and_o pertain_v only_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o republic_n howsoever_o the_o embasladour_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v send_v into_o such_o a_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n about_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o whole_a country_n yet_o none_o but_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n or_o the_o state_n have_v the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o the_o people_n and_o subject_n under_o they_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o those_o high_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o appertain_v not_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o every_o corporation_n howsoever_o the_o letter_n or_o mandate_n from_o either_o king_n parliament_n or_o state_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o several_a county_n hundred_o or_o corporation_n or_o city_n yet_o the_o lieutenant_n governor_n sheriff_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-councell_n in_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v by_o either_o letter_n or_o mandate_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o several_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v according_a to_o the_o several_a exigence_n of_o the_o time_n as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o direct_n of_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o several_a county_n or_o hundred_o or_o corporation_n in_o general_a do_v not_o invest_v all_o the_o people_n with_o power_n or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n but_o leave_v the_o transact_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o only_a in_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n which_o the_o people_n be_v not_o yea_o
that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o lest_o he_o shall_v glory_v i_o can_v not_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v therefore_o say_v something_o to_o that_o and_o conclude_v this_o point_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o all_o his_o other_o fond_a answer_n to_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o encounter_v with_o his_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o babble_n if_o say_v he_o nothing_o of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v without_o the_o joint_n &_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n john_n the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v transgress_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o this_o authority_n over_o diotrephes_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n thus_o mr_n knollys_n rather_o chatter_v than_o dispute_v in_o make_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o his_o own_o conceit_n and_o therefore_o for_o answer_n let_v mr_n knollys_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o transgression_n in_o saint_n john_n against_o the_o presbyter_n in_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o himself_o for_o s._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o universal_a pastor_n tie_v to_o no_o one_o place_n or_o flock_n but_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o which_o lie_v primary_o and_o principal_o upon_o they_o who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o preach_n and_o write_n follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o speak_v in_o and_o by_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o man_n thought_n word_n action_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n have_v no_o less_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o this_o church_n wherein_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o in_o and_o over_o all_o other_o church_n than_o s._n paul_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v in_o all_o church_n now_o if_o s._n paul_n can_v give_v a_o law_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o for_o the_o carry_v of_o themselves_o with_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o their_o assembly_n and_o sharp_o reproove_v offender_n in_o that_o church_n and_o if_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v the_o like_a and_o take_v such_o authority_n upon_o they_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o that_o without_o any_o transgression_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n but_o with_o the_o very_a good_a like_n and_o allowance_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o write_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o the_o church_n than_o i_o say_v saint_n john_n transgress_v not_o at_o all_o in_o use_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n over_o diotrephes_n in_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o say_v he_o will_v remember_v he_o and_o sharp_o reprove_v he_o for_o this_o he_o may_v well_o do_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n without_o any_o offence_n as_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n for_o what_o he_o do_v he_o do_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o from_o christ_n himself_o who_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a if_o not_o a_o impious_a thing_n in_o master_n knollys_n to_o draw_v such_o a_o inference_n from_o a_o fantasy_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o saint_n john_n and_o another_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o minister_n and_o will_v make_v that_o a_o offence_n which_o be_v none_o and_o infer_v that_o saint_n john_n take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o he_o ought_v beside_o it_o have_v be_v no_o transgression_n in_o any_o other_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v write_v so_o to_o any_o presbytery_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o fellow_n presbyter_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o any_o miscarriage_n in_o either_o pastor_n or_o member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n for_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o will_v assume_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o himself_o than_o become_v a_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o as_o both_o to_o witness_v to_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o know_v of_o such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o fellow_n judge_n and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o common_a council_n of_o elder_n which_o saint_n john_n do_v who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o censure_v such_o a_o offender_n and_o in_o his_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n but_o rather_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v gather_v for_o by_o such_o word_n he_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n or_o council_n there_o where_o offender_n be_v both_o to_o be_v question_v and_o censure_v for_o such_o a_o expression_n if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o manife_v that_o he_o be_v a_o judge_n there_o among_o the_o rest_n who_o with_o other_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o cause_n there_o and_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v by_o the_o mutual_a and_o joint_a accord_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o not_o to_o be_v manage_v by_o any_o one_o single_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v never_o give_v the_o key_n unto_o nor_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o follow_v and_o not_o that_o which_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o intimate_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o any_o judicious_a christian_a upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v say_v the_o same_o and_o will_v conclude_v that_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o so_o write_v be_v no_o offender_n though_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o the_o joint_a agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v judicious_a may_v plain_o behold_v the_o futility_n in_o both_o the_o answer_n and_o cavil_v of_o this_o man_n and_o well_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v never_o cut_v out_o for_o a_o disputant_n or_o ever_o fit_v for_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n who_o if_o he_o may_v have_v his_o own_o mind_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n in_o both_o and_o violate_v all_o order_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o make_v the_o head_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o foot_n the_o head_n and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o government_n in_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n or_o rather_o seventy_o for_o every_o ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o prove_v a_o church_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o all_o so_o much_o disorder_n and_o discrepancy_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n for_o its_o particular_a government_n as_o he_o will_v advise_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v never_o the_o author_n of_o they_o for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n for_o never_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v there_o such_o practiceâ—_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n of_o all_o government_n for_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o slender_a and_o small_a assume_v a_o absolute_a soveranity_n unto_o themselves_o independent_a from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o presbytry_n from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n be_v one_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o free_a state_n and_o republic_n every_o one_o of_o they_o rule_v within_o themselves_o as_o absolute_a magistracy_n and_o therefore_o upon_o all_o occasion_n if_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o those_o church_n or_o between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o often_o they_o do_v as_o other_o country_n and_o commonweal_n send_v their_o ambassador_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o state_n affair_n
it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâ—ake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a command_n in_o the_o
lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o 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in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n 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congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n for_o proof_n whereof_o say_v he_o he_o bring_v the_o multitude_n of_o convert_v to_o johns_n baptism_n the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o judaea_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o say_v he_o all_o become_v christian_n or_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o johns_n baptism_n be_v into_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o i._n s._n set_v down_o my_o argument_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v not_o candid_o do_v of_o he_o for_o the_o ignorant_a reader_n can_v see_v into_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o argument_n they_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o obscure_a term_n and_o set_v down_o also_o to_o the_o half_n the_o whole_a truth_n not_o be_v specify_v for_o not_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o have_v ever_o see_v or_o read_v my_o book_n &_o i_o dare_v say_v not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o of_o the_o independent_o have_v ever_o 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it_o i_o will_v also_o set_v down_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o they_o which_o he_o give_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v we_o answer_v to_o your_o reason_n and_o then_o set_v down_o his_o own_o word_n in_o their_o full_a length_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v my_o fair_a deal_n with_o he_o for_o i._o s._n do_v not_o here_o deny_v my_o minor_a as_o master_n knollys_n do_v or_o accuse_v i_o of_o false_a muster_n as_o he_o vain_o and_o impious_o do_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o second_o argument_n but_o plain_o deni_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n be_v christian_n to_o who_o my_o brother_n burton_n assent_v page_n 16._o of_o his_o book_n say_v that_o those_o believer_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n into_o christ_n to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n or_o church_n as_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n christian_n be_v these_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n formal_a word_n who_o not_o only_o assent_v to_o i._o s._n in_o this_o his_o opinion_n but_o also_o bring_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o papist_n to_o confirm_v this_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o in_o this_o the_o independent_o agree_v with_o the_o papist_n to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o maintain_v their_o abominable_a error_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o move_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o book_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o say_v `as_v for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o this_o be_v his_o expression_n there_o concern_v the_o which_o in_o due_a place_n sure_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v think_v they_o christian_n he_o will_v have_v deem_v they_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o in_o this_o he_o agree_v with_o i._n s._n and_o the_o papist_n now_o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o sum_n of_o i._o s._n his_o argument_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n by_o which_o he_o deni_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v christian_n the_o first_o be_v because_o say_v he_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o die_v and_o not_o dead_a therefore_o in_o his_o dialect_n they_o be_v no_o christian_n the_o second_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o thy_o be_v no_o christian_o the_o three_o they_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n then_o the_o jew_n that_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n but_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n ergo_fw-la they_o also_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v no_o christian_n the_o four_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v not_o perfect_a ergo_fw-la those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n the_o five_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n do_v not_o only_a hasitate_n but_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n do_v fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptiser_n the_o lord_n jesus_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v no_o christian_n six_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n neither_o be_v they_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o christian_n and_o this_o argument_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o answer_n or_o else_o he_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o deny_v my_o argument_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o
out_o of_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n where_o john_n say_v i_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n but_o there_o come_v one_o after_o i_o who_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n this_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n nor_o nothing_o against_o my_o opinion_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v never_o my_o belief_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n and_o johns_n baptism_n be_v all_o one_o see_v saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n have_v teach_v the_o contrary_a as_o in_o the_o word_n allege_v it_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o i_o demand_v of_o i._o s._n whether_o the_o apostle_n all_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o johns_n baptism_n before_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o fire_n which_o we_o read_v of_o act._n the_o 2._o as_o they_o be_v after_o the_o cleave_a tongue_n appear_v unto_o they_o ver_fw-la 3._o if_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v deny_v it_o than_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o sixteenth_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n and_o the_o sixth_o of_o saint_n john_n where_o we_o find_v that_o honourable_a confession_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n where_o they_o testify_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n into_o who_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v before_o that_o yea_o they_o must_v deny_v the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o baptise_v of_o any_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n be_v that_o thing_n only_o that_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o believer_n than_o none_o that_o be_v not_o so_o baptize_v be_v good_a christian_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o promiscuous_a and_o give_v to_o all_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 30._o have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o by_o i._o s._n his_o learning_n be_v no_o christian_n neither_o be_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v christ_n work_n only_o who_o first_o breathe_v the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n first_o pour_v down_o those_o gift_n upon_o they_o act_v the_o 2._o and_o after_o that_o at_o many_o other_o time_n through_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n upon_o the_o believer_n christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o manifest_v to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o shed_v down_o those_o miraculous_a grace_n upon_o many_o but_o give_v they_o not_o to_o all_o and_o it_o be_v also_o declare_v that_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o have_v but_o one_o precedent_n that_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v with_o water_n and_o that_o be_v those_o of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v baptize_v with_o water_n before_o and_o therefore_o those_o gift_n make_v they_o not_o christian_n but_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v believer_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o those_o visible_a gift_n be_v not_o essential_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o they_o be_v always_o believer_n before_o they_o receive_v they_o and_o if_o those_o gift_n have_v be_v essential_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o christian_n than_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v save_v which_o they_o be_v not_o beside_o then_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v true_a believer_n and_o christian_n indeed_o for_o all_o man_n general_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o i_o prove_v before_o and_o all_o the_o christian_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o all_o that_o now_o live_v shall_v be_v no_o good_a christian_n for_o they_o be_v not_o and_o now_o be_v not_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o with_o fire_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n this_o i._o s._n speak_v in_o these_o his_o argumentaâ—ions_n and_o how_o vain_a and_o impious_a he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o cavil_v this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o second_o answer_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o three_o which_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o two_o former_a his_o word_n be_v these_o 3._o therefore_o now_o say_v i_o s._n by_o johns_n baptism_n they_o be_v not_o all_o make_v christian_n no_o more_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o john_n be_v turn_v christian_n by_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n by_o their_o baptism_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 3._o i_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v to_o prepare_v man_n for_o christ_n and_o do_v bear_v a_o more_o immediate_a relation_n to_o such_o a_o work_n than_o any_o ordinance_n before_o but_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o absolute_a christian_n it_o do_v not_o absolve_v and_o perfect_v the_o new_a church_n i_o mean_v not_o so_o far_o as_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o do_v afterward_o thus_o i._n s._n blaspheme_v rather_o than_o dispute_v for_o that_o he_o say_v be_v impious_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o lie_n and_o a_o confute_v of_o christ_n himself_o and_o saint_n paul_n and_o a_o oppose_a of_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o as_o every_o understand_a man_n will_v easy_o gather_v for_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o and_o all_o the_o orthodox_n divine_v yea_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o talk_v with_o or_o read_v of_o before_o i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n before_o christ_n death_n be_v christian_n and_o believer_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v baptize_v notwithstanding_o i_o s._n out_o of_o his_o learning_n deny_v not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n but_o affirm_v also_o that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v no_o christian_n whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o beat_v up_o the_o quarter_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o quarter_n of_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o very_a pillar_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v not_o a_o horrid_a blasphemy_n in_o i._n s._n i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n the_o 7._o v._o 29._o 30._o and_o all_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v he_o &_o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n but_o the_o pharisee_n and_o &_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o council_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o being_n not_o baptize_v of_o he_o here_o we_o have_v christ_n testimony_n who_o assert_v that_o the_o lawyer_n and_o pharisee_n only_o except_v all_o that_o hear_v john_n of_o which_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o he_o do_v justify_v god_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v his_o council_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v believer_n for_o the_o council_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n and_o in_o token_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v now_o this_o sweet_a council_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n offer_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n do_v the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v to_o their_o own_o perdition_n for_o they_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n that_o be_v they_o will_v neither_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n nor_o repent_v nor_o be_v baptize_v and_o therefore_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n they_o despise_v the_o council_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o all_o the_o other_o that_o hear_v john_n say_v christ_n justify_v god_n and_o do_v not_o reject_v his_o council_n that_o be_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o
doctrine_n to_o prove_v this_o their_o opinion_n to_o be_v legitimate_a so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o belief_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o agree_v against_o all_o the_o current_n and_o the_o whole_a school_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n divine_v who_o hold_v they_o be_v christian_n second_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o also_o that_o both_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n must_v ever_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a so_o that_o be_v their_o never_o so_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n and_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o such_o and_o such_o a_o mould_n and_o form_n than_o theyare_n not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o their_o dialect_n they_o be_v either_o heretic_n or_o no_o christian_n but_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n compass_n and_o bound_n that_o they_o have_v circumscribe_v their_o church_n with_o and_o be_v not_o under_o that_o visible_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v appoint_v they_o account_v they_o all_o heretic_n and_o no_o church_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v the_o independent_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o that_o be_v to_o say_v speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n all_o such_o congregation_n and_o assemble_v as_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o by_o a_o explcite_v particular_a covenant_n &_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n &_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o independent_a they_o be_v no_o church_n and_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o their_o new_a mould_n or_o model_n they_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o account_v of_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o independent_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o bind_v and_o limit_v all_o church_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o external_a form_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o that_o be_v want_v according_a to_o their_o dialect_n though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o both_o of_o they_o far_o accord_v and_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o form_n of_o their_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o the_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n respective_o they_o must_v not_o be_v fluid_a as_o they_o speak_v but_o they_o must_v be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o independent_a but_o in_o this_o the_o papist_n deal_v far_o more_o honest_o than_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o have_v in_o many_o large_a volume_n full_o set_v down_o the_o model_n of_o their_o government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o for_o their_o chief_a officer_n they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o presbytery_n at_o rome_n the_o cardinal_n patriarch_n primate_fw-la metropolitan_n archbishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o what_o their_o model_n and_o government_n be_v to_o a_o hare_n but_o what_o the_o independent_o model_n be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o man_n can_v yet_o ever_o learn_v but_o by_o conjecture_n which_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o they_o shall_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o never_o declare_v what_o that_o form_n and_o mould_n be_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v their_o daily_a wicked_a practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n the_o independent_o be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o mongrel_n papist_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n belieeve_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o their_o church_n believe_v and_o take_v all_o they_o speak_v as_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a but_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n better_a than_o so_o who_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v he_o matth._n 17._o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o and_o not_o to_o give_v ear_n unto_o stranger_n and_o from_o his_o bless_a word_n we_o have_v learn_v these_o two_o lesson_n the_o first_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v faithful_o and_o true_o preach_v by_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o and_o where_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o by_o the_o people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n although_o they_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v not_o that_o external_a form_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n holy_a word_n second_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o churhe_n in_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n where_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n nor_o where_o their_o very_a meeting_n together_o be_v not_o allow_v unto_o they_o by_o authority_n for_o all_o such_o as_o confine_v a_o church_n or_o church_n to_o these_o external_a form_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o confound_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o adjunct_n and_o accideut_n of_o it_o whereas_o church_n may_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v by_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v prove_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o israel_n where_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o establish_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v punctual_o be_v observe_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o these_o word_n now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o do_v not_o then_o appear_v any_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n when_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o public_o know_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v there_o his_o true_a church_n among_o they_o yea_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o idolatry_n when_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v persecute_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o cave_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n also_o god_n have_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n that_o be_v absolute_o require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o that_o external_a appearance_n they_o speak_v of_o for_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n be_v another_o and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o willing_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o appearance_n and_o naked_a shadow_n for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o will_v but_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n after_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o peregrination_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o that_o after_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o direction_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o his_o worship_n wheresoever_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v come_v and_o
more_o close_o to_o examine_v i._o s._n his_o word_n that_o we_o may_v discover_v yet_o more_o full_o the_o fallacious_a juggle_n of_o both_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o all_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o mould_n of_o a_o christian_n church_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n all_o which_o term_n and_o expression_n be_v well_o explain_v than_o the_o grollery_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v i_o will_v therefore_o that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o term_n these_o juggler_n use_n first_o say_v something_o brief_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n and_o under_o the_o king_n both_o of_o juda_n and_o israel_n through_o all_o their_o city_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v requisite_a and_o think_v necessary_a for_o the_o cast_n off_o any_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n which_o be_v declare_v the_o trifle_n of_o all_o the_o independent_a minister_n will_v be_v more_o obvious_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o under_o a_o double_a nation_n as_o it_o have_v a_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o a_o moral_a worship_n and_o both_o appoint_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o former_a but_o temporary_a the_o other_o for_o duration_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n it_o be_v divers_a for_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v order_v after_o a_o monarchical_a way_n there_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n that_o typify_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o atonement_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o mediate_v with_o god_n for_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o have_v many_o priest_n under_o he_o for_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o daily_a sacrifice_n either_o of_o praise_n or_o of_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o material_a temple_n they_o be_v tie_v but_o the_o high_a priest_n only_o go_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o atonement_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n and_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o true_a high_a priest_n typify_v and_o who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n have_v offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 10._o verse_n 14._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n he_o have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o way_n of_o administration_n but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o way_n of_o administration_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n which_o be_v ever_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v in_o their_o several_a city_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o village_n and_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v through_o all_o judaea_n and_o israel_n and_o through_o the_o world_n who_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v call_v ruler_n so_o that_o all_o those_o synagogue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o several_a village_n or_o hamlet_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o limit_n of_o every_o city_n be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v after_o a_o classical_a and_o collegiate_n way_n and_o those_o synagogue_n be_v as_o our_o parish_n church_n now_o at_o this_o day_n be_v among_o we_o now_o these_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o moses_n time_n be_v first_o appoint_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n in_o common_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o after_o they_o be_v come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n than_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o ruler_n in_o every_o city_n appoint_v over_o they_o who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o care_n it_o be_v that_o the_o moral_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v every_o sabbath_n day_n continual_o preserve_v in_o all_o their_o synagogue_n by_o their_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o scribe_n and_o lawyer_n and_o they_o have_v also_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o convent_v any_o before_o they_o upon_o delinquency_n and_o of_o censure_v and_o punish_v of_o they_o upon_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o and_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v matthew_n the_o 18._o and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o truth_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v more_o evident_o clear_a than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o synagogue_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o court_n or_o classis_fw-la or_o college_n of_o ruler_n for_o they_o have_v inferior_a judge_n and_o superior_a in_o they_o yea_o many_o chief_a ruler_n in_o all_o city_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o antioch_n and_o pisidia_n act_v the_o 13._o 14._o 15._o where_o paul_n and_o his_o company_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o chief_a ruler_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a send_v unto_o they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o out_o of_o which_o word_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o governor_n and_o chief_a ruler_n as_o well_o as_o inferior_a ruler_n that_o govern_v their_o synagogue_n in_o every_o city_n in_o common_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o court_n in_o they_o to_o order_v all_o the_o synagogue_n and_o people_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o aristocratical_o govern_v and_o by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o they_o all_o not_o by_o any_o particular_a judge_n or_o ruler_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v that_o their_o whole_a employment_n be_v to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v read_v and_o interpret_v that_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n may_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o their_o people_n yield_v subjection_n unto_o those_o ruler_n and_o do_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o their_o government_n nor_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o command_v any_o minister_n to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v any_o one_o to_o exhort_v but_o it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o ruler_n to_o do_v this_o and_o they_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o government_n without_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o as_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v that_o that_o be_v establish_v in_o all_o city_n through_o the_o world_n where_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o exercise_v their_o religion_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v perpetutate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v through_o all_o city_n presbyter_n ordain_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 14._o and_o tit._n 1._o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o their_o common_a council_n and_o this_o be_v accord_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o generation_n after_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o moral_a worship_n be_v govern_v both_o in_o christ_n time_n and_o after_o his_o death_n and_o ascension_n by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v testify_v it_o and_o this_o way_n of_o government_n i_o say_v be_v transact_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v that_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o church_n government_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n into_o the_o which_o mould_n of_o government_n those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v cast_v which_o be_v a_o presbytery_n
complice_n only_o but_o all_o the_o other_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o therefore_o they_o adjudge_v they_o accurse_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v follow_v christ_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o have_v look_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o word_n do_v import_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v in_o plain_a term_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n in_o jerusalem_n save_v the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v none_o oppose_v he_o but_o they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o very_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o learned_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v three_o the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o nicodemus_n his_o witness_n in_o private_a also_o who_o know_v very_o well_o how_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n stand_v general_o affect_v towards_o christ_n and_o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o he_o hear_v therefore_o what_o he_o say_v john_n the_o 3._o of_o who_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n name_v nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o here_o nicodemus_n give_v in_o testimony_n &_o devideneâ—_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o principall_a of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o mean_a that_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n say_v we_o know_v that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o people_n know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n they_o know_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n and_o approbation_n and_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v come_v from_o god_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o and_o their_o faith_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o nicodemus_n which_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n though_o in_o secret_a and_o a_o great_a honourer_n of_o he_o will_v give_v in_o no_o false_a verdict_n nor_o make_v no_o false_a muster_n and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o the_o opinion_n and_o the_o esteem_v the_o people_n have_v of_o he_o and_o he_o assert_v that_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n know_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v of_o god_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o same_o confession_n do_v the_o apostle_n make_v matth._n 16._o and_o john_n the_o 6._o saying_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o to_o acknowledge_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v and_o go_v after_o christ_n out_o of_o sincerity_n and_o love_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v the_o same_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_n in_o this_o controversy_n so_o that_o to_o go_v after_o christ_n then_o and_o to_o follow_v he_o cordial_o and_o without_o worldly_a end_n both_o in_o the_o language_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o serve_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o the_o above_o mention_v reason_n the_o world_n that_o go_v after_o christ_n &_o the_o people_n and_o multitude_n that_o follow_v he_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o the_o other_o that_o either_o tarry_v at_o home_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o employment_n or_o oppose_v he_o be_v unbeliever_n now_o then_o when_o a_o multitulde_n from_o jerusalem_n follow_v christ_n and_o when_o a_o world_n within_o jerusalem_n go_v after_o he_o and_o when_o all_o the_o curse_a people_n as_o they_o call_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o not_o only_o by_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o the_o world_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o john_n be_v all_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o also_o out_o of_o same_o chapter_n be_v prove_v that_o many_o of_o the_o ruler_n also_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n deny_v all_o this_o be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o infidel_n for_o a_o infidel_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o deny_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o manifest_a truth_n discover_v in_o they_o and_o by_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v though_o i_o shall_v not_o add_v a_o word_n more_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n except_o a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o roomâ—_n or_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v yet_o never_o hear_v of_o nor_o never_o believe_v by_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bereave_v of_o his_o sense_n and_o all_o his_o wit_n but_o yet_o for_o far_a illustration_n and_o proof_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n i_o will_v add_v a_o reason_n or_o two_o more_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o point_n that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v native_n there_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n worshipper_n or_o devout_a man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v believer_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o all_o these_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v their_o dwell_n there_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n all_o these_o several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a and_o other_o nation_n here_o in_o london_n have_v their_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o all_o time_n by_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o day_n be_v scarce_o ever_o less_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o number_n be_v now_o increase_v because_o they_o daily_a and_o hourly_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o appear_v they_o every_o moment_n look_v for_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o believe_a jew_n out_o of_o all_o country_n repair_v in_o multitude_n to_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o such_o numberless_a number_n both_o of_o the_o native_a jew_n and_o stranger_n require_v a_o mighty_a number_n of_o teacher_n and_o a_o many_o place_n to_o hear_v and_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o and_o that_o there_o be_v above_o four_o hundred_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n the_o penman_n and_o historiographer_n of_o those_o time_n have_v record_v it_o and_o all_o this_o be_v probable_a from_o the_o numerosity_n of_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n there_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n relate_v as_o the_o priest_n &_o levit_n scribe_n pharisee_n lawyer_n which_o all_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o all_o of_o they_o diligent_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o instruct_v they_o upon_o who_o ministry_n by_o christ_n command_n all_o the_o multitude_n and_o his_o very_a follower_n be_v to_o attend_v matth._n 23._o vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n then_o to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n where_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v teach_v nor_o no_o gather_v of_o new_a church_n under_o pretence_n of_o ea_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o then_o so_o deep_o learn_v as_o to_o be_v in_o that_o high_a form_n of_o divinity_n christ_n follower_n notwithstanding_o be_v all_o gospel_n christian_n and_o be_v all_o in_o a_o church_n way_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o it_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n if_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n can_v teach_v they_o the_o straight_a way_n thither_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o follow_v the_o old_a light_n still_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v all_o their_o master_n we_o hear_v then_o of_o no_o new_a light_n nor_o new_o bear_v truth_n nor_o of_o new_a church_n mould_v and_o yet_o then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n matth._n 11_o 12._o they_o go_v all_o well_o to_o heaven_n as_o well_o and_o as_o cheerful_o as_o any_o of_o our_o independent_o with_o
of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o the_o place_n where_o these_o scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n be_v and_o where_o christ_n then_o be_v and_o where_o all_o those_o people_n be_v be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o people_n well_o know_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o pharisee_n to_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o so_o that_o all_o man_n now_o may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o mr_n knollys_n his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o may_v also_o behold_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n which_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n unless_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n and_o those_o inhabitant_n can_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o grollery_n yea_o madness_n to_o suppose_v or_o think_v and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n out_o of_o his_o impious_a ignorance_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o enervate_n of_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o i._o s._n his_o answer_n to_o all_o my_o forego_v argument_n by_o which_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o else_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o against_o my_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o christ_n time_n than_o can_v possible_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n the_o reader_n may_v remember_v that_o in_o his_o former_a reply_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o doubt_v concern_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v only_o he_o deny_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n much_o less_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n and_o by_o this_o he_o think_v to_o overthrow_v that_o argument_n now_o here_o he_o use_v another_o method_n tacit_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o all_o my_o syllogism_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v because_o as_o he_o speak_v i_o make_v false_a muster_n he_o think_v i_o it_o seem_v like_o the_o independent_o who_o will_v persuade_v the_o simple_a that_o all_o be_v independent_a and_o among_o other_o thing_n he_o say_v that_o i_o give_v the_o independent_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v my_o ignorance_n but_o i_o will_v set_v down_o his_o whole_a babble_n at_o large_a and_o in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o word_n and_o his_o full_a answer_n to_o all_o my_o last_o argument_n as_o it_o be_v page_n 9_o 10._o of_o his_o pamphlet_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o note_n say_v he_o a_o absurdity_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o discourse_n where_o the_o doctor_n have_v get_v a_o multiply_a glass_n in_o his_o hand_n go_v on_o to_o make_v strange_a discovery_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n pag._n 36._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o when_o as_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o you_o affirm_v before_o page_n 32._o and_o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o what_o ever_o you_o determine_v of_o it_o here_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n act_n 2._o last_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sequel_n you_o reckon_v this_o to_o the_o apostle_n also_o express_o page_v 56._o judge_n if_o here_o be_v not_o false_a muster_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o give_v we_o occasion_n shrewd_o to_o suspect_v your_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o to_o talk_n of_o a_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o life_n time_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o he_o if_o i_o shall_v discover_v all_o the_o error_n that_o be_v in_o this_o reply_n i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a volume_n but_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o learned_a man_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n childishness_n and_o horrid_a impiety_n of_o the_o man_n in_o the_o very_a read_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o large_a in_o my_o answer_n as_o otherwise_o i_o have_v think_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o before_o i_o come_v to_o it_o i_o can_v but_o complain_v of_o the_o dishonesty_n of_o the_o man_n that_o thus_o curtail_v my_o argument_n every_o where_o not_o plain_o set_v they_o down_o that_o the_o people_n may_v see_v my_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o his_o dispute_v who_o conceal_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a poison_n they_o with_o his_o error_n and_o noveltye_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n deal_v my_o brother_n burton_n with_o i_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n who_o pass_v by_o all_o my_o argument_n not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v any_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o rombobombo_n syllogism_n of_o his_o own_o which_o as_o i_o suppose_v he_o fetch_v out_o of_o the_o howl_a wilderness_n of_o america_n and_o then_o with_o photions_n hatchet_n that_o carnal_a weapon_n he_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o vapour_n like_o a_o conqueror_n as_o i._n s._n do_v here_o but_o now_o for_o answer_v brief_o i_o affirm_v that_o i._o s._n in_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o his_o confute_v of_o my_o argument_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v against_o i_o as_o he_o do_v against_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o very_a scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n i_o make_v by_o my_o multiply_a glass_n as_o he_o ridiculous_o speak_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o christian_a believer_n be_v no_o false_a muster_n as_o he_o childish_o scible_v for_o i_o discover_v only_o and_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o increase_v of_o christian_a believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n assert_v john_n the_o 4._o where_o it_o be_v record_v vers_fw-la 1._o 2._o that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jesusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n now_o the_o make_n of_o more_o disciple_n be_v the_o add_v of_o more_o to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o not_o only_o to_o i_o but_o to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o i_o to_o affirm_v the_o same_o so_o that_o while_o i._o s._n labour_v to_o confute_v my_o argument_n he_o fight_v indeed_o against_o the_o evangelist_n that_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n but_o say_v he_o here_o be_v two_o paradox_n first_o that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n the_o second_o that_o christ_n shall_v add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n these_o in_o i._n s._n his_o opinion_n be_v paradox_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o ludibry_a in_o his_o dialect_n yet_o both_o these_o truth_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v clear_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o wound_v i_o he_o vulnerate_v saint_n john_n and_o blaspheme_v for_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o deny_v the_o scripture_n that_o assert_n that_o christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n and_o therefore_o add_v more_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o of_o unbeliever_n and_o of_o enemy_n they_o be_v make_v disciple_n christian_n and_o friend_n and_o therefore_o take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o
bring_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o by_o that_o work_n of_o conversion_n they_o be_v add_v to_o it_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v this_o day_n take_v any_o of_o our_o minister_n and_o faithful_a pastor_n sheep_n out_o of_o their_o fold_n and_o steal_v they_o away_o as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n daily_o do_v and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o new_a congregation_n may_v not_o that_o independent_a minister_n without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o without_o any_o error_n true_o be_v say_v to_o have_v add_v so_o many_o more_o to_o his_o new_a church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o his_o member_n be_v thus_o increase_v and_o if_o another_o minister_n be_v join_v with_o he_o as_o a_o teacher_n in_o that_o congregation_n or_o succeed_v he_o if_o he_o also_o shall_v run_v plunder_v about_o both_o city_n and_o country_n as_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o bring_v in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o poor_a silly_a sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n then_o the_o other_o do_v as_o they_o be_v notable_a cunning_a thief_n may_v not_o it_o true_o be_v say_v of_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o marvilous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_v that_o he_o also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o still_o the_o the_o number_n be_v daily_o increase_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o error_n in_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v by_o all_o the_o judicious_a i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o any_o blame_n or_o error_n in_o that_o i_o say_v those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o make_v disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v former_o convert_v by_o the_o baptist_n but_o say_v j._n s._n how_o can_v christ_n make_v mo_z disciple_n than_o john_n out_o of_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v they_o say_v he_o when_o john_n have_v sweep_v all_o along_o with_o he_o as_o the_o doctor_n affirm_v pag._n 32._o not_o take_v it_o synecdochical_o thus_o he_o show_v his_o acumen_n or_o rather_o his_o vanity_n in_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n and_o abuse_v i_o for_o he_o that_o have_v ever_o read_v my_o book_n and_o look_v but_o in_o the_o 31_o page_n towards_o the_o low_a part_n shall_v find_v these_o word_n that_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o john_n and_o be_v baptize_v it_o must_v therefore_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o all_o the_o common_a people_n promiscuous_o or_o for_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n and_o of_o all_o profession_n as_o publican_n soldier_n and_o the_o ordinary_a inhabitant_n these_o be_v my_o very_a word_n there_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n say_v that_o i_o take_v not_o the_o word_n synecdochical_o bely_v i_o befool_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o reader_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o fancy_n but_o for_o answer_v to_o his_o whible_n cavil_v i_o say_v christ_n convert_v those_o he_o make_v his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n out_o of_o the_o remmant_n or_o remainder_n of_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unconvert_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o that_o work_n he_o add_v more_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o though_o the_o mother_n church_n as_o the_o other_o be_v daughter_n church_n through_o all_o juda_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n for_o the_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n do_v not_o exclude_v as_o this_o man_n fond_o conceit_n particular_a church_n from_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n do_v deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n do_v partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n divine_n do_v hold_v and_o therefore_o take_v jerusalem_n synecdochical_o as_o i_o then_o do_v it_o be_v also_o here_o to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o then_o christ_n do_v make_v mo_z disciple_n out_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o remain_v yet_o unconvert_v than_o john_n have_v do_v before_o he_o and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o particular_a mother_n church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n which_o as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o respect_n of_o moral_a worship_n govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n as_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o relate_v which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n all_o those_o synagogue_n and_o several_a church_n be_v all_o combine_v together_o under_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n after_o which_o manner_n all_o the_o other_o city_n church_n bring_v judea_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o this_o mother_n church_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v govern_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n that_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o if_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o government_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n both_o in_o judea_n and_o israel_n as_o that_o of_o samaria_n and_o into_o this_o mould_n do_v the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n cast_v all_o they_o convert_v therefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o john_n and_o that_o he_o add_v they_o unto_o that_o church_n i_o speak_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v warrant_n for_o out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o back_v and_o corroborate_v also_o by_o all_o sound_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v wickedness_n in_o i._n s._n to_o say_v that_o in_o so_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o paradox_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o ludibre_fw-fr in_o i_o and_o a_o paradox_n to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n then_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n and_o matter_n of_o laughter_n in_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n for_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n say_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n i_o refer_v myself_o therefore_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o honest_a godly_a mind_a man_n whether_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o as_o well_o censure_v and_o traduce_v by_o this_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fellow_n as_o myself_o and_o whether_o in_o his_o so_o speak_v he_o do_v not_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o second_o paradox_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o childish_a and_o impious_a as_o this_o where_o he_o say_v be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a anticipation_n and_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n after_o christ_n ascension_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o answer_v let_v i._n s._n take_v notice_n that_o in_o say_v christ_n make_v â—mo_fw-la disciple_n than_o the_o baptist_n and_o in_o make_v they_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o marvellous_a anticipation_n or_o mistake_n as_o i._o s._n unlearned_o infer_v for_o in_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o due_a honour_n and_o affirm_v he_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n i_o have_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o so_o speak_v i_o detract_v nothing_o from_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o any_o man_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o christ_n ministry_n viz._n the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o the_o add_v of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o work_n proper_o and_o primary_o belong_v unto_o he_o though_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n it_o may_v also_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o mistake_n be_v in_o i._n s._n and_o not_o in_o i_o for_o he_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o instrumental_o and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v a_o prevaricator_n in_o many_o respect_n sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o man_n for_o here_o he_o give_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n unto_o the_o disciple_n and_o then_o he_o false_o accuse_v i_o of_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_v when_o there_o be_v none_o and_o then_o will_v make_v i_o guilty_a of_o his_o own_o sin_n which_o i_o be_o free_a from_o as_o all_o they_o that_o read_v my_o book_n in_o the_o page_n quote_v by_o he_o may_v see_v and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o in_o
this_o also_o he_o be_v a_o great_a offender_n where_o by_o this_o juggle_a craft_n of_o he_o he_o labour_v to_o seduce_v the_o poor_a people_n but_o for_o far_a answer_n i_o have_v learn_v of_o christ_n himself_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n and_o therefore_o if_o i._o s._n will_v apply_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v of_o disciple_n to_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o he_o do_v i_o do_v not_o conceive_v it_o any_o paradox_n in_o i_o or_o any_o mistake_n or_o anticipation_n to_o apply_v that_o work_n unto_o christ_n ministry_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o the_o master_n be_v ever_o more_o to_o be_v honour_v then_o the_o servant_n as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o paradox_n in_o i_o in_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n that_o belong_v unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o he_o do_v gather_v daily_o some_o of_o they_o into_o his_o fold_n and_o add_v many_o more_o sheep_n to_o those_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v convert_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o paradox_n in_o i_o to_o give_v as_o much_o honour_n to_o the_o master_n as_o i._o s._n do_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o servant_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o conversion_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v a_o work_n primary_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v great_a rashness_n therefore_o and_o very_o unchristian_a deal_n in_o i._n s._n to_o make_v i_o a_o subject_n of_o his_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_a for_o well_o do_v and_o to_o make_v that_o a_o sin_n and_o error_n in_o i_o which_o be_v a_o virtue_n for_o to_o give_v christ_n his_o due_a honour_n be_v a_o virtue_n now_o the_o honour_n of_o convert_v of_o man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v his_o proper_a work_n and_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o he_o first_o and_o last_o to_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3._o he_o make_v the_o church_n grow_v and_o multiply_v into_o mighty_a number_n and_o add_v daily_o unto_o it_o by_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n be_v severe_o to_o be_v censure_v and_o that_o deserve_o not_o only_o for_o abuse_v his_o brethren_n make_v they_o offender_n when_o they_o be_v not_o but_o chief_o for_o anticipate_v that_o honour_n which_o be_v only_o due_a unto_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o give_v it_o and_o attribute_v it_o unto_o man_n as_o it_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o independent_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o victory_n which_o only_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o the_o party_n which_o they_o call_v the_o pray_a army_n and_o so_o he_o ascribe_v that_o honour_n that_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n which_o indeed_o pertain_v unto_o they_o only_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n and_o accuse_v i_o as_o of_o a_o anticipation_n and_o mistake_n say_v i_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v to_o i._o s._n that_o i_o be_o a_o very_a erroneous_a man_n and_o very_o unjust_a that_o i_o give_v that_o honour_n unto_o christ_n himself_o and_o ascribe_v that_o work_n unto_o he_o which_o say_v i._o s._n belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o error_n in_o say_v that_o christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o jerusalem_n before_o his_o death_n and_o after_o his_o death_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o error_n for_o this_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n none_o can_v come_v unto_o god_n but_o by_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v but_o his_o instrument_n he_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v the_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o therefore_o i._n s._n or_o my_o sâ—lfe_n be_v the_o most_o erroneous_a in_o their_o opinion_n and_o speak_v most_o paradox_n about_o this_o point_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n in_o divinity_n then_o i._n s._n or_o any_o of_o his_o fra_n ternity_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o i._o s._n that_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n have_v of_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o any_o help_n from_o christ_n add_v many_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o i_o yet_o never_o do_v do_v this_o i_o pray_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o wise_a man_n exclude_v christ_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o his_o death_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o obstacle_n or_o hindrance_n to_o his_o work_n of_o convert_v man_n and_o add_v they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n death_n that_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o add_v to_o the_o church_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o error_n or_o mistake_n to_o apply_v that_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o disciple_n i_o be_o confident_a none_o that_o be_v not_o senseless_a will_v say_v there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o so_o speak_v neither_o be_v there_o such_o a_o gulf_n between_o these_o two_o thing_n but_o that_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v christ_n may_v add_v and_o the_o apostle_n also_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o make_v saint_n luke_n in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n say_v the_o lord_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n work_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o add_v man_n unto_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v his_o work_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o he_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o always_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n in_o i_o nor_o no_o paradox_n as_o i._n s._n fond_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n ministry_n be_v add_v to_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n so_o that_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o i_o to_o say_v that_o of_o christ_n then_o that_o be_v afterward_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o in_o formal_a word_n for_o although_o the_o very_a word_n be_v not_o express_v â—et_o that_o be_v set_v down_o that_o be_v equivalent_a unto_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n it_o be_v his_o work_n so_o that_o the_o disputation_n now_o be_v not_o about_o word_n &_o term_n of_o expression_n but_o about_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n viz._n about_o believer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o when_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o unto_o we_o affirm_v that_o christ_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n &_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n than_o any_o rational_a man_n may_v without_o any_o anticipation_n or_o mistake_n or_o any_o error_n or_o paradox_n conclude_v that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v add_v then_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v after_o his_o ascension_n be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o he_o that_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o understanding_n shall_v behold_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o shall_v but_o due_o consider_v my_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o will_v not_o gather_v that_o i_o make_v false_a muster_n as_o this_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n i._o s._n childish_o speak_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v shrewd_o suspect_v the_o ignorance_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o his_o rhetoric_n of_o this_o novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o will_v also_o evident_o gather_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o that_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o withal_o he_o will_v conclude_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n and_o this_o i._o s._n that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v
i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equalise_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o jude_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o the_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n and_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o beleiver_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
worship_n for_o here_o in_o express_a word_n the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v specify_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o candid_a or_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 3000._o christian_n that_o be_v new_o convert_v may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la all_o that_o believe_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o christ_n ministry_n and_o miracle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n before_o christ_n suffering_n and_o all_o that_o be_v after_o his_o resurrection_n convert_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v yet_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o edification_n i_o refer_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v argue_v against_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n they_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v within_o these_o seven_o year_n all_o the_o independent_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o but_o one_o church_n still_o of_o indeperdent_n in_o london_n and_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n will_v not_o the_o brethren_n make_v themselves_o as_o merry_a with_o such_o a_o way_n of_o dispute_v as_o they_o have_v make_v other_o sad_a with_o their_o way_n of_o argue_v yes_o doubtless_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v not_o to_o their_o own_o honour_n to_o speak_v but_o favourable_o of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o that_o time_n this_o place_n of_o scripture_n speak_v of_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n specify_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o these_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v and_o accord_n also_o unto_o they_o that_o all_o these_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o on_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o notwithstanding_o i_o can_v grant_v they_o for_o divers_a reason_n for_o in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o although_o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n yet_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v some_o of_o they_o do_v daily_o meet_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o several_a employment_n and_o other_o in_o private_a and_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o sacrament_n in_o several_a house_n from_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o then_o when_o there_o be_v new_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n they_o have_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v they_o be_v still_o distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o have_v their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n in_o several_a house_n and_o place_n beside_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o those_o several_a house_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o 41._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o the_o 47._o but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o silence_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v nothing_o and_o shall_v i_o grantto_n our_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o and_o that_o these_o three_o thousand_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o ten_o thousand_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o more_o to_o they_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o more_o to_o all_o these_o will_v any_o may_v think_v or_o believe_v that_o ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n much_o less_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o think_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o abdicate_v his_o understanding_n will_v so_o conclude_v so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argumentation_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o have_v defend_v themselves_o and_o wound_v the_o truth_n they_o wound_v themselves_o and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o tenant_n as_o god_n willing_a i_o shall_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o out_o of_o chap._n 5._o our_o brethren_n conceive_v they_o have_v a_o very_a strong_a and_o invincible_a argument_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o after_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v miraculous_o take_v away_o for_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n ergo_fw-la say_v they_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v meet_v be_v set_v down_o viz._n in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o it_o be_v further_o specify_v that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o that_o place_n this_o be_v their_o argument_n faithful_o and_o true_o set_v down_o and_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o their_o cause_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o argue_v have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o beseem_v grave_a man_n to_o trifle_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o all_o the_o beleiver_n that_o then_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o passion_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o peter_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o five_o thousand_o after_o by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o after_o the_o new_a addition_n of_o so_o many_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n that_o the_o five_o chapter_n speak_v of_o shall_v i_o say_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o may_v yet_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o all_o reason_n forbid_v i_o to_o yield_v to_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o have_v communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v have_v we_o no_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o back_o it_o that_o if_o eight_o thousand_o be_v convert_v beside_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o if_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o resurrection_n there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o such_o a_o multiplication_n of_o christian_n all_o understanding_n i_o say_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o year_n there_o will_v be_v innumerable_a multitude_n add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n when_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o wonder_n with_o the_o same_o doctrine_n still_o continue_v and_o with_o all_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o
wrought_v upon_o the_o impotent_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o through_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o peter_n who_o exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v shall_v come_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o new_a believer_n be_v there_o specify_v to_o be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n which_o be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o join_v to_o all_o the_o former_a believer_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o eight_o thousand_o new_a member_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o the_o former_a so_o that_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o 110._o psalm_n verse_n 3._o be_v now_o fulfil_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n his_o willing_a people_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o tobe_n pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_v those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o her_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o 5._o c._n as_o of_o ananias_n &_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v downdead_o and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n &_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o maglinant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v thefirst_n be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v still_o but_o one_o church_n the_o second_o that_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o contrary_a party_n the_o pharisaical_a malignant_a crew_n the_o three_o that_o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o multitude_n no_o small_a company_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o be_v a_o new_a increase_n and_o that_o a_o great_a one_o the_o four_o be_v that_o the_o very_a captain_n and_o officer_n be_v awe_v and_o keep_v in_o fear_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o those_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n be_v afraid_a of_o his_o servant_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o party_n of_o believer_n do_v balance_v the_o number_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o pharisacall_a party_n if_o not_o by_o far_o exceed_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o all_o probability_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n and_o a_o mighty_a multitude_n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o of_o no_o profit_n nor_o to_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divers_a jew_n that_o be_v then_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n devout_a man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o their_o several_a minister_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o several_a language_n that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v i_o say_v for_o the_o present_a to_o wave_v all_o this_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v positive_o set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n that_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o preach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o preach_v be_v set_v down_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o beliver_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la the_o 46._o where_o it_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o by_o all_o interpreter_n be_v understand_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o the_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n be_v wont_v usual_o to_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o roman_n verse_n the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 16._o vers_fw-la 19_o col._n 4._o 14._o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 20._o say_v that_o he_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o they_o but_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n as_o well_o private_a as_o public_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o church_n also_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o church_n but_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o six_o chapter_n in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 7_o verses_z it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o their_o
widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o contiunal_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o assail_v it_o within_o as_o here_o with_o civil_a discord_n and_o difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o in_o other_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o dissension_n in_o opinion_n by_o sect_n schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o these_o his_o wile_n and_o craft_n he_o first_o bring_v in_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o afterward_o diversity_n of_o affection_n and_o that_o among_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o in_o fine_a he_o may_v bring_v ruin_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n raise_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_n who_o complain_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n as_o either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v deaconess_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o observable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o colleague_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o controversy_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n set_v before_o they_o decide_v all_o debate_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precedent_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n here_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o business_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pretend_v their_o own_o independent_a authority_n though_o several_a congregation_n or_o challenge_v a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o determine_v of_o difference_n among_o themselves_o or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n within_o themselves_o to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o will_v be_v order_v or_o that_o they_o challenge_v any_o such_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o all_o appeal_v unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a nation_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o edification_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o truth_n more_o evident_o yet_o appear_v i_o will_v first_o out_o the_o former_a discourse_n frame_v several_a argument_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o the_o ensue_a history_n and_o out_o of_o all_o these_o six_o chapter_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convertedby_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o the_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n join_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o struâ—k_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o which_o also_o there_o be_v after_o ward_n great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n also_o join_v insomuch_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v it_o for_o who_o yet_o do_v ever_o see_v a_o assembly_n of_o above_o ten_o thousand_o people_n in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n that_o can_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n yea_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o several_a place_n above_o quote_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v also_o of_o necessity_n follow_v this_o argument_n be_v so_o well_o ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o corroborate_v also_o with_o such_o solid_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n
every_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o all_o or_o through_o all_o church_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n as_o you_o may_v see_v it_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a pamphlet_n so_o that_o when_o it_o make_v for_o his_o turn_n he_o can_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o singular_a and_o the_o plural_a yea_o he_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o that_o be_v house_n by_o house_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o house_n by_o house_n and_o per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domas_fw-la for_o he_o that_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n by_o man_n say_z as_o much_o as_o man_n by_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o play_v the_o juggler_n and_o cheat_v thus_o to_o cloud_n the_o light_n that_o he_o may_v put_v off_o his_o base_a ware_n the_o better_a and_o to_o darken_v the_o truth_n with_o his_o trifle_n about_o word_n &_o all_o this_o to_o show_v to_o the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v some_o skill_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a because_o he_o can_v write_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o text_n which_o every_o school_n boy_n can_v do_v but_o i_o pray_v see_v how_o the_o poor_a creature_n trouble_v himself_o in_o beat_v the_o air_n he_o say_v it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_fw-la they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n but_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o do_v not_o break_v bread_n in_o all_o house_n or_o through_o all_o the_o house_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a wickedness_n in_o he_o to_o trifle_v thus_o for_o he_o himself_o a_o little_a before_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulat_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la and_o here_o he_o will_v make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o singular_a and_o the_o plural_a when_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o original_a there_o be_v none_o for_o in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n v._o 20._o there_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o plural_a which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o if_o master_n knollis_n interpretation_n be_v good_a that_o when_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o plural_a it_o signify_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o doubtless_o so_o it_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n there_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o singular_a will_v carry_v it_o for_o he_o translate_v it_o domatim_o house_n by_o house_n now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o know_v but_o the_o english_a tongue_n or_o any_o other_o language_n where_o civility_n dwell_v and_o barbarism_n be_v banish_v whether_o or_o no_o when_o the_o magistrate_n send_v messenger_n or_o officer_n to_o search_v for_o any_o delinquent_n and_o give_v they_o in_o charge_n to_o search_v through_o such_o a_o street_n house_n by_o house_n i_o demand_v i_o say_v whether_o the_o messenger_n by_o this_o their_o warrant_n be_v not_o in_o join_v to_o search_v every_o house_n in_o that_o street_n &_o whether_o house_n by_o house_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v every_o house_n and_o all_o the_o house_n in_o that_o street_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n return_v again_o to_o the_o magistrate_n &_o relate_v unto_o he_o that_o according_a to_o his_o command_n &_o order_n they_o have_v diligent_o search_v house_n by_o house_n through_o the_o street_n do_v they_o not_o i_o pray_v in_o this_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v search_v every_o house_n in_o that_o street_n yea_o all_o the_o house_n all_o man_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o reason_n know_v that_o house_n by_o house_n in_o every_o street_n or_o in_o every_o city_n be_v as_o much_o as_o all_o house_n in_o that_o street_n and_o in_o all_o house_n in_o that_o city_n now_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v act_v 2._o that_o the_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o when_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n v._o 42._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n as_o mr._n knollys_n will_v have_v it_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v manifest_o apparent_a that_o in_o every_o of_o those_o house_n and_o in_o all_o those_o house_n they_o have_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o believer_n and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o congregation_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o have_v minister_n and_o pastor_n there_o which_o be_v in_o abundance_n for_o none_o but_o the_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o have_v the_o charge_n to_o feed_v christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n so_o that_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n be_v not_o to_o feed_v their_o pastor_n now_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o administer_v they_o though_o they_o may_v receive_v they_o from_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n relate_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v congregation_n and_o assembly_n every_o day_n in_o many_o several_a house_n at_o one_o time_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o this_o master_n knollys_n do_v acknowledge_v for_o he_o confess_v they_o have_v their_o meeting_n day_n by_o day_n and_o house_n by_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v every_o day_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o have_v their_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o confess_v that_o which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o and_o peremptory_o deny_v but_o such_o be_v the_o force_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o will_v break_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n for_o master_n knollys_n do_v confess_v that_o beside_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o that_o daily_a they_o have_v their_o meeting_n also_o house_n by_o house_n domatim_o so_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v numberless_a if_o they_o be_v from_o house_n to_o house_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o his_o own_o confession_n can_v convince_v his_o error_n at_o least_o let_v his_o own_o word_n take_v some_o place_n with_o he_o who_o in_o the_o 23._o pag._n of_o his_o learned_a answer_n have_v these_o expression_n some_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o approve_a gift_n come_v to_o sojourn_v in_o this_o city_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n both_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v dwell_v in_o their_o own_o house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n thus_o mr_n knollys_n speak_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v he_o quote_v the_o very_a place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n of_o his_o book_n that_o i_o produce_v as_o act._n 2._o ver_fw-la 46._o act_v the_o 5._o 42._o act_n 20._o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o in_o in_o every_o house_n in_o his_o dialect_n be_v all_o one_o which_o it_o be_v not_o when_o i_o quote_v it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o very_a reason_n and_o common_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n that_o wheresoever_o the_o independent_o have_v their_o meeting_n house_n they_o have_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n there_o and_o as_o many_o meet_v house_n as_o they_o have_v so_o many_o church_n ordinat_o they_o have_v witness_v toleration-streete_n which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a street_n i_o mean_v coleman-streete_n which_o a_o independent_a one_o day_n meet_v i_o pass_v through_o it_o tell_v i_o be_v the_o saint_n street_n
also_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o need_v require_v so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v and_o true_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galatian_n be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o where_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n he_o use_v this_o reason_n that_o if_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o man_n it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v it_o he_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o himself_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a i_o immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o but_o i_o go_v into_o arabia_n then_o after_o three_o year_n i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n and_o abode_n with_o he_o fifteen_o day_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n beside_o the_o singular_a testimony_n we_o have_v that_o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o saint_n paul_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n against_o the_o papist_n we_o may_v evident_o gather_v against_o the_o independent_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o either_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o say_v that_o he_o be_v with_o peter_n fifteen_o day_n but_o in_o all_o that_o time_n see_v none_o of_o the_o apostle_n save_o james_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o so_o employ_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a ministery_n asthey_v have_v not_o so_o much_o spare_v time_n to_o visit_v paul_n and_o that_o paul_n also_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v there_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o visit_v they_o and_o for_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o idle_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o continue_v resident_a for_o many_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o they_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n and_o that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o there_o be_v frequent_a testimony_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o as_o yet_o do_v i_o ever_o hear_v it_o scruple_v or_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o there_o or_o no_o when_o paul_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o see_v none_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v absent_a or_o be_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o other_o place_n and_o for_o saint_n paul_n we_o read_v that_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v he_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o into_o their_o assembly_n to_o preach_v and_o that_o he_o preach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o he_o that_o give_v so_o strict_a a_o charge_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n he_o himself_o without_o all_o doubt_n will_v not_o neglect_v his_o duty_n who_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o all_o the_o presbyter_n for_o their_o imitation_n in_o their_o diligent_a preach_n and_o he_o ordinary_o preach_v by_o the_o day_n and_o by_o the_o night_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o sure_o the_o time_n he_o remain_v with_o peter_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o preach_v as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o &_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o their_o particular_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v very_o sedulous_a in_o preach_v as_o who_o have_v both_o strength_n of_o body_n and_o god_n special_a assistance_n and_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n always_o to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v as_o of_o charity_n i_o be_o bind_v that_o paul_n be_v daily_o in_o one_o assembly_n or_o other_o now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o of_o necessity_n paul_n must_v have_v see_v the_o other_o apostle_n there_o as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o james_n for_o they_o also_o be_v good_a churchman_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o prelate_n dialect_n and_o they_o never_o leave_v the_o word_n but_o be_v always_o take_v up_o either_o in_o pray_v or_o preach_v among_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n will_v daily_o upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v be_v with_o their_o flock_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n see_v they_o not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v evident_o apparent_a there_o be_v more_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o place_n or_o two_o more_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n act_v 12._o verse_n 24._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiplp_v here_o also_o we_o have_v another_o good_a effect_n of_o a_o new_a sierce_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o increase_v the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o the_o persecutor_n be_v take_v away_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o multiply_v after_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o a_o double_a persecution_n the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o mnltiply_v that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n
to_o this_o last_o argument_n page_n 9_o be_v these_o as_o for_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o mention_v act_n 21._o verse_n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infinitus_fw-la and_o though_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v numerum_fw-la decem_fw-la millium_fw-la yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v as_o luke_n 12._o 1._o and_o beza_n both_o according_a to_o the_o old_a and_o new_a version_n of_o the_o greek_a into_o latin_a read_v it_o millia_fw-la thousand_o not_o deâ—em_fw-la millia_fw-la and_o so_o we_o have_v it_o in_o our_o english_a bibles_n translate_v thousand_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n 22._o will_v make_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o there_o we_o thus_o read_v the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o so_o that_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o thousand_o but_o they_o can_v yea_o must_v assemble_v together_o neither_o can_v the_o doctor_n make_v good_a from_o those_o scripture_n he_o produce_v page_n 26._o to_o wit_n act_v the_o 1._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 2_o 4._o and_o chap._n 8_o ver_fw-la 1._o that_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o twelve_o be_v name_v indeed_o in_o act_n 6._o 2._o 4._o but_o not_o a_o hundred_o beside_o no_o not_o any_o one_o preacher_n but_o they_o twelve_o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o place_n act_v the_o 1._o 21_o 22._o and_o act_v the_o 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o there_o be_v not_o any_o word_n concern_v preacher_n or_o minister_n only_o some_o direction_n touch_v the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o mention_a act_n 6._o v._o 2._o and_o although_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v preach_v the_o word_n act_v 8._o ver_fw-la 4._o yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v preacher_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n this_o mr._n knollys_n have_v to_o reply_v who_o word_n i_o have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n and_o with_o how_o little_a reason_n these_o man_n â—ight_a against_o the_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o idle_a opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o â—ould_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o word_n and_o denial_n and_o sottish_a evasion_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v any_o apparent_a truth_n than_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n will_v not_o want_v they_o in_o oppose_v the_o most_o ground_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o uphold_v and_o maintenance_n of_o their_o fond_a and_o grollish_a error_n but_o now_o to_o examine_v his_o word_n that_o the_o truth_n may_v more_o evident_o appear_v and_o that_o my_o argument_n stand_v firm_a and_o good_a notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o contarry_a first_o he_o babble_n about_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o it_o come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d infinitus_fw-la but_o what_o be_v this_o i_o say_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n thus_o to_o trifle_v about_o word_n if_o not_o to_o amuse_v the_o ignorant_a people_n only_o to_o cloud_v the_o truth_n which_o nevertheless_o break_v forth_o more_o illustrious_o for_o the_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v of_o my_o argument_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o will_v by_o the_o seqnell_n appear_v for_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o come_v from_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v infinite_a in_o the_o concrete_a as_o he_o affirm_v then_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v the_o abstract_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n for_o darkness_n be_v more_o than_o dark_a and_o signifi_v the_o extremity_n and_o profundity_n of_o dark_a and_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o abstract_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n than_o it_o denote_v and_o signify_v a_o great_a number_n than_o ten_o thousand_o rather_o than_o a_o less_o by_o how_o much_o myriad_o a_o infinite_a and_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o people_n signify_v more_o than_o a_o finite_a then_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o 12._o of_o luke_n be_v translate_v when_o there_o be_v gather_v together_o say_v the_o translation_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n insomuch_o that_o they_o tread_v one_o upon_o another_o etc._n etc._n a_o innumerable_a company_n therefore_o signify_v rather_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o than_o a_o less_o number_n in_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o the_o best_a interpretes_n say_v positus_fw-la est_fw-la definitus_fw-la vumerus_fw-la pro_fw-la infinito_fw-la a_o definite_a and_o a_o certain_a number_n for_o a_o infinite_a other_o interpret_v the_o word_n thus_o innumer_n ae_z turbae_fw-la multitudo_fw-la amultitude_n of_o immumerable_a people_n so_o that_o by_o this_o his_o vain_a jangle_n about_o the_o word_n he_o gain_v nothing_o yea_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o he_o himself_o confess_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o yet_o not_o always_o but_o for_o some_o great_a number_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v tell_v and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v he_o quot_v the_o 12._o of_o luke_n the_o place_n above_o mention_v and_o bring_v bezas_n his_o version_n and_o our_o english_a translation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o signify_v ten_o thousand_o and_o after_o that_o he_o abuse_v his_o own_o reason_n to_o confute_v saint_n luke_n who_o record_v the_o word_n of_o st._n james_n to_o paul_n say_v thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o believe_a jew_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o word_n of_o luke_n master_n knollys_n learned_o reply_v that_o the_o following_z vers_n 22._o will_v make_v it_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o there_o