upon_o the_o assumption_n false_a accuse_v both_o of_o opinion_n and_o person_n be_v a_o crime_n too_o common_a many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o absurd_a be_v brand_v for_o absurdity_n many_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v accuse_v with_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o monstrous_a birth_n of_o absurdity_n which_o be_v as_o free_v from_o they_o as_o christ_n be_v from_o iniquity_n but_o do_v not_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o word_n gift_n in_o rom._n 12._o for_o ability_n produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o many_o absurdity_n sure_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n to_o wander_v far_o for_o resolution_n in_o this_o particular_a if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reason_n have_v be_v as_o good_a in_o prove_v as_o bold_a in_o affirm_v for_o absurdity_n say_v he_o will_v follow_v such_o a_o exposition_n which_o be_v in_o number_n two_o according_a to_o his_o reckon_n the_o first_o be_v this_o follow_v we_o may_v then_o proceed_v from_o ability_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o calling_n 3._o g._n w._n pag._n 3._o for_o if_o ability_n to_o preach_v be_v sufficient_a to_o authorize_v one_o to_o preach_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o also_o ability_n to_o baptise_v and_o to_o rule_n and_o govern_v be_v sufficient_a to_o authorize_v any_o to_o baptise_v and_o to_o take_v on_o they_o to_o rule_v govern_v and_o judge_n as_o ruler_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n do_v etc._n etc._n answ_n three_o thing_n be_v here_o affirm_v which_o be_v clear_o express_v or_o necessary_o employ_v i_o shall_v here_o declare_v they_o and_o declare_v something_o in_o answer_n to_o each_o of_o they_o first_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o proceed_v from_o ability_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o calling_n second_o that_o he_o that_o preach_v do_v by_o preach_v enter_v into_o the_o call_n of_o he_o who_o by_o office_n be_v a_o preacher_n three_o that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a from_o ability_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o minister_n call_v then_o it_o be_v lawful_a from_o ability_n to_o proceed_v to_o other_o calling_n as_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o rule_v etc._n etc._n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v thus_o answer_v first_o i_o dare_v not_o allow_v that_o speech_n to_o be_v true_a without_o exception_n for_o there_o be_v some_o calling_n as_o the_o husbandman_n calling_n with_o some_o other_o into_o which_o a_o man_n have_v ability_n may_v lawful_o enter_v and_o in_o they_o exercise_v himself_o from_o ability_n only_o second_o that_o if_o it_o be_v speak_v with_o limitation_n it_o may_v be_v receive_v for_o a_o truth_n without_o contradiction_n if_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n than_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o proceed_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o calling_n mere_o from_o ability_n because_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o word_n require_v that_o unto_o qualification_n for_o office_n election_n and_o ordination_n be_v annex_v before_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o in_o way_n of_o office_n be_v undertake_v now_o to_o the_o second_o of_o his_o affirmation_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o that_o preach_v do_v enter_v into_o the_o call_n of_o he_o who_o by_o office_n be_v a_o preacher_n this_o affirmation_n be_v false_a and_o absurd_a which_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o a_o man_n may_v do_v in_o some_o way_n some_o action_n that_o belong_v to_o another_o calling_n and_o yet_o not_o entrench_v upon_o or_o enter_v into_o his_o call_n praise_v of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n upon_o musical_a instrument_n be_v the_o call_n of_o some_o of_o the_o levite_n now_o do_v all_o not_o be_v levites_n entrench_v upon_o their_o call_n who_o do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o other_o praise_n god_n upon_o musical_a instrument_n prayer_n be_v a_o work_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o minister_n call_v act_v 6.4_o now_o do_v all_o those_o that_o pray_v when_o a_o company_n be_v meet_v together_o as_o their_o mouth_n unto_o god_n enter_v into_o the_o minister_n call_v be_v it_o not_o a_o work_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o judge_v betwixt_o person_n in_o matter_n of_o civil_a difference_n notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n to_o set_v those_o to_o judge_n who_o be_v not_o judge_n by_o office_n 1_o cor._n 6._o but_o i_o hope_v the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o entrench_v on_o the_o magistrate_n call_v preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o apostle_n work_v rom._n 1.1_o do_v all_o then_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v preacher_n enter_v into_o the_o apostle_n office_n etc._n etc._n every_o call_n have_v not_o all_o its_o work_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o second_o because_o preach_v be_v not_o a_o work_n peculiar_a to_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n which_o none_o may_v lawful_o do_v save_v those_o who_o be_v in_o office_n for_o to_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v here_o propose_v some_o question_n only_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o this_o reason_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v refer_v thou_o christian_n reader_n for_o thy_o further_a satisfaction_n quest_n 1_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n have_v god_n call_v church_n officer_n to_o preach_v and_o restrain_v other_o from_o the_o work_n quest_n 2_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o at_o least_o a_o probability_n that_o preach_v be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o a_o minister_n see_v that_o many_o both_o godly_a and_o learned_a have_v affirm_v it_o among_o many_o other_o here_o what_o one_o and_o in_o a_o preface_n to_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o parliament_n say_v the_o peculiar_a work_n say_v he_o of_o the_o ministry_n be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n but_o as_o for_o preach_v it_o be_v a_o more_o common_a work_n etc._n etc._n mr._n john_n ellis_n junior_a epist_n the_o sole_a path_n to_o a_o sound_a peace_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v and_o preach_v be_v improper_o call_v a_o ministerial_a work_n etc._n etc._n church-government_n and_o church-covenant_n discuss_v pag._n 78.76_o i_o remember_v a_o say_n that_o another_o have_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o papist_n say_v he_o and_o some_o ignorant_a protestant_n will_v have_v no_o word_n of_o god_n sound_v out_o by_o any_o but_o by_o their_o select_a clergy_n whither_o they_o who_o do_v affirm_v preach_v to_o be_v a_o work_n peculiar_a to_o quest_n 3_o church-officer_n 19.20_o 2_o chron._n 19.20_o do_v not_o sin_n against_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a do_v they_o not_o condemn_v jehosaphat_n and_o other_o who_o teach_v and_o exhort_v the_o people_n public_o to_o believe_v god_n he_o be_v neither_o priest_n nor_o prophet_n if_o preach_v be_v a_o work_n peculiar_a to_o the_o ministry_n who_o will_v justify_v the_o martyr_n nay_o who_o will_v not_o blame_v they_o rather_o may_v we_o not_o say_v to_o they_o o_o martyr_n culpandi_fw-la estis_fw-la you_o be_v blame-worthy_a for_o entrench_v on_o the_o minister_n call_v in_o that_o you_o be_v not_o church-officer_n do_v preach_v the_o word_n a_o company_n be_v meet_v together_o for_o do_v you_o not_o expound_v and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n inform_v and_o exhort_v the_o people_n why_o suffer_v you_o so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a why_o be_v the_o enemy_n constrain_v to_o cut_v your_o tongue_n to_o gag_n and_o with_o ball_n of_o iron_n to_o stop_v your_o mouth_n to_o hinder_v you_o from_o preach_v see_v god_n do_v not_o command_v you_o to_o it_o how_o may_v the_o saint_n make_v use_v of_o their_o gift_n knowledge_n and_o utterance_n quest_n 4_o for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o preach_v 10.25_o hebr._n 4.12_o c._n 10.25_o or_o how_o may_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o and_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o and_o yet_o not_o preach_v to_o this_o question_n my_o antagonist_n have_v frame_v a_o answer_n pag._n 6._o but_o how_o far_o from_o the_o purpose_n let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v he_o answer_v to_o a_o say_n of_o i_o which_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o use_v those_o gift_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o for_o that_o end_n which_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a but_o not_o to_o my_o purpose_n but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o man_n may_v without_o preach_v use_v their_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n he_o will_v inform_v you_o pag._n 7._o that_o there_o be_v otherways_o of_o use_v gift_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o preach_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o family_n governor_n and_o parent_n must_v edify_v their_o child_n and_o family_n and_o god_n give_v they_o gift_n in_o prayer_n and_o knowledge_n and_o for_o
that_o purpose_n but_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o speech_n be_v not_o of_o family_n but_o of_o church_n but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o family_n sit_v to_o be_v edify_v be_v not_o beget_v how_o then_o may_v he_o use_v his_o gift_n of_o edify_v he_o further_o tell_v we_o of_o another_o way_n more_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o way_n thus_o and_o christian_n say_v he_o must_v exhort_v and_o comfort_n 4._o g._n w._n answ_n 4._o and_o â—â—â—difie_v one_o another_o in_o christian_a conference_n and_o discourse_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v true_a that_o the_o saint_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o but_o to_o i_o it_o be_v strange_a and_o no_o less_o than_o a_o riddle_n to_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a for_o private_a person_n to_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o preach_v as_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o it_o and_o preach_v it_o be_v my_o desire_n to_o plough_v with_o the_o author_n heifer_n that_o i_o may_v understand_v that_o his_o enigmatical_a affirmation_n what_o may_v they_o exhort_v comfort_n and_o edify_v one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o yet_o not_o preach_v oh_o strange_a expression_n now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n affirm_v by_o my_o antagonist_n which_o be_v this_o w._n mr._n w._n that_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a from_o ability_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o minister_n call_v then_o it_o be_v lawful_a from_o ability_n to_o proceed_v to_o other_o man_n calling_n as_o the_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o reason_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a from_o ability_n to_o proceed_v to_o one_o calling_n then_o it_o be_v lawful_a from_o ability_n to_o proceed_v to_o any_o call_n what_o rule_n be_v there_o deliver_v by_o either_o aristotle_n ramus_n or_o any_o other_o in_o their_o logic_n to_o justify_v this_o kind_n of_o argue_v general_n from_o particular_n not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n what_o reason_n may_v there_o be_v find_v to_o plead_v for_o that_o assertion_n let_v he_o that_o can_v show_v second_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o purpose_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o he_o that_o preach_v do_v not_o by_o preach_v enter_v into_o the_o minister_n call_v thus_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o absurdity_n let_v we_o now_o cast_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o second_o w._n g._n w._n if_o all_o that_o can_v may_v and_o must_v preach_v the_o minister_n office_n be_v needless_a what_o need_v of_o authority_n by_o office_n to_o do_v that_o which_o every_o one_o may_v and_o must_v do_v without_o it_z etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o that_o such_o a_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v so_o say_v my_o antagonist_n but_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o also_o sure_o from_o his_o writing_n i_o can_v inform_v you_o for_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sic_fw-la dominus_fw-la dixit_fw-la may_v be_v find_v in_o it_o wherefore_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o bare_o deny_v what_o he_o bare_o affirm_v why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v sufficient_a see_v that_o my_o nay_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n as_o his_o yea_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n 4.11_o eph._n 4.11_o second_o it_o be_v false_a else_o paul_n will_v be_v find_v a_o man_n make_v opposition_n against_o christ_n institution_n have_v not_o christ_n ordain_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n 14._o 1_o cor._n 14._o man_n in_o office_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o do_v not_o paul_n allow_v those_o to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n but_o be_v not_o by_o office_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o so_o do_v not_o he_o approve_v of_o that_o which_o make_v the_o office_n of_o minister_n useless_a for_o they_o public_o preach_v in_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n but_o if_o the_o preach_n of_o man_n who_o be_v neither_o pastor_n nor_o teacher_n do_v now_o make_v useless_a the_o minister_n call_v than_o it_o can_v at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o better_a effect_n and_o so_o paul_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n ordinary_a ministry_n three_o private_a man_n preach_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v useless_a the_o minister_n call_v that_o it_o do_v not_o a_o little_a help_n it_o 5.11_o heb._n 5.11_o for_o hereby_o their_o mouth_n be_v open_v to_o speak_v wisdom_n the_o deep_a thing_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o the_o people_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n teach_v by_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o more_o confirm_v when_o other_o also_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o also_o the_o truth_n teach_v by_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o better_o preserve_v for_o by_o the_o use_n of_o private_a man_n gift_n they_o be_v often_o occasional_o mention_v the_o officer_n be_v moreover_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v by_o behold_v god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o ministry_n in_o that_o some_o grow_v so_o much_o that_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o those_o know_v who_o be_v officer_n in_o congregationall_a church_n where_o there_o be_v such_o private_a preacher_n thus_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o assumption_n which_o have_v deny_v liberty_n to_o the_o conclusion_n therefore_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o word_n gift_n in_o rom._n 12._o for_o ability_n only_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v to_o pass_v as_o a_o orthodox_n truth_n now_o i_o shall_v lead_v you_o on_o to_o the_o second_o scripture_n which_o as_o my_o antagonist_n conceive_v will_v not_o plead_v for_o private_a man_n preach_v the_o place_n afore_o mention_v be_v act_n 8.1_o and_o 4._o and_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n 1._o verse_n 1._o and_o they_o be_v all_o scatter_a abroad_o throughout_o the_o region_n of_o judea_n and_o samaria_n except_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o go_v everywhere_o preach_v the_o word_n 4._o verse_n 4._o i_o shall_v here_o in_o speak_v observe_v this_o method_n first_o i_o shall_v discover_v my_o deduction_n from_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v answer_v to_o the_o reply_n of_o my_o antagonist_n for_o the_o first_o thus_o the_o thing_n thence_o conclude_v be_v that_o private_a person_n have_v ability_n may_v lawful_o when_o a_o company_n be_v meet_v together_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o that_o those_o there_o mention_v do_v so_o preach_v they_o be_v for_o the_o generality_n private_a person_n or_o no_o church-officer_n since_o their_o practice_n be_v approve_v may_v be_v to_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o great_a part_n private_a person_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v my_o opinion_n wherein_o i_o be_o neither_o alone_a nor_o without_o reason_n i_o be_o not_o alone_a for_o other_o think_v so_o with_o i_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n this_o be_v their_o say_n they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n that_o arise_v about_o steven_n be_v not_o church-officer_n at_o least_o all_o of_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v their_o â—â—â—â—e_n if_o not_o their_o only_a preach_v officer_n be_v not_o scatter_v abroad_o but_o remain_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n c._n 8._o v._n 1._o and_o yet_o thâ—se_a man_n do_v so_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o dr._n ames_n with_o divers_a other_o now_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v i_o so_o to_o believe_v among_o other_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o because_o it_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n be_v scatter_v v._o 1._o now_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n any_o teach_v officer_n save_o the_o apostle_n and_o reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o great_a part_n can_v not_o be_v officer_n which_o scatter_v christian_n without_o any_o exception_n be_v say_v ans_fw-fr 4._o to_o preach_v the_o word_n second_o because_o 〈◊〉_d in_o such_o a_o exposition_n no_o scripture_n will_v be_v cross_v neither_o will_v any_o bad_a consequence_n be_v thence_o produce_v etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v draw_v you_o now_o forward_o to_o consider_v my_o antagonist_n answer_v wherein_o two_o thing_n especial_o be_v endeavour_v by_o he_o first_o that_o they_o who_o preach_v be_v not_o private_a person_n second_o that_o if_o they_o be_v such_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o gather_v thence_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o private_a person_n now_o to_o his_o reply_n i_o shall_v answer_v first_o more_o general_o second_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n for_o the_o general_a thus_o first_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o scripture_n which_o lie_v not_o under_o divers_a interpretation_n and_o there_o may_v appear_v a_o probability_n of_o truth_n in_o cross_a exposition_n whence_o
a_o modest_a plea_n for_o private_a man_n preach_v or_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v private_a man_n no_o pulpit_n man_n compose_v by_o master_n giles_n workman_n wherein_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v brief_o debate_v the_o examination_n of_o private_a man_n preach_v examine_v also_o certain_a accusation_n wipe_v away_o and_o remove_v by_o john_n knowles_n a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n former_o in_o and_o near_a gloucester_n now_o belong_v to_o the_o lifeguard_n of_o his_o excellency_n sir_n thomas_n fairfax_n london_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1648._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n there_o be_v two_o evil_n too_o common_a among_o professor_n one_o be_v the_o taking_z up_o of_o much_o for_o truth_n which_o be_v indeed_o not_o so_o whence_o they_o accept_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o embrace_v nubem_fw-la pro_fw-la junone_fw-la a_o cloud_n for_o juno_n the_o other_o be_v the_o embrace_n of_o many_o truth_n which_o they_o see_v not_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n to_o be_v so_o whereby_o their_o faith_n prove_v fruthlesse_a while_o this_o popish_a doctrine_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n the_o clergy_n believe_v be_v a_o practical_a tenant_n among_o they_o wherefore_o i_o can_v but_o see_v a_o break_n forth_o of_o mercy_n towards_o we_o by_o the_o break_n out_o of_o controversy_n among_o we_o that_o be_v a_o way_n to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o false_a apprehension_n and_o to_o settle_v we_o on_o true_a upon_o good_a foundation_n therefore_o expect_v reader_n sound_v reformation_n from_o our_o gross_a apprehension_n and_o a_o sweet_a union_n from_o our_o great_a division_n i_o can_v but_o acquaint_v thou_o courteous_a reader_n with_o two_o lesson_n which_o god_n somewhile_n since_o have_v teach_v i_o the_o first_o be_v to_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o under_o examination_n wherefore_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n call_v receive_v truth_n i_o have_v call_v into_o question_n and_o be_o resolve_v neither_o to_o believe_v nor_o practise_v any_o thing_n till_o i_o enjoy_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n why_o i_o shall_v so_o either_o believe_v or_o practise_v by_o which_o course_n i_o have_v be_v gracious_o lead_v out_o of_o many_o embrace_a error_n and_o i_o hope_v gracious_o lead_v into_o many_o yet_o unresolved_a scruple_n for_o satisfaction_n wherein_o i_o wait_v on_o the_o god_n of_o discovery_n second_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o receive_v truth_n by_o parcelmeale_n in_o that_o god_n be_v wont_v by_o degree_n not_o by_o whole_a sale_n to_o impart_v it_o as_o for_o the_o follow_a discourse_n it_o be_v occasion_v from_o a_o desire_n in_o i_o to_o vindicate_v both_o the_o truth_n &_o myself_o from_o a_o false_a accusation_n and_o it_o be_v long-since_a prepare_v for_o and_o send_v up_o towards_o the_o press_n but_o providence_n by_o sickness_n hinder_v the_o messenger_n it_o return_v back_o again_o to_o i_o where_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o remain_v in_o the_o prison_n of_o silence_n and_o shall_v bave_v be_v for_o ever_o hinder_v from_o walk_v abroad_o have_v not_o importunity_n obtain_v it_o liberty_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n and_o look_v the_o world_n in_o the_o face_n that_o its_o entertainment_n will_v be_v diverse_a i_o be_o not_o doubtful_a how_o i_o may_v be_v censure_v i_o be_o not_o careful_a if_o god_n may_v have_v glory_n and_o his_o church_n good_a i_o have_v my_o desire_n i_o shall_v not_o far_o trouble_v thou_o in_o way_n of_o preface_n but_o only_o to_o entreat_v thou_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n what_o in_o it_o thou_o find_v to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v go_n give_v he_o the_o glory_n what_o fall_v thou_o meet_v with_o some_o may_v be_v i_o impute_v they_o to_o i_o some_o may_v be_v the_o printer_n do_v he_o that_o favour_n when_o thou_o find_v they_o to_o amend_v they_o by_o which_o thou_o may_v oblige_v he_o unto_o thy_o service_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v command_v by_o thou_o john_n knowles_n a_o modest_a plea_n for_o private_a man_n preach_v the_o first_o part._n wherein_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v brief_o state_v and_o clear_o explain_v whereunto_o also_o positive_a argument_n be_v annex_v and_o certain_a interogatories_n answer_v when_o controversy_n be_v right_o state_v they_o be_v in_o away_o to_o be_v end_v 19_o act_n 19_o he_o that_o strive_v about_o thing_n not_o wise_o state_v beat_v the_o air_n and_o sight_n with_o his_o shadow_n and_o so_o bring_v forth_o opas_n mane_n a_o fruitless_a labour_n too_o many_o of_o our_o zealous_a contender_n be_v too_o like_o demetrius_n his_o follower_n make_v out-cry_n and_o uproar_n without_o reason_n and_o with_o not_o a_o little_a ignorance_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o shoot_v my_o dart_n as_o at_o random_n and_o that_o there_o may_v for_o the_o building_n be_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n yield_v a_o brief_a proposal_n of_o my_o assertion_n thus_o that_o man_n gift_v for_o preach_v though_o out_o of_o office_n may_v lawful_o in_o any_o company_n preach_v the_o gospel_n word_n may_v admit_v of_o diverse_a construction_n and_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v plain_a expression_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v to_o the_o assertion_n add_v a_o clear_a explaination_n of_o it_o that_o my_o meaning_n in_o it_o be_v clear_o discerver_v and_o mistake_v about_o it_o whole_o remove_v the_o christian_a reader_n may_v be_v put_v in_o a_o posture_n right_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v nunce_v sub_fw-la judice_fw-la now_o in_o controversy_n among_o we_o for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o three_o question_n shall_v be_v propose_v and_o answer_v which_o may_v plain_o inform_v the_o reader_n of_o my_o mind_n in_o the_o foregoing_a conclusion_n as_o the_o three_o errowe_n which_o jonathan_n shoot_v give_v notice_n to_o david_n of_o saul_n intention_n questi_fw-la 1_o what_o be_v it_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n answer_v before_o a_o direct_a answer_n be_v return_v to_o this_o quaere_fw-la i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n in_o a_o word_n to_o show_v what_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v which_o will_v open_v a_o way_n to_o the_o reader_n whereby_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o enter_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n demand_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a new-testament_n doctrine_n make_v a_o glorious_a discovery_n to_o man_n of_o the_o almighty_n will_n concern_v man_n now_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o publish_v make_v know_v or_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v true_a may_v be_v as_o clear_o perceive_v as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n by_o the_o two_o follow_v particular_n first_o by_o consider_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o principal_a word_n which_o be_v common_o use_v to_o express_v the_o work_n of_o gospel-preaching_a these_o three_o follow_v i_o have_v special_o observe_v who_o signification_n will_v give_v light_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o foregoing_a definition_n the_o first_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o from_o the_o septuagint_n and_o greek_a original_a be_v translate_v in_o the_o latin_a as_o uerâ—ion_n proclamare_fw-la praedicare_fw-la and_o signify_v as_o much_o as_o aperte_v seu_fw-la publicae_fw-la dicere_fw-la vel_fw-la docere_fw-la to_o divulge_v report_n publish_v or_o noise_n abroad_o and_o so_o it_o be_v end_v mark_v 5.20_o chap_n 7.36_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n or_o proclamation_n from_o heaven_n contain_v in_o it_o house-top-discovery_n which_o concern_v all_o and_o be_v to_o be_v publish_v to_o and_o apprehend_v by_o all_o the_o second_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d latin_a evangelizare_fw-la which_o be_v often_o translate_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v proper_o signify_v lata_fw-la annunciare_fw-la to_o show_v or_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n and_o so_o it_o be_v turn_v in_o luke_n 1.19_o chap._n 2.10_o he_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n bring_v heart-rejoycing_a tiding_n to_o the_o creature_n for_o the_o gospel_n discover_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n for_o man_n misery_n and_o hold_v out_o the_o way_n to_o everlasting_a glory_n the_o three_o which_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n with_o the_o former_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prophesy_v signify_v proper_o to_o foretell_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n mat._n 15.7_o some_o time_n to_o reveal_v a_o secret_a matth._n 26.68_o sometime_o to_o teach_v 1_o cor._n 13.9_o revel_v 11.3_o this_o word_n fit_o set_v out_o the_o work_n of_o gospel-preaching_a for_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v the_o subâ—ect_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o angel_n say_v the_o apostle_n god_n haâ—h_v not_o put_v into_o subjection_n the_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o of_o we_o speak_v heb._n 2.5_o that_o be_v god_n have_v not_o make_v eternal_a life_n or_o everlasting_a death_n to_o be_v the_o
office_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n reason_n 4_o be_v in_o scripture_n mention_v and_o not_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o not_o condemn_v there_o may_v be_v pattern_n to_o we_o 1_o cor._n 10.11_o but_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n a_o mention_n not_o condemnation_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n out_o of_o office_n in_o use_v their_o gift_n in_o gospel-preaching_a the_o jew_n allow_v man_n who_o be_v not_o their_o church-officer_n public_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v among_o they_o luke_n 4.16_o 17_o 18._o act_n 13._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o chap._n 28.22_o 23._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ruler_n of_o israel_n do_v never_o as_o i_o remember_v condemn_v the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v none_o of_o their_o church-officer_n for_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v but_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o primative_a christian_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o hear_v those_o preach_v who_o be_v none_o of_o their_o church-officer_n act_n 18.24_o 25_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o publish_v or_o preach_v both_o to_o the_o world_n and_o their_o brethren_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v out_o to_o they_o act_n 8.4_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 1_o thes_n 5.10_o paul_n tell_v we_o phil._n 1._o that_o he_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v though_o by_o man_n out_o of_o office_n for_o so_o they_o be_v in_o all_o probability_n and_o that_o through_o envy_n this_o four_o reason_n leave_v the_o reader_n to_o make_v the_o conclusion_n give_v way_n by_o its_o silence_n to_o the_o next_o witness_n which_o be_v the_o five_o reason_n reason_n 5_o because_o good_a effect_n do_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o use_n of_o private_a man_n gift_n none_o make_v a_o scruple_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o natural_o produce_v good_a effect_n to_o be_v good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o whether_o private_a man_n preach_n may_v be_v take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o thing_n produce_v natural_o good_a effect_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v the_o scripture_n speak_v it_o will_v inform_v you_o that_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o private_a man_n gift_n do_v bring_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n and_o world_n no_o small_a commodity_n act_n 11.21_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 24_o 25._o now_o shall_v experience_n which_o teach_v much_o truth_n be_v hear_v in_o give_v out_o her_o sentence_n thus_o she_o utter_v her_o voice_n i_o have_v find_v by_o much_o observation_n that_o as_o heretofore_o so_o now_o man_n gift_v for_o preach_v use_v their_o gift_n though_o out_o of_o office_n be_v very_o advantageous_a instrument_n both_o to_o the_o church_n and_o world_n notwithstanding_o i_o must_v say_v experience_n free_o confess_v that_o some_o have_v by_o this_o practice_n be_v instrument_n of_o mischief_n but_o herein_o they_o differ_v not_o from_o many_o of_o our_o license_a preacher_n thus_o far_o experience_n the_o common_a opinion_n have_v another_o bias_n and_o speak_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o foregoing_a affirmation_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v error_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n companion_n together_o thus_o the_o five_o reason_n take_v leave_v to_o be_v silent_a and_o the_o last_o for_o present_a intend_a appear_v to_o confirm_v what_o its_o fellow_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v and_o be_v enforce_v to_o be_v somewhat_o large_a in_o open_v itself_o the_o rest_n through_o courtesy_n to_o it_o have_v spend_v the_o less_o time_n in_o utter_v their_o speech_n because_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o use_n of_o private_a man_n gift_n in_o preach_v reason_n 6_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o inseparable_a retinue_n of_o ill_a and_o bad_a consequence_n wait_v upon_o it_o its_o be_v a_o truth_n without_o controversy_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o nicknamed_a when_o call_v evil_a that_o natural_o draw_v after_o it_o ill_o and_o bad_a consequence_n for_o as_o we_o gather_v not_o grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n so_o we_o enjoy_v not_o salt_n stream_n from_o a_o fresh_a fountain_n but_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o private_a man_n preach_v do_v engender_v such_o a_o generation_n be_v a_o truth_n to_o which_o many_o and_o almost_o all_o the_o clergy_n will_v not_o put_v to_o their_o seal_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o open_v the_o book_n of_o its_o generation_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o denial_n of_o private_a man_n preach_v be_v the_o shuting_z conseque_fw-la 1_n up_o of_o that_o way_n which_o the_o scripture_n open_v for_o the_o only_a right_a way_n into_o office_n election_n and_o ordination_n the_o church_n work_n be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v chalk_v out_o by_o which_o man_n may_v come_v into_o office_n but_o the_o church_n must_v bring_v none_o into_o office_n without_o prove_v their_o fitness_n for_o the_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o but_o they_o can_v know_v man_n sufficiency_n for_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v without_o hear_v they_o preach_v now_o if_o they_o must_v preach_v before_o they_o be_v make_v church-officer_n then_o some_o private_a person_n may_v preach_v but_o if_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o none_o may_v lawful_o preach_v be_v out_o of_o office_n than_o god_n way_n be_v deny_v of_o bring_v man_n into_o office_n conseque_fw-la 2_o the_o second_o ill_a consequence_n which_o call_v the_o former_a brother_n be_v the_o shut_n up_o or_o make_v narrow_a the_o way_n to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n for_o if_o none_o may_v lawful_o preach_v but_o church-officer_n then_o none_o may_v be_v hear_v by_o we_o but_o those_o who_o be_v or_o who_o be_v know_v to_o we_o to_o be_v lawful_a church-officer_n and_o so_o the_o way_n of_o hear_v the_o gospel_n will_v be_v exceed_o straight_o and_o narrow_a for_o first_o they_o that_o preach_v must_v first_o convince_v the_o people_n that_o they_o be_v lawful_a church-officer_n before_o they_o lawful_o can_v preach_v among_o they_o for_o the_o people_n want_v conviction_n of_o their_o be_v lawful_a church-officer_n can_v be_v lawful_o employ_v in_o hear_v but_o how_o must_v they_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v lawful_a church-officer_n not_o from_o ability_n for_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n deny_v not_o from_o habit_n or_o garment_n which_o we_o may_v not_o allow_v to_o carry_v with_o they_o sufficient_a power_n of_o conviction_n although_o many_o look_n on_o black_a and_o canonical_a coat_n as_o mark_n of_o minister_n by_o what_o then_o most_o they_o prove_v their_o call_n without_o doubt_v it_o must_v be_v by_o their_o election_n and_o ordination_n but_o what_o if_o any_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o election_n and_o ordination_n they_o may_v not_o thâ—n_o lawful_o hear_v they_o although_o they_o be_v lawful_a church-officer_n for_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o how_o the_o world_n then_o may_v be_v bring_v lawful_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n i_o wot_v not_o see_v they_o usual_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o enemy_n to_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o châ—ist's_n visible_a church_n second_o if_o none_o may_v be_v hear_v but_o church-officer_n as_o none_o may_v if_o none_o but_o they_o may_v preach_v than_o none_o may_v be_v hear_v that_o be_v stranger_n till_o they_o be_v know_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v to_o be_v lawful_a church-officer_n but_o how_o difficult_a a_o thing_n it_o will_v prove_v to_o prove_v all_o stranger_n to_o be_v lawful_a church-officer_n all_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n may_v easy_o judge_v many_o of_o the_o great_a maintainer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o oppose_v be_v find_v to_o be_v frequent_a transgressor_n of_o it_o for_o not_o a_o few_o minister_n have_v admit_v such_o to_o preach_v in_o their_o pulpit_n who_o they_o know_v not_o and_o who_o indeed_o be_v no_o church-officer_n or_o none_o of_o they_o also_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n do_v with_o their_o minister_n take_v hand_n in_o the_o same_o transgression_n in_o that_o they_o hear_v many_o preach_v of_o who_o they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a three_o none_o may_v be_v hear_v who_o be_v suspect_v as_o before_o or_o be_v know_v to_o be_v false_a church-officer_n be_v they_o never_o so_o eminent_a in_o part_n or_o godly_a in_o life_n of_o which_o paradventure_o not_o a_o few_o may_v be_v find_v for_o i_o own_o part_n be_v i_o persuade_v that_o none_o be_v lawful_a preacher_n but_o lawful_a church-officer_n many_o who_o have_v i_o now_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n some_o time_n in_o their_o auditory_a shall_v altogether_o miss_v of_o my_o company_n some_o embrace_n with_o they_o the_o same_o opinion_n have_v make_v from_o their_o public_a meeting_n a_o total_a separation_n be_v persuade_v that_o parish-preaching_a minister_n be_v false_a church-officer_n for_o say_v they_o if_o their_o ordination_n from_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o