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truth_n church_n profession_n visible_a 2,188 5 9.1158 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92173 A most grave, and modest confutation of the errors of the sect, commonly called Brownists, or: Seperatists. Agreed upon long since by the joynt consent of sundry, godly, and learned ministers of this kingdome, then standing out and suffering in the cause of inconformity; and now published in a time of need, for the good of Gods Church, and the better setling of mens unstable mindes in the truth against, the subtile insinuations, and plausible pretences of that pernicious evill. Published by W. Rathband, minister of the Gospell. Rathband, William, d. 1695. 1644 (1644) Wing R299; Wing M2893; Thomason E31_11; ESTC R209828 84,262 92

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in_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n because_o partly_o for_o that_o they_o know_v it_o not_o and_o partly_o for_o that_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o authority_n they_o practise_v not_o the_o whole_a discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o rash_a judgement_n which_o they_o give_v of_o our_o people_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o blame-worthy_a because_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a with_o what_o care_n our_o people_n have_v seek_v by_o all_o good_a and_o dutiful_a mean_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v be_v wail_v and_o mourn_v for_o the_o want_n thereof_o for_o which_o matter_n also_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o answer_n we_o have_v above_o give_v to_o their_o four_o and_o five_o objection_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o assembly_n second_o our_o people_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o they_o erect_v not_o the_o discipline_n for_o first_o they_o esteem_v both_o our_o prince_n to_o be_v a_o most_o 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probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o private_a man_n but_o have_v a_o special_a call_n to_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o disciple_n that_o be_v scatter_v through_o persecution_n go_v about_o preach_v may_v very_o well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v minister_n rather_o than_o private_a man_n unless_o we_o shall_v imagine_v there_o be_v no_o minister_n in_o jernfalem_n before_o the_o church_n be_v scatter_v but_o the_o apostle_n only_o and_o philip_n who_o be_v also_o call_v a_o evangelist_n be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o name_n among_o all_o these_o scatter_a disciple_n that_o preach_v the_o prophet_n mention_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v very_o likely_a be_v either_o such_o as_o who_o extraordinary_a gift_n do_v suficientlie_o prove_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v extraordinari●e_o stir_v up_o and_o call_v of_o god_n or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v separate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v by_o that_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o full_a execution_n of_o that_o office_n as_o those_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v for_o the_o like_a purpose_n train_v up_o in_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o as_o they_o can_v conclude_v out_o of_o these_o place_n that_o those_o prophet_n be_v mere_a private_a man_n so_o shall_v they_o not_o f●●tle_v the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n give_v in_o any_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o a_o mere_a private_a man_n the_o preach_v mention_v luke_n 8.39_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n act_v 18_o 26._o the_o exhort_v speak_v of_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o be_v not_o eccle●iasticall_a or_o church_n preach_v but_o only_o private_a and_o do_v mesticall_a instruction_n some_o other_o place_n which_o they_o allege_v 3.12_o allege_v phil._n 2.15_o 16_o peter_n 3.12_o concern_v neither_o public_a preach_n nor_o private_a instruction_n but_o only_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holy_a conversation_n which_o god_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a thirdlie_o the_o gross_a disorder_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o assembly_n we_o have_v mention_v to_o which_o the_o strange_a cho●se_n of_o their_o minister_n may_v be_v add_v for_o by_o what_o testimonic_a of_o holy_a scripture_n can_v they_o warrant_v the_o admit_v or_o choose_v in_o to_o the_o ministry_n such_o a_o one_o as_o within_o some_o six_o or_o eight_o week_n before_o be_v tramplant_v from_o so_o antichristian_a a_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o they_o reckon_v we_o to_o be_v as_o not_o only_a master_n francis_n johnson_n but_o sundry_a other_o of_o their_o minister_n have_v be_v sure_o we_o be_v that_o herein_o they_o have_v do_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o for_o small_a fault_n than_o this_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v against_o we_o in_o the_o 127._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o a_o true_a and_o right_o call_v unto_o his_o office_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o a_o usurper_n a_o intruder_n a_o thief_n a_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o need_v to_o reckon_v up_o any_o more_o of_o the_o disorder_n that_o may_v be_v note_v in_o their_o church_n government_n see_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o those_o assembly_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n where_o no_o church_n censure_n can_v pass_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o every_o private_a man_n and_o wherein_o every_o member_n be_v make_v equal_a in_o power_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o be_v there_o to_o be_v see_v among_o they_o whereby_o so_o many_o simple_a christian_n be_v deceive_v and_o move_v to_o forsake_v we_o and_o join_v to_o they_o save_o only_o that_o show_v of_o sincerity_n and_o zeal_n and_o holy_a conversation_n wherein_o they_o be_v think_v to_o go_v far_o beyond_o any_o of_o we_o concern_v which_o we_o say_v that_o although_o the_o conversation_n of_o many_o of_o our_o people_n and_o minister_n also_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o best_a of_o we_o far_o short_a of_o that_o perfection_n we_o daily_o strive_v unto_o yet_o it_o shall_v well_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o will_v right_o consider_v these_o few_o line_n follow_v that_o the_o power_n of_o true_a godliness_n be_v much_o more_o want_v among_o they_o then_o it_o be_v with_o we_o who_o they_o have_v forsake_v for_o it_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o scholar_n by_o their_o teacher_n and_o of_o the_o miserable_a seduce_a multitude_n by_o their_o chief_a leader_n and_o if_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o speak_v much_o less_o to_o write_v but_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o heart_n then_o have_v they_o as_o small_a cause_n certain_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o holiness_n &_o to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n nor_o as_o we_o be_v who_o they_o have_v forsake_v as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi in_o the_o gospel_n say_v 9.11.14_o say_v luke_n 18_o 9.11.14_o this_o we_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n of_o note_n in_o our_o church_n that_o in_o his_o writing_n have_v bewray_v so_o irreligious_a and_o unsanctified_a a_o spirit_n as_o their_o chief_a leader_n have_v do_v for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o desire_v the_o christian_a reader_n to_o consider_v first_o the_o shameful_a lie_n which_o witting_o and_o against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o have_v publish_v and_o whereby_o they_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n bear_v false_a witness_n against_o we_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o their_o discovery_n they_o say_v that_o all_o the_o atheist_n papist_n and_o anabaptist_n and_o heretic_n of_o all_o sort_n whore_n thief_n witch_n conjurer_n and_o who_o not_o that_o dwell_v in_o this_o island_n or_o be_v within_o the_o queen_n dominion_n be_v receive_v and_o nourish_v within_o the_o bosom_n of_o this_o church_n with_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n none_o be_v refuse_v none_o keep_v out_o in_o the_o 60._o page_n of_o their_o discovery_n they_o say_v these_o priest_n and_o people_n retain_v the_o leviticall_a decimation_n in_o the_o same_o form_n to_o the_o same_o end_n in_o the_o 63._o and_o 64._o page_n they_o affirm_v that_o the_o service_n book_n be_v the_o very_a ground_n work_n of_o our_o faith_n church_n and_o ministry_n from_o whence_o we_o fetch_v all_o our_o direction_n for_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v swear_v to_o and_o by_o this_o book_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v teach_v but_o where_o this_o bath_n be_v read_v in_o the_o 28._o page_n they_o say_v we_o all_o adore_v the_o word_n of_o salutation_n which_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n use_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o we_o worship_v either_o the_o purification_n or_o the_o person_n of_o our_o lady_n so_o they_o malicious_o say_v we_o torme_v the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o that_o we_o pour_v out_o unto_o she_o our_o drink_n offering_n and_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n whereas_o through_o divers_a page_n they_o charge_v we_o with_o keep_v fast_n and_o feast_n to_o honour_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o 100_o page_n they_o say_v their_o priest_n baptise_v the_o child_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a cross_n in_o the_o 148._o page_n they_o say_v it_o be_v utter_o deny_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v in_o the_o 183._o page_n they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v two_o of_o ou●_n minister_n in_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n yea_o in_o any_o two_o church_n of_o the_o land_n to_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o the_o 188._o page_n they_o say_v that_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o make_v express_v mention_n of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o rom._n 12.1_o cor._n 12._o and_o 15._o and_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o read_v in_o our_o church_n in_o the_o 175._o page_n they_o say_v these_o new_a glass_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v ministirs_n a_o second_o note_n whereby_o we_o may_v try_v the_o spirit_n of_o their_o chief_a leader_n be_v their_o spiteful_a rail_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a as_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o find_v among_o all_o the_o rabble_n of_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a man_n any_o one_o that_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o it_o our_o minister_n they_o call_v balamites_n canaanite_n babylonish_n divine_v egyptian_a enckanter_n limb_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o bitter_a enemy_n as_o turkish_a janissary_n mark_v soldier_n of_o the_o beast_n such_o as_o know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v nuzz_v even_o from_o the_o mother_n breast_n
a_o most_o grave_a and_o modest_a confutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o sect_n common_o call_v brownist_n or_o separatist_n agree_v upon_o long_a since_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o sundry_a godly_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n then_o stand_v out_o and_o suffering_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o inconformity_n and_o now_o publish_v in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n for_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o better_a settle_v of_o man_n unstable_a mind_n in_o the_o truth_n against_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n and_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o that_o pernicious_a evil_n publish_a by_o w._n rathband_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v for_o edward_n brewster_n and_o george_n badger_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o bible_n on_o fleet-bridge_n and_o in_o saint_n dunstanes_n churchyard_n 1644._o the_o publisher_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n touch_v this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v please_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v compile_v so_o as_o now_o thou_o have_v it_o without_o any_o addition_n or_o alteration_n many_o year_n since_o by_o sundry_a reverend_n and_o godly_a minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o in_o their_o time_n stand_v out_o and_o suffer_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o inconformitie_n to_o the_o ceremony_n and_o labour_v the_o reformation_n of_o thing_n then_o and_o still_o in_o part_n remain_v amiss_o in_o our_o church_n therein_o both_o for_o opinion_n and_o practice_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o eschew_v all_o error_n and_o exorbitance_n both_o of_o separation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o of_o superstition_n on_o the_o left_a who_o the_o man_n be_v by_o name_n be_v neither_o now_o necessary_a to_o be_v publish_v nor_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o all_o certain_o know_v but_o what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o be_v that_o make_v it_o and_o of_o what_o piety_n charity_n modesty_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o controversy_n they_o be_v the_o treatise_n itself_o by_o its_o own_o light_n will_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o the_o unpartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a reader_n it_o be_v now_o present_v to_o public_a view_n after_o so_o long_a deteinment_n the_o rather_o because_o first_o the_o press_n be_v now_o more_o free_a and_o open_a than_o in_o former_a time_n to_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o do_v so_o oppose_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o brownist_n as_o not_o at_o all_o to_o allow_v of_o the_o tyranny_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o bishop_n second_o it_o seem_v now_o more_o needful_a then_o former_o through_o the_o late_a lamentable_a increase_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o separation_n and_o the_o dangerous_a rent_n already_o make_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v thereby_o even_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o this_o church_n if_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o king_n and_o parliament_n some_o timely_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n be_v not_o provide_v three_o hereby_o good_a reader_n thou_o may_v see_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o way_n addict_v now_o so_o much_o extol_v wonder_v at_o and_o greedy_o embrace_v by_o many_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o new_a truth_n and_o a_o new_a and_o further_a light_n as_o if_o some_o new_a create_a star_n bad_a now_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n never_o see_v before_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o for_o substance_n but_o the_o old_a error_n and_o dotage_n of_o barrow_n and_o greenwood_n long_o since_o by_o they_o publish_v and_o by_o the_o godly_a sober_a and_o judicious_a in_o those_o time_n oppose_v and_o explode_v save_o that_o now_o like_o rusty_a weapon_n they_o be_v new_o furbish_a and_o be_v but_o the_o same_o metal_n and_o material_n be_v only_o cast_v into_o a_o new_a mould_n with_o addition_n of_o some_o thing_n more_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n than_o they_o express_o hold_v mitigation_n of_o other_o by_o they_o more_o sharp_o and_o rigorous_o deliver_v and_o interlase_v of_o other_o more_o please_a and_o plausible_a to_o make_v the_o rest_n relish_n and_o vent_v the_o better_a four_o hereby_o also_o thou_o may_v perceive_v and_o take_v up_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_a and_o present_a nonconformist_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o point_n as_o from_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o pen._n whereof_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v make_v these_o and_o the_o like_a use_n first_o thou_o may_v clear_v they_o in_o thy_o thought_n from_o the_o misrepresentation_n and_o imputation_n both_o of_o the_o episcopal_a and_o schismatical_a party_n both_o of_o which_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o brownism_n by_o their_o principle_n of_o inconformity_n and_o that_o if_o this_o be_v lawful_a the_o other_o must_v needs_o be_v necessary_a the_o former_a sort_n thus_o suggest_v to_o lay_v the_o great_a hatred_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n which_o they_o promote_v the_o latter_a sort_n to_o procure_v the_o great_a credit_n to_o their_o own_o irregular_a and_o unwarrantable_a course_n thereby_o and_o will_v to_o god_n that_o some_o other_o brethren_n though_o of_o a_o far_o better_a sort_n and_o such_o as_o have_v long_o groan_v under_o their_o conformity_n have_v not_o be_v or_o yet_o be_v not_o too_o credulous_a to_o such_o unlikely_a and_o unreasonable_a suggestion_n against_o their_o brethren_n 2._o thou_o may_v see_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n may_v be_v confute_v without_o relinquish_a in_o one_o part_n the_o ground_n of_o inconformitie_n or_o lean_v at_o all_o unto_o episcopacy_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o inconformitie_n may_v be_v full_o maintain_v without_o fetch_v weapon_n from_o or_o betake_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o camp_n of_o separation_n which_o thing_n i_o can_v wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n bid_v be_v well_o observe_v by_o some_o otherwise_o godly_a and_o judicious_a brethren_n in_o these_o day_n who_o no_o soon_o begin_v to_o distaste_n and_o cast_v off_o their_o old_a burden_n of_o superstitious_a conformity_n of_o late_o augment_v and_o make_v utter_o unprofitable_a by_o sundry_a other_o innovation_n but_o withal_o they_o begin_v to_o dislike_v all_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n especial_o in_o our_o lyturgie_n as_o unlawful_a to_o question_v their_o own_o present_a stand_n in_o the_o ministry_n as_o antichristian_a and_o to_o abstain_v from_o our_o worship_n especial_o our_o sacrament_n as_o idolatrous_a with_o other_o like_a unreasonable_a opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o leap_v out_o of_o the_o surplice_n unless_o also_o they_o leap_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o true_a worship_n thereof_o and_o subscription_n unto_o or_o practice_v or_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o same_o a_o error_n in_o some_o sort_n former_o excusable_a when_o oppression_n as_o solomon_n say_v eccles_n 7.7_o and_o persecution_n make_v even_o wise_a man_n themselves_o mad_a and_o sometime_o in_o haste_n between_o fear_n grief_n and_o anger_n in_o avoid_v one_o extreme_a to_o fall_v upon_o another_o but_o now_o since_o that_o by_o the_o miraculous_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o sting_n of_o those_o great_a bee_n be_v pull_v out_o and_o their_o horn_n saw_v off_o whereby_o they_o have_v so_o long_o afflict_v and_o willing_o destroy_v this_o poor_a church_n i_o say_v now_o i_o think_v wise_a man_n shall_v look_v before_o they_o leap_v and_o so_o wary_o eschew_v one_o error_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o unwary_o run_v into_o another_o perhaps_o a_o worse_a last_o thou_o may_v be_v somewhat_o stay_v from_o hasty_a adhere_n or_o incline_v to_o their_o course_n of_o separation_n not_o only_o by_o the_o treatise_n itself_o but_o also_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o treatiser_n for_o though_o no_o man_n person_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a bottom_n whereon_o to_o settle_v any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n in_o religion_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o right_a reason_n alone_o yet_o be_v not_o these_o man_n example_n or_o testimony_n to_o be_v altogether_o slight_v especial_o in_o this_o controversy_n wherein_o we_o be_v sometime_o almost_o deaff_v with_o the_o praise_n of_o some_o of_o the_o seperator_n eminent_a learning_n piety_n sincerity_n zeal_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n i_o hope_v it_o need_v not_o be_v offensive_a to_o any_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o some_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n example_n in_o a_o case_n not_o altogether_o unlike_a 2_o cor._n 11.22_o to_o oppose_v these_o man_n learning_n piety_n sincerity_n zeal_n etc._n etc._n against_o the_o other_o who_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o be_v example_n of_o holiness_n so_o in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v ever_o not_o only_o for_o
bear_v but_o steadfast_o oppose_v to_o their_o great_a reproach_n damage_n and_o danger_n many_o way_n the_o corruption_n in_o our_o church-government_n worship_n and_o liturgy_n and_o have_v be_v light_n and_o leader_n to_o these_o latter_a time_n therein_o yet_o always_o in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o regular_a way_n as_o not_o on_o the_o one_o side_n to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o suspicious_a invention_n so_o on_o the_o other_o not_o sinful_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n and_o true_a worship_n of_o church_n account_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o christian_a prudence_n to_o tolerate_v for_o the_o time_n what_o they_o can_v not_o mend_v rather_o than_o to_o rend_v and_o tear_v all_o in_o piece_n to_o a_o utter_a ruin_n to_o conclude_v though_o perhaps_o some_o few_o particular_n in_o this_o treatise_n may_v seem_v more_o questionable_a yet_o for_o the_o main_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o author_n have_v hold_v close_o to_o the_o truth_n both_o in_o their_o own_o position_n and_o in_o oppose_v their_o adversary_n by_o which_o therefore_o good_a reader_n thou_o may_v reap_v much_o benefit_n for_o thy_o better_a settle_v in_o these_o unsettled_a time_n if_o thou_o be_v capable_a thereof_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v please_v to_o add_v his_o blessing_n thereunto_o which_o he_o shall_v never_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o who_o be_v all_o that_o he_o be_v true_o thine_a in_o he_o w_n r._n the_o preface_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o treatise_n ensue_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o holy_a apostle_n saint_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o galathian_o these_o word_n brethren_n if_o any_o man_n be_v fall_v by_o occasion_n into_o any_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v both_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o fall_v whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a who_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o prescribe_v the_o duty_n of_o recover_v those_o that_o be_v fall_v unto_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o be_v furnish_v with_o gift_n thereunto_o with_o the_o manner_n how_o all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v perform_v two_o necessary_a point_n in_o our_o judgement_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o much_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o happy_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o satan_n so_o far_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o for_o that_o weak_a man_n consider_v not_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v until_o they_o be_v down_o and_o almost_o past_o recover_v those_o that_o be_v fall_v either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o not_o until_o they_o be_v well_o near_o without_o remedy_n it_o be_v therefore_o one_o especial_a part_n of_o holy_a wisdom_n for_o man_n who_o think_v they_o stand_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o fall_v and_o therefore_o to_o seek_v to_o kneow_fw-mi the_o depth_n of_o satan_n policy_n and_o subtlety_n and_o then_o the_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o they_o into_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o inquire_v they_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o he_o seek_v to_o draw_v even_o those_o that_o have_v shine_v as_o star_n in_o the_o church_n from_o heaven_n unto_o the_o earth_n yet_o that_o he_o much_o more_o earnest_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o wander_a star_n forsake_v the_o place_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v fix_v to_o give_v shine_n and_o direction_n to_o other_o that_o be_v though_o he_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v man_n from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o zeal_n unto_o a_o lukewarmnesse_n or_o key_n coldness_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o rather_o desire_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o fiery_a spirit_n and_o indiscreet_a zeal_n from_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o saint_n which_o no_o doubt_n he_o do_v as_o for_o many_o other_o cause_n so_o for_o these_o two_o 1._o that_o he_o may_v by_o their_o departure_n who_o have_v seem_v zealous_a and_o godly_a professor_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n where_o they_o may_v find_v direction_n towards_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o at_o last_o to_o fly_v from_o it_o as_o from_o babylon_n and_o 2._o that_o he_o may_v deprive_v those_o man_n themselves_o of_o the_o happy_a mean_n of_o the_o recovery_n which_o they_o may_v have_v have_v easy_o apply_v have_v they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n those_o who_o break_v the_o holy_a band_n of_o love_n and_o faith_n have_v like_o unkind_a child_n forsake_v she_o their_o natural_a mother_n and_o oft_o plead_v with_o she_o as_o a_o strumpet_n which_o never_o be_v do_v in_o more_o convenient_a manner_n then_o of_o late_a by_o certain_a of_o our_o brethren_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v forth_o of_o the_o womb_n and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o only_o renounce_v as_o a_o stepmother_n but_o condemn_v she_o as_o one_o of_o the_o daughter_n yea_o the_o elder_a daughter_n of_o the_o very_a whore_n of_o babylon_n rail_v on_o she_o as_o if_o she_o live_v in_o continual_a spiritual_a fornication_n bring_v forth_o son_n and_o daughter_n not_o unto_o christ_n but_o unto_o antichrist_n his_o adversary_n by_o which_o their_o fault_n and_o fall_n as_o they_o have_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o those_o gracious_a blessing_n which_o they_o do_v long_o and_o may_v have_v still_o enjoy_v among_o we_o to_o their_o soul_n health_n and_o make_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n more_o hard_a and_o difficult_a so_o have_v they_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v many_o remain_v in_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o strong_a man_n in_o the_o truth_n bring_v they_o to_o be_v child_n again_o in_o understanding_n easy_a to_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o diverse_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o the_o truth_n according_a unto_o godliness_n either_o teach_v or_o receive_v by_o they_o the_o case_n thus_o stand_v we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v member_n and_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n have_v by_o god_n grace_n receive_v some_o though_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n fit_a thereunto_o as_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o ministry_n therein_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o truth_n will_v permit_v so_o chief_o to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v both_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o that_o be_v stray_v from_o the_o sheepfold_a of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o also_o the_o stay_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v after_o they_o together_o with_o the_o better_a ground_v and_o confirm_v of_o they_o who_o remain_v in_o the_o flock_n with_o comfort_n under_o their_o shepherd_n which_o duty_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o perform_v heretofore_o by_o public_a preach_n and_o private_a conference_n as_o occasion_n have_v be_v offer_v and_o now_o have_v bestow_v our_o labour_n in_o write_v this_o treatise_n follow_v to_o the_o same_o end_n wherein_o after_o we_o have_v prove_v by_o certain_a reason_n that_o our_o assembly_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o show_v first_o the_o four_o chief_a exception_n they_o take_v against_o our_o church_n for_o warrant_v schism_n and_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v vain_a and_o frivelous_a second_o that_o the_o main_a ground_n they_o stand_v upon_o for_o the_o erect_v their_o new_a church_n be_v weak_a and_o slender_a three_o that_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o they_o use_v for_o condemn_v we_o and_o justify_v themselves_o be_v loose_a and_o unsufficient_a which_o point_v as_o we_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o their_o print_a book_n and_o write_v paper_n where_o they_o be_v before_o scatter_v and_o bring_v into_o one_o form_n and_o body_n so_o have_v we_o more_o plain_o and_o naked_o both_o propose_v and_o deal_v in_o pass_v by_o all_o impertinent_a and_o offensive_a matter_n and_o their_o flout_a declamation_n petition_n exclamation_n and_o bitter_a revile_v speech_n against_o our_o church_n minister_n and_o people_n all_o their_o reproachful_a slanderous_a profane_a scorn_n fearful_a blasphemy_n against_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v prayer_n and_o holy_a exercise_n of_o religion_n use_v in_o our_o assembly_n wherewith_o their_o writing_n and_o printing_n swell_v to_o some_o bigness_n as_o bladder_n puff_v up_o with_o wind_n all_o these_o though_o we_o have_v give_v the_o reader_n some_o taste_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o they_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o in_o our_o treatise_n stand_v upon_o they_o for_o that_o we_o judge_v they_o not_o worthy_a the_o answer_n this_o work_n
of_o we_o we_o commend_v first_o unto_o our_o brethren_n depart_v from_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o read_v it_o without_o partiality_n self_n love_n prejudice_n or_o other_o sinister_a affection_n and_o with_o meekness_n indifferency_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n desire_v to_o be_v inform_v and_o readiness_n to_o be_v reform_v where_o they_o err_v and_o go_v astray_o it_o may_v be_v that_o god_n will_v give_v a_o blessing_n to_o it_o nay_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v unto_o those_o that_o ask_v to_o open_a to_o those_o that_o knock_v and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o find_v that_o seek_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n especial_o if_o to_o the_o read_n thereof_o they_o adjoyne_v first_o a_o review_n of_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o ringleader_n of_o their_o separation_n second_o a_o view_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o their_o assembly_n consist_v and_o three_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o estate_n wherein_o their_o church_n now_o stand_v in_o the_o review_n of_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v we_o exhort_v they_o with_o single_a heart_n to_o examine_v the_o spirit_n where_o with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v lead_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o fill_v man_n heart_n with_o meekness_n humility_n compassion_n softness_n holiness_n and_o other_o sanctify_a affection_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n of_o satan_n which_o under_o colour_n of_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n hatred_n of_o sin_n desire_v of_o serve_v god_n in_o sincerity_n thrust_v man_n who_o it_o have_v deceive_v into_o pride_n self_n love_n rashness_n unnatural_a affection_n uncharitable_a surmise_n and_o most_o unchristian_a judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n second_o to_o weigh_v wise_o what_o end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o their_o writing_n which_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o clear_n of_o themselves_o from_o the_o crime_n of_o schism_n as_o the_o draw_n of_o other_o to_o join_v with_o they_o and_o the_o deface_v of_o our_o church_n which_o they_o compare_v with_o the_o most_o idolatrous_a and_o heathenish_a nation_n that_o ever_o be_v yea_o with_o sodom_n and_o babylon_n itself_o and_o the_o disgrace_v the_o minister_n thereof_o especial_o those_o who_o heretofore_o they_o have_v most_o reverence_v who_o they_o sort_n with_o most_o wretched_a miscreant_n judas_n cain_n balaam_n and_o many_o other_o upon_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v set_v a_o fearful_a brand_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n three_o to_o try_v careful_o the_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n wherewith_o they_o have_v full_o paint_v the_o margin_n and_o with_o the_o multitude_n whereof_o they_o have_v astonish_v the_o simple_a or_o credulous_a reader_n persuade_v they_o that_o their_o cause_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o they_o shall_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o place_n by_o they_o allege_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v that_o which_o we_o deny_v not_o and_o if_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n they_o be_v either_o unconscionable_o or_o ignorant_o wrest_v against_o or_o beside_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o entreat_v they_o to_o do_v be_v to_o view_v the_o person_n of_o who_o their_o assembly_n consist_v and_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o how_o many_o of_o they_o there_o be_v who_o they_o have_v bring_v from_o gross_a ignorance_n unto_o true_a knowledge_n from_o infidelity_n to_o holy_a faith_n from_o profaneness_n of_o life_n to_o a_o conscionable_a walk_n with_o god_n if_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o among_o they_o which_o have_v not_o be_v of_o some_o note_n in_o our_o church_n for_o holy_a and_o sincere_a profession_n and_o if_o they_o have_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o man_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o those_o church_n which_o now_o they_o condemn_v and_o fly_v from_o why_o then_o take_v they_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o church_n and_o set_v it_o unto_o their_o blank_a three_o we_o exhort_v all_o of_o they_o to_o a_o survey_n of_o their_o estate_n wherein_o they_o stand_v which_o be_v if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o by_o some_o of_o their_o own_o have_v be_v report_v full_a of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v whereas_o they_o teach_v that_o every_o member_n of_o their_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o stand_v up_o against_o their_o minister_n and_o elder_n to_o gainsay_v they_o in_o deliver_v of_o doctrine_n and_o withstand_v the_o other_o in_o execution_n of_o discipline_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v the_o one_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o other_o fail_v in_o justice_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v every_o member_n a_o eye_n a_o ear_n a_o head_n and_o must_v not_o man_n be_v of_o angelical_a perfection_n to_o preserve_v unity_n where_o such_o large_a liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o a_o second_o sort_n to_o who_o we_o commend_v this_o labour_n of_o we_o be_v our_o brethren_n also_o who_o by_o the_o writing_n do_n and_o suffering_n of_o these_o deceive_a man_n be_v in_o danger_n likewise_o to_o be_v deceive_v be_v bring_v to_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n these_o also_o we_o pray_v to_o read_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a purpose_n to_o be_v full_o resolve_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o truth_n we_o hope_v their_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a if_o they_o will_v accept_v from_o we_o these_o few_o advertisment_n first_o that_o they_o make_v not_o the_o example_n of_o any_o man_n seem_v he_o never_o so_o godly_a religious_a and_o zealous_a but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o life_n paul_n himself_o must_v be_v follow_v no_o further_o when_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o godly_a join_v together_o we_o have_v the_o one_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o other_o to_o incite_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n second_o that_o they_o carry_v a_o humble_a and_o lowly_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o gift_n that_o they_o remember_v 6.3_o 1_o cor._n 8.2_o galath_n 6.3_o that_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v somewhat_o when_o he_o be_v nothing_o he_o deceave_v himself_o in_o his_o imagination_n that_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o occupy_v themselves_o in_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n which_o cleave_v so_o fast_o unto_o they_o rather_o than_o in_o the_o mark_v the_o blemish_n &_o note_v the_o fault_n that_o be_v in_o other_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n 6.4_o galath_n 6.4_o let_v every_o one_o prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o only_o and_o not_o in_o another_o three_o that_o they_o have_v a_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o those_o man_n by_o who_o ministry_n they_o have_v be_v beget_v unto_o god_n or_o nourish_v in_o the_o truth_n by_o who_o labour_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v confirm_v and_o comfort_v in_o who_o mouth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n enter_v through_o they_o unto_o the_o devide_v a_o sunder_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n the_o joint_n and_o the_o marrow_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o a_o sinful_a thought_n to_o enter_v into_o their_o head_n of_o their_o unlawful_a vocation_n who_o have_v their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o seal_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1●_n 1._o cor._n 9_o 1●_n be_v you_o not_o my_o work_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o i_o be_v not_o a_o apostle_n unto_o other_o yet_o doubtless_o i_o be_o unto_o you_o for_o you_o be_v the_o 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society_n they_o yet_o remember_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o wisdom_n to_o stay_v the_o full_a establish_n of_o their_o church_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o ratify_n and_o approve_v of_o their_o do_n for_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n it_o will_v stand_v as_o a_o house_n found_v upon_o a_o a_o sure_a rock_n if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o naught_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o who_o we_o commend_v this_o work_n of_o we_o be_v our_o strong_a brethren_n which_o continue_v with_o comfort_n in_o the_o society_n of_o their_o church_n they_o we_o entreat_v that_o if_o they_o find_v any_o confirmation_n or_o strengthen_v unto_o their_o conscience_n by_o the_o pursue_v hereof_o any_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n sacrament_n and_o word_n to_o defend_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o 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be_v never_o able_a to_o prove_v then_o have_v we_o spend_v our_o labour_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o have_v we_o do_v it_o witting_o and_o willing_o against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o charge_n but_o who_o make_v they_o the_o searcher_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o judge_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v accuse_v we_o to_o in_o other_o and_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v shine_v into_o our_o soul_n especial_o when_o they_o hear_v our_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a where_o be_v that_o charity_n that_o think_v none_o evil_a which_o hope_v all_o thing_n we_o say_v therefore_o unto_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o accusation_n with_o the_o apostle_n we_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n our_o conscience_n bear_v we_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n witting_o and_o willing_o and_o 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persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v deliver_v touch_v the_o defect_n and_o want_n the_o blemish_n and_o deformity_n of_o this_o church_n so_o have_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o our_o heart_n deal_v for_o the_o redress_n and_o reformation_n thereof_o wherein_o though_o we_o know_v nothing_o by_o ourselves_o before_o man_n more_o than_o truth_n will_v permit_v if_o they_o shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n by_o our_o doctrine_n which_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o make_v this_o schism_n yet_o be_v this_o no_o reason_n to_o reprove_v we_o unless_o those_o man_n which_o have_v set_v down_o true_a position_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v as_o author_n of_o the_o false_a collection_n and_o conclusion_n which_o be_v infer_v and_o gather_v thereupon_o second_o we_o answer_v that_o our_o deceive_a brethren_n do_v no_o less_o condemn_v those_o church_n of_o god_n as_o the_o synagogue_n of_o 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discipline_n and_o church_n government_n beside_o many_o other_o material_a point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o we_o marvel_v any_o man_n shall_v esteem_v we_o cause_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o this_o church_n much_o more_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v write_v that_o between_o the_o brownist_n and_o other_o he_o mean_v they_o and_o we_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n as_o touch_v the_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o three_o sort_n of_o our_o love_a brethren_n approve_v our_o care_n of_o god_n church_n and_o desire_v to_o reclaim_v poor_a deceive_v soul_n will_v yet_o happy_o esteem_v our_o labour_n altogether_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a as_o spend_v and_o bestow_v both_o against_o a_o cause_n that_o have_v so_o little_a show_n of_o truth_n and_o semblance_n of_o probability_n nay_o so_o evident_a appearance_n of_o falsehood_n and_o vanity_n as_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v despise_v then_o confute_v and_o also_o upon_o man_n who_o zeal_n and_o rashness_n 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civil_a estate_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o both_o all_o thing_n be_v innovate_v in_o both_o according_a to_o the_o just_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quite_o reject_v and_o cast_v aside_o and_o in_o the_o 212._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n of_o master_n gifford_n they_o have_v these_o word_n we_o hold_v that_o you_o have_v poison_v all_o the_o fountain_n of_o sincere_a doctrine_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a testament_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o practice_n thereof_o by_o your_o damnable_a false_a exposition_n yea_o that_o you_o teach_v not_o one_o point_n sincere_o and_o in_o the_o 162._o page_n of_o this_o discovery_n they_o be_v make_v socontrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o find_v two_o of_o they_o in_o one_o mind_n yea_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o constant_a in_o that_o he_o affirm_v they_o know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n add_v hereto_o henry_n barrowes_n word_n 12_o and_o 23._o page_n of_o their_o collection_n of_o letter_n and_o conference_n we_o will_v not_o give_v any_o answer_n to_o these_o speech_n but_o only_o desire_v the_o christian_a reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o ever_o god_n spirit_n teach_v any_o to_o write_v so_o slanderous_o not_o only_o against_o a_o whole_a nation_n the_o conversion_n whereof_o they_o pretend_v to_o seek_v but_o against_o the_o bless_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o how_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n who_o chief_a leader_n be_v guide_v by_o such_o a_o spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n building_n who_o first_o founder_n and_o master_n bvilder_n have_v either_o so_o small_a skill_n or_o so_o bad_a a_o conscience_n do_v we_o not_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v do_v we_o not_o reject_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n all_o which_o themselves_o account_v apocryphal_a have_v they_o any_o translation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o we_o do_v they_o themselves_o believe_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n of_o justification_n of_o predestination_n than_o we_o do_v have_v every_o member_n of_o their_o assembly_n recover_v that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n whereby_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n as_o henry_n barrow_n page_n 107._o of_o his_o discovery_n affirm_v and_o be_v there_o not_o any_o one_o among_o we_o that_o have_v not_o quite_o reject_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n not_o any_o one_o that_o know_v the_o doctrine_n even_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n we_o know_v no_o better_a way_n to_o convince_v they_o in_o this_o then_o by_o appeal_n unto_o their_o conscience_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o will_v take_v our_o part_n against_o they_o now_o this_o reason_n also_o be_v strong_a to_o prove_v we_o a_o true_a church_n for_o although_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v find_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o papist_n and_o other_o heretic_n church_n which_o none_o run_v do_v but_o the_o true_a church_n yet_o be_v there_o never_o any_o people_n that_o hold_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o point_v fundamental_a but_o only_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereunto_o only_o this_o title_n belong_v to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n scripture_n 1_o tun._n 3.15_o a_o people_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o they_o hnow_v not_o nor_o hold_v every_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o a_o people_n may_v be_v the_o true_a church_n though_o they_o know_v not_o nor_o hold_v not_o every_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o contrary_o hold_v many_o error_n repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n yet_o have_v henry_n barrow_n affirm_v in_o the_o 167._o page_n of_o his_o discovery_n that_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a sanctify_a spirit_n to_o open_v unto_o they_o and_o lead_v they_o unto_o all_o truth_n whereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o he_o will_v have_v none_o to_o be_v account_v the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n who_o either_o know_v not_o or_o practise_v not_o every_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o opinion_n see_v i_o pray_v you_o how_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a error_n be_v contain_v first_o that_o to_o every_o inseriour_a member_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reveil_v as_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o chief_a member_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 2.19_o romans_z 12.3_o ephes_n 4_o 16._o eol_n 2.19_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o equal_o but_o proportionable_o as_o the_o place_n which_o it_o occupi_v in_o the_o body_n do_v require_v second_o that_o the_o promise_v mention_v john_n 16.13_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n appear_v plain_o to_o be_v particular_a to_o the_o apostle_n three_o that_o the_o church_n can_v err_v and_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o corinthian_n right_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o they_o judge_v corrupt_o of_o fornication_n and_o of_o the_o resurrection_n neither_o they_o of_o pergamus_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v maintain_v among_o they_o neither_o be_v paul_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o though_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o apostolical_a function_n they_o can_v not_o err_v yet_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n 9_o error_n 1_o cor._n 13_o 9_o another_o strange_a opinion_n be_v among_o they_o maintain_v in_o the_o 156,157_o of_o the_o discovery_n viz._n that_o every_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v fundamental_a for_o although_o we_o affirm_v not_o as_o he_o thereslander_v we_o that_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v more_o holy_a more_o authentical_a or_o more_o true_a than_o other_o note_n note_n yet_o doubt_v we_o not_o to_o say_v that_o some_o part_n be_v of_o more_o use_n and_o more_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o know_v then_o othersome_a else_o why_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n oft_o give_v special_a commendation_n to_o some_o part_n more_o than_o to_o other_o 3●_n 1_o tim_n 4.11_o titus_n 3.8_o make_v 4_o 3●_n why_o do_v he_o as_o it_o be_v make_v proclamation_n and_o solemn_a oyess_n before_o some_o and_o not_o before_o other_o why_o do_v he_o use_v a_o special_a art_n in_o some_o part_n rather_o than_o in_o other_o and_o although_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v as_o they_o false_o charge_v we_o in_o the_o forename_a page_n of_o their_o discovery_n that_o some_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n superficial_a needless_a and_o of_o no_o necessity_n such_o as_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o violate_v without_o any_o prejudice_n or_o danger_n at_o all_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o much_o less_o that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v obstinate_o continue_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o some_o part_n and_o open_o teach_v the_o same_o unto_o other_o may_v be_v undoubted_o save_v though_o he_o die_v without_o repentance_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o every_o christian_a be_v not_o necessary_o bind_v to_o seek_v and_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v yet_o dare_v we_o not_o call_v every_o truth_n fundamental_a that_o be_v such_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o obey_v and_o know_v the_o whole_a religion_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o we_o do_v make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o thief_n that_o be_v crucify_v and_o the_o eunuch_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o philip_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o truth_n in_o religion_n the_o only_a fundamental_a truth_n in_o religion_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o take_v our_o nature_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v our_o only_a and_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n for_o first_o they_o that_o receive_v this_o truth_n be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n they_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o can_v possible_o be_v save_v 2.20_o save_v mat._n 16.17_o 104.2_o col._n 3.17_o john_n 20.31_o ephos_n 2.20_o second_o there_o be_v no_o other_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n necessary_a otherwise_o then_o as_o it_o tend_v necess_n ry_o to_o the_o bring_v we_o unto_o or_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o one_o truth_n 22._o truth_n heb._n 13.8_o
1_o cor._n 2.2_o eph._n s_o 2.19_o 22._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n his_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o their_o writing_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o this_o foundation_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v and_o have_v witness_n from_o thence_o and_o that_o all_o the_o writing_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n do_v bend_v unto_o stay_v and_o rest_n upon_o this_o one_o truth_n as_o the_o wall_n in_o the_o build_n upon_o the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n last_o we_o arg._n 4._o all_o reform_a church_n give_v the_o testimony_n to_o we_o all_o the_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v our_o church_n for_o their_o sister_n and_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n this_o henry_n barrow_n and_o john_n greenewood_n deny_v in_o their_o 14._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n but_o they_o name_v not_o any_o one_o church_n that_o make_v question_n of_o we_o whether_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n or_o no_o never_o yet_o be_v there_o any_o reform_a church_n make_v that_o question_n they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o our_o church_n by_o the_o report_n of_o they_o that_o have_v travel_v from_o bence_n and_o sundry_a other_o way_n with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o lyturgie_n our_o want_n and_o corruption_n every_o one_o neither_o do_v they_o only_o forbear_v to_o show_v their_o dislike_n to_o we_o or_o be_v content_a to_o preserve_v society_n with_o we_o which_o happy_o through_o humane_a infirmity_n they_o may_v do_v upon_o sinister_a respect_n though_o they_o approve_v not_o of_o we_o in_o judgement_n but_o they_o do_v also_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o what_o people_n soever_o have_v so_o much_o as_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n though_o the_o want_n and_o corruption_n be_v as_o great_a as_o we_o be_v now_o when_o we_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n church_n which_o strong_o argue_v that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n we_o do_v not_o thereby_o as_o these_o man_n fond_o conclude_v in_o the_o 14._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n make_v the_o word_n of_o man_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o use_v these_o as_o our_o only_a and_o chief_a defence_n whereby_o we_o seek_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o either_o unto_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o people_n but_o such_o a_o argument_n we_o take_v this_o to_o be_v as_o in_o his_o due_a place_n have_v much_o force_n in_o it_o and_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v sanctify_v for_o a_o principal_a help_n in_o decide_v of_o controversy_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o they_o who_o they_o write_v unto_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n salute_v they_o 13._o they_o rom._n 16.16_o 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o that_o they_o be_v famous_a and_o have_v the_o good_a report_n of_o the_o church_n 1.2_o church_n rom._n 16.19_o 2_o cor._n 8_o 18_o 19_o 23.24_o galah_n 1.2_o saint_n paul_n though_o he_o receive_v not_o his_o calling_n either_o from_o man_n or_o by_o man_n c_o nor_o be_v any_o whit_n inferior_a to_o the_o chief_a apostle_n 12.11_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 12.11_o yet_o do_v he_o allege_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o the_o chief_a apostle_n approve_v he_o and_o give_v to_o he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n 2.9_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.9_o yea_o 2.2_o yea_o gal._n 2.2_o he_o seek_v also_o their_o approbation_n and_o fear_v that_o without_o it_o he_o shall_v have_v run_v in_o vain_a and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o he_o seek_v to_o win_v commendation_n and_o credit_n even_o to_o those_o which_o he_o by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n may_v have_v establish_v by_o the_o example_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o church_n if_o those_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselte_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o the_o good_a opinion_n that_o other_o church_n have_v of_o they_o may_v not_o we_o much_o more_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n and_o order_n he_o prescribe_v to_o the_o church_n receive_v further_o credit_v by_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n then_o their_o approbation_n give_v some_o credit_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n of_o god_n though_o to_o speak_v proper_o it_o receive_v authority_n only_o from_o itself_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o have_v it_o ever_o be_v the_o rather_o receive_v by_o man_n for_o the_o testimony_n the_o church_n have_v give_v unto_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v that_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n 5.34_o matth._n 11.19_o john_n 5.34_o and_o although_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o salvation_n and_o good_a it_o man_n he_o judge_v it_o necessary_a 34._o john_n 1.7_o 8_o &_o 5_o 33_o 34._o that_o john_n baptist_n shall_v give_v testimony_n unto_o he_o now_o if_o this_o one_o thing_n further_v the_o damnation_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v nor_o receive_v christ_n though_o testimony_n be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o one_o who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n shall_v not_o this_o further_a the_o condemnation_n of_o these_o man_n that_o they_o refuse_v to_o hear_v and_o receive_v we_o though_o we_o be_v commend_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o church_n of_o god_n some_o case_n there_o be_v wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o account_v it_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n else_o why_o do_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n in_o a_o question_n that_o can_v not_o be_v debate_v at_o home_n seek_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o help_v especial_o see_v they_o have_v two_o such_o excellent_a man_n with_o they_o as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o judgement_n they_o may_v safe_o have_v trust_v unto_o 15.2_o unto_o act_n 15.2_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v also_o in_o heaven_n 18._o heaven_n matth._n 18_o 18._o and_o say_v he_o not_o also_o to_o church_n of_o other_o nation_n shall_v he_o be_v account_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n that_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o judgement_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n 18.17_o member_n matth_n 18.17_o and_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v much_o more_o account_v so_o that_o despise_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o church_n must_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n among_o who_o we_o live_v 14.32_o live_v 1_o cor._n 14.32_o and_o must_v not_o both_o people_n and_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n the_o ability_n to_o try_v and_o discern_v the_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o gift_n as_o the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v 2.2_o want_v 1_o joh._n 4.1_o revel_v 2.2_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3.15_o truth_n 1_o tim_n 3.15_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o truth_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n as_o this_o be_v viz._n what_o people_n be_v account_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n if_o god_n have_v give_v his_o church_n power_n to_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v a_o particular_a man_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o so_o infallible_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o ratify_v in_o heaven_n the_o judgement_n which_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o this_o case_n give_v upon_o earth_n 18._o earth_n matth._n 18_o 18._o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o he_o have_v much_o more_o make_v the_o church_n able_a to_o discern_v and_o pronounce_v of_o a_o congregation_n or_o people_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o such_o difficulty_n as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v though_o those_o man_n make_v so_o light_a of_o the_o judgement_n and_o testimony_n of_o other_o church_n 36._o 1_o cor._n 14_o 36._o as_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v come_v out_o from_o they_o only_o or_o as_o if_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o we_o better_o than_o all_o the_o godly_a learn_v beside_o yet_o do_v we_o take_v much_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n from_o hence_o that_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n now_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o answer_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v object_v against_o our_o church_n bythem_n objection_n answer_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o they_o
the_o church_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n then_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o other_o particular_a member_n or_o whole_a family_n yet_o it_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n from_o all_o see_v we_o have_v many_o that_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v convert_v and_o gather_v four_o this_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o land_n before_o her_o majesty_n reign_n profess_v four_o though_o the_o mean_n use_v for_o the_o gather_v our_o church_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o first_o call_v a_o people_n to_o the_o faith_n yet_o be_v the_o sufficient_a for_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o people_n that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o faith_n which_o former_o they_o have_v profess_v the_o question_n must_v not_o be_v whether_o the_o mean_n she_o use_v be_v the_o right_a mean_n for_o the_o call_n and_o convert_v a_o people_n to_o the_o faith_n but_o whether_o she_o take_v a_o lawful_a course_n for_o recall_v and_o reunite_a of_o her_o subject_n unto_o those_o true_a professor_n who_o fellowship_n they_o have_v forsake_v this_o be_v the_o course_n which_o jehosaphat_n take_v 17.8_o take_v 2_o chro._n 17.8_o who_o to_o gather_v the_o church_n which_o be_v divide_v send_v preacher_n into_o sundry_a part_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o appoint_v noble_a man_n to_o accompany_v and_o assist_v they_o by_o countenance_v their_o ministry_n and_o compel_v the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o this_o course_n also_o do_v josiah_n take_v who_o have_v abolish_v idolatry_n compel_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a god_n 15.13_o god_n 2_o chr._n 34.33_o 2_o chro._n 14_o 4._o 2_o chro._n 15.13_o thus_o do_v asa_n use_v his_o authority_n in_o command_a juda_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n that_o shall_v resuse_v so_o do_v hezekiah_n by_o his_o proclamation_n bring_v divers_a of_o israel_n to_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v before_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 12._o god_n chro._n 30_o 12._o five_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o her_o majesty_n reign_n the_o people_n shall_v have_v be_v require_v with_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n to_o renounce_v idolatry_n and_o to_o profess_v faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o example_n of_o asas_fw-la reformation_n we_o answer_v first_o if_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n by_o oath_n to_o renounce_v idolatry_n this_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o that_o reformation_n which_o ichosaphat_n and_o josiah_n make_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o asa_n make_v second_o even_o where_o this_o oath_n be_v take_v it_o be_v god_n true_a church_n before_o the_o time_n of_o that_o oath_n and_o covenant_n make_v by_o asa_n we_o read_v it_o be_v make_v and_o take_v in_o the_o 15._o year_n of_o his_o reign_n when_o yet_o his_o subject_n be_v the_o true_a church_n long_o before_o second_o there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n in_o our_o land_n which_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o her_o majesty_n day_n and_o since_o have_v public_o profess_v their_o repentance_n for_o their_o former_a idolatry_n and_o promise_v to_o embrace_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v profent_o establish_v as_o in_o coventry_n north-hampton_a and_o some_o other_o place_n yea_o we_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o whole_a land_n in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o her_o majesty_n reign_n do_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o renounce_n of_o popery_n and_o reciave_v the_o gospel_n object_n ii_o the_o second_o thing_n they_o object_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o assembly_n be_v this_o answ_n object_n the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o it_o use_v a_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pollute_v with_o the_o writing_n of_o man_n as_o read_z stint_a prayer_n answ_n that_o they_o communicate_v together_o in_o a_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pollute_v with_o the_o writing_n of_o man_n viz._n with_o read_v stint_v prayer_n homily_n catechism_n and_o such_o like_a which_o in_o the_o 24._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n they_o call_v the_o smoke_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n to_o this_o objection_n we_o give_v this_o answer_n first_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o word_n that_o the_o church_n have_v use_v and_o may_v use_v lawful_o in_o god_n worship_n and_o prayer_n a_o stint_a form_n of_o word_n for_o we_o find_v a_o form_n of_o blessing_n the_o people_n prescribe_v to_o the_o priest_n 24_o priest_n numb_a 6.23_o 24_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n to_o the_o temple_n prescribe_v to_o the_o people_n 15._o people_n deut._n 26.13_o 15._o a_o psalm_n appoint_v for_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o use_v every_o morning_n 22.1_o morning_n psalm_n 22.1_o another_o to_o be_v use_v every_o sabbath_n day_n 92._o day_n psalm_n 92._o so_o in_o the_o thanksgiving_n use_v at_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o the_o ark_n unto_o the_o place_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o david_n the_o church_n tie_v themselves_o to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o 105._o and_o 96._o psalm_n 36._o psalm_n 1_o chro._n 16.8_o 36._o and_o as_o one_o evangelist_n report_v that_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v that_o prayer_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o frame_v all_o other_o prayer_n by_o object_n by_o matth._n 6_o 9_o luke_n 11.2_o object_n so_o the_o other_o evangelist_n report_v that_o he_o have_v they_o when_o they_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o in_o make_v those_o petition_n to_o god_n to_o use_v those_o very_a word_n which_o be_v there_o prescribe_v now_o to_o that_o they_o object_n against_o this_o that_o we_o never_o read_v the_o apostle_n do_v use_v this_o prescript_n form_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n we_o answer_v answ_n answ_n that_o it_o be_v absurd_a negative_o to_o prove_v from_o example_n of_o man_n against_o that_o which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n so_o express_o either_o command_v or_o permit_v for_o we_o may_v as_o well_o reason_n thus_o that_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n do_v baptize_v infant_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o then_o baptize_v or_o thus_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v pray_v either_o before_o or_o after_o they_o preach_v ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o or_o thus_o saint_n paul_n do_v not_o marry_v nor_o take_v maintenance_n from_o the_o corinthian_n ergo_fw-la he_o may_v not_o lawful_o have_v do_v it_o the_o most_o psalm_n that_o david_n make_v as_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n musician_n that_o in_o sing_v they_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o very_a word_n that_o david_n set_v down_o so_o they_o be_v not_o sing_v as_o meditation_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o prayer_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o by_o the_o manifold_a petition_n and_o thankesgiving_n unto_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o by_o this_o especial_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o set_v and_o prescript_n form_n be_v lawful_a in_o those_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n that_o be_v use_v upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n prayer_n second_o a_o stint_a and_o set_v form_n of_o word_n be_v lawful_a even_o to_o the_o extraordinary_a prayer_n so_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v even_o in_o those_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n that_o be_v take_v up_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n do_v require_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o special_a fervency_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o 44._o mat._n 26.42_o 44._o who_o use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n three_o time_n several_o b_o even_o in_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o make_v with_o all_o holy_a excess_n of_o fervent_a affection_n and_o this_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v not_o only_o in_o those_o form_n which_o we_o frame_v and_o devise_v ourselves_o 2.13_o three_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o tie_v ourselves_o in_o prayer_n even_o to_o that_o form_n of_o word_n which_o have_v be_v devise_v and_o use_v by_o other_o 2_o chro._n 6.41_o 42._o psalm_n 132.8.10_o 2_o chron._n 5.13_o psalm_n 136.1_o psalm_n 136.1_o 2_o chron._n 20.21_o 2_o
work_n viz._n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n suspension_n excommunication_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v in_o many_o of_o our_o assembly_n perform_v and_o by_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o that_o there_o over_o we_o can_v just_o be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n but_o rather_o that_o we_o have_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v most_o substantial_a do_v want_v the_o other_o and_o so_o exercile_v it_o not_o right_o that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o by_o those_o officer_n which_o christ_n ●ath_v appoint_v second_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o chief_a work_n and_o discipline_n appoint_v second_o the_o chief_a work_n of_o christ_n discipline_n be_v exercise_v with_o we_o even_o by_o those_o officer_n that_o he_o appoint_v namely_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o the_o principiall_n part_n of_o that_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n be_v not_o only_o exercise_v in_o many_o o●_n our_o assembly_n but_o exercise_v also_o by_o those_o very_a officer_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o land_n do_v authorise_v the_o minister_n to_o stay_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o such_o as_o be_v uncatechise_v and_o out_o of_o charity_n or_o any_o otherwise_o public_a offender_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o rubric_n before_o the_o communion_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v after_o confirmation_n and_o from_o whence_o else_o come_v the_o trouble_n of_o many_o of_o our_o minister_n but_o from_o the_o exercise_v of_o this_o authority_n even_o from_o the_o suspending_a of_o the_o ungodly_a from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sting_v their_o conscience_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n three_o it_o three_o though_o the_o ●●●p●ine_n be_v not_o exercise_v at_o all_o with_o we_o it_o can_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o four_o though_o even_o through_o ignorance_n or_o fearfulness_n we_o be_v keep_v from_o it_o yet_o may_v we_o have_v right_a and_o authority_n to_o use_v it_o though_o none_o of_o our_o assembly_n do_v use_v this_o power_n it_o follow_v not_o from_o therce_a that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v follow_v that_o the_o rich_a churl_n have_v no_o money_n because_o he_o use_v none_o and_o that_o a_o man_n therefore_o have_v no_o authority_n because_o he_o do_v not_o exercise_v any_o four_o admit_v we_o be_v not_o able_a through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o courage_n to_o use_v this_o power_n yet_o follow_v it_o not_o that_o therefore_o we_o want_v the_o right_n and_o authority_n to_o use_v it_o for_o if_o those_o church_n which_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v 22.26_o reprove_v ezek._n 22.26_o for_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a or_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n blame_v for_o not_o put_v the_o incestuous_a person_n from_o among_o they_o have_v they_o want_v authority_n to_o use_v this_o power_n how_o can_v they_o just_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o neglect_v the_o exercise_v thereof_o last_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o want_v both_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n and_o some_o of_o those_o officer_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v to_o exercise_v they_o by_o yet_o may_v we_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o judah_n all_o the_o day_n of_o asa_n 2._o b_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5.1_o 2._o and_o jehosaphat_n 9_o jehosaphat_n 2_o chro._n 15.9.10_o &_o 17_o 5_o 9_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o discipline_n reform_v there_o till_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o jehosaphats_n reign_n 22.26_o reign_n 2_o chro._n 19_o 8_o 11._o ezek_n 22.26_o that_o also_o be_v a_o true_a church_n even_o then_o when_o the_o apostle_n find_v this_o fault_n with_o they_o 2._o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2._o the_o congregation_n at_o samariah_n be_v call_v a_o church_n before_o the_o discipline_n be_v establish_v there_o and_o even_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o famous_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n long_o before_o sundry_a part_n of_o the_o discipline_n for_o want_v whereof_o they_o condemn_v we_o be_v establish_v there_o yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o diverse_a church_n be_v gather_v some_o good_a space_n of_o time_n 5.5_o g_o act_n 13.43_o 14_o 11_o 21_o 23._o tit_n 5.5_o before_o the_o discipline_n be_v settle_v or_o exercise_v 42._o exercise_v act_n 8.12.19_o 31._o act_n 2.41_o 42._o by_o all_o which_o be_v manifest_a that_o how_o necessary_a soever_o those_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n which_o we_o want_v be_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o well_o be_v or_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v thereof_o but_o that_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v without_o they_o and_o as_o we_o may_v well_o call_v he_o a_o man_n that_o want_v not_o only_o sundry_a part_n of_o his_o body_n as_o a_o arm_n or_o a_o leg_n or_o eye_n but_o be_v also_o distemper_v much_o even_o in_o the_o brain_n and_o liver_n and_o heart_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o vi●all_a part_n so_o may_v we_o right_o call_v that_o a_o church_n which_o not_o only_o want_v sundry_a of_o those_o officer_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v but_o have_v also_o even_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o brain_n and_o heart_n of_o a_o true_a church_n much_o maimednesse_n and_o distemper_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v to_o disprove_v this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v be_v unskilful_o apply_v 12.8_o in_o the_o collection_n of_o letter_n and_o conference_n page_n 69._o ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o rom._n 12.8_o for_o the_o one_o of_o they_o mentio_fw-la eth_z no_n other_o ordinary_a officer_n out_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o our_o church_n profess_v the_o other_o though_o it_o prove_v there_o shall_v be_v other_o officer_n beside_o they_o there_o name_v yet_o do_v it_o not_o affirm_v that_o without_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n object_n four_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o they_o object_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o assembly_n be_v this_o separation_n object_n the_o four_o objection_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o assembly_n be_v that_o we_o stand_v under_o the_o popish_a church_n government_n w●●_n reason_n also_o be_v insufficient_a to_o warrant_v their_o separation_n that_o we_o stand_v under_o we_o they_o say_v a_o false_a and_o antichristian_a government_n for_o that_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o and_o subject_a to_o canon_n court_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o they_o do_v not_o content_v themselves_o in_o the_o 68.69_o page_n of_o their_o collection_n of_o letter_n and_o conference_n to_o call_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a and_o egyptian_a and_o babylonish_n tokes_n but_o in_o regard_n thereof_o they_o say_v our_o assembly_n cast_v our_o satan_n by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o this_o four_o objection_n we_o make_v this_o answer_n first_o see_v it_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o the_o discipline_n which_o our_o church_n exercise_v be_v in_o substance_n the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o christ_n institute_v they_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o truth_n say_v that_o all_o our_o church_n government_n be_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v popish_o and_o corrupt_o administer_v 16._o answ_n 1._o the_o substance_n of_o our_o discipline_n be_v christ_n and_o not_o antichrist_n 2_o thes_n 10.11_o 2_o tim._n 4.1.3_o 1_o john_n 2.22_o 1_o john_n 4_o 3._o john_n 7._o revel_v 13.5_o 16._o second_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o in_o the_o calling_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n antichristian_a yet_o see_v we_o not_o how_o our_o bishop_n can_v true_o be_v call_v antichrist_n or_o antichristian_o because_o first_o the_o word_n when_o it_o describe_v antichrist_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o know_v he_o use_v to_o mark_v he_o out_o by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n neither_o can_v we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n any_o such_o account_v a_o antichrist_n or_o antichristian_a who_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n and_o profess_v all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o faith_n do_v swerve_v either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n from_o that_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v for_o the_o discipline_n of_o his_o church_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o bishop_n both_o do_v and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o land_n ought_v to_o hold_v and_o teach_v all_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v fundamental_a yea_o some_o of_o they_o have_v learned_o and_o sound_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o heretic_n
that_o have_v gainsay_v it_o some_o have_v not_o only_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n convert_v many_o to_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v suffer_v persecution_n also_o for_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o henry_n barrow_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o discovery_n call_v they_o pseudomartyr_n and_o runaway_n professor_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o since_o their_o accept_n their_o room_n renounce_v and_o be_v fall_v from_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o then_o suffer_v for_o second_o their_o hierarchy_n and_o other_o their_o corruption_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o call_n of_o our_o bishop_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o stair_n and_o way_n to_o antichristianitie_n than_o antichristianitie_n itself_o which_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n before_o the_o pope_n who_o be_v the_o antichrist_n and_o the_o chief_a head-linke_a of_o all_o antichristianitie_n be_v reveal_v three_o the_o antichristian_a bishop_n hold_v their_o pre-eminence_n as_o from_o god_n law_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a whereas_o our_o bishop_n since_o her_o majesty_n reign_n until_o this_o day_n for_o the_o most_o part_n hold_v their_o superiority_n by_o no_o other_o right_n then_o by_o the_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v variable_a yea_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o court_n of_o deligate_n and_o by_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o to_o this_o day_n that_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o by_o law_n to_o hold_v their_o jurisdiction_n not_o as_o from_o god_n but_o as_o from_o he_o prince_n three_o church_n three_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o may_v we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n admit_v that_o both_o our_o bishop_n and_o the_o government_n by_o they_o exercise_v be_v antichristian_a yet_o may_v we_o that_o stand_v in_o that_o sort_n as_o we_o do_v be_v subject_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o speak_v proper_o the_o yoke_n of_o antichrist_n be_v only_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a where_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n be_v enjoin_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o receive_v other_o law_n and_o worship_n then_o that_o which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n prescribe_v and_o even_o to_o this_o yoke_n the_o true_a church_n have_v be_v often_o subject_a or_o else_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o true_a church_n that_o hold_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o observe_v sundry_a tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o more_o large_a sense_n those_o prelate_n be_v call_v antichristian_a that_o join_v civil_a jurisdiction_n with_o ecclesiastical_a or_o usurp_v more_o than_o they_o ought_v in_o external_a government_n or_o tyrannous_o abuse_v the_o power_n commit_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o this_o antichristian_a yoke_n also_o the_o true_a church_n have_v bear_v many_o a_o time_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o macchabee_n there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o do_v the_o priest_n exercise_v civil_a jurisdiction_n there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 20.1_o jer●_n 5.31_o &_o 20.1_o both_o in_o jeremies_n and_o ezekiel_n day_n which_o yet_o do_v bear_v this_o antichristian_a yoke_n the_o authority_n which_o our_o bishop_n be_v say_v to_o usurp_v over_o the_o minister_n they_o ezek._n 34.4_o which_o have_v not-needed_n if_o the_o church_n can_v have_v suppress_v or_o withstand_v they_o and_o church_n be_v not_o worse_a than_o that_o which_o di●trephes_n usurp_v for_o beside_o that_o he_o seek_v for_o a_o antichristian_a pre-eminence_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v unable_a to_o resist_v he_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n purpose_v himself_o to_o come_v and_o rebuke_v he_o their_o own_o term_n they_o use_v in_o this_o viz._n egyptian_a and_o babylonish_n yoke_n shall_v teach_v they_o thus_o much_o for_o see_v that_o the_o jeve_v remain_v still_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o in_o that_o bondage_n that_o they_o stand_v under_o in_o egypt_n and_o babylon_n why_o may_v not_o we_o also_o remain_v god_n church_n still_o notwithstanding_o the_o yoke_n which_o we_o bear_v be_v nothing_o so_o heavy_a as_o that_o be_v object_n v._o the_o last_o thing_n they_o object_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o assembly_n 3.11_o the_o five_o objection_n against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o we_o obstinate_o continue_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a want_n and_o corruption_n though_o we_o have_v be_v due_o convince_v 1._o objection_n be_v false_a and_o insufficient_a to_o warrant_v their_o separation_n for_o some_o of_o our_o assembly_n have_v mourn_v for_o that_o which_o be_v amiss_o and_o by_o all_o due_a mean_n seek_v reformation_n second_o some_o maintain_v corruption_n and_o oppugn_v the_o discipline_n because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o their_o conscience_n persuade_v of_o the_o thing_n tit._n 3.11_o be_v this_o that_o we_o obstinate_o continue_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a want_n and_o corruption_n though_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v concern_v this_o point_n they_o have_v these_o word_n in_o the_o 23._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n we_o hold_v withal_o that_o no_o true_a church_n or_o christian_a will_v maintain_v any_o sin_n or_o error_n when_o it_o be_v evident_o show_v and_o convince_v to_o they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n much_o less_o persecute_v such_o as_o reprove_v and_o admonish_v they_o as_o you_o do_v in_o the_o 164._o pag._n they_o charge_v we_o with_o wilful_a obstinacy_n open_o reject_v and_o resist_v the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o reason_n we_o also_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o neither_o do_v our_o assembly_n continue_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a want_n and_o corruption_n neither_o if_o they_o do_v shall_v they_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o minister_n and_o congreation_n have_v both_o by_o prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o all_o mean_n that_o have_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o use_v testify_v unto_o man_n their_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v these_o corruption_n remove_v and_o the_o true_a discipline_n establish_v second_o the_o most_o of_o they_o that_o maintain_v the_o evil_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o repugn_v the_o reformation_n which_o the_o rest_n have_v seek_v can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o wilful_a obstinacy_n or_o commit_v those_o thing_n wherein_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v they_o for_o see_v they_o profess_v and_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o their_o judgement_n persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o whole_a conversation_n of_o many_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o give_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o believe_v they_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o judge_v thus_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n though_o he_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v want_v no_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v be_v convince_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v have_v the_o mean_n of_o convince_a another_o thing_n to_o be_v convince_v the_o former_a whereof_o may_v be_v perform_v to_o we_o by_o man_n the_o other_o by_o the_o lord_n only_o and_o that_o a_o people_n in_o who_o some_o right_a mean_n of_o convince_a have_v not_o be_v effectual_a may_v as_o well_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v and_o profit_v by_o all_o right_a mean_n that_o have_v be_v use_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n three_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v the_o right_a mean_n use_v to_o convince_v we_o in_o sundry_a of_o those_o matter_n we_o three_o we_o have_v not_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o right_a mean_n use_v to_o convince_v we_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o that_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o they_o for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o answer_n which_o we_o will_v hereafter_o make_v unto_o their_o article_n in_o their_o conclusion_n four_o though_o not_o only_o the_o right_a mean_n have_v be_v use_v to_o convict_v we_o but_o they_o have_v also_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o we_o that_o in_o judgement_n we_o see_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o say_v be_v not_o practise_v among_o we_o and_o in_o heart_n do_v affect_v it_o yet_o will_v this_o sufficient_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o crime_n of_o wilful_a obstinacy_n that_o we_o have_v not_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o permission_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n under_o who_o we_o live_v by_o who_o mean_n we_o enjoy_v so_o many_o great_a benefit_n magistrate_n four_o although_o we_o be_v all_o thorough_o convince_v yet_o have_v we_o not_o power_n and_o warrant_v from_o god_n to_o redress_v public_a disorder_n and_o erect_v the_o discipline_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o who_o if_o we_o shall_v thus_o far_o provoke_v we_o shall_v evident_o hazard_v
the_o loss_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n consist_v either_o to_o remove_v the_o corruption_n that_o remain_v among_o we_o or_o to_o establish_v those_o church_n order_n which_o we_o want_v for_o although_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n may_v be_v lawful_o teach_v though_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n gainsay_v it_o and_o practise_v also_o so_o far_o forth_o by_o every_o christian_a as_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n permit_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n principal_a honour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o yield_v and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o see_v good_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o church_n ought_v or_o may_v either_o pull_v down_o corrupt_a church_n government_n or_o erect_v the_o right_a discipline_n not_o only_o without_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o like_v of_o christian_a magistrate_n thus_o much_o we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prince_n godly_a prince_n first_o that_o in_o those_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o word_n commend_v the_o christian_a and_o godly_a prince_n be_v ever_o the_o principal_a actor_n second_o that_o for_o the_o want_n of_o public_a reformation_n the_o magistrate_n be_v every_o where_o blame_v and_o no_o where_o the_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v find_v oft_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o people_n blame_v for_o erect_v and_o practise_v idolatry_n but_o never_o for_o that_o they_o pluck_v it_o not_o down_o when_o their_o prince_n have_v set_v they_o up_o neither_o can_v we_o find_v whether_o ever_o the_o church_n under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v by_o any_o prophet_n either_o command_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o then_o by_o persuasion_n in_o public_a reformation_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v it_o or_o reprove_v for_o the_o contrary_n to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v then_o the_o apostle_n be_v much_o to_o blame_v who_o in_o erect_v the_o church_n government_n never_o wait_v for_o nor_o seek_v the_o magistrate_n leave_v and_o good_a like_v we_o answer_v that_o though_o without_o the_o magistrate_n leave_v they_o do_v it_o yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o his_o like_n or_o when_o he_o oppose_v his_o authority_n direct_o and_o inhibit_v it_o the_o never_o erect_v the_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v so_o direct_a a_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a magistantes_n second_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o then_o yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o we_o also_o may_v do_v so_o now_o for_o neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a magistrate_n altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v neither_o have_v our_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o so_o full_a and_o absolute_a a_o power_n to_o pull_v down_o and_o set_v up_o order_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n those_o wise_a master_n bvilder_n have_v last_o though_o this_o be_v all_o prove_v notwithstanding_o fisth_o though_o we_o do_v voluntary_o continue_v in_o those_o know_a want_n &_o corruption_n have_v power_n to_o redress_v they_o yet_o may_v we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o that_o our_o assembly_n be_v thorough_o convince_v in_o these_o point_n and_o that_o we_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v that_o which_o be_v amiss_o do_v yet_o voluntary_o continue_v in_o those_o want_n and_o corruption_n yet_o may_v we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o for_o as_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n not_o moral_a obedience_n be_v that_o which_o give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o every_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o the_o profession_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n rather_o than_o obedience_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o life_n and_o be_v to_o a_o visible_a assembly_n so_o we_o read_v that_o many_o upon_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v baptize_v and_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n 32._o church_n act_n 8.12_o 13_o &_o 16_o 31_o 32._o so_o that_o which_o make_v the_o romuns_n a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o paul_n be_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v publish_v throughout_o the_o world_n 1.8_o world_n rom._n 1.8_o and_o general_o that_o which_o make_v the_o gentile_n to_o who_o he_o preach_v a_o true_a church_n be_v that_o they_o give_v obedience_n of_o faith_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v what_o difference_n they_o will_v make_v betwixt_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 1.5_o grace_n rom._n 1.5_o if_o they_o hold_v obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n necessary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o first_o be_v of_o a_o true_a christian_a church_n and_o as_o a_o wife_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o wife_n though_o in_o many_o thing_n she_o cease_v to_o be_v wilful_o disobedient_a to_o her_o husband_n unless_o she_o sin_v either_o by_o desertion_n or_o whoredom_n and_o be_v divorce_v so_o neither_o the_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n till_o she_o be_v both_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n and_o be_v divorce_v also_o the_o lord_n take_v from_o she_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o his_o spiritual_a jewel_n and_o ornament_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o jeremy_n both_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v charge_v with_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o must_v we_o needs_o confess_v that_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o affirm_v so_o the_o corinthian_n be_v in_o the_o first_o epistle_n convince_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n 10.14_o idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 10.14_o and_o other_o sin_n 2_o sin_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o &_o 12_o 21_o 13_o 2_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o they_o as_o appeareth_z in_o the_o second_o epistle_n 1.1_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 1.1_o do_v yet_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o and_o so_o be_v call_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n that_o which_o henry_n barrow_n in_o the_o 94._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n excuse_v this_o church_n by_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v orderly_o gather_v and_o establish_v may_v as_o well_o be_v allege_v for_o our_o assembly_n as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o cor._n as_o we_o hope_v may_v appear_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v above_o say_v in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o objection_n they_o make_v against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o church_n he_o that_o be_v once_o a_o brother_n though_o he_o persist_v in_o his_o sin_n he_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o not_o by_o one_o brother_n only_o but_o by_o two_o or_o three_o yea_o though_o he_o commit_v some_o presumptuous_a sin_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o brother_n notwithstanding_o 16._o matth._n 18.15_o 16._o how_o much_o less_o shall_v a_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 19_o church_n psalm_n 19_o because_o it_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o some_o gross_a corruption_n by_o one_o or_o some_o few_o the_o high_a place_n be_v continue_v in_o israel_n and_o judab_n and_o that_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o sundry_a good_a king_n notwithstanding_o the_o reproof_n of_o many_o prophet_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n account_v the_o church_n still_o neither_o do_v the_o prophet_n cease_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o 15.3_o they_o 2_o king_n 1.3_o &_o 15.3_o neither_o will_v those_o that_o remain_v in_o babylon_n after_o the_o proclamation_n of_o cyrus_n which_o be_v also_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 2.2_o god_n 2_o chro._n 36.22_o ezra_n 2.2_o to_o return_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o account_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o they_o with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n notwithstanding_o partly_o in_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n partly_o in_o a_o love_n of_o the_o commodity_n which_o they_o settle_v themselves_o in_o during_o the_o captivity_n they_o do_v not_o build_v the_o temple_n in_o person_n but_o only_o send_v money_n for_o the_o build_n last_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o four_o article_n of_o their_o first_o exception_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_n d_o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_n d_o 3.15_o philip._n 3.15_o god_n shall_v reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o
antichristian_a which_o be_v false_a &_o slanderous_a for_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o word_n prescribe_v not_o those_o that_o popish_a priest_n be_v call_v unto_o be_v that_o the_o office_n whereunto_o our_o ministry_n be_v call_v be_v not_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v but_o that_o which_o antichrist_n call_v his_o priest_n unto_o concern_v these_o point_n these_o be_v their_o word_n in_o the_o 158._o page_n of_o their_o refutation_n they_o have_v serve_v in_o and_o belong_v unto_o antichrist_n even_o the_o pope_n kingd_v i_o and_o throne_n the_o false_a church_n with_o all_o the_o abominable_a jdolatrie_n therein_o answer_n i._o to_o which_o their_o objection_n we_o give_v this_o answer_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o nothing_o but_o it_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n as_o they_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n so_o be_v they_o all_o appoint_v to_o our_o minister_n by_o the_o law_n and_o for_o so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v no_o priesthood_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n that_o be_v not_o ordain_v to_o offer_v that_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n or_o that_o be_v ever_o call_v unto_o and_o necessary_o enjoin_v those_o duty_n of_o ministry_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o we_o see_v not_o with_o what_o truth_n our_o brethren_n can_v say_v that_o our_o office_n be_v the_o same_o which_o antichrist_n call_v his_o priest_n unto_o and_o if_o our_o office_n be_v the_o same_o which_o antichrist_n have_v ordain_v how_o fall_v it_o out_o that_o the_o papist_n give_v a_o new_a ordination_n to_o such_o as_o have_v have_v that_o which_o our_o church_n give_v do_v in_o apostasy_n shrink_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v ordination_n though_o some_o popish_a priest_n be_v allow_v to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n without_o any_o new_a ordination_n that_o our_o church_n admit_v such_o as_o be_v ordain_v by_o antichrist_n without_o any_o new_a ordination_n whereby_o appear_v that_o our_o office_n and_o they_o be_v all_o one_o we_o answer_n first_o that_o though_o they_o have_v no_o other_o ordination_n yet_o in_o more_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o outward_a call_n unto_o the_o ministry_n there_o be_v so_o many_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n that_o no_o indifferent_a man_n can_v think_v we_o judge_v the_o call_n that_o any_o man_n have_v have_v in_o popery_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o exercise_v of_o their_o ministry_n in_o our_o church_n second_o the_o receive_n of_o some_o into_o the_o ministry_n that_o have_v be_v popish_a priest_n without_o new_a ordination_n as_o we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o grievous_a corruption_n and_o such_o as_o we_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n seek_v to_o justify_v so_o we_o think_v it_o can_v by_o any_o show_n of_o good_a reason_n be_v allege_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o calling_n which_o all_o our_o minister_n have_v be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o popish_a priest_n exercise_n but_o only_o to_o show_v either_o the_o outward_a call_n which_o some_o of_o our_o minister_n exercise_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o popish_a priest_n or_o at_o the_o most_o that_o some_o chief_a governor_n in_o the_o church_n do_v in_o their_o judgement_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o new_a ordination_n unlawful_a the_o first_o reason_n against_o our_o office_n be_v that_o we_o all_o receive_v one_o antichristian_a deaconship_n which_o have_v not_o force_v to_o condemn_v our_o office_n see_v under_o the_o n●me_n of_o priest_n and_o deacon_n many_o receive_v at_o one_o time_n the_o full_a power_n of_o ministry_n philip._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 3.7_o col._n 1.7_o 23._o 1_o tim._n 4.6_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_n 1.17_o 25_o &_o 6.4_o &_o 12.25_o &_o 20_o 24._o rom._n 12.13_o 1._o cor._n 12.5_o three_o although_o he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o deacon_n be_v restrain_v from_o some_o work_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o minister_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o call_v to_o do_v aught_o that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v require_v in_o such_o a_o case_n both_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v yet_o have_v they_o grant_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o the_o question_n that_o be_v betwixt_o we_o the_o first_o reason_n whereby_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o office_n whereunto_o our_o minister_n be_v call_v be_v not_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v but_o that_o whereunto_o antichrist_n have_v call_v his_o priest_n be_v that_o we_o be_v call_v unto_o such_o a_o deaconship_n as_o be_v not_o according_a unto_o christ_n testament_n but_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a whereunto_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o the_o deaconship_n and_o priesthood_n as_o they_o term_v it_o be_v take_v by_o we_o both_o at_o once_o as_o usual_o they_o be_v than_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v do_v of_o himself_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o so_o the_o error_n that_o be_v commit_v rest_v in_o the_o form_n and_o ceremony_n only_o not_o in_o the_o matter_n itself_o second_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o every_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v by_o the_o proper_a name_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o church_n give_v a_o wrong_a name_n to_o a_o right_n and_o lawful_a office_n the_o office_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v refuse_v much_o less_o be_v the_o power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o to_o administer_v the_o one_o of_o the_o sacrament_n therefore_o to_o be_v refuse_v because_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o deacon_n office_n consider_v that_o although_o in_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o proper_a sense_n the_o scripture_n call_v they_o deacon_n to_o who_o the_o office_n of_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a be_v commit_v yet_o sometime_o also_o all_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n be_v comprehend_v under_o this_o name_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v call_v a_o deaconship_n three_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o deaconship_n be_v neither_o approve_v nor_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o restrain_v we_o from_o deal_v with_o the_o one_o sacrament_n and_o so_o separate_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v couple_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n against_o our_o minister_n because_o when_o they_o be_v make_v deacon_n they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a but_o only_o cut_v short_a for_o a_o time_n and_o restrain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v allege_v against_o all_o our_o minister_n because_o many_o of_o we_o as_o it_o be_v above_o say_v be_v make_v both_o deacon_n and_o priest_n as_o they_o speak_v fond_o in_o one_o day_n and_o so_o take_v the_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o ministry_n without_o any_o such_o separation_n or_o many_o as_o be_v here_o object_v minister_n the_o second_o reason_n against_o our_o office_n viz_o this_o we_o be_v call_v by_o such_o name_n as_o be_v popish_a be_v fond_a &_o insufficient_a for_o the_o name_n priest_n though_o not_o simple_o unlawful_a yet_o in_o our_o church_n judge_v unfit_a to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n bishop_n horn_n against_o fe●kman_n fol._n 95._o &_o fol._n 111._o three_o if_o all_o be_v call_v by_o popish_a name_n yet_o may_v we_o be_v true_a minister_n their_o second_o reason_n against_o our_o office_n and_o function_n be_v that_o ●ee_n be_v not_o know_v by_o the_o right_a name_n that_o in_o the_o word_n a_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o such_o name_n as_o have_v be_v devise_v ●nd_o give_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o priest_n pri-son_n vicar_n and_o curate_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o concern_v the_o name_n priest_n although_o we_o think_v that_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o apply_v to_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o signify_v a_o elder_a yet_o because_o it_o be_v use_v now_o by_o the_o profane_a as_o a_o term_n of_o scorn_n and_o have_v a_o long_a time_n both_o by_o papist_n and_o other_o be_v by_o common_a custom_n abuse_v and_o appropriate_v to_o such_o as_o do_v sacrifice_n therefore_o not_o only_o the_o most_o of_o our_o poople_n refuse_v to_o call_v we_o by_o that_o name_n but_o even_o some_o who_o have_v be_v chief_a governor_n of_o our_o church_n have_v judge_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o