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truth_n word_n worship_v zeal_n 27 3 7.4747 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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indirect_a allegation_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o god_n commandment_n bid_v we_o to_o do_v well_o and_o from_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o do_v well_o which_o rather_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o then_o imply_v any_o ability_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o in_o ourselves_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n we_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 3.20_o 28_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gal._n 2.16_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n &c_n &c_n and_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a james_n 2.24_o you_o see_v then_o how_o that_o of_o work_n a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o of_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o former_a except_o they_o will_v blaspheme_v and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v contradict_v himself_o but_o be_v plain_o speak_v of_o another_o say_v that_o be_v dead_a verse_n 90._o whereas_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o another_o justification_n that_o be_v before_o man_n as_o verse_n 18._o whereas_o this_o be_v before_o god_n ●ule_n the_o four_o instance_n christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n we_o hold_v and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o revel_v 8.3_o another_o angel_n come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n have_v a_o 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propitiatory_a sacrifice_n rule_n nor_o any_o intimation_n of_o repeat_v it_o but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v hebr._n 10.10_o 14._o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n once_o make_v with_o one_o offering_n &c_n &c_n the_o seven_o instance_n our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n our_o prayer_n make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n be_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o 15._o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o &c_n &c_n and_o so_o for_o the_o word_n to_o be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o have_v his_o warrant_n matth._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n 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and_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n sound_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n whereas_o in_o the_o mass_n there_o be_v but_o the_o flesh_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n profit_v nothing_o and_o the_o bodily_a eye_n and_o hand_n and_o mouth_n and_o belly_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o &_o faith_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o seven_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v carry_v open_o rule_n and_o not_o in_o a_o cloud_n then_o all_o be_v do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a will_n desire_n devotion_n affection_n and_o endevoure_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n as_o may_v best_o beseem_v he_o and_o
administration_n of_o the_o world_n he_o do_v it_o respective_o to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o choose_a there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n carry_v the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o of_o god_n work_n that_o be_v who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n do_v very_o close_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v inform_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o we_o now_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n christ_n second_o the_o order_n be_v as_o natural_a in_o respect_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o question_n for_o there_o be_v a_o more_o immediate_a and_o far_o near_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a then_o betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o god_n in_o general_a for_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n 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question_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o now_o in_o this_o three_o question_n we_o do_v handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n three_o together_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o question_n compare_v and_o lay_v together_o the_o order_n be_v very_o natural_a join_v they_o all_o together_o and_o they_o sweet_o and_o orderly_o express_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n god_n do_v save_v his_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n god_n be_v the_o author_n that_o save_v christ_n be_v the_o instrument_n or_o mean_n by_o who_o he_o save_v the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n or_o matter_n to_o be_v save_v god_n purpose_v to_o save_v his_o church_n but_o not_o without_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v the_o church_n but_o not_o without_o warrant_n from_o god_n the_o church_n be_v save_v but_o not_o without_o god_n nor_o without_o christ_n but_o by_o god_n in_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 2._o cor._n 5.9_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n 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so_o much_o difference_n about_o the_o church_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o second_o other_o will_v fain_o join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o know_v not_o which_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n three_o other_o mistake_v the_o false_a church_n for_o the_o true_a and_o so_o join_v to_o the_o false_a in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a and_o so_o run_v headlong_o from_o god_n to_o the_o devil_n from_o truth_n and_o salvation_n to_o error_n and_o condemnation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n misunderstand_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a snare_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n use_v whereby_o to_o entangle_v man_n in_o popery_n and_o this_o one_o allegation_n have_v make_v more_o to_o become_v papist_n and_o to_o continue_v papist_n than_o any_o ten_o of_o their_o best_a allegation_n and_o pretence_n beside_o last_o those_o that_o do_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o stand_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o not_o and_o not_o know_v the_o true_a church_n be_v easy_o carry_v away_o to_o another_o church_n that_o be_v worse_a or_o to_o a_o false_a church_n so_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n we_o have_v lamentable_a experience_n of_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o in_o these_o day_n some_o turn_v papist_n some_o brownist_n some_o become_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o even_o for_o this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v of_o they_o yea_o the_o best_a and_o most_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o be_v somewhat_o uncertain_a and_o fearful_a of_o their_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o right_o acquaint_v with_o this_o
of_o elias_n yet_o in_o this_o very_a time_n god_n have_v his_o church_n and_o a_o flourish_a one_o too_o in_o his_o eye_n though_o man_n can_v not_o discern_v it_o afterwards_o in_o that_o general_a apostasy_n when_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v both_o fall_v from_o god_n yet_o here_o be_v a_o true_a church_n still_o here_o be_v one_o out_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o out_o of_o a_o tribe_n to_o worship_n god_n jer._n 3.13_o 14._o so_o in_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n when_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o overwhelm_v as_o it_o be_v jerusalem_n be_v so_o distress_v religion_n deface_v all_o turn_v into_o a_o miserable_a desolation_n so_o as_o there_o be_v never_o the_o like_a be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o my_o sorrow_n say_v the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n lam._n 1.12_o yet_o than_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v both_o teacher_n and_o embracer_n as_o jeremy_n haggai_n zechariah_n and_o daniel_n and_o many_o other_o at_o our_o saviour_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n when_o the_o law_n and_o the_o temple_n priest_n and_o people_n the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v utter_o corrupt_v and_o defile_v yet_o still_o god_n have_v his_o church_n there_o be_v zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n joseph_n and_o marie_n simeon_n and_o anna_n true_a beleevere_n and_o right_a worshipper_n of_o god_n last_o in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o pride_n of_o antichrist_n the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n stand_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o cup_n of_o fornication_n by_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n the_o synagogue_n of_o rome_n yet_o god_n have_v some_o from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o loathe_v her_o golden_a cup_n some_o that_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o her_o fornication_n but_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a virgin_n and_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sweet_o embrace_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o god_n always_o have_v a_o church_n and_o company_n of_o choose_a people_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v that_o as_o god_n ever_o have_v have_v so_o he_o now_o have_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v much_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o bless_a be_v god_n there_o be_v many_o flourish_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o germany_n france_n england_n and_o scotland_n many_o in_o all_o these_o place_n that_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n yea_o under_o popery_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v many_o true_a christian_n yea_o even_o among_o the_o turk_n and_o jew_n and_o infidel_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v ye●_n remain_v some_o that_o worship_n god_n with_o we_o no_o question_n but_o there_o be_v some_o spark_n of_o fire_n among_o those_o burn_a ash_n some_o polish_a stone_n of_o these_o decay_a church_n some_o gold_n among_o all_o that_o dross_n some_o that_o serve_v the_o lord_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o slave_n of_o satan_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n now_o at_o this_o day_n of_o some_o that_o live_v under_o popery_n and_o among_o the_o jew_n that_o profess_v our_o religion_n so_o the_o second_o part_n be_v prove_v that_o god_n now_o have_v his_o church_n and_o choose_a people_n the_o last_o part_n and_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o world_n end_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v prove_v this_o point_n by_o example_n as_o we_o do_v the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o thorough_o fulfil_v yet_o we_o have_v as_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o as_o example_n we_o have_v god_n own_o word_n for_o it_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v be_v as_o sure_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v many_o prediction_n in_o the_o preterperfect_a tense_n as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o do_v because_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o i_o say_v we_o have_v god_n word_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n psal_n 132.13_o 14._o for_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n and_o love_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o say_v this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v etc._n etc._n god_n will_v dwell_v and_o rest_v and_o that_o for_o ever_o in_o his_o church_n as_o himself_o be_v for_o ever_o so_o his_o church_n be_v for_o ever_o so_o math._n 28.20_o i_o be_o with_o you_o ever_o even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n it_o be_v more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o as_o sure_o as_o i_o be_o actual_o present_a with_o you_o now_o so_o i_o will_v still_o continue_v unto_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whereas_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n it_o be_v nor_o so_o because_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n yet_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v with_o we_o effectual_o to_o all_o save_a purpose_n joh._n 14.16_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o vers_fw-la 17._o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o opposer_n of_o god_n church_n man_n and_o devil_n and_o many_o time_n they_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n over_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o bridle_v and_o curb_v and_o the_o church_n still_o so_o protect_v and_o defend_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o be_v utter_o to_o disannul_v it_o math._n 16.18_o there_o be_v many_o other_o proof_n for_o this_o point_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o reason_n therefore_o we_o will_v pass_v to_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n that_o god_n ever_o have_v now_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v these_o reas_n 1_o first_o we_o have_v god_n promise_n for_o it_o who_o be_v truth_n and_o can_v lie_v if_o that_o be_v too_o little_a we_o have_v his_o oath_n for_o it_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v psal_n 132.11_o 12._o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v in_o truth_n to_o david_n and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o say_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n will_v i_o set_v up_o thy_o throne_n for_o ever_o he_o have_v swear_v it_o and_o will_v not_o shrink_v from_o it_o that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o recant_v which_o although_o it_o be_v typical_o speak_v of_o david_n and_o his_o seed_n yet_o in_o truth_n &_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v intend_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v renew_v jer._n 33.17_o 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o man_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o 20._o and_o 21._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v if_o you_o can_v break_v my_o covenant_n of_o the_o day_n and_o my_o covenant_n of_o the_o night_n than_o my_o covenant_n may_v be_v break_v with_o david_n my_o servant_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o his_o promise_n be_v irrevocable_a so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v day_n or_o so_o long_a as_o there_o be_v night_n on_o the_o earth_n so_o long_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o church_n on_o earth_n his_o word_n and_o his_o promise_n can_v be_v break_v no_o say_v our_o saviour_n heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v fail_v but_o my_o word_n shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o he_o have_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o church_n for_o ever_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o her_o adversary_n second_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n reas_n 2_o shall_v never_o perish_v from_o the_o earth_n therefore_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n shall_v never_o be_v abolish_v from_o the_o earth_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n can_v fail_v than_o the_o church_n may_v fail_v but_o that_o can_v never_o fail_v for_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o witness_n of_o god_n truth_n to_o feel_v the_o save_a power_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o and_o to_o testify_v it_o to_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o fail_v the_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o god_n fatherly_a care_n over_o reas_n 3_o his_o church_n even_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n because_o he_o love_v they_o and_o they_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v all_o destroy_v except_o the_o lord_n can_v forget_v his_o own_o people_n his_o darling_n which_o be_v impossible_a four_o he_o do_v preserve_v his_o church_n
on_o earth_n for_o the_o reas_n 4_o world_n sake_n that_o must_v stand_v till_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o dissolution_n but_o it_o can_v stand_v long_o than_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o it_o for_o who_o sake_n only_o it_o be_v uphold_v for_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o show_v isa_n 6.13_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o can_v be_v utter_o destroy_v five_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o nursery_n for_o heaven_n reas_n 5_o now_o in_o heaven_n be_v many_o mansion_n to_o be_v fill_v up_o every_o day_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a supply_n from_o the_o nursery_n on_o earth_n six_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a war_n betwixt_o the_o reas_n 6_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a the_o serpent_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n so_o likewise_o the_o faithful_a the_o woman_n seed_n shall_v be_v always_o on_o earth_n too_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n first_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n truth_n be_v elder_a than_o falsehood_n righteousness_n be_v before_o sin_n god_n church_n be_v ancient_a than_o all_o profane_a assembly_n whatsoever_o cain_n be_v ancient_a be_v of_o the_o malignant_a church_n but_o his_o parent_n the_o church_n in_o paradise_n be_v ancient_a eve_n and_o adam_n hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o so_o commit_v sin_n soon_o after_o the_o creation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n before_o their_o fall_n when_o they_o believe_v and_o rest_v on_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o be_v righteous_a the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o god_n truth_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n before_o that_o ●ie_v else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pervert_v with_o his_o lye_n this_o serve_v first_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n that_o charge_v we_o with_o novelty_n to_o be_v a_o new_a sect_n and_o challenge_v antiquity_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o true_a church_n which_o be_v both_o lie_v for_o they_o be_v the_o novellist_n not_o we_o we_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n before_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v novelty_n and_o a_o new_a sect._n second_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a be_v most_o true_a as_o be_v immediate_o and_o original_o from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n the_o pure_a hand_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_a of_o day_n and_o contrary_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v less_o ancient_a be_v from_o some_o corrupt_a channel_n degenerate_a from_o the_o original_a sincerity_n now_o our_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v be_v most_o ancient_a and_o most_o pure_a and_o therefore_o let_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n hide_v their_o head_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o themselves_o and_o yield_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o pure_a truth_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v most_o true_a and_o right_o ancient_a use_v 2_o second_o as_o this_o show_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o it_o prove_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o it_o shall_v continue_v by_o succession_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o all_o other_o congregation_n so_o it_o shall_v see_v the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o all_o other_o congregation_n but_o itself_o shall_v continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o by_o a_o continual_a succession_n where_o the_o father_n be_v go_v there_o child_n shall_v stand_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o child_n child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o shall_v be_v many_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o these_o change_n if_o the_o church_n fail_v in_o paradise_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o of_o paradise_n if_o israel_n fall_v away_o yet_o judah_n shall_v stand_v if_o the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o yet_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o though_o popery_n turkism_n and_o judaism_n and_o paganism_n abound_v and_o fill_v the_o world_n and_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o shelter_v his_o church_n in_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v both_o from_o their_o persecution_n and_o infection_n the_o three_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o faithful_a use_v 3_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o continuance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o estate_n and_o none_o else_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a prosperity_n like_a to_o a_o green_a bay_a tree_n but_o in_o time_n and_o sometime_o very_o quick_o they_o shall_v vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n and_o consume_v as_o the_o fat_a of_o lamb_n and_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v of_o they_o but_o the_o faithful_a shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o psal_n 102.28_o they_o may_v be_v afflict_v persecute_a and_o distress_a on_o every_o side_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v forsake_v nor_o give_v over_o utter_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o wicked_a murder_n some_o of_o they_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v some_o of_o they_o remain_v still_o let_v persecutor_n draw_v out_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n child_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v or_o can_v yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v some_o that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o bloody_a hand_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n truth_n as_o some_o be_v take_v away_o god_n will_v still_o send_v they_o a_o new_a supply_n so_o than_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v second_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o they_o need_v not_o say_v on_o their_o deathbed_n as_o worldling_n do_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o my_o child_n and_o good_n after_o i_o be_o go_v they_o need_v not_o say_v so_o of_o their_o spiritual_a good_n let_v god_n alone_o with_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o he_o the_o faithful_a seed_n shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o fatherly_a providence_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o themselves_o be_v seize_v on_o in_o their_o life_n time_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o they_o to_o the_o right_a heir_n heir_n of_o his_o own_o beget_n add_v raise_v up_o he_o will_v find_v heir_n for_o they_o successive_o from_o age_n to_o age_n to_o the_o last_o end_n then_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o shall_v come_v and_o he_o shall_v stand_v last_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n on_o earth_n begin_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o last_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n finish_v it_o up_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n have_v continue_v and_o maintain_v it_o by_o his_o own_o power_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o end_n then_o no_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n yet_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o here_o so_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o far_o safe_a and_o happy_a and_o more_o glorious_a estate_n than_o ever_o it_o do_v in_o this_o world_n psal_n 102.28_o use_v 4_o the_o four_o use_n be_v for_o discouragement_n to_o wicked_a man_n and_o persecutor_n in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v against_o god_n church_n what_o can_v they_o do_v against_o it_o root_n it_o out_o as_o many_o time_n they_o say_v they_o will_v no_o do_v they_o what_o they_o can_v by_o themselves_o by_o their_o instrument_n they_o can_v never_o root_v it_o out_o let_v king_n and_o ruler_n and_o gentile_n and_o people_n fret_v and_o rage_n and_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o
profession_n second_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a or_o open_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v so_o public_a and_o open_a that_o there_o may_v be_v notice_n take_v that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o religion_n else_o they_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o look_v as_o their_o profession_n be_v more_o or_o less_o public_a so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a three_o as_o they_o must_v public_o profess_v so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o profession_n and_o that_o intend_v first_o their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o none_o or_o of_o a_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a religion_n and_o second_o it_o intend_v their_o associate_a or_o sort_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n grow_v into_o and_o live_v in_o a_o love_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o three_o it_o intend_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n some_o join_v for_o fashion_n some_o for_o fear_n some_o for_o hope_n of_o gain_n and_o some_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o all_o these_o do_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v force_v yea_o if_o they_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o they_o though_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o religion_n which_o this_o company_n make_v profession_n of_o must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o without_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n there_o be_v diverse_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o diverse_a church_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o which_o embrace_v that_o true_a religion_n 249._o so_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n under_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o profess_v that_o one_o true_a religion_n let_v they_o profess_v whatsoever_o religion_n they_o will_v beside_o they_o can_v just_o be_v repute_v true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o so_o discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n whatsoever_o company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o same_o congregation_n and_o company_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v general_o in_o all_o congregation_n whatsoever_o of_o that_o quality_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o from_o the_o best_a to_o the_o worst_a for_o first_o whereas_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n of_o god_n religion_n through_o the_o world_n do_v concur_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o common_a save_a faith_n church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o may_v be_v term_v a_o true_a universal_a visible_a church_n so_o also_o every_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profess_v the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o one_o settle_a congregation_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n and_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o province_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v a_o provincial_n a_o parochial_a or_o a_o domestical_a church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n church_n though_o one_o be_v universal_a and_o the_o other_o particular_a for_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o scripture_n first_o for_o a_o provincial_n or_o national_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o nation_n you_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n act._n 9.31_o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_v in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v provincial_a church_n name_v by_o the_o country_n they_o be_v in_o as_o judea_n samaria_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n the_o seven_o church_n there_o mention_v be_v national_n church_n as_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n church_n second_o for_o a_o parochial_a or_o parish_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o they_o in_o act._n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o town_n church_n three_o for_o a_o domestical_a church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o colos_n 4.15_o we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nimphas_n though_o these_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v repute_v invisible_a church_n except_o they_o may_v be_v so_o open_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o notorious_o know_v as_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n house_n then_o they_o may_v be_v call_v domestical_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o division_n that_o some_o church_n be_v either_o universal_a visible_a church_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o whole_a land_n or_o in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n visible_a second_o whereas_o some_o church_n be_v more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o yet_o both_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n though_o one_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o the_o other_o less_o visible_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v notorious_o know_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v know_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1.8_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v come_v abroad_o among_o all_o rom._n 16.19_o so_o that_o this_o church_n be_v more_o visible_a other_o church_n be_v less_o know_v as_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n &_o crect_n which_o be_v only_o name_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o now_o because_o they_o be_v only_o mention_v therefore_o they_o be_v less_o know_v and_o so_o less_o visible_a &_o yet_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o three_o whereas_o some_o church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n more_o pure_o and_o sincere_o other_o more_z corrupt_o pure_a yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o pure_a not_o more_o true_a the_o other_o less_o instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n some_o church_n there_o be_v more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o all_o true_a church_n church_n more_o pure_a be_v smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n all_o commend_v in_o they_o nothing_o disprayse_v church_n less_o pure_a be_v ephesus_n pergamus_n and_o thiatira_n in_o which_o church_n some_o thing_n be_v commend_v some_o thing_n discommend_v church_n yet_o less_o pure_a be_v sardis_n and_o laodicea_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o commend_v but_o all_o thing_n disprayse_v so_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o these_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n more_o pure_o some_o less_o pure_o and_o some_o more_o corrupt_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o and_o last_o perfect_a whereas_o some_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o some_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n other_o be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v not_o such_o a_o form_n establish_v for_o government_n yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o the_o other_o less_o perfect_a instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n first_o for_o they_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a as_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n be_v bishop_n there_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n there_o the_o apostle_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o consultation_n
together_o act._n 15.2_o &_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o be_v also_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 17.28_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o overseer_n second_o some_o be_v less_o perfect_a as_o the_o church_n in_o creta_n which_o have_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n on_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o able_a to_o bear_v act._n 15.19_o yet_o these_o be_v true_a church_n so_o that_o though_o some_o visible_a church_n be_v universal_a some_o particular_a some_o more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o know_v some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a and_o some_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o ripeness_n some_o in_o their_o infancy_n less_o perfect_a yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o note_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o first_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v a_o set_a place_n choose_v where_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v his_o name_n that_o be_v where_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v and_o he_o dwell_v there_o that_o be_v as_o a_o father_n or_o as_o a_o master_n of_o the_o family_n beget_v child_n and_o rule_v and_o govern_v that_o family_n by_o his_o word_n now_o what_o be_v this_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o that_o where_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v there_o god_n himself_o be_v present_a as_o in_o his_o true_a visible_a church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o joint_o to_o profess_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o what_o be_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v but_o his_o church_n for_o so_o in_o revel_v 2.1_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o seven_o visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o and_o this_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o other_o but_o wheresoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v etc._n etc._n be_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o general_o in_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o house_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v any_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v that_o hear_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o embrace_v but_o outward_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o describe_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n in_o christ_n that_o sanctify_v they_o saint_n by_o call_v that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v profession_n at_o the_o least_o to_o be_v so_o with_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o every_o place_n which_o phrase_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n general_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o profession_n of_o god_n religion_n so_o that_o those_o that_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o the_o church_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o candlestick_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o not_o only_a experience_n teach_v but_o christ_n himself_o teach_v it_o mat._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o company_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n and_o those_o instance_n allege_v of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a some_o less_o some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a some_o more_o perfect_a some_o more_o imperfect_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o true_a church_n prove_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o observation_n clear_o and_o direct_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o save_a reas_n 1_o truth_n or_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o thereby_o make_v it_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o that_o embrace_v it_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n profess_v god_n reas_n 2_o truth_n there_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n matth._n 18.20_o but_o christ_n be_v present_v no_o where_o in_o such_o a_o special_a manner_n but_o in_o his_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o company_n be_v a_o true_a church_n again_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n rom._n 10.13_o but_o none_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n three_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o prophet_n and_o reas_n 3_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.10_o that_o be_v on_o that_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o there_o christ_n be_v honour_v and_o obey_v public_o as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o be_v his_o visible_a body_n five_o there_o among_o such_o a_o company_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n matth._n 16.19_o six_o there_o his_o voice_n be_v open_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v therefore_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o be_v his_o fold_n joh._n 10.27_o seven_o all_o other_o society_n and_o company_n consist_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v such_o a_o call_v or_o mystery_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o therefore_o they_o that_o public_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o they_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n eight_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o by_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n for_o other_o company_n of_o man_n either_o profess_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o whatsoever_o company_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n last_o the_o particular_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.37_o 38._o he_o believe_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n if_o this_o profession_n in_o particular_a make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o more_o in_o general_n do_v it_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o lie_v
neighbour_n church_n then_o they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o small_a moment_n that_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n than_o the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n shall_v burn_v 1._o cor._n 3.12_o 15._o but_o yet_o they_o shall_v remain_v still_o a_o true_a church_n second_o if_o they_o be_v great_a matter_n error_n that_o do_v overthrow_v the_o foundation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o public_o profess_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v public_o profess_v yet_o if_o upon_o admonition_n of_o other_o neighbour_n church_n they_o do_v recant_v and_o reform_v their_o error_n than_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o any_o to_o forsake_v they_o be_v in_o they_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n to_o they_o live_v in_o they_o deu._n 12.5_o at_o least_o we_o be_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o consent_n and_o communion_n of_o profession_n the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v the_o former_a exception_n clear_a as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o your_o own_o read_n of_o they_o use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v this_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o touch_n of_o conscience_n or_o any_o grace_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v a_o good_a pledge_n and_o witness_v to_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n here_o than_o thou_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n or_o no_o and_o so_o likewise_o how_o to_o become_v a_o member_n first_o therefore_o labour_v to_o find_v out_o to_o know_v understand_v and_o believe_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o must_v hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o confer_v of_o it_o and_o join_v with_o the_o godly_a and_o frequent_v public_a christian_a assembly_n and_o also_o we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o his_o save_a truth_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o eye_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o he_o will_v also_o lead_v thou_o therein_o second_o thou_o must_v labour_v as_o thou_o know_v it_o so_o likewise_o to_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v open_a show_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o royal_a call_v if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o christ_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o before_o his_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angls_n in_o heaven_n and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o so_o we_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o shame_n or_o fear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n church_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o glory_n and_o comfort_n therefore_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o reproach_n persecution_n temptation_n all_o outward_a misery_n which_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o endure_v if_o we_o be_v know_v to_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o christ_n christ_n jesus_n do_v bold_o oppose_v himself_o against_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o pilate_n and_o the_o jew_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o the_o soldier_n yea_o he_o oppose_v himself_o to_o death_n itself_o and_o to_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o thou_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v afraid_a to_o oppose_v thyself_o to_o some_o few_o outward_a danger_n for_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v for_o ourselves_o in_o the_o end_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v wise_a and_o do_v not_o rash_o thrust_v thyself_o into_o any_o danger_n but_o if_o thou_o have_v just_a occasion_n and_o a_o call_v from_o god_n shun_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n let_v not_o thy_o false_a heart_n betray_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n his_o cause_n but_o rely_v upon_o god_n power_n promise_n and_o protection_n stand_v to_o it_o resolute_o and_o with_o a_o good_a christian_a courage_n and_o say_v i_o be_o a_o professor_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o so_o i_o will_v continue_v by_o his_o assistance_n even_o unto_o the_o very_a death_n though_o i_o be_v crucify_v even_o as_o he_o be_v three_o we_o must_v see_v that_o our_o profession_n be_v not_o in_o hypocrisy_n for_o this_o be_v the_o cankerworm_n that_o eat_v out_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o professor_n therefore_o profess_v the_o truth_n sincere_o and_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o see_v and_o search_v the_o reins_n do_v it_o as_o the_o only_a cause_n whereby_o we_o may_v and_o must_v be_v save_v and_o whereby_o thou_o look_v for_o thy_o reward_n in_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n at_o the_o last_o day_n do_v it_o as_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o glorify_v his_o name_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o complice_n four_o as_o we_o must_v do_v it_o without_o hypocrisy_n so_o we_o must_v see_v we_o practise_v it_o and_o that_o open_o for_o our_o public_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v our_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o titus_n 1.16_o that_o in_o their_o word_n profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o by_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o that_o be_v their_o work_n stand_v up_o against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n that_o which_o we_o profess_v with_o our_o lip_n we_o must_v practice_v with_o our_o life_n put_v the_o case_n that_o two_o man_n be_v at_o odds_n one_o man_n say_v one_o thing_n another_o man_n prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o plain_a and_o evident_a argument_n whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o he_o that_o profess_v in_o his_o word_n only_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o another_o which_o do_v practice_v it_o in_o his_o work_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a avoucher_n of_o god_n truth_n sure_o he_o that_o practise_v it_o in_o his_o work_n five_o as_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n ourselves_o so_o we_o must_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o peter_n luk._n 22.32_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n which_o when_o i_o think_v on_o it_o can_v but_o admonish_v i_o of_o my_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o do_v we_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o that_o good_a which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v partaker_n of_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n when_o she_o be_v convert_v she_o labour_v to_o draw_v all_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o christ_n john_n 4.28_o 29._o especial_o we_o shall_v labour_v with_o our_o own_o family_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n as_o joshua_n do_v i_o and_o my_o house_n say_v he_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n so_o shall_v we_o have_v true_a visible_a church_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o own_o house_n howsoever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o land_n or_o country_n or_o parish_n where_o we_o dwell_v use_v 4_o last_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o thankfulness_n for_o our_o state_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v so_o gracious_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n for_o many_o year_n that_o the_o whole_a save_a truth_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v and_o profess_v and_o that_o by_o public_a authority_n it_o be_v countenance_v among_o we_o church_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v many_o sin_n in_o our_o life_n defect_n in_o our_o state_n and_o we_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o groan_n under_o they_o and_o pray_v with_o sigh_n and_o tear_n against_o they_o and_o we_o trust_v god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v hear_v we_o and_o redress_v these_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n among_o we_o yet_o through_o god_n mercy_n we_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n against_o all_o schismatic_n and_o papist_n and_o slanderer_n whatsoever_o every_o one_o may_v see_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o wonderful_a of_o god_n that_o still_o this_o profession_n be_v maintain_v be_v thankful_a for_o it_o and_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o and_o honour_n god_n for_o it_o and_o use_v it_o well_o and_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o to_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n to_o all_o generation_n the_o blessing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o thankworthy_a blessing_n
church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v the_o
and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o 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will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a
that_o it_o do_v not_o suffice_v that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n where_o most_o need_n be_v and_o last_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o government_n they_o speak_v nothing_o of_o he_o neither_o do_v they_o interpret_v any_o of_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o ruler_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n though_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o err_v in_o these_o particular_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v to_o observe_v as_o prescribe_v to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n the_o sixteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v propound_v five_o principal_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v upon_o touch_v church-government_n as_o namely_o first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasion_v in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n rule_n in_o god_n word_n for_o it_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o four_o former_a as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o church-government_n now_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o five_o namely_o that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o prescript_n form_n in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o resolution_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v former_o speak_v for_o whereas_o every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v her_o particular_a government_n and_o the_o word_n have_v not_o prescribe_v any_o one_o set_a form_n for_o all_o church_n to_o observe_v in_o every_o particular_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o every_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o general_a form_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o oft_o as_o necessity_n require_v must_v make_v the_o best_a supply_n and_o provision_n for_o themselves_o herein_o that_o they_o can_v howbeit_o because_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o first_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o licentious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o as_o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v and_o do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o they_o must_v careful_o see_v that_o whatsoever_o provision_n they_o make_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o those_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n which_o the_o word_n afford_v i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o here_o to_o define_v what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n what_o not_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n too_o curious_a for_o i_o and_o too_o tedious_a for_o you_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o enquiry_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n every_o one_o for_o itself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v the_o church_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o special_a use_n for_o this_o purpose_n both_o to_o instruct_v the_o church_n what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o to_o help_v and_o direct_v they_o what_o to_o take_v and_o what_o to_o leave_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o case_n of_o government_n wherein_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o particular_a warrant_n for_o each_o particular_a case_n from_o the_o word_n yet_o because_o i_o will_v fain_o inform_v you_o thorough_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v i_o will_v god_n will_v 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such_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o gal●tia_n in_o gal._n 5.2.4_o where_o they_o join_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o in_o the_o 2._o verse_n that_o if_o they_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o and_o vers_fw-la 4._o you_o be_v abolish_v from_o christ_n whosoever_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v fall_v from_o grace_n be_v other_o error_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n as_o when_o man_n hold_v the_o foundation_n but_o yet_o err_v in_o building_n on_o it_o and_o such_o notwithstanding_o these_o error_n may_v be_v save_v 1_o cor._n 3.12_o to_o 15._o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o some_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n but_o shall_v this_o turn_n to_o their_o damnation_n no_o themselves_o shall_v be_v save_v say_v he_o but_o what_o without_o repentance_n no_o for_o in_o the_o 13._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v the_o day_n shall_v declare_v it_o because_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v by_o fire_n and_o the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o day_n or_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n shall_v dispel_v this_o darkness_n and_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n shall_v purify_v and_o purge_v away_o these_o error_n from_o they_o so_o that_o they_o must_v repent_v of_o these_o error_n but_o than_o you_o will_v say_v what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o those_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n for_o they_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n shall_v be_v save_v too_o matter_n upon_o their_o repentance_n it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o for_o first_o they_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n be_v seldom_o and_o hardly_o reclaim_v not_o one_o among_o a_o hundred_o but_o they_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n be_v usual_o and_o easy_o reclaim_v for_o if_o the_o foundation_n be_v overthrow_v all_o must_v be_v rear_v up_o a_o new_a but_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o be_v amiss_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o amend_v yea_o those_o that_o err_v in_o small_a matter_n can_v choose_v but_o be_v reclaim_v as_o have_v the_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o can_v possible_o perish_v second_o those_o that_o err_v in_o the_o foundation_n must_v repent_v particular_o of_o that_o error_n and_o must_v also_o embrace_v the_o contrary_a truth_n else_o he_o can_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n though_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o error_n in_o particular_a nay_o though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v they_o for_o who_o know_v his_o error_n yet_o if_o they_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o they_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n &_o pardon_v from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o these_o second_o some_o error_n be_v either_o of_o infirmity_n or_o of_o obstinacy_n of_o infirmity_n as_o when_o we_o be_v either_o by_o negligence_n ignorance_n oversight_n weakness_n as_o be_v take_v trip_v in_o a_o snare_n against_o our_o knowledge_n and_o against_o our_o purpose_n and_o holy_a desire_n or_o by_o other_o occasion_n such_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o gal._n 6.1_o brethren_n if_o a_o man_n be_v sudden_o fall_v into_o any_o offence_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o &c_n &c_n when_o as_o they_o see_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o if_o they_o do_v see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o have_v some_o weak_a desire_n and_o labour_n against_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o assault_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o their_o corruption_n so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v overcome_v it_o this_o be_v a_o error_n of_o infirmity_n some_o error_n be_v of_o obstinacy_n that_o be_v
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v 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thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greate●_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o 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be_v believe_v beside_o the_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o reas_n 6_o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v answerable_a to_o this_o both_o of_o teacher_n and_o learner_n the_o teacher_n they_o have_v refer_v the_o people_n still_o for_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o light_a in_o they_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n say_v peter_n to_o cornelius_n refer_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o learner_n act_n 17.11_o 12._o the_o man_n of_o berea_n seach_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o paul_n be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v special_o guide_v by_o the_o 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high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o 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insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o 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by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o three_o that_o which_o be_v so_o believe_v be_v not_o chief_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o she_o say_v so_o but_o in_o a_o second_o place_n aftre_fw-la the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o four_a not_o formal_o or_o essential_o but_o instrumental_o as_o a_o outward_a instrument_n only_o five_o and_o that_o which_o she_o do_v say_v so_o she_o speak_v not_o infallible_o but_o with_o some_o fayling_n error_n and_o imperfection_n man_n corruption_n still_o betray_v its_o self_n even_o when_o he_o be_v much_o enlighten_v sixthly_a that_o which_o she_o speak_v without_o error_n be_v not_o absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o church_n say_v it_o but_o conditional_o because_o she_o speak_v according_a
book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a sacrament_n new_a intercessor_n new_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n second_o even_o to_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v as_o to_o cross_n procession_n ring_v of_o bell_n penance_n and_o such_o like_a they_o have_v ascribe_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n drive_v away_o of_o devil_n and_o such_o like_a gracious_a effect_n wherein_o consist_v no_o small_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o four_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n custom_n custom_n we_o know_v prevail_v much_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o many_o time_n they_o be_v very_o approvable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v vary_a from_o but_o upon_o good_a occasion_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yield_v to_o custom_n have_v breed_v much_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v among_o we_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n by_o play_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o field_n after_o the_o exercise_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o that_o man_n think_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o custom_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a motive_n apt_a to_o over_o sway_v the_o natural_a man_n but_o of_o themselves_o beside_o scripture_n they_o be_v no_o spiritual_a motive_n to_o the_o true_a believer_n custom_n the_o ancient_a father_n tie_v up_o custom_n in_o religion_n thus_o short_a that_o they_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o custom_n agree_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v else_o to_o be_v reject_v now_o what_o be_v truth_n our_o saviour_n say_v god_n word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17_o 17._o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o must_v be_v abolish_v even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n who_o the_o papist_n will_v seem_v to_o allege_v for_o these_o thing_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v custom_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o but_o how_o do_v he_o allege_v they_o against_o contention_n because_o contention_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o custom_n beside_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o last_o point_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n tradition_n be_v one_o my_o pillar_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o they_o leave_v they_o once_o they_o will_v quick_o leave_v their_o religion_n too_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v tradition_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n it_o intend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o before_o father_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o so_o we_o willing_o embrace_v tradition_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o speech_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o do_v make_v for_o tradition_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n intend_v they_o that_o be_v unwritten_a verity_n and_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n than_o so_o there_o be_v no_o build_n on_o they_o if_o they_o be_v verity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v and_o be_v unwritten_a we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o ob._n to_o his_o point_n we_o say_v first_o either_o there_o be_v no_o such_o tradition_n at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v needless_a consider_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o if_o they_o be_v needful_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o certain_o they_o be_v but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o certain_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o i_o mean_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n yes_o say_v they_o for_o substance_n you_o have_v something_o by_o tradition_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n we_o answer_v we_o have_v not_o these_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n for_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 10.14_o and_o second_o for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o what_o place_n in_o the_o word_n say_v that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a i_o answer_v every_o book_n bear_v witness_n of_o itself_o and_o this_o place_n of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v canonical_a three_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n we_o have_v reu._n 1.10_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n so_o that_o we_o have_v scripture_n enough_o for_o these_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v a_o humble_a mind_a man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o they_o be_v needless_a for_o suppose_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o what_o need_v unwritten_a tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 2._o indeed_o before_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o the_o word_n be_v now_o write_v and_o have_v be_v now_o write_v these_o 1610._o year_n and_o as_o much_o write_v as_o ever_o shall_v be_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 3._o three_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a for_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v aught_o by_o tradition_n or_o that_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v they_o either_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la answe_n for_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n whereupon_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n leave_v tradition_n and_o epistle_n i_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o diversity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o teach_v but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n 4._o look_v what_o he_o preach_v he_o write_v and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o history_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o that_o to_o repose_v my_o salvation_n upon_o last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o certain_a the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o damnable_a presumption_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o by_o name_n call_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a &_o equal_v they_o both_o in_o authority_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n &_o in_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o write_a word_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o religion_n will_v easy_o decide_v this_o controversy_n if_o we_o add_v here_o to_o determination_n of_o counsel_n consent_n of_o father_n decree_n of_o pope_n and_o other_o patch_n and_o feigning_n of_o popish_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v this_o that_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o or_o if_o there_o be_v they_o be_v not_o beside_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o it_o or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v beside_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o substance_n nor_o salvation_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v frame_v by_o and_o what_o every_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o and_o that_o be_v
the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o else_o general_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n what_o it_o teach_v must_v only_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o it_o command_v must_v only_o be_v obey_v and_o nothing_o else_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o general_o all_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o canon_n yea_o the_o popish_a church_n to_o his_o day_n retain_v the_o name_n though_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backgate_n yet_o at_o the_o foregate_n they_o take_v it_o in_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o the_o rule_n now_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o rule_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o it_o and_o not_o it_o to_o any_o thing_n carpenter_n and_o mason_n they_o fit_v their_o timber_n and_o stone_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o not_o the_o rule_n to_o the_o timber_n or_o stone_n so_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o obey_v must_v be_v square_v by_o it_o and_o look_v how_o much_o it_o come_v short_a or_o go_v beyond_o or_o miss_v on_o this_o hand_n or_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o it_o come_v short_a of_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o much_o we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o cast_v away_o all_o other_o measure_n as_o crooked_a tradition_n custom_n etc._n etc._n and_o stick_v fast_o only_o to_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o the_o perfect_a square_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o must_v put_v nothing_o to_o god_n word_n nor_o take_v aught_o there_o from_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v deut._n 4.2_o and_o 5.32.35_o second_o as_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o every_o truth_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a touch_n stone_n of_o truth_n if_o paul_n teach_v the_o truth_n truth_n it_o must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.11_o let_v heathen_a man_n bring_v their_o paganism_n the_o turck_n their_o alcoran_n the_o jew_n their_o talmud_n the_o papist_n their_o catechism_n counsel_n custom_n and_o tradition_n to_o this_o touchstone_n and_o this_o this_o will_v show_v they_o all_o to_o be_v stark_o counterfeit_v very_a dross_n and_o filth_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v once_o look_v after_o much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o precious_a golden_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o last_o yet_o mistake_v not_o as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o salvation_n be_v express_o in_o the_o word_n same_o that_o be_v by_o name_n and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n as_o we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v it_o but_o at_o least_o by_o consequence_n and_o to_o be_v deduct_v by_o sound_n and_o sanctify_a reason_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n and_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v those_o thing_n that_o concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o miracle_n or_o discipline_n either_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n as_o it_o contain_v altogether_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o down_o to_o our_o time_n for_o with_o they_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o do_v miracle_n matth._n 10.1_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o &c_n &c_n and_o mark_v 16.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.9.10_o to_o another_o be_v give_v the_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a to_o another_o the_o operation_n of_o great_a work_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o power_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n that_o plant_v it_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n their_o doctrine_n and_o write_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o and_o therefore_o that_o power_n be_v restrain_v and_o what_o church_n soever_o challenge_v this_o power_n therein_o may_v just_o be_v censure_v for_o anti-christian_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o second_o or_o discipline_n and_o that_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o government_n or_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n of_o the_o first_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o second_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o word_n by_o ceremony_n we_o understand_v the_o time_n place_n and_o gesture_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n we_o will_v contrive_v the_o whole_a business_n into_o this_o observation_n every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n within_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o note_n doct._n first_o i_o say_v every_o visible_a church_n for_o the_o invisible_a not_o be_v contain_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o any_o one_o settle_v outward_a state_n can_v have_v no_o such_o order_n second_o i_o say_v particular_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o general_a visible_a church_n can_v so_o be_v proper_o assign_v to_o a_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o common_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o outward_a rite_n three_o i_o say_v have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v ceretaine_n rite_n four_o i_o say_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o church_n business_n for_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o inward_a man_n five_o i_o say_v they_o must_v be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o one_o church_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v another_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v except_o their_o case_n be_v very_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o note_n be_v clear_a we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n act_n 15.1_o 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o matter_n in_o question_n as_o touch_v circumcision_n a_o outward_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v withal_o about_o it_o and_o according_o they_o deliver_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o 23._o verse_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o show_v their_o power_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o for_o the_o cause_n be_v perpetual_a the_o course_n must_v be_v perpetual_a too_o and_o they_o show_v their_o power_n both_o in_o disannul_v some_o ceremony_n as_o circumcision_n vers_fw-la 10._o as_o abstaming_a from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o blood_n verse_n 20._o which_o be_v certain_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o the_o apostle_n show_v of_o meat_n 1_o corinth_n 8.8_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o they_o do_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o only_a in_o thing_n needful_a as_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.2_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o already_o which_o be_v general_o understand_v of_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n make_v it_o plain_a enough_o for_o after_o verse_n 3_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v they_o other_o ordinance_n keep_v which_o he_o have_v not_o deliver_v they_o before_o concern_v the_o uncover_v of_o the_o man_n head_n and_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o woman_n head_n which_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o comeliness_n sake_n he_o do_v there_o enjoin_v they_o and_o verse_n 20_o etc._n etc._n he_o deliver_v certain_a other_o ordinance_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o their_o tarry_v one_o for_o another_o eat_v before_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 33.34_o and_o whereas_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o frame_n with_o they_o he_o promise_v in_o the_o end_n of_o 34._o verse_n to_o order_v the_o rest_n at_o his_o come_n to_o they_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o still_o the_o rule_n hold_v that_o the_o disease_n continue_v always_o require_v a_o continual_a reamedy_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o in_o the_o 1._o cor_n 14.26_o 40._o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n he_o give_v they_o this_o general_a rule_n for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n and_o they_o must_v draw_v particular_n according_o
they_o be_v mingle_v with_o the_o professor_n of_o mahomet_n which_o be_v a_o most_o pestilent_a religion_n &_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n admit_v no_o colour_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v reject_v mahomet_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o mahomet_n we_o must_v reject_v christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v have_v show_v himself_o a_o ruler_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o sore_a enemy_n preserve_v his_o faith_n and_o church_n even_o whe●e_v satan_n throne_n be_v world_n as_o he_o do_v the_o church_n of_o of_o pergamus_n reu._n 2.13_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pestilent_a religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o christ_n so_o consider_v that_o it_o general_o abound_v and_o swarm_n overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o place_n the_o lord_n have_v reserve_v a_o remnant_n that_o stick_v close_o unto_o he_o and_o that_o follow_v not_o the_o sway_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o have_v 7000._o in_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n rom._n 11.4_o so_o he_o have_v many_o thousand_o among_o they_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o mahomet_n three_o religion_n consider_v the_o pleasingness_n of_o that_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n a_o great_a enchanter_n of_o nature_n yet_o still_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v some_o that_o choose_v rather_o with_o moses_n to_o suffer_v adversity_n with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v for_o a_o season_n all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o ever_o mahomet_n can_v ever_o promise_v or_o bestow_v upon_o they_o sure_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o such_o flourish_a church_n in_o achaia_n macedonia_n corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n shall_v come_v to_o that_o miserable_a ruin_n and_o desolation_n that_o mahomet_n us._n shall_v reign_v among_o they_o so_o general_o in_o christ_n own_o territory_n and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o unprofitablenes_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n so_o free_o offer_v they_o and_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o fear_n and_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o the_o like_a befall_v not_o we_o for_o our_o unprofitablenesse_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o yet_o withal_o see_v how_o in_o wrath_n god_n remember_v mercy_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o satan_n turk_n and_o mahomet_n and_o other_o instrument_n he_o pluck_v out_o some_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v professor_n of_o his_o save_a faith_n and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o greek_a church_n both_o improper_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v observation_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o western_a and_o latin_a church_n which_o be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n some_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o sundry_a other_o that_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o other_o renounce_v his_o headship_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v in_o the_o deformity_n corruption_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a in_o every_o particular_a look_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n so_o be_v the_o daughter_n ezech._n 16.44_o we_o will_v deliver_v her_o state_n in_o two_o observation_n first_o we_o will_v show_v what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o charity_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n second_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n too_o and_o find_v judgement_n against_o it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o church_n doctr._n 1_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v just_o repute_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n consider_v right_o of_o the_o note_n first_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o say_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v it_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v judge_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o we_o say_v not_o a_o sound_a church_n no_o that_o we_o flat_o deny_v as_o untrue_a but_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o a_o man_n though_o he_o be_v wound_v faint_a and_o die_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o life_n in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o true_a live_a man_n not_o a_o false_a though_o he_o be_v a_o unsound_a and_o die_a man_n church_n three_o we_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o papacy_n or_o the_o popish_a faction_n and_o some_o better_a spirit_n in_o that_o church_n which_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o right_a belief_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o faction_n do_v and_o these_o be_v mingle_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v call_v a_o ●●ue_a church_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o be_v in_o our_o saviors_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v a_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n pretend_v religion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o sway_v all_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o it_o in_o their_o course_n marry_o simeon_n anna_n zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n and_o a_o few_o more_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n join_v or_o rather_o they_o with_o he_o as_o live_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o whole_a be_v right_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o they_o doubtless_o it_o may_v and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v right_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o better_a spirit_n that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o papacy_n and_o popish_a faction_n alone_o the_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o a_o true_a church_n be_v these_o first_o reas_n 1_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n direct_o affirm_v every_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o deny_v any_o part_n of_o it_o yea_o church_n in_o outward_a show_n of_o word_n they_o express_o affirm_v it_o still_o and_o therefore_o may_v true_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a enough_o rom._n 1.8_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v no_o sound_n arguement_fw-fr that_o they_o be_v so_o still_o i_o answer_v that_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n that_o must_v make_v a_o congregation_n that_o have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o become_v a_o false_a one_o and_o with_o more_o charity_n and_o love_n be_v such_o to_o be_v censure_v that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n than_o other_o congregation_n hold_v the_o same_o error_n that_o be_v but_o only_o come_v on_o in_o the_o say_v and_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v thorough_o possess_v of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o a_o church_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v fall_v away_o from_o her_o first_o love_n revel_v 2.5_o and_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o love_v and_o yet_o be_v dead_a reu._n 3_o 1._o and_o yet_o god_n call_v they_o true_a church_n still_o a_o church_n in_o apostasy_n that_o be_v fall_v not_o utter_o fall_v be_v still_o a_o true_a though_o a_o unsound_a and_o die_a church_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n so_o long_o it_o may_v be_v still_o entitle_v a_o true_a church_n well_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v a_o true_a church_n it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o in_o outward_a show_n at_o least_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o this_o they_o do_v they_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n at_o least_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o sound_v of_o word_n they_o profess_v the_o same_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o creed_n that_o we_o do_v yea_o they_o profess_v in_o word_n the_o very_a same_o foundation_n before_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o very_a same_o term_n in_o effect_n look_v into_o the_o rhemists_n testament_n &_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o upon_o those_o place_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o &_o 1_o john_n 1.7_o they_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v right_o acknowledge_v
that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o true_a ordination_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v our_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n use_v 3_o three_o answer_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o that_o question_n which_o the_o papist_n ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n do_v he_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n no_o he_o erect_v no_o new_a church_n but_o by_o his_o ministry_n bring_v many_o faithful_a out_o of_o their_o impure_a and_o unsound_a church_n church_n into_o a_o more_o sound_a and_o pure_a church_n not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n for_o then_o he_o have_v be_v a_o schismatique_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o point_n well_o consider_v prevent_v a_o number_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o if_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o heat_n 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office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o three_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o four_o be_v concern_v justification_n for_o the_o first_o therein_o which_o be_v her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n they_o teach_v very_o erroneous_o not_o only_o that_o which_o disparage_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o by_o consequence_n utter_o overthrow_n they_o first_o scripture_n in_o that_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o in_o that_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n three_o in_o that_o they_o disanulle_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n first_o they_o deny_v express_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a rule_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o they_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o they_o must_v be_v piece_v and_o perfect_v by_o tradition_n no_o man_n dare_v 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mediator_n of_o redemption_n they_o shift_v again_o &_o say_v we_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n only_o but_o we_o pray_v to_o christ_n as_o intercessor_n and_o helper_n by_o his_o own_o power_n too_o i_o answer_v yet_o still_o they_o make_v they_o intercessor_n then_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o so_o they_o either_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n or_o set_v his_o mother_n and_o the_o saint_n on_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o but_o if_o therebe_n any_o other_o intercessor_n then_o either_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v imperfect_a or_o else_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v superfluous_a but_o say_v they_o we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n than_o you_o do_v to_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o this_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o second_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v they_o intercessor_n for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o he_o no_o but_o he_o entreat_v they_o to_o be_v fellow_n suitor_n and_o joint_a petitioner_n to_o god_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o three_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v alive_a we_o have_v access_n unto_o and_o can_v utter_v our_o mind_n to_o they_o but_o so_o we_o can_v to_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o pray_v to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o fellow_n suitor_n they_o make_v god_n of_o they_o in_o that_o very_a fact_n that_o be_v they_o make_v they_o knower_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o know_v that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n
reason_n first_o where_o there_o be_v many_o particular_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n some_o general_a notion_n or_o apprehension_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o general_a humane_a nature_n in_o which_o they_o must_v all_o meet_v and_o be_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o we_o have_v many_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o all_o may_v right_o be_v term_v and_o comprehend_v under_o one_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n live_v in_o a_o city_n or_o about_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o we_o compare_v revel_v 2.1_o with_o act_n 20_o 17._o why_o may_v not_o therefore_o all_o parochial_a church_n of_o any_o one_o land_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o land_n or_o nation_n three_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v national_a the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_o so_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o their_o stead_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v public_o and_o general_o embrace_v the_o save_a ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o national_n church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v a_o church_n of_o england_n now_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v a_o jewish_a church_n heretofore_o last_o whereas_o i_o speak_v of_o our_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o sound_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o better_a part_n the_o whole_a take_v the_o denomination_n from_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v true_a but_o in_o some_o part_n that_o be_v in_o our_o most_o religious_a and_o best_a order_a congregation_n that_o they_o be_v so_o than_o i_o hope_v charity_n will_v grant_v i_o be_o sure_a reason_n will_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v lawful_o take_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n else_o no_o part_n 〈◊〉_d congregation_n can_v be_v right_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n for_o it_o be_v so_o call_v proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a believe_v and_o live_v member_n that_o be_v therein_o though_o the_o great_a part_n oft_o time_n be_v hypocrite_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o note_n be_v set_v upright_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o reas_n 1_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o or_o four_o shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n church_n the_o reason_n before_o mention_v prove_v the_o greek_a roman_a and_o lutheran_n church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o prove_v we_o sufficient_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o we_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o in_o this_o we_o have_v undertake_v more_o that_o be_v that_o our_o church_n be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v hold_v to_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o measure_n be_v from_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o the_o word_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o according_o profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o word_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n profess_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v handle_v it_o before_o in_o deliver_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o the_o assumption_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v they_o pure_o or_o no_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o a_o church_n be_v esteem_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o pureness_n of_o these_o mark_n where_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o sound_a church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v less_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o less_o sound_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v pure_a without_o tradition_n or_o man_n invention_n answ_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v a_o sound_a visible_a church_n we_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o separatist_n that_o we_o preach_v canon_n and_o man_n constitution_n as_o god_n wor●_n but_o we_o answer_v these_o be_v not_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n but_o only_o serve_v for_o some_o passage_n and_o carriage_n touch_v god_n service_n answ_n special_o in_o church_n government_n second_o they_o say_v we_o suppress_v some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n as_o discipline_n i_o answer_v all_o that_o we_o know_v we_o teach_v express_o and_o impartial_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fayling_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o all_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n pure_o teach_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n still_o stand_v good_a that_o the_o word_n teach_v among_o we_o so_o also_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v among_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o circumstance_n as_o we_o know_v none_o neither_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o action_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assumption_n likewise_o obedience_n be_v true_o profess_v thereunto_o at_o least_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o a_o great_a many_o too_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o note_n stand_v firm_a and_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o the_o invisible_a take_v it_o thus_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n make_v they_o the_o true_a church_n invisible_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o learn_v in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n and_o by_o they_o profess_v joint_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n make_v they_o a_o true_a and_o in_o that_o proportionable_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o call_v respective_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o they_o public_o and_o joint_o profess_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n believe_v and_o obey_v but_o our_o church_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o embrace_v and_o thereby_o be_v make_v a_o true_a church_n visible_a even_o that_o whole_a truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o by_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o joint_a confession_n of_o our_o church_n yea_o our_o very_a adversary_n may_v witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o aynsworthe_n say_v 11._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o doctrine_n have_v save_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a and_o so_o johnson_n acknowledge_v that_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n by_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o here_o they_o have_v attain_a unto_o only_o set_v they_o a_o part_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v who_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a invisible_a church_n our_o church_n
they_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o graceless_a devotion_n in_o th●t_a mind_n where_o knowledge_n have_v not_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o balance_n conscience_n and_o therein_o try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o bring_v sound_a comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a gospel_n that_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o agree_v direct_o with_o christ_n spiritual_a office_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n anoint_v i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a &c_n &c_n and_o matth._n 11.28_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n bring_v sound_a comfort_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o so_o but_o rather_o purposely_o afflict_v man_n conscience_n then_o comfort_v they_o terrify_v they_o with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n nourish_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o law_n again_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v the_o false_a rule_n see_v this_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n as_o have_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v set_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o god_n book_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wander_v after_o uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o must_v trust_v unto_o and_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o scripture_n convince_v the_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o both_o together_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_n true_o to_o frame_v himself_o thereunto_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o certain_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n second_o if_o all_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n rule_n and_o not_o of_o man_n free_a will_n than_o we_o be_v singular_o comfort_v in_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n desire_n and_o work_n be_v not_o our_o own_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a but_o they_o be_v god_n own_o do_n and_o they_o be_v the_o action_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o three_o rule_n if_o justification_n be_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o and_o then_o we_o have_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o on_o the_o sand_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o on_o the_o immovable_a rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n rule_n we_o have_v assurance_n to_o be_v hear_v john_n 16.23_o and_o 1_o john_n 5.14_o 15._o and_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n deny_v his_o own_o son_n or_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n whereas_o if_o we_o have_v other_o advocat_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v we_o yea_o of_o many_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v saint_n or_o no_o or_o if_o they_o do_v hear_v we_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o can_v help_v we_o yea_o we_o have_v no_o sound_a warrant_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o such_o a_o unwarrantable_a course_n &_o so_o fare_v the_o worse_a for_o sodo_v among_o man_n rule_n five_o if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o image_n than_o we_o have_v assurance_n that_o we_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o after_o the_o true_a and_o right_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o god_n religion_n from_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whereas_o if_o we_o worship_v in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n we_o do_v still_o suspect_v whether_o we_o do_v well_o or_o no_o for_o even_o nature_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v abhor_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v repute_v a_o material_a substance_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v god_n be_v please_v rule_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o resemble_v six_o if_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n in_o our_o communion_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v effectual_o settle_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o wine_n in_o our_o stomach_n work_v a_o answerable_a correspondency_n by_o the_o thing_n signify_v rule_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o last_o if_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n plain_o deliver_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v see_v into_o they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o dark_o as_o they_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n than_o we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v john_n 4._o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n whereas_o they_o poor_a soul_n go_v on_o in_o the_o dark_a not_o know_v whither_o they_o go_v so_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o we_o be_v down_o weight_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v just_o reprove_v for_o censure_v our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o false_a religion_n whereas_o they_o be_v the_o false_a and_o we_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n second_o it_o be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o separatist_n signify_v they_o be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o but_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a brief_o to_o answer_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o exception_n and_o to_o let_v all_o their_o bitter_a clamour_n alone_o their_o first_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v it_o have_v a_o false_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o false_a church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n and_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o frog_n and_o mouse_n and_o other_o creature_n generate_v of_o putrefaction_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a frog_n though_o they_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o natural_a generation_n and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n can_v raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o true_a constitution_n so_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a and_o the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o for_o our_o constitution_n through_o god_n mercy_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a constitution_n signify_v sometime_o the_o state_n which_o a_o thing_n be_v frame_v unto_o as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o state_n condition_n or_o dispensation_n which_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v endue_v with_o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o body_n in_o a_o borrow_a sense_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o we_o be_v true_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o have_v the_o word_n sacrament_n ministry_n and_o government_n and_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o what_o need_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o act_n whereby_o we_o be_v so_o constitute_v as_o thereby_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o example_n when_o i_o 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