and_o in_o the_o baptist_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o matth._n 3._o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o all_o the_o bless_a trinity_n as_o by_o the_o immediate_a descension_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o dove_n who_o be_v the_o person_n baptize_v with_o a_o voice_n from_o god_n the_o father_n out_o of_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v so_o that_o christ_n god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v sanctify_v and_o confirm_v this_o ordinance_n not_o only_o to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n who_o be_v also_o baptize_v by_o john_n but_o to_o all_o those_o in_o all_o future_a age_n that_o shall_v be_v baptize_v by_o christ_n disciple_n and_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n which_o he_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v they_o matth._n 28._o to_o all_o which_o he_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o good_a christian_n believe_v that_o christ_n be_v well_o baptize_v and_o if_o he_o be_v well_o baptize_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o likewise_o well_o baptize_v and_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n for_o both_o john_n and_o the_o disciple_n have_v their_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o christ_n himself_o for_o their_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o authority_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n and_o a_o mission_n from_o he_o be_v of_o any_o force_n to_o ratify_v and_o ascertain_v any_o ordinance_n than_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v authentic_a and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n except_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o all_o those_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o administer_v unto_o he_o and_o follow_v he_o of_o who_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n matth._n 12._o ver_fw-la 49_o 50._o behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v my_o brother_n &_o sister_n and_o mother_n except_o i_o say_v they_o believe_v all_o these_o can_v make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n which_o be_v impiety_n to_o think_v now_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o great_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n christ_n jesus_n with_o his_o mother_n brethren_n and_o sister_n with_o all_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o this_o their_o shepherd_n and_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o follow_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o with_o all_o john_n disciple_n and_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o his_o and_o christ_n disciple_n ministry_n can_v as_o well_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a form_a congregation_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o a_o few_o other_o of_o their_o conceit_a member_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n they_o will_v say_v they_o can_v see_v no_o good_a reason_n but_o that_o christ_n the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o so_o many_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n with_o he_o shall_v not_o all_o of_o they_o as_o well_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n or_o church_n as_o ten_o or_o twelve_o in_o one_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o assert_v in_o express_a term_n that_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a point_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o temerity_n i_o know_v not_o what_o either_o blasphemy_n or_o rashness_n be_v in_o any_o the_o ildependents_n have_v unchurch_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o all_o church_n but_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o now_o they_o unchurch_n all_o those_o glorious_a christian_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n we_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o wonder_v at_o least_o we_o may_v not_o take_v it_o in_o ill_a part_n that_o they_o unchurch_n we_o and_o deny_v our_o church_n here_o in_o england_n and_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o they_o say_v the_o same_o of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n so_o that_o have_v so_o good_a company_n we_o may_v the_o more_o quiet_o sit_v down_o when_o we_o be_v so_o like_o our_o master_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o all_o the_o which_o they_o say_v they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n these_o word_n may_v not_o slight_o be_v pass_v over_o we_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o man_n ordinary_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o slight_a or_o little_a regard_n especial_o if_o they_o speak_v those_o word_n from_o the_o judgement_n of_o deliberation_n and_o not_o upon_o extemporary_a passion_n or_o except_o they_o be_v in_o very_o great_a haste_n and_o then_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o excuse_v if_o they_o pass_v by_o their_o best_a friend_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o otherwise_o if_o they_o speak_v it_o out_o of_o seriosity_n that_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v they_o slight_v they_o regard_v they_o not_o or_o despise_v they_o but_o i_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n though_o he_o think_v very_o unworthy_o of_o i_o then_o that_o he_o shall_v slight_v his_o best_a friend_n jesus_n christ_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o christ_n time_n especial_o when_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o only_o labour_v to_o set_v he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n and_o count_v all_o his_o dissent_v brethren_n from_o his_o way_n enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o harbour_v a_o more_o favourable_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a opinion_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n then_o that_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o serious_a thought_n he_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v his_o word_n we_o say_v he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n i_o therefore_o conceive_v more_o venerable_o of_o he_o as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o haste_n when_o he_o thus_o speak_v and_o print_v for_o so_o he_o intimate_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n therefore_o say_v he_o i_o haste_v at_o length_n as_o fast_o as_o before_o i_o be_v slow_a if_o possible_a to_o recover_v our_o brother_n a_o charitable_a gentleman_n towards_o a_o brother_n though_o not_o well_o advise_v it_o seem_v here_o be_v some_o tumour_n begin_v to_o grow_v and_o make_v he_o giddy_a and_o run_v like_o a_o chicken_n without_o a_o scalp_n which_o needs_o timely_o lance_v to_o prevent_v some_o inflammation_n to_o a_o head_n while_o the_o humour_n flow_v in_o so_o fast_o to_o use_v some_o of_o his_o own_o rhetoric_n this_o humour_n of_o his_o make_v my_o good_a brother_n idle-brained_n and_o occasion_v he_o to_o make_v more_o haste_n then_o good_a speed_n certain_o it_o either_o pervert_v his_o judgement_n or_o put_v he_o into_o a_o lunacy_n or_o into_o one_o of_o his_o odd_a dream_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v take_v notice_n if_o not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n atlea_v of_o christ_n
i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equalise_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o jude_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o the_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n and_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o beleiver_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
he_o may_v also_o true_o be_v say_v of_o cretensis_n and_o all_o those_o of_o that_o fraternity_n who_o word_n be_v sword_n and_o spear_n who_o all_o fight_n rather_o with_o their_o heel_n then_o with_o their_o head_n and_o kick_v rather_o than_o argue_v and_o whip_v rather_o than_o answer_v whether_o therefore_o such_o man_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o complice_n though_o they_o come_v to_o we_o in_o gray_a head_n be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o their_o deal_n be_v so_o palpable_o unjust_a and_o their_o opinion_n so_o schismatical_a heretical_a and_o erroneous_a i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o as_o know_v what_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n be_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o query_n viz._n whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n my_o brother_n burton_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o pretend_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o god_n word_n for_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o affirm_v moreover_o in_o the_o five_o page_n that_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o several_a congregation_n be_v all_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o both_o which_o assertion_n of_o his_o be_v most_o false_a as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o all_o those_o that_o know_v their_o practice_n and_o will_v vouchsafe_v but_o to_o read_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n where_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o way_n of_o independency_n in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n in_o all_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o any_o of_o their_o new_a practice_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n how_o then_o can_v the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n when_o it_o be_v a_o deviation_n from_o that_o way_n as_o by_o their_o practice_n will_v be_v evidence_v therefore_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o will_v brief_o examine_v some_o of_o their_o proceed_n and_o first_o whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o all_o their_o church_n be_v dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o this_o i_o say_v be_v most_o false_a for_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n whatsoever_o they_o publish_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o people_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o method_n well_o know_v so_o that_o it_o lie_v in_o any_o one_o of_o their_o church_n breast_n and_o be_v at_o their_o pleasure_n whether_o they_o will_v so_o much_o as_o confer_v or_o consult_v with_o each_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v at_o any_o time_n vouchsafe_v one_o another_o that_o courtesy_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o voluntary_a whether_o they_o will_v give_v each_o other_o a_o account_n of_o either_o their_o censure_n or_o proceed_n for_o they_o all_o pretend_v as_o absolute_a a_o sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o several_o as_o any_o free-state_n or_o commonwealth_n &_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o neither_o can_v they_o appeal_v for_o any_o relief_n if_o wrong_v one_o to_o or_o from_o another_o and_o if_o any_o member_n in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o church_n or_o any_o one_o of_o those_o church_n divide_v among_o themselves_o or_o upon_o some_o eminent_a receive_v wrong_v shall_v fond_o complain_v to_o another_o neighbour_n church_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o relieve_v they_o no_o more_o than_o one_o private_a man_n can_v relieve_v another_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v appeal_v to_o by_o another_o and_o if_o that_o church_n shall_v desire_v a_o account_n of_o the_o other_o church_n proceed_n that_o church_n may_v refuse_v it_o if_o it_o please_v they_o but_o if_o to_o gratify_v their_o desire_n that_o church_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o the_o other_o church_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o their_o proceed_n all_o this_o be_v but_o gratis_o and_o out_o of_o their_o good_a nature_n they_o have_v still_o no_o power_n to_o call_v that_o church_n in_o question_n that_o have_v do_v the_o wrong_n if_o that_o church_n stand_v upon_o its_o point_n and_o privilege_n and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n then_o forsooth_o they_o will_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o that_o church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v the_o high_a censure_n any_o one_o church_n can_v proceed_v to_o against_o another_o church_n be_v not_o this_o i_o pray_v fine_a dependency_n what_o more_o unrighteous_a deal_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n than_o this_o of_o the_o independent_o to_o profess_v themselves_o independent_o and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n and_o when_o that_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n they_o have_v no_o more_o real_a dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o than_o we_o have_v with_o they_o yea_o what_o a_o great_a unrighteousness_n be_v this_o to_o pretend_v a_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o and_o a_o communion_n among_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n when_o it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o more_o union_n and_o communion_n nor_o true_a friendship_n among_o they_o then_o be_v between_o herod_n and_o pilate_n they_o refuse_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n each_o to_o other_o in_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v deadly_a enemy_n one_o to_o another_o as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v although_o they_o all_o agree_v together_o to_o persecute_v the_o presbyterian_o as_o herod_n and_o pilate_n do_v well_o accord_n to_o persecute_v christ_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v hear_v the_o independent_o protest_v against_o the_o brownist_n anabaptist_n antinomian_o and_o seeker_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o new_a fraternity_n proclaim_v they_o all_o sectary_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o have_v hear_v those_o several_a society_n rail_v against_o all_o the_o independent_o especial_o those_o homothumadon_n dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o a_o more_o charitable_a esteem_n of_o any_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n then_o of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v unanimous_o accuse_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n of_o as_o great_a tyranny_n as_o the_o prelate_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a congregation_n here_o among_o we_o have_v their_o different_a law_n and_o custom_n every_o one_o of_o they_o dissent_v more_o or_o less_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o several_a new_a gather_a church_n yea_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o each_o other_o practice_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n know_v not_o that_o the_o woman_n in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n have_v their_o voice_n there_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o also_o have_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o their_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o their_o new_a church_n be_v not_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v page_n the_o five_o when_o as_o they_o all_o of_o they_o exercise_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o independent_a what_o unrighteousness_n then_o be_v this_o in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o in_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o affirm_v that_o in_o all_o their_o church_n there_o be_v a_o dependent_a independency_n or_o a_o independent_a dependency_n which_o be_v but_o a_o contradictory_n bull_n at_o best_a at_o the_o bait_v whereof_o a_o man_n if_o he_o regard_v not_o mispending_a his_o time_n may_v make_v far_o better_a sport_n than_o he_o do_v some_o year_n since_o in_o bait_v the_o pope_n bull._n the_o truth_n be_v as_o their_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a babel_n so_o all_o their_o language_n be_v confound_v and_o they_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n principle_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v all_o real_o independent_a and_o therefore_o whether_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n where_o they_o be_v so_o unrighteous_a in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o when_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v and_o practise_v another_o and_o when_o they_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o do_v i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a reader_n but_o the_o unrighteousness_n of_o their_o way_n will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v if_o we_o but_o look_v into_o some_o other_o of_o their_o practice_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o instance_n the_o very_a
and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n dispute_v not_o only_o against_o all_o sound_a divinity_n but_o against_o all_o reason_n while_o he_o will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n to_o have_v equal_a suffrage_n and_o voice_n or_o vote_n with_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n shall_v never_o be_v my_o master_n who_o have_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v government_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o have_v he_o ever_o read_v any_o thing_n concern_v counsel_n in_o either_o he_o will_v never_o have_v so_o argue_v for_o counsel_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v of_o peculiar_a and_o select_a man_n who_o for_o their_o gravity_n wisdom_n learning_n and_o their_o inveterate_a experience_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o to_o who_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o intrude_v or_o intermeddle_v in_o those_o affair_n who_o place_n it_o be_v only_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o yield_v subjection_n to_o their_o ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o will_v go_v about_o or_o endeavour_v to_o change_v this_o order_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o will_v speedy_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o by_o such_o man_n only_o as_o upon_o who_o shoulder_n god_n have_v lay_v that_o government_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n those_o ensign_n of_o authority_n now_o when_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v the_o key_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o and_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o calling_n and_o place_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n in_o they_o for_o the_o roll_a and_o govern_v of_o they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v only_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o their_o ordinance_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o voice_n or_o vote_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n in_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v altogether_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n for_o he_o by_o brethren_n understand_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believert_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v import_v be_v present_a in_o that_o council_n speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o have_v meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o many_o ten_o thousand_o that_o be_v there_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v come_v together_o in_o one_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o synod_n and_o such_o as_o have_v their_o voice_n there_o be_v presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v send_v commissioner_n and_o delegated_a out_o of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n to_o those_o counsel_n for_o the_o right_a order_n and_o well_o manage_v of_o the_o government_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v their_o call_n and_o for_o the_o other_o people_n as_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n master_n of_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o call_n and_o statiou_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o all_o under_o authority_n be_v therein_o to_o abide_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o follow_v their_o particular_a negotiation_n and_o affair_n yield_v obedience_n in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o woman_n especial_o by_o a_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v enjoin_v silence_n in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n to_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o vote_n it_o in_o synod_n neither_o be_v woman_n ever_o that_o i_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o teacher_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o his_o fraternity_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n permit_v to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n and_o synod_n which_o when_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n then_o assemble_v in_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v any_o woman_n to_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o their_o face_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v with_o good_a authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n in_o that_o synod_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o synod_n consist_v of_o brethren_n and_o not_o sister_n who_o have_v never_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o they_o or_o any_o voice_n there_o as_o mr_n knollys_n vain_o asserâ—eth_v and_o therefore_o for_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v they_o when_o the_o sister_n be_v exempt_v there_o be_v none_o but_o brethren_n beside_o it_o be_v against_o another_o statute_n law_n from_o heaven_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o roman_n ver_fw-la 1._o that_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o say_v for_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o dispute_n for_o they_o be_v not_o well_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o religion_n will_v have_v either_o be_v more_o embitter_v against_o one_o another_o or_o fill_v more_o full_a of_o scruple_n then_o resolve_v as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n who_o see_v what_o a_o confusion_n such_o paltry_a fellow_n as_o master_n knollys_n be_v have_v already_o bring_v inâ—o_o the_o world_n by_o admit_v their_o weak_a brethren_n to_o their_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o vain_a jangle_n uâ—on_v all_o occasion_n neither_o will_v i_o ever_o believe_v for_o my_o part_n that_o the_o apostle_n â—ould_v be_v transgressor_n of_o their_o own_o law_n and_o teach_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_n the_o contrary_a now_o when_o saint_n paul_n have_v make_v that_o law_n that_o the_o weak_a brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o doubtful_a disputation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v admit_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n among_o the_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n into_o the_o synoâ—_n to_o those_o dispute_n and_o so_o have_v violate_v this_o law_n and_o statute_n from_o heaven_n especial_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n believe_v this_o when_o they_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o christian_a liberty_n for_o this_o will_v have_v tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n &_o will_v have_v put_v the_o people_n in_o a_o uproar_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o if_o many_o year_n after_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o their_o christian_a liberty_n they_o remain_v still_o so_o zealous_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o out_o of_o a_o distemper_a zeal_n will_v have_v destroy_v paul_n and_o only_o because_o they_o hear_v that_o hâ—_n teach_v the_o gentile_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n how_o will_v all_o those_o weak_a brethren_n have_v be_v enrage_v against_o all_o the_o apostle_n
run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n 1_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o a_o committee_n and_o only_o prepare_v the_o business_n and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o can_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v ratify_v the_o decree_n make_v in_o that_o council_n he_o in_o the_o same_o page_n produce_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o fond_a conceit_n say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n for_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n withal_o say_v he_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v about_o and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o verse_n 22._o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o committee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n etc._n etc._n thus_o worshipful_a i._n s._n say_v and_o unsayes_a determine_v and_o conclude_v and_o then_o go_v from_o his_o resolution_n again_o affirm_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v with_o one_o accord_n together_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n and_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forget_v himself_o he_o come_v in_o with_o his_o perhaps_o as_o a_o man_n doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o his_o opinion_n and_o altogether_o in_o uncertainty_n say_v that_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o count_v it_o safe_a to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o dispute_n while_o it_o be_v intricate_a so_o that_o here_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o he_o make_v it_o suspicious_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a there_o or_o not_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n discretion_n and_o wisdom_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o brethren_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o after_o report_v it_o for_o the_o church_n assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o so_o he_o learned_o conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o all_o this_o his_o babble_n that_o they_o be_v all_o there_o and_o they_o be_v not_o there_o where_o can_v any_o man_n find_v this_o creature_n and_o what_o man_n of_o understanding_n be_v he_o that_o shall_v behold_v the_o levity_n vanity_n rashness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o fellow_n to_o say_v no_o more_o that_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o that_o one_o have_v need_v to_o instruct_v he_o instead_o of_o confute_v he_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o any_o man_n unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o be_v i._o s._n his_o wise_a expression_n concern_v i_o in_o his_o 16._o page_n which_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o may_v not_o fit_o be_v apply_v to_o himself_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a who_o while_o he_o will_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o tim._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 7._o understand_v not_o neither_o what_o he_o say_v nor_o whereof_o he_o affirm_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o scarce_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n appear_v upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o learning_n a_o more_o unlearned_a payr_n of_o wicked_a trifler_n then_o this_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o i._o s._n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v first_o positive_o set_v down_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o all_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v together_o in_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o he_o after_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v present_a there_o or_o no_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v present_a in_o the_o synod_n the_o second_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n without_o which_o there_o have_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o council_n as_o he_o prattle_v and_o without_o which_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v ratify_v his_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o say_v he_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v thus_o conclude_v the_o ambassador_n of_o france_n and_o swede_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o city_n of_o london_n entertain_v they_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v as_o well_o send_v unto_o the_o city_n of_o london_n as_o to_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n again_o the_o city_n of_o london_n assent_v unto_o whatsoever_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n accord_v unto_o to_o gratify_v those_o ambassador_n after_o they_o have_v make_v they_o acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v ergo_fw-la all_o the_o city_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o citizen_n have_v not_o only_o their_o vote_n and_o concurrence_n in_o those_o great_a business_n and_o be_v judge_n also_o in_o the_o parliament_n but_o they_o be_v altogether_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o that_o the_o parliament_n can_v have_v ratify_v nothing_o without_o they_o will_v not_o all_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o man_n thus_o argue_v gather_v that_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v make_v such_o inference_n from_o such_o premise_n and_o shall_v so_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v craze_a in_o his_o brain_n or_o else_o a_o very_a ninnie_n and_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdoe_v dispute_v and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o man_n he_o understand_v by_o the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n agree_v and_o according_a with_o hanserdo_v in_o this_o sottish_a opinion_n who_o hold_v that_o by_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o vote_n in_o that_o counsel_n and_o ratify_v the_o decree_n without_o the_o which_o they_o have_v not_o be_v valid_a whereas_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o hanserdo_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o impossibility_n that_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o that_o by_o multitude_n there_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v some_o choice_n and_o select_a man_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o sylas_n be_v who_o be_v call_v prophet_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v furnish_v with_o good_a store_n and_o of_o which_o that_o great_a council_n only_o consist_v and_o who_o debate_v and_o argue_v con_fw-mi and_o pro_fw-la about_o the_o business_n in_o controversy_n which_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o seven_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v when_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v peter_n rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o verse_n for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o then_o all_o the_o multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o give_v audience_n to_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o james_n after_o they_o have_v hold_v their_o peace_n give_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o church_n assent_v so_o that_o out_o of_o all_o these_o word_n it_o necessary_o and_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o brethren_n there_o the_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o the_o common_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v brethren_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o sister_n
same_o word_n be_v use_v matth._n 19_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n now_o say_v he_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n by_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o so_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v say_v why_o not_o so_o unto_o christ_n he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o we_o be_v marry_v only_o unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n husband_n and_o we_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o one_o to_o another_o neither_o do_v any_o christian_a yet_o ever_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o that_o will_v be_v join_v unto_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o house_n and_o family_n and_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n they_o must_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n unto_o their_o king_n christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v enter_v into_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o baptism_n this_o i_o say_v all_o man_n accord_v unto_o when_o man_n be_v first_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o this_o covenant_n i_o say_v all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o family_n must_v take_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v after_o they_o be_v baptize_v enter_v into_o another_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n and_o by_o that_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n i_o affirm_v there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n either_o of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o mystery_n in_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o employ_v so_o much_o for_o we_o know_v the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 29._o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o philip_n go_v near_o and_o join_v thyself_o to_o this_o chariot_n where_o the_o word_n join_v in_o the_o original_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o which_o word_n philip_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o to_o the_o eunuch_n chariot_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n no_o more_o ought_v any_o wise_a man_n to_o conceive_v that_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n that_o by_o that_o he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n of_o church_n fellowship_n this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o to_o amuse_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o deceive_v they_o by_o tainter_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o stretch_v they_o beyong_a their_o native_a signification_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o their_o occasion_n that_o they_o may_v juggle_v the_o better_a to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o these_o man_n thus_o to_o trisle_v about_o word_n till_o they_o lose_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o their_o poor_a soul_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o word_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v use_v metaphorical_o as_o be_v take_v from_o joiner_n and_o craft_n man_n that_o join_v many_o thing_n together_o by_o glue_n and_o â—o_o ordinary_a discourse_n it_o intimate_v a_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a as_o a_o branch_n to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o as_o when_o mason_n join_v stone_n together_o or_o carpenter_n timber_n to_o make_v a_o house_n but_o that_o this_o word_n join_v shall_v always_o employ_v a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n to_o any_o church_n or_o congregation_n when_o any_o man_n take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n to_o it_o and_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o it_o i_o affirm_v there_o be_v not_o one_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o any_o command_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v do_v it_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a will-worship_n and_o one_o of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o detestation_n because_o they_o make_v it_o one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o very_a form_n of_o a_o church_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o batch_n of_o their_o own_o leven_a by_o which_o they_o have_v of_o late_a much_o sour_v the_o truth_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o so_o i_o say_v now_o again_o that_o christian_n be_v to_o swear_v fealty_n only_o to_o their_o king_n and_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_a master_n of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o church_n and_o who_o voice_n be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o who_o law_n be_v only_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o listen_v unto_o &_o we_o swear_v no_o allegiance_n or_o fealty_n to_o the_o church_n for_o we_o be_v all_o his_o servant_n &_o domestics_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o impose_v law_n upon_o each_o other_o or_o to_o enter_v in_o to_o any_o covenant_n among_o ourselves_o without_o a_o special_a command_n from_o christ_n and_o as_o when_o steward_n of_o prince_n or_o nobleman_n take_v any_o in_o to_o their_o master_n family_n they_o swear_v they_o only_o to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o never_o hear_v that_o the_o servant_n enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o or_o join_v or_o unite_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n one_o to_o cleave_v unto_o another_o such_o proceed_n among_o servant_n will_v never_o be_v allow_v or_o tolerate_v among_o man_n it_o will_v be_v think_v rather_o a_o conspiracy_n or_o a_o confederation_n to_o do_v mischief_n if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o when_o those_o man_n enter_v in_o to_o a_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v paul_n yea_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o country_n that_o when_o servant_n begin_v once_o to_o combine_v together_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o by_o secret_a covenant_n they_o have_v always_o plot_v mischief_n and_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v special_a care_n use_v to_o prevent_v such_o conspiracy_n and_o all_o man_n may_v well_o perceive_v by_o this_o their_o covenant_v in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n what_o it_o tend_v to_o if_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n prevent_v not_o their_o design_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v christ_n domestics_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v his_o house_n and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n of_o it_o and_o our_o king_n we_o be_v to_o smite_v our_o covenant_n only_o with_o he_o and_o to_o swear_v fealty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o only_o and_o his_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 7._o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o malachi_n the_o first_o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o reverence_n if_o i_o be_v a_o lord_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o obey_v i_o not_o we_o be_v only_o therefore_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o not_o to_o regard_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n or_o to_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n now_o then_o when_o the_o independent_o impose_v this_o their_o covenant_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o their_o new_a church_n without_o enter_v in_o to_o this_o conspiracy_n i_o say_v by_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o dis-throne_n christ_n in_o prefer_v their_o own_o law_n before_o he_o wherein_o they_o commit_v a_o detestable_a wickedness_n and_o this_o shâ—ll_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o four_o quere_z and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o five_o of_o woman_n vote_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o election_n to_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n thus_o reply_v page_n 15._o we_o say_v he_o tie_v not_o the_o key_n to_o woman_n girdle_n and_o i._n s._n page_n 19_o but_o as_o for_o this_o of_o woman_n vote_v in_o the_o church_n say_v he_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o i_o know_v thus_o he_o for_o answer_v to_o both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n i_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o many_o of_o which_o and_o those_o the_o
principale_a and_o the_o choice_a one_o to_o my_o knowledge_n the_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n both_o for_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n and_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o upon_o any_o scandal_n so_o that_o there_o be_v none_o admit_v either_o man_n or_o woman_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a rank_n and_o quality_n without_o the_o leave_n and_o good_a like_n of_o the_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o oppose_v the_o entrance_n of_o any_o though_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o mere_a jealousy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o godly_a they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o those_o congregation_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v now_o ashamed_a of_o this_o their_o practice_n and_o therefore_o plead_v ignorance_n in_o the_o business_n but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v i_o write_v nothing_o in_o my_o first_o book_n concern_v woman_n vote_v of_o it_o in_o church_n i_o shall_v recite_v some_o two_o or_o three_o story_n omit_v many_o to_o prove_v their_o 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