to_o be_v the_o universal_a visible_a church_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o it_o multitude_n of_o hypocrite_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o hypocrite_n have_v be_v and_o it_o be_v like_a be_v and_o may_v be_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o their_o be_v there_o mat._n 22._o 12._o luk._n 26._o 27._o and_o sure_o they_o do_v bad_a work_n and_o draw_v a_o bad_a conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n that_o be_v because_o christ_n church_n may_v have_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o they_o will_v pretend_v a_o church_n for_o he_o of_o open_o profane_a and_o ungodly_a hypocrite_n but_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o visible_a constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v true_a believer_n this_o appear_v 1._o from_o the_o way_n of_o entrance_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n repentance_n and_o baptism_n matt._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mar._n 16._o 15_o 16._o act._n 2._o 39_o 41._o none_o must_v enter_v but_o in_o this_o way_n to_o let_v we_o to_o know_v that_o none_o else_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o 2._o from_o the_o provision_n make_v for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v come_v in_o that_o they_o may_v find_v feed_v for_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n joh._n 10._o 9_o that_o be_v his_o holy_a appointment_n that_o lead_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o true_a bread_n of_o life_n for_o their_o build_n up_o in_o the_o faith_n till_o they_o come_v to_o glory_n act._n 2._o 42._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o and_o true_o we_o can_v rational_o nor_o religious_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v give_v such_o gift_n and_o leave_v we_o such_o ordinance_n to_o build_v up_o a_o company_n of_o profane_a and_o godless_a person_n i_o think_v they_o be_v profane_a thought_n in_o those_o that_o think_v it_o 3._o the_o order_n he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n to_o exclude_v hypocrite_n when_o discover_v evident_o declare_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o have_v a_o church_n of_o hypocrite_n matt._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 7_o 8_o 13._o 2_o tit._n 2._o 21._o 4._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v call_v saint_n that_o be_v holy_a one_o sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n holy_a brethren_n partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o like_a expression_n all_o which_o do_v more_o than_o evident_o demonstrate_v that_o jesus_n christ_n never_o intend_v to_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v a_o den_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o cage_n of_o unclean_a and_o hateful_a bird_n but_o to_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n to_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n though_o not_o of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o power_n on_o earth_n that_o oppose_v his_o rule_n and_o government_n by_o his_o law_n in_o his_o church_n be_v very_o bad_a neighbour_n to_o he_o he_o be_v content_a to_o let_v they_o have_v the_o outward_a regality_n and_o his_o subject_n on_o that_o account_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v a_o good_a neighbour_n to_o they_o and_o will_v do_v they_o no_o wrong_n but_o good_a all_o their_o day_n if_o they_o will_v but_o be_v friendly_a to_o he_o and_o he_o for_o by_o he_o it_o be_v that_o king_n reign_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v he_o his_o right_n what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v discern_v ps_n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o 2._o the_o word_n church_n of_o christ_n do_v sometime_o intend_v all_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o in_o or_o out_o of_o particular_a constitute_v church_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o be_v so_o common_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n which_o be_v indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n invisible_a that_o be_v none_o can_v certain_o know_v the_o true_a believer_n but_o god_n alone_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v his_o and_o none_o else_o no_o not_o themselves_o some_o of_o they_o and_o at_o some_o time_n yet_o in_o some_o sense_n the_o church_n thus_o consider_v be_v visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v visible_o own_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o mean_n and_o light_n enjoy_v the_o church_n thus_o consider_v i_o take_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o scripture_n rom._n 10._o 11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o eph._n 1._o 21_o 22_o 23._o where_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o body_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n col._n 1._o 24._o and_o as_o it_o be_v without_o question_n that_o in_o all_o age_n many_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o profession_n have_v miscarry_v be_v none_o of_o christ_n body_n true_o the_o church_n take_v its_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n though_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v in_o charity_n to_o judge_v that_o many_o may_v be_v out_o of_o the_o right_n constitute_v visible_a church_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v member_n though_o it_o be_v none_o of_o their_o virtue_n so_o to_o be_v god_n have_v his_o people_n in_o babylon_n rev._n 18._o 4._o and_o his_o church_n on_o this_o account_n have_v he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n throughout_o all_o age_n eph._n 3._o 21._o although_o for_o a_o long_a while_n but_o little_a of_o visibleness_n according_a to_o gospel_n rule_n do_v appear_v and_o that_o be_v it_o i_o understand_v be_v intend_v rev._n 11._o 1_o 2._o where_o the_o worshipper_n be_v measure_v rather_o by_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o their_o invisible_a worship_v then_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o ordinance_n order_n and_o public_a bear_v up_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v tread_v under_o foot_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v of_o the_o babylonish_n and_o antichristian_a world_n and_o this_o be_v it_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n the_o body_n of_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v member_n 3._o the_o word_n church_n sometime_o intend_v all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o invisible_a church_n as_o to_o man_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n eph._n 5._o 25._o christ_n love_v the_o church_n before_o it_o be_v visible_a and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o so_o heb._n 12._o 22._o we_o read_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v etc._n etc._n the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n include_v all_o the_o elect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o bind_a duty_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o get_v themselves_o into_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christ_n and_o bear_v up_o his_o name_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o high_a and_o best_a light_n they_o have_v or_o may_v attain_v therefrom_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o particular_a constitute_v church_n of_o he_o chap._n xxviii_o of_o the_o ordinance_n officer_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o visible_a constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n have_v leave_v institute_v law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o his_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n that_o his_o people_n by_o their_o submission_n to_o he_o therein_o may_v show_v their_o subjection_n to_o his_o regal_a authority_n as_o to_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n as_o there_o be_v no_o king_n but_o have_v his_o law_n by_o which_o he_o rule_v so_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n have_v his_o law_n by_o which_o he_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n and_o a_o government_n distinct_a from_o all_o humane_a and_o worldly_a government_n and_o admit_v not_o of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n or_o ordinance_n of_o man_n nor_o of_o any_o humane_a power_n to_o enforce_v to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o mat._n 15._o 9_o isa_n 29._o 13_o 14._o psal_n 110._o 3._o act_n 2._o 41._o his_o subject_n must_v â—e_v volunteer_n voluntary_o subscribe_v to_o his_o government_n they_o be_v a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n be_v wrought_v thereto_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o foresee_v that_o he_o accept_v none_o but_o those_o who_o serve_v he_o willing_o christ_n will_v have_v his_o subject_n like_o those_o 2_o cor._n 8_o 3._o will_v of_o themselves_o that_o be_v without_o humane_a constraint_n and_o ver_fw-la 12._o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n
be_v its_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n witness_v therein_o john_n 17._o 17._o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n this_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n psal_n 119._o 160._o thy_o word_n be_v true_a from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 19_o 9_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o particular_a convince_a own_o prove_v by_o demonstration_n of_o its_o own_o demonstration_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o the_o scripture_n declare_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n thereof_o gen._n 1._o which_o all_o may_v see_v and_o conclude_v the_o truth_n thereof_o if_o not_o atheist_n the_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o all_o flesh_n gen._n 9_o 13._o visible_a to_o be_v see_v of_o all_o that_o god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o work_n which_o he_o have_v make_v rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o psal_n 19_o 1_o 2._o confess_v of_o all_o except_o atheist_n that_o he_o give_v we_o rain_v and_o fruitful_a season_n act_n 14._o 17._o that_o he_o cause_v the_o sun_n to_o arise_v on_o the_o good_a and_o on_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a mat._n 5._o 45._o all_o to_o be_v see_v &_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o fulfil_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n threaten_v mat._n 24._o 2._o luk_n 21._o 20_o 24._o know_v and_o believe_v of_o all_o that_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n all_o which_o confirm_v the_o truth_n thereof_o see_v further_o the_o truth_n as_o testify_v in_o and_o of_o its_o self_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v gen._n 15._o 13._o the_o affliction_n of_o abraham_n natural_a seed_n four_o hundred_o year_n the_o truth_n thereof_o you_o may_v see_v exod._a 12._o 40._o gal._n 3._o 17._o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o father_n see_v josâ—_n 21._o 44_o 45._o &_o 23._o 14._o their_o babylonish_n captivity_n threaten_v &_o execute_v according_o jer._n 17._o 1_o 4._o &_o 21._o 4_o 7._o with_o their_o return_n according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o by_o the_o person_n foretell_v dan._n 9_o 2._o jer._n 29._o 10._o isa_n â—4_n 28._o and_o 45._o 1_o 2_o 1â—_n with_o ezra_n 1._o 1_o 2._o christ_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o it_o be_v so_o fulfil_v isa_n 7._o 14._o with_o mat._n 1._o 23._o gal._n 4._o 4._o and_o that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n which_o be_v according_o fulfil_v luk._n 24._o 25_o 26._o act_n 3._o 17_o 18._o with_o multitude_n of_o like_a example_n that_o may_v be_v name_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o end_v intend_v i._n e._n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o bless_a word_n 6._o and_o final_o its_o divine_a harmony_n witness_v divinity_n 6._o it_o be_v divine_a harmony_n great_o confirm_v we_o divinity_n abundant_o to_o its_o divinity_n or_o divine_a truth_n i_o say_v its_o divine_a harmony_n and_o concurrency_n with_o itself_o write_v by_o so_o many_o man_n in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o the_o world_n at_o such_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o to_o hold_v harmony_n and_o unity_n with_o itself_o from_o first_o to_o last_o wonderful_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v from_o that_o one_o god_n that_o change_v not_o and_o not_o from_o man_n for_o such_o a_o word_n to_o be_v give_v forth_o about_o two_o thousand_o year_n some_o at_o one_o time_n and_o some_o at_o another_o in_o some_o part_n be_v fulfil_v what_o be_v promise_v in_o another_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o old_a i_o say_v harmony_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o substance_n and_o body_n thereof_o what_o may_v be_v suppose_v of_o difference_n by_o some_o be_v only_o in_o matter_n circumstantial_a but_o not_o material_a and_o it_o may_v be_v their_o ignorance_n in_o not_o understand_v wherein_o the_o unity_n and_o harmony_n consist_v but_o the_o substance_n and_o body_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o treat_v of_o and_o discover_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o people_n in_o all_o age_n and_o under_o all_o ministration_n what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o will_v do_v for_o they_o and_o what_o he_o require_v his_o people_n to_o do_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o will_v do_v to_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n in_o a_o word_n the_o volumn_n of_o the_o book_n treat_v heb._n 10._o 7._o or_o of_o man_n fall_n sinfulness_n and_o misery_n thereby_o of_o christ_n promise_v and_o effect_v and_o of_o all_o thing_n concur_v to_o the_o redemption_n &_o restauration_n of_o fallen_n man_n by_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o be_v fullness_n of_o unity_n and_o harmony_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v here_o speak_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n own_o witness_n to_o its_o divinity_n and_o truth_n two_o a_o second_o witness_n be_v the_o consent_n person_n two_o wâ—tnâ—ss_n â—â—_o the_o c_o 〈…〉_o all_o g_o 〈…〉_o e_o person_n and_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n unto_o this_o day_n 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o godly_a person_n who_o write_v the_o scripture_n who_o give_v their_o own_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o their_o own_o among_o the_o multitude_n that_o may_v be_v name_v take_v these_o few_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o whole_a gen._n 12._o 1_o 2._o &_o 17._o 1._o exod._n 20._o 1._o &_o 31._o 1._o &_o 33._o 1._o leu._n 4._o 1._o &_o 6._o 1._o deut._n 33._o 9_o 1_o king_n 8._o 26._o psal_n 119._o 9_o isa_n 1._o 2._o jer._n 1._o 2._o ezek._n 1._o 3._o mark_v 7._o 1â—_n john_n 10._o 35._o and_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o &_o 3._o 15_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o 2._o and_o all_o other_o godly_a person_n both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o all_o age_n since_o to_o this_o day_n have_v believe_v the_o divinity_n and_o truth_n thereof_o as_o both_o history_n and_o experience_n declare_v else_o what_o mean_v their_o faith_n in_o practice_n of_o and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n therein_o contain_v as_o have_v be_v so_o abundant_o demonstrate_v in_o all_o age_n and_o almost_o all_o man_n where_o it_o come_v must_v fall_v before_o it_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n thereof_o though_o most_o of_o man_n dare_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o add_v their_o invention_n to_o it_o and_o not_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n thereunto_o how_o they_o think_v to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v in_o time_n rev._n 22._o 8._o john_n 12._o 48._o iii_o it_o must_v be_v from_o god_n and_o so_o be_v his_o bad._n iii_o it_o be_v from_o god_n because_o it_o can_v be_v from_o none_o else_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v from_o angel_n good_a or_o bad._n word_n and_o will_n make_v know_v unto_o we_o because_o it_o can_v indeed_o be_v from_o none_o else_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v from_o angel_n alone_o either_o good_a or_o bad._n 1._o it_o can_v be_v from_o good_a angel_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o deliver_v it_o for_o good_a angel_n dare_v not_o assume_v such_o a_o authority_n distinct_a from_o god_n but_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n so_o they_o deliver_v part_n of_o it_o as_o dan._n chap._n 10_o 11_o 12._o rev._n 1._o 1._o nor_o two_o can_v it_o be_v give_v by_o bad_a angel_n or_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n thereof_o and_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o truth_n and_o holiness_n especial_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o it_o be_v against_o his_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n it_o destroy_v he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o tend_v to_o deliver_v soul_n out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o captivity_n and_o discover_v his_o destruction_n without_o all_o hope_n or_o help_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v of_o he_o 2._o it_o can_v be_v from_o man_n no_o not_o of_o any_o poor_a 2._o it_o can_v be_v from_o man_n alone_o either_o good_a or_o bad_a rich_a or_o poor_a sort_n of_o man_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v of_o debauch_a man_n of_o vicious_a life_n
of_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n suitable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n the_o work_n in_o they_o answer_v the_o word_n without_o they_o as_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n which_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o faith_n love_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o they_o seal_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o word_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o set_v their_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n thereof_o in_o believe_v love_a and_o obey_v thereof_o and_o cleave_v to_o god_n therein_o and_o suffer_v any_o difficulty_n inflict_v by_o man_n for_o the_o truth_n thereof_o adventure_v their_o soul_n and_o eternity_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o lose_v their_o share_n in_o the_o word_n of_o life_n a_o high_a confirmation_n of_o the_o divinity_n thereof_o vii_o final_o as_o the_o resultance_n from_o the_o god_n vii_o danâ—er_o of_o deâ—ying_v the_o scripture_n â—â—_o be_v of_o god_n whole_a to_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o deny_v god_n himself_o and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o religion_n to_o pass_v a_o black_a sentence_n on_o all_o the_o writer_n thereof_o as_o liar_n and_o deceiver_n and_o on_o all_o the_o saint_n throughout_o all_o generation_n who_o have_v believe_v obey_v and_o suffer_v for_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n therein_o and_o on_o all_o the_o effectual_a working_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n conform_v they_o thereunto_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v live_v under_o the_o instruction_n thereof_o to_o deny_v it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v a_o atheist_n if_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o scripture_n treat_v on_o in_o the_o substance_n thereof_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o holiness_n the_o reduce_v of_o man_n back_o again_o to_o god_n through_o christ_n from_o who_o he_o be_v go_v astray_o and_o therefore_o what_o can_v those_o expect_v who_o deny_v this_o holy_a divine_a word_n of_o truth_n but_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v therein_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n in_o relation_n thereunto_o object_n though_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v of_o object_n 1_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n of_o these_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v give_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o to_o we_o and_o whether_o we_o have_v aught_o to_o do_v with_o it_o unless_o the_o same_o spirit_n work_v immediate_o the_o same_o truth_n in_o we_o we_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o what_o god_n speak_v in_o we_o and_o not_o without_o we_o etc._n etc._n answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o truth_n be_v truth_n still_o and_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o although_o its_o true_a that_o god_n have_v make_v know_v his_o will_n at_o various_a time_n and_o various_a way_n under_o several_a manifestation_n yet_o when_o one_o ministration_n end_v it_o be_v by_o the_o come_n in_o of_o another_o as_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o former_a and_o open_o declare_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o great_a power_n and_o great_a witness_n and_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o till_o his_o second_o come_v maâ—_n 28._o 20._o unto_o which_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v heed_n unto_o under_o peril_n of_o judgement_n heb._n 2._o 23._o act._n 3._o 22_o 23._o joh._n 12._o â—8_o and_o it_o be_v the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n still_o whether_o man_n believe_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o work_v you_o to_o it_o or_o not_o and_o if_o you_o be_v not_o teach_v by_o the_o word_n and_o wrought_v to_o god_n in_o the_o word_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o error_n and_o delusion_n which_o will_v fail_v you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o need_n obj._n though_o they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n obj._n 2_o and_o divine_a truth_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v corrupt_v by_o man_n have_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n that_o know_v not_o god_n but_o seek_v it_o themselves_o they_o may_v corrupt_v it_o and_o so_o it_o may_v either_o be_v mix_v or_o lose_v much_o of_o its_o purity_n and_o divinity_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o want_v not_o wickedness_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o but_o we_o have_v undoubted_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n preserve_v it_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o corrupt_v of_o it_o for_o if_o they_o or_o any_o other_o have_v corrupt_v it_o it_o must_v have_v be_v to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n but_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v by_o they_o preserve_v and_o by_o they_o own_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o serve_v their_o interest_n that_o it_o leave_v they_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n no_o word_n have_v they_o from_o hence_o to_o warrant_v they_o in_o any_o of_o their_o way_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o dependency_n lie_v rather_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n keep_v people_n in_o ignorance_n false_a translation_n coercive_a power_n and_o the_o like_a rather_o than_o in_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o original_a language_n a_o divine_a hand_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v holy_a and_o pure_a as_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v obj._n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o all_o the_o word_n obj._n 3_o and_o will_v of_o god_n to_o man_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o the_o word_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o wicked_a man_n the_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n answ_n when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o word_n or_o word_n of_o god_n i_o intend_v thereby_o that_o the_o body_n and_o substance_n thereof_o be_v the_o divine_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n make_v know_v to_o man_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o such_o way_n as_o he_o please_v and_o by_o such_o person_n as_o he_o please_v 2._o as_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o word_n or_o work_n of_o satan_n or_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o sin_n and_o fail_n of_o the_o godly_a i_o easy_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n give_v by_o inspiration_n yet_o 2_o as_o write_v and_o record_v by_o holy_a man_n inspire_v by_o the_o lord_n those_o thing_n with_o many_o other_o historical_a relation_n record_v be_v true_a by_o divine_a testimony_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v and_o so_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o undoubted_a credence_n whereas_o all_o other_o history_n that_o be_v mere_o humane_a can_v have_v but_o a_o humane_a and_o doubtful_a belief_n 3._o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o use_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n rom._n 15._o 4._o whatsoever_o be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11_o 12._o 1._o let_v we_o hence_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o greatness_n use_v 1_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o must_n be_v damn_v 2._o of_o exhortation_n 1._o to_o believe_v the_o use_n 2_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o prize_v the_o word_n more_o and_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o have_v give_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v to_o any_o the_o save_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o wrought_v they_o into_o a_o conformity_n thereunto_o 2._o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o life_n of_o love_n the_o life_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o holy_a word_n and_o holiness_n become_v all_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o own_v it_o what_o ever_o scripture_n faith_n or_o profession_n we_o pretend_v unto_o if_o we_o live_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v judge_n we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n joh._n 12._o 48._o 3._o to_o be_v improve_n and_o apply_v of_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o acquaint_v yourselves_o more_o therewith_o rom._n 15._o â—_o 3._o of_o consolation_n to_o all_o those_o who_o use_v 3_o true_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o wordâ—_n as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n the_o will_n
wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tit._n 3._o 15._o see_v psal_n 119._o 97_o to_o 100_o and_o he_o be_v universal_a in_o his_o obedience_n have_v respect_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n ps_n 119._o 6._o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n and_o that_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n ver_fw-la 112._o and_o that_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o swift_o and_o with_o alacrity_n ver_fw-la 32._o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n ver_fw-la 54._o thy_o statute_n have_v be_v my_o song_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n work_n of_o piety_n and_o work_n of_o charity_n all_o work_n that_o god_n require_v grace_n teach_v to_o a_o ready_a and_o right_a performance_n thereof_o ps_n 100_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 5_o 6_o 7._o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o but_o head-knowledg_n only_o be_v more_o for_o word_n than_o deed_n talk_v much_o but_o do_v but_o little_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o deed_n it_o be_v for_o low_a base_a and_o byend_n for_o self_n and_o not_o for_o god_n to_o some_o command_n and_o not_o to_o all_o at_o some_o time_n in_o a_o good_a fit_a or_o when_o applause_n or_o advantage_n concur_v with_o a_o cold_a and_o dead_a heart_n not_o with_o delight_n and_o joy_n not_o serve_v the_o lord_n but_o themselves_o hence_o the_o lord_n complain_v zec._n 7._o 5._o 6._o that_o his_o people_n do_v fast_o for_o themselves_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o themselves_o whereas_o gracious_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o light_n shall_v do_v all_o for_o god_n eat_v and_o drink_v for_o he_o that_o they_o may_v live_v to_o he_o perform_v every_o duty_n for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n see_v 2_o thes_n 1._o 11_o 12_o gal._n 2._o 19_o and_o this_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o formalist_n do_v never_o attain_v unto_o but_o do_v all_o for_o self_n 5._o save_v knowledge_n be_v a_o grow_a &_o increse_v knowledge_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o grow_a increase_a knowledge_n knowledge_n it_o increse_v where_o it_o be_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n it_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o where_o this_o growth_n be_v there_o be_v a_o increase_n and_o growth_n in_o every_o virtue_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a man_n which_o be_v create_v after_o god_n which_o new_a creation_n consist_v first_o and_o especial_o in_o knowledge_n col._n 3._o 10._o and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v create_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o knowledge_n be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a work_n and_o in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n eph._n 4._o 24._o without_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 18._o this_o be_v the_o save_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o cause_v the_o true_a light_n to_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o and_o this_o increase_v and_o grow_v up_o by_o degree_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n love_n holiness_n and_o every_o divine_a virtue_n col._n 2._o 19_o it_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n eph._n 4._o 15._o this_o of_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o mean_n he_o have_v afford_v his_o church_n see_v eph._n 4._o 11_o to_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o faithful_a minister_n the_o spiritual_a growth_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o where_o the_o apostle_n discover_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o like_a christ_n that_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v manifest_a in_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n and_o conclude_v the_o same_o of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o like_a affliction_n yet_o they_o expect_v the_o same_o work_n to_o be_v effect_v in_o they_o by_o their_o liberty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o express_v in_o these_o word_n so_o then_o death_n that_o be_v affliction_n work_v in_o we_o but_o life_n in_o you_o that_o be_v we_o expect_v and_o hope_n that_o a_o conformity_n will_v be_v wrought_v in_o you_o by_o your_o liberty_n and_o peaceable_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o opportunity_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o growth_n and_o so_o if_o that_o work_n go_v forward_o be_v it_o by_o death_n or_o life_n affliction_n or_o liberty_n we_o have_v our_o desire_n this_o be_v his_o frequent_a prayer_n for_o the_o church_n their_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o this_o grace_n eph._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o phil._n 1._o 9_o 10_o 11._o col._n 1._o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v oâ—_n shall_v be_v the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v of_o every_o gracious_a soul_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o capacity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v god_n have_v appoint_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v thereby_o in_o light_n in_o love_n in_o holiness_n and_o a_o holy_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o in_o so_o do_v that_o word_n be_v make_v good_a prov._n 4._o 18._o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o a_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a head-knowledg_n only_o or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o formalist_n either_o decay_n grow_v downward_o less_o and_o less_o worse_a and_o worse_o till_o it_o come_v to_o nothing_o or_o grow_v in_o the_o head_n only_o no_o increase_n in_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v like_o the_o disease_n call_v the_o rickets_o the_o head_n grow_v but_o the_o body_n decay_v grow_v weak_a and_o worse_o till_o at_o last_o without_o cure_n head_n and_o body_n go_v to_o the_o dust_n so_o it_o be_v with_o head-christians_a grow_v in_o the_o head_n in_o notion_n but_o decay_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n without_o any_o spiritual_a growth_n though_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v or_o stop_v in_o christianity_n who_o so_o grow_v not_o better_a must_v though_o insensible_o grow_v worse_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o gracious_a soul_n do_v meet_v with_o their_o winter-time_n time_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o apappearance_n sometime_o grow_v worse_o rather_o than_o better_a but_o it_o prove_v to_o their_o advantage_n in_o the_o end_n the_o best_a of_o saint_n have_v have_v and_o have_v their_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n their_o winter_n and_o summer_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o life_n where_o be_v the_o sense_n thereof_o this_o be_v common_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o the_o notionist_n and_o head-professor_n be_v insensible_a of_o his_o deadness_n and_o decay_n this_o i_o speak_v that_o serious_a soul_n may_v not_o sink_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o shortness_n and_o want_n that_o the_o eunuch_n that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n may_v not_o say_v i_o be_o a_o dry_a tree_n isa_n 56._o 3._o but_o the_o head-professor_n grow_v big_a in_o the_o head_n but_o little_a in_o the_o heart_n like_o ephraim_n the_o lord_n complain_v of_o hos_n 7._o 11._o ephraim_n be_v like_o a_o silly_a dove_n without_o a_o heart_n no_o heart_n for_o god_n his_o name_n and_o truth_n great_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n commend_v himself_o but_o not_o he_o that_o commend_v himself_o be_v approve_v but_o who_o the_o lord_n commend_v it_o may_v be_v he_o grow_v great_a with_o error_n fancy_n and_o imagination_n find_v out_o some_o better_a religion_n they_o think_v than_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v like_o those_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o jer._n 2._o 32_o 33._o why_o trim_a thou_o thy_o way_n to_o seek_v love_n and_o in_o their_o invention_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v innocent_a as_o they_o for_o 35._o yet_o thou_o say_v because_o i_o be_o innocent_a and_o yet_o ver_fw-la 36._o gâ—d_a about_o to_o change_v their_o way_n and_o chap._n 6._o 16._o when_o the_o lord_n call_v to_o they_o to_o return_v to_o the_o good_a old_a way_n of_o faith_n love_n obedience_n and_o to_o walk_v therein_o they_o will_v not_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a
double_a heart_n be_v a_o heart_n the_o lord_n like_v not_o jam._n 1._o 8._o a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o waiâ—s_n and_o 4._o 8._o purify_v your_o heart_n you_o double_v mind_v while_o the_o will_n be_v thus_o divide_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o power_n be_v want_v let_v not_o such_o a_o man_n think_v to_o obtain_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o they_o will_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n to_o eschew_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a set_v about_o the_o work_n and_o do_v not_o sit_v still_o and_o complain_v for_o want_v of_o power_n but_o look_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o thou_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v the_o will_n will_v not_o fail_v in_o help_v to_o do_v if_o thou_o set_v hearty_o about_o the_o work_n i_o shall_v say_v in_o this_o as_o david_n say_v to_o his_o son_n in_o another_o case_n 1_o chron._n 22._o 16._o arise_v and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o thou_o god_n never_o do_v nor_o never_o will_v damn_v any_o man_n for_o want_n of_o power_n but_o for_o want_v of_o will_n and_o so_o man_n destruction_n be_v of_o themselves_o obj._n but_o christ_n say_v joh._n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n objection_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o answ_n true_o but_o first_o god_n draw_v by_o his_o answ_n word_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o woo_a invitation_n thereof_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o draw_v sinner_n to_o himself_o these_o be_v the_o cord_n of_o his_o love_n by_o which_o he_o draw_v hos_fw-la 11._o 4._o i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o i_o lay_v meat_n before_o they_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o draw_v have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o effect_v the_o work_n if_o wilfulness_n keep_v not_o from_o the_o grace_n present_v and_o invite_v too_o 2._o if_o the_o work_n hereby_o be_v so_o far_o effect_v in_o thou_o as_o a_o real_a desire_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n know_v it_o be_v from_o the_o draw_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o come_v to_o he_o fall_v in_o with_o he_o while_o he_o be_v thus_o draw_v thou_o the_o lord_n call_v thou_o matt._n 11._o 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n dispute_v not_o the_o power_n but_o a_o hearty_a and_o willing_a consent_n to_o embrace_v christ_n jesus_n as_o thy_o saviour_n and_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o work_n be_v do_v chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o law_n or_o old_a covenant_n be_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o be_v the_o oracle_n and_o ordinance_n give_v and_o they_o do_v he_o own_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o worship_v he_o his_o people_n in_o covenant_n and_o under_o his_o discipline_n and_o government_n the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o testator_n jesus_n christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n it_o be_v now_o not_o national_a church_n but_o a_o people_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o gal._n 3._o 28_o 29._o act._n 10._o 34_o 35._o rom._n 3._o 29._o rev._n 5._o 9_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o of_o the_o church_n the_o word_n church_n or_o assembly_n as_o the_o greek_a word_n ekklesia_n import_v be_v various_o apply_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o assembly_n bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a act_v 19_o 32_o 39_o 41._o the_o same_o word_n be_v so_o translate_v and_o apply_v to_o a_o assembly_n meet_v together_o for_o evil_n but_o when_o it_o intend_v the_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n on_o the_o new_a covenant_n account_n that_o be_v it_o we_o be_v now_o about_o we_o may_v consider_v it_o according_a to_o scripture_n on_o a_o threefold_a considetion_n 1._o it_o intend_v a_o people_n gather_v out_o of_o be_v what_o the_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o world_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n i_o especial_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v distinguish_v into_o several_a body_n or_o congregational_a assembly_n under_o the_o regal_a government_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v instruct_v therein_o every_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o same_o power_n from_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o lord_n not_o one_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o another_o but_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v in_o love_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v thus_o gather_v into_o many_o particular_a assembly_n by_o reason_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n number_n of_o person_n that_o they_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o assembly_n but_o in_o as_o many_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o come_n together_o and_o comfortable_a serve_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v gather_v thus_o appear_v act._n 14._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o gal._n 1._o 2._o rev._n 1._o 4._o all_o which_o prove_v the_o truth_n assert_v and_o that_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n administer_v in_o each_o assembly_n as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o apostle_n reproof_n and_o direction_n on_o this_o account_n about_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o ordinance_n as_o relate_v to_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor._n 11._o and_o 14._o chapt._n tit._n 1._o 5._o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 2_o and_o 3_o chapt._n and_o this_o church_n in_o all_o its_o particular_a assembly_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o world_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n matt._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mar._n 16._o 15_o 16._o act._n 2._o 41_o 42_o 47._o and_o 4._o 4._o and_o 13._o 48_o 49._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n commission_n act._n 26._o 17_o 18._o which_o work_n be_v always_o accomplish_v in_o this_o way_n without_z and_o contrary_a to_o the_o humane_a power_n who_o ordinary_o have_v oppose_v this_o new_a covenant_n work_v of_o christ_n and_o whatever_o church_n it_o be_v that_o take_v any_o other_o lord_n or_o lawgiver_n beside_o christ_n in_o religious_a thing_n and_o own_v a_o humane_a head_n either_o in_o its_o constitution_n by_o humane_a power_n or_o receive_v law_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n church_n but_o a_o harlot_n a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n when_o they_o be_v not_o rev._n 2._o 9_o commit_v spiritual_a fornication_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n rev._n 17._o 2._o and_o 18_o 9_o take_v the_o humane_a power_n as_o head_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n in_o christ_n concernment_n make_v they_o their_o strength_n support_n and_o uphold_v persuade_v the_o magistrate_n to_o persecute_v all_o that_o fall_v not_o in_o with_o they_o who_o although_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o humane_a power_n in_o humane_a and_o worldly_a concern_v yet_o this_o be_v that_o with_o which_o few_o be_v satisfy_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v by_o the_o false_a church_n who_o delight_v in_o fornication_n and_o love_v to_o have_v another_o head_n and_o lord_n than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thus_o gather_v and_o constitute_v under_o christ_n their_o head_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n have_v a_o equal_a power_n from_o he_o with_o their_o distinct_a office_n to_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o be_v his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o in_o these_o church_n be_v god_n to_o be_v worship_v in_o all_o his_o appointment_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n joh._n 4._o 24._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o these_o visible_a constitute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v all_o saint_n true_a believer_n they_o do_v bad_a service_n who_o to_o maintain_v their_o national_a church_n and_o all_o christendom_n as_o call_v
and_o herein_o be_v the_o royal_a and_o regal_a authority_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n keep_v up_o in_o his_o house_n his_o church_n his_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o law_n upon_o transgressor_n in_o all_o case_n according_a to_o the_o fact_n reproof_n admonition_n withdraw_a 2_o thes_n 3._o 6._o reject_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n nor_o mean_n can_v prevail_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o preserve_v from_o sin_n recover_v fall_v sinner_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o church_n pure_a from_o defilement_n of_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a and_o clear_a 1_o cor._n 5._o 7_o 8_o 13._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 21._o heb._n 12._o 15_o 16._o mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 2._o of_o the_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o of_o the_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n christ_n take_v we_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o testator_n to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n state_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v from_o circumcision_n until_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n then_o 1._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o great_a officer_n in_o &_o of_o his_o church_n the_o angel_n messenger_n bishop_n shepherd_z prophet_n apostle_n lord_n law_n giver_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o lawful_a subject_n believer_n be_v but_o he_o be_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a to_o do_v work_n there_o for_o his_o church_n in_o order_n to_o its_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n have_v leave_v in_o his_o room_n and_o stead_n gift_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v as_o enumerate_v in_o the_o scripture_n apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o all_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n eph._n 4._o 11._o 12._o 1._o apostle_n man_n immediate_o call_v apostle_n 1._o apostle_n inspire_v and_o send_v for_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o first_o plant_v of_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n for_o such_o a_o work_n to_o give_v law_n and_o direction_n from_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o church_n direction_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n till_o his_o second_o come_v but_o such_o apostle_n we_o now_o have_v none_o but_o they_o be_v and_o be_v our_o apostle_n we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o gospel_n church_n though_o according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n apostle_n that_o be_v send_v so_o we_o have_v or_o might_n or_o shall_v have_v apostle_n in_o the_o church_n it_o signify_v a_o messenger_n or_o one_o scent_n as_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o declare_v in_o its_o place_n 2._o prophet_n now_o this_o of_o prophet_n i_o prophet_n 2._o prophet_n take_v not_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a ordain_v office_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o a_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n not_o extraordinary_a any_o more_o than_o the_o other_o ministry_n that_o we_o account_v to_o stand_v as_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n probable_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n may_v have_v more_o and_o great_a gift_n than_o any_o now_o but_o that_o null_v not_o the_o gift_n nor_o use_n thereof_o in_o the_o church_n no_o more_o than_o that_o because_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n than_o have_v great_a spiritual_a gift_n than_o any_o now_o have_v therefore_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o pastor_n nor_o teacher_n now_o and_o so_o no_o church_n and_o so_o no_o religion_n those_o who_o work_v prophet_n out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o rule_v work_v out_o all_o and_o themselves_o too_o that_o by_o prophet_n be_v intend_v ordinary_a prophet_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n what_o ever_o gift_n they_o then_o have_v will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o gift_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n extraordinary_a pprophecy_n be_v a_o immediate_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 31._o and_o 14_o 39_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o gift_n for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n most_o of_o profit_n viz._n of_o the_o gift_n single_o administer_v without_o office_n in_o the_o church_n therefore_o not_o to_o be_v lose_v or_o expulce_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 3._o yet_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n inferlour_n to_o that_o of_o preach_v by_o office_n because_o he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o office_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prophet_n but_o more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o prophet_n work_n be_v to_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o edification_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n but_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n work_v and_o duty_n be_v and_o be_v to_o exhort_v reprove_v rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o titus_n 2._o 15._o which_o none_o out_o of_o office_n may_v authoritative_o do_v 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v judge_v and_o try_v as_o suppose_v they_o may_v speak_v amiss_o and_o fail_v but_o the_o officer_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n prescribe_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 29_o 30_o 31._o not_o that_o officer_n or_o elder_n be_v without_o all_o limitation_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o under_o the_o church_n judgement_n 3._o prophecy_n be_v such_o a_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o meanness_n as_o be_v employ_v 1_o thes_n 5._o 19_o 20._o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n despise_v not_o prophecying_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v all_o for_o preach_v but_o despise_v prophecying_n as_o it_o be_v too_o much_o at_o this_o day_n 4._o the_o prophet_n may_v through_o weakness_n bring_v forth_o something_o that_o be_v not_o good_a or_o true_a yet_o not_o to_o be_v despise_v v._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a which_o impli_v that_o there_o may_v drop_v some_o thing_n from_o the_o prophet_n that_o may_v not_o be_v good_a yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v despise_v nor_o they_o discourage_v but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a embrace_v and_o that_o which_o be_v bad_a leave_v and_o the_o prophet_n instruct_v therein_o for_o their_o amendment_n all_o which_o prove_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v ordinary_a gift_a person_n in_o the_o church_n for_o edification_n after_o its_o first_o gather_v till_o officer_n be_v choose_v and_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o best_a gift_a and_o qualify_v among_o they_o and_o this_o answer_v the_o order_n 1._o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n observe_v act_v 13._o 1_o 2._o and_o out_o of_o these_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n must_v barnabas_n and_o saul_n be_v take_v for_o more_o public_a work_n and_o service_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o way_n according_a to_o the_o lord_n order_n to_o raise_v up_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n fit_v for_o office_n as_o occasion_n call_v for_o it_o for_o this_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o constant_a order_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v continue_v prophet_n and_o a_o official_a ministry_n may_v and_o shall_v be_v together_o in_o the_o church_n so_o will_v not_o the_o church_n be_v without_o person_n gift_v and_o fit_v for_o office_n as_o need_n require_v the_o next_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v evangelist_n evangelist_n 3._o evangelist_n gospel_n crier_n or_o gospel_n preacher_n or_o apostle_n that_o be_v ordinary_a apostle_n this_o be_v a_o office_n of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n though_o almost_o leave_v out_o and_o lose_v as_o if_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o only_o for_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o reason_n thereof_o render_v because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n now_o nor_o apostle_n to_o call_v they_o to_o the_o work_n or_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o a_o wonderful_a weak_a way_n of_o reason_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n we_o may_v reason_v out_o all_o office_n and_o officer_n out_o of_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o reason_n out_o church_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o apostle_n and_o gift_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o seekers_n loss_n want_v of_o gift_n and_o gift_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o administer_v gospel_n ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v next_o of_o kin_n to_o it_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o work_v out_o evangelist_n will_v if_o follow_v work_v out_o all_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o call_v and_o authorize_v
more_o for_o clear_v that_o election_n of_o elder_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n though_o infallible_a will_v not_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o this_o right_n see_v act._n 14._o 23._o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n by_o election_n or_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n in_o every_o church_n cheirotonesai_n to_o choose_v by_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n to_o create_v by_o general_a voice_n of_o suffer_v and_o thus_o all_o officer_n i._n e._n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n must_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n and_o by_o ordination_n be_v authorise_v to_o the_o work_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o 23._o and_o officer_n when_o thus_o choose_v and_o seâ—_n apart_o to_o the_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o administer_v all_o ordinance_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o have_v the_o church_n with_o they_o in_o the_o work_n and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o encourage_v they_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o administration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n while_o they_o abuse_v not_o their_o authority_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o male-administring_a or_o abuse_v of_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o church_n who_o authorize_v they_o may_v again_o divest_v they_o of_o their_o authority_n without_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n or_o in_o case_n of_o scandalousness_n in_o conversation_n yet_o not_o withstand_v this_o in_o matter_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o seek_v so_o much_o to_o please_v man_n as_o to_o displease_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n servant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n and_o must_v endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n and_o right_a rule_n and_o to_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n though_o man_n be_v displease_v therewith_o and_o in_o case_n they_o suffer_v from_o man_n on_o that_o account_n yet_o they_o will_v have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o in_o their_o own_o soul_n two_o thing_n i_o fear_v be_v much_o want_v in_o the_o church_n 1._o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o wisdom_n impartiality_n courage_n meekness_n love_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o a_o spirit_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o and_o in_o case_n of_o need_n we_o read_v of_o help_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o help_v government_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o power_n be_v invest_v in_o the_o church_n in_o case_n officer_n be_v want_v till_o they_o may_v be_v obtain_v the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_o gift_v either_o upon_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o eldership_n or_o as_o help_n in_o case_n of_o need_n to_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n or_o where_o be_v officer_n be_v sick_a or_o a_o way_n or_o weak_a with_o age_n the_o church_n may_v do_v the_o like_a i._n e._n appoint_v help_n to_o the_o officer_n in_o government_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n deacon_n 4._o deacon_n be_v deacon_n who_o work_n and_o office_n be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o make_v a_o just_a distribution_n of_o the_o church_n treasure_n commit_v to_o they_o on_o that_o behalf_n that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n that_o his_o shall_v be_v free_a to_o communicate_v 1._o private_o mat._n 6._o 34._o so_o likewise_o by_o give_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n who_o be_v to_o take_v a_o general_a care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o distribute_v to_o every_o one_o as_o they_o have_v need_v this_o be_v a_o honourable_a service_n and_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o poor_a be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o people_n love_n to_o he_o christ_n say_v i_o you_o have_v not_o always_o with_o you_o the_o poor_a you_o have_v always_o with_o you_o you_o may_v show_v your_o love_n to_o i_o in_o love_v they_o when_o i_o be_o go_v and_o in_o do_v good_a to_o they_o hence_o christ_n will_v say_v at_o the_o last_o day_n i_o be_v naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o hungry_a and_o you_o feed_v i_o sick_a and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o etc._n etc._n what_o the_o qualification_n and_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v you_o may_v see_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 8._o to_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 11._o if_o any_o man_n minister_n that_o be_v deacon_n do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o deacon_n let_v he_o do_v it_o as_o of_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n give_v that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v before_o and_o ordain_v the_o elder_n to_o do_v act_n 6._o 1_o 2_o 3._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v one_o weighty_a question_n and_o so_o shall_v conclude_v this_o matter_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o supreme_a power_n and_o quest_n order_n in_o the_o church_n to_o regulate_v miscarriage_n but_o be_v every_o church_n absolute_o independent_a and_o unaccountable_a in_o any_o case_n if_o not_o then_o to_o who_o must_v the_o account_n in_o church_n miscarriage_n he_o give_v and_o what_o way_n be_v leave_v to_o regulate_v church_n miscarriage_n answ_n 1._o that_o a_o church_n may_v miscarry_v answ_n either_o in_o doctrine_n gal._n 1._o 6._o manner_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 20_o 21._o discipline_n either_o in_o the_o non-administring_a of_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 2._o or_o in_o the_o evil_a and_o wrong_n administer_a thereof_o 3_o john_n ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o be_v very_o evident_a 2._o that_o every_o church_n with_o their_o officer_n have_v a_o like_a power_n from_o christ_n in_o all_o administration_n without_o any_o accountableness_n to_o any_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n in_o way_n of_o superiority_n be_v likewise_o clear_a yet_o 3._o there_o must_v be_v a_o accountableness_n of_o all_o the_o church_n each_o to_o other_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n and_o miscarriage_n though_o not_o to_o any_o one_o as_o supreme_a above_o the_o rest_n yet_o a_o common_a accountableness_n must_v be_v own_v without_o which_o their_o fellowship_n must_v necessary_o be_v dissolve_v the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v as_o follow_v 1._o from_o the_o law_n of_o relation_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n which_o can_v be_v keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o brotherly_a accountableness_n as_o sister_n church_n for_o the_o mutual_a help_n of_o each_o other_o and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o truth_n if_o the_o law_n of_o unity_n in_o any_o society_n be_v break_v the_o society_n must_v needs_o be_v break_v christ_n new_a covenant_n law_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n unity_n and_o society_n each_o with_o other_o if_o any_o church_n make_v a_o breach_n there_o without_o be_v accountable_a for_o reformation_n the_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n be_v break_v therefore_o for_o preservation_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n of_o church_n must_v this_o brotherly_a accountableness_n be_v maintain_v 2._o to_o reason_n from_o the_o lesser_a to_o the_o great_a as_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o equality_n and_o no_o superiority_n among_o member_n as_o member_n but_o what_o god_n make_v in_o gift_n and_o office_n yet_o every_o member_n ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a each_o to_o other_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o offence_n mat._n 18._o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o at_o last_o to_o the_o church_n so_o from_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o reason_n all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v the_o same_o relation_n one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o member_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n of_o each_o other_o which_o can_v be_v unless_o there_o be_v the_o same_o accountableness_n to_o each_o other_o as_o church_n as_o be_v in_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n as_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n make_v up_o the_o church_n so_o all_o the_o church_n be_v but_o so_o many_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n and_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o accountableness_n and_o this_o be_v without_o all_o single_a superiority_n 3._o without_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o worse_a case_n than_o member_n in_o particular_a congregation_n who_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o law_n and_o administration_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o preservation_n in_o the_o faith_n the_o want_n of_o which_o
none_o but_o god_n a_o principle_n that_o make_v person_n not_o meet_v to_o live_v among_o man_n much_o less_o in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 3._o that_o on_o the_o ground_n state_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o complaint_n of_o scandal_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n or_o manner_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o same_o fellowship_n to_o make_v diligent_a and_o speedy_a inquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o show_v their_o love_n to_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n the_o good_a of_o the_o offender_n and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o other_o sin_n 4._o that_o if_o any_o church_n come_v under_o a_o report_n or_o complaint_n of_o miscarriage_n and_o scandal_n in_o doctrine_n manner_n or_o unjust_a censure_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v a_o account_n thereof_o be_v tender_o desire_v or_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o matter_n in_o a_o just_a way_n that_o be_v the_o suppose_a offender_n and_o offend_v with_o their_o witness_n to_o be_v hear_v before_o the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o their_o minister_n and_o member_n appoint_v for_o that_o service_n the_o church_n ought_v to_o withdraw_v their_o fellowship_n from_o such_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o pure_a from_o their_o sin_n whatever_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o one_o church_n to_o exclude_v a_o member_n be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o a_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v in_o like_a case_n and_o this_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o exclude_v a_o member_n 1._o report_n and_o complaint_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n 2._o it_o be_v inquire_v after_o a_o positive_a refusal_n to_o give_v a_o account_n especial_o before_o the_o witness_n that_o accuse_v 3._o a_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v inquiry_n and_o to_o deal_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v fit_a for_o fellowship_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o such_o a_o church_n may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o fellowship_n of_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n its_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o church_n sin_n that_o refuse_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o her_o neighbour_n sister_n church_n but_o that_o the_o church_n do_v sin_n in_o neglect_v or_o delay_v to_o call_v such_o a_o church_n to_o account_v which_o be_v under_o complaint_n report_n and_o jealousy_n of_o sin_n in_o any_o case_n in_v not_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n nor_o can_v they_o acquit_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n until_o they_o have_v impartial_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v do_v in_o christ_n authority_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a from_o col._n 3._o 17._o or_o else_o they_o must_v leave_v christ_n authority_n or_o leave_v the_o work_n whole_o undo_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v or_o do_v it_o in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o authority_n chap._n xxix_o show_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o afflict_a estate_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v call_v his_o people_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o nigh_o to_o himself_o his_o own_o child_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n and_o interest_v they_o in_o glory_n yet_o in_o this_o world_n in_o their_o follow_v and_o serve_v he_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n for_o his_o name_n and_o sake_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v 1._o from_o scripture_n 2._o from_o experience_n 1._o from_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o state_v then_o this_o joh._n 16._o 3._o 3._o mat._n 16._o 24._o this_o must_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o every_o one_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o will_v follow_v christ_n they_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o tribulation_n to_o meet_v with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n in_o the_o world_n with_o loss_n of_o friend_n relation_n and_o life_n itself_o when_v call_v to_o it_o mat._n 10._o 37_o 38_o 39_o this_o truth_n the_o apostle_n confirm_v in_o their_o doctrine_n after_o christ_n act_v 14._o 22._o that_o we_o must_v through_o much_o tribulation_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n man_n may_v live_v godly_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o live_v without_o persecution_n but_o if_o any_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o his_o will_n they_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o persecution_n 2._o this_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o have_v and_o do_v by_o experience_n witness_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v particular_a scripture_n or_o history_n or_o experience_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v so_o obvious_a and_o clear_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v act._n 20._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 9_o to_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 23._o to_o 28._o 2_o thes_n 1._o 4._o rev._n 2._o 9_o 10._o history_n and_o experience_n prove_v the_o same_o the_o wonderful_a persecution_n wrong_n and_o death_n the_o saint_n have_v meet_v withal_o in_o all_o age_n abundant_o confirm_v the_o truth_n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v 1._o relate_v to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o the_o persecution_n always_o come_v and_o that_o 1._o from_o their_o ignorance_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n cause_n man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o hence_o flow_v all_o the_o mischief_n ordinary_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n joh._n 16._o 3._o and_o these_o thing_n will_v they_o do_v unto_o you_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o i_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 8._o have_v they_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o glory_n hence_o christ_n pray_v for_o his_o persecutor_n luke_n 23._o 34._o father_n foâ—gâ—ve_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o apostle_n confess_v that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o persecutor_n he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o let_v we_o learn_v to_o pity_v poor_a persecutor_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o example_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o servant_n stephen_n act_v 7._o 60._o for_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o as_o flow_v from_o their_o ignorance_n be_v their_o pride_n of_o heart_n who_o think_v their_o own_o way_n and_o will_n best_o and_o so_o hate_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o persecute_v his_o people_n for_o walk_v therein_o they_o will_v have_v their_o own_o imagination_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o this_o pride_n flow_v from_o ignorance_n for_o all_o pride_n flow_v from_o ignorance_n for_o if_o man_n know_v god_n and_o themselves_o it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v proud_a but_o to_o abase_v themselves_o and_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v willing_a that_o he_o shall_v rule_v and_o that_o his_o people_n shall_v serve_v he_o psal_n 10._o 2._o the_o wicked_a in_o his_o pride_n do_v persecute_v the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 4._o the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 10._o 12_o 13._o so_o that_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n go_v together_o and_o both_o bring_v forth_o persecution_n psal_n 140._o 5._o the_o proud_a have_v hide_v a_o snare_n for_o i_o and_o cord_n they_o have_v spread_v a_o net_n by_o the_o way-side_n they_o have_v set_v grin_v for_o i_o and_o note_v it_o be_v the_o proud_a that_o have_v do_v it_o 3._o as_o flow_v from_o both_o enmity_n and_o malice_n the_o old_a enmity_n still_o remain_v and_o work_v in_o the_o serpent_n seed_n gen._n 3._o 15._o mat._n 23._o 33._o say_v christ_n â—e_v serpent_n you_o generation_n of_o viper_n how_o can_v you_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o love_v violence_n psal_n 11._o 5._o he_o that_o love_v violence_n his_o soul_n hate_v and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o antichristian_a heathen_n but_o the_o anti-christian_n and_o false_a church_n walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n rev._n 1â—_n 6._o and_o i_o see_v the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o babylonish_n false_a church_n drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 18._o 24._o and_o in_o
the_o command_n of_o man_n though_o pretend_a christian_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o ordinary_a cause_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n from_o nominal_a christian_n and_o the_o whorish_a church_n especial_o for_o the_o prophetic_a and_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n a_o glorious_a cause_n for_o the_o saint_n to_o suffer_v in_o as_o ever_o be_v state_v in_o the_o world_n luke_n 6._o 22._o if_o it_o be_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n sake_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o his_o word_n for_o his_o law_n for_o his_o worship_n mar._n 8._o 38._o rev._n 1._o 9_o john_n be_v persecute_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n for_o refuse_v to_o forbear_v preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n when_o command_v and_o own_v jesus_n as_o lord_n in_o the_o matter_n act_v 4._o 19_o and_o 5._o 29._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o 2._o a_o good_a call_n to_o suffering_n be_v likewise_o of_o call_n 2._o a_o good_a call_n concernment_n and_o that_o be_v 1._o when_o it_o be_v for_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n or_o 2._o for_o refuse_v to_o worship_n with_o those_o who_o in_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n do_v the_o contrary_a when_o we_o can_v worship_v god_n in_o peace_n ourselves_o nor_o forbear_v worship_v with_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n without_o suffer_v then_o have_v we_o a_o lawful_a and_o good_a call_n to_o suffer_v especial_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n open_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o escape_v without_o sin_v against_o he_o here_o be_v both_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a call_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v withal_o a_o good_a conscience_n conscience_n 3._o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v of_o special_a concernment_n for_o comfort_n in_o suffering_n not_o only_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o clearness_n of_o the_o call_n but_o also_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o conversation_n for_o when_o man_n former_a conversation_n have_v be_v sinful_a worldly_a proud_a vain_a and_o unprofitable_a it_o must_v needs_o lessen_v their_o comfort_n in_o suffering_n when_o they_o shall_v reflect_v on_o themselves_o and_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n let_v such_o look_v that_o they_o repent_v of_o the_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o suffering_n for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o see_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 8._o 12._o and_o read_v it_o at_o your_o leisure_n o_o it_o will_v be_v a_o comfort_n indeed_o to_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o suffer_v the_o testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n as_o to_o your_o former_a conversation_n it_o will_v be_v a_o continual_a feast_n 4._o when_o you_o manage_v the_o business_n in_o a_o spirit_n 4._o a_o good_a spirit_n good_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n without_o which_o all_o be_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o meek_a and_o patient_a spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o as_o a_o lamb_n dumb_a before_o the_o shearer_n so_o open_v he_o not_o his_o mouth_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 23._o 4._o i_o shall_v propound_v some_o help_n and_o support_v suffering_n 4._o encouragement_n in_o suffering_n to_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o suffering_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v not_o faint_v nor_o flag_n in_o the_o way_n 1._o it_o be_v present_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o true_o if_o so_o though_o it_o be_v not_o pleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o a_o rugged_a way_n yet_o while_o it_o lead_v to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v discourage_v but_o to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n and_o head_n mat._n 16._o 24._o act_n 14._o 22._o jam._n 1._o 12._o 2._o it_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o christ_n have_v walk_v before_o you_o the_o captain_n of_o your_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a by_o suffer_v heb._n 2._o 10._o hence_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o look_v to_o jesus_n and_o to_o consider_v he_o that_o suffer_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n lest_o we_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n heb._n 12._o 2_o 3._o if_o jesus_n be_v content_a to_o go_v the_o way_n before_o you_o and_o for_o you_o how_o shall_v this_o arm_v you_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n 3._o he_o have_v not_o only_o go_v before_o his_o people_n in_o this_o way_n of_o suffering_n but_o he_o have_v make_v the_o way_n plain_a for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o it_o safe_o he_o have_v conquer_v all_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n that_o they_o can_v do_v they_o no_o wrong_n while_o they_o cleave_v to_o and_o follow_v the_o lord_n joh._n 16._o 33._o â—e_z of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n he_o have_v spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o make_v a_o show_n of_o they_o open_o triumph_v over_o they_o therein_o col._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o way_n that_o shall_v hurt_v you_o 4._o and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o you_o have_v his_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o you_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o alone_o in_o the_o way_n but_o he_o will_v be_v with_o you_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o in_o the_o water_n to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v you_o through_o the_o most_o fiery_a trial_n and_o flood_n of_o ungodly_a man_n isa_n 41._o 10._o and_o 43._o 1_o 2._o and_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o your_o support_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 9_o 5._o it_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o all_o the_o saint_n have_v walk_v before_o you_o to_o the_o kingdom_n as_o heb._n 11._o and_o chap._n 12._o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n to_o this_o truth_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o encourage_v saint_n in_o their_o suffering_n the_o new_a testament_n be_v full_a to_o it_o and_o both_o history_n and_o experience_n confirm_v it_o therefore_o my_o beloved_n think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n have_v happen_v unto_o you_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 13._o but_o know_v it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v strange_a it_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o saint_n have_v walk_v before_o you_o in_o and_o if_o you_o will_v walk_v in_o another_o way_n you_o may_v doubtless_o come_v to_o some_o other_o end_n 6._o consider_v the_o great_a advantage_n you_o shall_v reap_v thereby_o which_o shall_v be_v encouragement_n to_o your_o soul_n in_o suffering_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o those_o many_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v as_o to_o prove_v and_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o your_o faith_n love_n patience_n constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o truth_n the_o purge_v away_o of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o 1._o it_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o advantage_n of_o more_o of_o christ_n spirit_n and_o presence_n in_o your_o faithful_a cleave_v to_o he_o in_o suffering_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n shall_v rest_v upon_o you_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 14._o the_o lord_n will_v make_v know_v himself_o to_o you_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o more_o glorious_a manner_n and_o measure_n then_o ever_o before_o and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o you_o a_o evident_a token_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n phil._n 5._o 28._o a_o right_a suffer_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o token_n of_o salvation_n to_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v 2._o it_o shall_v work_v for_o your_o great_a glory_n at_o the_o appear_a and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 17_o 18._o those_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n a_o right_a suffering_n for_o christ_n will_v turn_v to_o wonderful_a advantage_n both_o on_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a worâ—_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o fear_v of_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n too_o to_o be_v trade_v in_o the_o great_a way_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o do_v all_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n o_o why_o shall_v christian_n be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o be_v trade_v in_o this_o way_n of_o gain_n there_o be_v no_o gain_n like_o this_o what_o ever_o you_o