leave_v the_o poor_a sheep_n in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o say_v when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v when_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o elder_a and_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o which_o master_n knollys_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v there_o his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o very_o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v thus_o much_o to_o any_o man_n that_o if_o any_o great_a grazier_n have_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o many_o several_a walk_n and_o place_n of_o pasturage_n to_o feed_v they_o in_o and_o have_v several_a pastor_n to_o look_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o not_o a_o few_o shepherd_n can_v feed_v ten_o or_o twelve_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o give_v they_o all_o a_o charge_n in_o common_a of_o look_v to_o his_o sheep_n and_o feed_v they_o although_o all_o those_o several_a pastor_n be_v to_o have_v a_o general_a care_n of_o all_o those_o sheep_n that_o have_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o his_o several_a walk_n and_o graze_a place_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v his_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o he_o in_o special_a for_o he_o must_v not_o be_v idle_a over_o the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o have_v the_o particular_a inspection_n and_o care_n for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v the_o flock_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o his_o master_n pleasure_n or_o to_o the_o damage_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o other_o fellow_n pastor_n or_o their_o flock_n all_o this_o i_o say_v good_a reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o daily_a experience_n will_v confirm_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n all_o who_o elder_n and_o pastor_n in_o they_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o several_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a all_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v by_o all_o the_o independent_o themselves_o confess_v for_o all_o those_o church_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o govern_v and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o common_a council_n of_o their_o elder_n this_o presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o ward_n or_o walk_v commit_v unto_o his_o care_n and_o that_o elder_a have_v such_o a_o circuit_n commit_v unto_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o three_o elder_n have_v such_o a_o precinct_n commit_v to_o his_o cure_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n with_o this_o proviso_n always_o that_o all_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o sheep_n and_o pastor_n shall_v be_v order_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o several_a and_o respective_a presbyter_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o well_o regulate_v way_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o every_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n and_o every_o particular_a congregation_n under_o they_o several_o will_v have_v govern_v as_o please_v themselves_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o the_o college_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o fail_n of_o diotrephes_n here_o for_o which_o he_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o saint_n john_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytry_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o government_n of_o they_o master_n knollys_n himself_o in_o the_o three_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n and_o in_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o same_o do_v accord_n who_o cite_v my_o word_n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o my_o book_n deduce_v from_o they_o four_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o set_v down_o after_o i_o have_v relate_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o before_o say_v he_o the_o doctor_n come_v to_o prove_v his_o four_o particular_a proposition_n he_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o several_a presbyter_n and_o produce_v divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o and_o two_o sheet_n be_v spend_v whole_o in_o prove_v thereof_o from_o the_o 12_o page_n to_o the_o 29._o these_o word_n mr_n knollys_n quote_v out_o of_o my_o book_n now_o hear_v his_o answer_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v only_o prove_v first_o that_o in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o that_o thou_o ordain_v elder_n city_n by_o city_n tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o second_o that_o as_o there_o be_v apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v the_o 20._o ver_fw-la 25._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o philippy_n etc._n etc._n three_o that_o those_o several_a church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o hebr._n 13._o 7._o 17._o 24._o who_o be_v their_o guide_v obey_v your_o guide_v four_o that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n god_n have_v appoint_v as_o his_o ordinance_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o whosoever_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o four_o conclusion_n master_n knolleys_n gather_v out_o of_o my_o argument_n but_o with_o all_o add_v say_v that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o this_o presbyterian_a church_n government_n be_v dependent_a upon_o a_o supreme_a judicature_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o which_o they_o must_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o church_n this_o say_v mr._n knollys_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v his_o expression_n all_o which_o say_v he_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v prove_v first_o etc._n etc._n to_o wit_n the_o four_o conclusion_n now_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o place_n i_o entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o behold_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n in_o so_o speak_v all_o which_o shall_v ât_a be_v grant_v as_o if_o he_o do_v i_o a_o great_a courtesy_n and_o favour_n to_o yield_v unto_o i_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a woâds_n declare_v o_o be_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v out_o of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o truth_n sufficient_o ev_v need_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v except_o he_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o have_v perspicuous_o and_o in_o foe_n maul_v term_n set_v own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o college_n &_o presbyte_v ie_fw-fr of_o elder_n orda_fw-mi n_v and_o constitute_v in_o very_a church_n or_o city_n who_o be_v to_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a congreâations_n within_o their_o ârâcin_n âs_v w_z ch_n m_n knollys_n himself_o consent_v unto_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o 4_o conclusion_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v any_o time_n of_o deny_v or_o not_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a jestament_n be_v all_o aristocratical_o and_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o be_v so_o many_o several_a eccle_n aââicall_a corpo_fw-it ation_n and_o that_o all_o those_o scripture_n i_o have_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o have_v not_o be_v right_o apply_v and_o allege_v now_o have_v be_v the_o time_n when_o this_o business_n be_v in_o question_n and_o agitation_n for_o mr_n knollys_n to_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o dislike_n and_o gainsaying_n but_o when_o he_o confirm_v what_o i_o prove_v as_o be_v manifest_a from_o his_o four_o conclusion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o man_n to_o say_v all_o which_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v when_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o book_n have_v these_o word_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n these_o be_v
they_o and_o to_o convent_v any_o offender_n before_o they_o and_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n if_o the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n such_o a_o power_n be_v every_o presbytery_n invest_v with_o through_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o this_o mr_n knollys_n have_v acknowledge_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o this_o his_o pamphlet_n &_o in_o this_o his_o very_a answer_n concern_v diotrephes_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o and_o all_o this_o s._n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o he_o be_v both_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o member_n that_o the_o presbytery_n rule_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n make_v their_o address_n as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o better_a rectify_v of_o abuse_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n and_o appeal_v always_o unto_o they_o and_o never_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o particular_n as_o first_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o direction_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n but_o to_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o guide_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o fact_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n when_o they_o have_v purloin_v the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v order_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o price_n of_o those_o possession_n that_o be_v sell_v shall_v be_v lay_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o that_o distribution_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_n contrary_a to_o this_o order_n ananias_n keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n saphira_n his_o wife_n also_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o hereupon_o the_o people_n appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n than_o lie_v and_o who_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o do_v for_o that_o their_o delinquency_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v act_n the_o 5._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o church_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o of_o this_o proceed_n saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a again_o when_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o abuse_n they_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o of_o the_o act_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o people_n who_o order_v that_o business_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o which_o the_o people_n assent_v this_o also_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o other_o church_n have_v power_n to_o send_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o other_o minister_n into_o any_o other_o place_n to_o preach_v or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 8_o and_o act_n 14_o &_o 15._o for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o preach_v among_o the_o people_n there_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v except_o the_o presbitry_n have_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o they_o we_o see_v also_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o the_o presbitry_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o the_o presbitry_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o likewise_o send_v their_o decree_n by_o their_o minister_n through_o all_o city_n and_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o minister_n again_o s._n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n lay_v not_o in_o the_o people_n hand_n for_o we_o read_v act_n the_o 9_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o &_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n st_n paul_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n lie_v and_o declare_v unto_o they_o how_o matter_n be_v they_o admit_v he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n &_o their_o good_a like_n for_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o these_o proceed_n saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o council_n to_o appeal_v to_o in_o all_o church_n yea_o saint_n john_n know_v also_o that_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n convent_v they_o before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o 21._o where_o peter_n be_v call_v before_o the_o presbytery_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n there_o which_o he_o do_v all_o with_o show_n there_o be_v there_o a_o stand_a court_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n the_o presbytry_n give_v saint_n paul_n a_o order_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o the_o weak_a one_o which_o he_o follow_v all_o which_o show_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v s._n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o &_o therefore_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o where_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o presbyter_n there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v that_o which_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n be_v as_o evident_a a_o and_o clear_a as_o almost_o any_o other_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o when_o mr_n knollys_n have_v prove_v it_o himself_o in_o formal_a word_n in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o he_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n establish_v in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v those_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o in_o express_a term_n page_n the_o seven_o say_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n may_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o verse_n 17._o in_o these_o word_n he_o confess_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o which_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o court_n there_o for_o judgement_n and_o censure_n and_o inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o court_n or_o magistracy_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n beside_o for_o further_a illustration_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o its_o member_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v over_o its_o member_n now_o all_o man_n that_o have_v read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o plenary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o both_o to_o convent_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o with_o the_o severe_a punishment_n those_o that_o do_v public_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n now_o if_o that_o church_n that_o st._n john_n write_v unto_o be_v equal_a in_o power_n to_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o that_o
persbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v thus_o he_o but_o of_o these_o word_n in_o their_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n lay_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o only_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n as_o the_o steward_n over_o they_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o accusation_n and_o examine_v matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o proceed_v against_o offender_n by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n upon_o evidence_n and_o proof_n make_v against_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o minister_n and_o their_o fellow_n member_n as_o to_o censure_v they_o or_o to_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o government_n over_o they_o neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n in_o write_v unto_o the_o colossian_n and_o bid_v they_o say_v to_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n investe_fw-ge the_o people_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o either_o presbyter_n or_o their_o fellow_n member_n for_o the_o power_n of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n with_o authority_n belong_v primary_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n show_v in_o the_o which_o all_o minister_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o several_a place_n who_o to_o admonish_v and_o how_o who_o to_o ordain_v and_o who_o to_o cast_v out_o and_o how_o to_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n as_o those_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n and_o censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o minister_n be_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n judicial_o &_o authoritative_o not_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n which_o any_o christian_a upon_o just_a occasion_n observe_v all_o the_o vital_a circumstance_n of_o a_o well_o order_v reproof_n and_o action_n as_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n may_v do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n as_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n and_o man_n in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o the_o people_n do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n and_o only_a out_o of_o christian_a duty_n and_o not_o with_o any_o authority_n they_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o if_o their_o brethren_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o to_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o then_o to_o refer_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v and_o inform_v their_o several_a presbytery_n of_o it_o the_o people_n be_v confine_v within_o these_o limet_n only_o and_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v and_o go_v out_o of_o these_o bound_n whereas_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n by_o their_o place_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o order_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o which_o the_o people_n have_v not_o neither_o with_o any_o good_a reason_n will_v it_o follow_v if_o any_o private_a christian_a may_v admonish_v a_o minister_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o he_o for_o this_o one_o member_n and_o brother_n have_v not_o over_o another_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o another_o man_n servant_n as_o saint_n paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o although_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v coloss_n the_o 3._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o have_v rule_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o because_o the_o scripture_n witness_v the_o contrary_a but_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o rebuke_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v and_o censure_n as_o ambassador_n steward_n and_o governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o they_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o end_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v refractory_a and_o disorderly_a to_o punish_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v officer_n and_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n whereas_o other_o christian_n do_v their_o duty_n only_o out_o of_o love_n as_o brethren_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n so_o that_o what_o the_o people_n do_v either_o in_o admonish_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v out_o of_o charity_n or_o what_o they_o do_v in_o choose_v of_o officer_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v either_o by_o denomination_n of_o they_o or_o in_o approve_v and_o assent_v unto_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v as_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n power_n to_o hinder_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n if_o he_o be_v prove_v scandalous_a or_o of_o receive_v any_o into_o the_o church_n or_o into_o any_o office_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a and_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n for_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o these_o be_v all_o action_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o order_v thing_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v never_o give_v to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o those_o place_n quote_v by_o mr_n knollys_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o people_n over_o either_o their_o minister_n or_o fellow-member_n be_v not_o for_o his_o purpose_n as_o bâing_v misapply_v and_o abuse_v as_o they_o be_v daily_o by_o the_o independent_a brethren_n so_o that_o to_o all_o rational_a and_o understand_a man_n from_o this_o reproof_n of_o diotrephes_n give_v by_o s._n john_n and_o this_o his_o censure_v of_o he_o for_o usurp_a sole_a authority_n to_o himself_o and_o prate_v malicious_a word_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n he_o write_v to_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o as_o affect_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n within_o itself_o independent_a without_o any_o reference_n or_o relation_n to_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o do_v speak_v malicious_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o do_v cast_v out_o who_o they_o please_v and_o bring_v in_o who_o they_o will_v at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n all_o such_o violate_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v that_o government_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o all_o church_n by_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n that_o diotrephes_n be_v and_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o will_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o minister_n and_o congregation_n as_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n either_o whole_o exclude_v the_o minister_n or_o join_v the_o people_n with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o thus_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v be_v prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o such_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o reply_v unto_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o congregationall_a practice_n there_o yet_o remain_v one_o whible_a cavil_n more_o in_o this_o his_o answer_n
god_n be_v just_a faithful_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a and_o therefore_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o be_v all_o as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o any_o be_v if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o christ_n word_n whether_o therefore_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o testimony_n or_o i._n s._n his_o language_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o advise_v reader_n christ_n declare_v they_o be_v believer_n and_o christian_n for_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o council_n but_o embrace_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o free_a mercy_n i._o s._n say_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a be_v not_o give_v to_o believer_n till_o they_o be_v call_v so_o at_o antioch_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n make_v they_o as_o well_o christian_n before_o his_o suffering_n as_o after_o for_o otherwise_o abel_n enoch_n noah_n moses_n abraham_n david_n and_o all_o those_o martyr_n speak_v of_o hebrew_n the_o eleven_o and_o all_o those_o baptize_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v christian_n which_o be_v wickedness_n to_o think_v when_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o they_o not_o only_o live_v by_o faith_n but_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o all_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v they_o be_v christian_n as_o all_o believe_a in_o christ_n and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o faith_n so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o have_v not_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v not_o so_o call_v which_o make_v nothing_o against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o we_o contend_v not_o about_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o true_a christian_n they_o be_v all_o build_v upon_o that_o corner_n stone_n and_o upon_o the_o foundation_n jesus_n christ_n and_o differ_v nothing_o for_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n or_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n from_o any_o that_o do_v succeed_v they_o in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o i._o s._n affirm_v that_o by_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n the_o believer_n than_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o israelit_v baptize_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n be_v no_o christian_n overthrow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o give_v christ_n the_o lie_n and_o confute_v paul_n himself_o who_o in_o the_o 10._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o cor._n ver_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o affirm_v that_o our_o father_n be_v under_o the_o cloud_n and_o all_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n and_o be_v all_o baptise_a by_o moses_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a meat_n and_o do_v all_o drink_n the_o same_o spiritual_a drink_n for_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a rock_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n by_o the_o which_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o the_o corinthian_n for_o he_o compare_v they_o together_o sheweth_z that_o they_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o in_o privilege_n and_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o peter_n act_v the_o 15._o vers_fw-la 9_o and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o purify_n their_o heart_n by_o faith_n &_o as_o he_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o israelit_n be_v equal_a in_o privilege_n with_o the_o corinthian_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n so_o he_o declare_v likewise_o if_o the_o corinthian_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v they_o shall_v likewise_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o in_o punishment_n for_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o as_o inevery_a nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n &_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o act_v 10._o ver_fw-la 35_o so_o whatsoever_o christian_n of_o what_o nation_n so_o ever_o whether_o jewer_n or_o gentile_n shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v they_o shall_v be_v equal_o punish_v so_o that_o by_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o paul_n in_o this_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o cor._n and_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o from_o the_o above_o cite_a scripture_n all_o our_o father_n under_o the_o cloud_n and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o all_o those_o martyr_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o baptise_a after_o christ_n death_n or_o now_o by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n or_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o i_o here_o say_v be_v most_o true_a if_o any_o belief_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i._o s._n affirm_v the_o contrary_n blaspheme_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o four_o argument_n which_o be_v this_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a know_v say_v he_o that_o john_n be_v but_o the_o messenger_n before_o christ_n mal._n 3._o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o his_o baptism_n be_v but_o as_o the_o stream_a of_o light_n in_o the_o heaven_n before_o the_o day_n and_o he_o do_v only_o bring_v and_o restore_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o legal_a perfection_n by_o water_n the_o element_n of_o the_o law_n but_o christ_n jesus_n he_o come_v and_o baptise_n with_o fire_n consummat_n all_o thing_n with_o this_o transform_a powerful_a element_n even_o his_o spirit_n thus_o i._o s._n speak_v to_o examine_v all_o the_o error_n in_o these_o word_n will_v take_v up_o much_o time_n and_o require_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o study_v brevity_n as_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n where_o he_o say_v the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a know_v that_o john_n be_v but_o the_o messenger_n before_o christ_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o vanity_n in_o he_o to_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o man_n to_o prove_v that_o john_n be_v a_o messenger_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o many_o place_n assertsit_v and_o when_o christ_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v that_o elias_n that_o be_v foretell_v shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o but_o this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o i._o s._n that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n in_o all_o good_a learning_n and_o as_o ignorant_a in_o all_o divinity_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n as_o those_o judicious_a he_o speak_v of_o be_v singular_o excellent_a and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o sound_a theology_n who_o work_n and_o godly_a solid_a writing_n if_o ever_o he_o have_v read_v with_o understanding_n he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o prodigious_o blasphemous_a as_o he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o chief_o in_o these_o his_o answer_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o of_o they_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o great_a impiety_n to_o be_v discover_v as_o in_o this_o to_o accuse_v johns_n baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o imperfection_n and_o to_o say_v they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o streamingsoflight_n in_o the_o heaven_n before_o the_o day_n when_o notwithstanding_o christ_n himself_o have_v often_o give_v so_o many_o honourable_a testimony_n of_o john_n and_o his_o ministry_n say_v in_o the_o 5._o of_o john_n 32._o that_o he_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o and_o that_o his_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o in_o the_o 35._o ver_fw-la in_o express_v word_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o season_n do_v rejoice_v in_o his_o light_n and_o yet_o i._o s._n bold_o and_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v but_o as_o the_o streaming_n of_o light_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o consummate_a christian_n that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o who_o shall_v we_o believe_v i._o s._n or_o jesus_n christ_n christ_n say_v john_n be_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n i._o s._n say_v he_o be_v but_o as_o the_o stream_a of_o light_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o give_v christ_n the_o lie_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v christ_n in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o luke_n and_o the_o 28._o verse_n say_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o great_a prophet_n that_o be_v ever_o bear_v of_o woman_n then_o he_o be_v inferior_a in_o his_o ministry_n to_o none_o of_o they_o no_o not_o to_o moses_n himself_o of_o who_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 5._o say_v with_o a_o very_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o servant_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v
doctrine_n to_o prove_v this_o their_o opinion_n to_o be_v legitimate_a so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o belief_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o agree_v against_o all_o the_o current_n and_o the_o whole_a school_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n divine_v who_o hold_v they_o be_v christian_n second_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o also_o that_o both_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n must_v ever_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a so_o that_o be_v their_o never_o so_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n and_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o such_o and_o such_o a_o mould_n and_o form_n than_o theyare_n not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o their_o dialect_n they_o be_v either_o heretic_n or_o no_o christian_n but_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n compass_n and_o bound_n that_o they_o have_v circumscribe_v their_o church_n with_o and_o be_v not_o under_o that_o visible_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v appoint_v they_o account_v they_o all_o heretic_n and_o no_o church_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v the_o independent_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o that_o be_v to_o say_v speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n all_o such_o congregation_n and_o assemble_v as_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o by_o a_o explcite_v particular_a covenant_n &_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n &_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o independent_a they_o be_v no_o church_n and_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o their_o new_a mould_n or_o model_n they_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o account_v of_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o independent_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o bind_v and_o limit_v all_o church_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o external_a form_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o that_o be_v want_v according_a to_o their_o dialect_n though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o both_o of_o they_o far_o accord_v and_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o form_n of_o their_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o the_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n respective_o they_o must_v not_o be_v fluid_a as_o they_o speak_v but_o they_o must_v be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o independent_a but_o in_o this_o the_o papist_n deal_v far_o more_o honest_o than_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o have_v in_o many_o large_a volume_n full_o set_v down_o the_o model_n of_o their_o government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o for_o their_o chief_a officer_n they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o presbytery_n at_o rome_n the_o cardinal_n patriarch_n primate_fw-la metropolitan_n archbishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o what_o their_o model_n and_o government_n be_v to_o a_o hare_n but_o what_o the_o independent_o model_n be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o man_n can_v yet_o ever_o learn_v but_o by_o conjecture_n which_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o they_o shall_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o never_o declare_v what_o that_o form_n and_o mould_n be_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v their_o daily_a wicked_a practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n the_o independent_o be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o mongrel_n papist_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n belieeve_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o their_o church_n believe_v and_o take_v all_o they_o speak_v as_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a but_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n better_a than_o so_o who_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v he_o matth._n 17._o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o and_o not_o to_o give_v ear_n unto_o stranger_n and_o from_o his_o bless_a word_n we_o have_v learn_v these_o two_o lesson_n the_o first_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v faithful_o and_o true_o preach_v by_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o and_o where_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o by_o the_o people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n although_o they_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v not_o that_o external_a form_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n holy_a word_n second_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o churhe_n in_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n where_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n nor_o where_o their_o very_a meeting_n together_o be_v not_o allow_v unto_o they_o by_o authority_n for_o all_o such_o as_o confine_v a_o church_n or_o church_n to_o these_o external_a form_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o confound_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o adjunct_n and_o accideut_n of_o it_o whereas_o church_n may_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v by_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v prove_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o israel_n where_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o establish_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v punctual_o be_v observe_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o these_o word_n now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o do_v not_o then_o appear_v any_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n when_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o public_o know_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v there_o his_o true_a church_n among_o they_o yea_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o idolatry_n when_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v persecute_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o cave_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n also_o god_n have_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n that_o be_v absolute_o require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o that_o external_a appearance_n they_o speak_v of_o for_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n be_v another_o and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o willing_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o appearance_n and_o naked_a shadow_n for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o will_v but_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n after_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o peregrination_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o that_o after_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o direction_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o his_o worship_n wheresoever_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v come_v and_o
20._o vers_fw-la the_o 7._o and_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o private_a house_n as_o by_o the_o many_o place_n be_v manifest_a which_o i_o cite_v but_o a_o little_a before_o beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o break_v bread_n be_v no_o temple-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o preach_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o appear_v act_n 4._o 2._o they_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o have_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o assault_v act_v 21._o 28._o for_o be_v but_o suppose_v to_o have_v bring_v greek_n into_o the_o temple_n what_o will_v these_o man_n have_v do_v if_o one_o shall_v have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a ordinance_n and_o a_o new_a worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o legal_a right_n sure_o the_o jew_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n contend_v for_o this_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o not_o every_o day_n yet_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n at_o least_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v never_o without_o preach_v as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n 20._o 7._o and_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o daily_o break_v bread_n together_o and_o that_o in_o several_a and_o particular_a house_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v for_o a_o few_o house_n can_v not_o have_v hold_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o if_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v contain_v under_o one_o roof_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v in_o diverse_a and_o several_a chamber_n or_o room_n so_o that_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o one_o the_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v still_o several_a congregation_n as_o under_o the_o roof_n of_o paul_n there_o be_v diverse_a meeting_n place_n where_o man_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v call_v several_a church_n and_o they_o that_o meet_v there_o several_a congregation_n though_o under_o one_o roof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o place_n under_o one_o covert_n make_v always_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v in_o the_o several_a committee_n at_o westminster_n where_o every_o committee_n of_o both_o house_n have_v their_o several_a room_n and_o equal_a authority_n and_o be_v yet_o all_o but_o one_o parliament_n though_o distribute_v into_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n so_o here_o they_o have_v several_a assembly_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n as_o be_v declare_v and_o reason_n itself_o without_o any_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v this_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o all_o preach_v and_o that_o daily_a and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a room_n to_o preach_v in_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a auditory_n or_o assembly_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v preach_v to_o the_o wall_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n will_v all_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n all_o hair_n of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n the_o place_n above_o specify_v do_v declare_v and_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o resolve_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o truth_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o receive_a opinion_n but_o may_v evident_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n as_o the_o many_o committee_n in_o both_o house_n be_v in_o divers_a room_n and_o make_v divers_a assembly_n and_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n among_o themselves_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o parliament_n and_o all_o those_o several_a committee_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o great_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o the_o parliament_n and_o all_o this_o without_o confusion_n yea_o with_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o concern_v this_o argument_n mr_n knollys_n before_o he_o come_v to_o answer_v it_o make_v a_o little_a suck_a preamble_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o have_v one_o argument_n which_o be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n then_o all_o the_o other_o which_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v page_n 64._o thus_o he_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n be_v as_o follow_v i_o will_v set_v down_o all_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o doctor_n prove_v his_o minor_n which_o he_o say_v it_o manifest_a from_o act_n 2._o 46._o and_o chapter_n the_o 5._o 12._o 42._o and_o chapter_n 3._o 11._o 12._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produoe_v page_n 64_o 65_o 66._o in_o all_o which_o discourse_n the_o doctor_n give_v you_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o minor_a proposition_n which_o be_v his_o manner_n of_o discourse_v through_o his_o book_n this_o argument_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o deny_v it_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o doctor_n will_v prove_v for_o act_v the_o 2._o verse_n 42._o 46._o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o act_v the_o 3._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n can_v together_o to_o they_o in_o the_o porch_n which_o be_v call_v solomon_n act_v the_o 5._o 12._o and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n so_o that_o these_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o meet_v together_o in_o several_a place_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n do_v express_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d domatim_o not_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o thus_o they_o do_v ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v ââre_o together_o act_v the_o 2._o v._o 42_o 44_o 46._o yea_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o minor_a proposition_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o refutation_n of_o what_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v touch_v the_o first_o proposition_n thus_o profound_a mr_n knollys_n confute_v my_o argument_n i_o have_v set_v down_o all_o his_o word_n at_o large_a and_o as_o he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v my_o argument_n so_o i_o in_o like_a manner_n entreat_v he_o that_o he_o will_v but_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o and_o advise_o weight_n whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o all_o my_o discourse_n but_o my_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o proof_n of_o what_o
favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n 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in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o 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member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n as_o he_o assert_v so_o that_o the_o one_o can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v all_o dependent_a but_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o nigh_o arelation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v as_o there_o be_v between_o member_n and_o member_n so_o that_o the_o one_o can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o dependent_a for_o the_o antecedent_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o intelligible_a man_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o assumption_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v and_o that_o due_o the_o mânner_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n in_o all_o the_o city_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o in_o juda_n and_o israel_n and_o the_o 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compact_n they_o common_o continue_v their_o ancient_a dimension_n and_o limit_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o secular_a power_n extend_v itself_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o policy_n the_o same_o limit_n do_v the_o ecclesiastical_a ever_o observe_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n under_o they_o all_o who_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n be_v call_v citizen_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o several_a city_n as_o all_o history_n relate_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o annal_n of_o time_n all_o man_n may_v find_v that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o change_n of_o all_o government_n from_o democratiall_a to_o aristocratical_a and_o from_o both_o to_o monarchy_n that_o as_o far_o as_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n extend_v themselves_o before_o their_o changc_n the_o monarchsor_n king_n that_o either_o invade_v those_o government_n or_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o election_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n extend_v their_o sole_a power_n to_o the_o extreme_a limit_n of_o those_o several_a government_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n rule_v those_o several_a country_n which_o before_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o state_n senate_n elder_n or_o judge_n as_o we_o see_v it_o happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n after_o the_o government_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v change_v into_o a_o monarchy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n for_o when_o caesar_n have_v invade_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o have_v make_v himself_o perpetuus_n dictator_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a aristocracy_n extend_v its_o self_n before_o the_o change_n so_o far_o do_v his_o sole_a power_n expatiate_v and_o extend_v itself_o after_o the_o alteration_n and_o the_o same_o power_n do_v all_o the_o succeed_a emperor_n exercise_v to_o the_o extreme_a bound_n of_o that_o empire_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o as_o all_o history_n declare_v even_o so_o when_o the_o several_a presbytery_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v through_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n change_v into_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a presbytery_n extend_v themselves_o so_o far_o do_v the_o several_a bishop_n appoint_v over_o they_o extend_v their_o sole_a power_n and_o exercise_v their_o sole_a authority_n hence_o arise_v so_o many_o broil_n contention_n and_o digladiation_n among_o those_o several_a bishop_n about_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a sea_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n be_v full_a all_o the_o which_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o declare_v
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v act_n the_o second_o that_o consist_v only_o of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n also_o of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v pag._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o those_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n within_o themselves_o and_o want_v discipline_n may_v be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o the_o church_n here_o of_o jorusalem_n be_v which_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n have_v no_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o dictinstion_n of_o officer_n &_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o it_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n &_o that_o because_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v draw_v these_o two_o infallibleconclusion_n the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o they_o want_v both_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o although_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n this_o first_o conclusion_n i_o say_v i_o infallible_o gather_v from_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v that_o have_v both_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a performance_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o all_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n for_o substance_n but_o all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o only_a glory_n in_o outward_a performance_n &_o consist_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n ergo._n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n &_o my_o brother_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o all_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o master_n hanserdo_v i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n ensue_a and_o after_o i_o have_v dispatch_v that_o work_n i_o will_v then_o in_o like_a manner_n reply_v to_o whatsoever_o either_o master_n knollys_n i._n s._n or_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o large_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o my_o foregoing_a reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n speak_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a in_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o proposition_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o jndependent_o assent_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o will_v then_o also_o faithful_o relate_v their_o own_o word_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n make_v against_o my_o argument_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n my_o second_o proposition_n now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v far_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o âhose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church-communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o place_n in_o the_o same_o story_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n to_o this_o proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n thus_o reply_v to_o which_o i_o also_o say_v he_o consent_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v neither_o bathe_v the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o therein_o i_o must_v manifest_v my_o dissent_n from_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n promise_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v sound_o prove_v it_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o reply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o do_v that_o insert_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o it_o with_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v and_o answer_v to_o they_o all_o in_o order_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o that_o shall_v without_o prejudice_n read_v my_o foregoing_a argument_n and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v write_v will_v conclude_v that_o master_n hanserdo_n be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o of_o as_o little_a honesty_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v credit_v in_o what_o either_o he_o say_v or_o write_v neither_o ought_v master_n knollys_n in_o this_o controversy_n especial_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o be_v both_o party_n witness_n jury_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v gather_v and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o by_o scripture_n sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n abundant_o evince_v it_o all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o understand_a christian_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v grant_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o challenge_v master_n knollys_n his_o promise_n and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o error_n and_o so_o relinquish_v his_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o can_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o not_o keep_v his_o word_n for_o david_n describe_v a_o
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_v and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judaea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o be_v abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_n unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o
cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o their_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n or_o care_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o yea_o act._n 15._o 2._o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o verse_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o preebyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governor_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o their_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o set_v down_o that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o which_o have_v it_o only_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o paul_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a man_n that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n will_v meet_v together_o for_o a_o salutation_n they_o do_v much_o more_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o specify_v that_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o consultation_n in_o that_o their_o meeting_n and_o what_o they_o act_v upon_o deliberation_n and_o that_o be_v to_o advise_v paul_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v which_o council_n of_o they_o be_v not_o lax_n but_o restrictive_a and_o bind_a verse_n 23._o do_v therefore_o that_o which_o we_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o meet_v about_o act_n of_o government_n when_o they_o give_v a_o order_n and_o rule_v to_o paul_n himself_o how_o he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o at_o that_o time_n and_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n follow_v their_o council_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o their_o order_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o i_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o these_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o those_o assembly_n be_v all_o one_o church_n and_o those_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n and_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_n no_o man_n of_o sound_a reason_n or_o judgement_n will_v deny_v it_o and_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o minor_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n in_o that_o church_n it_o have_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 21._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o all_o the_o presbyter_n there_o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n the_o brethren_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o they_o do_v also_o accord_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v presbyterian_o rule_v but_o withal_o they_o conceive_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v or_o no_o for_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o will_v have_v their_o church_n govern_v after_o that_o manner_n but_o this_o be_v the_o debate_n between_o we_o and_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v not_o by_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v under_o one_o presbytery_n that_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o understand_a reader_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o three_o conclusion_n or_o proposition_n and_o now_o according_a to_o my_o promise_n i_o will_v faithful_o set_v down_o whât_a master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o these_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o mr_n hanserdo_v who_o pag._n 11._o and_o 12._o thus_o repli_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n the_o word_n of_o this_o scripture_n act_v 11._o ver_fw-la 27._o say_v he_o which_o the_o doctor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n be_v these_o ver_fw-la 30._o and_o send_v it_o viz._n the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n say_v the_o doctor_n we_o see_v that_o
reckon_v before_o his_o host_n but_o whereas_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o their_o denial_n then_o i_o be_o may_v speak_v according_a to_o his_o information_n and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o blame_v worthy_a as_o in_o the_o former_a of_o his_o conclusion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n material_a or_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o can_v name_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o tell_v i_o discourse_v with_o they_o that_o by_o read_v of_o my_o book_n they_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o to_o my_o knowledge_n all_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o but_o whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o abundant_o evince_v there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o not_o only_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o hanserdoe_v own_o word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o such_o man_n as_o have_v any_o understanding_n and_o without_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o forego_n discourse_n course_n whither_o i_o send_v they_o entreat_v they_o likewise_o with_o diligence_n to_o peruse_v it_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v believe_v concern_v that_o business_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v former_o deny_v they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdoe_v own_o concession_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o i_o be_o most_o assure_a they_o will_v also_o for_o time_n to_o come_v take_v heed_n how_o they_o believe_v mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n without_o other_o sufficient_a and_o approve_a witness_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_n to_o master_n knollys_n now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v what_o learn_v i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v he_o in_o the_o 13._o page_n answer_v thus_o first_o say_v he_o they_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n a_o example_n of_o unite_n or_o aggregation_n except_o it_o be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n aggregated_a which_o a_o very_a facile_a and_o swasible_a reader_n may_v well_o doubt_v of_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v yet_o be_v say_v to_o make_v it_o good_a for_o answer_v to_o i._o s._n i_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a facile_a and_o swasible_a reader_n that_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v but_o what_o i_o have_v wrât_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n both_o to_o himself_o hanserdo_v knollys_n and_o my_o learned_a brother_n burton_n will_v never_o doubt_v but_o that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o make_v it_o good_a that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n aggregated_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v send_v all_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o shun_v error_n and_o to_o decline_v all_o trivall_n and_o fond_a seducer_n to_o what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v for_o answer_n to_o his_o first_o reply_n second_o say_v he_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o church_n do_v aggregate_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o beginning_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o example_n be_v bind_o presidentiall_a etc._n etc._n here_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o novice_n and_o worthless_a man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o all_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n as_o he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o any_o sound_a reason_n or_o with_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n for_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o independent_o against_o he_o in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o who_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v for_o its_o government_n to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o have_v be_v all_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o illdependents_n whether_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o profess_v that_o then_o the_o cause_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o day_n be_v the_o presbyterian_o for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n and_o this_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o brethren_n assent_v unto_o in_o the_o forego_n word_n so_o that_o these_o brethren_n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o one_o another_o mind_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o persuade_v other_o they_o be_v now_o profound_a i._n s._n deny_v that_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o assembly_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v bind_o presidentiall_a these_o be_v his_o word_n by_o the_o which_o he_o beat_v up_o all_o the_o independent_o quarter_n to_o use_v his_o own_o rhetoric_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v that_o cause_n he_o as_o a_o champion_n come_v out_o to_o maintain_v neither_o have_v he_o only_o beat_v up_o the_o independent_o quarter_n but_o indeed_o all_o the_o apostle_n quarter_n for_o that_o government_n they_o establish_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v leave_v for_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o not_o only_o the_o independent_o but_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v do_v accord_n yea_o the_o scripture_n itself_o have_v command_v it_o isaih_o 2._o saying_n out_o of_o zion_n shall_v come_v the_o law_n 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and_o assent_v unto_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a from_o all_o which_o when_o j._n s._n most_o rash_o and_o wicked_o dissent_v i_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n who_o i_o hope_v will_v whip_v he_o out_o of_o their_o assembly_n with_o his_o foolish_a flagello_fw-la flagelli_fw-la for_o thus_o sottish_o beat_v up_o of_o all_o their_o quarter_n and_o renounce_v all_o the_o independent_o principle_n while_o he_o labour_v to_o maintain_v they_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o i._o s._n his_o grollery_n to_o the_o former_a proposition_n concern_v the_o first_o question_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o second_o question_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n concern_v hanserdo_a i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o as_o they_o be_v very_o confuse_v in_o their_o reply_n jumble_v thing_n together_o that_o be_v heterogeneous_a leap_v backward_o and_o forward_o pick_v and_o choose_v snatch_v and_o carp_n yea_o and_o trifle_v about_o word_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o ill_a defendant_n be_v so_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o saintlike_a with_o the_o people_n who_o they_o desire_v to_o delude_v and_o therefore_o they_o pass_v over_o the_o most_o material_a argument_n never_o so_o much_o as_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o and_o slight_v all_o as_o not_o worthy_a the_o answer_n to_o and_o by_o such_o art_n as_o these_o be_v they_o most_o prodigious_o abuse_v the_o well_o mind_a people_n and_o by_o these_o their_o unchristian_a unbrother_o and_o wicked_a deal_n they_o every_o day_n broach_v their_o error_n with_o more_o facility_n and_o abuse_v all_o their_o ignorant_a and_o credulous_a follower_n to_o the_o utter_a destroy_n of_o many_o of_o their_o poor_a soul_n some_o of_o the_o which_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v be_v man_n
in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o argue_v if_o one_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v against_o the_o independent_o those_o homothumadon_n brethren_n all_o the_o independent_a predicant_o and_o their_o itinerary_a preacher_n those_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n those_o name_n be_v all_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n on_o one_o of_o their_o feast_n day_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o more_o independent_o in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n then_o can_v meet_v at_o all_o time_n in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o their_o ordinance_n will_v not_o all_o the_o independent_o laugh_v at_o any_o presbyterian_a that_o shall_v thus_o dispute_v when_o they_o themselves_o boast_v that_o there_o be_v million_o of_o they_o in_o london_n now_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v true_o inform_v there_o be_v million_o of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n only_o that_o be_v present_a together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o the_o other_o believer_n be_v in_o their_o other_o meet_v place_n yea_o beside_o those_o that_o i_o have_v now_o name_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 5._o that_o at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o be_v true_a worshipper_n and_o believer_n here_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o these_o and_o all_o these_o be_v then_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v by_o many_o witness_n prove_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o believer_n or_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o in_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n how_o therefore_o with_o any_o honesty_n can_v the_o independent_o conclude_v from_o epi_n to_o auto_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n nor_o ever_o after_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n there_o be_v never_o any_o fight_n against_o he_o but_o shall_v i_o yield_v unto_o they_o which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n will_v it_o follow_v in_o any_o sound_a understanding_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o after_o all_o still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n when_o they_o be_v infinite_o daily_o increase_v i_o trow_v not_o for_o so_o to_o speak_v and_o so_o to_o argue_v and_o conclude_v will_v be_v but_o to_o prove_v fighter_n against_o all_o reason_n yea_o against_o god_n himself_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o express_a scripture_n as_o will_v forthwith_o appear_v for_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v say_v that_o then_o that_o company_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o place_n spacious_a enough_o for_o to_o break_v bread_n in_o they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v in_o many_o several_a house_n they_o have_v their_o meeting_n to_o communicate_v in_o therefore_o at_o that_o very_a time_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v to_o be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o new_a convert_v add_v to_o the_o disciple_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v speedy_o and_o ready_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o that_o by_o the_o sole_a and_o alone_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o walk_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o particular_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o must_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n nothing_o i_o say_v of_o all_o this_o be_v either_o practise_v in_o this_o mother-church_n or_o any_o daughter-church_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n but_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v most_o certain_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o their_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v without_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o that_o upon_o offer_v themselves_o the_o second_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o instant_a time_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o those_o express_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n then_o but_o it_o will_v far_o more_o illustrious_o yet_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o divers_a other_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a indefinite_o set_v down_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v tell_v which_o add_v no_o small_a emphasis_n unto_o the_o expression_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o require_v of_o all_o their_o member_n in_o these_o our_o time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o only_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n now_o what_o understanding_n man_n can_v easy_o believe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o daily_a increase_n of_o believer_n make_v that_o they_o can_v all_o still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o other_o new_a addition_n and_o that_o of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o beside_o woman_n for_o so_o say_v the_o scripture_n verse_n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o now_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o they_o be_v then_o force_v for_o want_n of_o a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o to_o divide_v themselves_o into_o divers_a several_a house_n how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o daily_a then_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n may_v any_o one_o imagine_v when_o there_o be_v not_o only_o daily_a addition_n of_o believer_n but_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o add_v unto_o the_o
priest_n be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n relate_v there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o more_o congregation_n of_o the_o ordinary_a people_n and_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v yet_o reckon_v upon_o a_o new_a account_n and_o upon_o a_o new_a list_n so_o that_o there_o be_v numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a business_n as_o the_o independent_o say_v and_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o for_o they_o have_v often_o say_v prove_v once_o but_o clear_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o we_o will_v grant_v you_o the_o day_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o shall_v brief_o add_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o for_o to_o these_o that_o be_v daily_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n we_o hear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o of_o increase_n upon_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o believer_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n verse_n 31._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n through_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o be_v multiply_v for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a now_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o chief_a church_n in_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o she_o also_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o disciple_n daily_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a speak_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n upon_o the_o miraculous_a death_n of_o herod_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n 24._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o great_a increase_n of_o '_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o daily_a to_o multiply_v so_o that_o all_o these_o addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o omit_v many_o argument_n that_o i_o can_v produce_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o from_o the_o miracle_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o necessary_o call_v for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o one_o place_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_n may_v for_o ever_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a and_o abundan_o prove_v unto_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o if_o not_o numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v notice_n what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n speak_v unto_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o church_n must_v all_o necessary_o know_v not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o believer_n there_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o number_n of_o they_o now_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o pain_n and_o attention_n to_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v there_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o witness_n yea_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v james_n the_o apostle_n by_o name_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o synodian_o who_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o they_o give_v in_o this_o evidence_n to_o saint_n paul_n concern_v the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n here_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v there_o then_o of_o strong_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o church_n where_o there_o be_v able_a and_o learned_a minister_n it_o be_v ever_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v three_o strong_a brethren_n to_o one_o weak_a one_o at_o least_o more_o strong_a brethren_n then_o weak_a one_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a in_o that_o church_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n fix_a minister_n there_o and_o able_a preacher_n beside_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n and_o all_o painful_a and_o laborious_a that_o preach_v unto_o they_o night_n and_o day_n &_o instruct_v they_o all_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o with_o miracle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v also_o for_o a_o far_o strengthen_n of_o they_o in_o that_o their_o christian_a liberty_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o ratify_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v daily_o preach_v unto_o they_o all_o this_o their_o christian_a liberty_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o more_o thousand_o of_o strong_a christian_n then_o weak_a in_o that_o church_n yea_o our_o daily_a experience_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n witness_v unto_o saint_n paul_n concern_v this_o point_n verse_n 20._o thou_o see_v brother_n paul_n say_v they_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v nothing_o of_o stranger_n those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o place_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v say_v thou_o see_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inhabitant_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o they_o speak_v of_o inhabitant_n as_o by_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o of_o all_o these_o they_o assert_v these_o thing_n first_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o second_o that_o they_o be_v all_o believer_n disciple_n and_o very_o good_a christian_n yea_o very_a zealous_a one_o three_o they_o do_v witness_v that_o all_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v but_o weak_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o give_v saint_n paul_n counsel_n yea_o a_o order_n somewhat_o to_o connive_v at_o their_o weakness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o their_o favour_n the_o story_n be_v there_o full_o set_v down_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o more_o ten_o thousand_o of_o strong_a believer_n may_v any_o rational_a man_n suppose_v be_v then_o there_o in_o that_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o apostle_n forth_o most_o part_n and_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o able_a presbyter_n all_o miraculous_a teacher_n and_o assist_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sure_o a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n or_o place_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v hold_v their_o very_a body_n much_o less_o can_v a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n have_v hold_v they_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o have_v not_o absolute_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n yea_o to_o wage_v war_n against_o heaven_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n there_o as_o in_o every_o house_n one_o so_o that_o for_o this_o point_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v it_o be_v now_o without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
shadow_n of_o who_o wing_n i_o have_v ever_o find_v there_o be_v only_a safety_n who_o bless_a assistance_n in_o all_o calamity_n they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o may_v be_v most_o assize_v of_o his_o patronage_n now_o and_o his_o defence_n be_v my_o shield_n who_o cause_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o who_o kingdom_n at_o this_o time_n i_o contend_v for_o and_o howsoever_o in_o all_o my_o life_n in_o all_o humane_a learning_n i_o be_v never_o so_o wed_v to_o my_o own_o resolve_n but_o upon_o better_a reason_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v divorce_v from_o they_o yet_o in_o god_n matter_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n and_o teach_v i_o that_o that_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o happiness_n then_o by_o that_o new_a and_o live_a way_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o lambeslaine_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v count_v he_o anathema_n or_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v i_o there_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o then_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o will_v account_v he_o accurse_v for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o believe_v god_n and_o faith_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o bond_n without_o any_o either_o angelical_a or_o humane_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel'_v and_o father_n and_o whatsoever_o i_o find_v a_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o cleave_v close_o to_o it_o against_o all_o humane_a reason_n suppose_v such_o man_n none_o of_o god_n nor_o faith_n true_a friend_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o bond_n except_o they_o have_v reason_n humane_a authority_n counsel_n and_o father_n and_o âaine_a tradition_n join_v with_o they_o for_o surety_n again_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v i_o that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o a_o presbyterian_a one_o i_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a submit_v myself_o to_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o be_v most_o confident_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v warrant_v in_o god_n word_n which_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v the_o rule_n and_o square_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n manner_n and_o government_n and_o here_o i_o must_v mind_v all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v this_o book_n that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n of_o i_o but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v once_o and_o again_o suffer_v for_o and_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v read_v my_o elenchus_n religionis_fw-la papisticiae_fw-la or_o my_o flagellum_fw-la pontificis_fw-la or_o my_o apology_n or_o any_o of_o my_o latin_a book_n in_o all_o those_o they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o my_o suffering_n be_v this_o and_o this_o only_a that_o i_o maintain_v that_o all_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o in_o those_o book_n i_o have_v clear_o and_o full_o through_o god_n assistance_n make_v good_a yea_o in_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o bill_n of_o information_n put_v up_o against_o i_o in_o the_o star-chamber_n they_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n i_o give_v there_o of_o this_o my_o tenant_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n hrivie_a council_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o star-chamber_n so_o that_o i_o stand_v to_o my_o principle_n and_o be_o no_o starter_n and_o if_o then_o among_o god_n people_n it_o be_v think_v a_o opinion_n worthy_a the_o suffering_n for_o and_o my_o christian_a brethren_n deem_v i_o worthy_a of_o honour_n for_o it_o and_o afford_v i_o their_o prayer_n and_o show_v i_o and_o i_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n many_o courtesy_n when_o we_o find_v little_a favour_n from_o our_o own_o brethren_n which_o their_o humanity_n i_o must_v never_o forget_v but_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n for_o ever_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v if_o then_o this_o my_o opinion_n be_v think_v orthodox_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o applause_n i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o a_o truth_n than_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n now_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a then_o it_o be_v good_a now_o for_o the_o change_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v change_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o truth_n but_o this_o my_o opinion_n i_o learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n the_o warrant_n of_o my_o belief_n and_o practice_n this_o word_n therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o my_o christian_a brethren_n in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o question_n now_o agitate_a among_o god_n people_n and_o his_o faithful_a servant_n concern_v church-government_n to_o take_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o with_o those_o noble_a bâreans_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o examine_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o either_o side_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scrigture_n and_o i_o entreat_v they_o also_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o passion_n which_o religion_n have_v no_o need_n of_o and_o all_o vainglory_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o holy_a call_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o with_o a_o virgin_n judgement_n not_o ravish_v with_o any_o previous_a or_o anticipate_v opinion_n to_o come_v and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o consider_v and_o examine_v which_o of_o those_o two_o opinion_n the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n now_o sacrifice_v themselves_o unto_o be_v the_o offering_n that_o will_v best_o endure_v the_o firy-tryall_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 13_o 14_o 15._o viz._n whether_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a or_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a both_o now_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v the_o acceptabl_a service_n and_o best_a please_a sacrifice_n this_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o side_n and_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v yield_v unto_o that_o that_o oblation_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a that_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n only_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o have_v its_o warrant_n from_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o brethren_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v about_o the_o rule_n in_o decide_v of_o this_o coutroversie_n and_o make_v the_o write_a word_n the_o rule_n they_o agree_v also_o about_o the_o material_n both_o acknowledge_v a_o presbytery_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o about_o the_o mould_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o offering_n i_o will_v therefore_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o show_v wherein_o we_o differ_v and_o then_o set_v down_o my_o own_o opinion_n with_o my_o reason_n and_o after_o endeavour_n to_o be_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o this_o unhappy_a difference_n which_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o rejoice_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a question_n between_o we_o they_o call_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o our_o brethren_n they_o term_v independent_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n viâ_n whether_o it_o be_v presbyterian_a dependent_a or_o presbyterian_a independent_a the_o second_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n the_o first_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n or_o christian_a assembly_n common_o call_v church_n in_o our_o dialect_n in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o due_a and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n discipline_n right_o execute_v and_o all_o other_o performance_n which_o make_v for_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o assembly_n likewise_o they_o have_v all_o such_o officer_n and_o help_n of_o government_n as_o in_o their_o several_a place_n be_v right_o employ_v may_v serve_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o and_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o preservation_n ofall_v as_o presbyter_n do_v preach_v and_o rule_v and_o deacon_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n i_o say_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o brethren_n be_v whether_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n may_v be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n or_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o their_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o one_o presbytery_n or_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o many_o
that_o will_v have_v receive_v they_o yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o ver_fw-la 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o but_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o nâ_n say_v he_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow_n elder_n or_o fellow_n saint_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o in_o master_n knollys_n his_o opinion_n diotrephes_n be_v a_o saint_n saint_n diotrephes_n therefore_o let_v he_o be_v even_o such_o another_o saint_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v diotrephes_n say_v he_o love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v the_o doctor_n marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v this_o place_n against_o the_o court_n of_o preshyters_n thus_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o answer_v most_o malicious_o and_o wicked_o calumniate_v his_o brethren_n and_o labour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n be_v like_o diotrephes_n in_o affect_v supremacy_n over_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o enrage_v the_o people_n against_o they_o when_o it_o be_v they_o themselves_o that_o will_v bring_v all_o man_n under_o their_o slavery_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a in_o their_o several_a congregation_n within_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v synonimae_n in_o his_o dialect_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o evident_a from_o his_o word_n page_n the_o 7._o which_o be_v these_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n writ_n to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a expression_n out_o of_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o and_o that_o diotrophe_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n among_o they_o for_o so_o master_n knollys_n do_v in_o express_a term_n acknowledge_v and_o in_o so_o speak_v contradict_v himself_o and_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o error_n he_o accuse_v i_o of_o who_o affirm_v i_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v and_o yet_o here_o he_o assert_v that_o saint_n john_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n for_o i_o once_o and_o again_o and_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n he_o charge_v i_o with_o page_n 6_o and_o page_n 7._o by_o which_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o contentiousnesse_n and_o restlessness_n of_o the_o creature_n spirit_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n who_o contradict_v himself_o at_o every_o hand_n but_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n all_o the_o which_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o diotrephes_n aspire_v to_o the_o primacy_n among_o they_o and_o seek_v to_o stand_v singular_a by_o himself_o with_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v independent_a and_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o reference_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n become_v a_o offender_n by_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o severe_o reprove_v by_o saint_n john_n for_o his_o so_o do_v in_o oppose_v his_o brethren_n in_o take_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o what_o member_n he_o please_v by_o his_o sole_a and_o absolute_a authority_n all_o which_o mr_n knollys_n accord_v to_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o whether_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o affront_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n see_v we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n before_o he_o and_o whether_o those_o that_o now_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o congregation_n within_o themselves_o independent_a be_v not_o rather_o like_o diotrephes_n than_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o government_n in_o common_a according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o palpable_o contradict_v himself_o in_o all_o this_o his_o discourse_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o oppose_v the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v whether_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o mere_o to_o trifle_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a man_n i_o conceive_v that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n when_o they_o shall_v well_o consider_v my_o argument_n and_o mr_n knollys_n his_o reply_n unto_o it_o will_v say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o a_o offender_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v say_v wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o we_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v saint_n john_n himself_o and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o diotrephes_n prate_v against_o and_o oppose_v now_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o elder_a for_o so_o he_o call_v himself_o and_o mr_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o and_o confess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n and_o against_o all_o those_o do_v diotrephes_n prate_v with_o malicious_a word_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o authority_n which_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o gainsay_v yea_o he_o affirmrth_n it_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow-saint_n he_o will_v be_v primate_n say_v he_o and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o do_v it_o not_o then_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o that_o affront_v the_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o speak_n of_o malicious_a word_n against_o they_o &_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o take_n in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n and_o rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n and_o with_o a_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n within_o himself_o in_o his_o congregation_n and_o violate_v that_o order_n of_o government_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n judgement_n to_o assume_v that_o authority_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o open_o to_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o to_o affront_v all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o intelligible_a christian_n will_v say_v there_o be_v never_o any_o opposition_n of_o any_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n if_o this_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o he_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n in_o formal_a word_n whether_o
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o âen_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâu_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiârânt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v 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they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a command_n in_o the_o
all_o the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n in_o awe_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o john_n the_o baptist_n from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n or_o a_o mighty_a city_n of_o believer_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o for_o edification_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o divers_a division_n that_o they_o may_v be_v all_o edify_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o 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saviour_n say_v except_v the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a handful_n all_o the_o people_n or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o be_v believer_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n do_v necessary_o follow_v but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o argue_v yet_o further_o after_o this_o manner_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v a_o tyrannical_a king_n in_o awe_n and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o all_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o there_o of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n must_v be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n but_o in_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n and_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o believer_n as_o keep_v herod_n himself_o the_o tyrant_n in_o awe_n all_o the_o magistrate_n and_o elder_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o strike_v such_o a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n over_o they_o though_o they_o be_v their_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o desire_v it_o ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n the_o number_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o major_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n beside_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a understanding_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o rational_a creature_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o as_o from_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v manifest_a prove_v they_o so_o that_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o such_o as_o will_v call_v in_o question_n truth_n itself_o i_o may_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n above_o mention_v draw_v many_o more_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n but_o because_o i_o study_v brevity_n these_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o s._n john_n the_o baptist_n there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o these_o first_o argument_n of_o i_o by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o very_a baptism_n of_o s._n john_n there_o be_v more_o convert_v and_o make_v christian_n and_o believeres_fw-la in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n master_n knollys_n answer_v by_o deny_v the_o minor_a of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o i._o s._n by_o deny_v they_o be_v christian_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v i_o will_v therefore_o reply_v unto_o they_o both_o in_o order_n begin_v first_o with_o master_n knollys_n who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 8._o i_o do_v deny_v the_o minor_a proposition_n of_o these_o argument_n say_v he_o neither_o have_v the_o doctor_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o believer_n nor_o a_o very_a city_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v by_o the_o doctor_n speak_v no_o such_o thing_n those_o place_n in_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n tell_v we_o of_o very_o many_o who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n but_o do_v not_o declare_v how_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o scripture_n witness_v act._n 9_o 31._o that_o there_o be_v church_n through_o all_o judaea_n as_o well_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v or_o the_o doctor_n either_o many_o of_o those_o baptize_v person_n may_v be_v in_o those_o church_n yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o but_o a_o few_o in_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o those_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act._n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o who_o be_v add_v about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n who_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_n the_o 2._o 42_o 43_o 44._o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n for_o the_o enervate_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o argument_n and_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o convert_v by_o johns_n ministerythen_a can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o here_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n whether_o from_o the_o forego_v place_n which_o i_o quote_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n &_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n deduce_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o believer_n and_o a_o very_a city_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o demand_v i_o say_v of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a
or_o swear_v fealty_n to_o any_o king_n who_o be_v own_v by_o the_o people_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n to_o be_v their_o lawful_a king_n as_o appoint_v and_o set_v over_o they_o of_o god_n and_o be_v open_o proclaim_v through_o the_o who_o realm_n to_o be_v their_o king_n though_o at_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o a_o other_o country_n and_o but_o now_o come_v to_o take_v the_o possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v i_o demand_v whether_o such_o subject_n as_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o swear_v fealty_n unto_o he_o before_o he_o come_v and_o sit_v visible_o upon_o his_o throne_n be_v not_o by_o this_o their_o oath_n become_v that_o king_n subject_n as_o true_o and_o as_o real_o as_o if_o the_o king_n be_v bodily_a present_n i_o demand_v further_o when_o he_o be_v in_o person_n come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o visible_o among_o they_o salute_v and_o entertain_v and_o own_v by_o the_o people_n for_o their_o king_n whether_o or_o no_o those_o subject_n that_o then_o 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bless_a apostle_n those_o steward_n secretary_n privy_a counsellor_n &_o ambassador_n of_o his_o royalty_n who_o all_o baptize_v those_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o into_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o messiah_n as_o well_o before_o his_o death_n as_o after_o and_o all_o they_o own_v he_o as_o well_o then_o for_o their_o king_n as_o after_o cry_v hosanna_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n and_o strew_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o way_n say_v bless_a be_v the_o king_n that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n peace_n in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o high_a luke_n 19_o vers_fw-la 4._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a reason_n yea_o contradictory_n unto_o itself_o that_o i._o s._n bring_v consider_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n though_o there_o be_v some_o variety_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o in_o this_o fond_a error_n of_o i._o s._n be_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o papist_n who_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o baptism_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o that_o after_o his_o death_n when_o indeed_o for_o substance_n there_o be_v none_o no_o more_o than_o be_v between_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o after_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o receive_v either_o of_o those_o sacrament_n or_o both_o of_o they_o before_o his_o passion_n be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o those_o that_o receive_v they_o after_o for_o he_o be_v own_v by_o they_o at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n of_o believer_n and_o to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o people_n to_o be_v the_o anoint_a christ_n &_o they_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o any_o king_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n into_o christ_n to_o die_v which_o i._o s._n do_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v all_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o now_o baptize_v by_o the_o independent_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o faith_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a babble_n and_o a_o contradiction_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o first_o answer_n to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v as_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o other_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n death_n his_o second_o be_v as_o senseless_a which_o be_v this_o to_o say_v say_v he_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v flat_a contrary_n to_o the_o assertion_n of_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 21._o 25._o act._n 18._o 25._o i_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n say_v he_o but_o there_o come_v one_o after_o i_o who_o shall_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o his_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n he_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o falsify_v my_o word_n for_o i_o never_o say_v nor_o think_v it_o that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christ_n for_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o christ_n baptize_v not_o at_o all_o john_n 4._o vers_fw-la 2._o i_o say_v indeed_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 3._o of_o luke_n ver_fw-la 2._o &_o john_n the_o 1._o v._o 33._o where_o john_n himself_o speak_v say_v he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o etc._n etc._n yea_o one_o of_o those_o place_n quote_v by_o himself_o matth._n 21._o vers_fw-la 25._o sufficient_o declare_v that_o john_n have_v his_o commission_n from_o god_n himself_o who_o prophet_n he_o be_v to_o baptize_v with_o water_n and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n baptize_v but_o with_o water_n and_o have_v no_o other_o commission_n but_o that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n have_v and_o john_n baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19_o vers_fw-la 4._o and_o the_o very_a apostle_n baptism_n before_o christ_n death_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n yea_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o preach_a both_o of_o john_n and_o of_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n both_o before_o christ_n death_n and_o after_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act_v 20._o vers_fw-la 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v testify_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o when_o the_o baptism_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o apostle_n both_o before_o christ_n death_n and_o after_o be_v all_o one_o for_o substance_n and_o all_o into_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o see_v act_v the_o 8._o 16._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v no_o error_n in_o i_o to_o say_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v into_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o teach_v i_o and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o apostle_n if_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v into_o he_o can_v make_v good_a christian_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o gainsay_v and_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o therefore_o j._n s._n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o deny_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v christian_n give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pen_v by_o his_o spirit_n assert_v the_o contrary_a and_o for_o that_o text_n that_o he_o cit_v
after_o now_o if_o moses_n do_v his_o work_n perfect_o as_o he_o do_v and_o baptize_v those_o perfect_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n as_o paul_n assert_v 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o do_v all_o he_o do_v in_o perfection_n and_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v he_o in_o the_o mount_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v perfect_o consummate_v his_o ministry_n than_o john_n the_o baptist_n also_o do_v the_o like_a for_o christ_n say_v that_o among_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n than_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v there_o be_v not_o one_o more_o faithful_a and_o that_o do_v his_o work_n more_o complete_o and_o with_o more_o perfection_n which_o christ_n own_o word_n in_o the_o three_o of_o matthew_n do_v yet_o more_o full_o declare_v vers_fw-la 15._o saying_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n now_o if_o the_o baptist_n do_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o his_o ministry_n than_o he_o do_v it_o complete_o and_o make_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o perfect_a complete_a and_o consummate_v christian_n for_o he_o in_o his_o office_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o imperfection_n as_o i._o s._n say_v in_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n than_o he_o do_v not_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o then_o christ_n word_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v a_o high_a point_n of_o blasphemy_n to_o think_v much_o more_o to_o say_v and_o print_v as_o i._n s._n do_v for_o he_o that_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o his_o office_n do_v it_o perfect_o and_o complete_o but_o john_n do_v so_o ergo_fw-la all_o those_o that_o he_o baptize_v be_v complete_a christian_n i_o demand_v therefore_o of_o i._o s._n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o of_o all_o the_o independent_o whether_o christ_n be_v well_o baptize_v or_o no_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o presum_fw-la they_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o baptize_v and_o if_o christ_n himself_o be_v well_o baptize_v than_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v also_o well_o baptize_v and_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a christian_n for_o john_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o baptize_v and_o he_o obey_v god_n command_n in_o this_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o that_o also_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n &_o by_o the_o apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n be_v as_o perfect_a christian_n as_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o baptize_v than_o christ_n be_v not_o well_o baptize_v which_o be_v high_a impiety_n to_o affirm_v neither_o will_v i_o ever_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o john_n baptist_n do_v not_o know_v as_o well_o how_o to_o make_v complete_a christian_n as_o i._o s._n or_o as_o any_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n for_o i_o know_v john_n be_v send_v of_o god_n for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o it_o and_o i_o know_v also_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o ministry_n to_o the_o death_n and_o fear_v not_o the_o face_n of_o herod_n nor_o of_o any_o mortal_a creature_n for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n ascertani_v unto_o i_o but_o that_o our_o independent_a minister_n be_v ever_o send_v of_o god_n and_o bid_v to_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n and_o to_o preach_v up_o their_o congregationall_a way_n or_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o doubt_v it_o for_o first_o i_o know_v that_o they_o run_v backward_o and_o forward_o to_z and_o fro_o before_o they_o be_v ever_o send_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v that_o they_o be_v never_o command_v from_o god_n and_o that_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v preach_v andstood_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n many_o of_o they_o run_v away_o and_o desert_v it_o and_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o it_o as_o john_n baptist_n do_v but_o like_o those_o hireling_n christ_n speak_v of_o john_n the_o ten_o when_o they_o see_v the_o wolf_n come_v cowardly_o run_v away_o and_o leave_v their_o poor_a flock_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o those_o beast_n and_o many_o of_o they_o now_o have_v leave_v their_o flock_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v desert_v their_o charge_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n act_v 20._o vers_fw-la 28._o who_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o that_o i_o can_v name_v i_o great_o doubt_v whether_o the_o independent_a minister_n be_v ever_o send_v of_o god_n but_o for_o john_n i_o know_v he_o be_v and_o i_o know_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o make_v those_o he_o baptise_a perfect_a christian_n i_o know_v likewise_o that_o he_o make_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o they_o and_o that_o jerusalem_n come_v out_o and_o be_v baptise_a also_o which_o when_o i._o s._n deny_v i_o assert_v he_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a fellow_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v his_o due_a desert_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v spew_v not_o only_o out_o of_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n here_o in_o london_n but_o out_o of_o all_o their_o several_a new_a fangle_a congregation_n through_o the_o kingdom_n as_o a_o alien_a and_o stranger_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o all_o learning_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o four_o learn_v answer_v i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o five_o as_o good_a as_o the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o so_o far_o be_v it_o say_v he_o that_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o john_n be_v make_v christian_n that_o even_o johns_n own_o disciple_n who_o have_v the_o best_a and_o frequent_a instruction_n not_o only_o hesitate_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n john_n 3._o for_o 26._o and_o other_o do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v say_v he_o this_o argument_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o people_n receive_v johns_n baptism_n will_v stand_v in_o little_a stead_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n viz_o that_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n much_o less_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o least_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v his_o formal_a expression_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v no_o christian_n in_o these_o his_o word_n there_o be_v a_o double_a argument_n by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o unchristian_a all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n the_o first_o be_v because_o as_o he_o false_o suppose_v they_o be_v enemy_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o be_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o right_o mould_v so_o that_o in_o this_o his_o last_o paragraffe_v or_o section_n we_o have_v two_o argument_n together_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a make_v up_o six_o in_o all_o by_o which_o the_o profound_a disputant_n j._n s._n unchurche_n and_o unchristiâns_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n now_o because_o i._o s._n and_o his_o complice_n do_v place_n so_o much_o strength_n in_o these_o two_o last_o argument_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n the_o more_o serious_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v they_o with_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o by_o i._o s._n and_o my_o reply_n to_o they_o first_o whereas_o he_o deni_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n be_v make_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n so_o in_o his_o thus_o speak_v he_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o those_o place_n i_o quote_v out_o of_o they_o in_o my_o former_a reply_n and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o contradict_v himself_o for_o he_o confess_v that_o john_n baptise_a in_o to_o christ_n and_o he_o baptize_v none_o as_o all_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v but_o believer_n therefore_o they_o be_v christian_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o yet_o here_o as_o often_o former_o he_o deni_v they_o be_v christian_n but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o i_o will_v now_o come_v to_o his_o reason_n his_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v because_o say_v he_o johns_n
own_a disciple_n who_o have_v the_o best_a and_o frequent_a instruction_n not_o only_o hesitate_v that_o be_v doubt_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o messiah_n the_o second_o be_v because_o other_o do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o the_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n these_o his_o reason_n i_o affirm_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mere_a calumny_n and_o a_o false_a accusation_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v but_o his_o own_o wicked_a and_o groundless_a surmise_n and_o if_o every_o man_n from_o his_o own_o fictious_a and_o fond_a conceit_n and_o suppose_a premise_n may_v take_v the_o liberty_n thus_o to_o vent_v himself_o i_o know_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n yea_o overthrown_a and_o i_o know_v no_o christian_n nor_o saint_n but_o may_v at_o any_o time_n be_v unsainted_a and_o unchristian_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o 7._o of_o luke_n vers_fw-la 32_o 33_o 34._o compare_v those_o of_o his_o time_n unto_o little_a child_n sit_v in_o the_o market_n place_n and_o call_v one_o to_o another_o and_o say_v we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v for_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_a bread_n nor_o drink_v wine_n and_o you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v behold_v a_o gluttonous_a man_n and_o a_o wine_n bibber_n afriend_v of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n by_o which_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o see_v nothing_o can_v please_v the_o gentleman_n of_o his_o time_n now_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o age_n in_o the_o world_n or_o company_n of_o man_n in_o it_o that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o these_o little_a child_n than_o this_o of_o we_o and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o especial_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v who_o be_v please_v with_o nothing_o and_o can_v least_o of_o all_o endure_v any_o uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n against_o which_o they_o profess_o both_o write_v and_o preach_v and_o as_o those_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n do_v speak_v against_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o against_o christ_n himself_o so_o at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o we_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n profess_v they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o or_o christ_n disciple_n and_o i._o s._n peremptory_o affirm_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o that_o his_o ministry_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v all_o man_n will_v judge_v that_o the_o independent_o may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o of_o christ_n time_n who_o unchurch_n all_o but_o themselves_o but_o say_v i._n s._n they_o be_v johns_n own_o disciple_n that_o both_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_v and_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o his_o say_n he_o produce_v the_o 3._o of_o john_n vers_fw-la 26._o i_o will_v therefore_o set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n with_o the_o forego_v verse_n which_o will_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n verse_n 25._o then_o there_o arise_v say_v the_o evangelist_n a_o question_n between_o some_o of_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n about_o purify_n and_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordan_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v the_o same_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o these_o be_v the_o word_n out_o of_o which_o i._o s._n ground_n all_o his_o accusation_n against_o johns_n disciple_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v they_o no_o christian_n but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o due_o weigh_v and_o examine_v the_o text_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o very_a similitude_n of_o the_o illation_n and_o consequence_n i._o s._n infer_v from_o thence_o for_o first_o the_o question_n there_o start_v be_v not_o between_o johns_n disciple_n and_o christ_n but_o between_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v between_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o john_n disciple_n who_o be_v enemy_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o question_v all_o they_o do_v ever_o and_o anon_o ask_v john_n and_o christ_n by_o what_o authority_n they_o preach_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o so_o here_o the_o jew_n they_o question_v with_o johns_n disciple_n concern_v his_o ministry_n as_o by_o all_o conjecture_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v &_o about_o legal_a purification_n of_o which_o they_o be_v very_o studious_a and_o great_a observer_n to_o which_o the_o pharisee_n have_v add_v many_o of_o their_o own_o as_o we_o may_v see_v matth_n the_o 15._o and_o mark_v the_o 7._o and_o therefore_o they_o contend_v with_o johns_n disciple_n about_o purify_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o wash_n see_v they_o have_v so_o much_o rinse_n and_o purify_n already_o among_o they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o contention_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o johns_n disciple_n arise_v upon_o this_o that_o johns_n disciple_n much_o magnify_v the_o baptism_n of_o their_o master_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o pharisee_n they_o extol_v as_o much_o their_o purification_n think_v they_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o have_v often_o by_o the_o prophet_n be_v confute_v as_o in_o isa_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n now_o john_n that_o he_o may_v revoke_v all_o man_n from_o this_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rest_v in_o corporal_a washing_n and_o in_o outward_a performance_n exhort_v they_o to_o look_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o all_o those_o ceremony_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o be_v all_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o faith_n whole_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o chapter_n do_v sufficient_o show_v now_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o this_o dispute_n the_o evangelist_n relate_v in_o the_o 26._o verse_n that_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordan_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v the_o same_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i._o s._n shall_v gather_v that_o johns_n disciple_n not_o only_o hesitate_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o see_v very_o good_a ground_n why_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v conclude_v if_o they_o be_v johns_n disciple_n and_o that_o they_o dear_o esteem_v christ_n and_o much_o honour_v he_o rather_o than_o that_o they_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o but_o first_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o johns_n disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o only_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o some_o come_v unto_o john_n they_o come_v unto_o he_o say_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o it_o be_v not_o specify_v for_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n contend_v and_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o the_o last_o place_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o they_o be_v the_o jew_n rather_o than_o johns_n disciple_n that_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o be_v last_o speak_v of_o &_o mention_v and_o if_o they_o be_v the_o jew_n than_o they_o be_v the_o know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n both_o of_o john_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v none_o of_o johns_n disoiple_n as_o i._o s._n fond_o persuade_v himself_o for_o they_o be_v continual_a enemy_n and_o adversary_n to_o they_o both_o so_o that_o if_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n they_o come_v unto_o he_o by_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o as_o be_v scandalize_v &_o then_o they_o be_v not_o johns_n follower_n and_o scholar_n for_o they_o be_v better_o teach_v then_o to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o christ_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o i._o s._n for_o disputation_n sake_n that_o they_o be_v johns_n own_o disciple_n which_o yet_o can_v clear_o be_v prove_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o those_o word_n that_o they_o either_o doubt_v or_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n as_o i._o s._n vain_o and_o impious_o conclude_v for_o if_o any_o shall_v hear_v some_o one_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n great_o magnify_v one_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n minister_n as_o to_o be_v a_o man_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o shall_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rare_a preacher_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o
i_o do_v be_v not_o this_o the_o christ_n then_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v out_o and_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n which_o testify_v he_o tell_v i_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v but_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o thy_o say_n but_o because_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n say_v they_o believe_v before_o upon_o the_o woman_n relation_n but_o we_o now_o coroborate_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o johns_n disciple_n and_o follower_n but_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o therefore_o from_o that_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o think_v that_o any_o of_o johns_n disciple_n that_o have_v the_o best_a and_o frequent_a instruction_n concern_v the_o messiah_n can_v either_o doubt_n or_o be_v scandalize_v at_o he_o because_o the_o people_n follow_v christ_n and_o john_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o he_o no_o sure_o none_o will_v so_o conclude_v but_o i._o s._n and_o his_o fraternity_n much_o less_o will_v they_o say_v that_o other_o do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v i._o s._n his_o second_o reason_n or_o rather_o folly_n and_o madness_n and_o upon_o this_o their_o wicked_a conceit_n and_o groundless_a opinion_n infer_v that_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o i._o s._n do_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o do_v relate_v that_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o that_o baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o a_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a fellow_n than_o be_v this_o i._o s._n that_o dare_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n traduce_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o false_o accuse_v all_o john_n own_o disciple_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o upon_o this_o bare_a opinion_n of_o he_o to_o unchristian_a they_o all_o it_o may_v now_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o any_o good_a christian_n that_o the_o whole_a rout_n of_o the_o independent_o unchurch_n we_o and_o make_v no_o christian_n of_o we_o and_o asperse_v and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a of_o we_o at_o pleasure_n call_v we_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n see_v upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o do_v the_o same_o to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n all_o which_o i._o s._n proclaim_v to_o be_v no_o christian_n as_o his_o word_n do_v sufficient_o speak_v but_o from_o the_o testimony_n that_o he_o produce_v to_o prove_v that_o johns_n disciple_n be_v scandalize_v at_o christ_n i_o gather_v the_o contrary_a for_o the_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o conclude_v with_o all_o that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n daily_o convert_v by_o christ_n and_o johns_n ministry_n &_o be_v all_o make_v good_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o chapter_n quote_v by_o he_o that_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o &_o john_n and_o they_o be_v all_o baptize_v so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o congregation_n can_v contain_v all_o they_o that_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n come_v out_o to_o john_n and_o our_o saviour_n send_v this_o message_n unto_o john_n in_o the_o 7._o of_o luke_n as_o one_o of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v that_o the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n that_o be_v not_o only_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n but_o the_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a in_o respect_n of_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o want_v those_o riches_n that_o other_o abound_v with_o and_o he_o affirm_v of_o these_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n only_o that_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o but_o for_o all_o the_o poor_a say_v he_o and_o all_o other_o that_o hear_v john_n they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v gospel_n christian_n and_o such_o as_o believe_v aright_o and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v credit_v they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o that_o in_o mighty_a multitude_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o and_o a_o few_o congregation_n together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n but_o because_o i_o s._n so_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o people_n receive_v johns_n baptism_n yet_o it_o will_v stand_v i_o in_o little_a stead_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n viz_o that_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n these_o be_v his_o word_n add_v with_o all_o much_o less_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v one_o of_o their_o chief_a argument_n by_o which_o 1_n s._n &_o they_o of_o his_o fraternity_n uphold_v their_o opinion_n of_o independency_n and_o by_o which_o they_o unchurch_n all_o other_o church_n but_o their_o own_o at_o this_o day_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o regard_v i_o will_v spend_v the_o more_o time_n about_o this_o argument_n the_o which_o howsoever_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o i._n s._n but_o as_o as_o a_o corollary_n yet_o it_o may_v stand_v for_o his_o six_o argument_n and_o the_o best_a in_o the_o bunch_n to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v there_o with_o their_o way_n of_o independency_n therefore_o i_o will_v first_o put_v his_o word_n into_o a_o syllogistical_a frame_n then_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o they_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o lest_o of_o all_o be_v member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n but_o all_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o go_v out_o to_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n least_o of_o all_o be_v they_o member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n this_o be_v i._n s._n his_o argument_n which_o he_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n the_o minor_a of_o which_o i_o deny_v affirm_v they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n as_o the_o sequel_n wlil_v show_v but_o because_o by_o this_o argument_n the_o independent_o do_v not_o only_a unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o indeed_o unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o the_o protestant_a church_n through_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o church_n but_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o the_o large_a in_o examine_v it_o with_o the_o several_a term_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o show_v and_o discover_v the_o futility_n and_o vanity_n of_o it_o by_o which_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v for_o by_o that_o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a that_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v but_o a_o old_a piece_n of_o popery_n in_o new_a clothes_n though_o varnish_v over_o with_o fine_a colour_n that_o it_o may_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n more_o lovely_a and_o less_o suspect_v and_o it_o be_v as_o little_a prevalent_a to_o maintain_v their_o cause_n as_o the_o 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true_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v nay_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 2._o which_o they_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v for_o they_o describe_v a_o church_n unto_o we_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o believer_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o in_o number_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n so_o as_o that_o assembly_n or_o church_n must_v not_o be_v fluid_a but_o fix_v in_o its_o member_n and_o officer_n have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o its_o own_o with_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o enjoy_v all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o far_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n we_o can_v gather_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o church_n want_v this_o form_n according_a to_o their_o language_n be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o by_o this_o their_o model_n the_o church_n itself_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a mould_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o i_o shall_v here_o brief_o in_o some_o particular_n show_v and_o more_o large_o demonstrate_v when_o i_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burton_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v they_o want_v deacon_n and_o presbyter_n and_o they_o confess_v withal_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o then_o they_o have_v not_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o other_o church_n through_o judaea_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n there_o and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v also_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o yea_o he_o confess_v that_o in_o its_o infancy_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o by_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o count_v such_o a_o covenant_n the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n from_o all_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o the_o independent_o church_n be_v erroneous_a or_o if_o it_o be_v orthodox_n than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n formewhen_o they_o say_v it_o be_v for_o first_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o yet_o though_o in_o several_a and_o distinct_a place_n and_o assembly_n they_o all_o 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mouth_n &_o at_o the_o next_o time_n depart_v and_o go_v her_o way_n so_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v the_o universal_a messenger_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v out_o into_o all_o nation_n with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o their_o mouth_n that_o trophy_n of_o peace_n and_o glad_a tiding_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n yet_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v not_o their_o abide_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v officer_n there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o country_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o when_o the_o persecution_n come_v according_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v scatter_v and_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v âound_v but_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a those_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v but_o fluid_v when_o they_o run_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n to_o save_v themselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n those_o great_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o their_o language_n all_o alone_a without_o either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n they_o also_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o be_v afterward_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o teach_v and_o baptize_v as_o i_o say_v before_o withal_o the_o independent_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o want_v ed_z that_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n excommunication_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o presbytery_n in_o it_o nor_o no_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o can_v they_o then_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o baptismeof_o john_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n which_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o by_o their_o definition_n &_o they_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o now_o the_o independent_o require_v for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n no_o more_o than_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o i._o s._n and_o the_o independent_o babble_n about_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o mere_a vainty_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o it_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o mould_v up_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mother-church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n according_a to_o the_o independent_o learning_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v then_o she_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o any_o external_a explicit_a particular_a covenant_n nor_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o requisite_n that_o they_o now_o require_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o now_o to_o return_v and_o come_v
and_o accoutrement_n and_o yet_o although_o they_o be_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a assembly_n they_o be_v still_o the_o prelatical_a party_n and_o all_o of_o they_o of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o place_n change_v not_o their_o complexion_n so_o it_o alter_v not_o their_o faith_n nor_o manner_n but_o they_o continne_v still_o malignant_n and_o remain_v all_o member_n of_o the_o malignant_a church_n and_o as_o in_o these_o day_n all_o that_o wish_v well_o unto_o the_o true_a religion_n through_o both_o city_n and_o kingdom_n and_o love_v their_o country_n stand_v for_o the_o parliament_n so_o in_o those_o day_n those_o that_o love_v zion_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o stand_v for_o he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o by_o all_o computation_n though_o all_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o malignant_a magistrate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o be_v sway_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n elder_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n yet_o to_o one_o pharisee_n or_o malignant_a scribe_n or_o ruler_n there_o be_v ten_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o honour_v he_o and_o all_o his_o minister_n and_o disciple_n yea_o the_o pharisee_n themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v frame_v no_o argument_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o those_o new_a addition_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n consider_v by_o themselves_o a_o part_n from_o those_o that_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n convert_v be_v so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n for_o partake_v of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v much_o less_o can_v they_o all_o meet_v together_o be_v join_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v through_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n above_o specify_v i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a people_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o pharisee_n account_v accurse_v there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o room_n or_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o divers_a congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v except_v there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a people_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o pharisee_n account_v accurse_v ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o divers_a congregation_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a no_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v be_v that_o have_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n produce_v and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v but_o i_o yet_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n with_o many_o ruler_n and_o man_n of_o great_a place_n and_o office_n with_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o man_n and_o child_n &_o all_o the_o people_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o 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specify_v prove_v it_o for_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o world_n follow_v he_o that_o be_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o great_a multitude_n entertain_v he_o with_o their_o acclamation_n and_o cry_v hosanna_n the_o very_a child_n also_o second_v they_o and_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n scribes_z and_o elder_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o can_v not_o find_v what_o to_o do_v for_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o the_o whole_a people_n we_o see_v here_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o except_z the_o scribes_z pharisee_n elder_n and_o high_a priest_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o they_o be_v very_o few_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v by_o his_o ministry_n and_o such_o a_o multitude_n there_o be_v of_o they_o as_o for_o that_o present_a they_o so_o awe_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o destroy_v christ_n though_o they_o desire_v it_o so_o that_o the_o minor_a stand_v firm_a and_o from_o the_o premise_n the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v but_o out_o of_o the_o former_a place_n i_o yet_o further_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o water_n enough_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o baptize_v they_o all_o nor_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o wilderness_n capable_a to_o contain_v or_o receive_v they_o all_o so_o that_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v for_o the_o numerosity_n of_o they_o force_v in_o several_a place_n to_o preach_v unto_o they_o and_o baptize_v they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o partake_v or_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o of_o necessity_n be_v to_o be_v distribute_v into_o 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their_o new_a light_n and_o their_o congregationall_a way_n but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n both_o of_o hearer_n and_o teacher_n there_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n many_o place_n for_o they_o seveal_o to_o hear_v in_o and_o it_o stand_v withal_o reason_n that_o the_o several_a strange_a nation_n have_v synagogue_n by_o themselves_o and_o such_o man_n to_o teach_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v edify_v and_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o i_o now_o say_v for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n of_o the_o libertine_n as_o there_o be_v that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v slive_v and_o bondman_n but_o be_v make_v free_a then_o can_v any_o man_n believe_v that_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o freeman_n that_o abound_v also_o with_o wealth_n and_o honour_n or_o 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inhabitant_n there_o now_o howsoever_o by_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o former_a proposition_n this_o latter_a also_o be_v include_v in_o it_o and_o prove_v likewise_o as_o all_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v do_v sufficient_o show_v for_o the_o place_n where_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v christ_n dwell_v be_v say_v to_o be_v jerusalem_n and_o if_o we_o but_o consult_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n we_o shall_v again_o and_o again_o meet_v with_o many_o testimony_n there_o beside_o those_o i_o have_v above_o quote_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o needless_a work_n in_o particular_a to_o prove_v this_o second_o proposition_n see_v it_o be_v already_o evince_v in_o the_o former_a yet_o because_o mr_n knollys_n have_v make_v they_o two_o proposition_n and_o have_v peremptory_o deliver_v it_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v to_o gratify_v he_o and_o to_o satisfy_v any_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v prove_v this_o proposition_n also_o distinct_o and_o several_o by_o itself_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o 29._o verse_n declaâes_v it_o say_v behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o this_o world_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o well_o know_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o be_v yet_o far_o ratify_v out_o of_o the_o 7._o chapter_n ver_fw-la 48._o where_o the_o people_n that_o be_v call_v accurse_v have_v their_o dwell_n for_o they_o be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v they_o not_o be_v inhabitant_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a from_o the_o 21._o of_o matthew_n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o not_o only_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o the_o very_a child_n cry_v hosanna_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o man_n what_o child_n do_v ordinary_o in_o a_o public_a way_n it_o be_v well_o approve_v of_o by_o their_o parent_n who_o likewise_o cry_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v here_o in_o london_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parliament_n when_o the_o king_n come_v into_o the_o city_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o 5_o member_n there_o be_v not_o a_o woman_n or_o a_o child_n that_o have_v a_o head_n as_o big_a as_o a_o crab_n but_o cry_v for_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n &_o common_o as_o the_o cock_n crow_n so_o crow_v the_o hen_n &_o the_o chicken_n and_o by_o all_o probability_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v then_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o parliament_n the_o generality_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o people_n general_o in_o the_o city_n do_v the_o parliament_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a indignation_n and_o wrath_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n who_o be_v displease_v to_o see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o especial_o that_o they_o hear_v the_o child_n cry_v in_o the_o temple_n say_v hosanna_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n by_o which_o they_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o child_n speak_v not_o otherwise_o then_o their_o father_n will_v have_v they_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o inhabitant_n be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o yea_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n add_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o strength_n to_o this_o argument_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v devout_a man_n dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n beside_o the_o inhabitant_n that_o be_v native_n but_o the_o eleven_o of_o mar_n put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n for_o that_o chapter_n speak_v plain_o of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n where_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v two_o mighty_a party_n either_o of_o which_o so_o awe_v the_o scribe_n chief_a priest_n and_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o meddle_v with_o he_o and_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n and_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o although_o christ_n enemy_n seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o yet_o they_o fear_v he_o because_o say_v the_o scripture_n ver_fw-la 17._o all_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v all_o the_o people_n approve_v of_o it_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n matth._n 7._o the_o other_o party_n be_v john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n all_o believer_n too_o for_o it_o be_v there_o assert_v that_o all_o man_n count_v john_n that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n indeed_o ver_fw-la 32._o and_o this_o party_n also_o keep_v the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n christ_n capital_a enemy_n in_o such_o awe_n as_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v any_o thing_n against_o christ_n and_o all_o these_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 28_o verse_n that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v say_v for_o 32._o that_o all_o man_n count_v john_n a_o prophet_n indeed_o now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o man_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o two_o mighty_a party_n and_o both_o believer_n be_v put_v together_o and_o be_v inhabitant_n there_o as_o âhe_v scripture_n relate_v beside_o the_o stranger_n that_o come_v up_o to_o the_o feast_n than_o there_o be_v a_o world_n
all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o that_o in_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n day_n and_o all_o this_o without_o any_o mistake_n or_o paradox_n but_o from_o very_o good_a reason_n which_o if_o this_o puny_a divine_a i._n s._n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o he_o will_v never_o have_v be_v so_o unadvised_a as_o to_o have_v oppose_v the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o all_o solid_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o speak_v so_o rash_o and_o now_o i_o refer_v all_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v either_o honesty_n or_o reason_n in_o these_o man_n who_o to_o maintain_v their_o fond_a error_n will_v deny_v or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o this_o only_a to_o mislead_v the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o very_a day_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o in_o christ_n time_n there_o be_v then_o many_o more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n now_o for_o the_o follow_a argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v it_o be_v much_o more_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o meet_v together_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o add_v so_o many_o thousand_o to_o the_o church_n after_o christ_n ascension_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o those_o time_n i._o s._n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o they_o but_o say_v pag._n 10._o that_o he_o have_v think_v to_o have_v bestow_v as_o much_o time_n on_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o other_o consideration_n forbid_v he_o and_o because_o as_o he_o say_v there_o be_v those_o so_o able_a already_o engage_v in_o the_o dispute_n these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o wise_a epistle_n to_o i_o he_o say_v that_o his_o health_n forbid_v he_o now_o what_o a_o vain_a fellow_n be_v this_o to_o vapour_n that_o he_o have_v whip_v i_o out_o of_o the_o field_n and_o beat_v up_o my_o quarter_n and_o quarter_v my_o book_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o pillar_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o shake_v they_o and_o overthrow_v my_o building_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o title_n page_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o i_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n of_o his_o book_n the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o confess_v his_o indisposition_n of_o body_n and_o other_o consideration_n forbid_v he_o to_o bestow_v any_o more_o time_n upon_o the_o book_n and_o say_v in_o express_a term_n he_o leave_v the_o work_n to_o other_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o a_o worthless_a and_o witless_a fellow_n to_o brag_v and_o glory_n of_o a_o victory_n and_o beat_v up_o of_o a_o man_n quarter_n when_o he_o have_v only_o fling_v a_o squib_n or_o two_o at_o they_o a_o far_o off_o and_o then_o cowardly_a and_o base_o run_v away_o pretend_v sickness_n as_o fresh_a water_n soldier_n common_o use_v to_o do_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o to_o consider_v but_o of_o i._o s._n i_o may_v true_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a quagmire_n of_o ignorance_n and_o wicked_a impudence_n and_o far_o unfit_a for_o any_o serious_a or_o solid_a employment_n much_o less_o to_o be_v a_o captain_n or_o commander_n in_o christ_n army_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o he_o may_v make_v a_o pretty_a soldier_n at_o a_o independent_a festivity_n and_o i_o believe_v that_o be_v it_o to_o shake_v or_o pull_v down_o the_o pillar_n of_o a_o marchpane_n or_o to_o beat_v up_o the_o quarter_n of_o a_o custard_n to_o break_v up_o a_o woodcock_n or_o to_o storm_v a_o venison_n pastry_n or_o to_o plunder_v a_o banquet_n that_o in_o the_o militia_n of_o good_a cheer_n he_o will_v do_v very_o well_o but_o notwithstanding_o i_o will_v have_v i._o s._n be_v now_o in_o a_o course_n of_o physic_n and_o of_o a_o infirm_a body_n to_o use_v some_o moderation_n when_o he_o come_v where_o good_a cheer_n be_v stir_v and_o therefore_o because_o he_o think_v that_o my_o judgement_n in_o such_o matter_n may_v be_v worthy_a of_o some_o account_n for_o so_o he_o intimate_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n i_o will_v advise_v he_o for_o a_o time_n to_o feed_v upon_o snayl_n pie_n and_o mushroom_n and_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o creature_n he_o may_v find_v abundance_n about_o the_o well_n at_o tunbridge_n that_o low_a kind_n of_o diet_n be_v best_a for_o he_o &_o if_o he_o follow_v this_o now_o in_o the_o spring_n but_o some_o week_n and_o drink_v lusty_o of_o the_o water_n there_o they_o will_v wash_v he_o till_o he_o be_v clean_o and_o fit_a for_o my_o finger_n again_o and_o free_v he_o from_o his_o frenzy_n and_o make_v he_o as_o clean_a and_o neat_a as_o he_o say_v my_o postscript_n he_o leave_v in_o those_o water_n will_v be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o counsel_n i_o give_v unto_o i._o s._n gratis_o for_o all_o his_o learned_a pain_n in_o beat_v up_o my_o quarter_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o at_o this_o time_n i_o have_v now_o a_o few_o thing_n yet_o to_o answer_v to_o what_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o those_o argument_n i_o raise_v from_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o multitude_n convert_v by_o they_o after_o christ_n ascension_n which_o you_o shall_v find_v punctual_o set_v down_o in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o number_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o those_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o johns_n &_o christ_n ministry_n by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o from_o the_o divers_a place_n i_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n frame_v such_o argument_n as_o shall_v make_v it_o yet_o more_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v together_o at_o one_o time_n or_o in_o one_o place_n or_o room_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o act_v 3._o 1._o and_o in_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n i_o must_v answer_v to_o some_o objection_n make_v by_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o the_o first_o of_o the_o which_o be_v out_o of_o 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that_o such_o learned_a man_n as_o many_o of_o they_o be_v shall_v so_o argue_v for_o this_o must_v be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o argument_n if_o they_o intend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o be_v not_o so_o numerous_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o these_o in_o peter_n company_n be_v all_o that_o church_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v their_o meaning_n or_o else_o their_o argument_n conclude_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o invalidity_n of_o the_o which_o
then_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o those_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o edification_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o that_o any_o judicious_a man_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o great_a school-learning_n may_v perceive_v the_o invalidity_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o argumentation_n and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v brethren_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o poor_a a_o way_n of_o dispute_v that_o it_o do_v not_o beseem_v man_n of_o gravity_n much_o less_o of_o learning_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o such_o reason_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o nothingnesse_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o people_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v in_o solomon_n porch_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n &_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v contain_v their_o body_n much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v but_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o brethren_n so_o rigid_o as_o i_o may_v and_o therefore_o wave_v many_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v just_o here_o utter_v but_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o that_o now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v ever_o so_o do_v in_o succeed_a time_n when_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a increase_n of_o christian_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n all_o reason_n will_v contradict_v that_o assertion_n within_o this_o seven_o year_n as_o all_o man_n know_v one_o place_n and_o congregation_n will_v have_v contain_v all_o the_o independent_o but_o will_v one_o place_n now_o or_o ten_o contain_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o conceive_v will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a minister_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n then_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v do_v not_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n yea_o they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o disparagement_n unto_o they_o for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o roman_n v._n 20._o affirm_v now_o our_o brethren_n they_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n and_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o they_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n with_o good_a fleece_n on_o their_o back_n yea_o the_o velvit-sheep_n and_o the_o plush-sheepe_n and_o the_o satin_n and_o taffity-sheep_n out_o of_o other_o shepherd_n fold_n and_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v church_n they_o scatter_v they_o and_o the_o poorsheep_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o multiplication_n there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o greek_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o it_o please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n say_v the_o scripture_n from_o thence_o our_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n come_v here_o together_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v then_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v thus_o argue_v as_o the_o wheel-barrow_n go_v rumble_v rumble_v even_o so_o be_v prelatical_a episcopacy_n better_o than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o to_o be_v serious_a shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n in_o succeed_a age_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o the_o multitude_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o greek_n only_o and_o the_o hebrew_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v specify_v and_o this_o every_o rational_a man_n can_v easy_o perceive_v again_o by_o multitude_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o confuse_a company_n go_v in_o a_o tumultuous_a way_n but_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o rational_a man_n of_o each_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v for_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v common_o see_v in_o those_o that_o go_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o petition_n to_o any_o council_n they_o send_v a_o competent_a multitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o able_a man_n to_o grace_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o not_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o negotiate_v it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o mighty_a confusion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o both_o those_o party_n that_o come_v to_o negotiate_v this_o business_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o they_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o if_o any_o man_n will_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n and_o every_o individual_a believe_a greek_a that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o hebrew_n church_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o one_o person_n except_v be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n together_o before_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v judge_n that_o this_o man_n thatshould_n thus_o argue_v be_v very_o much_o craze_a in_o his_o brain_n but_o much_o more_o will_v it_o argue_v a_o great_a imbecility_n of_o wit_n
word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o so_o that_o to_o any_o intelligible_a christian_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n any_o long_o leave_v about_o this_o point_n for_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v not_o gainsay_v but_o god_n have_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o record_v it_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n that_o the_o multitude_n that_o be_v convert_v and_o believe_v upon_o that_o new_a miracle_n and_o preach_v of_o peter_n &_o john_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o man_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gainsay_v but_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o everlasting_a truth_n by_o all_o christian_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o this_o be_v a_o new_a effect_n or_o a_o new_a act_n and_o distinct_a and_o different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o these_o five_o thousand_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o now_o five_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o put_v and_o join_v together_o make_v up_o eight_o thousand_o which_o be_v all_o add_v to_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o former_a that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o my_o addition_n as_o mr._n knollys_n fond_o and_o childish_o conclude_v and_o his_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v my_o mistake_n be_v as_o vain_a and_o senseless_a for_o say_v he_o some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n take_v notice_n i_o pray_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o expression_n some_o of_o the_o three_o thousand_o say_v he_o may_v be_v be_v woman_n and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o and_o it_o stand_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n they_o be_v not_o as_o any_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v although_o i_o do_v not_o set_v it_o down_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o all_o those_o eight_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o mr_n knollys_n here_o commit_v a_o double_a error_n first_o in_o make_v that_o my_o opinion_n and_o ascribe_v that_o to_o i_o which_o i_o only_o then_o relate_v as_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o then_o leave_v it_o in_o medio_fw-la that_o be_v his_o first_o error_n his_o second_o be_v worse_o for_o whereas_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o second_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o act_n master_n knollys_n peremptory_o affirm_v they_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o &_o so_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n who_o declare_v there_o be_v three_o thousand_o at_o one_o time_n &_o five_o at_o another_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o 5._o thousand_o in_o all_o as_o m._n knollys_n assert_v then_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o so_o then_o i_o have_v commit_v no_o error_n neither_o can_v m._n knollys_n convince_v i_o of_o a_o error_n if_o i_o have_v say_v it_o as_o my_o own_o opinion_n that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n have_v be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o for_o the_o five_o thousand_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n the_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o original_a ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d the_o number_n of_o man_n according_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o interpretation_n be_v five_o thousand_o and_o if_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o man_n than_o not_o woman_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o word_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d be_v always_o take_v for_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o matth._n 15._o verse_n 38._o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d and_o they_o that_o do_v eat_v be_v four_o thousandman_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o among_o these_o five_o thousand_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n knollys_n &_o by_o his_o own_o interpretation_n they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n now_o than_o if_o all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o those_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n mount_v in_o all_o but_o to_o five_o thousand_o as_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o do_v not_o and_o be_v all_o man_n as_o he_o accord_v to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v he_o raise_v a_o new_a and_o needless_a cavil_n against_o i_o because_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o many_o learned_a man_n that_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n be_v all_o man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o i_o do_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o relate_v it_o as_o my_o own_o judgement_n neither_o do_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o woman_n among_o those_o eight_o thousand_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n and_o child_n but_o be_v i_o of_o as_o contentious_a a_o spirit_n as_o master_n knollys_n and_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o edification_n i_o can_v bring_v better_a reason_n to_o prove_v they_o be_v man_n only_o and_o not_o woman_n then_o either_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n can_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o mr._n knollys_n himself_o seem_v but_o faint_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o the_o 3._o thousand_o be_v woman_n &_o thus_o he_o trifle_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o first_o argument_n say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n but_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n now_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o woman_n make_v no_o real_a conviction_n of_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v but_o a_o naked_a and_o groundless_a supposition_n of_o a_o mistake_n especial_o when_o there_o may_v be_v many_o solid_a reason_n produce_v to_o prove_v they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o therefore_o such_o kind_n of_o trifling_n be_v not_o sufferable_a in_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o fear_n god_n for_o vain_a jangle_n and_o needless_a contention_n about_o word_n be_v that_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o minister_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o it_o trouble_v i_o not_o a_o little_a that_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o vain_a kind_n of_o creature_n who_o cheese_n babble_n be_v about_o word_n but_o notwithstanding_o i_o see_v a_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o in_o this_o the_o man_n show_v but_o his_o ignorance_n and_o while_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o be_v very_o acute_a he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o very_a child_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n there_o be_v a_o old_a say_n give_v some_o man_n rope_n enough_o and_o they_o will_v hang_v themselves_o even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o take_v that_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o run_v out_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o entangle_v himself_o on_o every_o side_n as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v as_o here_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o any_o scripture_n quote_v by_o i_o of_o eight_o thousand_o and_o he_o deny_v withal_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v prove_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o assert_v moreover_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o all_o those_o convert_n amout_v but_o to_o five_o thousand_o and_o he_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v man_n and_o not_o woman_n and_o yet_o here_o he_o confute_v himself_o i_o desire_v all_o therefore_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o man_n he_o have_v confident_o conclude_v there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o and_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o man_n and_o notwithstanding_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o another_o company_n among_o the_o which_o he_o say_v some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v woman_n so_o that_o by_o his_o own_o concession_n here_o be_v two_o distinct_a number_n or_o company_n one_o consist_v of_o 5._o thousand_o
and_o all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o another_o consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o which_o he_o make_v a_o scruple_n say_v that_o among_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o the_o five_o thousand_o be_v all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o company_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o beside_o among_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n as_o master_n knollys_n say_v than_o this_o three_o thousand_o be_v a_o distinct_a company_n from_o the_o former_a now_o three_o thousand_o among_o the_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n and_o five_o thousand_o all_o man_n make_v up_o full_a eight_o thousand_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n by_o his_o whible_v again_o and_o again_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la confirm_v my_o assertion_n that_o the_o full_a number_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n &_o sermon_n be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v all_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o gain_v by_o his_o fond_a cavil_a and_o contention_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o very_a jangler_n and_o one_o like_o that_o wicked_a servant_n that_o condemn_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o number_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o evince_v and_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o convert_n &_o believer_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o groundless_a but_o to_o be_v most_o impious_a and_o wicked_a as_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a to_o their_o own_o tenant_n and_o principle_n his_o word_n be_v these_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o master_n knollys_n for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o stand_v astonish_v at_o the_o vanity_n senslesnes_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n for_o his_o word_n be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v all_o convert_v and_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lie_n as_o i_o say_v before_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o resistance_n and_o opposition_n make_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o for_o this_o very_a end_n i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n the_o holy_a ghh_v say_v that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v five_o thousand_o here_o be_v two_o truth_n evident_o lay_v down_o contrary_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o error_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o call_v man_n but_o believer_n for_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v second_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v be_v there_o in_o terminis_fw-la set_v down_o to_o be_v five_o thousand_o and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o text_n be_v five_o thousand_o so_o that_o from_o this_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o all_o my_o argument_n deduce_v from_o thence_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v evident_o the_o first_o that_o master_n knollys_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a man_n that_o thus_o at_o pleasure_n can_v give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o oppose_v the_o truth_n itself_o upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o second_o that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v possible_o all_o meet_a in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o in_o its_o very_a infancy_n for_o here_o we_o read_v of_o eight_o thousand_o more_o cnovert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o no_o woman_n nor_o child_n new_o add_v to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o all_o they_o be_v innumerable_a for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v baptize_v beside_o the_o many_o other_o thousand_o that_o the_o scripture_n record_v be_v daily_o add_v to_o these_o all_o which_o i_o say_v can_v not_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o conclusion_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v appear_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o mr._n knollys_n &_o his_o complice_n that_o thus_o sottish_o oppose_v it_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a practice_n who_o for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o own_o error_n and_o for_o their_o base_a lucre_n and_o gain_n &_o for_o worldly_a end_n care_v not_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o church_n &_o state_n for_o the_o seduce_a of_o the_o poor_a people_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o master_n knoyll_n his_o other_o cavil_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v yet_o in_o this_o place_n to_o say_v to_o he_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o 5._o thousand_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v if_o these_o word_n of_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o although_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o many_o of_o they_o unbeliever_n jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o be_v not_o true_a convert_n and_o that_o for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o visible_a saint_n for_o here_o master_n knollys_n say_v they_o be_v mix_v good_a and_o bad_a together_o it_o be_v not_o say_v say_v he_o the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o member_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n some_o of_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v up_o into_o a_o church_n body_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o the_o true_a saint_n and_o believer_n make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o all_o continue_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n both_o saint_n and_o infidel_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n now_o whither_o or_o no_o master_n knollys_n by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o do_v not_o fight_v against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o the_o new_a fabric_n of_o independency_n i_o leave_v it_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o but_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o a_o other_o saint_n diotrephes_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v they_o deserve_v censure_n and_o punishment_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o have_v here_o to_o say_v to_o mr_n knollys_n i_o have_v this_o also_o to_o add_v that_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o five_o thousand_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o believe_v so_o that_o if_o he_o may_v
be_v credit_v all_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v relate_v unto_o we_o concern_v the_o conversion_n of_o these_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a fable_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o believe_v and_o he_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o say_v they_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n whether_o this_o fellow_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o his_o wickedness_n and_o temerity_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a either_o dependent_n or_o independent_o and_o so_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o his_o other_o good_a stuff_n which_o in_o its_o due_a place_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n out_o of_o all_o the_o above_o quote_v place_n of_o scripture_n i_o thus_o far_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v almost_o a_o hundred_o preacher_n and_o minister_n beside_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o all_o these_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o ministry_n to_o serve_v table_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o people_n as_o do_v employ_v they_o all_o there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o the_o major_a very_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n without_o any_o reluctation_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o chapter_n the_o 1._o ver_fw-la 21._o 22._o and_o from_o chapter_n the_o sixth_o ver_fw-la the_o 2_o and_o 4._o and_o chapter_n the_o 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v undeniable_a but_o out_o of_o all_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o far_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n which_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v people_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o in_o some_o multitude_n and_o most_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o wait_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n daily_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o have_v such_o to_o preach_v unto_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o the_o major_n no_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o minister_n employ_v all_o those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o divers_a language_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o do_v improve_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o the_o further_a building_n of_o they_o up_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v their_o call_n and_o employment_n and_o this_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o they_o teach_v those_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v without_o confusion_n unless_o they_o be_v distribute_v in_o several_a assembly_n where_o they_o may_v distinct_o hear_v their_o own_o language_n for_o otherwise_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o if_o man_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o the_o unlearned_a say_v he_o come_v in_o and_o unbeliever_n will_v they_o not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mad_a and_o therefore_o tongue_n be_v give_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o now_o they_o be_v devout_a man_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o several_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n god_n give_v they_o those_o tongue_n and_o that_o diversity_n of_o language_n that_o those_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v more_o edify_v and_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o unlearned_a &_o such_o as_o belong_v unto_o god_n election_n may_v be_v convince_v and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v manifest_v that_o so_o fall_v down_o upon_o their_o face_n they_o may_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v so_o that_o i_o say_v for_o the_o major_n no_o reasonable_a creature_n will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n and_o for_o the_o major_n it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o chap._n 2._o verse_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o chap._n 6._o verse_n 1._o and_o verse_n 2._o 4._o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n that_o from_o the_o premise_n do_v also_o ensue_v again_o i_o thus_o further_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n and_o in_o diverse_a place_n have_v declare_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v diverse_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o major_n no_o christian_a can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o 46_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 12._o and_o vers_n 42._o and_o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 12_o 13._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v and_o in_o those_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v they_o preach_v in_o every_o house_n but_o that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n by_o which_o expression_n all_o writer_n interpret_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o be_v understand_v we_o never_o can_v read_v that_o any_o christian_n in_o jerusalem_n beside_o the_o apostle_n ever_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v relate_v often_o that_o they_o preach_v the_o word_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o no_o jewish_a worship_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v and_o by_o evident_a argument_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o temple_n those_o discriminate_n and_o distinguish_v ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n interpreter_n gather_v from_o the_o ensue_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n but_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v interpret_v by_o all_o divine_n of_o sacramental_a bread_n which_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v usual_o so_o expound_v by_o all_o the_o learned_a upon_o act_n the_o
and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n for_o this_o syllogism_n all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o clear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v say_v as_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v no_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v either_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o they_o be_v force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o be_v they_o force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o may_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o disputation_n especial_o relinquish_v be_v manifest_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v also_o apparent_a from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o their_o preacher_n only_o be_v scatter_v and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_v the_o apostle_n mathias_n chap._n 1._o and_o many_o more_o that_o instruct_v the_o people_n but_o for_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n they_o remain_v still_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v firm_a but_o i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o evince_v that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n together_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o place_n follow_v will_v suffice_v and_o first_o that_o in_o the_o 9_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o all_o indaea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v all_o edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v out_o of_o which_o word_n it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o bellows_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n think_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o it_o make_v it_o but_o more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o far_a to_o spread_v its_o ray_n for_o by_o blow_v and_o puff_v at_o it_o they_o spread_v it_o the_o more_o and_o extend_v it_o here_o and_o there_o far_o abroad_o as_o we_o see_v by_o this_o persecution_n and_o scatter_n of_o those_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o their_o dispersion_n by_o which_o the_o persecutor_n have_v think_v to_o have_v waste_v the_o church_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n every_o where_n and_o here_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v great_a and_o violent_a by_o so_o much_o it_o be_v less_o durable_a for_o this_o great_a persecution_n be_v but_o short_a and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v by_o persecution_n will_v upon_o the_o cease_n of_o it_o return_v again_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o most_o people_n common_o do_v th'heir_n own_o country_n city_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n after_o persecution_n and_o this_o also_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v god_n so_o much_o favour_v the_o lover_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n so_o preserve_v comfort_v and_o follow_v with_o so_o many_o mercy_n and_o uphold_v in_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n never_o forsake_v nor_o never_o leave_v they_o but_o if_o those_o that_o be_v scatter_v have_v never_o return_v that_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o weaken_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o text_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o decrease_v after_o the_o dispersion_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v that_o church_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o who_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o plaee_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v then_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o &_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v they_o of_o necessity_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o her_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v ergo_fw-la of_o necessity_n after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n beside_o common_a understanding_n and_o ordinary_a reason_n which_o confirm_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o 2_o 3._o and_o 5._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n which_o in_o express_a word_n signify_v that_o they_o meet_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v true_a and_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n of_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n be_v multiply_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d signify_v proper_o a_o increase_n in_o number_n and_o multitude_n and_o not_o in_o measure_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n and_o can_v being_n apply_v unto_o person_n be_v otherwise_o take_v whatsoever_o it_o may_v of_o sin_n and_o grace_n and_o then_o
also_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o need_v require_v so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v and_o true_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galatian_n be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o where_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n he_o use_v this_o reason_n that_o if_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o man_n it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v it_o he_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o himself_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a i_o immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o but_o i_o go_v into_o arabia_n then_o after_o three_o year_n i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n and_o abode_n with_o he_o fifteen_o day_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n beside_o the_o singular_a testimony_n we_o have_v that_o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o saint_n paul_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n against_o the_o papist_n we_o may_v evident_o gather_v against_o the_o independent_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o either_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o say_v that_o he_o be_v with_o peter_n fifteen_o day_n but_o in_o all_o that_o time_n see_v none_o of_o the_o apostle_n save_o james_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o so_o employ_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a ministery_n asthey_v have_v not_o so_o much_o spare_v time_n to_o visit_v paul_n and_o that_o paul_n also_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v there_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o visit_v they_o and_o for_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o idle_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o continue_v resident_a for_o many_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o they_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n and_o that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o there_o be_v 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neglect_v his_o duty_n who_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o all_o the_o presbyter_n for_o their_o imitation_n in_o their_o diligent_a preach_n and_o he_o ordinary_o preach_v by_o the_o day_n and_o by_o the_o night_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o sure_o the_o time_n he_o remain_v with_o peter_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o preach_v as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o &_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o their_o particular_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v very_o sedulous_a in_o preach_v as_o who_o have_v both_o strength_n of_o body_n and_o god_n special_a assistance_n and_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n always_o to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v as_o of_o charity_n i_o be_o bind_v that_o paul_n be_v daily_o in_o one_o assembly_n or_o other_o now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o of_o necessity_n paul_n must_v have_v see_v the_o other_o apostle_n there_o as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o james_n for_o they_o also_o be_v good_a churchman_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o prelate_n dialect_n and_o they_o never_o leave_v the_o word_n but_o be_v always_o take_v up_o either_o in_o pray_v or_o preach_v among_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n will_v daily_o upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v be_v with_o their_o flock_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n see_v they_o not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v evident_o apparent_a there_o be_v more_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o place_n or_o two_o more_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n act_v 12._o verse_n 24._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiplp_v here_o also_o we_o have_v another_o good_a effect_n of_o a_o new_a sierce_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o increase_v the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o the_o persecutor_n be_v take_v away_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o multiply_v after_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o a_o double_a persecution_n the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o mnltiply_v that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n
speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judaea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22._o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o saint_n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n myrias_n or_o myriad_o ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v above_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o moât_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospels_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v all_o this_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o have_v out_o of_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v and_o out_o of_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n no_o not_o in_o a_o few_o whether_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o by_o this_o and_o the_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o argument_n out_o of_o both_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o report_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o pearl_n of_o prejudice_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o assertion_n but_o as_o in_o all_o their_o former_a discourse_n i_o faithful_o set_v down_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o confutation_n to_o those_o several_a argument_n they_o oppose_v so_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n true_o relate_v what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o reply_v by_o way_n of_o refutation_n to_o this_o my_o last_o argument_n and_o then_o i_o will_v come_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o gainsay_v and_o reply_n to_o he_o in_o order_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n
of_o singular_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o as_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o preacher_n and_o minister_n by_o office_n and_o be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v former_o send_v out_o by_o christ_n or_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v be_v all_o minister_n and_o preacher_n by_o their_o place_n and_o office_n and_o not_o only_o gift_v brethren_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o it_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a for_o it_o say_v wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o beginning_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o the_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 etc._n etc._n wherefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v ancient_a and_o inveterate_a disciple_n and_o minister_n by_o office_n or_o otherwise_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v judge_v they_o fit_a for_o a_o apostleship_n and_o all_o these_o continue_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o aught_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o contrary_a till_o their_o persecution_n and_o be_v of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o that_o church_n and_o then_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v all_o scatter_a save_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o those_o that_o go_v abroad_o preach_v the_o word_n after_o their_o dispersion_n and_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v minister_n and_o preacher_n by_o office_n which_o teach_v by_o the_o way_n of_o sermon_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v and_o not_o out_o of_o charity_n as_o gift_a brethren_n as_o i_o have_v former_o sufficient_o prove_v upon_o that_o place_n whether_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o fear_v here_o to_o conclude_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n 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yourself_o and_o vex_v your_o reader_n withal_o which_o you_o may_v have_v reduce_v to_o one_o it_o be_v in_o sum_n this_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v many_o christian_a congregation_n and_o all_o these_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o so_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o prime_a apostolic_a church_n be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o succeed_a church_n ergo_fw-la all_o church_n government_n ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o that_o and_o consequent_o by_o a_o presbytery_n over_o many_o congregation_n as_o for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n we_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 but_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o 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that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o at_o first_o deacon_n till_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n which_o be_v no_o pattern_n for_o every_o church_n to_o have_v seven_o deacon_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n that_o of_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v
by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 12._o again_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n if_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o other_o church_n then_o in_o this_o that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o act_n 15._o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o thing_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v inspire_v in_o which_o respect_n their_o resolution_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v it_o follow_v that_o 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reader_n i_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o neither_o regard_v his_o pr_v yse_n nor_o sleighting_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o constant_a to_o the_o principle_n either_o of_o humanity_n or_o religion_n but_o like_o the_o chameleon_n he_o speak_v of_o page_n 3._o receive_v impression_n of_o sundry_a form_n changeable_a according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o man_n in_o his_o rage_n so_o it_o may_v true_o be_v aver_v of_o he_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o in_o his_o fury_n &_o passion_n neither_o live_v nor_o dead_a upon_o the_o least_o conceive_a displeasure_n against_o they_o no_o not_o those_o he_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o as_o all_o that_o have_v be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o frothy_a pamphlet_n and_o language_n can_v testify_v for_o he_o spare_v not_o the_o king_n himself_o nor_o parliament_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o one_o of_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v in_o all_o loyalty_n as_o a_o subject_n but_o as_o a_o special_a servant_n and_o to_o the_o other_o if_o ever_o any_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o veneration_n he_o be_v who_o be_v bind_v unto_o that_o great_a council_n for_o his_o liberty_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o life_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o good_a name_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v spare_v neither_o but_o have_v most_o unchristian_o and_o undutiful_o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o asperse_v they_o upon_o all_o occurrence_n and_o therefore_o if_o at_o pleasure_n he_o can_v vilipend_v sleight_n traduce_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o dignity_n i_o may_v not_o think_v myself_o aggrieve_v if_o he_o most_o unbrother_o in_o his_o scribble_n abuse_v i_o yea_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o for_o this_o his_o so_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o i_o think_v myself_o honour_v by_o it_o and_o account_v it_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v have_v learn_v that_o lesson_n of_o my_o heavenly_a master_n that_o when_o man_n revile_v i_o reproach_n i_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a of_o i_o false_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o so_o they_o have_v do_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n matth._n 5._o luke_n the_o 6._o and_o paul_n take_v such_o deal_n from_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o his_o time_n for_o matter_n of_o triumph_n 2_o cor._n 12._o verse_n 10._o say_v i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a this_o i_o apply_v unto_o myself_o who_o have_v suffer_v as_o much_o from_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n in_o reproach_n in_o persecution_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o revile_v and_o blast_a language_n as_o their_o daily_a pamphlet_n and_o word_n can_v witness_v as_o any_o man_n now_o live_v and_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o that_o i_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o error_n and_o oppose_v the_o novelty_n and_o groundless_a opinion_n of_o the_o time_n all_o the_o which_o will_v the_o more_o aggravate_v their_o judgement_n because_o they_o do_v as_o immoderate_o praise_v i_o as_o can_v be_v prove_v before_o they_o know_v my_o differ_a opinion_n from_o they_o as_o they_o do_v now_o malicious_o and_o causeless_o vituperate_v i_o and_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o i_o be_o not_o change_v in_o my_o opinion_n in_o any_o know_a truth_n from_o what_o i_o both_o believe_v and_o to_o my_o power_n practise_v above_o these_o thirty_o year_n neither_o have_v i_o any_o reason_n to_o vary_v from_o my_o principle_n they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unerring_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o his_o party_n slight_v of_o i_o and_o my_o endeavour_n i_o wave_v they_o as_o mere_a grollery_n know_v that_o my_o book_n have_v be_v read_v by_o more_o judicious_a man_n then_o either_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n and_o have_v have_v the_o approbation_n of_o learned_a man_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o argument_n for_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o candour_n and_o fair_a deal_n in_o he_o as_o to_o lay_v down_o my_o reason_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o conceal_v they_o all_o and_o make_v a_o syllogism_n of_o his_o own_o or_o else_o have_v borrow_v it_o from_o some_o of_o his_o american_n friend_n and_o fetch_v it_o out_o of_o the_o new_a world_n for_o i_o never_o read_v the_o like_a in_o either_o europian_n or_o asian_a writer_n no_o nor_o in_o any_o african_a author_n &_o yet_o that_o country_n be_v famous_a for_o monster_n and_o usual_o esteem_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nursery_n of_o prodigious_a birth_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o syllogism_n i_o never_o see_v bring_v forth_o by_o any_o of_o that_o nation_n as_o this_o of_o his_o frame_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o every_o suck_a sophister_n will_v be_v ready_a true_o to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o he_o false_o speak_v of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n &_o christ_n disciple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n the_o same_o i_o say_v will_v any_o but_o a_o novice_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n conclude_v of_o his_o syllogism_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o form_n mood_n or_o figure_n and_o that_o i_o can_v easy_o make_v evident_a be_v it_o not_o for_o mispend_v of_o precious_a time_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o displease_v the_o good_a old_a father_n in_o discover_v his_o nakedness_n and_o infirmity_n who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v with_o i_o because_o he_o conceive_v i_o mean_v he_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o baskethilted_n beard_n how_o much_o will_v he_o be_v enrage_v if_o i_o shall_v discover_v his_o ignorance_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n in_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n which_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n in_o but_o leave_v that_o i_o will_v come_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v needs_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o unjust_a deal_n who_o at_o one_o time_n rob_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o they_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o the_o only_a visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o proclaim_v by_o christ_n himself_o john_n 4._o to_o be_v the_o
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n âimes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
i_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâen_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n the_o communicate_v and_o participate_v notwithstanding_o in_o all_o the_o which_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o formal_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o i_o affirm_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n as_o be_v found_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o one_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n that_o only_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o his_o principle_n viz._n if_o the_o sever_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n make_v they_o not_o several_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n teach_v because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o major_n no_o well_o ground_v christian_n will_v deny_v it_o especial_o the_o independent_o can_v gain_v say_v it_o for_o if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v and_o teach_v then_o much_o more_o where_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o which_o also_o they_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o by_o lawful_a minister_n and_o officer_n appoint_v and_o send_v by_o god_n himself_o i_o say_v by_o far_o better_a reason_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o visible_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o all_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a man_n will_v easy_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v 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the_o author_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concering_n this_o business_n who_o word_n i_o will_v set_v down_o at_o large_a desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o own_o expression_n rather_o than_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o accuse_v i_o to_o have_v pick_v and_o choose_v what_o make_v most_o for_o i_o and_o against_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o object_n it_o may_v possible_o here_o be_v object_v how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n answ_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_a by_o this_o ensue_a argument_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o two_o or_o three_o so_o join_v together_o do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v thou_o take_v two_o or_o three_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n loe_o here_o be_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v by_o they_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o consequent_a can_v be_v deny_v for_o what_o people_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v neither_o be_v this_o destitute_a of_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o it_o humfred_n de_fw-fr religione_fw-la vera_fw-la conservanda_fw-la pag._n 24._o ecclesiam_fw-la cum_fw-la dico_fw-la non_fw-la unum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aut_fw-la ministrum_fw-la sed_fw-la legitimum_fw-la ac_fw-la christianum_fw-la catum_fw-la nomino_fw-la et_fw-la innuo_fw-la beside_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n will_v prove_v the_o consequent_a a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n &_o unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o 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they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n 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intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a ãâã_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
be_v mention_v make_v in_o that_o epistle_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n 1_o cor._n 14._o verse_n 34._o let_v the_o woman_n say_v the_o apostle_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n congregation_n and_o church_n be_v synonima_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n and_o depend_v all_o upon_o that_o stock_n and_o therefore_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n where_o verse_n the_o 1._o paul_n and_o timothy_n salute_v all_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o that_o epistle_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v all_o one_o and_o we_o meet_v also_o with_o many_o deacon_n all_o which_o prove_v to_o any_o understand_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n for_o one_o deacon_n will_v have_v serve_v for_o one_o congrgeation_n or_o assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o teacher_n beside_o their_o good_a and_o godly_a bishop_n for_o paul_n say_v there_o be_v dog_n among_o they_o evil_a worker_n and_o those_o of_o the_o concision_n and_o he_o bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o beware_v of_o those_o chap._n 3._o verse_n 2._o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v worldly_a man_n that_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n who_o he_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n as_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o adays_o do_v chapter_n 4._o verse_n 18_o 19_o and_o give_v they_o in_o command_n to_o shun_v their_o example_n and_o only_o to_o follow_v his_o and_o such_o as_o walk_v as_o he_o do_v who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o many_o such_o teacher_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n and_o such_o as_o teach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o sincere_o all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o college_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n where_o paul_n complain_v that_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o which_o he_o wish_v be_v root_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o or_o destroy_v so_o that_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n &_o common_a counsel_n of_o a_o presbytery_n there_o for_o there_o be_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n and_o in_o every_o city_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o by_o name_n my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o viz._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n with_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v and_o this_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n revel_v the_o 2._o of_o the_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o elder_n to_o he_o act_v the_o 20._o verse_n 17._o in_o the_o which_o church_n there_o be_v such_o infinite_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o yea_o paul_n himself_o declare_v as_o much_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n verse_n 20._o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d which_o by_o master_n knollys_n his_o learning_n signify_v per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o therefore_o by_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v many_o congregation_n as_o in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o all_o reason_n indeed_o will_v persuade_v it_o have_v it_o not_o in_o word_n be_v specify_v for_o ephesus_n be_v a_o famous_a city_n and_o a_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o whole_a year_n by_o who_o hand_n god_n wrought_v no_o small_a miracle_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o through_o other_o wonder_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o that_o city_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a ch_z 19_o set_v down_o so_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o very_a scholar_n and_o such_o as_o study_v curious_a art_n be_v also_o convert_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n the_o price_n of_o which_o amount_v to_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n in_o so_o much_o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o greek_n and_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o ephesus_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v and_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v or_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n a_o mighty_a city_n and_o a_o mart_n town_n can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n together_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o madness_n to_o think_v so_o if_o the_o very_a diversity_n of_o their_o language_n and_o tongue_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o dissuade_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v they_o must_v understand_v their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o which_o so_o many_o people_n of_o several_a language_n and_o dialect_n can_v never_o do_v by_o any_o one_o for_o it_o be_v then_o a_o miracle_n to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o convert_v the_o nation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o prophet_n all_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o very_o seldom_o have_v the_o ordinary_a people_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o some_o select_a and_o choose_a one_o not_o upon_o all_o promiscuous_o buâ_n upon_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v upon_o all_o then_o simon_n magus_n need_v not_o have_v offer_v money_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o purchase_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o those_o grace_n have_v be_v promiscuous_o give_v but_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o to_o some_o sortsof_n man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v distribute_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n make_v special_a choice_n of_o for_o so_o it_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 10._o 11._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o common_a people_n have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o language_n they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v edify_v must_v have_v such_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n in_o ephesus_n must_v necessary_o have_v divers_a place_n to_o meet_v in_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o otherwise_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o only_o that_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o we_o read_v of_o at_o the_o first_o plantationof_n this_o church_n the_o scripture_n say_v act_n the_o 20._o that_o for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o paul_n teach_v they_o night_n and_o day_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n they_o have_v also_o timothy_n sometime_o among_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a teacher_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_n for_o 28._o who_o all_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o they_o with_o a_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v that_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o have_v a_o commission_n likewise_o give_v they_o to_o oppose_v all_o false_a teacher_n which_o they_o faithful_o perform_v as_o the_o lord_n bear_v they_o witness_v revel_v the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o saying_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o labour_n and_o thy_o patience_n and_o how_o thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o government_n of_o
that_o church_n be_v whole_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n likewise_o and_o authority_n of_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o we_o far_o learn_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o although_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n govern_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n conclude_a his_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o those_o asian_a church_n rev._n the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v he_o who_o make_v the_o particular_a or_o singular_a church_n he_o write_v to_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o church_n not_o one_o only_a as_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n only_o he_o do_v make_v that_o one_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o particular_a to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a classical_a or_o collegiate_n church_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o epiphonemicall_a conclusion_n to_o every_o church_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o in_o particular_a do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o as_o of_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o church_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la one_o church_n have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o be_v classical_o or_o collegiate_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la to_o the_o which_o argument_n the_o independent_o answer_v by_o deny_v of_o the_o assumption_n say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequentér_n as_o well_o as_o antecedentér_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o they_o cite_v junius_n his_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o denial_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n they_o produce_v also_o master_n bains_n his_o authority_n to_o as_o little_a end_n christ_n say_v he_o do_v not_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o church_n precede_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o collective_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o singular_a church_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n both_o several_o and_o joint_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o make_v to_o this_o argument_n page_n 133._o and_o if_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v never_o want_v answer_n and_o reply_v but_o we_o look_v for_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o word_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v our_o argument_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o gainsay_n the_o argument_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o the_o other_o six_o church_n and_o true_o he_o grant_v the_o argument_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o antecedenter_v so_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o worââ_n may_v be_v take_v antecedenter_n as_o well_o as_o consequenter_fw-la that_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o go_v before_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o follow_v viz_o both_o way_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o require_v and_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o argument_n i_o labour_v to_o prove_v for_o who_o ever_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n bid_v they_o watch_n that_o what_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o man_n so_o who_o ever_o yet_o deny_v that_o when_o christ_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n say_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o church_n there_o christ_n have_v as_o well_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o to_o all_o succeed_a church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o their_o example_n be_v forewarn_v lest_o they_o likewise_o offend_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o all_o man_n know_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v though_o primary_o principal_o and_o antecedenter_v he_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n assembly_n or_o church_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n as_o first_o to_o those_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v yet_o call_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o other_o also_o as_o consist_v of_o many_o several_a company_n and_o several_a congregation_n yet_o be_v all_o combine_a together_o in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o subordinate_a to_o each_o of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v but_o for_o one_o church_n within_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v to_o they_o all_o several_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o number_n of_o multitude_n as_o to_o many_o though_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o epistle_n he_o write_v to_o they_o all_o as_o particular_a and_o singular_a church_n because_o though_o each_o of_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o classical_a way_n and_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o those_o epistle_n shall_v as_o well_o be_v consider_v collective_o as_o the_o word_n angel_n now_o all_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o the_o very_a independent_a minister_n themselves_o hold_v that_o by_o angel_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o each_o of_o those_o several_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o those_o several_a epistle_n may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o interpret_v collective_o for_o many_o minister_n then_o the_o word_n church_n also_o may_v or_o be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o for_o many_o church_n for_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o pastor_n and_o âlock_n be_v relative_n and_o have_v reference_n one_o to_o another_o now_o if_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n than_o there_o must_v likewise_o be_v many_o flock_n in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o those_o church_n it_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o constitution_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n we_o find_v many_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n a_o whole_a college_n of_o they_o act_v the_o 20_o ver_fw-la 17_o and_o 28._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n as_o in_o that_o church_n so_o in_o the_o other_o six_o for_o in_o express_a word_n paul_n say_v that_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n public_o and_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d that_o be_v in_o every_o house_n which_o be_v by_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v to_o signify_v many_o several_a congregation_n in_o that_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o when_o the_o independent_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o therefore_o several_a church_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o expression_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o they_o have_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o meet_v place_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o have_v both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n have_v obtain_v so_o much_o
which_o the_o lord_n preserve_v his_o people_n from_o and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o all_o cordial_a and_o understand_a man_n to_o oppose_v with_o all_o their_o might_n as_o they_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n end_n all_o the_o which_o the_o whimsicall_a opinion_n of_o independency_n will_v hinder_v which_o indeed_o tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o anarchy_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o atheism_n or_o a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o nigh_a ally_n one_o from_o another_o and_o to_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o man_n as_o our_o small_a and_o little_a experience_n of_o that_o way_n have_v by_o woeful_a trial_n and_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o their_o definition_n in_o discover_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o that_o set_v down_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n with_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o it_o to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v subject_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o government_n as_o the_o independent_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o their_o definition_n viz._n their_o particular_a explicit_a holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o not_o only_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n but_o make_v it_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o reason_n above_o specify_v as_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o god_n our_o father_n nor_o no_o example_n in_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o have_v no_o other_o but_o the_o general_a covenant_n which_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o allow_v as_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o god_n himself_o though_o they_o reject_v that_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n bring_v in_o by_o the_o independent_o as_o be_v a_o humane_a ordinance_n which_o all_o christian_n in_o god_n service_n ought_v to_o abhor_v as_o not_o command_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n who_o voice_n only_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v and_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v to_o set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o be_v their_o lawgiver_n and_o mighty_a councillor_n and_o the_o sole_a governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v accord_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o independent_o that_o this_o their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n be_v indeed_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n as_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o people_n than_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o their_o own_o congregation_n be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n which_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n to_o aver_v and_o maintain_v but_o beside_o this_o their_o unwarrantable_a covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n they_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n which_o they_o hold_v not_o only_o requisite_a but_o god_n ordinance_n also_o as_o first_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o week_n month_n and_o perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o for_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o behaviour_n and_o manner_n and_o except_o they_o can_v please_v the_o whole_a church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o admittance_n at_o last_o second_o after_o their_o good_a like_n of_o their_o carriage_n they_o enjoin_v they_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o that_o dislike_v they_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v three_o after_o this_o they_o require_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o all_o which_o if_o the_o congregation_n approve_v not_o of_o as_o sufficient_a they_o can_v be_v yet_o admit_v last_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v must_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o else_o by_o their_o charter_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o church-communion_n with_o they_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v they_o require_v in_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n before_o any_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o joint_a member_n among_o they_o never_o a_o one_o of_o the_o which_o condition_n or_o injunction_n not_o withstand_v have_v either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o all_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a flavery_n that_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n beside_o this_o their_o particular_a explicet_fw-la covenant_n which_o they_o make_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v they_o only_o require_v without_o any_o of_o their_o other_o grollery_n be_v a_o bondage_n too_o unsufferable_a for_o in_o that_o their_o covenant_n as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o some_o of_o they_o when_o in_o familiar_a manner_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o friendship_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o method_n of_o admit_v of_o their_o joint_a member_n and_o especial_o what_o the_o covenant_n import_v and_o what_o they_o promise_v in_o it_o and_o what_o by_o it_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o and_o for_o answer_v they_o reply_v that_o three_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n first_o that_o they_o promise_v and_o by_o this_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o in_o all_o church_n fellowship_n as_o to_o be_v helpefull_a one_o to_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o to_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o stand_v one_o by_o another_o without_o desertion_n of_o each_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n and_o to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o willing_a subjection_n and_o conformity_n not_o only_o to_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v now_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v among_o they_o but_o also_o willing_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o such_o new_a light_n for_o the_o future_a that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n discover_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v by_o the_o independent_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n they_o require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n and_o which_o they_o promise_v and_o covenant_n to_o perform_v the_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o if_o they_o be_v single_a person_n either_o bachelor_n or_o maiden_n widow_n or_o widower_n they_o may_v not_o marry_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o their_o holy_a covenant_n be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o remove_v their_o habitation_n and_o dwelling_n though_o never_o so_o advantageous_a unto_o they_o for_o their_o traffic_n and_o trade_n into_o any_o remote_a place_n from_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v comprise_v under_o this_o covenant_n which_o they_o keep_v among_o themselves_o as_o arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la as_o secret_n of_o their_o kingdom_n all_o the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v serious_o look_v into_o contain_v in_o they_o so_o many_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o exceed_o advantageous_a unto_o themselves_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o party_n and_o the_o more_o corroborate_n their_o combination_n as_o those_o that_o be_v judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v but_o be_v there_o no_o other_o slavery_n and_o bondage_n in_o their_o whole_a religion_n but_o this_o of_o their_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o appertinance_n belong_v thereto_o as_o among_o other_o their_o blind_a obedience_n there_o be_v never_o yet_o a_o great_a yoke_n of_o servitude_n put_v upon_o poor_a people_n under_o antichrist_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o papist_n oft_o time_n scour_v over_o old_a holy_a day_n with_o new_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o new_a one_o even_o so_o the_o independent_o furbush_n over_o old_a error_n with_o new_a varnish_n to_o make_v they_o more_o specious_a to_o the_o delude_a people_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o as_o new_a truth_n and_o set_v they_o up_o as_o new_a light_n when_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o ancient_a error_n and_o very_a popery_n itself_o in_o a_o new_a attire_n as_o
they_o speak_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n all_o such_o therefore_o as_o contrive_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v against_o those_o who_o at_o every_o word_n they_o call_v brother_n and_o good_a brother_n &_o yet_o write_v whole_a book_n to_o the_o defame_n of_o they_o and_o kill_v of_o their_o good_a name_n which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o murder_n of_o their_o very_a body_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v saint_n as_o they_o be_v like_o cain_n that_o wicked_a one_o that_o slay_v his_o brother_n ver_fw-la 12._o all_o such_o therefore_o as_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o practice_v the_o contrary_a be_v double-minded_n man_n and_o a_o generation_n not_o of_o the_o just_a but_o unjust_a for_o they_o speak_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n when_o therefore_o all_o the_o independent_o in_o word_n pretend_v love_n unto_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n and_o seem_v to_o honour_v the_o parliament_n and_o the_o scot_n and_o their_o godly_a brethren_n the_o minister_n and_o yet_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a they_o can_v to_o render_v they_o all_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n &_o to_o baptize_v they_o into_o the_o hatred_n of_o all_o man_n and_o write_v scurrilous_a and_o defamatory_n book_n against_o they_o all_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o rejoice_v at_o any_o evil_n that_o happen_v to_o any_o of_o they_o or_o to_o hear_v of_o any_o breach_n or_o division_n among_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o make_v it_o great_a and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pray_v with_o they_o or_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o have_v be_v hear_v in_o their_o public_a congregation_n say_v and_o that_o in_o their_o prayer_n now_o father_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o assembly_n but_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n thus_o they_o speak_v unto_o god_n himself_o of_o the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o so_o much_o as_o their_o prayer_n as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v and_o yet_o to_o the_o world_n they_o pretend_v they_o honour_v the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n and_o love_v all_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n and_o wish_v they_o all_o happiness_n when_o all_o their_o action_n word_n and_o pamphlet_n proclaim_v the_o contrary_a for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o most_o of_o their_o employment_n be_v to_o traduce_v the_o parliament_n and_o their_o government_n and_o to_o make_v the_o scot_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n their_o brethren_n the_o most_o hateful_a people_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o all_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o people_n under_o a_o unsupportable_a slavery_n and_o a_o great_a yoke_n of_o tyranny_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prelate_n this_o be_v their_o very_a language_n in_o all_o their_o discourse_n and_o writing_n yea_o often_o in_o their_o meeting_n place_n by_o which_o they_o have_v so_o enrage_v the_o people_n every_o where_n against_o all_o our_o godly_a and_o painful_a minister_n that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o a_o evil_a eye_n through_o city_n and_o country_n and_o yet_o they_o pretend_v love_n unto_o they_o in_o word_n and_o call_v they_o brethren_n at_o every_o turn_n and_o their_o godly_a brethren_n and_o yet_o will_v starve_v they_o if_o they_o can_v and_o both_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o preach_v and_o dispute_v labour_v to_o take_v away_o their_o good_a name_n yea_o their_o livelyhood_n their_o tithe_n the_o only_a maintenane_fw-la by_o which_o they_o shall_v support_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n all_o which_o their_o deal_n be_v abominable_a dissimulation_n so_o that_o when_o they_o most_o court_v they_o and_o faun_n upon_o they_o with_o the_o title_n of_o brother_n and_o good_a brother_n and_o show_v they_o some_o outward_a courtesy_n they_o have_v most_o need_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o they_o for_o than_o they_o plot_v mischief_n and_o speak_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o illdependents_a be_v no_o true_a saint_n for_o they_o speak_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o character_n of_o the_o true_a saint_n they_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n the_o 3._o back_o bite_v not_o with_o their_o tongue_n nor_o do_v evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n in_o this_o verse_n there_o be_v three_o other_o character_n together_o of_o true_a saint_n as_o in_o the_o former_a ver_fw-la the_o first_o they_o backbite_v not_o with_o their_o tongue_n the_o second_o they_o do_v no_o evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n the_o three_o they_o receive_v not_o a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n they_o will_v not_o entertain_v endure_v or_o take_v up_o or_o believe_v a_o evil_a report_n against_o their_o brethren_n for_o they_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o know_v that_o they_o that_o receive_v steal_v good_n into_o their_o house_n or_o do_v assent_v unto_o a_o thief_n be_v as_o equal_o guilty_a as_o the_o thief_n that_o take_v they_o away_o now_o all_o such_o as_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a employment_n to_o traduce_v their_o neighbour_n and_o defame_v they_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o and_o foul_o reproach_v they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o contumelious_a and_o disgraceful_a language_n call_v they_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n the_o antichristian_a brood_n the_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n use_v a_o thousand_o such_o scurrilous_a and_o unchristian_a reproach_n against_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n in_o tongue_n and_o pen_n and_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a unto_o they_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o write_v libellous_a book_n against_o they_o and_o receive_v and_o embrace_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a report_n against_o they_o yea_o hunt_v after_o such_o and_o seek_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v matter_n of_o slander_n against_o they_o and_o give_v ear_n to_o tale-bearer_n and_o busy_a body_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o will_v embrace_v the_o acquaintance_n of_o the_o most_o impious_a peoyle_n in_o the_o world_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v and_o give_v ear_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n of_o profess_a atheist_n in_o any_o thing_n they_o shall_v false_o report_v against_o any_o of_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n all_o such_o in_o god_n dialect_n be_v no_o true_a saint_n for_o they_o that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o backbite_v not_o with_o their_o tongue_n they_o do_v no_o evil_a to_o their_o neighbour_n nor_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n much_o less_o against_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o dignity_n now_o i_o say_v if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o independent_o make_v it_o their_o ordinary_a and_o daily_a practice_n not_o only_o to_o traduce_v backbite_v and_o do_v evil_a and_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n but_o do_v all_o these_o evil_n also_o against_o those_o that_o be_v in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o be_v make_v ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n and_o over_o themselves_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o that_o do_v all_o these_o evil_n and_o all_o those_o that_o assent_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o in_o god_n esteem_n now_o that_o the_o ildependents_a be_v guilty_a of_o all_o these_o crime_n the_o many_o pamphlet_n late_o set_v forth_o by_o they_o as_o those_o publish_v by_o john_n lilburne_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o other_o scurrilous_a and_o libellous_a book_n set_v forth_o by_o those_o of_o that_o party_n and_o countenance_v by_o they_o do_v sufficient_o witness_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v desire_v of_o any_o man_n ingenuous_o to_o tell_v i_o what_o it_o be_v to_o backbite_v their_o neighbour_n and_o do_v evil_a to_o they_o and_o to_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o they_o if_o speak_v defamatory_n word_n of_o they_o all_o and_o write_v and_o publish_v of_o libellous_a book_n against_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o backbite_v their_o neighbour_n certain_o such_o word_n and_o book_n as_o accuse_v the_o parliament_n of_o injustice_n tyranny_n and_o of_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n over_o the_o people_n against_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o the_o petition_n of_o right_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o make_v they_o all_o as_o bad_a as_o strafford_n and_o the_o prelate_n and_o such_o word_n pamphlet_n and_o writing_n against_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n and_o commons_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o defame_n of_o they_o and_o their_o just_a power_n and_o government_n and_o to_o disaffect_v the_o people_n against_o they_o and_o to_o stir_v up_o a_o faction_n against_o their_o just_a authority_n and_o to_o make_v they_o odious_a to_o all_o man_n
character_n be_v evident_o visible_a and_o apparent_a and_o those_o that_o either_o countenance_n vile_a person_n and_o honour_v not_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n or_o break_v their_o vow_n promise_n and_o covenant_n with_o either_o god_n or_o man_n they_o in_o god_n repute_n be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o pretend_v they_o what_o they_o will_v but_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n and_o such_o as_o bring_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v for_o as_o solomon_n say_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o city_n be_v save_v so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v overthrow_v prov._n 11._o for_o 11._o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o city_n and_o country_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n the_o second_o of_o timothy_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o this_o know_v also_o say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n covenant-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitorous_a heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o widow_n house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n brief_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o perilousnesse_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n say_v not_o that_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o war_n or_o pestilence_n or_o famine_n or_o earthquake_n or_o inundation_n or_o murder_n slaughter_n and_o robbery_n or_o for_o any_o such_o calamity_n the_o lastdaye_n and_o time_n shall_v be_v perilous_a but_o they_o shall_v be_v perilous_a time_n say_v he_o for_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o covenant-breaker_n false_a accuser_n covetous_a etc._n etc._n so_o that_o self-love_n covetousness_n false_a accusation_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o covenant-breaking_a etc._n etc._n be_v the_o cause_n that_o make_v time_n perilous_a and_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o city_n and_o place_n where_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v practiser_n of_o these_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o have_v forewarn_v all_o such_o as_o fear_n god_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n command_v all_o the_o true_a saint_n indeed_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o man_n and_o in_o express_a word_n say_v from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o such_o for_o all_o covenant-breaker_n and_o false_a accuser_n and_o such_o as_o countenance_v vile_a person_n and_o honour_v not_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o such_o as_o keep_v not_o their_o word_n and_o promise_n with_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o peril_n and_o misery_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o but_o aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o avoid_v according_a to_o that_o of_o solomon_n prov._n 4._o for_o 14_o 15._o enter_v not_o say_v he_o into_o the_o path_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o go_v not_o into_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n avoid_v it_o pass_v not_o by_o it_o turn_v from_o it_o and_o pass_v away_o here_o we_o see_v the_o wise_a man_n as_o if_o he_o can_v never_o have_v give_v caution_n enough_o to_o all_o his_o scholar_n by_o many_o reduplication_n of_o his_o word_n give_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o strict_a charge_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o company_n with_o such_o man_n and_o that_o for_o the_o many_o reason_n set_v down_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o this_o reason_n specify_v by_o saint_n paul_n may_v suffice_v who_o say_v that_o all_o covenant-breaker_n and_o false_a accuser_n and_o self-seekers_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o perilous_a time_n and_o so_o be_v all_o such_o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v not_o contemn_v and_o who_o honour_v not_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o who_o keep_v not_o their_o covenant_n and_o promise_v for_o all_o such_o be_v no_o saint_n in_o god_n esteem_n and_o therefore_o a_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o make_v the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v perilous_a and_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o all_o the_o true_a saint_n and_o godly_a to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o independent_o be_v such_o as_o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v not_o contemn_v and_o such_o as_o honour_v not_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o such_o as_o keep_v not_o their_o word_n and_o promise_n neither_o with_o god_n nor_o man_n but_o be_v notorious_a covenant-breaker_n or_o assenter_n to_o all_o such_o person_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o for_o the_o character_n of_o the_o true_a saint_n be_v to_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n &_o to_o honour_v those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o vow_n and_o promise_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n for_o not_o only_o the_o psalmist_n thus_o describe_v the_o true_a saint_n but_o saint_n john_n also_o say_v by_o this_o man_n be_v know_v to_o be_v saint_n if_o they_o love_v the_o brethren_n by_o this_o say_v christ_n you_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v my_o disciple_n that_o be_v saint_n indeed_o if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o i_o shall_v therefore_o demand_v of_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_a whether_o they_o believe_v that_o those_o that_o run_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o join_v with_o any_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n and_o seek_v their_o advancement_n &_o that_o to_o place_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o such_o as_o they_o daily_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o true_o religious_a and_o will_v run_v from_o committee_n to_o committee_n to_o do_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o vile_a man_n and_o know_a malignant_n any_o courtesy_n and_o will_v both_o in_o word_n countenance_n and_o deed_n favour_n and_o honour_v they_o i_o demand_v i_o say_v whether_o they_o think_v that_o in_o such_o man_n eye_n as_o will_v do_v all_o these_o office_n to_o wicked_a person_n and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o any_o of_o their_o godly_a brethren_n and_o that_o will_v at_o any_o time_n join_v with_o any_o such_o against_o either_o the_o godly_a and_o painful_a minister_n or_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n to_o defame_v they_o or_o do_v they_o any_o mischief_n or_o to_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o place_n and_o livelyhood_n or_o for_o the_o hinder_v of_o their_o preferment_n yea_o and_o which_o be_v more_o for_o the_o hinder_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o church_n i_o demand_v i_o say_v of_o any_o true_o godly_a christian_a whether_o they_o think_v that_o in_o any_o such_o man_n eye_n as_o do_v all_o these_o office_n and_o courtesy_n to_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v when_o he_o daily_o see_v the_o contrary_a that_o they_o honour_v they_o and_o prefer_v they_o before_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o most_o assure_a he_o will_v conclude_v and_o affirm_v that_o in_o their_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v not_o contemn_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o independent_o i_o undertake_v upon_o my_o life_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o vile_a person_n nor_o the_o wicked_a wretch_n that_o they_o will_v not_o join_v with_o to_o do_v any_o of_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n a_o mischief_n &_o that_o they_o will_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o in_o false_o belie_v their_o brethren_n yea_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o when_o the_o independent_o have_v be_v demand_v by_o some_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n minister_n why_o they_o have_v leave_v the_o public_a assembly_n see_v there_o be_v now_o no_o ceremony_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o doctrine_n that_o they_o can_v find_v fault_n with_o and_o they_o have_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v in_o regard_n that_o their_o congregation_n be_v mix_v that_o tagg_n rag_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o who_o they_o can_v not_o join_v whereupon_o the_o minister_n that_o they_o may_v remove_v this_o scandal_n and_o offence_n labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n so_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o may_v manifest_v unto_o
all_o man_n they_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n otherwise_o profess_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o administer_v the_o communion_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o some_o month_n abstain_v from_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o use_v all_o their_o best_a endeavour_n in_o that_o interim_n by_o their_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preach_v and_o exhortation_n to_o fit_v all_o man_n for_o the_o better_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v gratify_v their_o tender_a conscience_n i_o say_v in_o this_o interim_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v prove_v that_o these_o independent_o who_o those_o godly_a minister_n have_v such_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v go_v unto_o these_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n that_o the_o minister_n except_v against_o for_o their_o conversation_n as_o ungodly_a and_o profane_a and_o join_v with_o they_o against_o their_o minister_n say_v unto_o they_o what_o will_v you_o give_v tithe_n and_o maintenance_n to_o such_o minister_n as_o shall_v thus_o deal_v with_o you_o as_o to_o deny_v you_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n sure_o be_v i_o in_o your_o condition_n &_o be_v i_o a_o member_n of_o your_o congregation_n i_o will_v never_o own_v such_o a_o man_n for_o my_o minister_n nor_o never_o give_v any_o allowance_n to_o any_o such_o as_o will_v not_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n unto_o i_o by_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o they_o have_v make_v those_o painful_a minister_n so_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n by_o join_v with_o those_o wicked_a varlet_n as_o they_o have_v not_o only_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o livelyhood_n and_o maintenance_n but_o so_o persecute_v they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o reproach_n and_o evil_a language_n as_o they_o have_v force_v they_o to_o leave_v their_o place_n and_o to_o wander_v about_o the_o world_n to_o get_v themselves_o a_o poor_a live_n for_o the_o supportation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o distress_a family_n by_o all_o which_o proceed_n if_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o countenance_v a_o vile_a person_n and_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n i_o know_v not_o what_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v to_o deserve_v those_o character_n by_o all_o which_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o true_a saint_n if_o the_o lord_n himself_o know_v how_o to_o describe_v saint_n indeed_o this_o that_o i_o have_v here_o relate_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v by_o such_o witness_n as_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v no_o just_a exception_n and_o that_o all_o the_o independent_o be_v notorious_a covenant-breaker_n or_o assenter_n unto_o such_o as_o violate_v their_o oath_n and_o promise_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n all_o the_o kingdom_n can_v witness_v for_o i_o especial_o those_o minister_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n with_o who_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v break_v all_o promise_n and_o solemn_a agreement_n not_o once_o but_o many_o time_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o needless_a work_n to_o expatiate_v any_o further_a in_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v no_o saint_n indeed_o when_o they_o manifest_v by_o all_o their_o practice_n that_o they_o neither_o walk_v upright_o nor_o work_v righteousness_n nor_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o when_o they_o backbite_v their_o neighbour_n with_o their_o tongue_n and_o do_v evil_a unto_o they_o and_o receive_v a_o reproach_n against_o their_o neighbour_n and_o countenance_n vile_a person_n and_o honour_v not_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o keep_v not_o their_o promise_n either_o with_o god_n or_o man_n by_o all_o which_o they_o declare_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o saint_n indeed_o when_o all_o these_o character_n be_v the_o badge_n only_o of_o wicked_a man_n to_o do_v contrary_a to_o that_o description_n of_o true_a saint_n now_o when_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o these_o be_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v mix_v assembly_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n &_o therefore_o ought_v just_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n for_o they_o pretend_v they_o separate_v from_o our_o assembly_n only_o because_o they_o be_v mix_v of_o tagg_n rag_n and_o such_o saint_n as_o job_n will_v not_o set_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o his_o flock_n many_o other_o argument_n also_o may_v i_o here_o bring_v against_o both_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n to_o prove_v they_o no_o visible_a saint_n and_o that_o not_o from_o any_o private_a information_n or_o clandestine_v practice_n but_o for_o open_a delinquency_n and_o scandalous_a walk_n and_o that_o in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o such_o personage_n as_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o business_n let_v i_o say_v that_o which_o a_o learned_a man_n once_o utter_v read_v christ_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o if_o it_o be_v the_o man_n now_o live_v be_v no_o christian_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n that_o either_o this_o description_n of_o the_o true_a saint_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o if_o it_o be_v those_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n be_v no_o saint_n for_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o the_o description_n of_o those_o saint_n there_o specify_v as_o all_o their_o practice_n sufficient_o and_o apparent_o declare_v and_o now_o the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o my_o minor_a proposition_n remain_v only_o to_o be_v prove_v viz._n that_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n despise_v their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o they_o which_o be_v so_o apparent_o true_a as_o beside_o their_o word_n and_o pamphlet_n in_o all_o which_o they_o protest_v against_o we_o as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n &_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o a_o antichristian_a brood_n their_o daily_a practice_n declare_v it_o who_o have_v mould_v themselves_o into_o innumerable_a suck_a congregation_n which_o they_o term_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o our_o aslembly_n as_o from_o so_o many_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o be_v their_o language_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o needless_a spend_v of_o time_n to_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o evince_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n &_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o avouch_v have_v therefore_o thus_o prove_v all_o the_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o my_o minor_a proposition_n the_o major_a be_v undeniable_a the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v not_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o be_v mix_v congregation_n and_o therefore_o by_o true_o godly_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v communicate_v with_o in_o holy_a thing_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n so_o that_o now_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n from_o that_o i_o have_v former_o speak_v &_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n and_o from_o their_o own_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n that_o neither_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_z 1._o s._n his_o word_n and_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o very_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o not_o come_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o definition_n be_v no_o right_n constitute_v church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o visible_a saint_n &_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v right_o form_v church_n they_o must_v all_o be_v dependent_a all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o all_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o any_o intelligible_a &_o impartial_a reader_n in_o the_o which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o large_a that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v undeceive_v the_o poor_a delude_a people_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o as_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n &_o christ_n disciple_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o first_o form_v
as_o he_o be_v precedent_n in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o continue_v still_o the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o know_v very_o well_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o and_o what_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n there_o be_v inhabitant_n in_o that_o church_n all_o which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n continual_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o paul_n come_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v act_v the_o 21_o chapter_n be_v inform_v by_o he_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o what_o those_o disciple_n have_v hear_v concern_v his_o preach_n which_o show_v not_o only_o that_o saint_n james_n have_v his_o abode_n in_o that_o city_n but_o that_o those_o believer_n likewise_o be_v dweller_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o that_o now_o he_o have_v very_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o yea_o which_o be_v more_o at_o that_o very_a time_n that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o those_o alm_n peter_n and_o james_n be_v then_o in_o that_o city_n if_o not_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n also_o as_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n abundant_o show_v and_o without_o doubt_n they_o all_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o common-council_n order_v how_o the_o alm_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o it_o do_v most_o necessary_o follow_v what_o so_o ever_o mr._n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o scripture_n record_v that_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o judaea_n &_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o metropolis_n city_n in_o judaea_n and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n v._o 25._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n return_v from_o jerusalem_n whither_o they_o have_v carry_v the_o alm_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o princiall_a and_o chief_a presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n it_o may_v not_o be_v credit_v that_o they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o prime_a magistrate_n and_o governor_n do_v sit_v still_o and_o leave_v the_o rule_n order_v and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o other_o of_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o they_o of_o inferior_a rank_n but_o they_o also_o act_v their_o part_n in_o the_o government_n at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o at_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v when_o the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o either_o and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o joint_a consent_n and_o when_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o all_o it_o necessary_o follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o garrulity_n that_o my_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o scripture_n will_v ever_o stand_v good_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o send_n of_o the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n make_v good_a these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o only_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o and_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n govern_v and_o rule_v it_o by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n yea_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n who_o say_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o and_o not_o by_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a presbyter_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n much_o less_o by_o any_o other_o person_n or_o people_n in_o they_o but_o the_o presbyter_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n ground_v upon_o that_o scripture_n that_o the_o relief_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o as_o he_o himself_o set_v it_o down_o in_o the_o 12._o page_z of_o his_o book_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o major_a and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v say_v the_o doctor_n the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v thus_o master_n knollys_n relate_v this_o argument_n whole_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o argument_n he_o first_o thus_o reply_v i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o brethren_n ever_o deny_v ed_z that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v so_o that_o he_o assent_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o presbyter_n by_o office_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n that_o he_o quarrel_v the_o form_n of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o show_v i_o how_o i_o shall_v have_v frame_v it_o aright_o but_o all_o those_o that_o know_v indeed_o what_o real_o belong_v to_o learning_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o man_n do_v but_o babble_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v spend_v time_n in_o trifle_v with_o he_o about_o form_n mood_n and_o figure_n in_o syllogism_n who_o know_v no_o more_o in_o logic_n then_o the_o horse_n he_o preach_v on_o i_o may_v be_v think_v as_o vain_a as_o himself_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o hereafter_o to_o learn_v his_o grand-dame_n to_o suck_v and_o not_o i_o to_o make_v syllogism_n pass_v by_o all_o those_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o he_o have_v far_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o 13._o page_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o that_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o i_o will_v come_v to_o i._n s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n and_o profound_a clerk_n master_n knollys_n to_o this_o argument_n thus_o far_a answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o as_o apostle_n act._n 15._o and_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o over_o all_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o but_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o some_o one_o church_n only_o as_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o 28._o or_o philippi_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n often_o insert_v in_o his_o book_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n page_n 12._o and_o second_o because_o this_o will_v make_v the_o presbyter_n independent_a indeed_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a on_o christ_n by_o who_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o and_o though_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o presbyter_n may_v say_v so_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n be_v mention_v there_o the_o
send_v to_o samaria_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n the_o 8._o and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n by_o that_o church_n there_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v send_v again_o to_o antioch_n syria_n &_o galatia_n so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dependent_a as_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o m._n knollys_n be_v altogether_o in_o error_n in_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a neither_o be_v that_o true_a also_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n any_o far_a than_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o there_o be_v a_o special_a caution_n &_o caveat_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o all_o his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a christ_n but_o also_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o who_o bid_v all_o the_o gentile_n beware_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o listen_v not_o to_o any_o as_o come_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o decree_n yea_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n gal_n 1._o verse_n 7_o 8._o give_v they_o and_o all_o christian_n a_o special_a charge_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v account_v he_o accurse_v and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 10._o and_o 11._o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o false_a apostle_n although_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n and_o enjoin_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o in_o they_o warn_v all_o christian_n to_o beware_v of_o false_a teacher_n though_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o apostle_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v not_o according_a to_o sound_a word_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n peter_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o saint_n john_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n and_o command_v they_o withal_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o house_n nor_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n and_o the_o same_o do_v saint_n jude_n in_o his_o and_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o be_v commend_v for_o discover_v and_o cast_v out_o the_o false_a apostle_n by_o all_o which_o and_o many_o more_o proof_n and_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o christ_n who_o minister_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v and_o the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n apocalyp_v the_o 2._o verse_n 1._o who_o have_v their_o authority_n and_o commission_n as_o well_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o and_o who_o preserve_v and_o protect_v they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a what_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o as_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n sufficient_o declare_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o master_n knollys_n fond_o say_v who_o be_v their_o fellow_n servant_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v the_o transaction_n of_o all_o the_o business_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o much_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o council_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o i_o say_v in_o my_o argument_n and_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o by_o god_n assistance_n more_o abundant_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o master_n knollys_n who_o think_v all_o man_n shall_v take_v for_o a_o oracle_n every_o word_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o pen_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o never_o so_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o just_a control_n as_o that_o other_o of_o his_o expression_n be_v where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v always_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n in_o the_o which_o word_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a error_n for_o peter_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n neither_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o satan_n neither_o when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n nor_o when_o he_o temporize_v among_o the_o galatian_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n church_n as_o he_o erroneous_o and_o ignorant_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o who_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n profess_v 2_o cor._n 4._o ver_fw-la 5._o that_o they_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n and_o themselves_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n his_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n glory_n in_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n if_o the_o church_n therefore_o be_v christ_n golden_a candlestick_n and_o his_o church_n and_o his_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o timothy_n aver_v ch_n 3._o ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o where_o he_o say_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n if_o therefore_o i_o say_v church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v also_o a_o special_a prohibition_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o his_o people_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v over_o they_o that_o be_v their_o subject_n how_o then_o can_v mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o apostle_n church_n every_o man_n i_o conceive_v that_o have_v any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o with_o deliberation_n shall_v read_v mr_n knollys_n scribble_n will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o sacred_a thing_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o frontless_a man_n and_o without_o all_o shame_n he_o will_v never_o have_v publish_v so_o many_o error_n and_o so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v he_o ever_o have_v say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v unto_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n in_o my_o first_o book_n that_o they_o act_v in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n but_o because_o mr_n knollys_n be_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v about_o that_o point_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v for_o the_o more_o ample_a satisfaction_n if_o not_o to_o he_o at_o least_o to_o other_o i_o will_v here_o prove_v that_o point_n a_o little_a more_o full_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v brief_o also_o answer_v mr_n knollys_n his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o fufferage_n and_o vote_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n in_o that_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o debate_n and_o controversy_n in_o the_o synod_n and_o in_o that_o whole_a business_n do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n but_o as_o presbyter_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o ordinary_a counsel_n and_o synod_n for_o first_o paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o barnabas_n though_o both_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o be_v at_o that_o time_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ver_fw-la 2._o as_o servant_n of_o that_o presbytery_n who_o willing_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o that_o church_n subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o determination_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o act_v as_o
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_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 act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
nothing_o âut_v peacock_n parrot_n and_o jackanapes_n or_o more_o mischievous_a thing_n though_o gay_o set_v forth_o with_o the_o which_o he_o befool_v himself_o and_o amase_n yea_o deceive_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n while_o they_o go_v gaze_v after_o they_o for_o say_v he_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o and_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n etc._n etc._n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o must_v tell_v i._n s._n that_o from_o who_o soever_o he_o have_v borrow_v this_o distinction_n it_o be_v groundless_a and_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o sacred_a writ_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o a_o learned_a professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o find_v distinction_n in_o schoolman_n to_o mock_v god_n and_o destroy_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o thereupon_o exhort_v all_o his_o scholar_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a lest_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o man_n person_n and_o from_o the_o conceit_n they_o have_v of_o their_o piety_n and_o ability_n in_o learning_n they_o be_v not_o deceive_v and_o the_o same_o exhortation_n may_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n especial_o when_o a_o lie_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o innumerable_a false_a prophet_n as_o it_o do_v in_o ahab_n his_o time_n and_o when_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o house_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o these_o regard_n i_o say_v the_o caveat_n and_o exhortation_n of_o that_o reverend_a divine_a may_v now_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a for_o these_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v all_o man_n upon_o to_o prove_v and_o examine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v 1_o thess_n 5._o ver_fw-la 21_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a now_o in_o divine_a matter_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n we_o must_v be_v especial_o careful_a that_o we_o see_v a_o ground_n &_o warrant_v out_o of_o his_o word_n or_o from_o excellent_a reason_n or_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o whatsoever_o opinion_n or_o distinction_n in_o sacred_a thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v and_o propound_v unto_o we_o and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o authority_n or_o ground_n from_o thence_o or_o some_o example_n or_o precedent_n or_o solid_a reason_n or_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o same_o word_n to_o warrant_n and_o confirm_v it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o good_a christian_n especial_o if_o it_o consist_v of_o captious_a doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a expression_n and_o which_o will_v admit_v of_o various_a and_o different_a interpretation_n and_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o this_o grollish_a distinction_n bring_v by_o i._o s._n do_v for_o he_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o when_o all_o learned_a man_n know_v that_o authority_n jurisdiction_n and_o power_n be_v all_o one_o as_o when_o a_o magistrate_n make_v use_n of_o either_o of_o these_o word_n say_v such_o a_o one_o be_v under_o my_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n all_o man_n know_v that_o either_o of_o those_o word_n signify_v his_o authority_n over_o he_o and_o those_o expression_n intimate_v one_o &_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o the_o word_n interest_n which_o he_o make_v a_o synonimon_n with_o power_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a grollery_n for_o that_o be_v a_o word_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o of_o various_a signification_n and_o admit_v of_o divers_a interpretation_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o power_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o which_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o i._o s._n himself_o know_v not_o but_o this_o word_n serve_v the_o turn_n of_o our_o american_n brethren_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n here_o to_o juggle_v withal_o but_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o word_n interest_n signify_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o what_o they_o understand_v by_o it_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o by_o that_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o people_n by_o interest_n they_o mean_v and_o understand_v a_o title_n or_o right_a or_o due_a in_o the_o people_n both_o to_o the_o property_n and_o possession_n of_o all_o the_o power_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v original_o and_o radical_o in_o the_o people_n and_o that_o it_o be_v proper_o their_o due_a and_o right_n and_o from_o they_o only_o delegated_a to_o the_o officer_n of_o church_n and_o state_n who_o as_o they_o do_v betrust_v with_o it_o so_o they_o may_v at_o pleasure_n take_v it_o from_o they_o again_o and_o this_o that_o i_o now_o say_v the_o pamphlet_n of_o these_o time_n many_o of_o they_o can_v witness_v be_v their_o meaning_n by_o interest_n among_o other_o that_o of_o england_n birth_n right_a and_o john_n lilburn_n learned_a letter_n who_o in_o the_o 14_o page_n of_o the_o same_o have_v these_o word_n for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o england_n who_o have_v reside_v in_o they_o that_o power_n that_o be_v inherent_a in_o the_o people_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o land_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o who_o word_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o they_o make_v all_o power_n to_o be_v inherent_o in_o the_o people_n as_o their_o birthright_n to_o which_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v as_o good_a title_n and_o claim_n as_o to_o their_o inheritance_n and_o that_o they_o in_o their_o language_n call_v interest_n &_o this_o also_o can_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o pamplet_n and_o from_o their_o word_n that_o if_o they_o conceive_v the_o parliament_n use_v not_o that_o power_n they_o be_v entrust_v with_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o land_n they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n by_o the_o people_n be_v devest_v of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o question_v i_o be_o confident_a i_o say_v there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o prove_v as_o much_o as_o i_o now_o say_v have_v be_v utter_v by_o the_o sectary_n of_o these_o our_o time_n and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o they_o increase_v but_o to_o a_o little_o great_a number_n that_o unless_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o mighty_a power_n in_o preserve_v the_o parliament_n if_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o displease_v they_o and_o not_o humour_v they_o to_o their_o content_n they_o will_v put_v that_o in_o execution_n and_o real_o act_v what_o now_o they_o but_o mutter_v in_o corner_n and_o set_v forth_o in_o libellous_a pamphlet_n and_o in_o warn_a piece_n as_o in_o london_n late_a warning-piece_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o by_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o independent_o language_n which_o they_o place_n in_o the_o people_n and_o not_o in_o the_o officer_n they_o mean_v the_o sovereign_a and_o supreme_a authority_n and_o all_o say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a birthright_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o parliament_n and_o judge_n and_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v but_o their_o servant_n either_o to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o their_o hear_n or_o for_o execute_v of_o what_o they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o speak_v of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v only_o to_o please_v they_o a_o little_a by_o put_v a_o rattle_n into_o their_o hand_n that_o may_v look_v gayly_a and_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n but_o have_v no_o strength_n in_o it_o for_o they_o keep_v all_o power_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v good_a out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o distinction_n and_o that_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o all_o authority_n in_o time_n through_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o this_o distinction_n must_v necessary_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o that_o my_o charge_n against_o i._n s._n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n for_o he_o write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v
thus_o trample_v all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n and_o yet_o pretend_v they_o only_o set_v he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a they_o practise_v the_o contrary_a and_o violate_v all_o his_o most_o holy_a statute_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o his_o commandment_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o judge_v their_o brethren_n and_o not_o admit_v of_o they_o into_o christ_n church_n and_o house_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o christ_n nevertheless_o have_v enact_v so_o many_o law_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o three_o query_n the_o four_o follow_v concern_v the_o covenant_n whether_o necessary_a to_o admission_n to_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n thus_o reply_n page_n 14._o now_o say_v he_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o covenant_n be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n to_o many_o and_o tell_v we_o moreover_o what_o he_o have_v say_v concern_v their_o covenant_n in_o his_o vindication_n that_o learned_a piece_n of_o stuff_n such_o a_o other_o as_o his_o truth_n shut_v of_o door_n and_o his_o protestation_n protest_v and_o then_o he_o make_v a_o brief_a description_n of_o their_o covenant_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o covenant_n that_o be_v so_o terrible_a but_o the_o order_n of_o church-communion_n and_o this_o be_v to_o those_o only_a that_o have_v usod_a to_o walk_v without_o a_o yoke_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v son_n of_o beliall_a love_v not_o to_o come_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n than_o which_o to_o a_o willing_a bearer_n nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o sweet_a i_o expect_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n especial_o who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o he_o count_v all_o man_n enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o convert_v but_o in_o part_n when_o they_o come_v not_o up_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reformation_n god_n word_n for_o thus_o my_o brother_n speak_v page_n 18._o i_o say_v i_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v ratify_v their_o practice_n in_o admit_v of_o their_o member_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o either_o some_o command_n or_o some_o example_n both_o which_o when_o this_o their_o practice_n want_v it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o be_v sinful_a but_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v some_o particular_n in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n not_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n sin_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o they_o all_o for_o that_o will_v require_v a_o tractate_n by_o itself_o but_o first_o i_o pray_v observe_v the_o very_a name_n say_v he_o of_o a_o covenant_n be_v become_v a_o bugbear_n to_o many_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o terror_n again_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n that_o be_v so_o terrible_a but_o the_o order_n of_o church-communion_n here_o i_o leave_v my_o brother_n burton_n to_o reconcile_v his_o own_o contradiction_n the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o covenant_n say_v he_o be_v a_o bugbear_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n that_o be_v so_o terrible_a second_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o yoke_n and_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n he_o call_v it_o christ_n yoke_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n command_n nor_o be_v it_o appoint_v by_o he_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o own_o brain_n they_o impose_v it_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v a_o insufferable_a insolency_n in_o these_o man_n three_o my_o brother_n burton_n account_v of_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o submit_v it_o themselves_o to_o their_o government_n and_o go_v in_o their_o church_n way_n to_o receive_v or_o take_v their_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o belial_n and_o not_o under_o christ_n yoke_n these_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 14._o thus_o charitable_o the_o independent_o think_v of_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o their_o brethren_n because_o forsooth_o we_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o their_o covenant_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v neither_o give_v we_o either_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o ouâ_n of_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n they_o account_v we_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n now_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o god_n word_n all_o man_n know_v be_v not_o of_o faith_n which_o when_o their_o church_n practise_v without_o it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sinful_a way_n and_o therefore_o be_v rather_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n than_o we_o but_o learned_a i._n s._n page_n 18._o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v the_o covenant_n say_v enough_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v it_o the_o four_o query_n say_v he_o of_o a_o explicit_a covenant_n whether_o necessary_a to_o admission_n answ_n i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o incovenient_a than_o a_o public_a national_a covenant_n but_o necessary_a say_v he_o we_o hold_v it_o not_o all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o i._o s._n be_v but_o a_o novice_n in_o the_o independent_a principle_n yea_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la for_o all_o those_o that_o be_v any_o thing_n acquaint_v in_o the_o independent_o principle_n hold_v this_o explicit_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v a_o church_n nor_o without_o the_o take_n of_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o admittance_n into_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v it_o christ_n yoke_n and_o proclaim_v all_o those_o that_o will_v not_o wear_v it_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o belial_n so_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o the_o one_o party_n of_o they_o hold_v the_o particular_a covenant_n absolute_o necessary_a the_o other_o say_v but_o necessary_a we_o hold_v it_o not_o so_o then_o by_o i._o s._n his_o own_o confession_n who_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o party_n it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n ordinance_n for_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v necessary_a in_o their_o season_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v contemn_v or_o slight_v the_o least_o of_o they_o sin_v great_o but_o whereas_o i._o s._n say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o why_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n shall_v be_v more_o inconvenient_a than_o a_o public_a national_a covenant_n i_o affirm_v this_o be_v fond_o speak_v of_o i._o s._n for_o we_o have_v divers_a precedent_n and_o example_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o precept_n for_o enter_v into_o public_a covenant_n and_o we_o have_v read_v of_o the_o benefit_n that_o have_v from_o they_o redound_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n &_o country_n by_o they_o for_o encouragement_n to_o all_o man_n upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o enter_v into_o some_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o our_o god_n but_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n take_v in_o any_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v inconvenient_a as_o not_o be_v of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v inconvenient_a yea_o very_o hurtful_a to_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n matter_n without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o he_o and_o will_v bring_v down_o punishment_n upon_o he_o for_o it_o but_o for_o i._o s._n i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o to_o he_o about_o this_o point_n who_o i_o find_v to_o be_v a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la in_o the_o principle_n of_o independency_n when_o notwithstanding_o he_o promise_v i_o he_o will_v teach_v and_o instruct_v i_o in_o the_o independent_a way_n but_o i_o will_v now_o examine_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v truth_n glorious_o appear_v from_o under_o the_o sad_a and_o sable_a cloud_n of_o obloquy_n give_v for_o this_o their_o covenant_n he_o page_z 126_o labour_n to_o prove_v their_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n out_o of_o that_o place_n act_v the_o 9_o verse_n 16._o where_o when_o paul_n be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n he_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o the_o disciple_n now_o say_v he_o the_o word_n join_v in_o the_o original_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d signify_v to_o join_v by_o covenant_n and_o intimate_v such_o a_o join_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o join_n of_o a_o man_n to_o his_o wife_n for_o in_o matthew_n say_v he_o the_o
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 ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_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 ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_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 ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_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 âo_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 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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 shâll_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
be_v not_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o which_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o my_o forego_n discourse_n as_o for_o j._n s._n he_o answer_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n as_o all_o that_o shall_v read_v his_o word_n may_v well_o perceive_v which_o be_v these_o i_o answer_v say_v he_o no_o question_n but_o the_o purge_n and_o purify_n of_o church_n ordinance_n and_o fellowship_n which_o some_o contend_v for_o be_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o a_o high_a throne_n visible_a to_o the_o world_n then_o by_o some_o other_o way_n he_o be_v etc._n etc._n now_o which_o hither_o this_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o query_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o judge_v of_o but_o from_o his_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o church-fellowship_n be_v pollute_v there_o christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n but_o in_o all_o the_o new_a congregation_n christ_n ordinance_n be_v pollute_v and_o church-fellowship_n contaminate_v as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v ergo_fw-la christ_n be_v not_o set_v up_o there_o on_o his_o throne_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o all_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o query_n but_o now_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o god_n method_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o the_o manner_n they_o use_v in_o make_v member_n in_o every_o church_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o method_n our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o use_v in_o gather_v of_o their_o congregation_n that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o may_v all_o be_v undeceive_v in_o this_o business_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o christ_n commission_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o order_n that_o god_n himself_o use_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o his_o election_n and_o for_o the_o congregate_a of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n into_o the_o fold_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v that_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o god_n order_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v follow_v then_o any_o other_o new_o find_v way_n but_o to_o begin_v with_o christ_n commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 21._o verse_n 19_o 20._o go_v you_o therefore_o say_v christ_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amen_n and_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o mark_n verse_n 15_o 16._o he_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o in_o the_o 26._o of_o the_o act_n saint_n paul_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o king_n agrippa_n he_o likewise_o make_v know_v unto_o he_o the_o commission_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v verse_n 15_o 16._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o i_o say_v who_o be_v thou_o lord_n and_o he_o say_v i_o be_o jesus_n who_o thou_o persecute_v but_o rise_v and_o stand_v upon_o thy_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n both_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v see_v and_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o which_o i_o will_v appear_v unto_o thou_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o people_n and_o from_o the_o gentile_n unto_o who_o now_o i_o send_v thou_o to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o i_o whereupon_o i_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n but_o show_v first_o unto_o they_o of_o damascus_n and_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o through_o all_o the_o coast_n of_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n out_o of_o these_o several_a place_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o to_o all_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n here_o observe_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v set_v they_o how_o far_o they_o shall_v go_v in_o their_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o beyond_o which_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o and_o appear_v to_o they_o in_o and_o for_o the_o which_o they_o have_v his_o word_n and_o warrant_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v this_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v with_o they_o we_o also_o further_o observe_v the_o condition_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o this_o their_o commission_n they_o be_v to_o propound_v unto_o all_o nation_n and_o people_n upon_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v âaith_n &_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n without_o any_o further_a testimony_n of_o other_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v till_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o paul_n who_o for_o a_o time_n the_o disciple_n fear_v act_v 9_o 26_o 27._o till_o they_o have_v better_a information_n and_o proof_n that_o he_o now_o preach_v the_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v and_o have_v suffer_v for_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a precedent_n we_o have_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o any_o that_o be_v refuse_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o i_o remember_v for_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n before_o but_o all_o the_o other_o that_o come_v in_o be_v admit_v upon_o their_o own_o offer_n if_o they_o tender_v themselves_o and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o scruple_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o three_o observation_n out_o of_o the_o commission_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n i_o must_v wait_v here_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o motion_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n pen_n which_o as_o it_o march_v along_o make_v now_o and_o then_o some_o whible_a incursion_n into_o my_o quarter_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v my_o force_n be_v ever_o in_o a_o readiness_n and_o that_o i_o be_o always_o willing_a to_o fight_v he_o wheresoever_o i_o meet_v he_o and_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n also_o may_v see_v how_o ready_a i_o be_o to_o gratify_v his_o desire_n who_o page_n 7._o say_v come_v on_o brother_n let_v you_o and_o i_o try_v it_o out_o by_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o sword_n i_o will_v here_o skirmish_v a_o little_a with_o he_o to_o breathe_v he_o and_o then_o go_v after_o he_o in_o the_o 15._o page_z of_o his_o book_n he_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o reconcile_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o he_o conceive_v i_o make_v for_o say_v he_o page_z 101._o of_o your_o book_n you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o receive_v all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o pr_v ofession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n without_o any_o further_a testimony_n of_o other_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o be_v open_a enemy_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v till_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n as_o concern_v paul_n act_v 9_o 26_o 27._o now_o here_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n i_o observe_v first_o a_o notable_a contradiction_n to_o what_o
as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n but_o so_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o ten_o page_n where_o i_o observe_v a_o notable_a contradiction_n to_o usurp_v his_o one_o language_n and_o here_o i_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n to_o reconcile_v it_o but_o now_o to_o speak_v brief_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o these_o my_o brother_n burtons_n grollery_n first_o whereas_o he_o join_v with_o the_o papist_n unchristian_n and_o unchurche_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n he_o be_v very_o erroneous_a in_o so_o do_v and_o deal_v most_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o with_o all_o those_o glorious_a saint_n for_o they_o be_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o believer_n as_o he_o or_o any_o independent_o in_o the_o world_n as_o who_o all_o of_o they_o have_v christ_n own_o testimony_n for_o their_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o unfeigned_a repentance_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v sufficient_a character_n ever_o to_o make_v any_o people_n good_a christian_n and_o of_o all_o they_o our_o saviour_n say_v luke_n 7._o 29_o 30._o that_o they_o justify_v god_n and_o reject_v not_o his_o counsel_n against_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o lawyer_n do_v that_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptistâ_n repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o witness_n they_o be_v all_o good_a christian_n as_o any_o in_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o a_o notorious_a papist_n and_o a_o calumniator_n aught_o to_o be_v reprove_v especial_o by_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n which_o hold_v that_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v believer_n and_o good_a christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o first_o grollery_n his_o second_o be_v that_o he_o make_v excommunication_n the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v page_n the_o twenty_o of_o his_o book_n where_o answer_v unto_o my_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n viz._n because_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o our_o church_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o he_o there_o thus_o reply_n if_o you_o say_v he_o mean_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v well_o but_o do_v not_o you_o know_v say_v he_o that_o there_o dre_fw-mi three_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o gospel_n pure_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v and_o discipline_n right_o practise_v all_o which_o mark_v to_o gather_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v yet_o to_o seek_v so_o that_o by_o these_o word_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o his_o opinion_n the_o gospel-form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v to_o have_v discipline_n right_o practise_v so_o that_o where_o discipline_n be_v want_v by_o his_o learning_n there_o be_v no_o true_a gospel_n form_v church_n but_o before_o i_o answer_v to_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o special_a visible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o better_a know_v the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o my_o brother_n burton_n yet_o he_o in_o set_v they_o all_o down_o omit_v that_o of_o discipline_n say_v act_v 2._o 42._o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o unerring_a description_n of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o three_o essential_a mark_n in_o god_n dialect_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n although_o there_o be_v no_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o i_o gather_v that_o discipline_n though_o a_o most_o excellent_a ordinance_n and_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o have_v long_o since_o be_v obtain_v have_v not_o the_o ildependents_n hinder_v it_o make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o will_v ever_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o point_n rather_o than_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o withal_o i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o all_o the_o sectary_n can_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v true_o call_v upon_o all_o which_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o true_a form_v church_n yea_o and_o the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o learning_n than_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o true_a form_v church_n but_o a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o discipline_n right_o practise_v be_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n for_o he_o everywhere_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o yet_o she_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o discipline_n there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v right_o practise_v if_o that_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o there_o at_o all_o as_o he_o say_v and_o therefore_o for_o that_o mark_v it_o do_v not_o make_v for_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n and_o for_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o gospel_n form_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o if_o excommunication_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o all_o the_o synagogue_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n time_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o gospel_n form_n for_o synagogue_n and_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o one_o and_o in_o all_o the_o synagogue_n they_o have_v excommunication_n as_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a and_o for_o instance_n these_o john_n 9_o 22._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v argue_v already_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o fourti_v verse_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o cast_v out_o the_o young_a man_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n verse_n 35._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n many_o place_n more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n even_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o in_o john_n time_n howsoever_o it_o be_v abuse_v as_o excommunication_n daily_o be_v among_o all_o the_o sectary_n at_o this_o day_n and_o if_o we_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v all_o thing_n this_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o from_o they_o bring_v into_o all_o christian_a church_n so_o that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o take_v a_o great_a journey_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o john_n baptist_n church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v have_v i_o go_v to_o visit_v all_o the_o other_o christian_a church_n to_o find_v in_o they_o excommunication_n that_o gospel_n form_n of_o a_o church_n i_o will_v leave_v that_o journey_n to_o their_o itinerary_n independent_a predicant_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v and_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o the_o christian_a synagogue_n and_o church_n among_o the_o which_o john_n baptist_n and_o christ_n himself_o both_o converse_v preach_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o office_n of_o true_a pastor_n and_o in_o those_o synagogue_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o i_o find_v the_o gospel_n
not_o speedy_o repent_v for_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o relinquish_v their_o ungodly_a unchristian_a and_o unbrother_o practise_v the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n will_v show_v his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o he_o avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a and_o that_o speedy_o luke_n 17._o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o impious_a cavil_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o hanserdo_v now_o for_o that_o instance_n that_o master_n knollys_n bring_v it_o quite_o overthrow_v their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v point_n bank_n against_o it_o and_o their_o practice_n for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o extreme_a refuge_n upon_o just_a offence_n yet_o it_o must_v ever_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judge_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o business_n according_a to_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n so_o that_o those_o that_o complain_v may_v not_o be_v both_o plaintiff_n and_o judge_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o know_v a_o maxim_n that_o none_o can_v deny_v it_o beside_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o we_o never_o read_v inall_n the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o disciple_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o question_v any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellow_n ship_n or_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o but_o paul_n &_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a persecutor_n and_o be_v then_o ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n i_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o any_o church_n may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o may_v fear_v such_o a_o one_o and_o suspect_v he_o and_o complain_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v do_v but_o power_n they_o have_v none_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o church-fellowship_n if_o upon_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n examine_v of_o the_o business_n they_o find_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o convert_v from_o his_o sinful_a course_n for_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n without_o their_o good_a like_n or_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o if_o the_o people_n shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o they_o he_o may_v appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v god_n steward_n and_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o conceive_v be_v fit_a and_o for_o this_o his_o so_o do_v and_o for_o the_o presbyter_n accept_v of_o his_o appeal_n they_o have_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o when_o the_o disciple_n fear_v paul_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v he_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o forth_o with_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o his_o appeal_n admit_v he_o into_o church_n fellowship_n according_a to_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n or_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o now_o impose_v upon_o their_o member_n as_o by_o this_o very_a example_n and_o instance_n of_o mr._n knollys_n do_v abundant_o appear_v which_o make_v whole_o against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o tenant_n for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n lie_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n only_o and_o sole_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o make_v steward_n and_o overseer_n and_o guide_v of_o his_o church_n his_o house_n which_o when_o they_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n they_o only_o and_o not_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o member_n both_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n by_o all_o the_o example_n i_o have_v produce_v and_o by_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o saint_n paul_n allege_v by_o master_n knollys_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n but_o against_o their_o good_a like_n it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v clear_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n within_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v ever_o safe_a to_o abide_v and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v promise_v to_o themselves_o perpetual_a security_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o all_o that_o mr._n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n and_o by_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v i_o hope_v it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n through_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o look_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n &_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n they_o shall_v not_o find_v one_o footstep_n through_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o congregate_a of_o their_o assembly_n as_o for_o christ_n disciple_n they_o be_v all_o send_v to_o gather_v in_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n they_o go_v not_o to_o gather_v in_o convert_a man_n from_o among_o convert_a man_n for_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n and_o we_o be_v teach_v there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n we_o never_o read_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o fold_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n that_o any_o true_a pastor_n come_v into_o the_o fold_n and_o flock_n of_o their_o fellow-shepheard_n and_o pick_v out_o all_o the_o best_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n and_o the_o most_o wholesome_a and_o mould_v they_o into_o a_o independent_a fold_n by_o themselves_o as_o separate_v and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o will_v have_v no_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o these_o day_n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o get_v away_o of_o other_o sheep_n that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o a_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n rom._n 15._o and_o preach_v christ_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o before_o and_o plant_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n himself_o and_o leave_v apollo_n to_o water_v it_o and_o commit_v all_o the_o flock_n that_o he_o have_v gather_v as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o command_v both_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o in_o they_o all_o shepherd_n and_o fold_n to_o keep_v unity_n and_o love_n one_o with_o another_o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o make_v separation_n and_o division_n and_o schism_n between_o flock_n and_o flock_n and_o this_o method_n he_o use_v wheresoever_o he_o come_v yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galathian_o he_o go_v into_o arabia_n and_o preach_v there_o among_o the_o poor_a infidel_n he_o get_v not_o other_o man_n sheep_n from_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v any_o separation_n of_o sheep_n from_o sheep_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o flock_n and_o church_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o colosse_n where_o there_o be_v many_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o against_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v and_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n and_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v very_o
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consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollery_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o phatisee_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a &_o eleganter_fw-la way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n 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in_o the_o gospel_n that_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n teach_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o teach_v their_o new_a way_n their_o newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o teach_v otherwise_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v or_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o ought_v by_o the_o apostle_n command_v gal._n 1._o verse_n 8._o 9_o to_o be_v accurse_v saint_n john_n also_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n verse_n 9_o 10._o say_v whosoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n he_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n if_o there_o come_v any_o unto_o you_o that_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o independent_a minister_n teach_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o join_v and_o jumble_v of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a borne_n truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v 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the_o five_o where_o it_o be_v impose_v upon_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n six_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v run_v about_o from_o their_o own_o place_n and_o charge_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n of_o their_o fellow-shepherd_n and_o separate_v and_o pick_v out_o all_o their_o best_a sheep_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o debar_v they_o from_o all_o church-fellowship_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o other_o believer_n in_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n or_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v command_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v gather_v believe_a christian_n from_o among_o believe_a christian_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o other_o sheep_n into_o independent_a congregation_n and_o shall_v proclaim_v all_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o mould_v up_o after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o 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deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a bottle_n and_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confess_v and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n and_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n
think_v this_o man_n a_o ninny_n that_o shall_v thus_o speak_v and_o a_o man_n unworthy_a to_o sit_v in_o counsel_n in_o any_o state_n whereas_o a_o wise_a man_n if_o he_o hear_v of_o any_o insurrection_n he_o will_v forthwith_o use_v the_o weapon_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o first_o seek_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o then_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o use_v the_o sword_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o this_o man_n will_v be_v think_v a_o wise_a man_n that_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o not_o he_o that_o with_o gamaliel_n shall_v say_v if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o and_o so_o let_v they_o go_v on_o to_o do_v mischief_n neither_o do_v he_o answer_v as_o a_o christian_a for_o what_o christian_n that_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o new_a monstrous_a religion_n new_o print_v and_o new_o come_v forth_o as_o there_o be_v many_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v sell_v about_o town_n and_o country_n for_o 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the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o find_v they_o not_o to_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v of_o god_n let_v we_o forthwith_o as_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v suppress_v they_o and_o not_o say_v without_o examine_v of_o they_o as_o wise_a gamaliel_n let_v they_o alone_o that_o be_v not_o god_n method_n for_o god_n send_v his_o people_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isaiah_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v that_o all_o that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o that_o all_o opinion_n not_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n be_v but_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v or_o suffer_v so_o that_o for_o any_o man_n to_o gather_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n from_o gamaliels_n speech_n be_v but_o to_o prove_v himself_o a_o meeâ_n groll_fw-fr and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o urge_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n matthew_n 22._o where_n answer_v the_o sadducee_n he_o say_v you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n verse_n 29_o from_o whence_o the_o independent_a brethren_n conclude_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o our_o saviour_n say_v they_o only_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o yet_o tolerate_v they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o magnify_v our_o independent_a brethren_n for_o their_o great_a learning_n some_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v scholar_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o believe_v it_o for_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n come_v with_o all_o man_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o if_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o illation_n from_o they_o as_o these_o be_v proceed_v not_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n never_o any_o do_v for_o what_o learned_a man_n that_o know_v what_o christ_n office_n be_v in_o take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o when_o he_o become_v a_o mediator_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o redemption_n will_v argue_v as_o these_o man_n do_v especial_o when_o christ_n have_v so_o often_o in_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o come_v then_o to_o save_v those_o the_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v leave_v that_o employment_n till_o his_o next_o come_n when_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v these_o man_n will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o for_o so_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o maintain_v their_o own_o baggatelly_n beside_o christ_n come_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n for_o we_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v unto_o his_o people_n and_o take_v no_o way_n the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n upon_o he_o but_o in_o scourge_v out_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n that_o i_o remember_v and_o say_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n or_o quench_v the_o smoke_a slax_n only_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o law_n unto_o his_o people_n malachy_n the_o four_o by_o his_o servant_n moses_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o law_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o punish_v all_o seducer_n and_o who_o shall_v have_v perform_v that_o work_n of_o justice_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v do_v not_o give_v liberty_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v against_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v out_o of_o this_o place_n argue_v a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o christ_n tolerate_v adultery_n and_o injustice_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v unto_o those_o that_o bring_v the_o woman_n to_o he_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o uncleanness_n he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n and_o when_o her_o accuser_n be_v go_v say_v unto_o the_o woman_n woman_n where_o be_v thy_o accuser_n go_v thy_o way_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v a_o toleration_n for_o all_o adulterer_n and_o when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o luke_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o complain_v of_o unjustice_n do_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o brother_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o speak_v unto_o his_o brother_n that_o he_o will_v divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o to_o who_o our_o saviour_n answer_v man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n among_o you_o ergo_fw-la christ_n give_v toleration_n of_o all_o injustice_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v in_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_v and_o of_o the_o tare_n that_o spring_v up_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n a_o argument_n which_o they_o much_o depend_v on_o ergo_fw-la all_o wicked_a man_n be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o no_o justice_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o till_o doomsday_n and_o they_o be_v to_o live_v without_o molestation_n and_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o because_o christ_n say_v let_v the_o good_a corn_n and_o the_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n who_o will_v not_o admire_v to_o hear_v any_o man_n thus_o to_o argue_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o either_o folly_n or_o wickedness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v conclude_v among_o all_o learned_a man_n that_o symbolica_fw-la theologia_n non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentutiva_fw-la and_o that_o the_o parable_n infer_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o private_a man_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o magistrate_n office_n or_o rash_o to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o place_n of_o ruler_n and_o governor_n but_o true_o all_o such_o consequence_n may_v as_o well_o be_v gather_v from_o every_o one_o of_o the_o above_o specify_v scripture_n as_o they_o gather_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o the_o sadducee_n and_o from_o the_o parable_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o tolerate_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o argumentation_n as_o these_o be_v but_o poor_a prop_n to_o uphold_v their_o tenent_n for_o god_n have_v give_v we_o that_o be_v christian_n both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o serve_n of_o he_o and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v direct_v what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o the_o punish_n of_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n and_o
by_o and_o therefore_o you_o in_o this_o have_v not_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n and_o to_o that_o hell-hatcht_a charge_n which_o you_o have_v bring_v against_o i_o cunning_o asperse_v i_o for_o a_o scandalous_a walker_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o devil_n speak_v in_o the_o subtle_a serpent_n and_o belie_v god_n himself_o to_o our_o first_o parent_n so_o the_o inventor_n of_o this_o notorious_a untruth_n who_o ever_o they_o be_v be_v of_o a_o serpentine_a nature_n into_o who_o the_o devil_n be_v enter_v and_o have_v a_o full_a possession_n speak_v in_o they_o be_v subtle_a and_o active_a instrument_n to_o report_n lie_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o upon_o due_a and_o just_a examination_n it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v some_o shameless_a infamous_a creature_n set_v a_o work_n by_o the_o devil_n and_o prompt_v by_o sectary_n to_o defame_v i_o that_o there_o by_o the_o gospel_n my_o holy_a profession_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n may_v be_v scandalize_v in_o blemish_v my_o good_a name_n and_o to_o have_v it_o with_o the_o more_o credit_n receive_v he_o have_v so_o order_v that_o you_o must_v be_v the_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v their_o devilish_a defamation_n yet_o notwithstanding_o my_o innocence_n triumph_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o black_a mouth_n slander_n be_v full_o assure_v that_o god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o their_o wicked_a design_n for_o he_o be_v above_o the_o devil_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n that_o see_v the_o secret_a thought_n imagination_n intention_n of_o all_o man_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n i_o speak_v it_o i_o can_v i_o do_v and_o by_o god_n grace_n ever_o shall_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n yea_o i_o call_v upon_o the_o righteous_a judge_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o know_v my_o innocence_n to_o judge_v between_o you_o and_o i_o herein_o for_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v before_o he_o with_o a_o honest_a sincere_a faithful_a and_o upright_a heart_n ever_o since_o he_o give_v i_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o during_o the_o time_n i_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o nature_n god_n by_o his_o prevent_n and_o restrain_v grace_n keep_v i_o from_o live_v or_o delight_v in_o such_o sin_n whereby_o any_o can_v true_o charge_v i_o for_o a_o scandalous_a walker_n therefore_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o this_o great_a god_n who_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n have_v elect_v call_v and_o justify_v i_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n not_o suffer_v i_o to_o turn_v aside_o neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o lead_v to_o holiness_n i_o solemn_o protest_v and_o hold_v out_o my_o protestation_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n you_o have_v most_o injurious_o wrong_v i_o in_o proclaim_v i_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o for_o i_o be_o as_o blameless_a and_o free_a from_o your_o calumniation_n as_o naboth_n be_v from_o wicked_a jezabel_n desperate_a plot_n wherewith_o she_o take_v away_o his_o life_n 1_o king_n 21._o 8_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o innocent_a as_o joseph_n from_o the_o false_a accusation_n bring_v against_o he_o by_o his_o wanton_a lascivious_a and_o shameless_a mistress_n gen._n 39_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o which_o make_v i_o bold_a to_o say_v neither_o the_o devil_n any_o of_o his_o instrument_n no_o nor_o yourself_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n can_v prove_v the_o thing_n whereof_o you_o have_v accuse_v i_o i_o shall_v here_o conclude_v my_o answer_n to_o this_o charge_n with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n word_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n yea_o i_o judge_v not_o my_o own_o self_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v but_o he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n brother_n i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n to_o this_o particular_a because_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o main_a pillar_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o hold_v up_o all_o your_o other_o calumny_n for_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v i_o to_o be_v a_o scandalous_a walker_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v your_o whole_a charge_n but_o the_o foundation_n be_v so_o rot_v and_o unfound_a the_o superstructure_n can_v possible_o stand_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o particular_a and_o my_o answer_n thereunto_o be_v that_o no_o man_n of_o truth_n worth_n and_o piety_n can_v just_o tax_v i_o either_o with_o baseness_n or_o barbarism_n for_o the_o five_o particular_a it_o be_v elevate_v very_o high_a and_o because_o you_o have_v in_o this_o exceed_o bestir_v yourself_o i_o be_o necessitate_v for_o the_o clear_n myself_o &_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v to_o be_v somewhat_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v the_o charge_n you_o bring_v against_o i_o therein_o which_o be_v very_o great_a viz._n you_o accuse_v i_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a incendiary_n in_o the_o land_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o you_o quote_v two_o passage_n in_o one_o of_o my_o book_n and_o you_o bring_v they_o as_o two_o witness_n for_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o the_o first_o be_v in_o my_o preface_n pag._n 28._o the_o second_o in_o my_o postcript_n pag._n 45._o now_o these_o two_o witness_n of_o your_o own_o say_v you_o want_v but_o a_o judge_n judicial_o to_o pronounce_v sentence_n whether_o these_o word_n be_v not_o of_o a_o incendiary_n 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revile_n true_o brother_n i_o see_v a_o divine_a hand_n of_o justice_n against_o you_o in_o many_o passage_n though_o you_o look_v lofty_o and_o speak_v great_a swell_a word_n in_o all_o which_o you_o breathe_v out_o hell_n and_o your_o own_o shame_n the_o lord_n i_o hope_v in_o time_n will_v discover_v unto_o you_o all_o your_o vanity_n and_o sinfulness_n i_o will_v say_v thus_o much_o of_o you_o that_o while_o you_o use_v the_o sharpness_n of_o your_o part_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n you_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o now_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o they_o against_o your_o christian_a brethren_n you_o have_v through_o their_o side_n both_o wound_v yourself_o and_o all_o those_o of_o your_o party_n as_o i_o be_o most_o assure_a they_o will_v all_o assert_v yea_o i_o can_v ascertain_v you_o of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o admire_v by_o many_o that_o you_o have_v be_v some_o year_n in_o captivity_n under_o the_o prelate_n tyranny_n shall_v continue_v such_o a_o truant_n in_o the_o school_n of_o affliction_n as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v learn_v the_o lesson_n of_o patience_n so_o that_o you_o can_v digest_v a_o merry_a word_n or_o but_o a_o conceive_a jest_n but_o this_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o strange_v at_o that_o out_o of_o the_o height_n and_o greatness_n of_o your_o spirit_n you_o will_v strike_v your_o enemy_n though_o it_o be_v through_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o true_o this_o your_o deal_n with_o all_o your_o christian_a brethren_n especial_o with_o myself_o call_v for_o deep_a and_o serious_a repentance_n at_o your_o hand_n for_o my_o part_n i_o free_o forgive_v you_o and_o do_v profess_v it_o be_v a_o grief_n unto_o my_o soul_n that_o you_o have_v draw_v i_o out_o with_o such_o violence_n in_o force_v i_o to_o encounter_v with_o you_o by_o name_n it_o be_v true_a the_o erroneous_a way_n opinion_n and_o false_a light_n under_o the_o name_n of_o new_a late_o hold_v forth_o i_o do_v and_o can_v but_o write_v against_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o sacred_a writ_n yet_o you_o my_o brother_n and_o quondam_a fellow_n sufferer_n i_o reverence_v and_o do_v ever_o love_n honour_n and_o esteem_v and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o wipe_v off_o those_o black_a reproach_n wherewith_o you_o have_v labour_v to_o besmear_v i_o all_o over_o make_v i_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n spot_a and_o defile_v with_o scandalous_a walk_n a_o hypocrite_n a_o persecutor_n a_o mad_a man_n etc._n etc._n i_o profess_v out_o of_o tender_a respect_n to_o your_o person_n and_o suffering_n as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o spare_v your_o name_n so_o i_o will_v now_o have_v over_o look_v your_o false_a aspersion_n but_o serious_o consider_v
because_o they_o be_v presbyterian_o refuse_v in_o private_a to_o pray_v or_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o and_o for_o such_o who_o hold_v and_o do_v pronounce_v all_o that_o walk_v not_o in_o their_o way_n to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n these_o independent_o by_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o forecited_a word_n and_o therefore_o you_o with_o all_o that_o hold_v such_o a_o opinion_n must_v disclaim_v that_o independent_a principle_n if_o you_o deny_v the_o verity_n of_o they_o otherwise_o you_o will_v declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o you_o be_v not_o so_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n nor_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n so_o sincere_o as_o his_o faithful_a servant_n have_v former_o do_v and_o withal_o you_o will_v manifest_v to_o all_o man_n that_o you_o be_v more_o studious_a to_o preserve_v your_o own_o honour_n and_o reputation_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o 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we_o luke_n 19_o 14._o that_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o convert_v in_o part_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o say_v they_o be_v in_o king_n agripas_n condition_n but_o almost_o christian_n act._n 26._o 28._o or_o like_o simon_n magus_n still_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o if_o this_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v true_a which_o you_o so_o confident_o affirm_v in_o your_o book_n true_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v in_o a_o more_o curse_a condition_n then_o the_o wicked_a jew_n be_v for_o why_o they_o know_v and_o say_v they_o do_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1._o 14._o who_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 1._o 3._o 4._o the_o redeemer_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o choose_a one_o ephes_n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o saviour_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o joh._n 3._o 15_o 16._o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 15._o now_o the_o presbyterian_o know_v and_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v these_o gospel_n truth_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o know_v nor_o will_v not_o believe_v if_o they_o notwithstanding_o be_v enemy_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o set_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n but_o in_o mockery_n set_v up_o christ_n as_o a_o pageant_n king_n in_o their_o congregation_n and_o do_v as_o those_o who_o salute_v he_o with_o haile_o king_n etc._n etc._n yet_o reject_v he_o say_v we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o reign_v over_o we_o then_o the_o presbyterian_o sin_n in_o the_o height_n of_o aggravation_n sin_v against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o profess_a belief_n and_o all_o such_o can_v but_o hate_n jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v say_v he_o that_o hate_v i_o hate_v the_o father_n also_o joh._n 15._o 23._o so_o that_o consequent_o you_o make_v they_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o if_o god_n be_v their_o father_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v enemy_n that_o they_o will_v love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o the_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o life_n have_v declare_v and_o he_o make_v it_o his_o argument_n to_o convince_v the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o god_n be_v not_o their_o father_n say_v if_o god_n be_v your_o father_n you_o will_v love_v i_o for_o i_o proceed_v forth_o and_o come_v from_o god_n neither_o come_v i_o of_o myself_o but_o he_o send_v i_o if_o the_o presbyterian_o therefore_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n kingly_a office_n and_o make_v a_o mââke_n king_n of_o he_o who_o proceed_v forth_o and_o come_v from_o god_n and_o be_v send_v by_o he_o as_o you_o have_v once_o and_o again_o publish_v in_o print_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o curse_a child_n of_o the_o devil_n anathema_n maranatha_fw-mi because_o they_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v this_o be_v further_a necessary_o employ_v that_o either_o you_o with_o all_o that_o be_v of_o your_o judgement_n herein_o have_v false_o accuse_v the_o presbyterian_o as_o indeed_o you_o have_v to_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n kingly_a office_n otherwise_o if_o you_o and_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n and_o such_o as_o do_v advance_v christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o i_o say_v i_o be_o persuade_v the_o independent_o do_v hate_v the_o presbyterian_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o heinous_a offence_n in_o they_o to_o love_v such_o who_o they_o hold_v and_o judge_v to_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o so_o hater_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n for_o to_o love_v any_o that_o hate_v the_o lord_n be_v a_o wrath_n provoke_v sin_n this_o the_o prophet_n show_v plain_o when_o reprove_v king_n jehosaphat_n he_o say_v unto_o he_o shall_v thou_o help_v the_o ungodly_a and_o love_v they_o that_o hate_v the_o lord_n therefore_o be_v wrath_n upon_o thou_o from_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 19_o 2._o we_o find_v it_o in_o sacred_a writ_n that_o mordecai_n a_o holy_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o love_v any_o of_o god_n enemy_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o king_n servant_n that_o be_v in_o the_o king_n gate_n bow_v and_o reverence_v haman_n for_o the_o king_n have_v so_o command_v concern_v he_o yet_o mordecai_n bow_v not_o nor_o do_v he_o reverence_n esth_n 3._o 2_o 3._o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o uncharitable_a thought_n as_o to_o think_v that_o mordecai_n will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o want_v of_o give_v a_o outward_a 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esteem_v of_o to_o be_v godly_a as_o walk_v unblamable_o be_v also_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n before_o they_o know_v they_o yet_o after_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o be_v first_o by_o their_o mean_n seduce_v from_o our_o church_n after_o some_o time_n they_o fall_v from_o their_o congregation_n also_o into_o wicked_a and_o desperate_a opinion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o become_v so_o profane_a and_o beastly_a yea_o so_o atheistical_a as_o it_o will_v exceed_v ordinary_a belief_n to_o relate_v and_o true_o if_o i_o have_v not_o very_o good_a witness_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v beside_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o because_o if_o occasion_n serve_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v many_o precedent_n of_o fearful_a apostasy_n even_o among_o those_o that_o be_v their_o scholar_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n i_o be_o the_o willing_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o i_o 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