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 newborn_a 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 baptize_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o join_v member_n till_o they_o have_v walk_v some_o time_n in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n for_o approbation_n of_o their_o conversation_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o desire_v of_o the_o brethren_n either_o a_o precept_n or_o a_o example_n for_o this_o in_o god_n word_n the_o second_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n the_o three_o where_o it_o be_v enjoin_v that_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o baptism_n they_o shall_v bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o their_o membership_n the_o four_o where_o it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a and_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o church-fellowship_n 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-shepheard_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 &_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 ratify_n of_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o i_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o they_o a_o warrant_n and_o authority_n out_o of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o they_o both_o teach_v and_o practice_n for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n the_o only_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n after_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n offer_v he_o a_o vain_a worship_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o all_o humane_a tradition_n though_o of_o never_o so_o ancient_a stand_n and_o of_o never_o so_o long_a antiquity_n be_v all_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o have_v no_o footing_n or_o ground_n in_o god_n word_n that_o all_o novelty_n or_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v abrogate_a and_o nullify_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n joshua_n 9_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n 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 boot_n &_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la 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 &_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 by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v now_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 and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o receive_v thing_n bare_o upon_o report_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o praise_n of_o those_o noble_a berean_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n be_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v these_o new_a bear_v truth_n these_o new_a light_n these_o new_a way_n without_o consult_v with_o the_o live_a oracle_n we_o shall_v offend_v as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o believe_v the_o gibeonite_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o shall_v degenerate_v and_o be_v unlike_a to_o those_o the_o renown_a berean_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v paul_n doctrine_n though_o a_o apostle_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o sure_o now_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n in_o these_o erroneous_a time_n whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o preach_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o evident_o prove_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o a_o sin_n but_o for_o our_o immortal_a shame_n to_o be_v delude_v with_o novelty_n much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v our_o ancestor_n disgrace_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o pretend_a antiquity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o themselves_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n we_o may_v not_o call_v man_n way_n god_n way_n but_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o old_a way_n jer._n 6._o we_o be_v to_o examine_v christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n way_n in_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o if_o we_o find_v no_o footstep_n in_o all_o god_n word_n of_o these_o new_a way_n we_o ought_v to_o relinquish_v they_o and_o turn_v again_o into_o the_o path_n that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v rest_n for_o our_o soul_n and_o comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o any_o to_o be_v undeceive_v for_o they_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o great_o and_o dangerous_o that_o think_v or_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n mortal_a can_v show_v or_o teach_v a_o better_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o set_v down_o a_o better_a way_n of_o convert_v soul_n and_o of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o make_v of_o member_n and_o of_o set_v up_o christ_n as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o set_v down_o to_o all_o posterity_n and_o from_o the_o which_o rule_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o swerve_v though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v we_o otherwise_o gal._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o
evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n before_o the_o congregation_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n or_o otherwise_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o this_o law_n and_o come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o condition_n receive_v they_o not_o into_o your_o assembly_n nor_o admit_v of_o they_o for_o member_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o christ_n commission_n nor_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n nor_o any_o precedent_n of_o the_o same_o in_o all_o sacred_a authority_n and_o therefore_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o primitive_a minister_n admit_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o but_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o baptize_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church-without_a any_o gainsay_n or_o question_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o three_o of_o lake_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n and_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o eunuch_n desire_v baptism_n but_o philip_n grant_v it_o the_o gaoler_n do_v but_o ask_v paul_n and_o silas_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o say_v believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o house_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o gaoler_n and_o all_o his_o be_v straightway_o baptize_v act_v 16._o ver_fw-la 31_o 32_o 33._o that_o be_v they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o either_o walk_v any_o time_n with_o the_o church_n for_o their_o approbation_n or_o without_o either_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n or_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n and_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n notwithstanding_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o as_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o independent_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v none_o of_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n and_o they_o can_v then_o see_v how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n without_o their_o new_a light_n and_o as_o christ_n be_v then_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n set_v upon_o his_o throne_n as_o king_n in_o all_o those_o primitive_a church_n so_o he_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o the_o true_a protestant_a church_n through_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o independent_a assembly_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v and_o be_v all_o ignorant_a of_o their_o new_a way_n so_o that_o any_o understanding_n christian_n may_v gather_v that_o all_o their_o new_a bear_a truth_n be_v no_o way_n requisite_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingly_a government_n for_o if_o they_o have_v christ_n will_v have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o holy_a thost_n who_o bring_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n 1._o into_o their_o memory_n will_v have_v suggest_v all_o these_o thing_n the_o new_a way_n the_o new_a bear_v truth_n the_o new_a light_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v record_v if_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n but_o when_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o bless_a apostle_n have_v prescribe_v any_o of_o all_o these_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o call_v for_o they_o nor_o require_v they_o of_o any_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v or_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a temerity_n in_o any_o man_n to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o ingenuous_a mind_a christian_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o than_o christ_n i_o refer_v it_o also_o to_o any_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a christian_n to_o weigh_n and_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o demand_v of_o any_o moderate_a christian_n therefore_o and_o let_v he_o answer_v i_o candid_o whether_o of_o those_o minister_n and_o people_n most_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o only_a lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o both_o in_o their_o teach_n and_o believe_v follow_v his_o commission_n and_o word_n and_o teach_v nothing_o nor_o believe_v nothing_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v but_o what_o christ_n their_o king_n command_v they_o or_o those_o that_o to_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n add_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o tradition_n and_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o he_o will_v deal_v impartial_o he_o will_v answer_v i_o that_o those_o minister_n and_o that_o people_n most_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n and_o most_o set_v he_o upon_o his_o throne_n that_o own_o his_o law_n and_o that_o only_a for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o christ_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o john_n 10._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n they_o will_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n christ_n voice_n only_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o they_o only_a that_o obey_v it_o advance_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o set_v he_o up_o on_o his_o throne_n which_o when_o the_o minister_n and_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o they_o more_o advance_v christ_n for_o their_o king_n than_o they_o for_o the_o independent_o to_o christ_n law_n and_o commission_n add_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o invention_n and_o enjoin_v all_o that_o will_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o their_o congregation_n beside_o their_o believe_a &_o be_v baptize_v to_o walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n for_o approbation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n never_o command_v and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o these_o their_o tradition_n they_o will_v not_o permit_v or_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o their_o church_n as_o join_v member_n which_o they_o call_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o count_v of_o all_o other_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o as_o man_n without_o the_o covenant_n and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n than_o the_o pharisee_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o pope_n himself_o &_o the_o prelate_n set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n who_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n and_o idolatry_n before_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v just_o abhor_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o thing_n derogatory_n to_o the_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o his_o royalty_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o all_o other_o popery_n under_o whatsoever_o name_n or_o title_n it_o be_v intrude_v upon_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v eliminate_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o popery_n to_o bring_v in_o new_a way_n and_o new_o bear_v truth_n and_o new_a light_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o people_n as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o their_o own_o assembly_n i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o intelligible_a christian_n saint_n paul_n write_v to_o the_o galatian_n blame_v those_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o that_o will_v have_v join_v but_o the_o
wife_n and_o many_o small_a child_n come_v upon_o i_o by_o it_o through_o the_o power_n and_o exorbitant_a authority_n of_o the_o prelate_n so_o that_o for_o my_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n i_o have_v a_o prison_n for_o my_o reward_n and_o the_o scorn_v and_o contumely_n of_o the_o world_n to_o comfort_v i_o in_o it_o and_o when_o i_o most_o humble_o petition_v his_o highness_n complain_v against_o the_o injustice_n do_v i_o and_o most_o submissive_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n who_o be_v the_o caesar_n to_o who_o only_o i_o can_v then_o appeal_v that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v i_o one_o of_o these_o humble_a request_n either_o that_o his_o majesty_n will_v be_v please_v but_o for_o one_o hour_n to_o give_v i_o a_o hear_n of_o my_o just_a defence_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o at_o lest_o he_o will_v then_o grant_v i_o that_o liberty_n in_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o deny_v not_o to_o crow_n and_o kite_n and_o other_o vermin_n that_o i_o may_v provide_v for_o my_o young_a one_o and_o if_o his_o highness_n will_v not_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v unto_o either_o of_o the_o former_a just_a demand_n that_o then_o he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o depart_v the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o go_v into_o any_o other_o country_n where_o i_o may_v enjoy_v my_o liberty_n and_o provide_v for_o my_o poor_a distress_a family_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o equal_a petition_n put_v up_o to_o any_o prince_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o his_o majesty_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o yield_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o my_o request_n nor_o to_o any_o other_o petition_v put_v up_o either_o by_o my_o poor_a distress_a wife_n or_o calamitous_a child_n so_o that_o without_o any_o wrong_n unto_o his_o majesty_n i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o paul_n find_v more_o favour_n from_o a_o heathen_a roman_a caesar_n than_o i_o have_v from_o a_o christian_a king_n the_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n after_o i_o see_v all_o possibility_n of_o relief_n be_v now_o take_v from_o i_o i_o write_v my_o apology_n to_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o discover_v unto_o they_o their_o unjust_a proceed_n in_o their_o court_n and_o their_o unrighteous_a deal_n towards_o myself_o and_o give_v they_o my_o reason_n of_o all_o i_o speak_v without_o any_o offensive_a language_n and_o without_o any_o purturbation_n of_o spirit_n and_o dedicate_v this_o my_o book_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n privy_a council_n expect_v aid_n and_o relief_n from_o they_o and_o indeed_o i_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o succour_n from_o any_o other_o nor_o know_v none_o to_o who_o i_o can_v better_o apply_v myself_o earnest_o implore_v their_o patronage_n but_o they_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v of_o patron_n become_v my_o unjust_a judge_n and_o after_o they_o have_v make_v i_o a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o ludibry_n of_o the_o world_n send_v i_o into_o banishment_n where_o i_o live_v a_o live_a death_n and_o a_o die_a life_n and_o suffer_v such_o intolerable_a misery_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o will_v exceed_v belief_n to_o relate_v and_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a if_o all_o the_o particular_n be_v true_o know_v the_o world_n never_o hear_v the_o like_a and_o there_o i_o have_v end_v my_o doleful_a life_n have_v not_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n call_v this_o parliament_n and_o put_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o redeem_v i_o from_o my_o capacity_n for_o the_o which_o incomparable_a favour_n i_o do_v as_o of_o duty_n i_o be_o ever_o bind_v profess_v myself_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o all_o their_o most_o just_a and_o honourable_a employment_n i_o hope_v with_o all_o fidelity_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v in_o life_n and_o death_n show_v myself_o to_o be_v one_o that_o without_o all_o by-respect_n shall_v ever_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o my_o country_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o and_o shall_v never_o by_o god_n assistance_n do_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o concernment_n that_o shall_v be_v unbeseeming_a a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_n now_o because_o by_o my_o sad_a experience_n i_o find_v that_o i_o can_v neither_o from_o king_n nor_o noble_n have_v protection_n i_o resolve_v never_o any_o more_o in_o god_n matter_n to_o shroud_v myself_o under_o any_o covert_n but_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o i_o with_o a_o assure_a confidence_n promise_v myself_o especial_o when_o i_o now_o maintain_v the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n &_o king_n of_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v our_o lawgiver_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v lay_v who_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n in_o all_o this_o dispute_n between_o i_o and_o mr._n walter_n montague_n i_o have_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o power_n maintain_v under_o the_o 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 assure_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 lamb_n slay_v 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_n 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 vain_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 papisticis_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 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 privy_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
officer_n and_o in_o appoint_v the_o time_n of_o meeting_n and_o the_o place_n where_o and_o within_o these_o limit_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v all_o the_o power_n give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n terminate_v and_o this_o they_o be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n joint_o and_o by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o exercise_v and_o therefore_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v the_o order_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o church_n that_o god_n himself_o establish_v and_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o people_n or_o the_o congregation_n be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o commission_n or_o have_v any_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v for_o saint_n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n now_o paul_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o city_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o command_v timothy_n again_o and_o again_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o v._n 12_o 13._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o command_n without_o spot_n unblameable_a till_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o timothy_n and_o all_o minister_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n bind_v to_o maintain_v that_o government_n unblameable_a that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n by_o joint_a consent_n and_o a_o common-counsel_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v of_o public_a concernment_n without_o their_o joint_n and_o mutual_a accord_n or_o agreement_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o diotrephes_n assume_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o rule_v according_a to_o his_o will_n &_o pleasure_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n &_o oppose_a john_n the_o presbyter_n he_o sharp_o reprove_v his_o proceed_n &_o signify_v to_o the_o church_n epist_n 3._o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o word_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o prate_v against_o the_o presbytery_n with_o malicious_a word_n for_o he_o say_v s._n john_n content_v not_o himself_o only_o to_o prate_v malicious_o against_o we_o but_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n nor_o suffer_v other_o but_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n in_o he_o say_v saint_n john_n but_o for_o you_o say_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n follow_v not_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o to_o assume_v unto_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o particular_a congregation_n that_o power_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v and_o exercise_v only_o by_o the_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n and_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 which_o say_v saint_n john_n be_v a_o evil_a thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o shall_v call_v diotrephes_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v to_o i_o not_o long_o since_o whereas_o if_o the_o place_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o for_o the_o which_o he_o be_v by_o saint_n john_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o in_o he_o all_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytry_n which_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n into_o the_o church_n but_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o condition_n but_o of_o this_o business_n when_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sufficient_o confirm_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a 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_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbytererum_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 do_v wonder_n 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 centory_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o first_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 quâ_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 here_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 counsel_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 antequà m_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fierent_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 cephae_fw-la communi_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 the_o very_a word_n before_o coat_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 communi_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 humane_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 hirarchicall_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 but_o 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
remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a 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 do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n praise_v god_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v he_o save_v here_o we_o see_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o one_o miracle_n and_o 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shall_v be_v multiply_v as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o due_a notice_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n writer_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o these_o new_a convert_v be_v man_n not_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o without_o doubt_n these_o new_a believer_n endeavour_v to_o convert_v their_o wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o truth_n with_o such_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n annex_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o prevalent_a to_o convert_v woman_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n and_o whole_a family_n as_o error_n and_o novelty_n in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v able_a to_o mislead_a those_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o come_v to_o knowledge_n and_o the_o which_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v every_o newborn_a truth_n as_o they_o term_v it_o and_o follow_v every_o new_a light_n and_o every_o new-found_a way_n though_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveablenesse_n and_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o thess_n 2._o but_o to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v without_o miracle_n be_v a_o miracle_n so_o that_o those_o poor_a woman_n that_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n from_o that_o truth_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o those_o that_o do_v and_o have_v mislead_v they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o this_o i_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n conceive_v that_o all_o those_o new_a convert_v will_v endeavour_v as_o the_o good_a samaritan_n woman_n do_v after_o conversion_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v their_o wife_n child_n and_o family_n but_o their_o neighbour_n also_o and_o whole_a city_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o i_o have_v that_o opinion_n also_o of_o all_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o that_o age_n that_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o woman_n and_o people_n of_o this_o age_n and_o in_o these_o our_o time_n be_v to_o follow_v error_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o effect_n the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n as_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n who_o for_o tempt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o strike_v down_o dead_a and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v in_o verse_n 11._o that_o fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o as_o many_o that_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o malignant_a party_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o and_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n here_o come_v in_o the_o good_a woman_n now_o and_o in_o verse_n 26._o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o captain_n with_o the_o officer_n bring_v the_o apostle_n without_o violence_n for_o they_o fear_v the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v stone_v they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a effect_n these_o miracle_n wrought_v the_o first_o be_v that_o great_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n come_v on_o all_o the_o church_n god_n own_o people_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o many_o addition_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v still_o but_o one_o church_n the_o second_o that_o none_o dare_v join_v 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church_n and_o among_o believer_n and_o brethren_n and_o that_o upon_o groundless_a pretence_n the_o second_o quere_z be_v whether_o for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v requisite_a or_o necessary_a to_o the_o believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o day_n week_n month_n perhaps_o year_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o their_o conversation_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o after_o that_o a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v public_o make_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o the_o time_n when_o the_o place_n where_o the_o occasion_n how_o they_o be_v convert_v shall_v likewise_o open_o be_v produce_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n and_o if_o any_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n shall_v except_v against_o their_o evidence_n that_o then_o they_o be_v 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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 than_o any_o other_o new-found_a 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 19.20_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_z 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
brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n act._n 2.37_o 38._o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o multitude_n or_o church_n admit_v the_o people_n into_o the_o society_n &_o company_n of_o believer_n second_o that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o their_o warrant_n and_o according_a to_o their_o injunction_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n they_o propound_v no_o other_o condition_n or_o term_n for_o their_o make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n the_o which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v accept_v of_o they_o be_v forthwith_o admit_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n and_o testimony_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n or_o further_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o repentance_n without_o any_o witness_n from_o other_o of_o their_o conversation_n and_o without_o the_o voice_n allowance_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v never_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o commission_n or_o consult_v with_o by_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v or_o no_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o demand_v or_o ask_v by_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v some_o time_n of_o further_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v their_o conversation_n and_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n may_v further_o be_v confirm_v that_o their_o conversion_n be_v sound_a and_o well_o neither_o do_v any_o call_n for_o at_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n and_o give_v in_o evidence_n to_o the_o congregation_n that_o they_o be_v convert_v real_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v a_o private_a covenant_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o a_o peculiar_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v specify_v but_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v that_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o that_o power_n that_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n we_o further_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o when_o the_o angel_n appear_v unto_o cornelius_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v he_o unto_o joppa_n to_o call_v for_o one_o simon_n who_o surname_n be_v peter_n he_o do_v not_o send_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o joppa_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o peter_n come_v to_o cornelius_n and_o that_o he_o have_v recite_v unto_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o that_o he_o be_v command_v by_o the_o angel_n to_o send_v for_o he_o it_o be_v further_a also_o declare_v what_o peter_n there_o do_v and_o that_o he_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o after_o a_o sermon_n make_v unto_o cornelius_n and_o all_o that_o be_v assembly_n there_o with_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o come_v with_o peter_n be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o divers_a tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o we_o see_v first_o that_o peter_n be_v send_v unto_o and_o not_o the_o church_n second_o that_o he_o admit_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o never_o consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o ask_v their_o leave_n or_o voice_n but_o conclude_v the_o business_n with_o a_o interrogation_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n of_o bind_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hinder_v any_o believer_n from_o come_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n evident_o appear_v as_o in_o these_o so_o that_o if_o either_o the_o minister_n come_v into_o their_o house_n or_o they_o go_v into_o the_o minister_n and_o make_v sufficient_a testimony_n by_o themselves_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o fear_v god_n of_o what_o nation_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v admit_v the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o nay_o they_o may_v not_o it_o be_v more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o neither_o do_v those_o that_o come_v with_o peter_n intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n or_o require_v a_o covenant_n at_o their_o hand_n or_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n again_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n be_v purpose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o eunuch_n in_o the_o 8_o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v philip_n the_o evangelist_n unto_o he_o who_o he_o find_v read_v in_o his_o chariot_n the_o pprophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o after_o that_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o he_o that_o prophesy_v and_o preach_v unto_o he_o jesus_n and_o baptism_n in_o his_o name_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o acertaine_a water_n the_o eunuch_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o command_v the_o chariot_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o they_o go_v down_o both_o into_o the_o water_n both_o philip_n and_o the_o eunuch_n and_o he_o baptize_v he_o here_o we_o see_v that_o philip_n and_o not_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o eunuch_n and_o that_o philip_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o upon_o the_o eunuch_n his_o own_o testimony_n without_o any_o reference_n unto_o the_o church_n or_o without_o consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o be_v neither_o a_o public_a confession_n require_v of_o he_o by_o any_o of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o covenant_n exact_v by_o the_o people_n and_o so_o when_o saul_n in_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o act_n be_v fall_v down_o out_o of_o astonishment_n and_o afterward_o be_v convert_v as_o the_o story_n there_o full_o declare_v the_o whole_a manner_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n send_v one_o ananias_n a_o disciple_n and_o minister_n unto_o he_o he_o do_v not_o send_v the_o church_n unto_o he_o neither_o do_v ananias_n when_o he_o come_v to_o saul_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v admit_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o member_n for_o thou_o have_v great_o waste_v the_o church_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n and_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o first_o walk_v with_o the_o church_n some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v thy_o conversation_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v make_v a_o confession_n of_o thy_o faith_n public_o before_o the_o congregation_n and_o give_v in_o thy_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thy_o conversion_n and_o enter_v in_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v and_o admit_v but_o without_o all_o this_o ado_n he_o baptise_n paul_n and_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n and_o he_o be_v receive_v immediate_o among_o the_o disciple_n at_o damascus_n without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o scruple_n and_o straightway_o he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n