book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a sacrament_n new_a intercessor_n new_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n second_o even_o to_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v as_o to_o cross_n procession_n ring_v of_o bell_n penance_n and_o such_o like_a they_o have_v ascribe_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n drive_v away_o of_o devil_n and_o such_o like_a gracious_a effect_n wherein_o consist_v no_o small_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o four_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n custom_n custom_n we_o know_v prevail_v much_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o many_o time_n they_o be_v very_o approvable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v vary_a from_o but_o upon_o good_a occasion_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yield_v to_o custom_n have_v breed_v much_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v among_o we_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n by_o play_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o field_n after_o the_o exercise_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o that_o man_n think_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o custom_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a motive_n apt_a to_o over_o sway_v the_o natural_a man_n but_o of_o themselves_o beside_o scripture_n they_o be_v no_o spiritual_a motive_n to_o the_o true_a believer_n custom_n the_o ancient_a father_n tie_v up_o custom_n in_o religion_n thus_o short_a that_o they_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o custom_n agree_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v else_o to_o be_v reject_v now_o what_o be_v truth_n our_o saviour_n say_v god_n word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17_o 17._o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o must_v be_v abolish_v even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n who_o the_o papist_n will_v seem_v to_o allege_v for_o these_o thing_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v custom_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o but_o how_o do_v he_o allege_v they_o against_o contention_n because_o contention_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o custom_n beside_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o last_o point_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n tradition_n be_v one_o my_o pillar_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o they_o leave_v they_o once_o they_o will_v quick_o leave_v their_o religion_n too_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v tradition_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n it_o intend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o before_o father_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o so_o we_o willing_o embrace_v tradition_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o speech_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o do_v make_v for_o tradition_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n intend_v they_o that_o be_v unwritten_a verity_n and_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n than_o so_o there_o be_v no_o build_n on_o they_o if_o they_o be_v verity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v and_o be_v unwritten_a we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o ob._n to_o his_o point_n we_o say_v first_o either_o there_o be_v no_o such_o tradition_n at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v needless_a consider_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o if_o they_o be_v needful_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o certain_o they_o be_v but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o certain_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o i_o mean_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n yes_o say_v they_o for_o substance_n you_o have_v something_o by_o tradition_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n we_o answer_v we_o have_v not_o these_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n for_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o first_o for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 10.14_o and_o second_o for_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o what_o place_n in_o the_o word_n say_v that_o so_o many_o book_n be_v canonical_a i_o answer_v every_o book_n bear_v witness_n of_o itself_o and_o this_o place_n of_o they_o all_o that_o they_o be_v canonical_a three_o for_o the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n we_o have_v reu._n 1.10_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n so_o that_o we_o have_v scripture_n enough_o for_o these_o thing_n to_o satisfy_v a_o humble_a mind_a man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o they_o be_v needless_a for_o suppose_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o what_o need_v unwritten_a tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 2._o indeed_o before_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o the_o word_n be_v now_o write_v and_o have_v be_v now_o write_v these_o 1610._o year_n and_o as_o much_o write_v as_o ever_o shall_v be_v what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o tradition_n beside_o scripture_n 3._o three_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a yet_o they_o be_v uncertain_a for_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v aught_o by_o tradition_n or_o that_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v they_o either_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la answe_n for_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 2.15_o keep_v the_o instruction_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n whereupon_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n leave_v tradition_n and_o epistle_n i_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o diversity_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o teach_v but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o delivery_n 4._o look_v what_o he_o preach_v he_o write_v and_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o church_n after_o they_o be_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n we_o must_v know_v it_o by_o history_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o in_o that_o to_o repose_v my_o salvation_n upon_o last_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v but_o certain_a the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o damnable_a presumption_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o by_o name_n call_v they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unwritten_a &_o equal_v they_o both_o in_o authority_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n &_o in_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o write_a word_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v endue_v but_o with_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o religion_n will_v easy_o decide_v this_o controversy_n if_o we_o add_v here_o to_o determination_n of_o counsel_n consent_n of_o father_n decree_n of_o pope_n and_o other_o patch_n and_o feigning_n of_o popish_a religion_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v this_o that_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o or_o if_o there_o be_v they_o be_v not_o beside_o scripture_n but_o according_a to_o it_o or_o else_o if_o they_o be_v beside_o scripture_n than_o they_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o substance_n nor_o salvation_n nor_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o use_v 2_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v frame_v by_o and_o what_o every_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o and_o that_o be_v
it_o be_v holy_a three_o that_o it_o be_v catholic_a so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o express_a word_n four_o that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n and_o fifthly_o that_o they_o have_v a_o communion_n among_o themselves_o both_o these_o be_v intend_v where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n sixth_o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v know_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v intend_v when_o it_o be_v say_v i_o believe_v it_o we_o have_v pass_v through_o two_o of_o these_o adjunct_n for_o so_o i_o call_v they_o first_o that_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v holy_a catholic_a now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o three_o adjunct_n catholic_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v catholic_a in_o handle_v of_o this_o point_n we_o will_v first_o show_v how_o this_o word_n catholic_a have_v be_v wrong_v second_o we_o will_v right_v it_o and_o three_o we_o will_v draw_v such_o observation_n from_o thence_o as_o it_o will_v fit_o minister_v wrong_v first_o it_o have_v be_v much_o wrong_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o by_o many_o first_o by_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n second_o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o church_n first_o way_n it_o have_v be_v wrong_v and_o corrupt_v exceed_o by_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n first_o in_o that_o they_o false_o challenge_v it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o alone_o second_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v of_o it_o as_o their_o crown_n and_o glory_n three_o in_o that_o they_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o it_o that_o because_o they_o have_v this_o name_n therefore_o they_o be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a church_n and_o in_o certain_a state_n of_o salvation_n first_o the_o word_n be_v wrong_v in_o that_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v false_o challenge_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o if_o their_o church_n be_v catholic_a and_o none_o else_o and_o as_o if_o their_o faith_n be_v catholic_a and_o none_o other_o and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a catholic_n and_o none_o but_o they_o if_o they_o be_v catholic_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o they_o may_v give_v other_o leave_v to_o be_v call_v so_o as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o only_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n be_v false_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o and_o flatter_o yield_v unto_o they_o by_o their_o friend_n and_o fellow_n but_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v no_o catholic_n at_o all_o second_o it_o be_v wrong_v by_o they_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v and_o vaunt_v themselves_o of_o it_o as_o their_o crown_n and_o glory_n and_o they_o take_v it_o in_o great_a snuff_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o call_v yea_o if_o you_o call_v they_o papist_n or_o such_o other_o like_o name_n i_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o fly_v in_o your_o face_n sure_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v true_o affirm_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o case_n to_o be_v boast_v of_o but_o quiet_o and_o sober_o to_o be_v enjoy_v god_n best_a grace_n in_o we_o be_v not_o vain_o to_o be_v boast_v of_o much_o less_o any_o outward_a name_n which_o be_v but_o cast_v upon_o we_o lest_o of_o all_o such_o as_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o desert_n three_o they_o wrong_v it_o 3.5_o in_o that_o they_o put_v much_o confidence_n in_o this_o name_n that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o call_v therefore_o say_v bristol_n and_o the_o rhemist_n we_o be_v the_o undoubted_o true_a church_n &_o in_o certain_a state_n of_o salvation_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pillar_n of_o popery_n the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o catholic_a they_o be_v the_o two_o pillar_n that_o popery_n build_v upon_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o name_n make_v not_o the_o man_n to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o a_o man_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o name_n import_v therefore_o he_o be_v so_o call_v as_o for_o example_n a_o father_n or_o a_o master_n be_v not_o such_o a_o one_o because_o he_o be_v so_o call_v but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o father_n or_o a_o master_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v so_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v such_o as_o the_o name_n import_v and_o then_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n in_o our_o state_n whether_o we_o be_v so_o name_v or_o not_o if_o the_o name_n be_v upon_o we_o without_o cause_n we_o be_v nothing_o the_o near_a to_o salvation_n if_o it_o be_v on_o we_o upon_o good_a cause_n than_o we_o may_v have_v comfort_n in_o our_o state_n not_o for_o the_o name_n but_o because_o we_o be_v such_o as_o the_o name_n signify_v so_o that_o the_o name_n be_v no_o way_n any_o matter_n of_o confidence_n to_o build_v our_o salvation_n on_o way_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v somewhat_o wrong_v by_o some_o among_o we_o too_o not_o that_o we_o either_o mistake_v it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v nor_o malign_v it_o as_o they_o say_v we_o do_v but_o occasional_o by_o their_o error_n on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o run_v into_o another_o on_o the_o otherside_n because_o they_o advance_v it_o too_o high_a we_o debase_v it_o too_o low_a first_o some_o labour_v to_o suppress_v the_o name_n quite_o as_o certain_a lutheran_n that_o have_v change_v catholic_a in_o the_o creed_n into_o christian_n second_o other_o scoff_v at_o it_o as_o a_o toy_n and_o a_o jest_n three_o other_o that_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o pregnancy_n of_o their_o wit_n do_v deprave_v it_o and_o make_v a_o nickname_n of_o it_o cacolicke_v cartholike_a but_o these_o be_v distemper_v spirit_n not_o season_v with_o grace_n and_o modesty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v four_o and_o last_o general_o all_o of_o we_o little_o regard_v it_o nor_o have_v it_o in_o that_o good_a request_n as_o it_o well_o deserve_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o name_n of_o christian_a be_v far_o more_o ancient_a and_o proper_a and_o more_o warrantable_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o act._n 11.26_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o name_n be_v suppress_v for_o to_o be_v call_v catholic_n have_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o long_a continuance_n and_o understand_v it_o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n it_o be_v a_o reverend_a and_o a_o honourable_a stile_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o this_o name_n have_v be_v wrong_v first_o by_o they_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n second_o by_o some_o among_o us._n now_o second_o we_o be_v to_o right_v the_o word_n of_o and_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o original_a sense_n that_o so_o we_o may_v frame_v we_o to_o a_o reverend_a and_o sober_a estimation_n of_o it_o and_o neither_o esteem_n of_o it_o too_o much_o nor_o too_o little_a and_o to_o this_o end_n first_o therefore_o we_o will_v consider_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o word_n second_o we_o will_v show_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o three_o the_o common_a receive_a use_n of_o it_o first_o consider_v the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o it_o this_o word_n be_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n only_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o james_n peter_n john_n and_o jude_n ibidem_fw-la there_o they_o be_v call_v catholic_a epistle_n which_o be_v a_o greek_a word_n and_o signify_v general_a which_o preface_v whether_o they_o be_v scripture_n or_o not_o be_v uncertain_a they_o may_v be_v so_o and_o they_o may_v not_o yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o name_n be_v very_o ancient_a but_o come_v to_o the_o creed_n and_o there_o this_o word_n be_v plain_o find_v and_o that_o as_o a_o adjunct_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n own_o do_v but_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o near_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n and_o also_o in_o athanasius_n creed_n oecumenius_n and_o there_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o faith_n the_o faith_n profess_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_a faith_n so_o we_o see_v that_o the_o word_n be_v very_o ancient_a second_o to_o right_v it_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n catholic_a which_o be_v general_a or_o universal_a for_o so_o the_o ancient_n expound_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o general_a epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o general_a epistle_n of_o james_n as_o direct_v not_o to_o any_o particular_a nation_n or_o city_n as_o paul_n do_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n but_o general_o and_o universal_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a or_o to_o
saviour_n answer_v he_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o for_o the_o exception_n make_v out_o of_o 1._o joh._n 3.10_o where_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o joh._n 1._o where_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o lady_n he_o write_v to_o elect_a lady_n and_o in_o the_o 1._o thess_n 1.4_o know_v belove_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o be_v elect_a of_o god_n these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n be_v thus_o answer_v that_o either_o this_o be_v speak_v out_o of_o a_o charitable_a persuasion_n or_o else_o it_o be_v speak_v so_o of_o all_o because_o some_o be_v so_o for_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n 1._o thes_n 1.4_o or_o if_o he_o have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o particular_n it_o be_v by_o divine_a revelation_n we_o can_v say_v therefore_o out_o of_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n only_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v upon_o good_a ground_n he_o be_v so_o use_v 2_o second_o the_o papist_n be_v here_o refute_v for_o they_o sin_v horrible_o in_o this_o kind_n in_o that_o they_o pray_v to_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o saint_n whereas_o many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v damn_v spirit_n in_o hell_n for_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n matth._n 7.19.20_o again_o this_o refute_v three_o other_o error_n of_o popery_n that_o do_v direct_o contradict_v these_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o observation_n first_o they_o make_v predestination_n to_o be_v contingent_a and_o so_o they_o say_v god_n himself_o do_v not_o precise_o know_v who_o be_v he_o for_o if_o predestination_n do_v depend_v upon_o man_n will_n that_o if_o man_n will_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o god_n know_v nothing_o till_o he_o see_v what_o man_n will_v do_v second_o they_o deny_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o can_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n they_o will_v have_v no_o man_n say_v certain_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o they_o will_v say_v it_o of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v save_v and_o that_o be_v the_o three_o error_n which_o contradict_v the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o observation_n in_o that_o they_o say_v the_o church_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o general_o other_o may_v know_v who_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o but_o we_o see_v all_o these_o error_n be_v here_o refute_v by_o this_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o have_v teach_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o to_o none_o other_o but_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o do_v good_a one_o to_o another_o as_o brethren_n if_o we_o know_v not_o who_o be_v brethren_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v persuade_v ourselves_o of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v god_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o good_a hope_n because_o we_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o love_n in_o they_o so_o far_o as_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v therefore_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o we_o must_v love_v they_o and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o as_o brethren_n the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o if_o every_o one_o may_v know_v use_n 3_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o learn_v this_o and_o know_v it_o for_o himself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o i_o answer_v by_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o thyself_o whether_o thou_o have_v god_n spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o make_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v which_o make_v we_o go_v to_o god_n as_o to_o our_o father_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o our_o father_n for_o that_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o 12._o what_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o man_n even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n secret_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v god_n therefore_o have_v this_o spirit_n we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v go_n and_o that_o we_o may_v further_o seal_v this_o unto_o ourselves_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a unto_o ourselves_o by_o walk_v in_o good_a work_n strive_v against_o sin_n and_o work_v the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o assure_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v go_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o this_o last_o adjunct_n and_o also_o of_o the_o article_n name_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o general_a head_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v partly_o of_o the_o name_n and_o partly_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o first_o of_o the_o name_n the_o name_n be_v doubtful_a and_o carry_v many_o signification_n yea_o and_o many_o contrary_a signification_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v according_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o whither_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n or_o not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o original_a word_n both_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n will_v bear_v it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n ezek._n 32.22_o there_o the_o name_n be_v apply_v to_o ashur_n and_o his_o company_n to_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o be_v apply_v deut._n 33.4_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o congregation_n of_o jacob_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o that_o name_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o malicious_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v religion_n psalm_n 26.5_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o assembly_n or_o church_n of_o the_o wicked_a so_o that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n bear_v it_o as_o well_o for_o a_o company_n not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o a_o company_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n so_o likewise_o the_o greek_a word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o the_o new_a testament_n bear_v it_o in_o this_o general_a sense_n as_o act._n 19.32_o where_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o disorder_a assembly_n in_o a_o case_n of_o mutiny_n the_o assembly_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o in_o the_o act._n 2.47_o the_o same_o word_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n so_o we_o see_v how_o this_o word_n have_v be_v apply_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o any_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o either_o in_o case_n or_o not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n yea_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v restrain_v in_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speech_n and_o so_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n unto_o a_o company_n of_o people_n as_o profess_v some_o certain_a religion_n whatsoever_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o church_n be_v according_o so_o call_v for_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n that_o embrace_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o again_o there_o be_v false_a religion_n and_o they_o that_o embrace_v any_o of_o they_o be_v false_a church_n so_o every_o church_n receive_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o religion_n she_o embrace_v as_o for_o example_n we_o call_v those_o jew_n which_o be_v bear_v jew_n but_o those_o only_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o that_o if_o a_o jew_n bear_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o he_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n yet_o he_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o likewise_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o
sleep_v not_o mat._n 13._o he_o and_o he_o be_v always_o up_o in_o arm_n against_o we_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v so_o against_o they_o and_o take_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o look_v whensoever_o we_o intermit_v out_o fight_n we_o do_v so_o far_o forth_o for_o the_o time_n suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v overcome_v if_o once_o we_o start_v aside_o the_o enemy_n get_v the_o more_o vantage_n of_o us._n last_o it_o be_v general_a against_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o religion_n for_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o force_n bend_v themselves_o against_o god_n and_o against_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o faithful_a must_v bend_v all_o their_o force_n against_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 12.3_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o that_o bless_v he_o and_o curse_v they_o that_o curse_v he_o and_o so_o must_v all_o abraham_n seed_n the_o faithful_a do_v for_o god_n as_o they_o must_v love_v all_o that_o love_n god_n so_o they_o must_v fight_v against_o all_o that_o fight_n against_o god_n a_o question_n may_v be_v demand_v here_o it_o whether_o the_o good_a angel_n be_v not_o also_o part_n of_o this_o church_n militant_a i_o answer_v they_o be_v party_n in_o this_o business_n in_o some_o sense_n for_o though_o the_o enemy_n can_v annoy_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o fight_v for_o themselves_o yet_o do_v they_o fight_v for_o we_o as_o true_a guardian_n and_o assistant_n and_o as_o god_n instrument_n and_o messenger_n to_o succour_v we_o or_o to_o disclose_v and_o destroy_v our_o enemy_n and_o their_o enterprise_n against_o us._n they_o be_v heavenly_a soldier_n not_o only_o in_o general_a as_o the_o star_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o in_o particular_a assist_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o that_o personal_o and_o by_o their_o office_n they_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o temptation_n as_o they_o do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n matth._n 4.11_o after_o his_o temptation_n and_o so_o luk._n 22.43_o they_o comfort_v christ_n in_o his_o agony_n there_o appear_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n comfort_v he_o and_o psal_n 34.7_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n so_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o only_o about_o we_o but_o they_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o we_o to_o fight_v for_o we_o and_o they_o do_v also_o deliver_v us._n so_o then_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o be_v party_n in_o this_o warfare_n yea_o but_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o enemy_n that_o they_o can_v annoy_v they_o therefore_o they_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o militant_a church_n second_o the_o church_n triumphant_a what_o be_v that_o be_v that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n in_o heaven_n that_o have_v already_o finish_v their_o warfare_n and_o overcome_v their_o enemy_n and_o do_v now_o reign_v and_o triumph_v in_o glory_n together_o with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n before_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o now_o stand_v upon_o it_o only_o we_o will_v here_o show_v some_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a and_o so_o come_v to_o a_o observation_n arise_v from_o hence_o the_o difference_n be_v these_o follow_v the_o church_n militant_a the_o church_n triumphant_a militant_a 1._o the_o church_n militant_a be_v of_o man_n only_o 1._o the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v of_o angel_n too_o 2._o the_o church_n militant_a be_v on_o earth_n 2._o the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v in_o heaven_n 3._o the_o church_n militant_a be_v subject_a to_o sin_n error_n and_o misery_n 3._o the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v free_a from_o they_o all_o 4._o the_o church_n militant_a be_v run_v in_o the_o race_n 4._o the_o church_n triumphant_a have_v attain_v the_o goal_n 5._o the_o church_n militant_a be_v saint_n in_o hope_n 5._o the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v saint_n in_o possession_n 6._o the_o church_n militant_a have_v need_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n 6._o the_o church_n triumphant_a have_v attain_v to_o her_o perfection_n and_o end_n 7._o the_o church_n militant_a child_n under_o year_n heir_n by_o promise_n 7._o the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v of_o full_a age_n seize_v on_o their_o inheritance_n 8._o the_o church_n militant_a be_v like_o christ_n crucify_v concern_v infirmity_n 8._o the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v like_o christ_n exalt_v and_o invest_v into_o glory_n doctr._n the_o observation_n from_o hence_o be_v this_o that_o see_v there_o be_v first_o here_o a_o church_n militant_a on_o earth_n and_o then_o a_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n hence_o i_o say_v arise_v this_o observation_n that_o none_o can_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o triumphant_a church_n in_o heaven_n except_o first_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o militant_a and_o fight_a church_n on_o earth_n this_o be_v figure_v in_o the_o passage_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n into_o canaan_n they_o must_v encounter_v with_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n they_o must_v pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o must_v wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n many_o year_n and_o sustain_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n they_o must_v war_n with_o their_o enemy_n even_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o way_n all_o this_o they_o must_v do_v before_o they_o can_v enter_v into_o this_o earthly_a canaan_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o our_o passage_n to_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n we_o must_v meet_v with_o many_o enemy_n and_o sustain_v and_o undergo_v many_o misery_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v through_o many_o affliction_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act._n 14.12_o what_o be_v affliction_n but_o assault_n trouble_n temptation_n and_o fight_n why_o through_o these_o we_o must_v enter_v and_o through_o many_o of_o these_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o of_o they_o here_o in_o this_o life_n yea_o we_o must_v pass_v through_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a the_o end_n we_o seek_v after_o be_v god_n kingdom_n why_o this_o be_v the_o way_n thither_o say_v the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o pike_n you_o must_v pass_v through_o even_o many_o affliction_n so_o in_o the_o 2._o tim._n 3.12_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n all_o those_o that_o look_v to_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n must_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o all_o that_o will_v do_v so_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o 2._o cor._n 4.17_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n cause_n unto_o we_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n not_o that_o our_o affliction_n do_v cause_n it_o by_o way_n of_o efficacy_n or_o merit_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 8.18_o that_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o us._n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n then_o of_o this_o place_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o way_n of_o order_n and_o consequence_n that_o affliction_n must_v of_o necessity_n go_v before_o or_o else_o the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n can_v follow_v after_o revelat._n 2.10_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v thou_o shall_v have_v trial_n and_o tribulation_n but_o be_v thou_o faithful_a and_o fight_v and_o thou_o shall_v have_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n be_v restrain_v only_o to_o those_o that_o overcome_v revel_v 2.7_o 11_o 17._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v the_o fight_n of_o faith_n 1._o tim._n 6.12_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n lay_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o have_v faith_n fight_v for_o it_o or_o else_o thou_o shall_v never_o lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n never_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o thy_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o matth._n 20.21_o 22._o the_o mother_n of_o zebedeus_n child_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o beseech_v he_o that_o her_o two_o son_n may_v sit_v one_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o at_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v you_o ask_v you_o know_v not_o what_o be_v you_o able_a to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n that_o i_o shall_v drink_v of_o etc._n etc._n that_o
intendment_n diverse_a as_o the_o thing_n itself_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o damage_n and_o hurt_v of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o god_n so_o overrule_v they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n or_o some_o other_o good_a book_n with_o intent_n to_o deride_v or_o scoff_n or_o cavil_v at_o they_o as_o we_o read_v of_o one_o virginius_n a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v set_v to_o write_v against_o calvin_n and_o â—eading_v over_o calvin_n book_n for_o that_o end_n he_o see_v the_o light_n so_o clear_a against_o he_o that_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o will_v write_v no_o more_o against_o he_o so_o that_o whereas_o he_o read_v over_o his_o book_n with_o intent_n to_o cavil_n at_o they_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o against_o his_o own_o intendment_n he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n thereby_o second_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n choose_v why_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v tend_v direct_o to_o the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o god_n do_v so_o over-rule_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n thus_o god_n overruled_n the_o sin_n of_o saul_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n act._n 9.4.5_o three_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o other_o from_o the_o faith_n be_v sometime_o overruled_n by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o raise_n of_o other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o we_o all_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jew_n they_o fall_v away_o and_o through_o their_o fall_n salvation_n be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v rom._n 11.11_o four_o persecution_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v so_o overrule_v by_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v make_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n why_o what_o be_v more_o hurtful_a to_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecutor_n make_v those_o that_o be_v of_o any_o humanity_n to_o detest_v they_o and_o their_o course_n as_o also_o the_o constancy_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o be_v persecute_v win_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o even_o of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o their_o adversary_n many_o time_n to_o the_o truth_n example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v have_v at_o home_n in_o our_o own_o land_n when_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o fruitful_a time_n of_o the_o church_n increase_n in_o this_o land_n than_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n at_o least_o ever_o since_o by_o occasion_n of_o those_o persecution_n last_o sometime_o the_o scatter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v occasional_o by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n a_o mean_n of_o scatter_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n into_o many_o place_n and_o so_o of_o cause_v many_o church_n as_o in_o act._n 8.4_o there_o be_v great_a persecution_n and_o the_o word_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o what_o can_v hurt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o this_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n as_o that_o he_o make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o many_o place_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v in_o judea_n only_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v come_v into_o samaria_n too_o but_o all_o these_o be_v by-cause_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v only_o point_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v they_o by_o yet_o this_o be_v worthy_a herein_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o wonderful_a power_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o make_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o even_o beside_o and_o against_o its_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n serviceable_a mean_n for_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n sense_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v such_o as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o and_o these_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o material_a than_o the_o other_o first_o then_o take_v the_o church_n in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v thus_o as_o a_o build_n have_v four_o principal_a cause_n so_o have_v the_o church_n first_o in_o a_o build_n there_o be_v the_o foundation_n second_o the_o builder_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o build_n four_a the_o form_n so_o in_o god_n church_n there_o be_v these_o four_o cause_n of_o it_o first_o the_o foundation_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o metaphorical_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o they_o teach_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o as_o a_o skilful_a master-builder_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n say_v the_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.20_o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o builder_n and_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n for_o so_o they_o be_v call_v 1_o pet._n 2.7_o the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v which_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n refuse_v and_o 1._o cor._n 3.10_o the_o teacher_n be_v call_v master_n builder_n three_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o build_n and_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n live_a stone_n for_o so_o the_o faithful_a be_v call_v 1_o pet._n 2.5_o lively_a stone_n a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o they_o be_v call_v god_n building_n last_o the_o form_n of_o the_o building_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lay_n and_o the_o couple_v of_o the_o faithful_a together_o ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o in_o who_o all_o the_o building_n couple_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o be_v also_o build_v together_o to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v apprehend_v in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o building_n again_o take_v the_o church_n absolute_o in_o itself_o sieve_n and_o then_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n a_o instrumental_a cause_n a_o material_a cause_n a_o formal_a cause_n and_o a_o final_a cause_n first_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n from_o which_o it_o have_v she_o be_v for_o that_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o a_o thing_n cause_n from_o whence_o a_o thing_n have_v that_o be_v which_o it_o have_v now_o the_o efficient_a cause_n from_o whence_o the_o church_n have_v she_o be_v be_v god_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o act._n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n outward_a either_o outward_a or_o inward_a outward_a as_o first_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o and_o these_o be_v sometime_o ordinary_a sometime_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v a_o ordinary_a call_v as_o most_o minister_n if_o not_o all_o have_v in_o these_o day_n extraordinary_a that_o be_v then_o when_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v as_o the_o prophet_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o next_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o word_n joh._n 20.31_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v 2_o thes_n 2.14_o whereunto_o he_o call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 5.19_o both_o these_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v down_o together_o god_n have_v commit_v unto_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n then_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o next_o outward_a instrumental_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o baptism_n rom._n 6.4_o know_v you_o not_o that_o all_o we_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o
church_n govern_v by_o the_o word_n not_o else_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o good_a king_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v always_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n not_o in_o decide_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o that_o god_n word_n decide_v but_o this_o word_n head_n of_o the_o church_n scripture_n must_v be_v wary_o use_v because_o it_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o chief_a governor_n be_v and_o therefore_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o king_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n because_o under_o christ_n he_o be_v chief_a governor_n second_o they_o except_v &_o say_v the_o universal_a visible_a church_n have_v a_o visible_a head_n now_o where_o be_v this_o visible_a head_n christ_n be_v not_o visible_a i_o answer_v yes_o christ_n be_v visible_a for_o first_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v in_o this_o dispensation_n of_o time_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v see_v if_o the_o king_n after_o he_o be_v crown_v shall_v keep_v himself_o in_o his_o closet_n all_o his_o life_n time_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o a_o visible_a king_n too_o though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o his_o subject_n so_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n visible_a where_o the_o saint_n see_v he_o and_o where_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o too_o and_o that_o with_o these_o eye_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v visible_a though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v of_o we_o now_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o some_o sort_n he_o be_v visible_a daily_o in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o these_o christ_n be_v among_o we_o and_o in_o our_o sight_n crucify_v gal._n 3.1_o three_o he_o be_v once_o visible_a and_o see_v on_o earth_n for_o many_o year_n and_o shall_v be_v see_v by_o every_o eye_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o that_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n four_o his_o minister_n together_o with_o lawful_a magistrate_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n visible_o represent_v he_o among_o us._n so_o that_o christ_n and_o not_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v every_o day_n among_o us._n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o use_n the_o second_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o god_n church_n in_o use_n 2_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o head_n and_o that_o many_o way_n first_o way_n it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o nearness_n it_o have_v with_o christ_n last_o it_o show_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n first_o it_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n for_o see_v it_o have_v such_o a_o glorious_a head_n as_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v therefore_o the_o body_n must_v needs_o be_v glorious_a too_o the_o great_a kingdom_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n come_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n even_o as_o far_o as_o their_o governor_n come_v short_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o mortal_a and_o sinful_a man_n come_v short_a of_o the_o eternal_a and_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n have_v a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o head_n that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a head_n so_o have_v the_o church_n in_o her_o measure_n a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n the_o body_n of_o body_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a body_n in_o the_o world_n second_o it_o show_v the_o near_a conjunction_n the_o church_n have_v with_o christ_n and_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n in_o that_o respect_n there_o be_v no_o conjunction_n so_o near_o as_o this_o let_v any_o or_o all_o the_o society_n in_o the_o world_n show_v i_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o governor_n as_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n servant_n have_v their_o lord_n company_n their_o master_n city_n their_o major_n subject_n their_o king_n sheep_n their_o shepherd_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o the_o church_n have_v christ_n to_o be_v her_o head_n and_o this_o be_v the_o near_a conjunction_n that_o can_v be_v other_o governor_n of_o other_o society_n those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o or_o conjoin_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o company_n may_v have_v hurt_v and_o yet_o they_o not_o know_v of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o they_o do_v not_o affect_v it_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v affect_v it_o it_o be_v but_o for_o conscience_n of_o their_o place_n only_o but_o christ_n know_v the_o harm_n and_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v to_o his_o church_n and_o affect_v they_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o act._n 9_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o take_v the_o injury_n that_o saul_n offer_v to_o his_o church_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o of_o necessity_n christ_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o harm_n do_v to_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n be_v of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o head_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o hurt_n do_v to_o the_o body_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o member_n this_o the_o church_n consider_v and_o receive_v inestimable_a comfort_n by_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o for_o by_o this_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o christ_n near_a presence_n to_o they_o in_o their_o affliction_n by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n and_o also_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o will_v relieve_v they_o of_o the_o wrong_n and_o injury_n do_v unto_o they_o and_o revenge_v they_o on_o their_o enemy_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o also_o he_o will_v merciful_o recompense_v all_o our_o releever_n as_o if_o they_o have_v relieve_v he_o on_o earth_n in_o his_o great_a extremity_n this_o point_n be_v marvelous_a comfortable_a to_o all_o such_o as_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v live_v member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n three_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o safety_n which_o we_o have_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n christ_n be_v our_o head_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v safe_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v against_o christ_n than_o they_o may_v prevail_v against_o we_o too_o but_o the_o one_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o be_v the_o other_o too_o second_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v prevail_v against_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v pass_v do_v for_o it_o be_v do_v already_o for_o christ_n our_o head_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o head_n be_v above_o water_n the_o body_n can_v possible_o be_v drown_v i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n three_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o certain_o we_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o the_o head_n be_v there_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v also_o joh._n 17.24_o yea_o we_o be_v already_o by_o communication_n with_o he_o in_o heavenly_a place_n ephes_n 2.6_o because_o he_o be_v our_o head_n be_v there_o already_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n that_o see_v christ_n be_v the_o use_v 3_o head_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n than_o we_o must_v labour_v so_o to_o esteem_v he_o and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o reverence_v he_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o as_o our_o head_n first_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o head_n to_o convey_v life_n sense_n and_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n let_v we_o therefore_o wait_v upon_o our_o head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o for_o his_o direction_n in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n and_o discipline_n too_o and_o also_o let_v we_o defy_v all_o other_o direction_n and_o all_o other_o counsel_n that_o do_v not_o agree_v either_o particular_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o general_a with_o his_o reveal_v will_n all_o direction_n therefore_o that_o be_v against_o christ_n and_o against_o his_o word_n though_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v it_o but_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o head_n christ_n it_o be_v israel_n perverseness_n 1_o sam._n 8.7_o and_o the_o jew_n wilfulness_n luk._n 19.14_o that_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o head_n
king_n here_o and_o make_v we_o to_o reign_v as_o king_n with_o he_o for_o ever_o hereafter_o this_o be_v the_o inward_a government_n second_o the_o outward_a government_n that_o be_v the_o power_n and_o direction_n that_o god_n have_v put_v over_o to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o the_o well_o govern_v of_o the_o church_n whereby_o there_o must_v be_v first_o sufficient_a and_o painful_a minister_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n teach_v they_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o second_o there_o must_v be_v other_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o religious_a man_n choose_v for_o their_o assistant_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o such_o ecclesiastical_a business_n as_o they_o may_v be_v helpefull_a in_o and_o three_o there_o must_v be_v certain_a godly_a and_o christian_a law_n and_o custom_n establish_v among_o they_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o well-doer_n and_o for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o all_o such_o ordinance_n as_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n have_v provide_v to_o be_v do_v in_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o government_n which_o we_o here_o mean_v and_o which_o we_o seek_v after_o that_o be_v the_o power_n and_o direction_n and_o administration_n that_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n special_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o overseer_n thereof_o to_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v well_o order_v and_o that_o every_o member_n carry_v themselves_o godly_a and_o religious_o both_o in_o private_a especial_o in_o public_a both_o towards_o god_n and_o the_o world_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n be_v how_o needful_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o good_a thereof_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a necessity_n one_o absolute_a the_o other_o conditional_a absolute_a that_o be_v when_o one_o thing_n be_v so_o necessary_o require_v to_o another_o as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v without_o it_o second_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a that_o be_v when_o one_o thing_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o another_o as_o that_o it_o can_v well_o be_v without_o it_o of_o this_o latter_a sort_n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o church_n may_v be_v without_o it_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o be_v but_o it_o can_v have_v her_o well-being_n except_o this_o concur_v the_o point_n lie_v fit_a to_o be_v handle_v by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o therefore_o so_o i_o will_v deliver_v it_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o namely_o doctr._n that_o there_o be_v necessary_o require_v a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o administer_v by_o man_n all_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o observation_n as_o necessity_n church_n and_o government_n have_v be_v before_o explain_v only_o the_o last_o word_n administration_n by_o man_n needs_o some_o open_n i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v administer_v by_o man_n i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o must_v be_v devise_v of_o man_n for_o it_o must_v be_v of_o god_n own_o ordain_v either_o in_o particular_a or_o at_o least_o in_o general_a and_o it_o must_v be_v administer_v that_o be_v man_n as_o minister_n and_o instrument_n must_v put_v in_o execution_n that_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o what_o man_n must_v these_o be_v sure_o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n for_o first_o these_o man_n must_v not_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o no_o church_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o or_o they_o with_o we_o nor_o second_o it_o must_v not_o be_v do_v by_o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o another_o church_n for_o what_o have_v one_o church_n to_o do_v to_o meddle_v with_o another_o government_n except_o it_o be_v by_o advice_n or_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n or_o in_o such_o cause_n as_o concern_v diverse_a church_n but_o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n these_o be_v the_o party_n that_o may_v and_o must_v administer_v this_o government_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o note_n stand_v upright_o namely_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v require_v a_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n in_o god_n church_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o administer_v by_o man_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n in_o rom._n 12.4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o body_n and_o professor_n to_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o body_n now_o say_v he_o every_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n no_o for_o that_o be_v superfluity_n and_o will_v breed_v confusion_n but_o several_a member_n be_v tie_v to_o several_a office_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n now_o there_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o verse_n 5_o etc._n etc._n and_o there_o must_v be_v sundry_a office_n and_o officer_n to_o exercise_v that_o government_n and_o who_o shall_v these_o be_v but_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12._o from_o the_o 12._o to_o the_o 21._o verse_n there_o the_o apostle_n press_v the_o same_o comparison_n further_o and_o grow_v to_o more_o particular_n call_v one_o the_o eye_n another_o the_o foot_n the_o hand_n the_o head_n etc._n etc._n of_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o as_o in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o part_n thereof_o it_o be_v so_o order_v that_o some_o be_v to_o govern_v other_o to_o be_v govern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n some_o must_v govern_v other_o must_v be_v govern_v and_o still_o understand_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o govern_v must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n for_o so_o the_o comparison_n hold_v they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v set_v down_o general_o for_o a_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 40._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o by_o order_n where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n express_o command_v order_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v government_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o thing_n to_o be_v well_o order_v or_o well_o govern_v and_o it_o be_v intend_v of_o outward_a business_n in_o the_o church_n as_o verse_n 26._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o their_o come_n together_o and_o it_o be_v a_o charge_n let_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o all_o be_v impose_v upon_o man_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o 26_o verse_n brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o etc._n etc._n you_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o according_a to_o this_o general_a rule_n so_o the_o apostle_n carry_v themselves_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 3.14_o 15._o say_v these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o he_o of_o be_v partly_o of_o outward_a government_n as_o verse_n 1._o and_o forward_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o the_o word_n in_o the_o fifteen_o verse_n show_v it_o plain_o he_o write_v to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o therefore_o what_o do_v this_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v write_v particular_o to_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a overseer_n in_o that_o church_n it_o consequent_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o he_o will_v not_o respite_v it_o till_o his_o come_n though_o he_o be_v to_o come_v short_o but_o for_o the_o more_o surety_n he_o write_v beforehand_o that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o so_o material_a a_o ornament_n as_o outward_a government_n be_v and_o he_o charge_v timothy_n most_o severe_o in_o chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 21._o and_o in_o chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o 14._o that_o the_o same_o be_v due_o observe_v and_o so_o in_o tit._n 1.5_o there_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o titus_n that_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o creta_n say_v for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o creta_n that_o thou_o shall_v continue_v to_o redress_v the_o thing_n that_o
it_o be_v not_o in_o she_o to_o devise_v she_o own_o government_n if_o christ_n therefore_o have_v not_o provide_v for_o she_o in_o this_o case_n but_o have_v leave_v she_o to_o herself_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o she_o have_v never_o hit_v on_o the_o right_a way_n or_o if_o she_o have_v she_o can_v have_v have_v no_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n nor_o hope_v of_o blessing_n in_o the_o course_n because_o still_o she_o will_v have_v be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n so_o let_v we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o good_a god_n that_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o affirmative_a point_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v scripture_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n the_o negative_a position_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o to_o observe_v for_o order_v every_o particular_a this_o be_v a_o negative_a position_n as_o you_o see_v must_v be_v content_a with_o negative_a proof_n for_o see_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o government_n in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a or_o not_o and_o see_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n then_o though_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a place_n to_o confirm_v it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o many_o together_o will_n i_o say_v no_o many_o lay_v all_o together_o will_v not_o they_o that_o pretend_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n must_v instance_n in_o some_o such_o place_n in_o the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v prove_v else_o the_o contrary_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o refutation_n of_o such_o allegation_n be_v the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o position_n therefore_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o negative_a position_n first_o i_o say_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v or_o prescribe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o part_n of_o discipline_n nay_o nor_o many_o place_n confer_v and_o lay_v all_o together_o do_v not_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o in_o general_a there_o be_v proof_n enough_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o in_o the_o former_a point_n but_o not_o for_o any_o particular_a form_n in_o every_o particular_a etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o affirm_v or_o prescribe_v this_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o i_o say_v further_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v intend_v any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o particular_a either_o they_o will_v have_v give_v it_o in_o express_a charge_n particular_o or_o at_o least_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o notorious_a pattern_n of_o it_o in_o some_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o best_a church_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o best_a provide_v for_o in_o that_o case_n yet_o these_o have_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n whereunto_o they_o be_v precise_o bind_v first_o for_o corinth_n there_o be_v more_o write_v to_o that_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a government_n than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n yea_o almost_o as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a no_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o in_o many_o particular_n it_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v not_o by_o writing_n for_o some_o the_o apostle_n respite_v till_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o other_o thing_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v so_o then_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a by_o writing_n for_o herself_o much_o less_o be_v it_o so_o provide_v for_o as_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v thereby_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church-order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n own_o commandment_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o yes_o they_o be_v to_o they_o of_o that_o church_n so_o far_o as_o be_v direct_o enjoin_v they_o but_o not_o to_o all_o church_n else_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o it_o be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o that_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a for_o itself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o particular_n profitable_a if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v than_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o not_o those_o particular_n i_o answer_v sure_o particular_n be_v profitable_a and_o therefore_o this_o church_n have_v enough_o in_o general_a whereby_o they_o may_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o all_o particular_n this_o place_n prove_v the_o former_a position_n well_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n whole_o in_o the_o general_a but_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a though_o they_o have_v some_o to_o measure_v the_o rest_n by_o yea_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a matter_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n than_o in_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n impose_v on_o timothy_n a_o charge_n of_o perpetuity_n as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o spot_n until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o that_o government_n which_o he_o charge_v he_o withal_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a i_o answer_v first_o that_o that_o commandment_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n second_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o government_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o personal_a to_o timothy_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v and_o also_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o those_o particular_a thing_n there_o command_v which_o come_v far_o short_a of_o every_o particular_a that_o they_o shall_v perpetual_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o charge_n he_o give_v timothy_n last_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o matter_n of_o substance_n which_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n for_o this_o nor_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n nay_o there_o be_v example_n against_o it_o because_o we_o find_v not_o the_o same_o government_n in_o all_o church_n for_o some_o want_v that_o which_o other_o have_v and_o so_o by_o this_o rule_n one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v sin_v as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n there_o be_v only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n name_v so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o every_o church_n precise_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o still_o new_a occasion_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n daily_o which_o if_o they_o be_v foresee_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n as_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o civil_a law_n be_v there_o ever_o that_o the_o best_a head_n have_v be_v lay_v together_o to_o devise_v that_o be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o first_o for_o every_o particular_a but_o by_o new_a occasion_n still_o increase_v for_o particular_a cause_n yea_o but_o though_o man_n can_v not_o yet_o god_n can_v have_v provide_v for_o that_o but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o it_o prescribe_v not_o for_o every_o particular_a what_o be_v to_o
to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o nor_o must_v they_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o saint_n 1_o joh._n 5.16_o because_o now_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v he_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n our_o father_n nothing_o can_v match_v this_o state_n but_o hell_n this_o be_v the_o porch_n that_o the_o house_n this_o the_o mouth_n that_o the_o body_n this_o the_o very_a brink_n that_o the_o eternal_a pit_n of_o utter_a desolation_n i_o herefore_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v the_o misery_n of_o our_o time_n wherein_o so_o precious_a a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o this_o be_v be_v so_o abuse_v and_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o he_o may_v take_v effect_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o reclaim_v offender_n when_o neither_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o other_o mean_n can_v reclaim_v they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o four_o duty_n the_o five_o duty_n be_v call_v of_o public_a assembly_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v call_v for_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o church_n by_o one_o man_n direction_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o consent_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o house_n to_o house_n of_o every_o man_n by_o himself_o for_o that_o course_n be_v subject_a to_o fraud_n but_o assistant_n be_v to_o be_v call_v party_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o be_v there_o and_o so_o public_o to_o testify_v their_o own_o consent_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n in_o such_o case_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o now_o these_o assembly_n be_v sometime_o great_a as_o of_o a_o diocese_n or_o province_n sometime_o small_a as_o of_o a_o parish_n again_o some_o be_v ordinary_a upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o as_o extraordinary_a occasion_n do_v oft_o fall_v out_o some_o be_v extraordinary_a a_o assemble_v together_o for_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o duty_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n these_o first_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o according_a as_o every_o one_o of_o you_o have_v a_o psalm_n or_o a_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o these_o duty_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o call_n of_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o multitude_n be_v call_v together_o act._n 6.2_o three_o there_o must_v be_v a_o public_a meeting_n for_o alm_n for_o the_o collect_v and_o distribute_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o the_o apostle_n command_v 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 4._o last_o there_o must_v be_v ordinary_a public_a assembly_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o church_n censure_n as_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o you_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o must_v be_v public_a meeting_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n sometime_o god_n testify_v extraordinary_a mercy_n and_o give_v extraordinary_a blessing_n to_o his_o church_n and_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v public_a thanks_o to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hester_n 9.22_o second_o some_o heavy_a judgement_n be_v either_o feel_v or_o fear_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o then_o the_o church_n must_v assemble_v together_o for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v command_v joel_n 2.15_o 16._o and_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ninivites_fw-la jonah_n 3.5_o where_o they_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a upon_o jonas_n preach_v of_o destruction_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o three_o law_n and_o decree_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o reviue_v for_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o such_o like_a and_o so_o in_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decree_a of_o matter_n concern_v ceremony_n and_o act._n 16.4_o they_o deliver_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v than_o there_o must_v be_v a_o assemble_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o last_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o they_o so_o paul_n be_v send_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n act._n 15.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n about_o doubt_n that_o do_v arise_v and_o what_o do_v they_o there_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v to_o this_o matter_n vers_fw-la 6._o so_o much_o of_o the_o five_o duty_n the_o six_o duty_n be_v oversight_n duty_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v due_o and_o right_o do_v this_o duty_n be_v as_o needful_a as_o the_o rest_n for_o we_o know_v that_o every_o thing_n grow_v out_o of_o frame_n in_o time_n except_o they_o be_v uphold_v and_o renew_v by_o continual_a oversight_n and_o look_v into_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 15.6_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v into_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v one_o most_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o maintainer_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v fail_v we_o know_v concern_v our_o own_o body_n that_o if_o we_o look_v not_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o diet_n all_o will_v be_v soon_o out_o of_o frame_n and_o much_o more_o in_o our_o soul_n for_o who_o find_v not_o by_o experience_n that_o though_o he_o labour_v to_o set_v himself_o never_o so_o well_o in_o frame_n in_o the_o morning_n yet_o before_o night_n for_o want_v of_o oversight_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v much_o out_o of_o order_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o careful_a oversight_n our_o soul_n will_v be_v grow_v over_o with_o sin_n as_o the_o field_n be_v with_o weed_n so_o will_v it_o be_v likewise_o with_o the_o church_n now_o for_o this_o matter_n of_o oversight_n first_o it_o must_v be_v order_v that_o thing_n once_o ordain_v be_v establish_v by_o authority_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n at_o least_o of_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o make_v all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o it_o 1_o chron._n 34.32_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o establish_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o apostleship_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o be_v spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o thing_n be_v not_o thus_o establish_v civil_a man_n will_v not_o regard_v they_o second_o every_o man_n must_v be_v quicken_v up_o and_o encourage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v over_o sight_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n encourage_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 35.2_o and_o so_o paul_n quicken_v up_o timothy_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o duty_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n incourage_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n revel_v 2.10_o against_o her_o suffering_n fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n but_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n three_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n that_o well-doer_n may_v be_v commend_v and_o approve_a so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n commend_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 2_o pet_n 1.19_o for_o do_v well_o in_o that_o they_o do_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n that_o have_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o it_o but_o our_o saviour_n commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o great_a dismay_v to_o religious_a proceed_n among_o us._n four_o thing_n must_v be_v redress_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o creta_n to_o redress_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o titus_n 1_o 5._o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n in_o revel_v 2.5_o labour_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n and_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o sardi_n revel_v 3.2_o the_o last_o duty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o oversight_n be_v
be_v in_o the_o one_o the_o approbation_n in_o the_o other_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o their_o office_n consist_v amiss_o be_v in_o overseeing_a and_o redress_v thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v titus_n leave_v in_o crete_n to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o titus_n 1.5_o and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o people_n only_o but_o in_o the_o minister_n also_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o 20._o against_o a_o elder_a receive_v none_o accusation_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n they_o that_o sin_n open_o rebuke_v open_o etc._n etc._n timothy_n be_v at_o ephesus_n as_o titus_n be_v at_o crete_n to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o and_o there_o be_v many_o minister_n there_o and_o these_o must_v be_v reform_v too_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v he_o in_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o among_o they_o to_o receive_v no_o accusation_n against_o they_o but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v one_o above_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n the_o same_o reason_n may_v be_v proportionable_o apply_v for_o this_o as_o for_o the_o former_a for_o see_v some_o minister_n must_v be_v redress_v then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o that_o must_v have_v this_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o bishop_n that_o be_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n i_o do_v not_o ascribe_v to_o bishop_n hereby_o any_o absolute_a power_n over_o their_o brethren_n as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o a_o limit_a power_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o brethren_n neither_o say_v i_o that_o these_o be_v simple_o diocesan_n bishop_n as_o we_o be_v but_o sure_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v some_o compass_n of_o jurisdiction_n allot_v they_o wherein_o be_v many_o congregation_n at_o least_o many_o minister_n who_o these_o do_v oversee_v those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v one_o that_o be_v chief_a among_o they_o and_o so_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o master_n calvin_n himself_o confess_v as_o much_o that_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v such_o superior_n and_o say_v further_a that_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n yea_o and_o he_o show_v and_o approve_v the_o reason_n why_o such_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v of_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v dissension_n which_o by_o equality_n will_v arise_v mistake_v i_o not_o as_o if_o i_o do_v mean_a to_o settle_v in_o bishop_n any_o princely_a authority_n or_o lordlike_a command_n neither_o he_o nor_o they_o nor_o i_o intend_v it_o but_o that_o at_o least_o there_o must_v be_v one_o superior_a and_o above_o the_o rest_n for_o order-sake_n for_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o all_o company_n and_o society_n whatsoever_o else_o it_o can_v stand_v there_o be_v many_o minister_n in_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o and_o so_o act._n 15.35_o we_o read_v of_o many_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v name_v act._n 13.1_o now_o what_o disorder_n will_v there_o have_v be_v in_o these_o church_n if_o one_o have_v not_o be_v above_o the_o rest_n what_o danger_n of_o schism_n will_v there_o have_v be_v how_o can_v matter_n have_v be_v decide_v among_o they_o who_o shall_v there_o have_v be_v to_o have_v moderate_v their_o action_n the_o free_a state_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v one_o superior_a above_o the_o rest_n as_o venice_n have_v her_o duke_n rome_n have_v her_o consul_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o exercise_v this_o order_n among_o themselves_o some_o in_o one_o cause_o be_v moderator_n some_o in_o another_o nay_o i_o add_v further_o that_o they_o exercise_v power_n though_o not_o over_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a yet_o over_o other_o minister_n therefore_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v moderate_o and_o lawful_o use_v and_o the_o order_n which_o i_o plead_v for_o i_o will_v not_o have_v think_v a_o bare_a title_n but_o such_o as_o be_v arm_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o power_n too_o which_o be_v confer_v on_o they_o by_o they_o which_o choose_v they_o to_o such_o place_n but_o you_o will_v say_v all_o this_o be_v tolerable_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o one_o action_n or_o for_o one_o year_n i_o answer_v that_o sure_o the_o lawfulness_n be_v all_o one_o be_v it_o for_o a_o year_n or_o for_o a_o man_n life_n only_o there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o abuse_v such_o a_o place_n if_o they_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o short_a time_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o office_n namely_o bishop_n where_o you_o have_v hear_v first_o of_o their_o name_n and_o second_o of_o their_o office_n now_o we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n presbyter_n for_o so_o the_o word_n presbyter_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v a_o elder_a and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v either_o as_o they_o be_v minister_n or_o as_o they_o be_v ancient_a in_o year_n or_o at_o least_o in_o carriage_n or_o because_o they_o be_v more_o ancient_a in_o grace_n and_o in_o beget_v other_o to_o the_o faith_n we_o speak_v here_o of_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o of_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v govern_v elder_n we_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o name_n we_o find_v also_o to_o be_v general_a to_o all_o in_o the_o ministry_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a yea_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v so_o call_v so_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o yet_o by_o use_n for_o the_o most_o part_n both_o in_o scripture_n as_o act._n 15.4_o and_o the_o 14.23_o and_o in_o other_o writer_n it_o be_v restrain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v assign_v to_o teach_v in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n sometime_o many_o of_o they_o together_o sometime_o one_o by_o himself_o as_o time_n and_o occasion_n serve_v their_o office_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o main_a essential_a duty_n general_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n ephes_n 4.11_o he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o this_o duty_n they_o be_v often_o exhort_v in_o scripture_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o beseech_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o feed_n consist_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v first_o to_o teach_v second_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v as_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n for_o both_o these_o duty_n within_o their_o charge_n as_o the_o bishop_n in_o they_o for_o every_o presbyter_n be_v a_o feeder_n that_o be_v both_o a_o teacher_n &_o a_o ruler_n within_o his_o charge_n it_o be_v true_a that_o presbyter_n have_v be_v most_o unjust_o scantle_v &_o abridge_v by_o canon_n and_o counsel_n of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o office_n that_o consist_v in_o rule_v and_o govern_v too_o much_o have_v be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o bishop_n may_v be_v advance_v the_o more_o particular_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o their_o office_n it_o consist_v in_o many_o particular_n first_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o word_n that_o be_v both_o to_o expound_v it_o and_o to_o apply_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o particular_n of_o exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o head_n they_o be_v all_o exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v by_o every_o minister_n or_o elder_n within_o his_o charge_n that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o be_v speak_v to_o all_o minister_n preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n improve_v rebuke_n exhort_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o for_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v to_o every_o pastor_n to_o be_v minister_v by_o they_o and_o that_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n and_o charge_n in_o they_o to_o handle_v it_o every_o way_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n second_o they_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o also_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 28.19_o be_v intend_v to_o all_o the_o ministry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 10.18_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o other_o sacrament_n and_o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o
to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v be_v a_o persuasion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v of_o god_n else_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n by_o it_o 1_o thessa_n 2.3.2_o peter_n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o still_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o so_o much_o shall_v seve_o to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v hear_v how_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o our_o more_o easy_a proceed_n in_o the_o point_n that_o which_o concern_v person_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n or_o matter_n of_o substance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v either_o in_o matter_n touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o i_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o lecture_n therein_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o long_o in_o handle_v because_o look_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a point_n shall_v be_v here_o supply_v touch_v this_o point_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a first_o as_o material_a for_o after_o we_o be_v make_v acquaint_v which_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o know_v which_o be_v canonical_a book_n write_v by_o the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v still_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o till_o we_o proceed_v further_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o letter_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o bare_a write_a word_n as_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v write_v that_o what_o a_o man_n say_v be_v his_o speech_n indeed_o in_o common_a acceptation_n 1._o but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n he_o mean_v it_o he_o will_v and_o may_v just_o disclaim_v as_o none_o of_o his_o speech_n a_o man_n meaning_n be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n as_o the_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o sign_n because_o word_n be_v the_o signification_n of_o our_o meaning_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o wherein_o it_o proper_o rest_v and_o be_v seat_v be_v the_o breast_n of_o the_o speaker_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sign_n whereby_o god_n signify_v his_o meaning_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o wherein_o proper_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o rest_n be_v in_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n to_o be_v know_v second_o it_o be_v as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a for_o after_o we_o hear_v which_o be_v the_o right_a letter_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o difficult_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a sense_n as_o before_o it_o be_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a letter_n for_o the_o same_o word_n sometime_o have_v diverse_a signification_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n may_v be_v understand_v many_o way_n and_o diverse_a man_n be_v of_o diverse_a mind_n expound_v one_o and_o the_o same_o scripture_n diverse_a way_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n the_o true_a believer_n expound_v it_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n the_o heretic_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o heresy_n yea_o among_o and_o true_a believer_n themselves_o one_o interpret_v the_o same_o word_n to_o that_o opinion_n that_o he_o favour_v and_o another_o to_o a_o contrary_n that_o he_o favour_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n be_v here_o thrust_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o only_a or_o chief_a umpyre_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o that_o alone_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o she_o pronounce_v and_o sure_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v as_o probable_o and_o plausible_o challenge_v authority_n to_o deliver_v which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o which_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v give_v the_o church_n her_o due_a touch_v the_o former_a acknowledge_v her_o authority_n in_o and_o about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o over_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o god_n willing_a we_o will_v deal_v as_o ingenurous_o in_o this_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o will_v limit_v and_o bound_v it_o within_o certain_a necessary_a caution_n and_o limitation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o we_o will_v handle_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n yet_o she_o must_v not_o expound_v it_o as_o she_o list_v and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o mind_n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o say_v some_o the_o church_n will_v not_o nor_o can_v expound_v they_o ob._n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o needless_a observation_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o be_v answer_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o bound_v and_o limit_v we_o will_v proceed_v then_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n and_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o rule_n and_o second_o by_o example_n the_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o note_n and_o that_o first_o in_o general_n isaiah_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n &_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o speak_v in_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o special_o in_o expound_v scripture_n it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n that_o god_n intend_v therein_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o peter_n 4.11_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v he_o that_o speak_v speak_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o god_n sense_n as_o in_o general_a all_o must_v thus_o speak_v god_n word_n so_o special_o the_o preacher_n or_o whosoever_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o expound_v god_n word_n he_o must_v speak_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o reverent_o and_o zealous_o as_o become_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o matter_n much_o more_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o as_o he_o be_v then_o in_o god_n stead_n and_o deliver_v his_o message_n else_o he_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n not_o god_n second_o more_o particular_o john_n 5_o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o bide_v they_o take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v they_o and_o give_v what_o sense_n of_o they_o they_o think_v good_a but_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v they_o that_o be_v examine_v they_o and_o consider_v advise_o of_o they_o lay_v they_o right_o together_o &_o weigh_v one_o place_n well_o with_o another_o and_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n after_o the_o sense_n &_o reach_v that_o god_n intend_v in_o they_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v first_o witness_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o that_o they_o be_v help_n to_o eternal_a life_n see_v it_o yet_o more_o near_o rom._n 12.6_o let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n whereby_o prophecy_n be_v express_o mean_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.3.31_o and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n or_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o all_o yet_o still_o
proportion_n in_o like_a case_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v salvation_n speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o father_n john_n 12.49_o 50._o and_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n john_n 16.13_o if_o christ_n do_v tie_v himself_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n and_o nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n have_v not_o great_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n therefore_o as_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o beside_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n so_o by_o proportion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a the_o church_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o herein_o but_o by_o direction_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v horrible_a presumption_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a so_o the_o papist_n themselves_o sometime_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o testimony_n oâ—_n the_o truth_n consist_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n â—_o and_o the_o prelate_n joint_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n alone_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o do_v the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o revelation_n no_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v before_o if_o you_o compare_v john_n 14.26_o with_o john_n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o christ_n promise_v to_o send_v shall_v teach_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o decree_v nothing_o beside_o the_o scripture_n because_o she_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o spirit_n last_o when_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o the_o church_n be_v reas_n 7_o we_o to_o receive_v they_o hand_n over_o head_n or_o upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n if_o you_o say_v haâ—d_a ouâ—r_n head_n without_o examination_n that_o be_v a_o graceless_a speech_n and_o utter_o unlawful_a be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o try_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o then_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v upon_o trial_n and_o examination_n how_o must_v they_o be_v try_v and_o by_o what_o rule_n either_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a church_n or_o by_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o say_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o make_v her_o judge_n in_o she_o own_o cause_n than_o it_o must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n do_v paul_n doctrine_n act_n 17.11_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o he_o teach_v so_o the_o thing_n the_o church_n decree_n must_v be_v try_v by_o scripture_n and_o if_o that_o can_v approve_v they_o as_o be_v not_o there_o find_v they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o impose_v they_o to_o be_v disclaim_v so_o we_o see_v in_o reason_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o authority_n to_o decree_v anything_o or_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n â—yth_v 〈◊〉_d faith_n oâ—_n for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o scripâ—â—â—_n the_o â—irst_n usâ—_n 〈…〉_z of_o reproof_n of_o sundry_a popish_a practice_n and_o position_n not_o to_o name_v all_o for_o indeed_o if_o this_o point_n be_v well_o understand_v it_o raze_v and_o over_o throw_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o popery_n here_o than_o we_o see_v first_o that_o the_o church_n can_v coin_v any_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n why_o be_v any_o man_n so_o graceless_a to_o do_v so_o yes_o the_o papist_n do_v so_o and_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o their_o practice_n make_v they_o guilty_a of_o it_o faith_n pope_n pius_n the_o four_o propound_v a_o creed_n and_o tie_v his_o child_n the_o papist_n to_o it_o wherein_z after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n he_o add_v twelve_o more_o of_o his_o own_o concern_v tradition_n &_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n ob._n but_o say_v they_o why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o you_o that_o have_v your_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n have_v their_o several_a confession_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beside_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n and_o yet_o profess_v and_o believe_v answ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o like_a comparison_n for_o we_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creed_n yet_o we_o believe_v nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_o prove_v by_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n but_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o show_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o be_v matter_n beside_o scripture_n which_o they_o obtrude_v on_o the_o people_n mere_o or_o at_o least_o principal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o church_n than_o no_o authority_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n new_o to_o be_v make_v faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o only_o as_o thus_o if_o any_o article_n have_v be_v neglect_v obscure_a and_o lie_v hide_v in_o former_a time_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v not_o well_o understand_v then_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v it_o upon_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o such_o place_n 54._o as_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o revive_v and_o renew_v those_o that_o be_v before_o and_o that_o not_o beside_o the_o word_n but_o with_o and_o by_o the_o word_n this_o may_v be_v clear_v by_o a_o instance_n the_o article_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v for_o many_o year_n before_o christ_n come_v but_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n come_v they_o revive_v it_o and_o yet_o make_v no_o new_a article_n of_o it_o but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v teach_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v near_a home_n after_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v again_o obscure_v &_o lie_v hide_v for_o many_o year_n till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o luther_n and_o other_o which_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o that_o clear_a light_n that_o it_o be_v in_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o be_v this_o to_o make_v new_a article_n no_o but_o to_o revive_v and_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v that_o which_o have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v a_o long_a time_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n may_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o second_o position_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v to_o ordain_v and_o decree_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n beside_o scripture_n but_o do_v the_o papist_n do_v this_o yes_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v here_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o it_o as_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n be_v certain_a as_o themselves_o confess_v and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v admit_v more_o second_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v book_n that_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a then_o also_o she_o have_v power_n aswell_o to_o reject_v some_o that_o be_v canonical_a for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o build_v have_v also_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o maim_n and_o mangle_v the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o she_o list_v herself_o what_o a_o horrible_a wrong_n be_v this_o to_o god_n three_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n hear_v his_o voice_n they_o do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v it_o last_o as_o a_o gold_n smith_n take_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o try_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o the_o touch_n stone_n and_o before_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a gold_n he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a gold_n for_o if_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v counterfeit_a all_o the_o gold_n smith_n that_o be_v can_v make_v it_o true_a so_o must_v the_o church_n cry_v which_o be_v canonical_a