as_o yet_o any_o particular_a visible_a form_v church_n for_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o branch_n and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n dialect_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o church_n body_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o my_o brother_n burtons_n unsound_a principle_n and_o this_o his_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o confident_a upon_o his_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o when_o he_o make_v not_o such_o haste_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v when_o he_o write_v this_o his_o book_n against_o i_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n he_o do_v about_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o be_o assure_v he_o will_v be_v high_o condemn_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o his_o party_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o know_v be_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n he_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o several_a congregation_n or_o church_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n howsoever_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o title_n unto_o our_o assembly_n i_o say_v if_o he_o shall_v but_o accord_v that_o both_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o church_n body_n though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n then_o likewise_o of_o necessity_n it_o will_v follow_v and_o he_o must_v yield_v unto_o it_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n because_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v all_o particular_a congregation_n and_o church_n that_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o they_o do_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n i_o say_v all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v part_n of_o that_o nationall_n city_n or_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n as_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v one_o of_o those_o conclusion_n i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n principle_n and_o for_o the_o better_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o same_o have_v all_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v challenge_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v then_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a have_v the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o it_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n officer_n so_o have_v every_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o that_o church_n though_o but_o a_o part_n and_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n enjoy_v all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v and_o therefore_o when_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n viz_o every_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o consider_v and_o as_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o either_o of_o those_o congregation_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o enjoy_v or_o can_v challenge_v for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o complete_a church_n than_o it_o follow_v and_o that_o necessary_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o the_o independent_o confess_v that_o all_o those_o congregation_n &_o assembly_n several_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o premise_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o undertake_v which_o be_v to_o prove_v those_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o i_o do_v by_o this_o argument_n all_o such_o assembly_n &_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a
people_n hand_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n they_o call_v for_o in_o all_o church_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o rigid_o exact_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n and_o form_v of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o a_o perfect_a church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o because_o he_o requre_v of_o i_o to_o show_v he_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o in_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o which_o he_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o desire_v of_o he_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o demand_v of_o i_o in_o its_o part_n without_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v be_v nothing_o and_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o that_o distinction_n i_o say_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o confess_v at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v or_o talk_v with_o say_v they_o read_v of_o no_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o first_o form_v of_o this_o church_n and_o we_o read_v not_o at_o any_o time_n of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o of_o any_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n join_v with_o that_o pastor_n as_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n all_o the_o people_n apply_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o all_o lay_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o deacon_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o we_o hear_v nothing_o i_o say_v of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o of_o any_o elder_n all_o this_o while_n and_o yet_o by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n then_o and_o we_o neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v also_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o rigid_o require_v of_o all_o such_o â—s_n desire_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o cordial_o desire_v of_o my_o brother_n burton_n see_v the_o underwriter_n his_o tributary_n have_v give_v he_o leave_v as_o he_o say_v in_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o shall_v balk_v no_o truth_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o plough_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o shall_v preach_v every_o truth_n i_o say_v he_o have_v obtain_v this_o christian_a liberty_n of_o his_o benefactor_n and_o truth_n be_v now_o no_o more_o in_o prison_n that_o he_o will_v candid_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o reserve_n doâ—eâ—_n ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redieritre_n tell_v i_o the_o next_o time_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o particular_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v their_o particular_a doctor_n or_o teacher_n who_o be_v their_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o deacon_n see_v my_o brother_n burton_n deni_v any_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n therefore_o i_o put_v he_o upon_o this_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o write_v both_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o his_o vindication_n will_v all_o prove_v but_o waste_a paper_n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o james_n or_o peter_n be_v their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v either_o the_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o church_n for_o as_o the_o independent_o teach_v they_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o shall_v not_o leave_v their_o charge_n and_o flock_n neither_o can_v my_o brother_n burton_n tell_v which_o be_v their_o elder_n for_o the_o independent_o say_v they_o read_v of_o none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o twelve_o of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n they_o then_o have_v none_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n opinion_n â—or_a he_o â—aith_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n which_o if_o they_o have_v have_v elder_n they_o can_v not_o have_v want_v and_o for_o deacon_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v none_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n either_o for_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o require_v i_o shall_v show_v he_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n &_o congregation_n without_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o his_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_fw-la itself_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v therefore_o when_o he_o be_v at_o plough_n again_o as_o now_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v i_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v furrow_v up_o this_o truth_n unto_o i_o and_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n withal_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v how_o he_o come_v to_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n make_v a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v the_o material_n only_a of_o a_o church_n all_o these_o truth_n i_o desire_v and_o that_o earnest_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o his_o next_o go_v to_o plough_v he_o will_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v unto_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o singular_a tiller_n and_o a_o very_a good_a husbandman_n in_o christ_n field_n his_o church_n or_o otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a either_o to_o make_v a_o complete_a independent_a country_n courtier_n or_o a_o absolute_a independent_a gentleman_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o haberdasher_n in_o the_o small_a ware_n of_o independency_n and_o with_o those_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v be_v best_o able_a to_o trade_n with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o i_o hear_v from_o he_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v deacon_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o many_o other_o good_a thing_n they_o require_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o that_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o time_n make_v any_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n though_o they_o want_v officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n require_v now_o by_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o those_o primitive_a and_o holy_a christian_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o want_n of_o some_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o for_o want_n of_o some_o officer_n
he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n but_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o dis-throne_n he_o and_o therefore_o j._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n that_o not_o only_o unchristian_a and_o unchurch_n all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n apostle_n before_o christ_n death_n but_o at_o this_o day_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o christian_n and_o church_n but_o their_o own_o be_v guilty_a of_o high_a contumacy_n against_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o be_v most_o injurious_a to_o all_o their_o christian_n brethren_n and_o true_o there_o can_v be_v find_v scarce_o in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o example_n of_o temerity_n and_o unadvised_a rashness_n and_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o common_a wisdom_n as_o be_v every_o day_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v ever_o talk_v of_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o exclude_v all_o from_o be_v true_a church_n that_o be_v not_o so_o mould_v and_o yet_o never_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v for_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v never_o read_v of_o any_o other_o church_n mould_n or_o of_o any_o new_a testament_n form_n but_o of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o it_o and_o of_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v which_o both_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o commission_n to_o do_v and_o a_o command_n withal_o and_o a_o blessing_n annex_v unto_o it_o that_o whosoever_o do_v repent_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v not_o only_o be_v admit_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n unto_o his_o disciple_n mark_v 16._o ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o be_v these_o go_v say_v he_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n and_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o evident_o gather_v that_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n in_o their_o several_a ministrye_n go_v according_a to_o their_o commission_n preach_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o city_n to_o city_n and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o baptise_v such_o as_o believe_v they_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o therefore_o make_v they_o all_o member_n not_o only_o of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o all_o those_o several_a particular_a church_n and_o synagogue_n through_o all_o the_o city_n of_o judaea_n and_o through_o the_o world_n where_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o as_o many_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o as_o true_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o make_v as_o real_a member_n and_o free_a denizen_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n as_o any_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n at_o this_o day_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v and_o believe_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v ignorant_a how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o nescient_fw-la of_o the_o right_a mould_n and_o form_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n and_o have_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n so_o well_o as_o our_o independent_a minister_n which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o impiety_n and_o horrid_a wickedness_n to_o affirm_v for_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n be_v never_o save_v for_o i._o s._n deny_v they_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n or_o member_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n and_o therefore_o by_o consequent_a they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v wickedness_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v than_o there_o be_v a_o way_n yet_o to_o heaven_n and_o that_o a_o safe_a one_o which_o the_o independent_o be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o they_o preach_v up_o their_o way_n as_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o heaven_n proclaim_v all_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o it_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o perdition_n and_o yet_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o way_n and_o cast_v not_o his_o disciple_n into_o their_o mould_n and_o yet_o they_o go_v safe_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yea_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o by_o violence_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o therefore_o by_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n all_o man_n may_v see_v the_o futility_n and_o impiety_n of_o i._o s._n and_o how_o groundless_a all_o his_o argument_n be_v and_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n before_o his_o death_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o come_v from_o jerusalem_n be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o may_v also_o from_o the_o forego_n argument_n gather_v that_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n to_o his_o baptism_n be_v in_o such_o multitude_n for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o &_o therefore_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v read_v both_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v fond_o and_o impious_o reply_v to_o my_o argument_n and_o what_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o have_v here_o set_v down_o will_v adjudge_v that_o such_o unworthy_a wrangler_n and_o caviller_n as_o these_o be_v aught_o by_o their_o several_a church_n to_o be_v severe_o censure_v for_o this_o their_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n and_o this_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v reply_v to_o these_o their_o exception_n against_o my_o first_o argument_n concern_v the_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o shall_v answer_v to_o all_o their_o other_o several_a cavil_v in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o therefore_o go_v on_o to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o miracle_n and_o preach_v both_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o several_a place_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n frame_v my_o argument_n as_o out_o of_o the_o former_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o conclusion_n john_n the_o 4._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o now_o when_o the_o lord_n know_v how_o the_o pharisee_n have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n though_o jesus_n himself_o baptize_v not_o but_o his_o disciple_n here_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o relation_n there_o the_o evangelist_n forthwith_o show_v it_o to_o rectify_v man_n understanding_n as_o where_o it_o be_v report_v that_o christ_n baptize_v he_o show_v it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o his_o disciple_n only_o baptize_v but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n make_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n that_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la and_o it_o be_v true_a for_o john_n himself_o in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n ver_fw-la 30._o have_v say_v he_o must_v increase_v but_o i_o must_v decrease_v christ_n therefore_o make_v many_o more_o disciple_n and_o believer_n than_o john_n and_o add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o come_v to_o save_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o he_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o john_n the_o 6._o 37._o and_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o his_o name_n john_n 1._o 12._o and_o these_o be_v infinite_a multitude_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o in_o john_n the_o 7._o 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o verse_n the_o 40._o they_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n send_v the_o officer_n to_o apprehend_v christ_n and_o return_v without_o he_o and_o the_o high_a priest_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o
i_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâ—en_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n the_o communicate_v and_o participate_v notwithstanding_o in_o all_o the_o which_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o formal_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o i_o affirm_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n as_o be_v found_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o one_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n that_o only_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o his_o principle_n viz._n if_o the_o sever_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n make_v they_o not_o several_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n teach_v because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
he_o and_o his_o complice_n have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o five_o other_o query_n but_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n oowne_a word_n which_o be_v these_o p._n 19_o see_v say_v he_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o every_o one_o to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n tell_v i_o now_o brother_n say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n worth_a the_o while_n for_o our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a assembly_n serious_o to_o take_v into_o debate_n whether_o the_o general_a tie_v up_o of_o man_n to_o wait_v necessary_o on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n about_o church_n government_n be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v not_o a_o trench_a upon_o a_o fundamental_a heresy_n as_o also_o a_o inhibition_n restrain_v every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n minister_n master_n etc._n etc._n from_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o necessitate_v a_o violation_n of_o our_o covenant_n or_o a_o dangerous_a retard_v of_o the_o work_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o subtle_a bait_n and_o cunning_a snare_n wherewith_o he_o catch_v and_o draw_v into_o his_o net_n many_o ignorant_a yet_o well_o mean_v tender_a heart_a christian_n whereas_o reformation_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o full_a power_n thereof_o have_v be_v settle_v long_o since_o have_v not_o independent_o study_v way_n to_o molest_v our_o peace_n in_o oppose_v the_o settle_n of_o church_n government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o they_o have_v and_o do_v labour_n to_o withstand_v with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o great_a subtlety_n by_o which_o mean_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n increase_v and_o strengthen_v their_o party_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a way_n and_o give_v a_o inlet_n to_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n without_o interruption_n but_o this_o practice_n of_o independent_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o for_o when_o we_o covenant_v for_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v thereby_o engage_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a god_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n earnest_o to_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n job_n 9.4_o able_a to_o overpower_v the_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n yea_o of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o by_o his_o wisdom_n can_v advise_v counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o by_o his_o mighty_a and_o omnipotent_a work_n and_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n can_v enforce_v and_o compel_v they_o to_o obey_v his_o royal_a command_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o universal_a reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o church_n in_o its_o full_a power_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o divine_a will_n and_o whereas_o we_o have_v all_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o strict_o bind_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o special_a to_o reform_v ourselves_o and_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n by_o forsake_v every_o sinful_a way_n and_o evil_a practice_n that_o we_o or_o they_o have_v former_o walk_v delight_v and_o continue_v in_o whereby_o we_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n unto_o anger_n isaiah_n 1._o 4._o and_o hereby_o magistrate_n minister_n parent_n master_n of_o family_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o under_o their_o charge_n frequent_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v all_o holy_a duty_n with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o doâ—_n not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wander_v and_o straggle_v abroad_o into_o dangerous_a way_n and_o by-path_n and_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o blasphemous_a tenant_n for_o if_o they_o let_v they_o walk_v where_o they_o please_v it_o show_v but_o little_a care_n take_v to_o reform_v and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o covenant_n where_o we_o have_v bind_v ourselves_o every_o one_o to_o reform_v one_o and_o all_o under_o our_o charge_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v every_o one_o to_o labour_n to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o this_o reformation_n but_o our_o covenant_n do_v not_o therefore_o bind_v every_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v up_o and_o follow_v what_o government_n seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o rather_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o boundless_a spirit_n our_o covenant_n give_v no_o such_o liberty_n to_o any_o for_o be_v this_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o couâ—nant_n when_o it_o bind_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n this_o be_v to_o covenant_n against_o sin_n formality_n and_o tyranny_n and_o to_o vow_v for_o unlawful_a libertisâ—e_n prophanesse_n and_o a_o anarchy_n which_o will_v bring_v inevitable_a confusion_n in_o church_n and_o state_n for_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o go_v before_o other_o in_o reformation_n heresy_n unwarrantable_a corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a new_a opinion_n will_v then_o be_v broach_v maintain_v and_o disperse_v abroad_o without_o either_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o man_n as_o at_o this_o day_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o sad_a experience_n and_o all_o these_o deadly_a and_o destroy_a heresy_n will_v be_v disseminated_a and_o divulge_v under_o pretext_n that_o their_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o they_o come_v near_o and_o walk_v more_o close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n than_o other_o do_v although_o their_o foot_n tread_v not_o in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o commandment_n but_o walk_v in_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o therefore_o such_o disorderly_a walking_n as_o these_o be_v a_o deformation_n of_o religion_n not_o a_o reformation_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n which_o we_o have_v all_o enter_v into_o but_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o i_o relate_v before_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o a_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o diminution_n at_o least_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o synod_n for_o its_o final_a resolution_n for_o church_n government_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o magistrate_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o reformation_n and_o to_o settle_v that_o church_n government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o usurpation_n upon_o our_o christian_a liberty_n or_o a_o diminution_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o it_o out_o of_o holy_a writ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o godly_a prince_n be_v there_o record_v for_o their_o example_n and_o encouragement_n to_o go_v on_o undauntedly_n in_o the_o work_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 8._o to_o the_o 16._o v._o 2_o chro._n 17._o the_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 29._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 30._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 31._o 31._o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 34._o etc._n etc._n 2_o king_n 23._o to_o the_o 24._o ver_fw-la ezr._n 9_o neh._n 9_o so_o that_o god_n word_n be_v the_o absolute_a rule_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o this_o their_o undertake_n and_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o our_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o will_v all_o be_v aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o further_o they_o in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n now_o wherein_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o reformation_n that_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v ground_v on_o scripture_n can_v a_o better_a course_n be_v take_v then_o authority_n have_v appoint_v namely_o by_o call_v together_o a_o assembly_n of_o minister_n man_n skilful_a in_o the_o original_a tongue_n learn_v in_o all_o other_o science_n and_o approve_v to_o be_v godly_a pious_a zealous_a orthodox_n man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v selfe-denying_a man_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o have_v humble_v themselves_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n implore_v his_o divine_a assistance_n illumination_n and_o direction_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n for_o the_o reform_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o sacred_a will_n and_o for_o these_o