again_o attain_v we_o read_v act._n 15._o 39_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n part_v but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o meeting_n again_o and_o church_n history_n show_v we_o that_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n for_o almost_o just_a nothing_o have_v continue_v incurable_a for_o some_o generation_n until_o not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o schism_n but_o also_o their_o disciple_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n osiand_n gent._n 4._o reas._n 6._o when_o a_o rent_n be_v make_v in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v hardly_o curable_a so_o it_o still_o grow_v wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whereabout_o a_o rent_n begin_v than_o whereat_o it_o will_v end_v the_o great_a of_o church_n division_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v have_v but_o small_a beginning_n hence_o be_v that_o common_o receive_v maxim_n omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la desinit_fw-la in_o haresin_n the_o faction_n of_o the_o donatist_n at_o first_o make_v but_o a_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o faulty_a officer_n and_o mix_v communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o until_o they_o fall_v into_o several_a heresy_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n our_o first_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n the_o doctrine_n refute_v at_o least_o lay_v a_o just_a odium_fw-la upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o congregational_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o perpetual_a rent_v of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v reckon_v four_n the_o first_o be_v that_o principle_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a church_n a_o most_o divide_v principle_n in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o give_v way_n for_o every_o man_n to_o separate_a from_o his_o own_o and_o to_o join_v himself_o with_o another_o church_n suppose_v pure_a with_o contempt_n of_o the_o former_a congregation_n to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n be_v the_o way_n to_o destroy_v but_o not_o to_o heal_v disease_a church_n it_o be_v to_o destroy_v many_o church_n for_o make_v up_o of_o one_o as_o if_o one_o go_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n shall_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v out_o all_o the_o sound_a member_n and_o leave_v the_o rot_a and_o disease_a member_n either_o to_o cure_v one_o another_o or_o to_o perish_v a_o strange_a and_o desperate_a way_n of_o cure_n a_o second_o divide_v principle_n in_o that_o way_n be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o will_v have_v ecclesiastic_a judgement_n pass_v upon_o their_o church_n member_n to_o wit_n conviction_n of_o their_o inward_a good_a estate_n which_o rule_n be_v variable_a and_o uncertain_a some_o will_v judge_v one_o way_n some_o another_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o incline_v to_o charity_n yea_o the_o same_o man_n at_o several_a time_n will_v have_v a_o various_a judgement_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o another_o according_a as_o the_o presumption_n and_o probability_n by_o which_o only_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v within_o be_v more_o full_o or_o spare_o represent_a hence_o there_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o breach_n upon_o breach_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o authoritative_n judge_v to_o walk_v by_o such_o uncertain_a rule_n a_o three_o divide_v principle_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n be_v this_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v sole_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n hence_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n go_v wrong_a though_o but_o make_v up_o of_o seven_o person_n which_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_a in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v they_o this_o must_v needs_o open_v a_o door_n to_o as_o many_o division_n as_o there_o be_v church_n a_o four_o divide_v principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n yea_o no_o church_n visible_a but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o another_o principle_n they_o hold_v which_o follow_v upon_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v exerce_fw-la no_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n hence_o 1._o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o church_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o communion_n of_o member_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n act_n from_o one_o church_n or_o many_o towards_o another_o the_o result_v and_o determination_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a synod_n make_v up_o of_o never_o so_o many_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o act_n of_o so_o many_o private_a christian_n yea_o 2._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n among_o member_n of_o several_a congregation_n in_o public_a church_n ordinance_n as_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n joint_o from_o a_o send_v minister_n in_o receive_v the_o seal_n together_o for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n a_o minister_n can_v authoritative_o preach_v nor_o in_o any_o respect_n administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o any_o though_o never_o so_o gracious_a except_o to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v occasional_o present_a when_o he_o be_v dispense_n these_o ordinance_n unto_o his_o own_o which_o consequence_n be_v express_o grant_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o destroy_v all_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o member_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o union_n several_a such_o like_a principle_n in_o that_o way_n may_v be_v reckon_v out_o concern_v which_o the_o doctrine_n warrand_v we_o to_o say_v this_o much_o if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o than_o such_o divide_v principle_n can_v be_v of_o god_n our_o second_o use_n be_v for_o direction_n if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o than_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o far_o and_o every_o day_n a_o step_n further_o from_o it_o our_o division_n grow_v i_o fear_v all_o the_o three_o way_n and_o in_o all_o rank_n our_o head_n be_v divide_v our_o tongue_n divide_v yea_o and_o our_o heart_n divide_v synod_n be_v divide_v presbytery_n be_v divide_v congregation_n divide_v minister_n divide_v people_n divide_v yea_o and_o in_o some_o place_n family_n divide_v husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o son_n mother_n and_o daughter_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o and_o all_o divide_a we_o be_v as_o madman_n every_o one_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n manasseh_n ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n manasseh_n and_o they_o together_o against_o judah_n a_o evil_a never_o enough_o lament_v and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v make_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a division_n as_o our_o sad_a affliction_n and_o great_a weight_n i_o shall_v reckon_v six_o thing_n 1._o the_o many_o particular_a evil_n which_o upon_o a_o exact_a search_n it_o will_v be_v find_v our_o division_n have_v bring_v upon_o peoples_n own_o spirit_n how_o much_o of_o our_o precious_a time_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a jangle_n by_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o â—e_v make_v worse_a many_o i_o fear_v too_o too_o many_o so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o head_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o heart_n the_o sweetness_n and_o profit_n of_o mutual_a converse_n and_o fellowship_n be_v much_o mar_v our_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o benefit_n that_o way_n much_o impair_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o our_o hot_a debate_n untender_a expression_n and_o bitter_a and_o unnecessary_a reflection_n of_o time_n brangle_v and_o shake_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v we_o look_v on_o our_o present_a division_n as_o our_o great_a weight_n be_v the_o name_n of_o praise_n which_o this_o church_n have_v have_v for_o unity_n in_o time_n bypass_a among_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o as_o a_o rare_a privilege_n of_o this_o church_n beyond_o many_o and_o that_o which_o make_v her_o very_a name_n famous_a among_o church_n abroad_o that_o for_o the_o space_n almost_o of_o sixty_o year_n she_o have_v keep_v unity_n with_o purity_n without_o either_o schism_n or_o heresy_n now_o if_o unity_n have_v be_v former_o this_o church_n praise_n how_o sad_a and_o weighty_a be_v it_o and_o how_o woeful_a man_n be_v we_o that_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
find_v in_o act_n 15._o 4._o and_o act_n 21._o 15_o 18._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n now_o they_o be_v not_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v meet_v in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o by_o our_o opposite_n who_o prove_v their_o particular_a eldership_n from_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o in_o act_n 20._o 28._o mention_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n from_o whence_o they_o reason_v thus_o ephesus_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n we_o read_v there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v that_o church_n in_o common_a they_o must_v give_v we_o liberty_n to_o reason_n that_o same_o way_n thus_o we_o find_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o particular_a church_n we_o find_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v of_o this_o church_n or_o these_o church_n in_o common_a but_o three_o to_o make_v this_o argument_n yet_o strong_a not_o only_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n but_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a for_o proof_n of_o this_o see_v act_n 11_o 30._o the_o contribution_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o supply_v of_o the_o saint_n be_v send_v to_o the_o elder_n now_o what_o the_o elder_n shall_v do_v with_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o a_o place_n like_o it_o act_n 4._o 35._o 37._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v so_o doubtless_o the_o contribution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v have_v distribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n further_o we_o find_v this_o more_o clear_a act_n 21._o 18._o they_o meet_v together_o and_o judicial_o set_v down_o a_o way_n to_o paul_n for_o remove_v of_o a_o church_n scandal_n by_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a and_o purify_n himself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o five_o 23._o do_v therefore_o this_o etc._n etc._n so_o we_o see_v their_o elderships_n meeting_n together_o for_o remove_v a_o scandal_n we_o find_v a_o three_o place_n to_o confirm_v this_o act._n 15._o 2._o 4_o we_o shall_v afterward_o make_v use_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n only_o this_o much_o at_o present_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v the_o elder_n meet_v and_o make_v bind_v act_n to_o the_o church_n under_o they_o so_o we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o first_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n the_o main_a thing_n our_o opposite_n flee_v to_o at_o the_o last_o be_v this_o that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n in_o act_n 8._o and_o that_o they_o have_v one_o government_n above_o they_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o infer_v a_o government_n by_o presbytry_n for_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o few_o a_o number_n that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v one_o common_a government_n then_o by_o elder_n it_o infer_v not_o a_o presbytry_n but_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n only_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o this_o for_o answer_v they_o grant_v to_o we_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v a_o common_a eldership_n over_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o second_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o there_o even_o after_o the_o dispersion_n and_o we_o have_v also_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v elder_n over_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o whatever_o be_v before_o the_o dispersion_n yet_o even_o from_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o dispersion_n second_o we_o answer_v they_o can_v hardly_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o dispersion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v not_o of_o elder_n until_o act._n 11._o but_o when_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v we_o read_v not_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o elder_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v they_o in_o common_a for_o they_o be_v also_o elder_n so_o they_o call_v themselves_o 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 1._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 1._o but_o second_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o what_o they_o do_v in_o these_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v it_o as_o elder_n for_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostles_n be_v not_o imitable_a now_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v imitable_a such_o as_o ordain_v of_o officer_n distribute_v of_o alms._n again_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostle_n one_o of_o they_o may_v do_v it_o alone_o but_o here_o they_o do_v it_o in_o collegio_fw-la act._n 6._o and_o reserve_v the_o people_n part_n of_o election_n to_o they_o now_o they_o never_o meet_v together_o to_o write_v scripture_n nor_o seek_v the_o people_n concurrence_n for_o any_o act_n mere_o apostolic_a so_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o so_o the_o church_n even_o then_o be_v under_o one_o common_a eldership_n and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n ¶_o ii_o there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytery_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n so_o also_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v church_n judicatories_n above_o presbytery_n as_o they_o be_v above_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n i._o for_o understand_v the_o question_n these_o synod_n or_o great_a meeting_n of_o church_n officer_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n some_o make_v up_o of_o several_a presbytery_n and_o these_o be_v provincial_a synod_n such_o as_o common_o we_o have_v twice_o a_o year_n or_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a synod_n within_o a_o nation_n and_o these_o be_v general_a assembly_n or_o three_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a church_n of_o several_a nation_n or_o commissioner_n from_o they_o and_o these_o be_v call_v universal_a council_n or_o general_a synod_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n now_o all_o these_o differ_v from_o presbytery_n not_o only_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o ample_a but_o also_o in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v the_o common_a ordinary_a way_n of_o government_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n but_o synod_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v more_o rare_a and_o upon_o particular_a emergent_a as_o act._n 15._o that_o synod_n be_v call_v upon_o a_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o trouble_v other_o church_n about_o second_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o great_a synod_n the_o provincial_a synod_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o universal_a council_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_n but_o only_o in_o less_o and_o more_o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o every_o one_o of_o they_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n in_o the_o general_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o every_o kind_n in_o particular_a for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o in_o thing_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_a general_n rule_n be_v sufficient_a or_o a_o rule_n for_o one_o particular_a which_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n as_o matth_n 18._o christ_n set_v down_o the_o way_n of_o walk_v in_o private_a scandal_n speak_v
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elâ—ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o meâ—_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o â—aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o james_n add_v somewhat_o to_o wit_n that_o however_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o to_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n they_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v &c_n &c_n v_a 20._o and_o therefore_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n intend_v to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v full_o to_o the_o point_n which_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o that_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o pen_v scripture_n four_o because_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o act_n 15._o 22._o 23._o act._n 16._o 4._o act._n 21._o 25._o now_o
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o this_o government_n by_o clear_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n else_o we_o must_v cast_v at_o many_o point_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o scripture_n consequence_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o change_v of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o ground_v a_o material_a point_n to_o wit_n the_o resurrection_n upon_o scripture_n consequence_n mark_v 12._o 26._o 2._o we_o must_v not_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o set_v down_o his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n we_o perchance_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o have_v cast_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o so_o many_o head_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o controversy_n shall_v have_v be_v shun_v but_o he_o have_v think_v otherwise_o the_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v scatter_v the_o parcel_n of_o every_o truth_n through_o his_o book_n intermix_v it_o with_o other_o subject_n as_o the_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o this_o to_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o search_v out_o his_o mind_n from_o scripture_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o come_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o this_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o you_o will_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o we_o be_v contest_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a concernment_n what_o will_v become_v think_v you_o of_o particular_a congregation_n if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n what_o division_n strife_n heresy_n schism_n will_v ensue_v if_o people_n be_v inform_v of_o these_o contest_v that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o where_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v follow_v the_o one_o half_a rent_v from_o the_o other_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o it_o may_v make_v moderate_a man_n scar_v at_o it_o but_o we_o need_v seâ—k_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o this_o than_o by_o look_v on_o scotland_n and_o england_n these_o year_n by_o past_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n presbytery_n can_v not_o be_v set_v up_o independency_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o satan_n have_v vomit_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o error_n that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o nor_o more_o gross_a in_o any_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n yea_o all_o the_o rot_a grave_n of_o old_a heresy_n be_v dig_v up_o and_o now_o avow_v socinianism_n in_o deny_v christ_n righteousness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n anabaptism_n in_o deny_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n arianism_n in_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a yea_o there_o be_v some_o error_n there_o that_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o some_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o church_n they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v seeker_n some_o be_v above_o all_o preach_a prayer_n and_o all_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o independency_n again_o look_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vigour_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o hammer_n for_o batter_v down_o the_o beginning_n of_o error_n so_o that_o these_o twelve_o year_n bypass_v not_o any_o one_o error_n have_v come_v to_o any_o strength_n and_o this_o all_o under_o god_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v his_o institution_n our_o judicatories_n be_v indeed_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o turn_v contemptible_a god_n himself_o heal_v our_o breach_n second_o guard_n against_o the_o error_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o from_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o can_v carry_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o you_o yet_o you_o may_v remember_v you_o once_o hear_v this_o truth_n confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o quit_v it_o you_o may_v advise_v well_o before_o you_o yield_v i_o will_v press_v this_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o butt_n of_o satan_n envy_n the_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v most_o glad_o overthrow_v as_o that_o which_o stand_v most_o in_o his_o way_n for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o integrity_n we_o may_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n have_v defy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v bring_v error_n into_o scotland_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o brangle_v to_o get_v the_o hedge_n once_o plukt_v up_o that_o so_o the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n may_v come_v in_o and_o believe_v i_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v i_o more_o afraid_a than_o that_o through_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n shall_v get_v a_o deludge_n of_o error_n bring_v in_o on_o scotland_n because_o those_o who_o have_v be_v entrust_v with_o this_o government_n have_v weaken_v the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o division_n among_o ourselves_o a_o copy_n be_v casten_z how_o that_o erroneous_a spirit_n need_v not_o stand_v much_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n when_o they_o will_v cross_v their_o design_n we_o be_v afraid_a yea_o we_o may_v be_v past_a â—ear_n and_o conclude_v that_o presbytery_n synod_n etc._n etc._n have_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o weight_n they_o have_v late_o in_o man_n conscience_n only_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o will_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o charge_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o be_v may_v be_v abuse_v and_o it_o be_v people_n trial_n to_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o the_o government_n be_v good_a and_o of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o of_o man_n what_o be_v of_o god_n cleave_v to_o it_o and_o stick_v fast_o by_o it_o what_o be_v from_o man_n corruption_n mourn_v for_o it_o pray_v themselves_o may_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o a_o even_a way_n you_o have_v need_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n to_o ground_v you_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o quit_v they_o only_o remember_v they_o be_v truth_n you_o have_v swear_v to_o maintain_v with_o your_o hand_n lift_v up_o on_o high_a sect_n v._o a_o short_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o have_v go_v through_o these_o controversy_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o refute_v some_o dangerous_a error_n of_o doctrine_n and_o first_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n the_o error_n of_o separatist_n be_v many_o but_o we_o shall_v only_o engage_v with_o two_o head_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o main_a the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v receive_v member_n of_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a viz._n that_o when_o they_o spy_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v member_n as_o if_o person_n scandalous_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v gracious_a who_o come_v there_o then_o say_v they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o keep_v back_o from_o
the_o lord_n table_n profess_v you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n now_o be_v with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o run_v far_o back_o for_o find_v out_o the_o connexion_n of_o this_o purpose_n with_o that_o which_o go_v before_o only_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o luke_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n do_v show_v from_o verse_n 19_o of_o this_o same_o chapter_n how_o that_o through_o occasion_n of_o that_o persecution_n which_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n meet_v with_o after_o steven_n death_n mention_v chap._n 8_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v by_o those_o who_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v for_o their_o life_n do_v wonderful_o spread_v as_o far_o as_o phanâ—ce_n &_o cyprus_n and_o antioch_n and_o many_o in_o these_o region_n and_o kingdom_n be_v take_v with_o it_o for_o verse_n 21_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o and_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n whereupon_o as_o be_v show_v v_o 22._o when_o these_o tiding_n come_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o send_v forth_o barnabas_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a part_n and_o call_v for_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 14._o 14._o i_o say_v the_o church_n send_v he_o as_o far_o as_o antioch_n for_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v barnabas_n his_o come_n to_o they_o and_o what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o come_v who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o thing_n consideraable_a 1._o barnabas_n his_o come_n to_o antioch_n 2._o we_o have_v what_o he_o see_v when_o he_o come_v he_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o bring_v so_o many_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o we_o have_v what_o this_o sight_n do_v work_v upon_o he_o 1._o it_o make_v he_o glad_a 2._o it_o bring_v a_o pithy_a needful_a exhortation_n from_o he_o to_o these_o new_a convert_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v here_o set_v down_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord._n what_o explication_n be_v needful_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o as_o i_o go_v through_o the_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v mention_v he_o come_v to_o antioch_n but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o any_o great_a train_n he_o carry_v along_o with_o he_o or_o any_o great_a solemnity_n at_o his_o reception_n though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n the_o high_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o he_o come_v doubtless_o in_o a_o sober_a way_n as_o become_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n then_o unknown_a in_o the_o world_n for_o churchman_n to_o go_v accompany_v with_o train_n like_o prince_n and_o that_o whole_a country_n side_n and_o great_a personage_n in_o they_o behoove_v to_o wait_v upon_o their_o grandeur_n it_o never_o be_v well_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o churchman_n begin_v to_o overtop_v peer_n and_o noble_n but_o the_o thing_n i_o mark_v from_o this_o be_v that_o barnabas_n though_o a_o extraordinary_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o apostle_n do_v nevertheless_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v mention_v v._n 22._o that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v he_o forth_o and_o here_o that_o he_o do_v come_v according_o now_o what_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o who_o direction_n he_o subject_v himself_o be_v clear_a from_o act._n 21._o 18._o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n even_o a_o presbytry_n as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o convince_o these_o year_n bypass_a against_o the_o independent_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o which_o elder_n the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v submit_v himself_o there_o as_o barnabas_n do_v here_o from_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o even_o the_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o respective_a and_o tender_a of_o that_o authority_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o the_o judicatories_n thereof_o this_o appear_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o when_o there_o be_v church_n constitute_v and_o church_n judicatories_n erect_v to_o manage_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o exercise_v power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o these_o church_n by_o themselves_o alone_o neither_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n nor_o in_o the_o censure_v or_o excommunicate_v of_o scandalous_a offender_n but_o though_o they_o be_v without_o doubt_n universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o they_o do_v remit_v the_o same_o to_o ordinary_a church_n judicatories_n thus_o paul_n do_v not_o ordain_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n alone_o but_o admit_v the_o ordinary_a presbytery_n to_o do_v it_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophesy_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o 1_o cor._n 5._o he_o clear_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n judicatory_a at_o corinth_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n in_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n v._o 4_o 5._o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n v._o 5._o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n a_o second_o thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v show_v their_o respect_n to_o church_n judicatories_n be_v this_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v order_v by_o and_o subject_a to_o their_o direction_n thus_o in_o the_o place_n cite_v act_n 21._o 20._o the_o church_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n give_v their_o injunction_n to_o paul_n that_o for_o removal_n of_o a_o offence_n that_o many_o thousand_o of_o jew_n have_v take_v against_o he_o he_o shall_v public_o practice_v some_o of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n in_o purify_n himself_o and_o shave_v his_o head_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n thing_n indifferent_a and_o according_o its_o mention_a v_o 26._o that_o paul_n do_v follow_v their_o direction_n all_o which_o show_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n judicatories_n be_v very_o much_o tender_v even_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o bishop_n do_v indeed_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n and_o their_o only_a successor_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o 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the_o courage_n to_o go_v on_o in_o christ_n way_n and_o set_v their_o face_n against_o the_o storm_n of_o reproach_n and_o disgrace_n which_o be_v raise_v up_o with_o such_o like_a work_n but_o notwithstanding_o know_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n or_o his_o way_n for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n because_o 1._o he_o approve_v no_o such_o scandalous_a outbreaking_n his_o word_n condemn_v they_o in_o all_o and_o in_o none_o more_o than_o in_o his_o follower_n because_o david_n by_o his_o fall_n make_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o transgress_v therefore_o the_o sword_n never_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n 2._o he_o permit_v such_o offence_n to_o be_v for_o holy_a wise_a and_o just_a reason_n or_o that_o wicked_a man_n may_v thereby_o get_v occasion_n to_o vent_v that_o inward_a spite_n they_o still_o carry_v against_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o so_o in_o god_n holy_a justice_n be_v permit_v to_o break_v their_o neck_n upon_o they_o and_o 3._o 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the_o lord_n of_o purpose_n make_v earth_n bitter_a to_o his_o follower_n that_o heaven_n may_v be_v the_o sweet_a when_o it_o come_v 8._o not_o only_o common_a calamity_n from_o god_n but_o bitter_a persecution_n from_o man_n attend_v the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o these_o make_v many_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n christ_n our_o lord_n matth._n 13._o 21._o speak_v of_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o time_n show_v that_o many_o former_o forward_o do_v then_o faint_a neither_o want_v they_o their_o pretend_a reason_n for_o they_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n often_o as_o disloyal_a or_o seditious_a person_n which_o to_o some_o make_v suffering_n more_o terrible_a than_o any_o other_o thing_n again_o they_o will_v but_o faint_v and_o shame_v the_o truth_n when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o 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and_o will_v be_v god_n none-such_a way_n wherein_o none_o can_v follow_v he_o to_o make_v his_o truth_n his_o work_n his_o church_n his_o interest_n thrive_v best_a when_o they_o be_v bear_v down_o most_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n exod_n 1._o 12._o who_o the_o more_o they_o be_v afflict_v the_o more_o they_o multiply_v and_o grow_v and_o therefore_o to_o stumble_v at_o christ_n way_n because_o of_o persecution_n and_o a_o suffer_a lot_n which_o usual_o do_v attend_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o break_v our_o neck_n upon_o the_o deep_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n because_o he_o take_v his_o own_o way_n the_o sure_a and_o speedy_a way_n to_o make_v his_o church_n to_o grow_v and_o will_v not_o take_v we_o
beside_o all_o these_o pretext_n and_o excuse_n of_o stumble_v on_o this_o account_n may_v be_v easy_o answer_v for_o though_o it_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o god_n servant_n even_o when_o they_o have_v suffer_v for_o righteousness_n to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o evil_a doer_n yet_o in_o that_o case_n man_n must_v think_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o their_o integrity_n shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n 1_o cor_n 4_o 3_o with_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n again_o none_o ever_o suffer_v that_o for_o he_o which_o he_o do_v suffer_v for_o they_o he_o take_v nothing_o from_o man_n but_o what_o he_o have_v first_o give_v unto_o they_o neither_o put_v he_o they_o to_o more_o than_o what_o he_o do_v fit_a and_o strengthen_v they_o for_o it_o hold_v constant_o in_o the_o mount_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v see_v and_o 1_o pet_n 4._o 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o and_o when_o people_n be_v put_v to_o the_o outmost_a of_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v even_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o pay_v of_o their_o debt_n a_o little_a soon_o for_o once_o die_v they_o must_v and_o though_o they_o shall_v shift_v the_o matter_n at_o that_o time_n how_o quick_o may_v god_n take_v their_o life_n from_o they_o another_o way_n possible_o in_o a_o long_a linger_a and_o pine_v sickness_n with_o great_a torment_n and_o a_o gnaw_a worm_n of_o conscience_n beside_o and_o for_o any_o loss_n of_o good_n land_n and_o inheritance_n that_o either_o people_n themselves_o or_o other_o of_o their_o relation_n may_v sustain_v by_o cleave_v to_o christ_n way_n in_o a_o suffer_a 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shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o many_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o that_o may_v impoverish_v you_o in_o which_o you_o will_v neither_o have_v that_o honour_n nor_o satistisfaction_n which_o attend_v the_o christian_n loss_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o though_o cede_v for_o a_o little_a may_v put_v a_o storm_n of_o trouble_n by_o yet_o he_o that_o be_v not_o faithful_a in_o the_o little_a will_v never_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o which_o be_v more_o and_o it_o be_v satan_n policy_n at_o all_o time_n to_o draw_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o suffering_n to_o small_a thing_n as_o moses_n hoof_n mordecart_n beck_n and_o daniel_n open_v of_o his_o window_n in_o which_o case_n to_o wit_n the_o case_n of_o confession_n even_o small_a thing_n become_v great_a from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v abundant_o clear_a there_o be_v no_o real_a reason_n why_o any_o shall_v stumble_v at_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n because_o of_o peresecution_n or_o a_o suffer_a lot_n which_o usual_o do_v attend_v it_o 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