christ_n joh_n 16._o the_o world_n shall_v hate_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o shall_v kill_v you_o and_o in_o do_v all_o this_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o say_v he_o i_o will_v send_v you_o the_o comforter_n christ_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o among_o all_o these_o evil_n they_o shall_v have_v no_o comforter_n on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o promise_v to_o send_v they_o one_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o when_o thy_o soul_n be_v place_v in_o affliction_n never_o look_v after_o any_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a or_o creature_n comfort_n for_o they_o will_v prove_v poison_n to_o thy_o soul_n but_o only_o look_v for_o heavenly_a comfort_n such_o as_o the_o spirit_n bring_v such_o as_o flow_v immediate_o from_o god_n for_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o sweet_a and_o unmixed_a and_o refresh_v and_o support_v and_o satisfy_v and_o endure_a comfort_n comfort_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o rejoice_v not_o only_o in_o fullness_n but_o in_o want_n not_o only_o among_o friend_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n not_o only_o in_o good_a report_n but_o in_o evil_a report_n not_o only_o in_o prosperity_n but_o in_o tribulation_n not_o only_o in_o life_n but_o in_o death_n they_o will_v make_v thou_o go_v sing_v to_o prison_n to_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o grave_n they_o be_v mighty_a comfort_n infinite_o strong_a than_o all_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o saint_n and_o martyr_n have_v go_v cheerful_o to_o the_o stake_n and_o sing_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n the_o comfort_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v strengthen_v they_o to_o this_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o in_o union_n with_o christ_n never_o doubt_v of_o this_o comfort_n in_o thy_o great_a sorrow_n when_o christ_n have_v none_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o god_n send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o when_o we_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o we_o shall_v want_v comfort_n god_n will_v send_v we_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o comfort_v we_o yea_o the_o spirit_n itself_o which_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v comfort_v by_o god_n when_o we_o be_v afflict_v and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v by_o man_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n see_v the_o church_n in_o its_o affliction_n promise_n without_o all_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o comfort_v it_o himself_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o promise_n they_o be_v the_o sweet_a comfort_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o in_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o swadling-clothe_n of_o christ_n they_o carry_v christ_n wrap_v up_o in_o they_o and_o christ_n represent_v to_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o evil_n outward_a or_o inward_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o affliction_n take_v hold_v on_o thou_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o promise_n to_o draw_v thy_o comfort_n from_o christ_n through_o they_o oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v that_o life_n that_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o promise_n a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o best_a life_n in_o the_o world_n man_n that_o have_v estate_n in_o money_n or_o land_n depend_v on_o those_o thing_n for_o their_o maintenance_n but_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o these_o in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o make_v his_o life_n more_o comfortable_a i_o be_o god_n all-sufficient_a and_o i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o whereupon_o he_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n say_v my_o soul_n i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a a_o life_n be_v this_o life_n that_o know_v no_o care_n nor_o fear_n nor_o trouble_n nor_o disquietment_n here_o say_v a_o believer_n lie_v my_o estate_n and_o live_v and_o the_o lot_n of_o my_o inheritance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o more_o certain_a estate_n than_o all_o the_o manor_n and_o lordship_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o my_o bread_n shall_v be_v give_v i_o my_o water_n shall_v be_v sure_a the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v no_o not_o then_o when_o the_o lion_n the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o every_o poor_a man_n be_v a_o prey_n shall_v lack_v and_o sufferâ—hunger_n he_o that_o have_v give_v i_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o spirit_n will_v not_o leave_v i_o destitute_a of_o food_n and_o clothing_n take_v another_o instance_n a_o man_n feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v oh_o how_o shall_v i_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o suffer_v this_o or_o that_o or_o to_o part_v with_o my_o relation_n with_o my_o estate_n with_o my_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a unto_o i_o why_o when_o a_o christian_a lay_n hold_v on_o the_o promise_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a o_o say_v a_o christian_n god_n will_v never_o bring_v i_o to_o any_o temptation_n or_o trial_n but_o he_o will_v give_v i_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o it_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o live_v satisfy_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o these_o instance_n that_o a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o sweet_a and_o best_a life_n when_o a_o man_n can_v draw_v all_o from_o god_n himself_o through_o a_o promise_n and_o this_o in_o general_a that_o god_n comfort_v his_o church_n by_o a_o promise_n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o word_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n and_o lay_v thy_o foundation_n with_o saphire_n glorious_o verse_n 12._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o window_n of_o agate_n and_o thy_o gate_n of_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o thy_o border_n of_o pleasant_a stone_n the_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v be_v oft_o in_o scripture_n compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o that_o to_o a_o most_o stately_a sumptuous_a magnificent_a and_o glorious_a build_n as_o be_v all_o build_v of_o precious_a stone_n and_o so_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v up_o of_o common_a stone_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v far_o exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o the_o first_o temple_n be_v solomon_n which_o be_v indeed_o fill_v with_o the_o outward_a presence_n of_o god_n but_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n both_o head_n and_o member_n this_o be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o temple_n that_o god_n have_v build_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o his_o own_o habitation_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v true_o real_o spiritual_o and_o most_o near_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o most_o near_a union_n whereby_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v knit_v together_o and_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o material_a one_o either_o according_a to_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o solomon_n or_o the_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o the_o father_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n here_o than_o you_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n with_o precious_a stone_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o inquire_v particular_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o several_a stone_n here_o name_v for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o full_o agree_v about_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v build_v with_o common_a but_o with_o precious_a stone_n now_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o forth_o in_o several_a particular_n 1._o you_o see_v here_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v make_v and_o that_o be_v not_o of_o common_a but_o of_o precious_a stone_n elect_v and_o precious_a stone_n and_o such_o be_v the_o faithful_a for_o 1._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o other_o man_n have_v for_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o so_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o
against_o such_o a_o ministry_n know_v that_o they_o strive_v against_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a man_n they_o strive_v against_o power_n from_o on_o high_a against_o the_o great_a power_n that_o ever_o god_n put_v forth_o against_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o this_o power_n but_o shall_v sure_o sink_v under_o it_o but_o to_o return_v from_o whence_o we_o have_v a_o little_a digress_v 3._o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o minister_n be_v not_o able_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n ministry_n nor_o to_o preach_v it_o powerful_o so_o neither_o be_v they_o able_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o on_o strong_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n peter_n and_o john_n preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o present_o the_o ruler_n and_o elder_n and_o scribe_n convent_v they_o and_o straight_o threaten_v they_o and_o command_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v at_o all_o 18._o nor_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v want_v this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v present_o have_v be_v snib_v and_o awe_v and_o will_v have_v sneak_v away_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v hear_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n all_o the_o threaten_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o magistrate_n can_v not_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o that_o ministry_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n but_o though_o before_o they_o be_v fearful_a and_o tremble_a and_o daunt_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o least_o danger_n yet_o now_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n they_o be_v altogether_o undaunted_a and_o say_v to_o the_o ruler_n and_o elder_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n 19_o judge_v you_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v o_o you_o ruler_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n our_o case_n be_v a_o plain_a case_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o willing_a that_o even_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v be_v judge_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o god_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o you_o forbid_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v we_o now_o do_v you_o yourselves_o be_v judge_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v obey_v god_n or_o you_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o poor_a wretched_a man_n such_o as_o yourselves_o nay_o what_o god_n have_v command_v we_o we_o must_v and_o will_v obey_v against_o all_o your_o threaten_n and_o punishment_n and_o what_o ever_o you_o can_v say_v or_o do_v we_o can_v conceal_v but_o must_v publish_v what_o we_o have_v see_v and_o know_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o incarnation_n life_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n kingdom_n glory_n and_o of_o that_o great_a redemption_n and_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v and_o purchase_v for_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n now_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o the_o unjust_a command_n of_o all_o magistrate_n and_o secular_a power_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v no_o otherwise_o obey_v than_o this_o unjust_a command_n of_o the_o ruler_n be_v by_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o that_o no_o man_n will_v dare_v to_o yield_v more_o obedience_n to_o the_o creature_n then_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o for_o no_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n have_v any_o power_n to_o forbid_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n which_o god_n have_v command_v shall_v be_v publish_v to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n i_o say_v they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o forbid_v the_o preach_n of_o this_o gospel_n or_o of_o any_o one_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o never_o so_o cross_a to_o their_o design_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v yet_o herein_o ought_v we_o to_o know_v no_o more_o obedience_n than_o peter_n and_o john_n do_v here_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o not_o they_o and_o to_o make_v know_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o example_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n hold_v on_o their_o ministry_n against_o all_o the_o countermand_v and_o threaten_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whereas_o without_o this_o power_n they_o have_v soon_o faint_v and_o fail_v and_o have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o have_v go_v through_o with_o it_o 4._o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n world_n minister_n be_v not_o able_a to_o reprove_v the_o world_n for_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n seek_v the_o amity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n by_o his_o good_a will_n will_v provoke_v the_o enmity_n of_o it_o against_o himself_o and_o therefore_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v never_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n but_o allow_v it_o and_o countenance_n it_o in_o sin_n but_o now_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n when_o a_o man_n have_v this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o then_o present_o he_o reprove_v and_o argue_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o by_o his_o ministry_n bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o provoke_v the_o whole_a world_n against_o himself_o and_o this_o no_o man_n either_o can_v do_v or_o dare_v do_v except_o he_o be_v first_o endue_v with_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n come_v on_o he_o and_o therefore_o say_v micah_n cha._n 3._o vers_fw-la 8._o i_o be_o full_a of_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o judgement_n and_o of_o might_n to_o declare_v unto_o jacob_n his_o transgression_n and_o to_o israel_n his_o sin_n the_o world_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n can_v endure_v the_o reproof_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o its_o evil_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v exceed_o offend_v yea_o and_o extreme_o rage_v against_o the_o faithful_a teacher_n of_o the_o word_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n and_o persecution_n as_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o faithful_a teacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n do_v declare_v yea_o and_o christ_n himself_o testify_v touch_v himself_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v i_o because_o i_o testify_v of_o it_o that_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v evil_a but_o now_o they_o that_o will_v connive_v at_o sin_n and_o flatter_v the_o world_n in_o its_o own_o way_n these_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o reckon_n and_o live_v in_o all_o worldly_a honour_n and_o prosperity_n and_o all_o age_n can_v witness_v that_o all_o teacher_n be_v not_o of_o that_o strength_n and_o resolution_n to_o contemn_v the_o hatred_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o most_o be_v quite_o overcome_v with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o friend_n and_o riches_n and_o preferment_n and_o so_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v minister_n in_o who_o mouth_n be_v no_o reproof_n though_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n for_o thus_o they_o escape_v the_o rage_n and_o violence_n and_o obtain_v the_o favour_n and_o love_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o thus_o weak_a and_o unworthy_a be_v those_o man_n who_o be_v only_o endue_v with_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o now_o say_v micah_n i_o be_o full_a of_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o judgement_n and_o of_o might_n to_o declare_v unto_o jacob_n his_o transgression_n and_o to_o israel_n his_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n dwell_v in_o i_o put_v forth_o its_o self_n two_o way_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o fortitude_n 1._o in_o judgement_n and_o this_o signify_v the_o reprove_v and_o the_o condemn_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n as_o the_o prophet_n himself_o explicate_v say_v that_o i_o may_v declare_v unto_o jacob_n his_o transgression_n and_o to_o israel_n his_o sin_n but_o see_v their_o be_v full_a of_o judgement_n do_v not_o want_v danger_n but_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o thousand_o evil_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o reproof_n of_o sin_n therefore_o i_o be_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o only_o full_a of_o judgement_n but_o also_o second_o full_a of_o may_v and_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n expose_v i_o to_o danger_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o might_n enable_v i_o to_o contemn_v those_o danger_n so_o that_o though_o the_o world_n because_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o judgement_n threaten_v never_o so_o many_o evil_n yet_o the_o
the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o holy_a the_o spirit_n and_o that_o if_o i_o see_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o one_o i_o reckon_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n not_o take_v any_o such_o opinion_n into_o consideration_n and_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o of_o opinion_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n the_o man_n then_o pretend_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o satisfaction_n but_o since_o as_o be_v relate_v have_v show_v his_o stomach_n again_o but_o because_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n the_o lord_n lie_v it_o it_o not_o to_o his_o charge_n and_o true_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o ever_o these_o name_n of_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o grow_v up_o to_o this_o height_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o these_o opinion_n shall_v be_v reckon_v more_o in_o a_o man_n than_o the_o presence_n and_o dwell_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o utter_o disclaim_v all_o such_o distinction_n of_o man_n make_v and_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o distinction_n of_o man_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o world_n and_o they_o that_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o in_o the_o church_n the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a christian_n this_o distinction_n of_o man_n god_n have_v make_v and_o this_o i_o do_v and_o must_v needs_o use_v though_o the_o world_n as_o it_o appear_v like_v this_o worse_a than_o the_o other_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o seed_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o true_a distinction_n and_o the_o more_o this_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n the_o more_o glorious_a will_v the_o church_n be_v now_o some_o spiritual_a christian_n may_v be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v presbyterian_o and_o some_o among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v independent_o and_o all_o these_o though_o call_v by_o different_a name_n be_v of_o one_o spiritual_a church_n and_o again_o some_o carnal_a christian_n may_v be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v independent_o and_o some_o among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v presbyterian_o and_o all_o these_o though_o call_v by_o different_a name_n be_v of_o one_o carnal_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v wish_v we_o have_v obtain_v such_o wisdom_n from_o god_n as_o to_o let_v the_o distinction_n and_o division_n of_o man_n lie_v only_o there_o where_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o where_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v make_v it_o and_o so_o shall_v the_o true_a spriritual_a church_n be_v deliver_v from_o these_o distinction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o itself_o and_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o itself_o which_o will_v be_v god_n great_a glory_n and_o its_o own_o great_a strength_n comfort_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a terror_n and_o dread_n of_o all_o profane_a man_n and_o formalist_n another_o thing_n which_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n stir_v up_o within_o i_o to_o do_v be_v to_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n what_o i_o know_v in_o my_o own_o experience_n touch_v the_o army_n under_o the_o command_n of_o that_o most_o faithful_a and_o worthy_a general_n sir_n tho._n fairfax_n and_o that_o because_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a undervalue_v and_o despise_v and_o reproach_v of_o it_o by_o many_o even_o of_o those_o who_o blood_n run_v warm_a in_o their_o vein_n and_o who_o enjoy_v all_o the_o comfort_n they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o faithfulness_n diligence_n activity_n labour_n hunger_n thirst_n cold_a weariness_n watch_n marching_n engagement_n storming_n 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unity_n which_o be_v admirable_a it_o be_v more_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n then_o of_o man_n more_o a_o unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n then_o in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o father_n and_o son_n then_o in_o themselves_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o their_o great_a success_n they_o be_v all_o both_o in_o counsel_n and_o action_n but_o as_o one_o man_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o up_o in_o one_o bundle_n and_o so_o their_o enemy_n can_v not_o break_v they_o but_o have_v be_v break_v by_o they_o many_o of_o their_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n have_v be_v carry_v in_o council_n with_o that_o unity_n that_o sometime_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o have_v contradict_v 2._o their_o humility_n which_o have_v be_v admirable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a for_o after_o great_a and_o glorious_a victory_n to_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o world_n when_o king_n of_o the_o army_n do_v flee_v apace_o and_o the_o man_n of_o might_n run_v away_o as_o woman_n i_o have_v never_o hear_v any_o of_o the_o worthy_a and_o godly_a commander_n or_o officer_n ever_o to_o say_v i_o do_v this_o or_o that_o or_o to_o boast_v of_o his_o own_o counsel_n or_o his_o own_o strength_n or_o to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o or_o any_o body_n else_o of_o what_o god_n have_v do_v but_o every_o one_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o do_v and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n and_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o sword_n or_o bow_n but_o the_o lord_n right_a hand_n and_o his_o arm_n and_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o they_o have_v be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v nothing_o themselves_o that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o mean_n to_o keep_v they_o humble_a because_o though_o god_n have_v be_v much_o with_o they_o yet_o the_o world_n have_v be_v much_o against_o they_o not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n who_o have_v do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o kingdom_n faithful_o and_o honest_o but_o for_o god_n sake_n in_o they_o because_o there_o be_v more_o of_o god_n among_o these_o man_n then_o among_o other_o man_n therefore_o be_v they_o so_o malign_v by_o many_o man_n for_o the_o world_n always_o most_o hate_v where_o there_o be_v most_o of_o god_n and_o you_o may_v have_v a_o shrewd_a guess_n wherethere_o be_v most_o of_o god_n by_o observe_v where_o the_o great_a hatred_n of_o the_o world_n lie_v 3._o their_o faith_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o army_n man_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a faith_n through_o which_o they_o have_v wrought_v righteonsness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quenced_a the_o violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n through_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v pursue_v their_o enemy_n and_o overtake_v they_o and_o turn_v not_o again_o till_o they_o have_v consume_v they_o they_o have_v beat_v they_o small_a as_o the_o dust_n before_o the_o wind_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o dirt_n in_o the_o street_n through_o faith_n they_o have_v enter_v strong_a city_n and_o i_o can_v true_o and_o particular_o say_v let_v they_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v offend_v stumble_v and_o fall_v at_o it_o that_o bristol_n among_o other_o place_n be_v conquer_v by_o faith_n more_o than_o by_o force_n it_o be_v conquer_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a by_o faith_n before_o ever_o they_o stretch_v forth_o a_o hand_n against_o it_o and_o they_o go_v not_o so_o much_o to_o storm_v it_o as_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n through_o faith_n one_o of_o they_o have_v chase_v ten_o and_o ten_o put_v a_o hundred_o
perceive_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n then_o present_o they_o fall_v a_o persecute_v the_o saint_n for_o this_o name_n and_o nature_n sake_n and_o he_o that_o strike_v at_o god_n in_o his_o saint_n will_v if_o he_o can_v strike_v at_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o world_n take_v heed_n what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o point_n for_o while_o they_o persecute_v the_o saint_n they_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n himself_o because_o god_n be_v one_o with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v one_o with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o let_v the_o saint_n be_v admonish_v so_o to_o hide_v and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o god_n through_o christ_n that_o whoever_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o they_o and_o oppose_v they_o may_v rather_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o oppose_v god_n then_o they_o they_o live_v and_o act_v in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o themselves_o now_o this_o affliction_n the_o church_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v profitable_a for_o the_o church_n it_o be_v good_a for_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v afflict_v for_o the_o more_o it_o be_v afflict_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o more_o it_o thrive_v in_o the_o spirit_n this_o affliction_n stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o prayer_n yea_o then_o be_v our_o faith_n most_o active_a and_o vigorous_a and_o our_o prayer_n most_o fervent_a till_o they_o fill_v the_o whole_a heaven_n again_o then_o be_v we_o most_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n then_o be_v we_o set_v off_o further_a from_o the_o world_n then_o do_v we_o keep_v close_a to_o god_n then_o have_v we_o near_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o so_o that_o we_o can_v better_o want_v fire_n and_o water_n and_o the_o sun_n then_o want_v affliction_n which_o god_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a love_n through_o his_o overrule_a power_n and_o wisdom_n cause_v to_o work_v unto_o we_o for_o good_a so_o that_o we_o who_o be_v place_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v do_v we_o any_o harm_n for_o ever_o but_o evil_n itself_o must_v work_v good_a unto_o we_o but_o we_o proceed_v toss_v with_o tempest_n where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o afflict_v afflict_v but_o violent_o afflict_v one_o wave_n come_v against_o it_o after_o another_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n and_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o do_v the_o world_n become_v as_o a_o rage_a sea_n against_o it_o because_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v make_v it_o be_v set_v in_o the_o more_o contrariety_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n to_o it_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v this_o temper_n in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o church_n they_o come_v upon_o i_o like_o a_o ramp_a and_o a_o roar_a lion_n and_o again_o they_o come_v upon_o i_o to_o eat_v up_o my_o flesh_n as_o they_o will_v eat_v bread_n when_o the_o saint_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o act_v in_o the_o spirit_n how_o violent_a and_o enrage_a have_v the_o world_n be_v against_o they_o it_o will_v toss_v they_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n from_o place_n to_o place_n from_o post_n to_o pillar_n as_o they_o say_v till_o it_o have_v quite_o toss_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n yea_o man_n natural_o meek_a and_o moderate_a how_o fierce_a have_v they_o become_v against_o the_o saint_n when_o there_o have_v appear_v any_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o for_o the_o enmity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n against_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n will_v be_v still_o break_v forth_o and_o though_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v cover_v under_o many_o moral_a virtue_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n yet_o when_o god_n leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o let_v they_o act_v outward_o according_a to_o their_o inward_a principle_n how_o cruel_o and_o malicious_o and_o fierce_o and_o desperate_o do_v they_o act_v against_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n yea_o there_o be_v not_o that_o enmity_n between_o turk_n and_o jew_n as_o there_o be_v between_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o spiritual_a christian_n the_o former_a hate_v these_o and_o be_v angry_a against_o these_o to_o the_o very_a death_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o lord_n shall_v suffer_v these_o to_o exercise_v their_o enmity_n against_o the_o church_n then_o shall_v the_o church_n condition_n become_v such_o as_o it_o be_v here_o describe_v afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o evil_a it_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n world_n have_v not_o one_o drop_n of_o comfort_n from_o the_o world_n it_o have_v affliction_n tribulation_n persecution_n from_o the_o world_n but_o no_o comfort_n this_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n the_o head_n you_o know_v what_o he_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o so_o full_a of_o sorrow_n that_o he_o take_v his_o name_n from_o they_o and_o be_v call_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n at_o last_o out_o of_o mere_a envy_n and_o malice_n they_o apprehend_v he_o bind_v he_o buffet_v he_o spit_v on_o he_o crucify_v he_o and_o all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o have_v suffer_v from_o the_o heathen_a but_o he_o suffer_v all_o this_o from_o the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o put_v he_o to_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o shameful_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n between_o two_o malefactor_n to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v the_o three_o and_o the_o chief_a and_o in_o all_o this_o evil_a he_o have_v no_o body_n to_o pity_v he_o or_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o but_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o and_o deride_v he_o and_o mock_v and_o jeer_v he_o but_o no_o body_n comfort_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n so_o it_o be_v with_o christ_n the_o body_n and_o member_n they_o in_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o woe_n and_o sorrow_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n have_v no_o body_n to_o comfort_v they_o or_o take_v compassion_n on_o they_o refuge_n fail_v i_o say_v david_n no_o man_n care_v for_o my_o soul_n lover_n and_o friend_n have_v thou_o put_v far_o from_o i_o and_o my_o acquaintance_n into_o darkness_n say_v heman_n psal_n 88_o 18._o brethren_n and_o belove_a you_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o ever_o the_o lord_n suffer_v the_o world_n to_o prevail_v against_o you_o to_o afflict_v you_o and_o toss_v you_o from_o one_o evil_a to_o another_o as_o in_o a_o tempest_n to_o reproach_v you_o throw_v you_o out_o of_o your_o comfort_n banish_v you_o imprison_v you_o etc._n etc._n you_o shall_v find_v no_o body_n to_o comfort_v you_o no_o body_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o you_o or_o regard_v you_o or_o own_o you_o or_o pity_v you_o or_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o your_o condition_n as_o to_o say_v alas_o my_o brother_n you_o must_v look_v for_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n but_o you_o must_v look_v for_o no_o comfort_n there_o when_o god_n shall_v cast_v we_o into_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o not_o look_v for_o one_o worldly_a man_n to_o stand_v by_o we_o no_o not_o of_o those_o that_o now_o smile_v upon_o we_o and_o pretend_v friendship_n to_o we_o no_o norâ—_n yet_o of_o our_o near_a relation_n but_o then_o that_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v i_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o my_o brethren_n a_o alien_n to_o my_o mother_n child_n nay_o yet_o further_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a or_o worldly_a christian_n will_v stand_v aloof_o from_o thou_o and_o will_v be_v shy_a to_o own_o and_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v thou_o public_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o cross_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v and_o leave_v he_o to_o tread_v the_o winepress_n alone_o and_o so_o if_o you_o suffer_v in_o the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v find_v little_a comfort_n from_o man_n o_o thou_o afflict_a toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v now_o this_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o much_o mercy_n to_o his_o saint_n he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o earthly_a comfort_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o heavenly_a he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n from_o man_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o comfort_n from_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o not_o comfort_v lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o say_v
and_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o show_v we_o clear_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v michael_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o both_o 2._o neither_o second_o church_n do_v i_o find_v any_o way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reconcile_v all_o those_o together_o who_o be_v common_o call_v the_o visible_a church_n see_v even_o among_o these_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o child_n as_o paul_n teach_v we_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o another_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n as_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a enmity_n between_o these_o in_o the_o church_n as_o between_o the_o former_a in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n be_v always_o persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o never_o agree_v with_o they_o now_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o christian_n christ_n one_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o other_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spiritual_a child_n make_v up_o christ_n true_a body_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o these_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a flesh_n of_o christ_n as_o all_o that_o flesh_n be_v in_o which_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v and_o these_o all_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v in_o no_o fleshly_a form_n ceremony_n or_o worship_n the_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n make_v up_o antichrist_n true_a body_n antichrist_n for_o as_o christ_n body_n consist_v of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n of_o carnal_a for_o antichrist_n set_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o christ_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o spiritual_a christian_n so_o antichrist_n get_v his_o body_n together_o of_o carnal_a christian_n and_o these_o have_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n or_o godliness_n but_o they_o have_v no_o spirit_n or_o power_n in_o that_o form_n yea_o under_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o exercise_v the_o great_a power_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o all_o their_o thing_n be_v nowhere_o more_o oppose_v then_o by_o those_o in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n only_o and_o not_o of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v the_o name_n only_o and_o not_o the_o anoint_v of_o christian_n this_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o antichrist_n and_o now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o agreement_n between_o these_o two_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v between_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a christian_n then_o between_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n themselves_o the_o head_n of_o these_o body_n and_o as_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n so_o neither_o do_v i_o propound_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o agreement_n here_o for_o to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v there_o where_o the_o father_n never_o intend_v nor_o the_o son_n never_o undertake_v any_o reconciliation_n will_v not_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o weakness_n so_o then_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o peace_n be_v between_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n touch_v who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o theâ—_n that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o these_o be_v the_o elect_a make_v faithful_a call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v through_o their_o call_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n than_o i_o seek_v by_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v first_o declare_v the_o church_n it_o self_n who_o peace_n i_o seek_v and_o then_o after_o declare_v wherein_o this_o church_n true_a peace_n and_o unity_n lie_v and_o also_o how_o it_o may_v be_v preserve_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v first_o wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n itself_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v speak_v plain_o and_o something_o large_o because_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o present_a business_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v very_o many_o and_o very_o great_a mistake_n and_o miss_v apprehension_n touch_v it_o even_o among_o the_o faithful_a the_o right_a church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n not_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o join_v together_o in_o a_o outward_a form_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o church_n there_o be_v whoremonger_n idolater_n thief_n murderers_z and_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a and_o unbelieving_a person_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o church_n but_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o say_v be_v not_o any_o outward_a or_o visible_a society_n be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o consent_n or_o use_v of_o outward_a thing_n form_n ceremony_n worship_n as_o the_o church_n of_o man_n be_v neither_o be_v it_o know_v by_o see_v or_o feel_n or_o the_o help_n of_o any_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o society_n of_o mercer_n or_o draper_n or_o the_o like_a but_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a fellowship_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_n and_o so_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v whole_o hide_v from_o carnal_a eye_n neither_o have_v the_o world_n any_o knowledge_n or_o judgement_n of_o it_o this_o true_a church_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o be_v the_o communion_n believer_n have_v with_o one_o another_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o as_o believer_n have_v their_o union_n in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n so_o in_o they_o also_o they_o have_v their_o communion_n man_n and_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thing_n even_o in_o his_o light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n truth_n love_n power_n peace_n joy_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o this_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n now_o this_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o very_a many_o particular_n as_o follow_v 1._o member_n come_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o man_n either_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o else_o by_o the_o persuasion_n or_o by_o the_o force_n of_o other_o and_o so_o but_o after_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o none_o come_v to_o this_o true_a church_n but_o from_o the_o draw_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o own_o call_n according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n 2._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n member_n be_v admit_v through_o a_o outward_a confession_n of_o doctrine_n but_o none_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o true_a church_n but_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o right_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o so_o remain_v without_o in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o so_o have_v entrance_n into_o the_o true_a church_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n there_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o righteous_a but_o in_o this_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n be_v all_o righteous_a not_o one_o except_v as_o it_o be_v write_v thy_o people_n shall_v be_v all_o righteous_a isa_n 60._o for_o they_o all_o have_v their_o iniquity_n forgive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o redeem_v and_o wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n 4._o in_o the_o church_n of_o man_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o teach_v of_o man_n who_o be_v their_o head_n and_o leader_n and_o who_o judgement_n they_o depend_v on_o
much_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o sect_n and_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o faction_n rend_v from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o such_o man_n choose_v and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o some_o singular_a way_n of_o worship_n form_n order_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o think_v they_o excel_v other_o christian_n and_o so_o cause_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a which_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o especial_o have_v countenance_n of_o worldly_a authority_n by_o which_o mean_v both_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n depart_v from_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o this_o sevenfold_a spiritual_a unity_n be_v neglect_v christianity_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n into_z as_o many_o sect_n as_o the_o world_n and_o devil_n please_v till_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n leave_v either_o of_o faith_n or_o love_n so_o that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o confedracy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o outward_a order_n form_n rite_n law_n ceremony_n discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_o enforce_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n seduce_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a will_v never_o hold_v the_o church_n together_o but_o all_o these_o be_v and_o have_v prove_v and_o will_v prove_v rather_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n in_o the_o church_n than_o a_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o they_o seem_v to_o work_v union_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mingle_v clay_n and_o iron_n together_o which_o no_o pain_n nor_o art_n can_v perfect_o compound_v for_o all_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n knit_v by_o other_o bond_n then_o be_v here_o name_v be_v no_o spiritual_a union_n neither_o will_v it_o stand_v and_o therefore_o dear_a christian_n and_o believer_n see_v we_o have_v seven_o bond_n of_o unity_n all_o of_o god_n own_o make_n to_o make_v we_o one_o let_v not_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v but_o sorry_a thing_n of_o man_n make_v separate_z and_o divide_v we_o but_o see_v each_o of_o these_o bond_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o one_o how_o much_o one_o shall_v all_o of_o they_o together_o make_v we_o and_o thus_o have_v show_v from_o the_o word_n another_o how_o all_o christian_n and_o believer_n be_v make_v one_o by_o god_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v aim_v at_o be_v to_o show_v how_o they_o may_v continue_v one_o among_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o whilst_o they_o sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a union_n that_o so_o all_o darkness_n and_o mistake_n which_o now_o even_o many_o believer_n be_v grievous_o enwrap_v in_o may_v be_v dispel_v and_o do_v away_o and_o we_o may_v live_v in_o this_o pure_a and_o perfect_a union_n with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n make_v all_o outward_a thing_n subservient_fw-fr hereunto_o and_o none_o of_o they_o prejudicial_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o conceive_v we_o be_v 1._o to_o know_v some_o thing_n and_o 2._o to_o do_v other_o thing_n christ_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o 1._o to_o preserve_v our_o peace_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n do_v we_o must_v be_v instruct_v aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n government_n because_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o great_a a_o cause_n of_o controversy_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o true_a government_n without_o any_o such_o form_n and_o law_n and_o power_n as_o be_v now_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o mediate_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v twofold_a 1._o there_o be_v that_o government_n which_o god_n exercise_v immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o government_n which_o he_o exercise_v mediate_o and_o by_o the_o faithful_a twofold_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o be_v god_n immediate_a government_n be_v also_o two_o fold_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n providence_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a government_n this_o be_v that_o government_n of_o god_n over_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o take_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n sign_n wonder_n by_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o great_a terror_n when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o through_o the_o wilderness_n in_o path_n that_o be_v not_o tread_v when_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n when_o he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n but_o reprove_v even_o king_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o through_o multitude_n of_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o god_n lead_v that_o church_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o tribulation_n to_o quietness_n from_o a_o sordid_a condition_n to_o honour_n and_o renown_n from_o a_o strange_a land_n to_o a_o land_n of_o inheritance_n and_o from_o slavery_n to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a government_n indeed_o stand_v in_o god_n immediate_a conduct_n from_o heaven_n far_o above_o all_o humane_a counsel_n wisdom_n stratagem_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o man_n contrive_v and_o act_v and_o this_o government_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o all_o humane_a apprehension_n that_o according_a to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v his_o way_n be_v the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n every_o whit_n as_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o though_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v small_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v it_o receive_v increase_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o be_v preserve_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v heathen_a emperor_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o ever_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v take_v the_o conduct_n of_o this_o church_n and_o have_v carry_v it_o through_o difficulty_n distress_n reproach_n prison_n torment_n death_n to_o ease_v liberty_n comfort_n joy_n salvation_n glory_n life_n happiness_n and_o this_o have_v be_v god_n glorious_a government_n of_o the_o church_n hitherto_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n the_o church_n of_o god_n want_v not_o this_o government_n among_o all_o the_o trouble_n confusion_n war_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o god_n be_v now_o as_o near_o his_o true_a church_n as_o ever_o and_o support_v it_o and_o comfort_n it_o and_o guide_v it_o as_o a_o skilful_a pilot_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o though_o the_o flood_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o billow_n against_o it_o yet_o they_o can_v sink_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n on_o high_a be_v mighty_a than_o the_o mighty_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o so_o still_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n lead_v his_o flock_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n yea_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o devil_n in_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a safety_n and_o give_v they_o light_v in_o darkness_n counsel_n in_o difficulty_n and_o success_n in_o all_o attempt_n above_z and_o beyond_o both_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o world_n now_o note_v here_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n god_n do_v not_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n no_o not_o of_o his_o very_a people_n but_o whole_o according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n do_v thing_n that_o they_o must_v not_o know_v yet_o but_o must_v know_v afterward_o yea_o such_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o present_n seem_v absurd_a and_o absolute_o destructive_a and_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o order_n of_o god_n govern_v his_o saint_n that_o of_o luther_n on_o gen._n 39_o be_v worth_a our_o mind_v here_o i_o say_v he_o have_v often_o endeavour_v to_o prescribe_v certain_a way_n and_o method_n to_o god_n etc._n which_o he_o shall_v use_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o church_n ah_o lord_n say_v i_o i_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v thus_o do_v in_o this_o order_n with_o this_o event_n but_o god_n do_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o do_v desire_v then_o again_o think_v i_o why_o my_o council_n be_v not_o differ_v
have_v put_v on_o to_o deceive_v shall_v after_o a_o few_o year_n vanish_v away_o it_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v whatever_o rule_v order_n or_o humane_a invention_n man_n do_v study_n and_o devise_v to_o govern_v their_o church_n by_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o be_v know_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o the_o only_a gospel_n preach_v in_o it_o which_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n and_o all_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o vote_n determination_n rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o counsel_n be_v better_o for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n than_o the_o pure_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o my_o judgement_n they_o speak_v blasphemous_o let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o luther_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 483._o christian_n say_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o that_o word_n and_o no_o other_o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v only_o by_o the_o pure_a gospel_n of_o god_n without_o the_o addition_n of_o counsel_n doctor_n father_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o govern_v christian_n by_o that_o word_n which_o though_o they_o keep_v yet_o neither_o do_v they_o become_v christian_n nor_o continue_v such_o nay_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o lose_v christ_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v every_o word_n beside_o the_o gospel_n and_o salvation_n reign_v in_o we_o not_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n far_o they_o that_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v restrain_v other_o way_n then_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o as_o paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o to_o mingle_v with_o they_o there_o be_v the_o secular_a sword_n there_o be_v the_o magistrate_n for_o these_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o restrain_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a from_o evil_a deed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n govern_v christian_n without_o the_o sword_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o christian_n except_o they_o be_v spontaneous_o good_a and_o such_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n malorum_fw-la as_o paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n what_o madness_n then_o be_v it_o to_o urge_v they_o that_o be_v willing_o good_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o yet_o say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o light_n and_o vain_a man_n ibid._n that_o think_v that_o the_o business_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v promote_v with_o weapon_n and_o cuff_n and_o the_o same_o luther_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o preacher_n of_o erphurd_n say_v consider_v in_o your_o mind_n with_o what_o sword_n i_o subdue_v the_o papacy_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religious_a man_n who_o before_o be_v dreadful_a to_o all_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v who_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o beast_n that_o have_v power_n to_o make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o overcome_v they_o and_o yet_o say_v he_o i_o never_o touch_v they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o my_o finger_n etc._n but_o christ_n destroy_v and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o detestable_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v their_o iniquity_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o passage_n of_o his_o beside_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o instrument_n of_o the_o true_a church_n power_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sceptre_n and_o sword_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n christ_n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o power_n now_o the_o true_a church_n by_o the_o power_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n can_v 1._o gather_v itself_o together_o please_v when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o please_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n to_o gather_v themselves_o togeâ—ther_o for_o their_o mutual_a good_a instruction_n preservation_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o prevent_v of_o evil_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o extrinsical_a and_o foreign_a power_n whatever_o else_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a founder_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o every_o free_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o congregate_v and_o come_v together_o as_o conveniency_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o civil_a corporation_n and_o in_o all_o fraternity_n and_o meeting_n of_o love_n much_o more_o have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n power_n to_o meet_v together_o into_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n though_o it_o be_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o the_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o the_o people_n and_o ruler_n be_v whole_o set_v against_o they_o do_v often_o meet_v together_o among_o themselves_o though_o private_o and_o christ_n himself_o come_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o find_v they_o in_o that_o way_n of_o communion_n say_v peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n do_v both_o justify_v and_o encourage_v such_o meeting_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o believer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o choose_v a_o apostle_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o judas_n act._n 1._o and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o all_o meet_v again_o act._n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o state_n be_v utter_o against_o their_o meeting_n and_o again_o act._n 4._o peter_n and_o john_n after_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o jew_n go_v and_o meet_v with_o their_o own_o company_n which_o be_v now_o mighty_o increase_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o the_o ruler_n have_v do_v against_o they_o whereupon_o all_o of_o they_o join_v together_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o act._n 6._o the_o church_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n meet_v together_o to_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n have_v power_n of_o it_o self_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o meeting_n as_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a order_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n order_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2._o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o
not_o travel_v with_o child_n for_o more_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o desolate_a then_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n say_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o place_n of_o thy_o tent_n and_o let_v they_o stretch_v forth_o the_o curtain_n of_o thy_o habitation_n spare_v not_o lengthen_v thy_o cord_n and_o strengthen_v thy_o stake_n for_o thou_o shall_v break_v forth_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v inherit_v the_o gentile_n and_o make_v the_o desolate_a city_n to_o be_v inhabit_v so_o that_o there_o shall_v certain_o be_v a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o numerous_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o they_o become_v as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o morning_n dew_n that_o can_v be_v tell_v all_o of_o they_o assemble_v in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v overmuch_o trouble_v use_v though_o at_o present_a we_o see_v in_o a_o numerous_a nation_n but_o few_o true_a child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n for_o god_n shall_v bless_v these_o few_o and_o bid_v they_o increase_v and_o multiply_v and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o though_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v now_o but_o thin_a and_o one_o come_v from_o this_o place_n and_o another_o from_o that_o to_o these_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o and_o most_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n these_o few_o be_v fain_o to_o come_v together_o secret_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o letter_n yet_o through_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o flock_n and_o as_o dove_n to_o their_o window_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n lift_v up_o thy_o eye_n round_o about_o and_o behold_v all_o these_o gather_v themselves_o together_o and_o come_v to_o thou_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n thou_o shall_v sure_o clothe_v thou_o with_o they_o all_o as_o with_o a_o ornament_n and_o bind_v they_o on_o thou_o as_o a_o bride_n do_v etc._n etc._n till_o at_o last_o the_o church_n shall_v say_v in_o her_o heart_n who_o have_v beget_v i_o these_o seeing_z i_o have_v lose_v my_o child_n and_o be_o desolate_a a_o captive_a and_o removing_z to_z and_o fro_o and_o who_o have_v bring_v up_o these_o behold_v i_o be_v leave_v alone_o these_o where_o have_v they_o be_v yea_o these_o very_a promise_n be_v now_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o accomplish_v among_o we_o for_o the_o spiritual_a church_n have_v receive_v a_o very_a great_a increase_n within_o these_o few_o year_n and_o god_n have_v many_o faithful_a people_n in_o many_o place_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o this_o myself_o and_o many_o more_o in_o this_o army_n be_v witness_n for_o have_v march_v up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sit_v we_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o christian_n who_o have_v much_o gospel_n light_n and_o which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a in_o such_o place_n where_o there_o have_v be_v no_o gospel_n ministry_n which_o have_v put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o prophecy_n isa_n 66._o 8._o who_o have_v hear_v such_o a_o thing_n who_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n shall_v the_o earth_n be_v make_v to_o bring_v forth_o in_o one_o day_n or_o shall_v a_o nation_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o zion_n travel_v nay_o before_o she_o travel_v she_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n there_o be_v no_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o travel_v or_o take_v pain_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o zion_n bring_v forth_o her_o child_n and_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v remarkable_a touch_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v this_o that_o where_o christ_n send_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o many_o young_a people_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n as_o be_v most_o free_a from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o former_a age_n and_o from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n teach_v and_o receive_v instead_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a word_n of_o god_n whereas_o many_o old_a professor_n who_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o form_n prove_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o thus_o the_o first_o be_v the_o last_o and_o the_o last_o first_o now_o this_o great_a and_o sudden_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o exceed_o trouble_v the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o angry_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o if_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o mean_v contemptible_a and_o inconsiderable_a person_n who_o they_o may_v easy_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o will_v be_v pretty_a quiet_a but_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o land_n as_o israel_n do_v in_o egypt_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o taskmaster_n wherewith_o they_o be_v afflict_v and_o grieve_v do_v yet_o increase_v abundant_o and_o multiply_v and_o wax_v exceed_o mighty_a till_o they_o begin_v to_o fill_v the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o consult_v to_o deal_v wise_o with_o they_o lest_o they_o multiply_v too_o much_o do_v yet_o see_v they_o grow_v and_o multiply_v the_o more_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o what_o country_n or_o city_n or_o town_n or_o village_n or_o family_n to_o begin_v to_o suppress_v they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o exceed_o vex_v and_o enrage_v the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o even_o mad_a again_o as_o we_o see_v this_o day_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grief_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o man_n in_o vain_a attempt_n against_o this_o increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o egyptian_n against_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o israelite_n for_o none_o can_v hinder_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o that_o hinder_v god_n from_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n pour_v forth_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o church_n increase_v now_o in_o the_o word_n i_o read_v to_o you_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o another_o promise_n so_o that_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o the_o church_n weakness_n add_v one_o promise_n to_o another_o and_o these_o promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o out_o go_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n throug_n the_o word_n christ_n but_o to_o look_v more_o near_o upon_o the_o word_n verse_n 11._o oh_o thou_o afflict_a affliction_n in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o inseparable_o attend_v the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n even_o take_v its_o denomination_n from_o it_o church_n oh_o thou_o afflict_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o afflict_a condition_n for_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v put_v into_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v also_o of_o its_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v malignant_a against_o the_o faithful_a and_o spiritual_a church_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v set_v their_o face_n yea_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o unregenerate_a world_n be_v against_o the_o regenerate_a and_o the_o carnal_a world_n against_o the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o sinful_a world_n against_o the_o righteous_a and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v against_o that_o people_n and_o nation_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o holy_a nation_n and_o a_o peculiar_a people_n as_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v god_n in_o himself_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o endure_v god_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o the_o more_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o saint_n the_o more_o do_v the_o world_n afflict_v the_o saint_n for_o they_o oppose_v not_o the_o faithful_a for_o any_o thing_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o they_o but_o because_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o they_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a presence_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v there_o as_o he_o say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o of_o christ_n where_o he_o say_v all_o this_o shall_v they_o do_v to_o you_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n that_o be_v when_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o be_v take_v into_o his_o name_n that_o be_v into_o his_o righteousness_n and_o life_n and_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o into_o his_o nature_n which_o comprehend_v all_o this_o then_o when_o the_o world_n