christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o receive_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o receive_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n for_o faith_n do_v not_o apprehend_v bare_a christ_n but_o christ_n with_o his_o spirit_n because_o these_o be_v inseparable_a now_o always_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o 3._o to_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n increase_v the_o spirit_n the_o more_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n the_o more_o we_o pray_v and_o the_o more_o we_o pray_v the_o more_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o truth_n we_o shall_v have_v daily_o a_o great_a and_o great_a increase_n of_o it_o till_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n come_v from_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o carry_v we_o back_o again_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v still_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o receive_v more_o and_o more_o of_o it_o 4._o to_o turn_v ourselves_o daily_o from_o the_o creature_n to_o god_n for_o the_o more_o we_o enlarge_v our_o heart_n towards_o the_o creature_n the_o less_o capable_a be_v we_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o live_v much_o upon_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o live_v much_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o this_o quench_v and_o straiten_n the_o spirit_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v live_v abstract_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o use_v they_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v they_o and_o so_o mind_v they_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o mind_v they_o and_o abandon_v the_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wean_v ourselves_o from_o all_o thing_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o more_o free_a and_o loose_a we_o be_v from_o the_o creature_n the_o more_o capable_a be_v we_o of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o he_o that_o live_v at_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v least_o communion_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o have_v always_o the_o great_a proportion_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o in_o he_o so_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o father_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o he_o now_o the_o more_o any_o one_o love_v the_o father_n the_o less_o he_o love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o less_o he_o love_v the_o world_n the_o more_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o he_o 5._o to_o cease_v daily_o from_o our_o own_o work_n the_o more_o we_o act_v ourselves_o the_o less_o do_v the_o spirit_n act_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v must_v from_o day_n to_o day_n cease_v from_o our_o own_o work_n from_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o must_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o own_o action_n for_o we_o be_v flesh_n ourselves_o what_o ever_o we_o do_v be_v fleshly_a see_v the_o effect_n can_v be_v better_a than_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o we_o mingle_v the_o work_n of_o our_o flesh_n with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o will_v cease_v from_o work_v in_o we_o but_o the_o less_o we_o act_v in_o ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o more_o will_v the_o spirit_n act_n in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o our_o own_o work_n be_v always_o a_o mighty_a impediment_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n in_o we_o we_o must_v give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o only_o may_v work_v in_o we_o without_o the_o least_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o we_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n act_v all_o in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o body_n do_v nothing_o of_o itself_o but_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o the_o spirit_n may_v do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o we_o may_v do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o without_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v work_v excellent_o in_o we_o except_o it_o work_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o and_o in_o such_o a_o man_n in_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v full_a power_n the_o spirit_n work_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o according_a to_o humane_a sense_n be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v secret_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v and_o refresh_v the_o body_n and_o disperse_v life_n and_o spirit_n through_o it_o even_o when_o the_o body_n be_v asleep_a and_o neither_o feel_v it_o nor_o know_v it_o so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o operation_n work_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o for_o the_o quicken_a and_o renew_v it_o whilst_o it_o oftentimes_o for_o the_o present_a be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a of_o it_o 7._o the_o seven_o mean_n to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n be_v to_o attribute_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o ourselves_o for_o if_o we_o attribute_v to_o the_o flesh_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o take_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n he_o will_v work_v no_o long_o in_o we_o wherefore_o we_o must_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v nothing_o and_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o that_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o work_v all_o in_o all_o and_o we_o ourselves_o among_o all_o the_o excellent_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o must_v so_o remain_v as_o if_o we_o be_v and_o wrought_v nothing_o at_o all_o that_o so_o all_o that_o be_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n may_v be_v lay_v low_a in_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n alone_o may_v be_v exalt_v first_o to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o then_o to_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o mean_n to_o increase_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o consequent_o strength_n as_o well_o as_o to_o get_v it_o and_o by_o the_o daily_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o mean_n we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a and_o may_v run_v and_o not_o faint_a and_o may_v mount_v up_o as_o eagle_n yea_o and_o may_v walk_v as_o angel_n among_o man_n and_o as_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n to_o his_o praise_n and_o honour_n who_o first_o communicate_v to_o we_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o then_o by_o that_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o thus_o be_v he_o glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o admire_v in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v finis_fw-la uniformity_n examine_v whether_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o wil._n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 13._o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v 1651._o uniformity_n examine_v observe_v that_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n together_o with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a judgement_n do_v often_o both_o in_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n exceed_o press_v for_o uniformity_n i_o have_v be_v urge_v in_o my_o spirit_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o ingenuous_o profess_v i_o can_v yet_o discover_v it_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o any_o will_v instruct_v i_o further_o in_o this_o particular_a so_o he_o do_v it_o from_o the_o word_n now_o uniformity_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o unity_n of_o form_n and_o the_o form_n they_o mean_v no_o doubt_n be_v outward_a for_o the_o inward_a form_n as_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v accomplish_v by_o outward_a power_n and_o therefore_o till_o i_o know_v their_o meaning_n better_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o uniformity_n they_o understand_v a_o unity_n
strength_n and_o according_a to_o each_o man_n measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o be_v his_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v also_o in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n 6._o the_o holy_a spirit_n lord_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o by_o be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o he_o be_v by_o represent_v god_n to_o we_o in_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n according_a as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n from_o which_o knowledge_n of_o god_n spring_v his_o fear_n for_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n fear_v not_o god_n but_o sin_n secure_o against_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n every_o day_n why_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o spirit_n come_v and_o reveal_v the_o father_n in_o the_o son_n and_o present_v god_n to_o the_o soul_n through_o his_o word_n in_o his_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a power_n and_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n and_o shine_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o each_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o now_o when_o a_o man_n see_v god_n by_o his_o own_o light_n and_o know_v he_o by_o his_o own_o teach_n than_o first_o do_v he_o begin_v true_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v his_o strength_n for_o he_o that_o fear_v god_n be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o fear_n he_o fear_v not_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n nor_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n nor_o the_o unite_a power_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n he_o fear_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o other_o man_n in_o their_o evil_n but_o in_o the_o midâ—â—_n of_o all_o fearful_a thing_n he_o be_v without_o fear_n because_o he_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o himself_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o make_v he_o his_o fear_n and_o his_o dread_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n amid_o all_o evil_n he_o have_v admirable_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n 13._o because_o he_o know_v that_o no_o evil_a can_v befall_v he_o from_o any_o man_n or_o from_o any_o creature_n till_o first_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o also_o that_o what_o ever_o evil_a befall_v he_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v work_v for_o good_a unto_o he_o in_o the_o end_n thus_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o christian_n confidence_n and_o a_o believer_n strength_n whereas_o he_o that_o fear_v not_o god_n fear_v every_o thing_n yea_o not_o only_o real_a but_o imaginary_a evil_n and_o as_o evil_n multiply_v his_o fear_n so_o his_o fear_n again_o multiply_v his_o evil_n till_o at_o last_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o both_o but_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o the_o fear_n the_o lord_n be_v also_o in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o strength_n 7._o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o we_o unity_n by_o be_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o godhead_n for_o the_o father_n love_v the_o son_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o son_n love_v the_o father_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o with_o the_o son_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v both_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o god_n be_v most_o love_n and_o most_o one_o be_v also_o most_o strong_a now_o what_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o godhead_n he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a temple_n and_o habitation_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o that_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n for_o why_o be_v there_o such_o constant_a love_n and_o unity_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o because_o one_o spirit_n run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o so_o there_o be_v such_o constant_a love_n and_o unity_n between_o all_o believer_n because_o one_o holy_a spirit_n run_v through_o they_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o remarkable_a difference_n between_o nature_n and_o grace_n for_o nature_n of_o one_o make_v many_o for_o we_o all_o who_o be_v many_o among_o ourselves_o even_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n be_v but_o one_o in_o adam_n omnes_fw-la eramus_fw-la ille_fw-la unus_fw-la homo_fw-la but_o grace_n of_o many_o make_v one_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v as_o fire_n melt_v all_o the_o faithful_a into_o one_o mass_n or_o lump_n and_o make_v of_o many_o one_o body_n one_o thing_n yea_o it_o make_v they_o one_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n john_n 17._o 21._o 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 thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o mark_v the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v wonderful_a that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o that_o be_v that_o all_o believer_n who_o be_v many_o among_o themselves_o may_v be_v all_o make_v one_o one_o how_o one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o be_v as_o thou_o and_o i_o be_v two_o person_n be_v yet_o but_o one_o god_n after_o this_o high_a example_n of_o unity_n let_v they_o be_v make_v one_o in_o we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v many_o and_o how_o much_o they_o remain_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v many_o for_o their_o unity_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v one_o in_o we_o who_o be_v one_o that_o be_v how_o much_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o spirit_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n who_o be_v one_o so_o much_o also_o be_v they_o make_v one_o not_o only_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o also_o with_o one_o another_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o act_n how_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o this_o unity_n of_o beeliever_n be_v their_o strength_n and_o when_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o all_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n and_o particular_a end_n and_o interest_n and_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o his_o own_o people_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v reduce_v into_o this_o bless_a unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o they_o all_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n also_o be_v of_o admirable_a and_o invincible_a power_n so_o that_o all_o they_o that_o strive_v with_o it_o shall_v perish_v and_o all_o they_o that_o war_n against_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o nothing_o yea_o then_o shall_v the_o lord_n make_v the_o church_n as_o a_o new_a sharp_a thresh_a instrument_n 15._o have_v tooth_n and_o it_o shall_v thresh_v the_o mountain_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v beat_v they_o small_a and_o shall_v make_v the_o hill_n that_o be_v the_o lesser_a commonwealth_n as_o chaff_n but_o till_o the_o church_n of_o god_n attain_v to_o this_o unity_n it_o shall_v not_o do_v any_o excellent_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o work_v any_o notable_a deliverance_n in_o the_o earth_n neither_o shall_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v a_o spirit_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v heal_v all_o the_o sad_a difference_n and_o dissension_n that_o be_v now_o between_o they_o than_o also_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o admirable_a power_n in_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n the_o use_n be_v twofold_a 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o exhort_v all_o man_n everywhere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o supernatural_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v certain_o communicate_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a use_v and_o elect_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o let_v no_o man_n think_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o he_o have_v this_o power_n or_o no_o but_o know_v that_o the_o have_v of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o that_o both_o for_o minister_n and_o for_o all_o other_o christian_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o minister_n and_o to_o they_o this_o present_a place_n do_v chief_o relate_v spirit_n 1._o for_o first_o if_o they_o have_v not_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o for_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
and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n verse_n 12._o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o psal_n 69_o 9_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o be_v fall_v upon_o i_o publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v for_o g._n calvert_n at_o the_o black_a spread_v eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n 1651._o to_o the_o reader_n have_v obtain_v this_o grace_n from_o god_n to_o be_v call_v into_o some_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o poor_a saint_n so_o as_o to_z to_o hear_v and_o receive_v from_o he_o something_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n according_a to_o his_o freegrace_n who_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o have_v after_o many_o tear_n and_o temptation_n not-unknown_a to_o many_o yet_o in_o the_o body_n obtain_v this_o further_a grace_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o boldness_n i_o have_v also_o though_o most_o unworthy_a be_v count_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v into_o some_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o encounter_v the_o rage_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o to_o fight_v with_o man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n altogether_o brutish_a and_o furious_a and_o thus_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o i_o often_o especial_o at_o two_o remarkable_a time_n the_o one_o at_o lincoln_n upon_o occasion_n of_o two_o sermon_n preach_v there_o on_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 9_o 7._o of_o the_o enâ—crease_n of_o his_o government_n &_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n wherein_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o own_o proper_a due_a many_o be_v angry_a i_o have_v take_v too_o much_o from_o man_n to_o who_o yet_o nothing_o belong_v but_o iniquiry_n shame_n and_o confusion_n they_o can_v not_o bear_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v but_o that_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o i_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v strong_o uphold_v with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o have_v since_o shine_v into_o many_o heart_n in_o this_o kingdom_n much_o contrary_n to_o their_o desire_n the_o other_o time_n wherein_o i_o meet_v with_o remarkable_a opposition_n be_v late_o at_o marston_n the_o head_n quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n whither_o some_o come_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n in_o all_o probability_n out_o of_o some_o special_a design_n see_v the_o old_a malignity_n now_o act_n in_o a_o new_a form_n and_o be_v daily_o come_v forth_o in_o a_o second_o and_o more_o plausible_a cunning_a and_o deceive_a edition_n become_v exceed_o angry_a and_o heady_a against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v in_o this_o follow_a exposition_n wherein_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v then_o deliver_v be_v exact_o set_v down_o and_o nothing_o abate_v but_o rather_o some_o thing_n far_o press_v 32._o add_v as_o jeremiah_n in_o the_o second_o role_n many_o like_a word_n to_o the_o former_a now_o some_o of_o these_o man_n see_v themselves_o and_o their_o new_a design_n clear_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o make_v altogether_o naked_a sudden_o they_o grow_v fierce_a and_o furious_a contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v some_o witness_n as_o become_v man_n of_o such_o a_o generation_n 44._o these_o man_n according_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o work_v mighty_o in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n come_v and_o fill_v the_o whole_a city_n with_o lie_n and_o slander_n lay_v to_o my_o charge_n thing_n that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o falsehood_n and_o untruth_n whereof_o there_o be_v some_o hundred_o and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a and_o eminent_a worth_n and_o piety_n ready_a to_o witness_v wherefore_o of_o mere_a necessity_n i_o be_v constrain_v to_o publish_v this_o exposition_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o this_o present_a and_o the_o follow_a generation_n of_o these_o man_n resist_v the_o spirit_n and_o act_v against_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o word_n and_o though_o the_o discourse_n be_v very_o plain_a not_o favour_v of_o any_o accurateness_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v themselves_o spiritual_a will_v acknowledge_v something_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n will_v relish_v and_o love_v it_o though_o other_o will_v therefore_o be_v at_o the_o great_a enmity_n against_o it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o resolution_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o to_o weigh_v all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n or_o hell_n one_o feather_n but_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a trial_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o slander_n and_o lie_v of_o man_n shall_v prevail_v whether_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n that_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o and_o many_o other_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o blot_v out_o or_o darken_v the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n come_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o whether_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o love_n and_o protection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o more_o the_o world_n act_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o more_o will_v christ_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v in_o his_o own_o spirit_n till_o all_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o now_o have_v all_o these_o man_n obtain_v by_o all_o their_o malice_n and_o fury_n but_o a_o great_a and_o more_o open_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o cause_v that_o that_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o only_a stone_n in_o one_o congregation_n shall_v through_o the_o print_n of_o it_o have_v its_o beam_n scatter_v in_o many_o pars_fw-la of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o ever_o the_o truth_n come_v the_o child_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v entertain_v it_o and_o ask_v no_o body_n leave_v and_o thus_o through_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n wisdom_n do_v these_o man_n betray_v their_o own_o and_o their_o fellow_n cause_n and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o and_o their_o end_n and_o whilst_o they_o think_v to_o oppress_v the_o truth_n propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o thus_o shall_v truth_n enemy_n perish_v and_o the_o truth_n itself_o flourish_v yea_o flourish_n through_o slander_n opposition_n contradiction_n blasphemy_n and_o all_o the_o vileness_n and_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o this_o confidence_n in_o we_o arise_v hence_o because_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n but_o be_v rise_v and_o ascend_v and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n among_o his_o friend_n and_o among_o his_o enemy_n till_o these_o be_v make_v his_o footstool_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o be_v now_o in_o expectation_n of_o now_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n withal_o in_o this_o epistle_n be_v this_o that_o none_o of_o these_o thorny_a hearer_n dare_v after_o come_v to_o discourse_n with_o i_o or_o to_o look_v i_o in_o the_o face_n but_o one_o among_o they_o that_o seem_v of_o a_o better_a temper_n than_o the_o rest_n upon_o the_o urge_n of_o a_o godly_a citizen_n then_o present_a do_v speak_v with_o i_o and_o the_o question_n he_o ask_v of_o i_o be_v this_o whether_o i_o think_v that_o all_o presbyterian_o be_v carnal_a gospeler_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o be_v far_o from_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o i_o know_v some_o of_o they_o very_o godly_a christian_n and_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o that_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o distinction_n of_o christian_n as_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o this_o be_v only_o a_o distinction_n of_o man_n make_v tend_v to_o the_o division_n of_o church_n and_o add_v that_o as_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n so_o in_o this_o same_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n neither_o presbytery_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o independency_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o that_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
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
this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n as_o the_o child_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o more_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o these_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o say_v peter_n great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n other_o have_v only_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o they_o or_o which_o be_v worse_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o through_o a_o new_a birth_n 2._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o other_o have_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o daniel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n find_v with_o he_o then_o with_o all_o the_o other_o wise_a man_n now_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o creature_n be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o but_o the_o saint_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n dwell_v in_o they_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o their_o flesh_n as_o christ_n have_v dwell_v in_o his_o flesh_n so_o that_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o they_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a lustre_n than_o other_o man_n one_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o precious_a stone_n be_v the_o lustre_n of_o they_o now_o this_o lustre_n in_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o the_o lord_n shall_v arise_v upon_o thou_o and_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v see_v upon_o thou_o say_v isaiah_n chap._n 60._o and_o paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o be_v we_o take_v into_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v joh._n 17._o and_o the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o head_n and_o member_n be_v take_v into_o the_o same_o glory_n accord_v to_o their_o proportion_n 4._o they_o have_v more_o excellent_a operation_n for_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o such_o precious_a stone_n that_o be_v only_o for_o show_v but_o they_o also_o have_v some_o virtue_n in_o they_o even_o the_o very_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n that_o he_o do_v and_o so_o the_o saint_n be_v excellent_a in_o the_o operation_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n humility_z meekness_n patience_n temperance_n heavenly_a mindedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o regard_n also_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o his_o jewel_n in_o the_o day_n whrein_o i_o make_v up_o my_o jewel_n and_o elsewhere_o they_o be_v call_v the_o precious_a son_n of_o zion_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a people_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o a_o precious_a anoint_v though_o some_o wicked_a and_o scurrilous_a libeler_n against_o the_o spiritual_a church_n will_v not_o allow_v they_o this_o name_n but_o according_a to_o the_o anoint_v they_o have_v receive_v from_o satan_n reproach_n it_o and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o that_o the_o true_o faithful_a be_v precious_a stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n partake_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lustre_n and_o operation_n of_o both_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a other_o people_n be_v the_o vile_a of_o the_o earth_n the_o true_a filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n psal_n 15._o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o natural_a man_n a_o sinful_a and_o unregerate_v man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o nature_n in_o he_o but_o that_o corrupt_a nature_n he_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n though_o in_o this_o present_a world_n he_o may_v be_v a_o gentleman_n or_o a_o knight_n or_o a_o noble_a man_n or_o a_o king_n yet_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n he_o be_v but_o a_o vile_a person_n and_o a_o poor_a mean_a christian_n that_o yearn_v his_o bread_n by_o hard_a labour_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a than_o he_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v that_o be_v of_o precious_a stone_n 2._o now_o the_o next_o thing_n observable_a church_n be_v the_o variety_n of_o these_o precious_a stone_n for_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v not_o build_v up_o of_o precious_a stone_n of_o one_o sort_n only_o not_o all_o of_o saphire_n or_o all_o of_o agate_n or_o all_o of_o carbuncle_n but_o of_o all_o these_o both_o saphire_n agate_n carbuncle_n and_o many_o other_o precious_a stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n and_o this_o note_n the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v precious_a stone_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o diversity_n of_o colour_n and_o lustre_n and_o operation_n and_o this_o also_o make_v for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o variety_n of_o lustre_n add_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o if_o the_o body_n be_v all_o but_o one_o member_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o lump_n of_o flesh_n but_o the_o variety_n of_o member_n with_o their_o several_a gift_n and_o operation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o be_v divers_a member_n with_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 4._o etc._n etc._n now_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o work_v all_o in_o all_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n severally_z as_o he_o will_n here_o you_o see_v be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o administration_n and_o operation_n in_o the_o faithful_a but_o all_o proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o whatsoever_o gift_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n a_o heavenly_a lustre_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o thou_o and_o flow_v from_o thy_o own_o spirit_n and_o those_o gift_n that_o be_v supernatural_a and_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n in_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o thy_o own_o spirit_n in_o all_o thy_o natural_a ability_n part_n wisdom_n learning_n act_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ungloriousness_n deformity_n darkness_n death_n how_o specious_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o gift_n and_o operation_n that_o flow_v from_o god_n spirit_n there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n and_o glory_n yea_o even_o in_o weak_a christian_n that_o be_v true_a christian_n you_o shall_v oft_o see_v and_o discern_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n in_o some_o gift_n or_o other_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v not_o forth_o so_o clear_o in_o some_o strong_a christian_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o expect_v all_o gift_n in_o all_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v excel_v in_o every_o gift_n for_o then_o one_o will_v be_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o but_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o
receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o mean_n that_o christ_n use_v to_o work_v this_o reformation_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n object_n yea_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v allow_v secular_a power_n too_o may_v not_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o christ_n object_n be_v reform_v with_o worldly_a and_o secular_a power_n answ_n i_o answer_v answ_n by_o no_o mean_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n 1._o forceable_a reformation_n be_v unbeseeming_a the_o gospel_n for_o the_o gospel_n gospel_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o force_n and_o fury_n civil-ecclesiastical_a reformation_n reform_v by_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n punishment_n prison_n fire_n and_o death_n but_o the_o gospel_n by_o preach_v peace_n man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o unbeseming_a the_o gospel_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o and_o violent_o for_o the_o advancement_n thereof_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v advance_v by_o violence_n and_o therefore_o violent_a reformer_n live_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o can_v be_v true_o reckon_v christian_n but_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n since_o christianity_n do_v all_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o anoint_v but_o antichristianity_n do_v all_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o forceable_a reformation_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o christ_n kingdom_n spirit_n for_o christ_n kingdom_n stand_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o force_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o this_o 2._o again_o the_o faithful_a the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n and_o so_o they_o be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o outward_a force_n people_n you_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n under_o a_o outward_a and_o secular_a power_n as_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o spiritual_a than_o they_o and_o what_o have_v flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o do_v with_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o touch_v this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o beyond_o not_o only_o the_o power_n but_o the_o cognisance_n of_o the_o world_n 9_o god_n have_v say_v there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o kill_v nor_o hurt_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n 18._o and_o again_o violence_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v hear_v in_o thy_o street_n people_n waste_v nor_o destruction_n within_o thy_o border_n 3._o as_o they_o be_v a_o spiritual_a people_n so_o also_o a_o willing_a people_n and_o what_o need_v outward_a power_n to_o force_v a_o people_n make_v willing_a by_o the_o spirit_n 3._o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n the_o very_a day_n of_o christ_n power_n be_v not_o to_o force_v man_n against_o their_o will_n but_o to_o make_v they_o willing_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o kingdom_n make_v they_o willing_a to_o obey_v god_n there_o and_o give_v they_o pleasure_n in_o that_o obedience_n by_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o that_o be_v not_o a_o willing_a people_n belong_v not_o to_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o to_o the_o world_n 3._o by_o this_o forceable_a reformation_n up_o humane_a institution_n be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n reform_v by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n never_o use_v humane_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o first_o make_v humane_a law_n in_o it_o and_o humane_a law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o authority_n of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o have_v power_n not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n 4._o it_o bring_v man_n into_o blind_a obedience_n obedience_n and_o make_v they_o obey_v what_o be_v command_v on_o pain_n of_o punishment_n though_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n with_o the_o word_n or_o against_o the_o word_n so_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o be_o constrain_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v it_o because_o i_o be_o constrain_v i_o read_v in_o frithes_n answer_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rocehester_n that_o a_o youth_n be_v present_a at_o his_o father_n burn_v the_o officer_n see_v he_o resolve_v to_o examine_v he_o also_o to_o try_v if_o they_o may_v find_v he_o a_o sectary_n or_o a_o heretic_n but_o the_o youth_n dismay_v at_o the_o sad_a sight_n of_o his_o father_n death_n and_o fear_v the_o like_a end_n himself_o be_v ask_v of_o one_o of_o they_o how_o he_o believe_v answer_v sir_n i_o believe_v even_o as_o it_o please_v you_o and_o so_o the_o more_o outward_a and_o violent_a power_n be_v use_v upon_o man_n the_o more_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n you_o shall_v have_v when_o man_n shall_v see_v prison_n and_o banishment_n and_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o death_n walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n you_o shall_v at_o last_o have_v man_n say_v sir_n we_o will_v believe_v and_o do_v even_o as_o it_o please_v you_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o the_o state_n please_v or_o we_o will_v believe_v as_o the_o council_n please_v and_o let_v they_o make_v what_o confession_n they_o will_v we_o have_v rather_o believe_v they_o then_o endure_v they_o and_o thus_o by_o fear_n and_o punishment_n may_v man_n be_v bring_v to_o say_v and_o do_v that_o which_o they_o neither_o believe_v nor_o understand_v and_o how_o acceptable_a such_o popish_a faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v unto_o god_n all_o spiritual_a christian_n know_v and_o every_o man_n conscience_n i_o think_v shall_v be_v convince_v 5._o it_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o not_o saint_n hypocrite_n for_o it_o force_v the_o body_n and_o leave_v the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v force_v by_o outward_a power_n but_o by_o the_o inward_a efficacy_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v corrupt_a what_o be_v all_o outward_a duty_n they_o be_v force_v to_o but_o so_o much_o hypocrisy_n so_o that_o forceable_a reformation_n make_v only_a hypocrite_n and_o gild_a sepulcher_n put_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n when_o there_o be_v no_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n but_o a_o power_n of_o ungodliness_n that_o reformation_n with_o which_o the_o uncleaness_n of_o the_o heart_n stand_v be_v none_o of_o christ_n reformation_n what_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o atheism_n ignorance_n of_o god_n adultery_n pride_n murder_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n call_v you_o this_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o reformation_n make_v none_o saint_n but_o all_o hypocrite_n force_v man_n action_n contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n 6._o it_o cause_v disturbance_n and_o tumult_n in_o the_o world_n when_o man_n be_v foce_v by_o ouward_a power_n disturbance_n to_o act_v against_o their_o inward_a principle_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n what_o disturbance_n and_o tumult_n this_o have_v breed_v in_o state_n and_o kingdom_n who_o know_v not_o so_o that_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v on_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o go_v about_o to_o reform_v heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o outward_a violence_n be_v never_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n but_o always_o of_o tumult_n and_o this_o render_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o gospel_n grievous_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o commend_v it_o and_o therefore_o let_v all_o that_o love_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n abstain_v from_o outward_a violence_n for_o they_o that_o use_v the_o sword_n in_o this_o kind_n shall_v in_o the_o end_n perish_v by_o the_o sword_n a_o man_n when_o he_o sin_v not_o against_o the_o state_n may_v just_o stand_v for_o his_o state-freedom_n and_o to_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o his_o state-liberty_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n sake_n as_o it_o cause_v disturbance_n in_o the_o world_n so_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n 7._o christ_n use_v no_o such_o outward_a force_n himself_o force_n for_o he_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n and_o not_o boisterous_a and_o furious_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v nor_o lift_v up_o his_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n to_o call_v in_o outward_a and_o secular_a aid_n and_o power_n he_o never_o use_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v all_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n even_o his_o very_a punishment_n and_o destruction_n he_o execute_v by_o the_o word_n he_o shall_v smite_v the_o earth_n with_o
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
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 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