they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o unchristian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sexâ—_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subjectd_a to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o 344._o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n counsel_n it_o may_v call_v one_o if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a say_v rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n sexâ—um_fw-la common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o curita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o but_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o
that_o have_v most_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n so_o among_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o have_v most_o spiritual_a power_n that_o be_v such_o in_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o of_o this_o the_o faithful_a of_o all_o sort_n be_v judge_n wherefore_o no_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n nor_o no_o humane_a learning_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o school_n or_o university_n nor_o no_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n or_o order_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o minister_n but_o only_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o the_o faithful_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o these_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o nowhere_o else_o indeed_o antichrist_n bring_v in_o humane_a learning_n instead_o of_o the_o spirit_n choose_v his_o minister_n only_o out_o of_o the_o university_n but_o the_o right_a church_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o faithful_a see_v it_o reckon_v no_o man_n learned_a and_o so_o fit_a to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o the_o father_n moreover_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o as_o natural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o natural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o humane_a power_n so_o supernatural_a power_n be_v found_v on_o a_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o believer_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o so_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o first_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ere_o he_o can_v have_v any_o power_n or_o office_n in_o it_o wherefore_o all_o unbeliever_n and_o carnal_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o power_n in_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v officer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n for_o they_o that_o neither_o have_v nor_o know_v spiritual_a power_n themselves_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v it_o among_o other_o 3._o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o congregation_n or_o community_n of_o believer_n for_o if_o every_o free_a society_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n much_o more_o have_v the_o true_a church_n this_o power_n be_v as_o be_v say_v the_o free_a society_n under_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o have_v officer_n thrust_v over_o they_o by_o other_o but_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o its_o self_n if_o any_o object_n against_o this_o object_n that_o paul_n command_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 14._o 23._o do_v choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o congregation_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o minister_n but_o that_o some_o chief_a minister_n must_v appoint_v other_o minister_n in_o each_o congregation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o minister_n among_o we_o that_o do_v hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o act_v evident_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o allow_v they_o as_o much_o authority_n in_o ordain_v minister_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v but_o since_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o very_o few_o of_o these_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o they_o how_o shall_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o appoint_v minister_n who_o can_v themselves_o be_v reckon_v believer_n or_o spiritual_a but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v true_a minister_n through_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o appoint_v minister_n in_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o those_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n choose_v they_o be_v to_o commend_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v this_o yet_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o its_o minister_n through_o the_o church_n choice_n alone_o neither_o do_v paul_n or_o barnabas_n or_o timothy_n or_o titus_n appoint_v any_o minister_n by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o titus_n 1._o where_o paul_n say_v the_o overseer_n or_o elder_n as_o also_o the_o deacon_n or_o minister_n shall_v be_v blameless_a and_o unreprovable_a now_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n know_v of_o themselves_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o those_o place_n but_o only_o receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o choose_v they_o to_o that_o office_n further_o we_o see_v act_n 6._o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n together_o do_v not_o by_o themselves_o appoint_v any_o to_o a_o low_a office_n to_o wit_n to_o be_v deacon_n without_o the_o church_n own_o choice_n of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n look_v you_o out_o among_o yourselves_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o those_o who_o the_o church_n choose_v the_o apostle_n confirm_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n to_o appoint_v man_n to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o alm_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a without_o the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o appoint_v any_o among_o believer_n to_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o approbation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n in_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o therefore_o see_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o be_v without_o the_o word_n see_v it_o be_v bear_v and_o nourish_v and_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o preserve_v and_o comfort_v and_o perfect_v by_o it_o and_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o these_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o either_o the_o church_n must_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o the_o word_n or_o else_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v believer_n must_v meet_v together_o as_o they_o can_v convenient_o up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o meeting_n must_v choose_v one_o or_o mo_z fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o elder_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o by_o prayer_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a praâ—ctice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o
prophet_n be_v not_o fright_v from_o his_o office_n but_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o might_n discharge_v it_o faithful_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o those_o threaten_n and_o whatever_o minister_n want_v this_o spirit_n of_o might_n though_o out_o of_o danger_n they_o may_v be_v confident_a yet_o at_o the_o very_a first_o encounter_n of_o evil_n they_o will_v bend_v and_o yield_v and_o speak_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n rather_o then_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n they_o will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o without_o this_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v unable_a to_o wrestle_v with_o devil_n and_o overcome_v the_o devil_n who_o subtlety_n and_o wrath_n and_o malice_n and_o power_n they_o must_v needs_o encounter_v with_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n christ_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o preach_v be_v 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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
otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n for_o whoever_o speak_v there_o the_o hearer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o according_o be_v either_o to_o receive_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o have_v power_n to_o do_v either_o as_o they_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o error_n can_v prevail_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o faithful_a have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o do_v exercise_v that_o liberty_n but_o where_o they_o that_o publish_v doctrine_n be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o may_v not_o question_v or_o contradict_v it_o there_o error_n reign_v as_o in_o its_o proper_a kingdom_n and_o thus_o by_o these_o mean_n error_n may_v certain_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n may_v live_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o here_o now_o a_o great_a question_n will_v be_v move_v and_o that_o be_v this_o quest_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n have_v not_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n error_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n may_v not_o use_v this_o remedy_n against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o before_o name_v i_o answer_v that_o many_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n have_v attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n and_o have_v do_v he_o the_o honour_n beside_o his_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v he_o a_o throne_n in_o god_n kingdom_n at_o the_o least_o equal_a to_o christ_n think_v that_o religion_n will_v soon_o be_v lose_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o uphold_v it_o and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a they_o have_v produce_v many_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o arm_v the_o magistrate_n against_o the_o author_n and_o spreader_n of_o error_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o wise_a heart_a to_o consider_v whether_o as_o clear_a scripture_n may_v not_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o prove_v that_o temporal_a power_n in_o the_o world_n belong_v to_o ecclesiastical_a man_n as_o that_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o worldly_a magistrate_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v too_o large_a in_o this_o matter_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v to_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o reply_n of_o the_o french_a prelate_n to_o the_o lord_n peter_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o fox_n his_o book_n of_o martyr_n vol._n 1_o p._n 467._o wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a to_o give_v minister_n power_n in_o temporal_a matter_n as_o magistrate_n in_o spiritual_a it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n the_o only_a sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o cause_n by_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o church_n and_o after_o who_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o word_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o because_o herein_o i_o find_v no_o such_o power_n give_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v he_o have_v none_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v object_n this_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o thrust_v his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v answ_n that_o to_o make_v the_o church_n a_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n stand_v in_o outward_a law_n order_n authority_n dignity_n promotion_n government_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v establish_v and_o manage_v by_o state_n power_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n authority_n and_o influence_n into_o these_o thing_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o own_o power_n and_o consist_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o this_o be_v to_o straighten_v and_o to_o wrong_v he_o indeed_o but_o to_o declare_v the_o true_a church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o thereupon_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o it_o be_v no_o more_o to_o prejudice_v the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o deny_v he_o power_n in_o heaven_n see_v the_o son_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v as_o free_v from_o worldly_a and_o humane_a power_n as_o the_o father_n kingdom_n which_o be_v heaven_n in_o heaven_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o this_o as_o god_n be_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o that_o and_o so_o to_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n never_o grant_v he_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o at_o all_o but_o to_o grant_v he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o such_o power_n will_v be_v a_o great_a and_o intolerable_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o present_a matter_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n for_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n be_v attend_v with_o these_o evil_n 1._o hereby_o the_o magistrate_n be_v make_v a_o judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o pronounce_v which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v error_n be_v yet_o no_o more_o infallible_a yea_o everywhit_o as_o liable_a to_o err_v as_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n and_o what_o magistrate_n be_v there_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o will_v uphold_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o judgement_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o will_v sentence_v what_o ever_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o to_o be_v error_n though_o never_o so_o true_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o and_o itself_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o none_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v make_v subject_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o vain_a man_n and_o shall_v either_o be_v truth_n or_o error_n as_o he_o please_v to_o call_v it_o and_o error_n when_o it_o please_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v adorn_v with_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o truth_n and_o shall_v have_v his_o authority_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o and_o how_o great_a a_o prejudice_n this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o error_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o judge_v now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest_n that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n by_o himself_o and_o use_v his_o sword_n according_o but_o he_o may_v take_v to_o he_o the_o council_n and_o advice_n of_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n as_o now_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o may_v judge_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o magistrate_n in_o so_o great_a matter_n shall_v be_v blind_a fold_v himself_o and_o see_v only_o by_o other_o man_n eye_n again_o if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o â—he_n minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_n against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o stead_n of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n