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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n good_a let_v word_n 1,912 5 4.0521 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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lord_n will_v be_v altogether_o with_o we_o to_o save_v and_o defend_v we_o and_o altogether_o against_o our_o enemy_n to_o confound_v and_o destroy_v they_o the_o three_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v propound_v nine_o several_a head_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o concern_v the_o visible_a church_n we_o have_v through_o god_n assistance_n speak_v of_o seven_o of_o they_o it_o remain_v therefore_o now_o that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o eight_o namely_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n it_o a_o point_n which_o be_v name_v and_o point_v at_o before_o among_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n for_o sure_o the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v the_o church_n withal_o be_v none_o of_o her_o small_a privilege_n if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o her_o great_a as_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o a_o king_n be_v his_o kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n then_o we_o point_v at_o it_o but_o we_o respite_v the_o full_a handle_n of_o it_o to_o this_o place_n 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limit_v divine_a first_o it_o be_v not_o humane_a that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v man_n that_o exercise_v it_o and_o howsoever_o where_o it_o be_v public_o practise_v it_o be_v usual_o and_o needful_o ratify_v at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o temporal_a state_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o his_o power_n from_o man_n but_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o have_v his_o power_n direct_o from_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o this_o power_n be_v from_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v matth._n 10.1_o to_o 5._o where_o our_o saviour_n call_v his_o disciple_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o preach_v &_o to_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o to_o heal_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o more_o power_n be_v also_o from_o god_n as_o his_o
profitable_a the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o 17._o verse_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a who_o be_v this_o man_n of_o god_n sure_o timothy_n and_o such_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n for_o government_n in_o god_n church_n and_o these_o must_v be_v perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o to_o this_o work_n to_o govern_v aright_o therefore_o if_o government_n be_v a_o good_a work_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n than_o also_o it_o instruct_v he_o and_o make_v he_o perfect_a in_o this_o good_a work_n last_o the_o main_a business_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o government_n reas_n 6_o be_v set_v down_o and_o provide_v for_o by_o name_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o officer_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o visit_v the_o sick_a relieve_v the_o poor_a cast_v out_o the_o infectious_a and_o such_o like_a as_o may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n yea_o if_o any_o man_n can_v name_v any_o other_o substantial_a part_n or_o business_n of_o church-government_n i_o dare_v undertake_v to_o show_v in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a order_n at_o least_o in_o general_n take_v for_o it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o here_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o all_o church_n use_v 1_o to_o go_v by_o in_o their_o government_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o moses_n in_o build_v the_o tabernacle_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o mount_n so_o must_v they_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n avoid_v and_o here_o two_o extremity_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v that_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o first_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o go_v not_o too_o far_o as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o have_v be_v exceed_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a this_o way_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o coin_n new_a law_n and_o to_o devise_v new_a officer_n and_o to_o erect_v a_o whole_a new_a form_n of_o government_n and_o to_o intrude_v it_o upon_o the_o church_n other_o there_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o go_v no_o further_o than_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o obtrude_v more_o on_o the_o church_n than_o ever_o he_o mean_v though_o not_o of_o their_o own_o head_n as_o they_o say_v but_o under_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o ordinance_n other_o make_v that_o perpetual_a which_o be_v but_o temporal_a as_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o mischief_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o intent_n of_o 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for_o our_o well-being_n too_o a_o love_a father_n will_v not_o teach_v his_o child_n only_o how_o to_o live_v but_o also_o how_o to_o live_v orderly_o and_o healthful_o and_o how_o he_o may_v govern_v himself_o with_o grace_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o world_n so_o christ_n provide_v not_o only_o for_o the_o be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o for_o the_o life_n of_o it_o but_o also_o for_o the_o health_n and_o grace_n and_o well-being_n of_o it_o a_o good_a shepherd_n provide_v not_o only_a pasture_n to_o feed_v his_o sheep_n but_o he_o have_v his_o crook_n too_o to_o govern_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n so_o our_o chief_a and_o heavenly_a shepherd_n furnish_v we_o not_o only_o with_o doctrine_n but_o also_o with_o discipline_n too_o in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n he_o provide_v his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v we_o and_o he_o have_v discipline_n his_o rod_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n alas_o what_o will_v have_v become_v of_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v leave_v whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o own_o direction_n the_o silly_a sheep_n be_v not_o more_o ready_a to_o go_v astray_o and_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o wolf_n and_o bear_n and_o lion_n than_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o our_o misdemeanour_n to_o betray_v ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o rod_n and_o staff_n of_o our_o bless_a shepherd_n his_o holy_a discipline_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n lord_n say_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o direct_v his_o own_o step_n we_o may_v true_o apply_v this_o speech_n to_o the_o church_n
to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o nor_o must_v they_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o saint_n 1_o joh._n 5.16_o because_o now_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v he_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n our_o father_n nothing_o can_v match_v this_o state_n but_o hell_n this_o be_v the_o porch_n that_o the_o house_n this_o the_o mouth_n that_o the_o body_n this_o the_o very_a brink_n that_o the_o eternal_a pit_n of_o utter_a desolation_n i_o herefore_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v the_o misery_n of_o our_o time_n wherein_o so_o precious_a a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o this_o be_v be_v so_o abuse_v and_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o he_o may_v take_v effect_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o reclaim_v offender_n when_o neither_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o other_o mean_n can_v reclaim_v they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o four_o duty_n the_o five_o duty_n be_v call_v of_o public_a assembly_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v call_v for_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o church_n by_o one_o man_n direction_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o consent_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o house_n to_o house_n of_o every_o man_n by_o himself_o for_o that_o course_n be_v subject_a to_o fraud_n but_o assistant_n be_v to_o be_v call_v party_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o be_v there_o and_o so_o public_o to_o testify_v their_o own_o consent_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n in_o such_o case_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o now_o these_o assembly_n be_v sometime_o great_a as_o of_o a_o diocese_n or_o province_n sometime_o small_a as_o of_o a_o parish_n again_o some_o be_v ordinary_a upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o as_o extraordinary_a occasion_n do_v oft_o fall_v out_o some_o be_v extraordinary_a a_o assemble_v together_o for_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o duty_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n these_o first_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o according_a as_o every_o one_o of_o you_o have_v a_o psalm_n or_o a_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o these_o duty_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o call_n of_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o multitude_n be_v call_v together_o act._n 6.2_o three_o there_o must_v be_v a_o public_a meeting_n for_o alm_n for_o the_o collect_v and_o distribute_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o the_o apostle_n command_v 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 4._o last_o there_o must_v be_v ordinary_a public_a assembly_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o church_n censure_n as_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o you_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o must_v be_v public_a meeting_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n sometime_o god_n testify_v extraordinary_a mercy_n and_o give_v extraordinary_a blessing_n to_o his_o church_n and_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v public_a thanks_o to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hester_n 9.22_o second_o some_o heavy_a judgement_n be_v either_o feel_v or_o fear_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o then_o the_o church_n must_v assemble_v together_o for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v command_v joel_n 2.15_o 16._o and_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ninivites_fw-la jonah_n 3.5_o where_o they_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a upon_o jonas_n preach_v of_o destruction_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o three_o law_n and_o decree_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o reviue_v for_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o such_o like_a and_o so_o in_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decree_a of_o matter_n concern_v ceremony_n and_o act._n 16.4_o they_o deliver_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v than_o there_o must_v be_v a_o assemble_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o last_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o they_o so_o paul_n be_v send_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n act._n 15.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n about_o doubt_n that_o do_v arise_v and_o what_o do_v they_o there_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v to_o this_o matter_n vers_fw-la 6._o so_o much_o of_o the_o five_o duty_n the_o six_o duty_n be_v oversight_n duty_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v due_o and_o right_o do_v this_o duty_n be_v as_o needful_a as_o the_o rest_n for_o we_o know_v that_o every_o thing_n grow_v out_o of_o frame_n in_o time_n except_o they_o be_v uphold_v and_o renew_v by_o continual_a oversight_n and_o look_v into_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 15.6_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v into_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v one_o most_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o maintainer_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v fail_v we_o know_v concern_v our_o own_o body_n that_o if_o we_o look_v not_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o diet_n all_o will_v be_v soon_o out_o of_o frame_n and_o much_o more_o in_o our_o soul_n for_o who_o find_v not_o by_o experience_n that_o though_o he_o labour_v to_o set_v himself_o never_o so_o well_o in_o frame_n in_o the_o morning_n yet_o before_o night_n for_o want_v of_o oversight_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v much_o out_o of_o order_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o careful_a oversight_n our_o soul_n will_v be_v grow_v over_o with_o sin_n as_o the_o field_n be_v with_o weed_n so_o will_v it_o be_v likewise_o with_o the_o church_n now_o for_o this_o matter_n of_o oversight_n first_o it_o must_v be_v order_v that_o thing_n once_o ordain_v be_v establish_v by_o authority_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n at_o least_o of_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o make_v all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o it_o 1_o chron._n 34.32_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o establish_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o apostleship_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o be_v spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o thing_n be_v not_o thus_o establish_v civil_a man_n will_v not_o regard_v they_o second_o every_o man_n must_v be_v quicken_v up_o and_o encourage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v over_o sight_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n encourage_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 35.2_o and_o so_o paul_n quicken_v up_o timothy_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o duty_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n incourage_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n revel_v 2.10_o against_o her_o suffering_n fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n but_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n three_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n that_o well-doer_n may_v be_v commend_v and_o approve_a so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n commend_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 2_o pet_n 1.19_o for_o do_v well_o in_o that_o they_o do_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n that_o have_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o it_o but_o our_o saviour_n commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o great_a dismay_v to_o religious_a proceed_n among_o us._n four_o thing_n must_v be_v redress_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o creta_n to_o redress_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o titus_n 1_o 5._o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n in_o revel_v 2.5_o labour_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n and_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o sardi_n revel_v 3.2_o the_o last_o duty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o oversight_n be_v
no_o more_o of_o a_o ancient_a church_n than_o of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v within_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n let_v we_o take_v the_o mean_a betwixt_o both_o these_o embrace_v they_o reverent_o where_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n in_o those_o case_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o better_a and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_a head_n rule_n the_o manner_n whereby_o they_o must_v be_v carry_v that_o must_v be_v good_a too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o warrant_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v for_o many_o time_n good_a thing_n be_v mar_v by_o ill_a handle_n therefore_o that_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v not_o be_v mar_v with_o ill_a handle_n observe_v touch_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o they_o these_o rule_n first_o that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o second_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n three_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o trouble_v four_a that_o whosoever_o have_v any_o right_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v not_o contemn_v or_o restrain_v of_o their_o right_n last_o these_o duty_n must_v be_v so_o carry_v so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v as_o best_o fit_v the_o civil_a government_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o be_v that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o and_o they_o be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n these_o must_v be_v first_o look_v to_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v this_o course_n he_o first_o provide_v for_o these_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o act._n 2.37_o 38_o etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 15.3_o first_o of_o all_o say_v he_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o which_o i_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o for_o these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o lay_v else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o build_n second_o these_o be_v the_o gatherer_n of_o god_n choose_v if_o they_o have_v not_o these_o none_o can_v be_v convert_v at_o all_o three_o these_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o where_o these_o be_v find_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o it_o be_v careful_o look_v into_o will_v prevent_v much_o ignorance_n and_o dissension_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n many_o there_o be_v that_o nuzzle_v the_o people_n up_o in_o ceremony_n only_o and_o go_v no_o further_o as_o the_o popish_a church_n this_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o horrible_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n rest_v there_o and_o think_v they_o have_v religion_n enough_o if_o they_o observe_v such_o and_o such_o ceremony_n and_o so_o be_v careless_a of_o true_a growth_n in_o christianity_n by_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n these_o be_v pharisaical_a course_n to_o tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23.23_o other_o beat_v first_o and_o chief_o on_o discipline_n and_o will_v have_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o teach_v a_o preposterous_a zeal_n which_o wrought_v much_o dissension_n as_o by_o lamentable_a experience_n we_o may_v see_v in_o our_o church_n for_o this_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o many_o have_v separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o that_o many_o live_v discontent_n in_o it_o not_o be_v first_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o principal_a first_o faith_n and_o repentance_n must_v be_v teach_v and_o afterward_o church-government_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v rule_n all_o must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n for_o so_o be_v the_o express_a rule_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o first_o then_o decency_n be_v require_v in_o church-government_n this_o be_v require_v in_o civil_a and_o natural_a duty_n and_o therefore_o in_o christian_a and_o religious_a duty_n it_o be_v require_v much_o more_o now_o this_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v uncomely_a in_o another_o that_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v decent_a in_o any_o place_n decent_a which_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n civility_n and_o god_n word_n have_v make_v decent_a as_o for_o example_n prophesy_v with_o the_o hat_n on_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n undecent_a 1_o cor._n 11.4_o but_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n make_v decent_a by_o custom_n they_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n they_o think_v they_o may_v be_v cover_v therefore_o still_o such_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o according_o decency_n to_o be_v esteem_v second_o order_n be_v require_v in_o churchgovernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n special_o it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o god_n church_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n this_o be_v it_o that_o commend_a and_o grace_v salomon_n house_n exceed_o so_o that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n be_v ravish_v to_o see_v it_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 10.5_o and_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o solomon_n the_o lord_n jesus_n want_v it_o in_o his_o house_n the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o cant._n 4.2_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n church_n show_v how_o comely_a it_o be_v thy_o tooth_n be_v like_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o good_a order_n which_o go_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n etc._n etc._n david_n be_v enamour_v with_o it_o psa_n 68.25_o speak_v as_o under_o a_o veil_n of_o the_o godly_a order_n which_o be_v in_o god_n church_n faith_n the_o singer_n go_v before_o the_o player_n of_o instrument_n come_v after_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o maid_n play_v with_o timbrel_n do_v now_o this_o order_n extend_v itself_o to_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v there_o must_v be_v order_n as_o in_o prophesy_v that_o one_o speak_v after_o another_o 1_o cor._n 14.31_o and_o so_o in_o order_n the_o word_n must_v be_v preach_v before_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v prayer_n must_v be_v before_o preach_v baptism_n before_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o also_o small_a matter_n must_v be_v lay_v by_o while_o great_a be_v in_o handle_v act._n 6_o 2._o sometime_o extraordinary_a case_n of_o necessity_n may_v overbeare_v this_o rule_n but_o general_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o so_o there_o must_v be_v order_n in_o person_n the_o superior_n must_v be_v first_o respect_v person_n whether_o he_o be_v superior_a in_o year_n or_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n the_o pastor_n must_v rule_v the_o flock_n and_o not_o the_o flock_n the_o pastor_n final_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v with_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n every_o man_n be_v place_v by_o the_o captain_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o rank_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v with_o we_o we_o must_v keep_v our_o rank_n that_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o break_v out_o for_o that_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n i_o will_v this_o be_v well_o look_v into_o in_o our_o church_n that_o man_n will_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o rank_n for_o this_o breed_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n rule_n the_o three_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o trouble_v the_o apostle_n in_o ephes_n 4.3_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v to_o keep_v peace_n and_o he_o use_v a_o special_a phrase_n there_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o you_o keep_v not_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n your_o spiritual_a communion_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v soon_o dissolve_v and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o contentiousnes_n be_v not_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o envious_a serpent_n and_o
twenty_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n very_o necessary_a for_o the_o consolation_n and_o support_v of_o god_n church_n especial_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o be_v handle_v first_o in_o general_a concern_v first_o the_o name_n second_o the_o title_n three_o the_o nature_n four_a the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n second_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n first_o the_o definition_n second_o the_o cause_n three_o the_o member_n four_a the_o mark_v and_o note_n five_o the_o government_n sixthly_a the_o privilege_n seventhly_a the_o adversary_n eighthly_a the_o authority_n and_o last_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o us._n by_o that_o learned_a and_o faithful_a preacher_n master_n john_n randall_n bachelor_n of_o divinity_n pastor_n of_o saint_n andrew_n hubbart_n in_o little_a eastcheap_n london_n and_o sometime_o fellow_n of_o lincoln_n college_n in_o oxford_n publish_a by_o the_o copy_n perfect_v and_o give_v by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o life_n time_n careful_o preserve_v and_o adorn_v with_o note_n in_o the_o margin_n by_o the_o late_a faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n master_n william_n holbrooke_n glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 87.3_o london_n imprint_v by_o felix_n kyngston_n for_o nathanael_n newberry_n at_o the_o star_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n 1631._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a true_o religious_a and_o my_o much_o honour_a friend_n mr._n richard_n knightly_a of_o preston-cape_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n esquire_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n justice_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o same_o county_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v mulply_v etc._n etc._n worthy_a sir_n it_o be_v a_o proverb_n no_o more_o common_a than_o true_a that_o true_a love_n will_v creep_v where_o it_o can_v go_v as_o appear_v in_o that_o fact_n of_o mary_n magdalen_n who_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n she_o wash_v his_o foot_n yea_o it_o will_v begin_v below_o at_o the_o ground_n to_o ascend_v up_o to_o the_o top_n as_o zacheus_n when_o he_o climb_v the_o figtree_n to_o get_v the_o sight_n of_o christ._n love_n to_o christ_n will_v show_v itself_o by_o a_o love_n of_o his_o church_n and_o ascend_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n by_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o it_o and_o seek_v and_o procure_v her_o welfare_n here_o on_o earth_n 28._o it_o be_v that_o spiritual_a temple_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a so_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o further_o the_o build_n thereof_o according_a to_o that_o of_o chrysostome_n hom._n in_o act._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n if_o they_o can_v do_v nought_o else_o yet_o let_v they_o imitate_v david_n pattern_n psal_n 51.18_o and_o harken_v to_o his_o precept_n psal_n 122.6_o suitable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n some_o do_v give_v one_o gift_n some_o another_o some_o do_v labour_n in_o hew_v square_n other_o in_o bring_v and_o bear_v they_o to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o structure_n but_o especial_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o this_o work_n lay_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o minister_n which_o like_o bezaleel_n and_o aholiab_n be_v fit_v and_o furnish_v of_o god_n for_o this_o work_n and_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n thereof_o commit_v to_o they_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v to_o all_o alike_o but_o to_o some_o more_o some_o less_o yet_o all_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n he_o have_v give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a gift_n as_o his_o work_n already_o publish_v do_v show_v he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v a_o wise_a master-builder_n to_o be_v like_o those_o builder_n in_o nehem._n 4.17_o with_o one_o hand_n he_o wrought_v in_o the_o work_n with_o the_o other_o he_o hold_v a_o weapon_n as_o you_o shall_v see_v apparent_o in_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o he_o do_v confirm_v profess_a truth_n and_o confute_v opposite_a error_n it_o please_v god_n while_o he_o be_v live_v to_o make_v he_o a_o happy_a instrument_n of_o stay_v many_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o to_o gain_v many_o in_o which_o by_o seducement_n have_v be_v draw_v away_o and_o as_o god_n give_v such_o success_n to_o his_o labour_n when_o he_o be_v alive_a so_o i_o trust_v they_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a if_o read_v with_o a_o single_a eye_n i_o dare_v assure_v you_o it_o be_v not_o the_o treatise_n of_o any_o other_o but_o of_o he_o who_o labour_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o light_n it_o be_v perfect_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o his_o life_n and_o give_v to_o a_o near_a and_o dear_a friend_n of_o i_o who_o rest_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v hope_v to_o have_v publish_v it_o in_o his_o life_n but_o be_v call_v away_o ere_o he_o can_v effect_v it_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o help_v to_o bring_v it_o forth_o to_o light_n and_o i_o do_v here_o dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o worship_n who_o worthy_a care_n and_o earnest_n desire_v i_o know_v be_v so_o far_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o further_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o may_v say_v much_o of_o your_o worth_n to_o the_o world_n but_o those_o that_o do_v not_o know_v you_o will_v think_v i_o flatter_v those_o that_o do_v will_v think_v i_o say_v too_o little_a but_o what_o solomon_n say_v of_o the_o virtuous_a woman_n prou._n 31._o ult._n so_o i_o of_o you_o your_o own_o work_n praise_v you_o in_o the_o gate_n and_o as_o boaz_n say_v to_o ruth_n 3.11_o so_o may_v i_o of_o you_o change_v the_o word_n a_o little_a all_o the_o people_n not_o only_o of_o that_o place_n where_o you_o live_v and_o i_o be_v bear_v but_o all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o country_n know_v you_o to_o be_v a_o virtuous_a gentleman_n go_v on_o good_a sir_n stand_v for_o god_n and_o he_o will_v stand_v for_o you_o honour_v he_o and_o as_o he_o have_v so_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o what_o service_n i_o may_v do_v you_o by_o my_o prayer_n or_o otherwise_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o lord_n bless_v you_o and_o you_o and_o all_o your_o ample_a and_o religious_a kindred_n your_o worship_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o may_v to_o be_v command_v ithiel_n smart_n the_o first_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n your_o question_n be_v what_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v speak_v of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o will_v stand_v upon_o these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o a_o introduction_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o question_n second_o we_o will_v descend_v to_o the_o question_n itself_o first_o the_o introduction_n natural_a and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o branch_n first_o we_o will_v show_v that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n be_v very_o natural_a second_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n first_o the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o our_o work_n and_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v very_o natural_a and_o that_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n question_n in_o the_o first_o question_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o question_n and_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o three_o question_n lay_v together_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o our_o faith_n have_v be_v first_o inform_v and_o instruct_v concern_v god_n himself_o the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o all_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o be_v inform_v touch_v his_o work_n and_o among_o they_o first_o and_o principal_o of_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o all_o that_o be_v the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o special_a workmanship_n form_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n separate_v as_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o his_o own_o majesty_n consecrate_v to_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n gather_v by_o his_o own_o word_n purchase_v by_o his_o own_o son_n quicken_v and_o direct_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o ordain_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o his_o own_o secret_a council_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n beside_o of_o all_o the_o work_n that_o god_n exercise_v towards_o his_o creature_n the_o great_a and_o best_a be_v they_o that_o god_n exercise_v towards_o his_o church_n as_o election_n call_v justification_n sanctification_n glorification_n etc._n etc._n yea_o further_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v work_v beside_o in_o the_o
business_n my_o purpose_n be_v therefore_o god_n will_v to_o traverse_v this_o whole_a controversy_n so_o far_o as_o strength_n and_o time_n and_o your_o capacity_n will_v permit_v and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o conceive_v i_o will_v deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o and_o indifferent_o without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o adversary_n cause_n or_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o cause_n without_o traduce_v they_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o nor_o will_v i_o witting_o conceal_v any_o of_o god_n truth_n from_o you_o upon_o any_o sinister_a affection_n or_o respect_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n also_o to_o travel_v with_o i_o in_o this_o business_n faithful_o and_o conscionable_o both_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o all_o other_o our_o best_a endeavour_n with_o this_o reach_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v find_v member_n even_o of_o the_o church_n live_v member_n even_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v of_o riches_n it_o be_v comfortable_a speak_n of_o they_o when_o we_o have_v a_o part_n in_o they_o so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n much_o more_o it_o be_v sweet_a and_o comfortable_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o then_o when_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o have_v our_o part_n therein_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o introduction_n to_o prepare_v we_o to_o the_o religious_a and_o sanctify_a handle_v of_o the_o question_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o question_n itself_o in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o first_o some_o general_a point_n art_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o second_o church_n we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a matter_n the_o general_a point_n be_v these_o first_o of_o the_o name_n second_o of_o the_o title_n three_o of_o the_o nature_n four_a of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o we_o will_v make_v a_o passage_n into_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n name_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o name_n church_n be_v a_o word_n that_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n from_o the_o saxon_n for_o they_o call_v it_o church_fw-mi the_o very_a ancient_a sound_n and_o pronunciation_n whereof_o many_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o the_o northern_a part_n retain_v to_o this_o day_n 16._o but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v fetch_v original_o from_o the_o greek_a for_o as_o they_o call_v the_o sabbath_n day_n the_o time_n wherein_o god_n be_v worship_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n revel_v 1.10_o bullinger_n so_o the_o place_n too_o for_o the_o lord_n public_a service_n musc_n 555._o bull_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o see_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o religious_a matter_n it_o be_v good_a to_o speak_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v we_o will_v therefore_o insist_v only_o upon_o the_o name_n that_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o by_o in_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o original_a signify_v a_o company_n or_o congregation_n as_o in_o exod._n 16.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deut._n 5.22_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 33.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o call_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o way_n of_o excellency_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o be_v the_o assembly_n of_o assembly_n the_o most_o excellent_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o matth._n 16_o 18._o which_o signify_v a_o calling_n or_o a_o company_n call_v forth_o from_o among_o the_o rest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o athenian_n where_o certain_a man_n be_v call_v forth_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o crier_n from_o the_o rest_n by_o some_o special_a meeting_n and_o business_n and_o so_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o translate_v it_o from_o a_o civil_a sense_n and_o use_v to_o a_o religious_a intend_v another_o manner_n of_o cryer_n and_o call_v then_o be_v in_o athens_n and_o it_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o company_n so_o call_v but_o also_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o public_a and_o religious_a exercise_n which_o i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o so_o signify_v in_o scripture_n but_o in_o use_n of_o speech_n among_o we_o and_o in_o some_o ecclesiastical_a history_n piscat_fw-la on_o 1._o cor._n 11.18_o 22._o muscul_fw-la pag._n 556._o hyper._n method_n 527._o 528._o when_o god_n tie_v his_o presence_n to_o a_o material_a building_n as_o in_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o temple_n may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o church_n but_o now_o that_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o spiritual_a build_n only_o which_o be_v the_o faithful_a it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v so_o but_o yet_o synagogue_n signify_v as_o well_o the_o place_n as_o the_o company_n luk._n 7_o 5._o and_o by_o a_o figure_n we_o may_v call_v the_o place_n by_o the_o name_n of_o that_o it_o contain_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o justify_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n church_n among_o we_o though_o as_o i_o say_v i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o signify_v so_o in_o scripture_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d congregation_n intend_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o thing_n first_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o they_o whether_o many_o or_o few_o there_o must_v be_v a_o congregation_n second_o they_o must_v have_v usual_a and_o solemn_a meeting_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n three_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v call_v they_o to_o be_v of_o this_o assembly_n and_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o this_o last_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n intend_v in_o this_o word_n doctr._n and_o from_o hence_o from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v draw_v this_o observation_n namely_o that_o those_o which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v forth_o of_o god_n from_o among_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o will_n to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o easy_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o point_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o make_v some_o discourse_n of_o calling_n this_o word_n be_v use_v much_o in_o scripture_n and_o have_v diverse_a signification_n calling_n we_o will_v make_v four_o division_n of_o calling_n first_o there_o be_v a_o general_a call_n and_o a_o particular_a call_n second_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o a_o ordinary_a call_n three_o there_o be_v a_o inward_a and_o a_o outward_a call_n four_o there_o be_v a_o effectual_a and_o a_o not_o effectual_a call_n particular_a first_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a call_n a_o general_a that_o be_v when_o god_n do_v proffer_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o a_o whole_a city_n or_o a_o nation_n or_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v act._n 17.30_o but_o now_o god_n admonish_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v or_o else_o when_o god_n only_o give_v to_o some_o particular_a man_n some_o general_a or_o confuse_a notice_n of_o save_v grace_n a_o particular_a call_n be_v when_o god_n tender_v occasion_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o some_o particular_a manner_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n come_v near_o to_o sin_n and_o deal_v more_o direct_o with_o sin_n example_n we_o have_v of_o this_o psal_n 31.6_o david_n say_v thou_o have_v teach_v i_o wisdom_n in_o the_o secret_a of_o my_o heart_n and_o such_o a_o calling_n have_v the_o jailor_n act._n 16.31_o there_o god_n deal_v particular_o and_o direct_o with_o sin_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v now_o if_o this_o particular_a call_v be_v apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_n upon_o when_o god_n tender_v it_o than_o we_o be_v save_v if_o not_o it_o increase_v our_o condemnation_n ordinary_a the_o second_o division_n of_o calling_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a extraordinary_a calling_n be_v when_o god_n call_v man_n even_o many_o time_n without_o mean_n or_o by_o some_o bymeane_n or_o by_o weak_a mean_n not_o tend_v or_o at_o least_o not_o sufficient_a usual_o to_o such_o effect_n or_o else_o by_o some_o rare_a and_o strange_a mean_n as_o when_o paul_n be_v call_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n act._n 9.3_o a_o ordinary_a call_n be_v when_o the_o mean_n time_n place_n and_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v usual_o wont_a to_o be_v in_o that_o case_n if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v away_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o that_o respect_n yet_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v ordinary_a that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o calling_n be_v ordinary_a too_o because_o god_n ordinary_o second_v the_o preach_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 10.44_o while_o peter_n yet_o speak_v the_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o and_o act._n
shall_v be_v make_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n thou_o can_v not_o pray_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o good_a duty_n as_o thou_o ought_v yea_o but_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o bless_a and_o glorious_a church_n whereof_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o thy_o want_n and_o infirmity_n be_v cover_v and_o supply_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christ_n three_o here_o be_v comfort_n against_o temptation_n and_o against_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o power_n for_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v like_a to_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n shall_v ever_o prevail_v against_o thou_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v set_v upon_o we_o will_v never_o see_v we_o overthrow_v last_o here_o be_v comfort_n for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n that_o howsoever_o we_o be_v as_o the_o offscowring_a of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o unjust_a censure_n yet_o in_o god_n sight_n who_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v beautiful_a and_o glorious_a and_o therefore_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o give_v we_o content_v against_o all_o the_o scoff_n and_o nickname_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v so_o bless_v and_o beautiful_a in_o god_n eye_n what_o need_v we_o care_v though_o we_o be_v contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o five_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o world_n that_o persecute_v use_v 5_o and_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o god_n church_n they_o know_v not_o who_o it_o be_v they_o make_v their_o force_n against_o it_o be_v even_o against_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v never_o prevail_v and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o most_o glorious_a and_o bless_a company_n that_o be_v and_o therefore_o first_o they_o may_v be_v dismay_v for_o they_o rush_v against_o a_o rock_n and_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act._n 9_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v good_a success_n yea_o second_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o fierce_a and_o full_a vengeance_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n because_o they_o resist_v the_o lord_n and_o oppose_v his_o glorious_a and_o anoint_a one_o use_v 6_o the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n be_v to_o reprove_v the_o perverse_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o grace_n nor_o beauty_n in_o the_o church_n like_v unto_o the_o wicked_a jew_n that_o will_v not_o see_v any_o form_n or_o beauty_n in_o christ_n isai_n 53._o they_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v but_o deformity_n and_o misery_n but_o if_o they_o can_v look_v within_o there_o be_v perfect_a glory_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v but_o your_o word_n we_o can_v see_v no_o such_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o can_v see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n among_o you_o why_o do_v you_o then_o face_n it_o out_o thus_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v understand_v it_o with_o these_o limitation_n first_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n can_v see_v it_o because_o they_o want_v this_o eye_n to_o discern_v it_o withal_o second_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o head_n christ_n and_o not_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o church_n thus_o they_o shall_v perceive_v perfect_a glory_n christ_n himself_o be_v perfect_o glorious_a and_o he_o cover_v and_o supply_v our_o want_n and_o deformity_n and_o present_v we_o as_o glorious_a to_o god_n his_o father_n three_o it_o be_v so_o rather_o in_o our_o desire_n and_o god_n account_v then_o in_o actual_a possession_n four_o we_o have_v not_o th●s_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n here_o but_o only_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v some_o grace_n and_o some_o beauty_n and_o some_o glory_n here_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a jerusalem_n revel_v 21.2_o and_o then_o christ_n shall_v present_v we_o a_o glorious_a body_n unto_o god_n his_o father_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n ephes_n 5.27_o which_o because_o some_o have_v attain_v to_o already_o and_o the_o rest_n shall_v sure_o obtain_v hereafter_o and_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o it_o here_o already_o it_o may_v therefore_o be_v just_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o some_o of_o her_o part_n now_o and_o of_o all_o hereafter_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o beautiful_a the_o church_n be_v and_o bless_v and_o glorious_a though_o the_o world_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o she_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o second_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o general_n point_v propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o the_o order_n of_o teach_v require_v that_o when_o once_o we_o do_v know_v the_o name_n of_o a_o thing_n what_o it_o be_v call_v and_o the_o title_n that_o it_o be_v grace_v withal_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o shall_v search_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o thus_o entitle_v for_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o thing_n may_v and_o be_v ofttimes_o impart_v to_o other_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v proper_a to_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o name_n and_o title_n set_v it_o forth_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o esteem_v of_o it_o yet_o the_o nature_n will_v more_o full_o express_v it_o and_o make_v we_o the_o highly_o to_o esteem_v of_o it_o the_o name_n bear_v diverse_a signification_n in_o ordinary_a method_n ought_v to_o be_v divide_v first_o and_o define_v after_o but_o because_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v apt_o enough_o comprehend_v in_o one_o general_a description_n and_o because_o the_o division_n have_v a_o more_o near_a dependence_n with_o that_o which_o follow_v make_v a_o ready_a step_n and_o passage_n thereunto_o we_o will_v first_o define_v therefore_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n according_a to_o our_o order_n set_v down_o to_o divide_v it_o into_o several_a kind_n and_o branch_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o describe_v thing_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a general_a nature_n thereof_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n where_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o three_o thing_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n god_n elect_v or_o choose_v they_o second_o by_o their_o number_n the_o whole_a company_n three_o by_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o in_o earth_n cause_n first_o by_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v because_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o it_o first_o to_o salvation_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o end_n second_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o the_o church_n ofttimes_o be_v call_v god_n choose_v psal_n 33.12_o even_o the_o people_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o in_o psal_n 132.13_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n that_o be_v his_o church_n and_o rom._n 8.33_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n call_v they_o by_o that_o express_a name_n god_n choose_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n church_n be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n choose_v titus_n 1.1_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o which_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o be_v to_o be_v god_n choose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o call_v rather_o than_o by_o their_o choose_v as_o in_o the_o first_o lecture_n because_o they_o be_v a_o company_n call_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v define_v by_o their_o choose_n rather_o than_o by_o their_o call_v and_o that_o
and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o congregation_n beside_o except_o 1_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v these_o mark_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o infallible_a mark_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o congregation_n pretend_v to_o have_v these_o mark_n as_o what_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o right_a faith_n with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a claim_n of_o they_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v we_o and_o for_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o their_o say_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n for_o either_o they_o will_v refuse_v some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o will_v mangle_v and_o deprave_v it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v take_v the_o letter_n for_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o transubstantiation_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o they_o baptize_v with_o fire_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o add_v something_o to_o the_o word_n as_o tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o so_o though_o they_o do_v approve_v and_o take_v it_o in_o at_o the_o foredoor_n yet_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n so_o that_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v we_o may_v say_v true_o therefore_o that_o they_o challenge_v these_o mark_n but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v they_o but_o they_o still_o remain_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o god_n true_a church_n we_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n policy_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o subtlety_n be_v to_o imitate_v apish_o the_o course_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o more_o cunning_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a
contain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a because_o about_o that_o very_a time_n that_o be_v somewhat_o before_o his_o ascension_n he_o speak_v unto_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act._n 1.3_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n kingdom_n which_o be_v inward_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n but_o of_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v than_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a apply_v than_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o church-government_n for_o what_o do_v more_o near_o and_o proper_o appertain_v or_o be_v annex_v to_o that_o kingdom_n than_o this_o now_o the_o apostle_n must_v teach_v all_o that_o christ_n teach_v they_o but_o christ_n teach_v they_o this_o therefore_o they_o must_v teach_v it_o too_o and_o that_o not_o by_o preach_v only_o but_o by_o write_v too_o for_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o write_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o therefore_o there_o be_v sufficient_a matter_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o direct_v every_o church_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n let_v we_o come_v somewhat_o near_o to_o the_o point_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v therefore_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o those_o which_o christ_n so_o give_v to_o be_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v sufficient_a direction_n leave_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n now_o government_n be_v one_o special_a mean_n for_o edification_n yea_o and_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v not_o untaught_a by_o they_o and_o so_o consequent_o not_o unwritten_a at_o least_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o ad_fw-la to_o this_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o 1_o cor._n 12.5_o 9_o especial_o in_o vers_fw-la 28._o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v clear_a enough_o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o administration_n and_o gift_n &_o so_o come_v to_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o gift_n and_o that_o be_v to_o exercise_v they_o whereof_o though_o some_o be_v temporal_a yet_o other_o be_v perpetual_a which_o if_o we_o add_v to_o that_o ephes_n 4.11_o then_o here_o be_v sufficient_a provision_n ordain_v of_o god_n and_o set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o church_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o for_o substance_n of_o governor_n and_o government_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o corinth_n only_a but_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a god_n have_v ordain_v some_o in_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v appliable_a to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o like_a place_n be_v in_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o that_o use_v they_o these_o place_n then_o lay_v together_o prove_v the_o point_n let_v we_o come_v to_o example_n of_o church_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n further_o we_o have_v example_n of_o this_o in_o two_o church_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v best_o provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o of_o ephesus_n take_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o a_o example_n and_o see_v how_o sufficient_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o in_o most_o particular_n for_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n sect_n and_o offender_n be_v punish_v yea_o and_o general_o they_o have_v rule_n give_v they_o for_o the_o whole_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14._o consider_v what_o rule_v of_o 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say_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o from_o they_o that_o be_v profitable_a so_o that_o if_o church-government_n be_v profitable_a for_o they_o as_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a then_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v and_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v be_v so_o too_o either_o more_o or_o less_o though_o happy_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o these_o be_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o substance_n reas_n 1_o both_o for_o duty_n of_o life_n and_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n may_v receive_v instruction_n thereby_o how_o to_o carry_v and_o how_o to_o govern_v himself_o if_o this_o be_v so_o for_o a_o particular_a christian_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n then_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n partly_o of_o faith_n but_o more_o of_o practice_n and_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o church_n therefore_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v set_v down_o in_o god_n word_n second_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o former_a reas_n 2_o testament_n god_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n very_o precise_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o most_o particular_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v so_o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a testament_n for_o must_v not_o the_o church_n now_o be_v as_o well_o provide_v as_o then_o sure_o it_o must_v in_o matter_n of_o substance_n reas_n 3_o three_o christ_n care_n of_o his_o church_n prove_v it_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o he_o so_o tender_o love_v her_o welfare_n and_o so_o gracious_o provide_v every_o thing_n else_o for_o she_o that_o he_o will_v fail_v she_o in_o this_o leave_v she_o 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that_o it_o do_v not_o suffice_v that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n where_o most_o need_n be_v and_o last_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o government_n they_o speak_v nothing_o of_o he_o neither_o do_v they_o interpret_v any_o of_o those_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o ruler_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n though_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o err_v in_o these_o particular_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v to_o observe_v as_o prescribe_v to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n the_o sixteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v propound_v five_o principal_a head_n to_o be_v treat_v upon_o touch_v church-government_n as_o namely_o first_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o this_o matter_n have_v occasion_v in_o god_n church_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n church_n and_o government_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o god_n church_n four_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o prescript_n rule_n in_o god_n word_n for_o it_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n i_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o four_o former_a as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o church-government_n now_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o five_o namely_o that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o prescript_n form_n in_o his_o word_n for_o every_o particular_a in_o government_n than_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o resolution_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v former_o speak_v for_o whereas_o every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v her_o particular_a government_n and_o the_o word_n have_v not_o prescribe_v any_o one_o set_a form_n for_o all_o church_n to_o observe_v in_o every_o particular_a as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o every_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o general_a form_n set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o oft_o as_o necessity_n require_v must_v make_v the_o best_a supply_n and_o provision_n for_o themselves_o herein_o that_o they_o can_v howbeit_o because_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o first_o observation_n of_o the_o former_a lecture_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o licentious_a as_o if_o it_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o as_o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v and_o do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o they_o must_v careful_o see_v that_o whatsoever_o provision_n they_o make_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o may_v well_o stand_v with_o those_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n which_o the_o word_n afford_v i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o here_o to_o define_v what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n what_o not_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n too_o curious_a for_o i_o and_o too_o tedious_a for_o you_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o enquiry_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n every_o one_o for_o itself_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v the_o church_n into_o all_o truth_n of_o special_a use_n for_o this_o purpose_n both_o to_o instruct_v the_o church_n what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o to_o help_v and_o direct_v they_o what_o to_o take_v and_o what_o to_o leave_v and_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o case_n of_o government_n wherein_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o particular_a warrant_n for_o each_o particular_a case_n from_o the_o word_n yet_o because_o i_o will_v fain_o inform_v you_o thorough_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v i_o will_v god_n will_v enlarge_v my_o discourse_n far_o than_o i_o think_v to_o have_v do_v and_o labour_n to_o rip_v it_o up_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n principal_n the_o whole_a form_n of_o church-government_n as_o i_o conceive_v consist_v of_o three_o principal_n or_o pillar_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o first_o of_o some_o action_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n second_o of_o some_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o three_o of_o some_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o these_o person_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o action_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o once_o you_o can_v tell_v these_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n second_o by_o who_o it_o must_v be_v do_v and_o three_o how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n and_o with_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v you_o may_v sit_v down_o well_o satisfy_v and_o resolve_v in_o this_o point_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o all_o these_o point_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n either_o to_o be_v too_o intricate_a or_o too_o tedious_a too_o intricate_a if_o i_o shall_v handle_v they_o joint_o all_o together_o or_o too_o tedious_a if_o i_o shall_v frame_v a_o several_a discourse_n for_o each_o particular_a by_o itself_o to_o prevent_v both_o i_o will_v first_o propound_v they_o all_o in_o a_o general_a view_n by_o themselves_o and_o then_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_a duty_n fit_v they_o with_o their_o officer_n and_o law_n that_o so_o any_o man_n of_o understanding_n may_v learn_v thereby_o to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n first_o principal_a we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o duty_n or_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n haply_o i_o shall_v not_o touch_v they_o all_o but_o i_o will_v labour_v to_o touch_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o those_o to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v refer_v the_o principal_a duty_n be_v these_o first_o order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n second_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o officer_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v three_o duty_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v careful_o and_o religious_o practise_v four_o censure_n and_o proceed_n against_o offender_n must_v be_v execute_v five_o order_n must_v be_v take_v for_o call_v public_a assembly_n last_o order_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o oversight_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o order_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n i_o join_v and_o couch_v all_o these_o together_o because_o there_o be_v a_o most_o near_o and_o necessary_a league_n and_o affinity_n betwixt_o they_o 137._o for_o as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o beget_v faith_n so_o the_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n and_o pledge_n accompany_v it_o for_o the_o more_o palpable_a assurance_n of_o ou●_n increase_v in_o it_o and_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v join_v with_o they_o both_o that_o they_o may_v be_v effectual_a and_o powerful_a for_o edification_n first_o for_o the_o word_n order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o it_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n first_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v extant_a and_o how_o must_v they_o be_v extant_a sure_o in_o their_o own_o original_a language_n because_o if_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o the_o translation_n we_o may_v run_v to_o the_o original_a so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o original_a language_n and_o in_o what_o copy_n sure_o the_o best_a that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v but_o what_o then_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v these_o language_n they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o nation_n who_o language_n be_v not_o the_o mother-tongue_n what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o sure_o we_o must_v get_v the_o most_o faithful_a and_o best_a translation_n that_o be_v and_o when_o they_o be_v get_v what_o must_v the_o church_n see_v to_o be_v do_v with_o they_o first_o some_o of_o these_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o a_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n that_o if_o desolation_n shall_v come_v yet_o the_o write_a word_n may_v be_v preserve_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n 2_o chron._n 34.14_o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n own_o hand_n be_v find_v in_o a_o secret_a place_n where_o no_o doubt_n it_o have_v be_v lay_v up_o by_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o be_v preserve_v from_o that_o common_a havoc_n which_o be_v in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o some_o copy_n must_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o safe_a and_o secret_a place_n yea_o but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o extant_a
in_o place_n of_o public_a and_o religious_a assembly_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n luk._n 4.16_o 17._o where_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o temple_n there_o be_v a_o book_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n deliver_v to_o he_o so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v extant_a in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o how_o must_v they_o be_v extant_a there_o not_o as_o dumb_a show_n but_o as_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v read_v open_o so_o be_v the_o case_n act._n 13.27_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o must_v be_v preach_v too_o that_o be_v conscionable_o expound_v and_o apply_v so_o you_o may_v read_v act._n 13.15_o that_o there_o be_v lecture_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n say_v that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n they_o shall_v say_v on_o and_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n charge_n mark_n 16.15_o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1.16_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v believe_v without_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n rom._n 10.14_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n they_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o as_o the_o word_n must_v be_v teach_v so_o it_o must_v be_v hear_v understand_v and_o obey_v therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n 11.28_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n colos_n 3.16_o say_v let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o plenteous_o he_o use_v a_o very_a elegant_a speech_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v let_v it_o not_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n to_o tarry_v with_o you_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o let_v it_o dwell_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o it_o must_v be_v hear_v and_o obey_v so_o it_o must_v be_v diligent_o confer_v upon_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n act._n 17.11_o that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o paul_n teach_v they_o so_o there_o must_v be_v care_v have_v for_o the_o word_n we_o see_v second_o there_o must_v be_v care_n have_v for_o the_o sacrament_n first_o that_o they_o be_v use_v and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n institute_v and_o second_o that_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v administer_v they_o so_o it_o be_v command_v matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n enjoin_v and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o there_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o appear_v in_o both_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o by_o name_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o that_o first_o epistle_n i_o 11._o v._n 25._o where_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v not_o only_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o some_o measure_n the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o also_o last_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n that_o must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n that_o prayer_n must_v be_v public_o make_v in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o i_o exhort_v that_o first_o of_o all_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n where_o he_o intend_v it_o of_o public_a prayer_n and_o exhort_v to_o it_o as_o to_o a_o chief_a duty_n i_o exhort_v that_o first_o of_o all_o prayer_n be_v make_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.16_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v answerable_a to_o this_o act._n 1.14_o after_o christ_n assension_n they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n so_o you_o see_v how_o that_o in_o well-governed_n church_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o use_v we_o have_v a_o example_n for_o all_o these_o together_o act._n 2_o 41_o 42._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o which_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n here_o many_o good_a and_o profitable_a observation_n may_v be_v have_v but_o they_o be_v here_o only_o handle_v as_o by_o the_o way_n and_o we_o have_v handle_v some_o of_o they_o before_o in_o the_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o they_o rest_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o instance_n when_o we_o come_v to_o they_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n 120._o the_o second_o point_n be_v election_n of_o officer_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o occasion_n require_v this_o must_v be_v have_v too_o for_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v necessary_o require_v a_o officer_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o the_o duty_n be_v of_o sundry_a kind_n so_o must_v the_o officer_n be_v too_o that_o manage_v they_o else_o there_o will_v be_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o none_o must_v intrude_v or_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o such_o place_n of_o their_o own_o head_n for_o that_o be_v intolerable_a presumption_n heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o unless_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n as_o aaron_n be_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n of_o conscience_n either_o in_o they_o that_o thus_o intrude_v to_o execute_v such_o office_n nor_o in_o other_o to_o obey_v nor_o no_o hope_n of_o blessing_n by_o either_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v there_o must_v be_v a_o lawful_a assignment_n of_o such_o man_n to_o such_o office_n when_o a_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o first_o duty_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n as_o act._n 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o election_n and_o so_o in_o titus_n 1.5_o titus_n be_v leave_v in_o crete_n when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n again_o as_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o officer_n when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v so_o there_o must_v be_v election_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o officer_n when_o any_o be_v displace_v either_o by_o death_n or_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n other_o must_v be_v place_v in_o their_o room_n by_o election_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n when_o judas_n be_v fall_v away_o they_o fall_v to_o election_n by_o lot_n for_o another_o to_o supply_v his_o room_n act._n 1.21_o again_o when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v increase_v and_o when_o by_o multitude_n of_o business_n those_o that_o be_v officer_n have_v as_o much_o already_o to_o do_v as_o they_o can_v turn_v their_o hand_n to_o other_z officer_n be_v to_o be_v add_v by_o election_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n act._n 6.2_o 3._o when_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n grow_v there_o be_v a_o murmur_a because_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n now_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_a matter_n in_o hand_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unmeet_a for_o they_o to_o tend_v to_o it_o therefore_o say_v they_o choose_v you_o out_o seven_o man_n from_o among_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v increase_v and_o that_o moses_n know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v exod._n 18.21_o 22._o jethro_n his_o father_n in_o law_n give_v he_o counsel_n to_o choose_v other_o officer_n to_o assist_v he_o and_o so_o he_o do_v so_o that_o election_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o needful_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n now_o as_o this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o all_o officer_n so_o especial_o there_o must_v be_v election_n of_o minister_n such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o they_o have_v the_o chief_a business_n to_o deal_v in_o and_o their_o election_n consist_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n ordination_n and_o assignation_n to_o some_o particular_a place_n first_o ordination_n that_o be_v a_o action_n whereby_o man_n be_v separate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o
whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v before_o as_o in_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o some_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v do_v lawful_o now_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v before_o but_o not_o lawful_o as_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n these_o depend_v upon_o lawful_a ordination_n such_o a_o ordination_n we_o find_v act._n 13.2_o 3._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v separate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o not_o assign_v to_o any_o one_o particular_a place_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 4.4_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o timothy_n despise_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o company_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o ordination_n before_o he_o come_v to_o be_v assign_v to_o a_o particular_a place_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o certain_a charge_n till_o he_o come_v to_o ephesus_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v as_o of_o a_o thing_n do_v before_o that_o be_v for_o ordination_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o appointment_n of_o they_o to_o some_o particular_a place_n where_o they_o may_v exercise_v their_o gift_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n whereby_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a reference_n betwixt_o the_o minister_n and_o those_o who_o he_o be_v set_v over_o he_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o they_o be_v his_o flock_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n that_o he_o may_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v ordain_v they_o and_o appoint_v they_o in_o every_o city_n for_o both_o these_o usual_o do_v and_o shall_v go_v together_o that_o be_v ordination_n and_o appointment_n to_o some_o particular_a place_n special_o among_o we_o though_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v minister_n at_o large_a but_o this_o be_v not_o good_a among_o we_o we_o have_v no_o such_o large_a commission_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o we_o must_v have_v reference_n to_o a_o certain_a people_n and_o to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o so_o act._n 14.23_o they_o ordain_v elder_n by_o election_n in_o every_o church_n there_o they_o do_v ordain_v minister_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o sure_o whatsoever_o be_v right_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n the_o lord_n himself_o acknowledge_v for_o his_o own_o handy_a work_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n i_o speak_v all_o this_o while_n of_o the_o outward_a call_n only_o for_o that_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o inward_a be_v mere_o and_o immediate_o from_o god_n the_o church_n be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o inward_a too_o by_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o by_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n herein_o whether_o they_o find_v that_o god_n spirit_n have_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o able_a for_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o confer_v it_o on_o they_o they_o can_v so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n election_n of_o officer_n do_v the_o three_o point_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n next_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n the_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v perform_v and_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o speak_v not_o so_o much_o of_o spiritual_a duty_n of_o charity_n concern_v spiritual_a distress_n as_o to_o comfort_v the_o wound_a conscience_n to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a to_o have_v compassion_n on_o our_o brethren_n infirmity_n but_o chief_o of_o outward_a bodily_a charity_n which_o concern_v the_o outward_a state_n of_o our_o brethren_n as_o first_o the_o sick_a must_v be_v visit_v second_o the_o dead_a must_v be_v bu●ied_v three_o the_o needy_a must_v be_v relieve_v four_a the_o minister_n must_v be_v maintain_v in_o these_o four_o consist_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n first_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o be_v visit_v the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o this_o in_o jam._n 5.14_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v they_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o must_v not_o be_v do_v for_o fashion_n sake_n after_o a_o civil_a manner_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n after_o a_o religious_a and_o christian_a manner_n we_o must_v pray_v with_o they_o and_o for_o they_o for_o their_o recovery_n and_o for_o a_o speedy_a and_o comfortable_a end_n we_o must_v offer_v our_o service_n to_o they_o for_o any_o good_a office_n in_o that_o necessity_n we_o must_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v they_o against_o the_o terror_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n we_o must_v stir_v they_o up_o to_o put_v their_o house_n especial_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n thus_o we_o must_v labour_v every_o way_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o dissolution_n thus_o we_o must_v visit_v the_o sick_a second_o the_o dead_a be_v to_o be_v bury_v this_o be_v commend_v for_o a_o good_a work_n of_o mercy_n by_o christ_n own_a word_n mark_n 14.6_o 8._o when_o the_o woman_n pour_v the_o box_n of_o ointment_n on_o his_o head_n some_o murmur_v at_o it_o but_o our_o saviour_n say_v she_o have_v wrought_v a_o good_a work_n on_o i_o for_o she_o be_v come_v aforehand_o to_o anoint_v my_o body_n to_o the_o burial_n so_o he_o approve_v burial_n for_o a_o good_a work_n and_o see_v that_o sepulcher_n and_o burial_n be_v monument_n of_o our_o resurrection_n for_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o true_a use_n of_o they_o among_o the_o faithful_a where_o shall_v this_o be_v practise_v more_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o the_o resurrection_n be_v most_o and_o best_o teach_v and_o believe_v three_o the_o needy_a be_v to_o be_v relieve_v the_o naked_a must_v be_v clothe_v the_o hungry_a must_v be_v feed_v etc._n etc._n and_o this_o duty_n consist_v of_o two_o branch_n collection_n and_o distribution_n first_o there_o must_v be_v collection_n so_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o that_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n every_o man_n must_v put_v aside_o something_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n than_o it_o must_v be_v collect_v and_o gather_v and_o so_o much_o put_v into_o the_o treasury_n and_o that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o treasury_n in_o mark_n 12.45_o to_o put_v in_o that_o which_o be_v collect_v second_o there_o must_v be_v distribution_n as_o rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o distribute_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n and_o vers_fw-la 13._o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n heb._n 13.16_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o distribute_v forget_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o other_o and_o that_o not_o to_o their_o own_o church_n alone_o but_o to_o other_o too_o if_o they_o want_v and_o these_o abound_v rom._n 12.26_o so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v collect_v must_v not_o be_v keep_v but_o after_o collection_n there_o must_v be_v distribution_n and_o in_o these_o two_o office_n consist_v the_o relieve_n of_o the_o needy_a the_o four_o duty_n of_o mercy_n be_v this_o the_o minister_n must_v be_v manifest_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o he_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n where_o at_o least_o double_a honour_n be_v take_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o by_o that_o which_o follow_v where_o he_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o mussel_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v forth_o the_o corn_n and_o this_o must_v not_o be_v do_v with_o a_o spare_a hand_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v it_o in_o galat._n 6.6_o let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n make_v he_o that_o have_v teach_v he_o partaker_n of_o all_o his_o good_n let_v he_o think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o love_n only_o but_o even_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n too_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 9.11_o sheweth_z that_o in_o reason_n if_o they_o minister_v to_o we_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n if_o they_o reap_v our_o carnal_a thing_n it_o be_v true_a that_o rather_o than_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v burdensome_a to_o
the_o church_n he_o be_v to_o labour_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o satisfy_v his_o necessity_n but_o yet_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competent_a state_n in_o the_o people_n they_o be_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o labour_n and_o of_o their_o estate_n to_o relieve_v his_o want_n as_o the_o philippian_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phil._n 4.10_o 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v for_o the_o care_n which_o they_o have_v in_o minister_a to_o he_o and_o sure_o the_o people_n lose_v nothing_o by_o this_o for_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v thus_o provide_v for_o they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o their_o calling_n without_o let_v to_o study_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n whereas_o else_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o cruel_a taskmaster_n in_o egypt_n they_o must_v be_v seek_v straw_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v brick_n to_o build_v withal_o they_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o the_o pelf_n of_o this_o world_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v building_n god_n house_n and_o they_o that_o neglect_v this_o duty_n be_v empty_a of_o all_o religion_n both_o for_o piety_n to_o god_n who_o minister_n they_o be_v and_o for_o charity_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o do_v not_o strain_v themselves_o to_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o such_o as_o by_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v most_o bind_v unto_o and_o which_o do_v spend_v themselves_o and_o their_o time_n for_o other_o good_a and_o salvation_n so_o much_o of_o the_o three_o point_n for_o duty_n and_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n the_o four_o point_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n the_o proceed_n against_o offender_n for_o see_v in_o all_o church_n there_o be_v still_o some_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o some_o course_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v take_v against_o they_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v disburden_v either_o of_o their_o person_n or_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v precise_a order_n for_o this_o matter_n matth._n 18.15_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n charge_v this_o duty_n on_o the_o thessalonian_n with_o great_a authority_n 2_o thess_n 3.6_o we_o warn_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o he_o be_v grievous_o offend_v with_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v according_o with_o all_o severity_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 55._o and_o the_o reason_n for_o such_o proceed_n be_v very_o weighty_a this_o first_o no_o government_n i_o say_v not_o only_o can_v be_v good_a but_o can_v stand_v where_o malefactor_n be_v not_o punish_v much_o less_o can_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n where_o sin_n be_v special_o to_o be_v hate_v prevent_v and_o suppress_v second_o where_o know_a sin_n be_v not_o punish_v there_o the_o state_n and_o government_n be_v repute_v accessary_a to_o that_o sin_n now_o what_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o to_o god_n religion_n and_o church_n to_o be_v account_v favourer_n or_o sparer_n of_o any_o sin_n which_o they_o must_v be_v if_o offender_n be_v not_o punish_v three_o offender_n must_v be_v punish_v else_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o infect_v the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a l●mpe_n therefore_o the_o old_a and_o sour_a leaven_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v forth_o four_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o offendor_n himself_o censure_n must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v thereby_o destroy_v and_o his_o soul_n save_v and_o so_o god_n mercy_n glorify_v in_o the_o convert_n a_o penitent_a sinner_n by_o his_o save_a ordinance_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o but_o if_o he_o continue_v obstinate_a his_o punishment_n here_o be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o torment_a state_n in_o hell_n and_o the_o decreee_v of_o god_n reprobation_n be_v begin_v to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o judgement_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o enemy_n now_o these_o proceed_n consist_v in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o church_n be_v merciful_a even_o as_o their_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a they_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v and_o therefore_o they_o attempt_v all_o mean_n of_o cure_n first_o before_o they_o proceed_v in_o cut_v off_o this_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v just_a too_o as_o god_n their_o father_n be_v just_a and_o therefore_o when_o gracious_a and_o mild_a mean_n do_v not_o prevail_v they_o proceed_v to_o rough_a course_n first_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v private_a admonition_n betwixt_o he_o and_o thou_o or_o two_o or_o three_o more_o so_o our_o saviour_n command_v matth._n 18.15_o 16._o second_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v complaint_n must_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n as_o in_o vers_n 17._o which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o note_v out_o by_o letter_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o three_o consequent_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n separate_v from_o he_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o that_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o and_o this_o be_v it_o also_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.9_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o company_n with_o fornicator_n this_o be_v a_o suspending_a of_o they_o for_o a_o time_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o from_o communion_n in_o holy_a thing_n till_o the_o church_n have_v trial_n whether_o thereby_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n four_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o why_o if_o they_o can_v cure_v they_o must_v cut_v off_o he_o must_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n indeed_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n ratify_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o whosoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n yet_o so_o too_o that_o upon_o his_o repentance_n they_o can_v and_o must_v and_o do_v most_o willing_o loose_v they_o from_o those_o band_n of_o satan_n wherein_o they_o wrap_v he_o before_o this_o be_v a_o most_o serious_a and_o weighty_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o how_o grievous_o it_o be_v both_o neglect_v and_o abuse_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o any_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o execute_v these_o censure_n shall_v yet_o neglect_v they_o these_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v or_o cast_v off_o the_o obstinate_a when_o imprisonment_n and_o all_o other_o way_n will_v not_o serve_v so_o also_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v inflict_v they_o deride_v it_o and_o make_v but_o a_o jest_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o the_o further_o from_o heaven_n for_o all_o that_o and_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v never_o near_o it_o well_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o abuse_n it_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o precious_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v dally_v in_o nor_o base_o esteem_v yea_o it_o be_v god_n own_o work_n and_o do_v where_o it_o be_v lawful_o proceed_v in_o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o where_o it_o be_v abuse_v god_n will_v be_v avenge_v on_o the_o abuser_n to_o the_o full_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o curse_v causeless_a as_o solomon_n speak_v be_v like_o the_o fly_n of_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n it_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n deride_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v their_o fearful_a sin_n that_o inflict_v it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v just_o suffer_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n that_o can_v light_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o life_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o that_o only_o deprive_v we_o of_o temporal_a life_n this_o of_o eternal_a life_n a_o wound_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o they_o that_o have_v ●el●_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o this_o for_o a_o man_n sometime_o in_o that_o case_n can_v pray_v for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o can_v pray_v for_o himself_o yet_o he_o may_v and_o must_v and_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o congregation_n these_o be_v neither_o in_o case_n
may_v live_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o under_o they_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n not_o only_o in_o civil_a honesty_n as_o they_o be_v magistrate_n but_o in_o all_o goodness_n too_o as_o they_o be_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o be_v countenance_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o where_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o though_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o sure_o these_o officer_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v speak_v of_o ro._n 12.8_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o in_o all_o good_a consideration_n be_v to_o reach_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o second_o question_n concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v consist_v wherein_o his_o office_n consist_v i_o answer_v it_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oversight_n the_o last_o duty_n we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a exercise_n general_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o scarce_o of_o proof_n for_o this_o point_n because_o there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v abundant_o supply_v in_o the_o old_a and_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o you_o shall_v find_v then_o that_o his_o office_n consist_v special_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o oversight_n but_o the_o particular_n wherein_o his_o office_n consist_v be_v these_o first_o in_o call_v assembly_n second_o in_o abolish_n false_a worship_n thing_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o in_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o their_o maintenance_n four_a in_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n last_o in_o appoint_v consistory_n you_o shall_v find_v these_o thing_n perform_v by_o asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 15._o and_o in_o the_o 29._o and_o 30._o and_o 34._o and_o 35._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n first_o for_o call_v of_o assembly_n that_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o king_n as_o in_o jonah_n 3.7_o and_o second_o for_o abolish_n of_o false_a worship_n we_o see_v it_o be_v perform_v by_o moses_n the_o chief_a magistrate_n exod._n 32.20_o as_o also_o by_o king_n asa_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 15.12_o 13_o and_o 14._o verse_n and_o for_o establish_v god_n true_a worship_n it_o be_v do_v by_o josiah_n in_o the_o 2_o king_n 23.2_o 3._o and_o by_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.3_o 4_o 5._o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o judge_n 6._o from_o the_o 23._o to_o the_o 26._o verse_n we_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o perform_v by_o gedeon_n and_o three_o for_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o their_o maintenance_n we_o may_v read_v how_o it_o be_v do_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o 2_o chro._n 8.14_o 15._o and_o by_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o and_o chap._n 31.4_o and_o 16._o and_o 17._o verse_n and_o by_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 35.2_o and_o by_o nehemiah_n chap._n 13.11_o 12._o verse_n and_o four_a for_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v do_v by_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 30._o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o six_o verse_n and_o josiah_n compel_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 34.33_o and_o so_o asa_n do_v the_o like_a 2_o chron._n 15.13_o and_o last_o for_o the_o appoint_v and_o last_o for_o the_o appoint_v consistory_n you_o shall_v read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19.8_o how_o it_o be_v do_v by_o jehosaphat_n and_o command_v by_o god_n deut._n 17.8_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o show_v how_o god_n do_v grace_v his_o church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o sword_n to_o maintain_v the_o word_n and_o prince_n that_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o his_o church_n and_o king_n and_o great_a potentate_n to_o be_v her_o servant_n use_v 2_o second_o this_o serve_v for_o the_o reproof_n first_o of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o under_o the_o minister_n these_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o they_o rob_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o their_o chief_a grace_n and_o great_a part_n of_o authority_n and_o also_o they_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o her_o best_a defence_n under_o god_n on_o earth_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o any_o church_n in_o these_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v add_v somewhat_o express_o and_o particular_o touch_v the_o magistrate_n too_o use_v 3_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n towards_o we_o that_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sword_n go_v together_o that_o the_o church_n flourish_v and_o her_o enemy_n go_v to_o wrack_n that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v might_o advance_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_a and_o full_a passage_n this_o we_o be_v to_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o care_n and_o continual_a supply_n of_o such_o magistrate_n and_o also_o we_o be_v to_o mourn_v and_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o such_o hopeful_a successor_n and_o heir_n when_o we_o see_v the_o breath_n take_v out_o of_o their_o nostril_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n this_o we_o be_v every_o one_o to_o mourn_v and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o by_o fast_v and_o by_o prayer_n if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o public_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v it_o private_o for_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a judgement_n and_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v not_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o fear_v some_o more_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n to_o befall_v us._n the_o eighteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n after_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n touch_v the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church-government_n we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n where_o we_o show_v first_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o second_o what_o they_o be_v by_o name_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n that_o these_o person_n and_o officer_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o point_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o action_n and_o duty_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o point_n that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o business_n to_o be_v do_v do_v necessary_o require_v certain_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o and_o sure_o direct_v god_n business_n require_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v but_o as_o they_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o so_o the_o carriage_n must_v be_v good_a too_o they_o must_v be_v well_o do_v the_o lord_n be_v very_o precise_a and_o jealous_a over_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v give_v express_a commandment_n that_o they_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o so_o also_o he_o have_v prescribe_v certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v proceed_v in_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n command_v neglect_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o be_v like_o saul_n obedience_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v disobedience_n at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v but_o half_a obedience_n the_o lord_n accept_v it_o not_o for_o our_o sound_n and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o when_o we_o do_v it_o as_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o in_o exod._n 39.42_o 43._o where_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v commend_v because_o they_o do_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n command_v they_o and_o in_o every_o point_n as_o he_o command_v they_o head_n now_o the_o rule_n here_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v well_o do_v be_v many_o for_o order_n and_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o warrant_n must_v be_v good_a by_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o second_o the_o manner_n must_v be_v good_a whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v three_o the_o end_n must_v be_v good_a which_o we_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o these_o person_n and_o
officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n must_v have_v a_o good_a warrant_n the_o best_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a true_a and_o sound_a warrant_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o word_n for_o see_v he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v instrument_n and_o servant_n under_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o place_n first_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v into_o careful_o and_o diligent_o second_o we_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n both_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o also_o for_o willing_a conformablenesse_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v right_o consult_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n when_o we_o have_v take_v advice_n from_o his_o word_n for_o every_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v a_o comfortable_a answer_n from_o he_o in_o prayer_n for_o encouragement_n therein_o and_o do_v so_o proceed_v in_o it_o because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o as_o every_o creature_n so_o every_o business_n we_o go_v about_o be_v true_o sanctify_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o a_o warrant_n for_o it_o and_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o it_o warrant_v here_o therefore_o in_o god_n word_n first_o we_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o doer_n that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v authorise_v at_o least_o allow_v by_o god_n to_o deal_v in_o it_o three_o a_o warrant_n must_v be_v have_v hence_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n that_o it_o be_v command_v or_o at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n the_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o insist_v on_o be_v the_o warrant_n for_o the_o caution_n condition_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o principal_a either_o a_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n or_o second_o a_o inferior_a warrant_n of_o a_o low_a degree_n derive_v from_o it_o the_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o either_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n or_o example_n by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o that_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_a each_o precise_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o bind_v law_n example_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o as_o the_o word_n commend_v they_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a extraordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o certain_a time_n place_n and_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n of_o mathias_n by_o lot_n act._n 1._o and_o these_o end_v where_o they_o begin_v and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v propound_v as_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n ordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v common_o practise_v as_o gather_v for_o the_o saint_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o that_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n so_o he_o ordain_v among_o they_o also_o etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o where_o there_o be_v like_o occasion_n second_o the_o warrant_n from_o a_o inferior_a or_o low_a degree_n warrant_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o principal_a these_o be_v young_a in_o year_n as_o not_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o some_o near_a age_n after_o and_o mean_a in_o authority_n as_o be_v ratify_v by_o man_n not_o so_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o these_o also_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n first_o precept_n and_o they_o be_v common_o call_v tradition_n or_o constitution_n i_o mean_v not_o tradition_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a church_n government_n and_o these_o may_v more_o safe_o be_v deal_v withal_o second_o example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v either_o general_o ratify_v by_o all_o or_o the_o most_o church_n or_o else_o but_o by_o some_o one_o or_o few_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a or_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a now_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n must_v have_v ground_n from_o one_o or_o both_o these_o warrant_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o must_v have_v warrant_n from_o the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a warrant_n therefore_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n look_v special_o into_o the_o principal_a warrant_n which_o be_v the_o word_n if_o so_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a precept_n for_o it_o then_o that_o must_v be_v do_v as_o the_o lord_n commandment_n without_o any_o further_o communicate_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o but_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v general_a as_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o such_o particular_n only_o as_o natural_o proceed_v from_o thence_o be_v inform_v by_o sound_a consequence_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o scripture_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o example_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o precept_n be_v of_o because_o those_o be_v absolute_o to_o be_v embrace_v yet_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o fashion_v ourselves_o unto_o always_o observe_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o time_n place_n person_n occasion_n and_o such_o other_o necessary_a circumstance_n for_o to_o apply_v that_o to_o one_o church_n in_o one_o state_n and_o at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v in_o another_o church_n in_o another_o state_n and_o at_o another_o time_n be_v absurd_a well_o then_o if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o principal_a warrant_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o god_n word_n then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o inferior_a warrant_n we_o must_v see_v what_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o writer_n that_o have_v speak_v of_o church-government_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o of_o these_o we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a if_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n by_o constitution_n or_o practice_n but_o in_o the_o late_a and_o corrupt_a time_n i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n now_o be_v may_v as_o well_o devise_v particular_n of_o their_o own_o as_o follow_v they_o yea_o and_o better_o so_o long_o as_o they_o measure_v their_o particular_n fit_o and_o wise_o by_o those_o in_o the_o word_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o precedent_n in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v safe_a enough_o to_o build_v on_o they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o misapplyed_n nor_o mistake_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v many_o constitution_n and_o example_n in_o those_o church_n and_o some_o differ_v from_o other_o take_v the_o best_a that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v near_a to_o the_o word_n and_o have_v best_a precedent_n of_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o such_o as_o that_o their_o condition_n &_o state_n may_v best_o agree_v with_o we_o this_o point_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n some_o have_v go_v too_o far_o in_o esteem_v too_o high_o of_o it_o some_o have_v come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o it_o first_o some_o esteem_n too_o high_o of_o these_o impious_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o word_n whereas_o there_o be_v two_o main_a difference_n first_o because_o those_o in_o the_o word_n be_v certain_o true_a we_o know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n second_o as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o so_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n first_o haply_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v at_o least_o in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o person_n for_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o thing_n not_o true_a or_o second_o yet_o they_o may_v err_v for_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n other_o come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a they_o esteem_v
host_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o magnify_v of_o his_o name_n as_o also_o it_o require_v uprightness_n of_o heart_n that_o lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n covetousness_n ambition_n please_v of_o man_n they_o may_v mere_o intend_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o second_o end_n be_v that_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o brethren_n so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o will_v have_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n do_v for_o edification_n and_o so_o he_o carry_v himself_o 2_o cor._n 12.19_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n &_o give_v they_o gift_n for_o that_o end_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ephes_n 4.12_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o all_o must_v direct_v themselves_o unto_o now_o this_o matter_n of_o edification_n require_v two_o grace_n wisdom_n first_o wisdom_n second_o love_n if_o we_o have_v not_o these_o grace_n we_o shall_v never_o take_v this_o course_n first_o it_o require_v wisdom_n to_o observe_v &_o discern_v what_o course_n be_v most_o profitable_a for_o edification_n and_o that_o to_o follow_v as_o the_o minister_n be_v wise_o to_o observe_v the_o time_n and_o season_n he_o live_v in_o and_o the_o person_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o and_o so_o to_o insist_v chief_o on_o such_o point_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o season_n and_o person_n to_o give_v milk_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o meat_n to_o the_o strong_a he_o must_v be_v a_o wise_a steward_n give_v to_o every_o one_o in_o god_n house_n his_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n where_o this_o rule_n be_v observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a furtherance_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n as_o wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o this_o duty_n so_o also_o in_o the_o second_o place_n love_n be_v require_v in_o commiserate_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a love_n and_o in_o have_v compassion_n of_o the_o damnable_a estate_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a and_o unbelieve_a soul_n unfeigned_o desire_v and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n frame_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n so_o as_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n they_o must_v with_o the_o apostle_n become_v all_o to_o all_o that_o they_o may_v win_v some_o love_n be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o church_n than_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o love_n edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o knowledge_n without_o love_n make_v man_n proud_a it_o tend_v to_o ostentation_n but_o love_v always_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o those_o thing_n only_o that_o may_v edify_v then_o do_v man_n swerve_v from_o this_o golden_a rule_n of_o edification_n when_o they_o enact_v law_n ordain_v ceremony_n use_v preach_v general_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o state_n more_o than_o for_o edification_n yea_o from_o than_o they_o commit_v high_a impiety_n in_o this_o kind_n when_o they_o use_v course_n and_o passage_n in_o church-government_n to_o destruction_n not_o to_o edification_n yea_o as_o snare_n to_o entrap_v tender_a conscience_n at_o least_o to_o provoke_v and_o offend_v they_o this_o be_v against_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 2_o cor._n 1_o 3._o our_o power_n say_v he_o be_v give_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impose_v be_v lawful_a must_v we_o do_v they_o present_o no_o not_o unless_o they_o edify_v our_o brother_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 15.1_o 2._o we_o must_v bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o every_o man_n must_v please_v his_o neighbour_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o edification_n and_o rom._n 14.19_o let_v we_o follow_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v peace_n and_o wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o 1_o cor._n 10.23_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v we_o must_v not_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n unless_o they_o edify_v so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v be_v do_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v touch_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o the_o officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o perform_v their_o action_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n now_o it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o instance_n as_o i_o promise_v in_o two_o or_o three_o duty_n fit_v they_o to_o the_o person_n and_o rule_n duty_n and_o first_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o first_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n now_o as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n so_o they_o must_v be_v administer_v first_o by_o such_o person_n and_o second_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v ordain_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o the_o duty_n first_o the_o person_n to_o deal_v in_o every_o of_o these_o duty_n in_o the_o public_a use_n be_v the_o minister_n be_v they_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o presbyter_n they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o they_o their_o very_a name_n import_v so_o much_o they_o be_v call_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o so_o prayer_n it_o hold_v by_o proportion_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o law_n for_o they_o and_o none_o else_o be_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n i_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a case_n but_o necessity_n sometime_o enforce_v otherwise_o yet_o some_o be_v express_o except_v against_o in_o this_o case_n as_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o and_o therefore_o whereas_o sometime_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o baptize_v this_o be_v a_o horrible_a presumption_n in_o they_o and_o a_o profanation_n of_o god_n mystery_n second_o the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o must_v be_v direct_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n be_v these_o first_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v god_n word_n alone_o and_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o manner_n it_o must_v be_v sincere_o preach_v not_o make_v merchandise_n thereon_o and_o true_o and_o right_o agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o instant_o and_o continual_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reverent_o and_o conscionable_o and_o powerful_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n second_o the_o sacrament_n those_o and_o none_o other_o must_v be_v administer_v which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o that_o right_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n institute_v they_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o every_o circumstance_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v of_o year_n so_o must_v not_o we_o be_v three_o prayer_n that_o must_v be_v fit_v for_o every_o occasion_n sin_n must_v be_v confess_v judgement_n must_v be_v pray_v against_o blessing_n must_v be_v thankful_o remember_v and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o all_o fervent_o and_o in_o the_o spirit_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o second_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o second_o duty_n election_n of_o officer_n and_o here_o also_o consider_v first_o the_o person_n that_o must_v perform_v this_o duty_n second_o the_o rule_n they_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o first_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o it_o for_o minister_n it_o must_v be_v those_o that_o be_v in_o superior_a place_n and_o degree_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o with_o approbation_n of_o fellow_n minister_n so_o for_o deacon_n or_o churchwarden_n and_o other_o inferior_a officer_n they_o must_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n together_o we_o see_v a_o precedent_n for_o this_o in_o act._n 6._o where_o the_o apostle_n refer_v this_o partly_o to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v choose_v out_o certain_a from_o among_o themselves_o for_o this_o office_n and_o yet_o still_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o it_o and_o a_o hand_n in_o it_o too_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o that_o place_n second_o the_o rule_n they_o must_v proceed_v by_o in_o this_o duty_n and_o special_o in_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v these_o first_o be_v examination_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o gift_n so_o it_o be_v imply_v of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o 22._o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v in_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o let_v they_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o minister_v if_o
our_o love_n will_v fail_v too_o so_o also_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o will_v still_o build_v and_o rest_v upon_o they_o in_o all_o our_o cross_n with_o all_o manly_a confidence_n when_o in_o outward_a appearance_n it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v and_o stand_v so_o it_o be_v also_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n to_o see_v if_o we_o will_v quiet_o endure_v all_o cross_n and_o opposition_n and_o speak_v against_o of_o sinner_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a deal_n for_o christ_n sake_n last_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o for_o common_o many_o corruption_n break_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n in_o these_o opposition_n as_o we_o see_v in_o job_n who_o be_v a_o just_a and_o upright_o man_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v in_o his_o affliction_n what_o a_o sea_n of_o corruption_n burst_v out_o of_o he_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o church_n have_v so_o many_o adversary_n and_o opposite_n the_o use_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o instruction_n use_v 1_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a be_v also_o the_o portion_n of_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a here_o sure_o a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o many_o adversary_n so_o that_o when_o thou_o enterest_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n know_v that_o thou_o enterest_n into_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n and_o a_o world_n of_o opposition_n dream_v not_o therefore_o of_o outward_a peace_n and_o ease_n there_o for_o that_o state_n can_v afford_v it_o but_o look_v for_o war_n and_o bicker_n continual_o either_o within_o or_o without_o either_o with_o one_o enemy_n or_o other_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v pass_v one_o or_o many_o conflict_n do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o say_v now_o i_o hope_v my_o pain_n be_v past_a but_o be_v sure_a that_o so_o soon_o as_o one_o trouble_n be_v end_v another_o will_v follow_v it_o at_o the_o very_a heel_n a_o state_n of_o worldly_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a estate_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n we_o may_v fear_v that_o the_o devil_n possess_v all_o in_o peace_n there_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v luk._n 11.27_o and_o in_o luk._n 6.21_o 22._o he_o say_v bless_a be_v you_o that_o weep_v for_o you_o shall_v laugh_v bless_v be_v you_o when_o man_n hate_v you_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o we_o be_v to_o you_o that_o laugh_v now_o for_o you_o shall_v wail_v and_o weep_v woe_n be_v to_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o vers_n 25.26_o there_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o reprobate_n do_v we_o laugh_v and_o have_v we_o our_o pleasure_n now_o and_o do_v all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o we_o then_o certain_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bless_a but_o our_o estate_n be_v a_o woeful_a estate_n we_o must_v take_v this_o as_o a_o rule_n that_o to_o who_o abraham_n our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v say_v son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o pleasure_n to_o those_o shall_v be_v also_o say_v after_o this_o life_n now_o thou_o be_v torment_v luke_n 16._o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o estate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o lazarus_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v say_v of_o we_o that_o we_o have_v have_v our_o pain_n here_o he_o shall_v also_o affirm_v of_o we_o after_o this_o life_n as_o of_o he_o but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v pain_n be_v bitter_a here_o but_o they_o be_v sweet_a hereafter_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n child_n have_v many_o time_n peace_n here_o and_o yet_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o the_o wicked_a may_v have_v many_o cross_n and_o yet_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o cross_n and_o suffering_n that_o befall_v we_o for_o christ_n cause_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n because_o we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o we_o must_v look_v for_o in_o this_o life_n as_o christ_n be_v a_o sign_n to_o be_v speak_v against_o luk._n 2.34_o or_o a_o butt_n to_o shoot_v at_o so_o be_v his_o church_n and_o every_o paricular_a member_n and_o this_o be_v it_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o in_o this_o world_n here_o be_v our_o warfare_n in_o heaven_n be_v our_o crown_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o live_v here_o let_v we_o look_v for_o many_o adùersary_n and_o opposition_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v the_o cross_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v into_o hell_n for_o first_o it_o keep_v many_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n what_o say_v they_o shall_v we_o enter_v into_o so_o many_o trouble_n if_o they_o can_v separate_v the_o church_n from_o the_o cross_n than_o they_o will_v be_v of_o the_o church_n like_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o pharisy_n in_o matth._n 27.42_o that_o say_v let_v he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o so_o these_o man_n if_o you_o can_v separate_v christ_n from_o his_o cross_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o second_o it_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o many_o to_o make_v they_o fly_v away_o from_o the_o church_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n so_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n matth._n 26.56_o when_o their_o master_n be_v in_o trouble_n for_o his_o life_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v this_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n but_o many_o in_o the_o time_n of_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n fall_v away_o final_o from_o the_o church_n such_o be_v they_o that_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o stony_a ground_n mat._n 13.20.21_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n with_o joy_n for_o a_o time_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n therefore_o when_o persecution_n come_v they_o fall_v away_o three_o it_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o other_o that_o be_v beholder_n of_o these_o opposition_n cause_v they_o to_o pass_v hard_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n on_o we_o either_o scoff_o by_o way_n of_o insultation_n as_o they_o do_v over_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 27.43_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n let_v he_o deliver_v he_o now_o if_o he_o will_v have_v he_o for_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o our_o saviour_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o shameful_a death_n therefore_o they_o scoff_v at_o he_o and_o insult_v over_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o this_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o else_o it_o cause_v other_o to_o pass_v hard_a censure_n on_o we_o reproachful_o tax_v we_o as_o notorious_a sinner_n because_o we_o be_v so_o continual_o molest_v as_o they_o do_v of_o our_o saviour_n esa_n 53.34_o they_o think_v he_o to_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v plague_v and_o smite_v of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o act_n 28.4_o they_o judge_v of_o paul_n when_o the_o viper_n hang_v upon_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o sea_n yet_o vengeance_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o live_v thus_o many_o make_v the_o persecution_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o join_v with_o the_o church_n these_o be_v all_o here_o reprove_v use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o duty_n duty_n be_v the_o church_n oppose_v with_o many_o adversary_n than_o we_o must_v learn_v first_o to_o fight_v and_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o ourselves_o with_o good_a spirit_n and_o courage_n against_o all_o our_o adversary_n the_o apostle_n 1_o cor_fw-la 16.13_o exhort_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n quit_v yourselves_o like_o man_n be_v strong_a etc._n etc._n see_v we_o be_v match_v with_o so_o many_o adversary_n we_o must_v fight_v manful_o and_o quit_v ourselves_o like_o christian_a man_n for_o shall_v they_o fight_v against_o we_o and_o that_o continual_o and_o shall_v we_o lie_v still_o either_o not_o fight_v at_o all_o or_o if_o we_o begin_v to_o fight_v shall_v we_o like_o coward_n give_v
over_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o trample_v we_o under_o their_o foot_n god_n forbid_v this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o and_o our_o soul_n into_o our_o enemy_n hand_n but_o also_o to_o deliver_v god_n himself_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v and_o his_o cause_n and_o religion_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n if_o we_o be_v oppose_v in_o a_o outward_a fight_n as_o man_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o to_o strike_v again_o and_o to_o make_v all_o resistance_n where_o we_o shall_v not_o but_o in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v rather_o yield_v and_o give_v place_n and_o not_o resist_v evil_a as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o matth._n 5.39_o etc._n etc._n be_v therefore_o oppose_v as_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v dear_a to_o we_o then_o our_o life_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o a_o express_a charge_n to_o resist_v and_o fight_v it_o out_o why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o quicken_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n if_o need_v require_v that_o so_o these_o adversary_n may_v not_o have_v their_o will_n on_o us._n second_o as_o we_o must_v fight_v so_o we_o must_v fight_v lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 2_o 5._o that_o be_v as_o we_o must_v fight_v on_o a_o good_a ground_n so_o we_o must_v fight_v by_o good_a and_o lawful_a mean_n when_o we_o come_v to_o have_v bicker_n with_o the_o wicked_a we_o must_v not_o do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o do_v by_o we_o to_o quit_v they_o like_v for_o like_a if_o they_o wrong_v we_o we_o must_v not_o wrong_v they_o or_o if_o they_o slander_v or_o revile_v or_o overreach_v we_o we_o must_v not_o do_v the_o like_a by_o they_o no_o we_o must_v fight_v against_o they_o by_o lawful_a mean_n such_o as_o be_v infallible_a by_o god_n word_n we_o be_v to_o deal_v so_o by_o lawful_a course_n against_o they_o as_o they_o do_v unlawful_o against_o us._n three_o that_o we_o may_v strive_v lawful_o we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n ephes_n 6.11_o as_o we_o must_v fight_v so_o we_o must_v be_v arm_v our_o adversary_n come_v forth_o arm_v against_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o go_v forth_o naked_a against_o they_o no_o we_o must_v be_v arm_v too_o yea_o they_o be_v in_o complete_a harness_n well_o appoint_v in_o every_o respect_n to_o hurt_v we_o and_o yet_o to_o keep_v themselves_o harmless_a so_o must_v we_o have_v complete_a armour_n too_o from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n we_o must_v have_v the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n and_o we_o must_v be_v sh●d_v with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n beside_o as_o they_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o devil_n their_o captain_n so_o must_v we_o by_o god_n our_o captain_n upder_v who_o colour_n we_o fight_v we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v press_v the_o more_o upon_o we_o the_o apostle_n double_v his_o exhortation_n in_o 13._o verse_n and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n take_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n four_o we_o must_v watch_v so_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o 1_o cor._n 16.13_o and_o peter_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o be_v sober_a and_o watch_n we_o must_v watch_v for_o first_o our_o adversary_n be_v many_o second_o every_o one_o assault_n three_o they_o watch_v to_o overthrow_v we_o four_a they_o have_v much_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n among_o they_o even_o as_o much_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v put_v into_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o watch_v continual_o and_o to_o stand_v on_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v our_o eye_n open_a and_o to_o cast_v every_o way_n about_o we_o to_o discover_v and_o prevent_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v ourselves_o remember_v still_o that_o the_o envious_a man_n prevail_v in_o his_o purpose_n against_o the_o good_a seed_n while_o man_n be_v sleep_v matth._n 13.25_o that_o be_v while_o they_o be_v not_o watchful_a and_o wary_a to_o prevent_v he_o the_o five_o duty_n which_o we_o must_v practise_v be_v that_o with_o our_o fight_n and_o watch_v we_o take_v all_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o our_o own_o defence_n we_o must_v learn_v of_o our_o adversary_n who_o be_v exceed_o wise_a in_o do_v evil_a so_o we_o must_v be_v wise_a in_o do_v good_a as_o they_o spy_v out_o their_o best_a advantage_n when_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o best_a prepare_v and_o when_o it_o will_v be_v most_o for_o their_o benefit_n and_o our_o hurt_n and_o when_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o most_o unprovided_a not_o so_o able_a to_o make_v our_o party_n good_a against_o they_o so_o must_v we_o do_v against_o they_o special_o we_o must_v take_v such_o advantage_n as_o god_n afford_v we_o in_o his_o word_n when_o we_o read_v how_o other_o of_o god_n child_n have_v defend_v themselves_o in_o such_o assault_n let_v we_o take_v advantage_n by_o their_o example_n and_o still_o in_o all_o our_o assault_n let_v we_o lay_v up_o something_o for_o our_o defence_n against_o another_o time_n six_o let_v we_o throw_v away_o all_o hindrance_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o no_o man_n that_o war_v entangle_v himself_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n etc._n etc._n soldier_n carry_v little_a with_o they_o to_o the_o war_n but_o cast_v away_o all_o that_o be_v troublesome_a to_o they_o so_o must_v we_o throw_v away_o all_o hindrance_n that_o may_v trouble_v we_o in_o this_o fight_n as_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o pleasure_n yea_o and_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v loave_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n too_o and_o throw_v they_o all_o away_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v cumber_v we_o in_o this_o battle_n we_o must_v rid_v our_o hand_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o what_o necessity_n tie_v we_o to_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o encumbrance_n in_o the_o manage_v of_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o corinth_n 9_o 26_o 27._o propound_v himself_o for_o a_o example_n in_o this_o case_n so_o fight_v i_o say_v he_o not_o as_o one_o that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o i_o beat_v down_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o in_o subjection_n etc._n etc._n he_o know_v that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o beat_v down_o his_o body_n and_o so_o cast_v this_o hindrance_n away_o he_o shall_v but_o beat_v the_o air_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v throw_v away_o all_o that_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o manage_v of_o this_o spiritual_a fight_n the_o seven_o duty_n be_v confidence_n in_o god_n love_n we_o must_v cast_v ourselves_o by_o faith_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ephes_n 6.10_o my_o brethren_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o we_o in_o this_o our_o battle_n and_o this_o faith_n and_o confidence_n be_v nor_o only_o a_o part_n of_o this_o fight_n but_o the_o very_a victory_n itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 5.4_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n whereby_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v call_v a_o shield_n to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n ephes_n 6._o the_o eight_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v from_o hence_o to_o practice_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o prevail_v in_o our_o fight_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v psalm_n 56.9_o when_o i_o cry_v than_o my_o enemy_n shall_v turn_v back_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n practise_v in_o his_o spiritual_a fight_n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n be_v send_v to_o buffet_v he_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n ephes_n 6.18_o exhort_v we_o hereunto_o in_o many_o term_n pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n we_o must_v have_v help_n and_o strength_n else_o we_o can_v withstand_v our_o enemy_n they_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o we_o so_o weak_a and_o whence_o shall_v we_o have_v help_n but_o from_o god_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o obtain_v it_o of_o he_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v pray_v always_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o fight_n and_o that_o he_o will_v daunt_v and_o draw_v all_o good_a success_n from_o our_o enemy_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o prevail_v against_o we_o but_o that_o we_o may_v prevail_v against_o they_o exod._n 17.11_o when_o
mean_n that_o he_o tender_v to_o we_o for_o our_o relief_n either_o by_o resistance_n or_o by_o escape_n if_o he_o afford_v we_o mean_n to_o fight_v and_o resist_v than_o we_o must_v withstand_v our_o enemy_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n james_n 4.7_o resist_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n if_o god_n tender_a opportunity_n by_o flight_n take_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o mean_n so_o christ_n teach_v we_o matth._n 10.23_o if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n fly_v into_o another_o and_o this_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n practice_n act_v 9.25_o he_o be_v let_v down_o in_o a_o basket_n through_o the_o wall_n and_o so_o escape_v form_v his_o enemy_n so_o that_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v we_o of_o flight_n we_o must_v take_v it_o always_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a course_n for_o we_o to_o take_v which_o god_n offer_v we_o opportunity_n of_o and_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o wait_v for_o a_o blessing_n on_o it_o four_a we_o must_v cleave_v to_o god_n by_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n make_v and_o keep_v thy_o peace_n always_o with_o god_n whatsoever_o thou_o do_v keep_v he_o thy_o friend_n whosoever_o be_v thy_o enemy_n and_o this_o thou_o must_v do_v by_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o then_o he_o will_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o carry_v thou_o in_o their_o hand_n that_o nothing_o may_v hurt_v thou_o psalm_n 91.11_o 12._o and_o psalm_n 34.7_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v their_o tent_n round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o deliver_v they_o if_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o labour_n to_o please_v he_o than_o thy_o enemy_n may_v go_v about_o thou_o again_o and_o again_o seek_v to_o devour_v thou_o but_o still_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o tent_n of_o god_n angel_n every_o where_o round_a about_o thou_o to_o deliver_v thou_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v thou_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n even_o to_o every_o thing_n use_v 3_o we_o hear_v and_o see_v sure_o very_o wary_o and_o suspicious_o for_o fear_v leave_v the_o enemy_n have_v lay_v a_o snare_n in_o they_o to_o entrap_v thou_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o use_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n let_v we_o sanctify_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o this_o we_o must_v do_v if_o not_o for_o any_o good_a and_o blessing_n that_o we_o expect_v by_o they_o yet_o at_o least_o for_o fear_n of_o some_o evil_n that_o the_o enemy_n intend_v against_o we_o in_o they_o special_o we_o be_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o very_o wary_o to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n even_o to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o enemy_n most_o dangerous_a such_o enemy_n as_o be_v ever_o seek_v or_o ready_a to_o seek_v thy_o destruction_n have_v little_a to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o even_o as_o thou_o needs_o must_v and_o so_o thou_o shall_v be_v safe_a from_o their_o danger_n learn_v christ_n lesson_n matth._n 10.17_o beware_v of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o follow_v his_o example_n joh._n 2.24_o when_o many_o believe_v in_o he_o because_o of_o his_o miracle_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o to_o they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o all_o there_o be_v many_o more_o particular_a duty_n to_o be_v learn_v hence_o but_o because_o they_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o next_o point_n we_o will_v refer_v they_o thither_o adversary_n now_o come_v we_o to_o the_o four_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o carry_v and_o behave_v herself_o to_o her_o adversary_n they_o must_v not_o cowardly_o lie_v down_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o trample_v on_o they_o but_o they_o must_v oppose_v against_o they_o and_o that_o not_o rash_o and_o desperate_o and_o presumptuous_o hand_n overhead_n but_o as_o their_o warfare_n be_v spiritual_a and_o religious_a so_o must_v they_o carry_v themselves_o according_o in_o it_o i_o will_v deliver_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n take_v it_o thus_o god_n church_n and_o choose_a must_v so_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o course_n against_o their_o adversary_n that_o they_o may_v manage_v a_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o they_o such_o as_o may_v well_o beseem_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o the_o soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o the_o apostle_n bid_v timothy_n fight_v out_o the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fight_n that_o we_o be_v put_v to_o and_o we_o must_v fight_v it_o out_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o fight_n of_o faith_n first_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v it_o that_o be_v special_o strike_v at_o by_o our_o enemy_n and_o maintain_v by_o we_o and_o also_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a weapon_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o fight_v so_o likewise_o the_o fight_n we_o make_v must_v be_v a_o good_a fight_n well_o manage_v in_o every_o respect_n and_o that_o timothy_n may_v see_v that_o paul_n charge_v no_o more_o on_o he_o than_o he_o practise_v in_o himself_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n have_v do_v so_o and_o take_v his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d it_o as_o it_o be_v 2_o tim._n 4.6_o 7._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v etc._n etc._n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n 1_o pet._n 5.9_o who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n except_o we_o will_v be_v devour_v by_o satan_n and_o carry_v quick_a to_o hell_n we_o be_v to_o resist_v and_o that_o in_o faith_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o steadfast_a resistance_n in_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n and_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 6.10_o have_v exhort_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o strong_a if_o he_o be_v not_o well_o appoin_v with_o armour_n and_o weapon_n may_v be_v overthrow_v therefore_o in_o the_o 11._o verse_n he_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o fight_v furnish_v we_o with_o armour_n and_o weapon_n and_o discretion_n how_o to_o use_v they_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n fight_n &c_n &c_n now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n against_o our_o adversary_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o fight_n second_o bow_v we_o be_v to_o do_v it_o first_o what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v two_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o double_a work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o fight_n defensive_a and_o offensive_a we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o to_o oppose_v our_o adversary_n thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 6._o make_v mention_n of_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n reckon_v up_o not_o only_o a_o shield_n and_o a_o helmet_n but_o a_o sword_n too_o the_o first_o work_n then_o to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o fight_n be_v defensive_a we_o be_v to_o save_v ourselves_o harmless_a for_o we_o be_v dear_a and_o tender_a to_o god_n in_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v defend_v and_o keep_v ourselves_o the_o best_a we_o can_v this_o counsel_n the_o apostle_n john_n give_v we_o in_o his_o 2._o epistle_n verse_n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o you_o lose_v not_o the_o thing_n you_o have_v do_v so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o counsel_v for_o our_o bodily_a preservation_n matth._n 10.23_o if_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o one_o city_n fly_v unto_o another_o and_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o not_o one_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n shall_v perish_v we_o be_v to_o use_v all_o the_o good_a mean_n we_o can_v that_o it_o may_v be_v accomplish_v it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v otherwise_o matth._n 26.53_o he_o will_v not_o defend_v himself_o though_o he_o may_v have_v have_v legion_n of_o angel_n to_o defend_v he_o i_o answer_v the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o for_o he_o know_v it_o be_v his_o father_n will_n that_o he_o shall_v thus_o yield_v as_o you_o may_v see_v vers_n 54._o he_o do_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v but_o we_o do_v not_o know_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o defend_v ourselves_o if_o lawful_o we_o can_v but_o yet_o if_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o god_n will_v have_v our_o life_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fin_n in_o that_o case_n to_o seek_v to_o save_v they_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n to_o loose_v they_o as_o we_o see_v matth._n 10.39_o and_o howsoever_o we_o ourselves_o speed_v though_o we_o do_v loose_v our_o life_n
messiah_n because_o he_o be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o mean_a in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v so_o blind_v that_o see_v they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o eye_n may_v see_v it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o the_o four_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o before_o we_o come_v to_o expound_v scripture_n be_v this_o we_o must_v bring_v humility_n with_o we_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n lay_v down_o our_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fashion_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v teach_v for_o to_o such_o the_o promise_n of_o teach_v be_v make_v psal_n 25.9_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n empty_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n deny_v thyself_o that_o god_n may_v teach_v thou_o and_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a five_o we_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o after_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o soul_n without_o which_o it_o will_v starve_v and_o die_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v matth._n 5.6_o six_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v a_o good_a mark_n to_o aim_v at_o when_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n namely_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n not_o to_o know_v it_o only_o but_o to_o live_v by_o it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v we_o must_v say_v lord_n it_o be_v thy_o face_n we_o seek_v and_o thy_o glory_n we_o aymeat_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n that_o god_n himself_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o scripture_n to_o thou_o and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o set_v the_o same_o end_n before_o thou_o god_n will_v sure_o assist_v and_o bless_v thou_o according_o last_o before_o we_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v look_v well_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o mark_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o ability_n and_o gift_n and_o attempt_v not_o high_o than_o thou_o can_v reach_v without_o strain_v too_o much_o for_o many_o strive_v to_o reach_v high_a than_o their_o strength_n and_o ability_n will_v reach_v unto_o have_v overreach_v themselves_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o rome_n 12.3.4_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v to_o understand_v above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v itself_o but_o that_o he_o understand_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n second_o in_o the_o business_n itself_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v first_o we_o must_v take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v it_o and_o consider_v and_o observe_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o consistence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o word_n go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o and_o compare_v sense_n with_o sense_n and_o phrase_n with_o phrase_n and_o if_o thy_o skill_n can_v reach_v so_o far_o go_v to_o the_o original_n and_o thus_o do_v thou_o shall_v see_v the_o sense_n arise_v from_o the_o word_n sensible_o as_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fountain_n yea_o but_o say_v the_o papist_n the_o scripture_n be_v hard_a and_o contain_v dark_a speech_n high_a matter_n and_o doubtful_a word_n how_o can_v the_o unlearned_a then_o expound_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o for_o fundamental_a point_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n they_o be_v most_o plain_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n that_o be_v either_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v or_o at_o least_o in_o other_o place_n as_o always_o we_o find_v it_o the_o lord_n still_o confirm_v every_o truth_n by_o the_o ●outh_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n other_o point_n also_o be_v plain_a enough_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o a_o proportionable_a capacity_n i_o say_v not_o to_o every_o capacity_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o matter_n concern_v salvation_n be_v plain_a enough_o in_o scripture_n that_o be_v enough_o but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o tie_v we_o to_o this_o rule_n to_o seek_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o scripture_n you_o do_v but_o as_o heretic_n use_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v miss_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o that_o have_v be_v their_o own_o fault_n the_o fault_n have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n many_o pray_v but_o they_o pray_v amiss_o as_o s._n james_n say_v spirit_n shall_v not_o we_o pray_v because_o of_o that_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o action_n be_v this_o we_o must_v go_v and_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n who_o understand_v they_o and_o best_a know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 2.11.14_o 16._o and_o therefore_o consult_v with_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n too_o this_o be_v true_a say_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o consult_v with_o god_n spirit_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o prayer_n and_o heavenly_a meditation_n the_o spirit_n be_v by_o name_n christ_n substitute_n on_o earth_n for_o this_o business_n john_n 14.25_o 26._o to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o look_v what_o our_o saviour_n do_v when_o he_o be_v present_a upon_o earth_n luke_n 24.32_o 45._o he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o disciple_n and_o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o may_v conceive_v they_o so_o do_v the_o spirit_n now_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o open_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o &_o our_o understand_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v they_o &_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o but_o have_v you_o he_o spirit_n say_v the_o papist_n yea_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o to_o the_o mean_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o learnede_a and_o therefore_o that_o be_v but_o a_o scoff_n of_o they_o to_o say_v you_o that_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a man_n have_v you_o the_o spirit_n three_o we_o must_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n faith_n that_o be_v to_o those_o know_a ground_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o not_o admit_v of_o any_o sense_n to_o cross_v they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o marrow_n of_o scripture_n in_o fundamental_a matter_n they_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o scripture_n itself_o only_o they_o differ_v in_o manner_n that_o which_o be_v more_o large_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v there_o set_v down_o in_o a_o brief_a form_n that_o so_o our_o eye_n may_v the_o better_o be_v fix_v on_o they_o and_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o rom._n 12.6_o to_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o portion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v still_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o that_o four_o we_o must_v use_v all_o industry_n diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o study_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n these_o help_n procure_v rare_a and_o excellent_a thing_n in_o carnal_a business_n and_o so_o will_v do_v much_o more_o in_o god_n business_n labour_n for_o the_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 6.27_o last_o make_v use_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o and_o of_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v write_v upon_o the_o scripture_n both_o old_a and_o new_a the_o papist_n bely_v we_o when_o they_o accuse_v we_o that_o we_o scorn_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n no_o we_o harken_v to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o be_v much_o rule_v by_o her_o judgement_n yet_o not_o to_o build_v only_o or_o chief_o thereon_o but_o to_o be_v instruct_v thereby_o and_o to_o be_v well_o advise_v before_o we_o dissent_v for_o who_o among_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o they_o of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o they_o alone_o in_o the_o three_o place_n after_o we_o come_v to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v do_v after_o we_o have_v lay_v the_o book_n of_o god_n by_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o must_v do_v then_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o fayling_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n on_o our_o labour_n for_o prayer_n must_v be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o last_o duty_n we_o must_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o it_o second_o meditation_n we_o must_v meditate_v of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o mary_n do_v the_o word_n of_o the_o
shepherd_n and_o of_o christ_n luke_n 2.19_o 51._o she_o do_v ponder_v and_o keep_v these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v ripen_v our_o thought_n &_o digest_v our_o reading_n and_o conceit_n as_o chew_v the_o cud_n separate_v the_o refuse_n and_o turn_v the_o best_a into_o good_a nourishment_n the_o three_o duty_n be_v conference_n we_o must_v confer_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v as_o the_o two_o disciple_n do_v luke_n 24.4_o 32._o for_o this_o will_v revive_v our_o understanding_n and_o quicken_v our_o wit_n and_o whe●_n our_o reason_n and_o help_v our_o memory_n and_o establish_v our_o judgement_n and_o throw_v out_o the_o hide_a substance_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o husk_n and_o winnow_v away_o the_o chaff_n from_o the_o wheat_n and_o four_a to_o these_o we_o must_v add_v patience_n wait_v the_o lord_n leisure_n and_o tarry_v till_o he_o give_v the_o succsse_n and_o till_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v god_n will_v reveal_v it_o phil._n 3.15_o all_o this_o while_n that_o thou_o have_v be_v toil_a and_o strive_v expect_v and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o success_n in_o god_n good_a time_n thou_o have_v use_v the_o mean_n &_o daily_o labour_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v sure_a it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v unto_o thou_o when_o it_o be_v best_o for_o thou_o and_o thou_o fit_a for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v reveal_v to_o thou_o yet_o thy_o former_a pain_n second_v with_o patience_n shall_v make_v thy_o state_n as_o good_a in_o god_n acceptance_n through_o christ_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v know_v it_o five_o that_o which_o strike_v the_o nail_n to_o the_o head_n be_v practice_v and_o experience_n a_o most_o certain_a guide_n in_o all_o point_v fundamental_a after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o the_o former_a rule_n we_o must_v add_v practice_n therefore_o practise_v religion_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n way_n in_o affliction_n in_o temptation_n in_o the_o court_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n in_o thy_o daily_a watch_n in_o the_o continual_a course_n and_o term_v of_o thy_o life_n john_n 7_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o act._n 5.32_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o psal_n 119.100_o i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n god_n will_v not_o see_v we_o err_v in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o such_o necessary_a point_n as_o he_o see_v we_o desire_v as_o well_o to_o obey_v as_o to_o learn_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o use_n which_o teach_v we_o wariness_n and_o care_n and_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o scripture_n use_v 3_o the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o we_o live_v in_o those_o time_n of_o light_n wherein_o we_o have_v so_o many_o good_a help_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n learning_n tongue_n science_n history_n wit_n all_o of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o high_a and_o ripe_a now_o and_o many_o godly_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o yea_o many_o church_n have_v publish_v their_o judgement_n touch_v the_o sense_n of_o most_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v blind_a now_o let_v they_o be_v blind_a for_o ever_o let_v we_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o help_v thankful_o and_o sober_o and_o let_v we_o add_v to_o these_o the_o use_n of_o those_o seciall_a help_n before_o mention_v &_o then_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v err_v fundamental_o and_o final_o in_o any_o truth_n doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v diverse_a exception_n make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n object_n 1_o first_o say_v some_o all_o this_o while_n this_o be_v but_o private_a interpretation_n flat_o forbid_v 2_o peter_n 1.20_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v private_a which_o be_v of_o man_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 21_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n so_o that_o our_o interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o former_a rule_n be_v frame_v out_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v false_o call_v private_a that_o same_o spirit_n teach_v we_o which_o teach_v all_o the_o faithful_a second_o it_o be_v except_v 2._o that_o this_o be_v a_o detraction_n from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o any_o private_a man_n that_o believe_v be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o church_n must_v try_v the_o spirit_n so_o must_v every_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o and_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o have_v every_o believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a rule_n the_o spirit_n do_v infallible_o teach_v every_o one_o of_o god_n choose_v first_o or_o last_v every_o thing_n needful_a for_o his_o salvation_n he_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v philip_n 3.15_o it_o be_v so_o in_o manner_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o in_o doctrine_n each_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v and_o which_o the_o spirit_n lead_v we_o into_o psal_n 25.5_o lead_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o psal_n 143.10_o teach_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o spirit_n to_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o distress_n to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o holiness_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o to_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v they_o the_o truth_n ob._n 3_o three_o it_o be_v except_v how_o do_v you_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v from_o god_n spirit_n or_o from_o your_o own_o fancy_n for_o any_o heretic_n can_v and_o will_v say_v as_o much_o as_o you_o answ_n 1_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n john_n 16.13_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n second_o have_v thou_o seek_v and_o attain_v that_o interpretation_n by_o prayer_n then_o out_o of_o question_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o give_v thou_o scorpion_n and_o poison_n when_o thou_o ask_v fish_n error_n when_o thou_o ask_v the_o truth_n three_o do_v it_o concur_v with_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n not_o doubt_v of_o than_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n object_n 4_o four_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a that_o a_o whole_a church_n special_o the_o doctor_n and_o pastor_n of_o it_o be_v so_o guide_v than_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o he_o answ_n answer_v yes_o if_o they_o follow_v the_o former_a rule_n and_o yet_o then_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v not_o so_o much_o because_o they_o be_v the_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o those_o rule_n sometime_o one_o particular_a man_n or_o two_o follow_v these_o rule_n but_o the_o present_a church_n do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o or_o two_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wicklife_n husse_o and_o luther_n one_o or_o few_o then_o deliver_v the_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o the_o present_a church_n because_o they_o observe_v these_o rule_n sometime_o the_o church_n do_v observe_v these_o rule_n and_o particular_a man_n do_v so_o too_o &_o then_o either_o they_o concur_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v direct_o deliver_v &_o receive_v or_o else_o they_o dissente_n and_o then_o rather_o follow_v the_o stream_n than_o one_o or_o two_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o sometime_o even_o in_o this_o case_n too_o one_o man_n may_v see_v more_o than_o many_o as_o paphnutius_fw-la in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a again_o sometime_o the_o church_n observe_v these_o rule_n and_o some_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n particular_a man_n be_v right_a heretic_n and_o the_o other_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 5._o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o all_o rest_n on_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o so_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o god_n answ_n i_o answer_v our_o judgement_n in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o letter_n &_o sense_n of_o scripture_n reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o our_o own_o judgement_n indeed_o but_o god_n our_o frailty_n wherewith_o we_o be_v accompany_v be_v we_o only_a but_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o our_o judgement_n from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o rest_v on_o god_n judgement_n now_o and_o not_o our_o own_o every_o man_n must_v have_v faith_n of_o his_o own_o that_o be_v though_o not_o of_o his_o own_o by_o work_v
therefore_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o which_o be_v of_o some_o among_o we_o true_o believe_v and_o obey_v therefore_o our_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o reas_n 3_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v thus_o frame_v that_o church_n who_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n by_o god_n blessing_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o ordinary_o it_o work_v save_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o god_n blessing_n be_v so_o effectual_a that_o ordinary_o it_o work_v save_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o proposition_n be_v prove_v rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o ordinary_o the_o word_n be_v powerful_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o ●earers_n be_v preach_v by_o such_o as_o be_v send_v of_o god_n verse_n 15._o and_o therefore_o our_o ministry_n do_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n send_v of_o god_n and_o so_o our_o church_n a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a church_n of_o god_n but_o our_o adversary_n except_v against_o we_o that_o our_o minister_n be_v not_o send_v answ_n nor_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n from_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o place_n prove_v that_o such_o who_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n do_v ordinary_o work_v faith_n be_v send_v of_o god_n but_o such_o be_v we_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n 2._o and_o that_o our_o minister_n have_v a_o lawful_a send_n shall_v god_n willing_a be_v show_v hereafter_o they_o except_v again_o and_o say_v that_o in_o their_o assembly_n there_o be_v many_o more_o convert_v then_o in_o our_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v be_v there_o any_o of_o these_o assembly_n such_o that_o in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o ordinary_o there_o be_v such_o effect_n if_o there_o be_v than_o that_o assembly_n be_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a than_o the_o exception_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n 3._o but_o they_o except_v again_o that_o other_o convert_v also_o by_o conference_n and_o disputation_n and_o that_o out_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n answ_n i_o answer_v do_v not_o that_o argue_v that_o such_o man_n embrace_v the_o save_a faith_n at_o least_o in_o profession_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o ordinary_a ministry_n in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o assembly_n dot_v at_o least_o in_o profession_n hold_v the_o save_a faith_n &_o be_v so_o a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o church_n work_v such_o effect_n and_o that_o ordinary_o as_o by_o daily_a experience_n appear_v and_o therefore_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o say_v they_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a in_o our_o church_n but_o only_o extraordinary_a as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v ordinary_a that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o be_v usual_o do_v and_o that_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v ordain_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n which_o be_v the_o mean_v ordain_v to_o beget_v faith_n and_o be_v ordinary_o and_o usual_o do_v not_o now_o and_o then_o in_o one_o or_o two_o but_o it_o be_v do_v daily_o and_o many_o experiment_n confirm_v it_o as_o any_o may_v be_v a_o eye_n witness_n of_o it_o that_o live_v among_o we_o beside_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o by_o conference_n disputation_n &c_n &c_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v ordinary_a else_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_n not_o oppose_v our_o proposition_n but_o where_o one_o be_v so_o win_v many_o be_v win_v by_o our_o ministery_n and_o therefore_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v ordinary_a among_o we_o which_o oftentimes_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o yet_o to_o allege_v the_o other_o as_o a_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o seldom_o so_o effectual_a be_v not_o ingenious_o nor_o sensible_o much_o less_o charitable_o do_v sure_o i_o be_o if_o that_o be_v ordinary_a then_o we_o be_v much_o more_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a promise_n to_o our_o public_a labour_n herein_o and_o therefore_o these_o reason_n consider_v it_o follow_v that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o for_o instruction_n second_o diverse_o for_o reproof_n the_o use_n for_o instruction_n be_v these_o first_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n then_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o lawful_o &_o safe_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v withal_o england_n without_o dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a or_o danger_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o this_o we_o must_v not_o only_o know_v but_o we_o must_v practice_v it_o all_o those_o that_o live_v within_o this_o land_n and_o so_o have_v opportunity_n to_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n they_o may_v and_o must_v come_v and_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o repair_v to_o our_o assembly_n and_o hear_v our_o minister_n and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o our_o faith_n god_n require_v this_o deut._n 12.5_o you_o shall_v seek_v the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v out_o of_o all_o your_o tribe_n to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o and_o there_o to_o dwell_v and_o thither_o thou_o shall_v come_v and_o as_o god_n command_v it_o so_o his_o child_n have_v practise_v it_o as_o david_n psal_n 26_o 5_o 6_o 8_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o wicked_a i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n oh_o lord_n &_o compass_v thy_o altar_n oh_o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o the_o place_n where_o thy_o honour_n dwell_v and_o so_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v new_o convert_v act._n 2.42_o continue_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o 47._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n from_o day_n to_o day_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v not_o join_v to_o our_o church_n must_v resolve_v to_o join_v and_o those_o that_o be_v already_o join_v must_v continue_v their_o communion_n with_o she_o and_o there_o be_v also_o many_o particular_a motive_n to_o induce_v to_o it_o which_o i_o allege_v not_o as_o reason_n to_o prove_v direct_o that_o necessary_o we_o must_v join_v but_o they_o may_v serve_v only_o as_o persuasion_n to_o a_o man_n well_o affect_v and_o not_o carry_v away_o with_o prejudice_n church_n that_o he_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n first_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o this_o it_o be_v sufficient_a we_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o second_o motive_n be_v this_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o save_v faith_n teach_v among_o we_o and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n true_o profess_v if_o any_o church_n can_v teach_v any_o one_o substantial_a article_n of_o sound_a religion_n that_o we_o profess_v not_o than_o we_o may_v more_o colourable_o be_v forsake_v but_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n or_o pretence_n but_o that_o they_o may_v communicate_v with_o we_o whither_o will_v they_o go_v we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n as_o peter_n say_v to_o our_o saviour_n john_n 6.68_o three_o we_o have_v a_o powerful_a ministry_n to_o exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n etc._n etc._n to_o beget_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v want_v to_o increase_v and_o confirm_v faith_n where_o it_o be_v begin_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o to_o renounce_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v restitution_n of_o wrong_n and_o to_o be_v sound_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o rightousnes_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n and_o for_o all_o good_a duty_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ●o_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n where_o the_o ministry_n be_v thus_o powerful_a and_o if_o we_o forsake_v she_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o our_o former_a error_n