christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o you_o ward_v be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a who_o ever_o be_v the_o instrument_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a preacher_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v first_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n before_o they_o preach_v judas_n who_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o be_v not_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n prove_v a_o traitor_n to_o christ_n and_o who_o ever_o preach_v the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o judas_n and_o also_o traitor_n to_o christ_n 11._o the_o church_n of_o man_n have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o lay_v on_o man_n shoulder_n whether_o single_a person_n as_o pope_n or_o archbishop_n or_o combine_v as_o the_o general_n council_n or_o a_o national_a assembly_n but_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o government_n lay_v only_o on_o 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several_a sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o william_n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n sometime_o attend_v both_o the_o general_n in_o the_o army_n and_o now_o master_n of_o gonvil_n and_o caius_z college_n in_o cambridge_n heretofore_o publish_v at_o several_a time_n and_o on_o several_a occasion_n and_o now_o gather_v in_o one_o volumn_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o black-spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n towards_o ludgate_n 1652._o a_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n we_o be_v almost_o at_o the_o end_n of_o book_n these_o paper_n work_v be_v now_o preach_v their_o own_o funeral_n whilst_o they_o be_v hold_v forth_o the_o spirit_n the_o letter_n be_v grow_v old_a and_o be_v die_v into_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o look_v to_o be_v find_v into_o which_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v resolve_v be_v restore_v out_o of_o their_o 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fire_n of_o destruction_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v throw_v with_o death_n and_o hell_n into_o the_o lake_n the_o ensue_a treatise_n have_v beget_v this_o in_o i_o or_o drive_v it_o forth_o into_o a_o preface_n or_o epistle_n for_o which_o the_o book_n come_v into_o my_o hand_n by_o a_o friend_n direction_n which_o office_n of_o love_n i_o can_v not_o refuse_v however_o conscious_a of_o my_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o i_o can_v dismiss_v it_o with_o so_o short_a a_o preface_n have_v the_o author_n and_o book_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o that_o vent_v itself_o out_o of_o its_o abundance_n yet_o not_o as_o solomon_n fool_n who_o have_v his_o heart_n in_o his_o mouth_n pour_v out_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o or_o more_o than_o be_v convenient_a for_o a_o epistolary_a design_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n of_o what_o good_a entertainment_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v within_o it_o be_v time_n now_o for_o we_o to_o hear_v of_o power_n which_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n who_o so_o long_o have_v be_v oppose_v it_o and_o languish_v in_o flesh_n in_o man_n in_o form_n external_a in_o wisdom_n of_o word_n in_o minister_n preacher_n writer_n book_n university_n morality_n counsel_n synod_n assembly_n civil_a and_o worldly_a power_n instead_o of_o stand_v upright_o and_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n we_o have_v only_o exhibit_v a_o shell_n and_o carcase_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v hold_v out_o ourselves_o the_o generation_n which_o these_o last_o time_n by_o the_o express_a prediction_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o bring_v forth_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o it_o have_v be_v the_o hour_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n his_o reveal_n and_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v forth_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n the_o spirit_n have_v give_v this_o man_n large_a rope_n he_o have_v suffer_v this_o absolom_n the_o underminer_n of_o his_o father_n david_n his_o hair_n to_o grow_v and_o be_v now_o come_v forth_o the_o strong_a and_o spread_v and_o tall_a oak_n where_o this_o man_n be_v hang_v and_o twist_v himself_o for_o his_o destruction_n he_o have_v be_v content_v to_o become_v the_o stone_n though_o precious_a and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n to_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o builder_n that_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o kingdom_n may_v fall_v upon_o he_o and_o dash_v themselves_o to_o piece_n and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v his_o way_n through_o these_o cloud_n and_o to_o rise_v more_o glorious_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n from_o under_o the_o stuff_n high_a by_o the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n than_o any_o anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n this_o be_v the_o child_n set_v for_o the_o fall_n and_o rise_n of_o many_o in_o israel_n and_o a_o sign_n to_o be_v speak_v against_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o foolishness_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n what_o destruction_n do_v we_o see_v already_o make_v what_o heap_n upon_o heap_n by_o a_o jawbone_n of_o a_o ass_n the_o weakness_n of_o god_n strong_a than_o man_n and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n wise_a than_o man_n how_o far_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n already_o rise_v upon_o the_o tall_a cedar_n of_o lebanon_n and_o the_o oak_n of_o bashan_n and_o the_o high_a mountain_n and_o hill_n upon_o the_o high_a tower_n and_o fence_a wall_n what_o ruin_n upon_o these_o how_o many_o gallant_a ship_n wrack_v how_o many_o pleasant_a picture_n deface_v and_o yet_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o ship_n and_o tower_n the_o high_a thing_n which_o yet_o stand_v do_v not_o fear_v nor_o lay_v to_o heart_n nor_o begin_v to_o stoop_v and_o bow_v of_o themselves_o but_o say_v we_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n and_o shall_v see_v no_o sorrow_n they_o see_v not_o who_o be_v rise_v they_o bribe_v their_o own_o conscience_n as_o they_o do_v the_o soldier_n lest_o they_o shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v far_o from_o ask_v the_o question_n what_o ail_v thou_o o_o sea_n that_o thou_o fledde_v and_o thou_o jordan_n that_o thou_o be_v drive_v back_o you_o mountain_n that_o you_o skip_v like_o ram_n tremble_v thou_o earth_n at_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n belong_v to_o god_n he_o pull_v down_o one_o and_o set_v up_o another_o how_o have_v he_o break_v the_o staff_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o ruler_n how_o have_v hell_n enlarge_v herself_o and_o what_o glory_n and_o pomp_n be_v send_v down_o thither_o which_o stand_v expect_v those_o by_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v throw_v down_o to_o come_v to_o
forth_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v manifest_v in_o each_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v quest_n how_o may_v i_o know_v christ_n spirit_n in_o these_o act_n and_o duty_n from_o a_o man_n own_o i_o answer_v answ_n that_o as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o as_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o belief_n so_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o other_o spirit_n and_o can_v know_v where_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o where_o be_v a_o different_a or_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o one-ness_a of_o spirit_n that_o be_v among_o themselves_o the_o three_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n call_n as_o all_o believer_n be_v call_v by_o one_o calling_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a 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his_o kingdom_n where_o all_o alike_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o none_o at_o all_o at_o his_o left_a indeed_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n some_o have_v great_a estate_n than_o other_o and_o be_v in_o high_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o breed_v envy_v and_o emulation_n and_o strife_n and_o distance_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o son_n kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o father_n all_o that_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o dwell_v therein_o do_v alike_o inherit_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o say_v paul_n and_o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n say_v john_n and_o the_o least_o believer_n have_v no_o less_o and_o the_o great_a have_v no_o more_o and_o this_o cause_n unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o we_o see_v what_o a_o strong_a bond_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n unity_n of_o hope_n be_v in_o they_o that_o travel_v together_o that_o fight_v together_o that_o labour_n together_o and_o so_o much_o more_o in_o they_o who_o be_v equal_o 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make_v man_n leave_v god_n for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o saint_n make_v they_o leave_v the_o world_n for_o god_n wherefore_o they_o that_o differ_v in_o their_o hope_n which_o be_v their_o end_n must_v needs_o differ_v in_o their_o way_n and_o work_n and_o so_o he_o that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o church_n live_v also_o out_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o it_o the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o lord_n the_o right_a church_n have_v not_o many_o lord_n lord._n but_o one_o and_o this_o one_o and_o only_a lord_n be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v fellow_n servant_n to_o one_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o do_v owe_v equal_a obedience_n and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o strong_a bond_n of_o unity_n for_o when_o there_o be_v divers_a lord_n there_o be_v divers_a mind_n and_o will_n and_o end_n and_o so_o divers_a law_n and_o these_o breed_v division_n and_o dissension_n and_o war_n among_o man_n but_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n there_o be_v also_o but_o one_o law_n and_o where_o people_n live_v by_o one_o law_n under_o one_o lord_n unto_o who_o all_o be_v equal_o subject_a this_o breed_v peace_n and_o union_n now_o the_o lordship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o royal_a prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o creature_n must_v presume_v to_o arrogate_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o see_v unto_o the_o very_a angel_n he_o have_v not_o put_v in_o subjection_n this_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o speak_v and_o for_o man_n christ_n have_v charge_v his_o own_o apostle_n who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n among_o believer_n may_v undoubted_o challenge_v the_o pre-eminence_n i_o say_v christ_n have_v charge_v even_o they_o on_o this_o sort_n matth._n 23._o 10._o be_v not_o you_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o master_n even_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o shall_v be_v your_o servant_n that_o be_v you_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o one_o another_o but_o not_o master_n and_o this_o same_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n james_n preach_v jam._n 3._o 1._o my_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o brethren_n who_o be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o to_o make_v themselves_o master_v over_o one_o another_o christ_n also_o have_v speak_v again_o so_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n math._n 20._o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o ever_o the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n shall_v dare_v to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o lordship_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n you_o know_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o twelve_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o he_o speak_v it_o peremptory_o that_o some_o believer_n shall_v not_o exercise_v dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o believer_n no_o not_o the_o great_a over_o the_o least_o all_o be_v fellow_n servant_n alike_o under_o one_o lord._n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n against_o their_o fellow_n servant_n may_v better_o think_v thus_o with_o themselves_o why_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o over_o we_o as_o over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o over_o our_o fellow_n servant_n nor_o they_o under_o we_o but_o both_o of_o we_o be_v equal_o under_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v equal_o over_o we_o both_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o same_o law_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o
wit_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o he_o expect_v the_o same_o obedience_n from_o we_o as_o from_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o command_v one_o another_o but_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v command_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a servant_n that_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n upon_o hope_n of_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o master_n come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o lord_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n unity_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n that_o either_o make_v themselves_o or_o other_o lord_n over_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n and_o parcel_n out_o this_o one_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n to_o many_o lord_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o dis-union_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v the_o first_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o general_a master_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o the_o pope_n a_o general_a council_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o itself_o and_o by_o degree_n this_o last_o become_v as_o hard_o yea_o a_o hard_a taskmaster_n to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o former_a after_o when_o particular_a kingdom_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o antichristian_a church_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n whole_o dissolve_v but_o only_o be_v contract_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n for_o then_o the_o archbishop_n make_v himself_o general_a master_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o particular_a kingdom_n as_o the_o pope_n before_o have_v do_v in_o all_o and_o after_o the_o archbishop_n rise_v up_o a_o national_a assembly_n as_o the_o general_n council_n after_o the_o pope_n and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o course_n usurp_v lordship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sad_a dissolution_n of_o its_o unity_n most_o evident_a than_o it_o be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n the_o church_n have_v be_v most_o miserable_o lord_v even_o among_o we_o for_o the_o priest_n he_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o people_n the_o archdeacon_n over_o the_o priest_n the_o dean_n over_o the_o archdeacon_n the_o bishop_n over_o the_o dean_n and_o the_o archbishop_n over_o the_o bishop_n under_o which_o woeful_a bondage_n the_o church_n cry_v out_o as_o isa_n 26._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o be_v this_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o ease_v by_o cast_v off_o those_o strange_a lord_n yea_o do_v not_o man_n rather_o seek_v to_o increase_v it_o by_o set_v yet_o stranger_n over_o it_o who_o name_n be_v so_o full_a of_o mystery_n that_o the_o common_a people_n can_v understand_v they_o for_o now_o they_o will_v have_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n set_v over_o the_o congregational_a government_n and_o the_o provincial_n over_o the_o classical_a and_o the_o national_a over_o the_o provincial_n for_o so_o it_o be_v voted_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n now_o here_o be_v mystery_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a rise_n up_o into_o the_o old_a power_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o mark_v how_o they_o prove_v this_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_n and_o national_a assembly_n to_o wit_n by_o that_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o where_o it_o be_v write_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v thy_o admonition_n nor_o council_n nor_o the_o admonition_n and_o council_n of_o other_o brethren_n tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o prove_v the_o fore_n mention_v subordination_n of_o assembly_n just_a as_o the_o pope_n once_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o emperor_n to_o wit_n because_o it_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o that_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v by_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n by_o night_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o which_o they_o design_v the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o strange_a lord_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v they_o exceed_o multiply_v for_o what_o be_v a_o national_a assembly_n but_o a_o archbishop_n multiply_v and_o what_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o a_o bishop_n multiply_v and_o a_o classical_a but_o a_o dean_n and_o arch_a deacon_n multiply_v and_o thus_o the_o former_a lord_n be_v remove_v they_o will_v in_o their_o stead_n cause_v the_o church_n to_o swarm_v with_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a lord_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v christ_n own_o kingdom_n to_o return_v to_o his_o own_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n and_o thus_o while_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n seek_v to_o enforce_v these_o ecclesiastical_a lord_n over_o the_o church_n they_o absolute_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o it_o even_o whilst_o they_o bear_v the_o simple_a people_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o above_o all_o other_o man_n seek_v to_o preserve_v it_o see_v the_o plurality_n of_o lord_n be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v one_o but_o under_o one_o lord_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o faith_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n have_v but_o one_o faith_n faith_n wrought_v by_o one_o spirit_n apprehend_v the_o same_o christ_n or_o the_o same_o live_n and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o david_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o who_o now_o believe_v and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v hereafter_o all_o have_v and_o do_v and_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v believer_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o live_v their_o own_o life_n but_o all_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n each_o one_o receive_v equal_o from_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o live_v alike_o in_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n live_v equal_o the_o life_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o one_o brnch_n live_v it_o not_o more_o than_o another_o through_o faith_n then_o every_o christian_a be_v carry_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o thing_n into_o christ_n who_o he_o apprehend_v with_o all_o his_o fullness_n for_o his_o own_o and_o in_o this_o faith_n all_o christian_n be_v equal_a and_o none_o have_v a_o better_a or_o worse_a faith_n than_o another_o so_o that_o in_o regad_n of_o faith_n also_o there_o be_v among_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o equality_n for_o all_o believer_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n wrought_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o spirit_n work_v neither_o sin_n death_n nor_o the_o devil_n can_v possible_o prevail_v against_o and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v altogether_o invincible_a in_o all_o the_o faithful_a among_o true_a christian_n some_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n and_o some_o by_o work_n but_o all_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n among_o true_a christian_n one_o believer_n faith_n do_v not_o apprehend_v one_o word_n and_o another_o another_o word_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o each_o and_o of_o all_o apprehend_v one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o life_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o among_o believer_n one_o do_v not_o live_v his_o own_o life_n and_o another_o christ_n which_o indeed_o will_v make_v they_o very_o different_a and_o unequal_a but_o all_o live_v christ_n life_n alike_o and_o none_o their_o own_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n knit_v together_o in_o unity_n of_o faith_n now_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v mighty_o able_a to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o believer_n peace_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n either_o of_o inward_a gift_n or_o outward_a work_n 1._o unity_n of_o faith_n preserve_v peace_n gift_n notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o inward_a gift_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n through_o such_o and_o such_o gift_n but_o mere_o through_o faith_n and_o so_o he_o that_o have_v one_o or_o a_o less_o gift_n be_v equal_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n through_o his_o faith_n with_o he_o that_o have_v another_o or_o a_o great_a gift_n and_o so_o unity_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o all_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o keep_v we_o one_o notwithstanding_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n and_o
underneath_o they_o they_o fall_v sad_o and_o desperate_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n however_o if_o man_n be_v not_o call_v forth_o to_o such_o eminent_a do_n and_o suffering_n and_o so_o escape_v such_o manifest_a discovery_n and_o downfal_n yet_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n have_v this_o evil_a in_o it_o that_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n only_o to_o the_o troublesome_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o not_o to_o the_o comfortable_a it_o engage_v a_o man_n in_o the_o same_o duty_n with_o the_o godly_a but_o supply_v he_o not_o with_o the_o same_o strength_n it_o involve_v he_o in_o the_o same_o bitterness_n of_o flesh_n but_o do_v not_o furnish_v he_o with_o the_o same_o joy_n of_o spirit_n for_o as_o such_o a_o man_n religion_n do_v not_o reach_v above_o flesh_n and_o blood_n no_o more_o do_v his_o strength_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o he_o perform_v duty_n at_o a_o low_a rate_n yea_o and_o his_o bare_a and_o empty_a form_n cast_v a_o black_a vail_n upon_o religion_n and_o utter_o obscure_v its_o beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o make_v the_o world_n judge_v mean_o of_o it_o and_o to_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n only_o of_o singularity_n and_o humour_n and_o not_o of_o power_n whereas_o when_o a_o christian_a walk_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n beyond_o all_o strength_n and_o ability_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o world_n often_o time_n wonder_n and_o gaze_v at_o he_o and_o many_o be_v provoke_v to_o glorify_v god_n who_o have_v give_v such_o power_n to_o man_n for_o this_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o other_o thing_n have_v these_o three_o advantage_n 1._o it_o make_v a_o man_n do_v every_o duty_n strong_o and_o mighty_o and_o whatever_o may_v take_v a_o man_n off_o from_o duty_n or_o distract_v and_o disturb_v he_o in_o it_o all_o fall_v to_o nothing_o before_o this_o power_n there_o be_v that_o strength_n in_o each_o duty_n perform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o anoint_v which_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o man_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o action_n in_o we_o 2._o it_o make_v a_o man_n inflexible_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v neither_o turn_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a but_o take_v straight_o step_v towards_o the_o mark_n set_v before_o he_o no_o fear_n nor_o favour_n nor_o frown_n nor_o flattery_n nor_o temptation_n nor_o insinuation_n nor_o design_n of_o other_o nor_o end_n of_o his_o own_o can_v turn_v he_o aside_o he_o carry_v such_o strength_n in_o his_o spirit_n as_o he_o can_v never_o be_v bend_v and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o partake_v of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v as_o unmoveable_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o god_n himself_o 3._o it_o make_v a_o man_n invincible_a by_o all_o evil_n and_o enemy_n because_o all_o the_o power_n against_o he_o be_v but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o creature_n but_o the_o power_n in_o he_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n easy_o overcome_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o creature_n but_o be_v never_o overcome_v by_o it_o and_o if_o this_o power_n in_o a_o christian_a shall_v be_v prevail_v against_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v that_o power_n shall_v be_v conquer_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o conclude_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v the_o doer_n of_o every_o duty_n in_o god_n kingdom_n the_o subduer_v of_o every_o sin_n the_o conqueror_n of_o each_o tribulation_n and_o temptation_n the_o life_n of_o every_o performance_n the_o glory_n of_o each_o grace_n the_o beauty_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n the_o stability_n of_o his_o conversation_n the_o lustre_n of_o his_o religion_n his_o great_a honour_n and_o excellency_n both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a glory_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o by_o faith_n the_o lord_n arise_v on_o we_o and_o by_o this_o power_n of_o godliness_n his_o glory_n be_v see_v upon_o we_o these_o consideration_n right_a honourable_a move_v i_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v on_o all_o christian_n minister_n and_o people_n and_o beside_o the_o importunity_n of_o some_o other_o friend_n your_o honour_n earnest_n desire_v of_o these_o note_n have_v especial_o prevail_v with_o i_o to_o publish_v they_o not_o that_o i_o be_o worthy_a to_o publish_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v publish_v be_v the_o instrument_n never_o so_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a and_o although_o i_o well_o know_v the_o doubtful_a success_n of_o such_o undertake_n as_o these_o yet_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o careful_a be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o one_o condition_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v with_o it_o the_o same_o common_a friend_n and_o enemy_n beside_o if_o christ_n dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n by_o faith_n i_o carry_v in_o my_o bosom_n already_o my_o reward_n out_o of_o who_o i_o neither_o regard_v praise_n or_o dispraise_v good_a or_o evil_n now_o i_o be_v bold_a to_o prefix_v your_o honour_n name_n to_o these_o note_n because_o your_o desire_n of_o they_o have_v make_v they_o you_o and_o also_o your_o many_o noble_a favour_n be_v a_o strong_a and_o continual_a engagement_n for_o i_o to_o serve_v you_o according_a to_o what_o god_n have_v make_v i_o especial_o i_o remember_v your_o extraordinary_a compassion_n and_o bowel_n towards_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o deep_a distress_n when_o my_o soul_n draw_v near_o to_o the_o pit_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n sit_v upon_o my_o eye_n lid_n and_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o comfort_n either_o from_o earth_n or_o heaven_n your_o honour_n then_o show_v i_o the_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o encompass_v i_o both_o with_o your_o pity_n and_o goodness_n though_o then_o through_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n i_o taste_v it_o not_o wherefore_o when_o i_o remember_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o i_o after_o so_o great_a sorrow_n and_o darkness_n i_o can_v forget_v that_o part_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o administer_v to_o i_o by_o your_o honour_n hand_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o cause_v i_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v double_v the_o same_o goodness_n on_o you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v pour_v forth_o upon_o my_o lord_n your_o honour_n your_o noble_a offspring_n and_o family_n this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n here_o treat_v of_o which_o shall_v render_v you_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a before_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n than_o all_o worldly_a honour_n and_o nobility_n whatsoever_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v religion_n shine_v in_o your_o family_n in_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n shall_v appear_v in_o its_o bright_a glory_n among_o you_o till_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n first_o fit_v you_o and_o then_o after_o deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o immediate_o which_o be_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o your_o most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n dell_n the_o content_n the_o context_n the_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n three_o general_n doctrine_n 1._o that_o christ_n give_v his_o own_o people_n sufficient_a strength_n for_o their_o employment_n his_o own_o strength_n for_o his_o own_o work_n 2._o that_o when_o christ_n leave_v his_o people_n in_o regard_n of_o sense_n he_o never_o leave_v they_o without_o a_o promise_n and_o in_o that_o promise_n his_o spiritual_a presence_n 3._o that_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n both_o increase_v and_o govern_v his_o church_n the_o more_o special_a doctrine_n from_o the_o word_n be_v that_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o receive_n of_o power_n for_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v power_n 1._o essential_o in_o itself_o 2._o operative_o in_o we_o by_o be_v in_o we_o 1._o a_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o of_o truth_n 3._o of_o wisdom_n 4._o of_o faith_n which_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v endure_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o christ_n himself_o 5._o of_o righteousness_n in_o destroy_v sin_n impart_v grace_n 6._o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 7._o of_o love_n and_o unity_n the_o use_n twofold_n 1._o exhortation_n to_o enforce_v this_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v this_o power_n be_v urge_v in_o reference_n 1._o to_o minister_n 2._o to_o all_o christian_n 1._o minister_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o 1._o
to_o flight_n and_o a_o hundred_o a_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o at_o that_o famous_a and_o memorable_a battle_n at_o naseby_n many_o more_o instance_n i_o can_v relate_v of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o army_n but_o that_o i_o shall_v thereby_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v many_o too_o much_o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o this_o the_o lord_n have_v pour_v forth_o upon_o many_o of_o they_o in_o great_a measure_n not_o only_o upon_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a commander_n but_o on_o very_a many_o of_o the_o inferior_a officer_n and_o common_a trooper_n some_o of_o who_o i_o have_v by_o accident_n hear_v pray_v with_o that_o faith_n and_o familiarity_n with_o god_n that_o i_o have_v stand_v wonder_v at_o the_o grace_n we_o never_o undertake_v any_o thing_n of_o weight_n but_o god_n be_v always_o seek_v to_o of_o we_o again_o and_o again_o and_o we_o have_v find_v god_n near_o to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v call_v upon_o he_o for_o yea_o god_n have_v be_v find_v of_o we_o whilst_o yet_o we_o have_v be_v seek_v he_o and_o have_v give_v we_o the_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n into_o our_o bosom_n 5._o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o i_o have_v see_v more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o that_o army_n then_o among_o any_o people_n that_o ever_o i_o converse_v with_o in_o my_o life_n there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a sensible_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o we_o we_o have_v see_v his_o go_n and_o observe_v his_o very_a footstepts_a for_o he_o have_v dwell_v amoug_a we_o and_o march_v in_o the_o head_n of_o we_o and_o counsel_v we_o and_o lead_v we_o and_o have_v go_v along_o with_o we_o step_v by_o step_n from_o naseby_n to_o leicester_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o langport_n and_o bridgewater_n and_o bath_n and_o sherborn_n and_o bristol_n and_o the_o devise_n and_o winchester_n and_o baze_v and_o dartmouth_n and_o exeter_n and_o into_o cornwall_n and_o back_o again_o to_o oxford_n and_o all_o along_o his_o presence_n have_v go_v along_o with_o we_o and_o he_o have_v be_v our_o strength_n and_o glory_n how_o often_o have_v fearfulness_n and_o tremble_v take_v hold_v upon_o the_o enemy_n and_o the_o stout_a man_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o their_o courage_n and_o the_o man_n of_o might_n for_o their_o hand_n because_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o we_o yea_o because_o of_o this_o they_o have_v melt_v away_o in_o their_o strong_a hold_n and_o deliver_v up_o their_o fence_a city_n into_o our_o hand_n and_o every_o place_n we_o have_v come_v against_o we_o have_v take_v in_o and_o every_o battle_n wherein_o we_o have_v fight_v we_o have_v prevail_v and_o because_o god_n have_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o we_o have_v not_o be_v move_v ourselves_o and_o our_o enemy_n have_v perish_v not_o by_o our_o valour_n and_o weapon_n and_o strength_n but_o at_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o countenance_n this_o shall_v be_v write_v for_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v see_v so_o many_o of_o this_o present_a generation_n so_o little_a regard_n it_o and_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v shall_v praise_v the_o lord_n 6._o the_o six_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o the_o army_n be_v their_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o state_n how_o have_v they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o weariness_n and_o labour_n and_o danger_n and_o death_n to_o do_v the_o kingdom_n work_v when_o be_v it_o that_o they_o sit_v idle_a have_v they_o not_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o field_n be_v fight_v prepare_v to_o another_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o city_n be_v take_v advance_v to_o another_o and_o so_o go_v on_o from_o one_o strong_a hold_n of_o the_o enemy_n to_o another_o till_o all_o have_v be_v reduce_v that_o peace_n may_v be_v hasten_v to_o this_o kingdom_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o come_v as_o a_o snail_n but_o as_o on_o eagle's_n wing_n yea_o have_v they_o not_o be_v active_a even_o all_o the_o winter_n long_o in_o a_o most_o cold_a and_o frosty_a season_n that_o continue_v so_o for_o two_o month_n together_o beat_v the_o enemy_n on_o it_o of_o the_o field_n and_o take_v their_o strong_a hold_n when_o other_o army_n use_v to_o lie_v still_o have_v they_o take_v the_o pay_n of_o idleness_n or_o live_v the_o life_n of_o luxury_n upon_o the_o state-maintenance_n have_v they_o seek_v to_o lengthen_v the_o war_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n have_v they_o not_o make_v even_o a_o short_a work_n i_o challenge_v all_o the_o former_a generation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o stand_v forth_o and_o to_o show_v so_o much_o work_v of_o this_o kind_n do_v in_o so_o little_a time_n and_o far_o by_o all_o this_o success_n have_v they_o ever_o be_v lift_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o petition_v the_o parliament_n in_o any_o thing_n or_o to_o remonstrate_v any_o thing_n proud_o and_o undutiful_o to_o they_o as_o some_o people_n surfeit_v with_o peace_n and_o plenty_n have_v do_v or_o though_o the_o kingdom_n next_o under_o god_n and_o the_o parliament_n owe_v its_o protection_n and_o deliverance_n and_o freedom_n from_o tyranny_n and_o popery_n to_o this_o worthy_a army_n have_v they_o for_o all_o this_o ever_o appear_v to_o contest_v against_o the_o kingdom_n for_o any_o thing_n or_o to_o stand_v with_o their_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o make_v demand_n nay_o i_o declare_v this_o to_o all_o the_o kingdom_n that_o as_o god_n have_v make_v they_o glorious_a in_o do_v so_o he_o have_v make_v they_o content_v to_o be_v perfect_v by_o suffering_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o most_o confident_a i_o be_o that_o though_o some_o man_n for_o private_a end_n and_o interest_n be_v murmur_v and_o other_o speak_v out_o against_o this_o army_n as_o the_o perverse_a israelite_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n 29._o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v take_v away_o the_o reproach_n of_o all_o his_o people_n therein_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v hear_v song_n from_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o kingdom_n even_o glory_n to_o the_o righteous_a this_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o that_o army_n i_o shall_v say_v who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o o_o people_n save_v by_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o thy_o help_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o thy_o excellency_n and_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v be_v find_v liar_n unto_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v tread_v upon_o their_o high_a place_n i_o have_v be_v long_o in_o this_o epistle_n than_o i_o intend_v but_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o cause_n at_o this_o no_o ingenuous_a man_n will_v blame_v i_o christian_n reader_n i_o be_o thou_o to_o serve_v thou_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n w._n d._n a_o exposition_n of_o the_o 54._o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n from_o verse_n 11._o to_o the_o end_n the_o word_n be_v thus_o verse_n 11._o oh_o thou_o afflict_a toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n and_o lay_v thy_o foundation_n with_o saphire_n 12._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o window_n of_o agate_n and_o thy_o gate_n of_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o thy_o border_n of_o pleasant_a stone_n etc._n etc._n this_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v yea_o very_o this_o prophet_n do_v not_o so_o much_o prophesy_v to_o his_o own_o age_n as_o to_o we_o nor_o to_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n 12._o for_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o not_o unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o they_o do_v minister_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o report_v unto_o you_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n prophesy_v in_o the_o spirit_n touch_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o deliver_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o spirit_n many_o excellent_a promise_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o son_n incarnate_a head_n and_o member_n the_o first_o promise_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v touch_v the_o great_a increase_n of_o the_o church_n church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o whereas_o before_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o one_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o every_o kindred_n 9_o and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v so_o desirable_a and_o comfortable_a a_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o call_v upon_o all_o to_o rejoice_v at_o this_o vers_n 1._o sing_v o_o barren_a thou_o that_o do_v not_o bear_v break_v forth_o into_o sing_v and_o shout_n aloud_o thou_o that_o do_v
for_o its_o sake_n and_o so_o shall_v every_o other_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o undertake_v against_o it_o verse_n 16._o behold_v i_o have_v create_v the_o smith_n that_o blow_v the_o coal_n in_o the_o fire_n and_o that_o bring_v forth_o a_o instrument_n for_o his_o work_n and_o i_o have_v create_v the_o waster_n to_o destroy_v verse_n 17._o but_o no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v etc._n etc._n thou_o be_v say_v god_n to_o the_o church_n a_o small_a weak_a despise_a contemn_a persecute_a people_n but_o thy_o safety_n protection_n blessing_n lie_v in_o i_o and_o in_o my_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o love_n behold_v i_o have_v create_v the_o smith_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v i_o have_v form_v he_o that_o make_v the_o sword_n and_o gun_n and_o pike_n and_o that_o prepare_v the_o ammunition_n and_o both_o he_o that_o make_v the_o weapon_n and_o he_o that_o use_v it_o be_v in_o my_o hand_n and_o they_o shall_v only_o do_v what_o i_o will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o no_o more_o and_o so_o no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v god_n blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o weapon_n and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n and_o puts_z fear_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o use_v it_o and_o so_o no_o weapon_n that_o have_v be_v use_v have_v prosper_v hitherto_o and_o if_o any_o more_o weapon_n shall_v be_v use_v hereafter_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o unprosperous_a as_o these_o and_o every_o tongne_n that_o shall_v rise_v against_o thou_o in_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v condemn_v two_o way_n you_o see_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n assault_v the_o church_n by_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o their_o tongue_n and_o this_o latter_a way_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a of_o the_o two_o by_o the_o former_a they_o scourge_v the_o church_n with_o rod_n by_o this_o latter_a with_o scorpion_n this_o weapon_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a weapon_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v against_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n and_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o annoy_v the_o church_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o enemy_n sail_v at_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o weapon_n he_o undertake_v again_o with_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o tongue_n and_o with_o this_o the_o enemy_n strike_v against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o against_o the_o truth_n itself_o profess_v by_o the_o saint_n against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n clothe_v they_o with_o odious_a name_n and_o load_v they_o with_o base_a aspersion_n independent_o and_o sectary_n and_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n and_o some_o suh_o there_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o kingdom_n but_o they_o abuse_v the_o precious_a saint_n of_o god_n with_o these_o and_o other_o reproach_n and_o so_o crucify_v christ_n again_o in_o his_o body_n not_o between_o two_o thief_n but_o between_o two_o hundred_o thief_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v he_o their_o tongue_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o it_o intimate_v they_o shall_v have_v specious_a pretence_n against_o the_o church_n oh_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o that_o make_v the_o nation_n full_a of_o tumult_n and_o uproar_n that_o work_v all_o the_o disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n it_o be_v fit_a such_o man_n and_o congregation_n shall_v be_v suppress_v and_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o employment_n in_o church_n or_o state_n it_o will_v never_o be_v a_o quiet_a world_n till_o some_o course_n be_v take_v with_o they_o that_o we_o may_v have_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o government_n again_o and_o thus_o they_o have_v fair_a pretence_n against_o the_o godly_a and_o use_v the_o glorious_a name_n of_o truth_n peace_n and_o government_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o they_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n for_o their_o tongue_n to_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o yea_o i_o think_v this_o phrase_n intimate_v thus_o much_o as_o if_o they_o will_v call_v in_o the_o aid_n and_o power_n of_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n against_o the_o spiritual_a christian_n and_o then_o their_o tongue_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o indeed_o and_o except_o they_o engage_v the_o magistrate_n power_n against_o the_o saint_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o do_v they_o mischief_n enough_o and_o thus_o their_o tongue_n rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n 2._o as_o the_o enemy_n strike_v with_o their_o tongue_n against_o the_o saint_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n so_o also_o against_o the_o truth_n profess_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o this_o they_o call_v by_o way_n of_o reproach_n new_a light_n as_o their_o predecessor_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o kingdom_n call_v it_o new_a learning_n yea_o they_o call_v the_o truth_n error_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o word_n heresy_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n independency_n and_o the_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n faction_n and_o sedition_n and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o grieve_v the_o saint_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o any_o personal_a reproach_n to_o hear_v the_o truth_n and_o light_n and_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n despise_v and_o speak_v against_o and_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v that_o that_o fetch_v not_o only_a tear_n from_o their_o eye_n but_o even_o drop_n of_o blood_n from_o their_o heart_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v much_o dear_a to_o they_o than_o their_o estate_n or_o name_n or_o life_n but_o see_v how_o god_n conquer_v this_o weapon_n of_o the_o enemy_n tongue_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a weapon_n of_o their_o hand_n every_o tongue_n that_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o thou_o shall_v condemn_v all_o that_o speak_v and_o rage_n and_o rail_v and_o reproach_n and_o slander_n and_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v the_o saint_n either_o by_o their_o tongue_n or_o pen_n thou_o by_o thy_o uprightness_n integrity_n innocency_n truth_n faithfulness_n shall_v condemn_v they_o thy_o way_n and_o thy_o work_n that_o be_v lead_v and_o act_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o thy_o enemy_n and_o their_o misreport_n and_o slander_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o as_o a_o mist_n before_o the_o sun_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o integrity_n shall_v break_v forth_o in_o that_o clearness_n and_o brightness_n and_o strength_n that_o they_o shall_v sit_v down_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o saint_n but_o by_o all_o the_o common_a morality_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v carry_v their_o guilt_n with_o they_o night_n and_o day_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o look_v the_o godly_a in_o the_o face_n who_o they_o have_v so_o reproach_v the_o very_a presence_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o have_v before_o so_o unworthy_o judge_v they_o yea_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v see_v the_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v justify_v they_o and_o condemn_v their_o enemy_n and_o shall_v say_v lo_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o the_o world_n judge_v for_o sectary_n and_o schismatic_n &_o what_o not_o see_v how_o faithful_a they_o have_v be_v to_o god_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o state_n and_o sure_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v bad_a man_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o these_o and_o thus_o while_o our_o enemy_n judge_v we_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v themselves_o and_o this_o shall_v certain_o be_v do_v as_o sure_a as_o the_o world_n of_o god_n be_v true_a &_o as_o sure_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n for_o this_o be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v you_o shall_v have_v this_o by_o as_o sure_a right_n as_o any_o man_n have_v a_o inheritance_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o he_o this_o be_v your_o heritage_n o_o you_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o make_v void_a the_o force_n of_o every_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v against_o you_o and_o to_o condemn_v every_o tongue_n that_o judge_v you_o this_o promise_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o the_o lot_n of_o our_o inheritance_n and_o in_o this_o we_o rejoice_v that_o while_o we_o serve_v the_o lord_n true_o and_o faithful_o neither_o the_o hand_n nor_o tongue_n of_o the_o enemy_n shall_v hurt_v we_o but_o in_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conquerous_a over_o all_o let_v my_o portion_n fall_v in_o this_o pleasant_a place_n and_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o
1._o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v 2._o what_o they_o be_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n 190_o 4._o what_o be_v the_o outward_a instrument_n of_o it_o ibid._n 5._o what_o the_o true_a church_n can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o this_o comprehend_v these_o particular_n 1._o it_o can_v gather_v itself_o together_o 192_o 2._o it_o can_v appoint_v its_o own_o order_n 193_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v herein_o 194_o 3._o it_o can_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n 196_o and_o here_o 1._o what_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v 197_o 2._o out_o of_o who_o ibid._n 1._o by_o who_o 198_o what_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v be_v to_o do_v in_o point_n of_o choose_v officer_n p._n 199_o and_o if_o need_v be_v can_v reform_v they_o p._n 200_o or_o depose_v they_o p._n 201_o 4._o it_o can_v call_v its_o own_o counsel_n if_o it_o need_v any_o ibid._n certain_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n may_v now_o well_o want_v counsel_n p._n 202_o and_o if_o it_o will_v have_v any_o what_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v touch_v they_o p._n 204_o 5_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n both_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o counsel_n p._n 205_o and_o thus_o the_o judgement_n of_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n among_o themselves_o 2._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v to_o be_v rectify_v in_o other_o thing_n the_o practical_a rule_n that_o be_v more_o absolute_a and_o general_a in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v these_o 1_o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v itself_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n p._n 206_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a church_n content_v itself_o with_o its_o own_o power_n for_o its_o own_o affair_n p_o 207_o 3._o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o fetch_v or_o force_v man_n unto_o it_o against_o their_o will_n 209_o 4._o that_o the_o true_a church_n make_v void_a the_o distinction_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n among_o christian_n p._n 211_o 5._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n and_o church_n p._n 212_o 6._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o community_n p._n 213_o 7._o that_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n do_v take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n and_o do_v not_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n p._n 214_o 8._o that_o the_o true_a church_n keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n p_o 215_o 5_o way_n by_o which_o this_o may_v be_v effectual_o do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n p._n 216_o the_o great_a question_n touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o keep_v out_o error_n answer_v p._n 224_o 9_o that_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n p._n 225_o practical_a rule_n for_o peace_n more_o special_a and_o occasional_a in_o point_n of_o difference_n among_o the_o faithful_a here_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v first_o consider_v if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o believer_n differ_v be_v circumstantial_a and_o ceremonial_a only_o then_o there_o be_v 5_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_a peace_n p._n 233_o if_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v be_v point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o such_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o there_o be_v 7_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n p._n 235_o if_o the_o doctrine_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v be_v such_o as_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n yet_o then_o 1._o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v p._n 237_o 2._o if_o after_o full_a hear_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n than_o the_o true_a church_n ought_v 1_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n p._n 241_o 2_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o person_n ibid._n and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o punishment_n the_o true_a church_n can_v inflict_v p._n 242_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o ibid._n the_o way_n of_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v now_o for_o a_o long_a time_n time_n together_o observe_v with_o a_o say_a heart_n and_o trouble_a spirit_n the_o grievous_a difference_n and_o dissension_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o perceive_v also_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o heal_n of_o this_o error_n many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o not_o clear_o understanding_n wherein_o their_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o consist_v and_o so_o be_v still_o prosecute_a former_a with_o late_a mistake_n till_o their_o wound_n be_v become_v almost_o incurable_a i_o find_v my_o heart_n incline_v and_o engage_v by_o god_n to_o propound_v to_o other_o that_o way_n of_o peace_n which_o myself_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v not_o that_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v something_o or_o be_v account_v of_o any_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n people_n be_v indeed_o unworthy_a to_o minister_v so_o much_o as_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o the_o church_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o â—o_o incomparable_a a_o treasure_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v but_o mere_o out_o of_o love_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o my_o brethren_n who_o i_o see_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o spark_n which_o they_o themselves_o do_v kindle_v whereby_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o neglect_v the_o true_a light_n which_o alone_o be_v to_o shine_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n till_o all_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n be_v do_v away_o and_o aâ—_n my_o end_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o bring_v all_o man_n from_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o conception_n of_o carnal_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o i_o desire_v all_o man_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v to_o allow_v of_o no_o more_o in_o this_o discourse_n than_o they_o shall_v find_v agreeable_a to_o this_o word_n and_o what_o ever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o shall_v disapprove_v or_o condemn_v so_o far_o let_v they_o also_o disapprove_v and_o condemn_v with_o it_o as_o i_o myself_o also_o do_v know_v well_o that_o no_o word_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o carry_v light_n life_n righteousness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n sufficient_a and_o enough_o in_o itself_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o work_v of_o god_n in_o his_o church_n wherefore_o what_o i_o have_v free_o learn_v i_o shall_v free_o communicate_v desire_v every_o one_o to_o regard_v his_o own_o salvation_n see_v now_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v have_v no_o cloak_n nor_o the_o least_o excuse_n for_o his_o sin_n now_o that_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v it_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v you_o now_o at_o first_o that_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o propound_v any_o way_n of_o peace_n either_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n or_o else_o between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a child_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o have_v learn_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o not_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n for_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v any_o reconciliation_n and_o agreement_n between_o these_o world_n in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v two_o distinct_a seed_n and_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o one_o from_o beneath_o the_o other_o from_o above_o the_o one_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o other_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o between_o these_o two_o god_n have_v put_v such_o a_o enmity_n that_o no_o man_n can_v take_v away_o wherefore_o they_o who_o never_o mind_v these_o two_o different_a seed_n between_o who_o god_n have_v put_v such_o irreconciliable_a enmity_n will_v make_v all_o the_o people_n of_o one_o or_o more_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o church_n at_o once_o and_o will_v reconcile_v all_o of_o they_o together_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o device_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o these_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n
the_o church_n through_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o also_o by_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o presence_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a may_v be_v know_v well_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a church_n i_o answer_v answ_n be_v not_o christ_n a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v join_v to_o such_o a_o head_n invisible_a sure_o our_o join_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n be_v of_o one_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n the_o head_n will_v assure_o join_v we_o to_o the_o church_n his_o body_n now_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o head_n and_o through_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n only_o be_v we_o join_v to_o this_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a body_n and_o society_n but_o by_o be_v take_v up_o into_o one_o faith_n and_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a then_o to_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a body_n then_o to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n and_o all_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v such_o a_o head_n and_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o a_o body_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o can_v present_o agree_v to_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v have_v far_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o church_n heretofore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o true_a church_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a society_n and_o corporation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o outward_a and_o visible_a officer_n according_a to_o outward_a and_o visible_a form_n and_o order_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o church_n mystery_n for_o these_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o easy_a reach_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n but_o now_o whole_a christ_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n that_o be_v not_o only_a christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 5._o 32._o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a mystery_n though_o both_o indeed_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n the_o body_n can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v by_o humane_a sense_n or_o reason_n than_o the_o former_a of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o both_o and_o as_o antichrist_n have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n in_o set_v up_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n instead_o of_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a so_o also_o he_o have_v have_v his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n the_o body_n in_o erect_v a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n instead_o of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a for_o without_o all_o peradventure_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n must_v be_v suitable_a each_o to_o other_o and_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o so_o as_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a head_n the_o pope_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a body_n the_o true_a church_n so_o likewise_o a_o visible_a and_o carnal_a body_n or_o church_n make_v and_o constitute_v by_o a_o mixture_n of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o power_n be_v in_o no_o measure_n suitable_a to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a head_n head_n but_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o head_n the_o true_a christ_n be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o society_n the_o true_a church_n be_v and_o both_o be_v spiritual_a and_o invisible_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o former_a age_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o the_o church_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o head_n after_o a_o long_a time_n of_o its_o obscure_n and_o darken_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n so_o now_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v in_o this_o present_a age_n reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v be_v no_o less_o obscure_v than_o the_o former_a that_o so_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o whole_a christ_n may_v both_o be_v know_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v desire_v as_o occasion_n serve_v to_o make_v know_v what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v here_o speak_v weak_o and_o imperfect_o and_o thus_o have_v declare_v what_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v lie_v and_o rectify_v some_o ancient_a and_o general_a mistake_n touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v know_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o evident_a word_n the_o true_a and_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o church_n union_n peace_n and_o agreement_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n ephes_n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o where_o note_n in_o general_n that_o among_o all_o these_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n the_o apostle_n make_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o mention_n of_o uniformity_n indeed_o the_o rhemist_n be_v through_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n blind_v from_o this_o very_a place_n urge_v and_o press_v uniformity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n they_o use_v as_o be_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a engine_n first_o to_o advance_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n to_o its_o throne_n and_o after_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v anon_o by_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n that_o no_o conformity_n or_o uniformity_n be_v any_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n peace_n and_o union_n see_v the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o peace_n by_o any_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o by_o inward_a principle_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a bond_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n unity_n which_o the_o apostle_n name_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n seven_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v one_o body_n there_o be_v one_o body_n body_n say_v paul_n the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a or_o political_a but_o a_o spiritual_a body_n even_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n paul_n in_o several_a of_o his_o epistle_n take_v pleasure_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o similitude_n as_o in_o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n and_o all_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o and_o again_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n where_o he_o call_v the_o body_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o head_n both_o make_v up_o one_o christ_n now_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n age_n comprehend_v believer_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o sort_n 1._o of_o all_o age_n for_o all_o believer_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n heretofore_o or_o now_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o do_v all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n though_o bear_v and_o bring_v forth_o of_o god_n in_o several_a time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o natural_a example_n a_o child_n be_v not_o bear_v all_o in_o a_o moment_n but_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o degree_n and_o though_o one_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o another_o not_o yet_o bear_v this_o do_v not_o hinder_v unity_n of_o body_n in_o the_o child_n so_o the_o bring_v forth_o the_o church_n into_o the_o world_n in_o several_a age_n do_v in_o no_o wise_n hinder_v this_o unity_n of_o body_n 2._o as_o this_o unity_n of_o body_n sort_n comprehend_v
from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v make_v much_o for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o thy_o name_n the_o gather_n and_o increase_a thy_o kingdom_n the_o propagate_a the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o word_n and_o to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o profitable_a design_n but_o god_n no_o doubt_n laugh_v at_o this_o wisdom_n of_o i_o and_o say_v go_v to_o now_o i_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a but_o this_o be_v never_o my_o manner_n that_o either_o peter_n or_o martin_n mean_v himself_o shall_v teach_v or_o form_n or_o govern_v or_o lead_v i_o for_o i_o be_o not_o a_o passive_a but_o a_o active_a god_n who_o use_v always_o to_o lead_v govern_z form_n now_o say_v he_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a that_o our_o wisdom_n shall_v be_v only_o passive_a and_o that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o mortify_v and_o slay_v it_o and_o therefore_o many_o who_o can_v not_o endure_v this_o mortification_n have_v fall_v horrible_o and_o thus_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n be_v whole_o according_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o council_n and_o whole_o without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o we_o and_o thus_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o government_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n over_o his_o church_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n presence_n be_v the_o grvernment_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n or_o god_n government_n within_o we_o for_o the_o right_a church_n be_v the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o have_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o be_v build_v and_o frame_v and_o that_o according_a to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v and_o god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o if_o any_o will_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a guide_n and_o order_v of_o this_o church_n depend_v whole_o on_o god_n who_o dwell_v within_o it_o for_o god_n will_v not_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o sit_v still_o whilst_z other_o that_o be_v without_o it_o shall_v govern_v it_o but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o right_a church_n lie_v on_o his_o shoulder_n who_o be_v immanuel_n god_n with_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o so_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n who_o fill_v it_o govern_v it_o by_o a_o most_o present_a and_o powerful_a but_o invisible_a influence_n lead_v it_o into_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o patience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o patience_n into_o love_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n into_o power_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n into_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o into_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o righteousness_n by_o that_o spirit_n which_o contain_v all_o these_o grace_n in_o itself_o and_o work_v they_o in_o all_o those_o in_o who_o it_o dwell_v in_o this_o government_n we_o hear_v the_o voice_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a in_o this_o government_n we_o have_v not_o outward_a law_n to_o order_v we_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v but_o a_o inward_a law_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v write_v my_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o this_o law_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o live_a church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v only_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o live_a word_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o according_a to_o this_o government_n also_o god_n guide_v the_o true_a church_n wonderful_o the_o soul_n not_o see_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o form_n and_o fashion_n the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o good_a pleasure_n clean_a contrary_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o judgement_n for_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o mourning_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o comfort_n bring_v they_o to_o despair_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n to_o death_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o life_n yea_o even_o to_o hell_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n lead_v his_o choose_a people_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o will_v follow_v but_o faith_n which_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o thus_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fear_n woe_n agony_n temptation_n till_o it_o feel_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o true_a sorrow_n of_o death_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o this_o darkness_n see_v no_o beam_n nor_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n and_o want_v all_o counsel_n and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v itself_o then_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o counsel_n and_o direct_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o lead_v it_o into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o redeem_v it_o from_o all_o distress_n subdue_a the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o hell_n under_o it_o yea_o and_o carry_v it_o into_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n now_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o government_n age._n to_o wit_n the_o one_o of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o the_o other_o of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o true_a church_n never_o want_v in_o any_o age_n and_o in_o this_o present_a age_n when_o the_o prelatical_a government_n have_v be_v dissolve_v for_o several_a year_n together_o can_v any_o christian_a think_v that_o the_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v without_o all_o government_n nay_o all_o this_o while_o it_o have_v be_v govern_v most_o powerful_o by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o most_o sweet_o by_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v neither_o against_o its_o grace_n nor_o comfort_n and_o for_o a_o outward_a formal_a visible_a enforce_a government_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a corporation_n or_o worldly_a kingdom_n the_o true_a church_n can_v as_o well_o want_v such_o a_o government_n at_o all_o time_n as_o at_o any_o time_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v best_o without_o it_o as_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o man_n and_o more_o immediate_o under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n its_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v so_o violent_a for_o a_o outward_a and_o visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n temptation_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sometime_o or_o other_o be_v exercise_v with_o temptation_n of_o despair_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v their_o idle_a and_o vain_a thought_n and_o speculation_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a power_n and_o method_n will_v soon_o vanish_v and_o they_o will_v soon_o give_v over_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o faithful_a about_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o power_n in_o they_o to_o free_v from_o eternal_a death_n nor_o to_o procure_v eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o twofold_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n himself_o exercise_v immediate_o in_o and_o over_o it_o whereof_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ignorant_a mans._n if_o we_o desire_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o our_o self_n and_o other_o now_o beside_o this_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n exercise_v mediate_o by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o also_o be_v christ_n government_n and_o not_o man_v and_o man_n who_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o understand_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n have_v mistake_v this_o also_o through_o the_o same_o unbelief_n wherefore_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_v the_o former_a government_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v immediate_a and_o by_o himself_o have_v make_v this_o mediate_a government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o man_n to_o be_v all_o and_o this_o also_o i_o say_v they_o have_v understand_v most_o gross_o and_o carnal_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n but_o according_a to_o their_o own_o ignorant_a and_o seduce_a heart_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o their_o particular_a mis_fw-fr apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n then_o
they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o unchristian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sexâ—_n be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subjectd_a to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o 344._o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n counsel_n it_o may_v call_v one_o if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v along_o with_o it_o that_o they_o have_v make_v people_n rather_o look_v to_o man_n then_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v divine_a thing_n from_o they_o by_o a_o humane_a say_v rather_o than_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o immediate_a word_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o so_o have_v give_v forth_o themselves_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n as_o a_o foundation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o because_o they_o always_o determine_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plurality_n of_o vote_n and_o do_v not_o weigh_v but_o number_v the_o suffrage_n and_o so_o the_o great_a part_n still_o overcome_v the_o better_a and_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v carry_v the_o vote_n against_o the_o few_o that_o be_v choose_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v subdue_v and_o error_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o plausible_a authority_n 7._o because_o such_o counsel_n sexâ—um_fw-la common_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o so_o set_v themselves_o up_o as_o a_o peremptory_a rule_n by_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v walk_v and_o none_o must_v presume_v to_o say_v to_o they_o curita_fw-la facitis_fw-la why_o do_v you_o so_o though_o they_o do_v never_o so_o ill_a they_o say_v they_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o any_o other_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o none_o but_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o they_o say_v they_o may_v pronounce_v all_o other_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n but_o no_o body_n must_v pronounce_v they_o so_o though_o they_o be_v so_o and_o