absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_v my_o conscience_n clear_a and_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n none_o will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v savour_v ill_a among_o any_o serious_a solid_a christian_n for_o i_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v and_o persuade_v that_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o this_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n that_o i_o find_v it_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o useful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n christ_n command_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v and_o recommend_v it_o now_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v bold_o say_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v they_o and_o maintain_v they_o again_o after_o the_o apostasy_n in_o their_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a purity_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v now_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o like_a holy_a order_n and_o government_n to_o be_v exercise_v among_o we_o as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o be_v now_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n minister_v to_o we_o therefore_o what_o can_v any_o christianly_o or_o rational_o object_v against_o it_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n for_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o old_a be_v undeniable_a what_o kind_n of_o ground_n than_o can_v any_o such_o opposer_n have_v for_o to_o such_o as_o scruple_v at_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o acknowledge_v our_o principle_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n or_o imitation_n more_o than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n see_v as_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v all_o diligence_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v people_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v do_v but_o as_o truth_n move_v and_o draw_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v also_o no_o less_o needful_a when_o a_o people_n be_v gather_v to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o in_o unity_n and_o love_n as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a as_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v wrong_n be_v remove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a cherish_v and_o encourage_v so_o that_o we_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o ought_v now_o as_o well_o as_o heretofore_o to_o be_v order_n &_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o three_o place_n be_v first_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o second_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v and_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v three_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o a_o other_o than_o the_o oppressive_a and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a then_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o describe_v the_o order_n &_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v proper_o understand_v by_o the_o church_n for_o some_o as_o i_o touch_v before_o seem_v to_o be_v offend_v or_o at_o least_o afraid_a of_o the_o very_a word_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o like_a pretence_n have_v be_v the_o great_a weapon_n wherewith_o antichrist_n and_o the_o apostate_n christian_n have_v be_v these_o many_o generation_n persecute_v the_o woman_n and_o war_a against_o the_o manchild_n and_o indeed_o great_a dispute_n have_v be_v among_o the_o learned_a rabbi_n in_o the_o apostasy_n concern_v this_o church_n what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v so_o account_v which_o i_o find_v not_o my_o place_n at_o present_a to_o dive_v much_o in_o but_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_a testimony_n the_o word_n church_n in_o itself_o and_o as_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o gather_v company_n or_o assembly_n of_o certain_a people_n call_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v which_o be_v that_o the_o translator_n render_v church_n which_o word_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n evoco_fw-la i_o call_v out_o of_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d voco_fw-la i_o call_v now_o though_o the_o english_a word_n church_n be_v only_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o a_o religious_a account_n yet_o the_o greek_a word_n that_o be_v so_o render_v be_v take_v in_o general_a for_o every_o gather_v or_o meet_v together_o of_o people_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o town-clark_n of_o the_o ephesian_n dismiss_v the_o tumult_n that_o be_v gather_v there_o together_o the_o same_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act_v 19_o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o dismiss_v the_o assembly_n or_o the_o church_n a_o church_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o meeting_n or_o gather_v of_o certain_a people_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o religious_a sense_n as_o most_o common_o it_o be_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n whereby_o as_o a_o body_n they_o become_v distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a relation_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o conjunct_a interest_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o propagate_a these_o principle_n they_o judge_v to_o be_v right_a and_o therefore_o have_v a_o certain_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o on_o another_o to_o prevent_v and_o remove_v all_o occasion_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o break_v this_o their_o conjunct_a interest_n hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o or_o bring_v infamy_n contempt_n or_o contumely_n upon_o it_o or_o give_v such_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v or_o may_v be_v band_v together_o to_o undo_v they_o just_a occasion_n against_o they_o to_o decry_v and_o defame_v they_o now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v that_o church_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n of_o people_n whereof_o christ_n true_o be_v the_o head_n from_o snch_n as_o false_o pretend_v thereto_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o principle_n &_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n &_o order_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o the_o way_n and_o method_n they_o take_v to_o uphold_v it_o and_o the_o bottom_n upon_o which_o it_o stand_v which_o will_v great_o contribute_v to_o clear_v all_o mistake_v forasmuch_o as_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n among_o true_a christian_n which_o move_v they_o to_o gather_v together_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n define_v the_o church_n in_o his_o salutation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n so_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n order_n and_o government_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o a_o church_n meeting_n gathering_n or_o assembly_n claim_v towards_o those_o that_o have_v or_o do_v declare_v themselves_o member_n who_o own_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o go_v under_o the_o same_o distinction_n and_o denomination_n who_o escape_n fault_n and_o error_n may_v by_o our_o adversary_n just_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o if_o not_o seasonable_o and_o christian_o reprove_v reclaim_v or_o condemn_v for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o we_o far_o less_o who_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o reprove_v instruct_v or_o reclaim_v they_o as_o fellow_z member_n or_o brethren_n yet_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o remove_v the_o general_a reproach_n from_o the_o christian_a name_n with_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n for_o the_o zeal_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o
shall_v suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o irregularity_n and_o abomination_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o more_o to_o say_v against_o we_o but_o the_o solid_a and_o real_a reason_n we_o have_v for_o our_o way_n herein_o will_v sufficient_o plead_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n and_o moreover_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v we_o both_o against_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o other_o four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o needful_a then_o to_o preserve_v man_n and_o woman_n in_o righteousness_n after_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o and_o also_o nothing_o more_o certain_a then_o that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o man_n soul_n seek_v daily_o how_o he_o may_v draw_v back_o again_o and_o catch_v those_o who_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n escape_v his_o snare_n and_o know_v deliverance_n from_o they_o therefore_o do_v we_o also_o meet_v together_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v if_o any_o have_v fall_v under_o his_o temptation_n that_o we_o may_v restore_v they_o again_o if_o possible_a or_o otherwise_o separate_v they_o from_o we_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o we_o may_v be_v just_o blame_v as_o such_o among_o who_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o commit_v any_o evil_a unreproved_a indeed_o this_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o libertinism_n which_o some_o have_v false_o accuse_v we_o of_o and_o which_o have_v be_v our_o care_n all_o along_o as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o have_v we_o seek_v always_o to_o keep_v the_o house_n clean_o by_o faithful_o reprove_v and_o remove_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o scandal_n follow_v thereupon_o private_a thing_n private_o &_o public_a thing_n public_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o propagate_v hurt_v and_o defile_v people_n mind_n with_o tell_v they_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o edify_v yet_o do_v we_o not_o so_o cover_v over_o or_o smooth_v over_o any_o wickedness_n as_o not_o to_o deal_v roundly_o with_o the_o person_n guilty_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o their_o acknowledgement_n before_o all_o to_o who_o knowledge_n it_o have_v come_v yet_o judge_v we_o not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o tell_v that_o in_o gath_n or_o publish_v that_o in_o the_o street_n of_o askelon_n which_o make_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a rejoice_v or_o strengthen_v atheist_n and_o ranter_n in_o their_o obduredness_n who_o feed_v more_o upon_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o imitate_v their_o true_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o where_o we_o find_v a_o unfeigned_a return_v to_o the_o lord_n we_o desire_v not_o to_o remember_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v forget_v nor_o yet_o to_o throw_v offence_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a that_o they_o may_v stumble_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o our_o care_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n also_o be_v most_o needful_a and_o a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o government_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o as_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o divers_a scripture_n heretofore_o mention_v section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n do_v extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o respect_v outward_a thing_n and_o its_o authority_n in_o condemn_v or_o remove_v such_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v evil_a as_o be_v those_o which_o none_o will_v ready_o justify_v the_o necessity_n of_o which_o thing_n be_v such_o that_o few_o but_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o care_n and_o order_n in_o these_o case_n to_o be_v commendable_a and_o expedient_a now_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v thing_n of_o another_o kind_n which_o either_o very_o be_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o wherein_o people_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o conscience_n in_o the_o act_n or_o forbear_v of_o they_o in_o which_o the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o far_o in_o such_o case_n the_o church_n may_v give_v positive_a order_n or_o rule_n how_o far_o her_o authority_n reach_v or_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o examination_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligatory_a upon_o believer_n second_o if_o so_o in_o what_o case_n and_o respect_n she_o may_v so_o do_v three_o wherein_o consist_v the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n diverse_o without_o judge_v one_o another_o and_o last_o in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v in_o case_n of_o controversy_n or_o contention_n in_o such_o matter_n which_o will_v also_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o in_o this_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o first_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o positive_a sentence_n and_o decision_n which_o may_v be_v obligattry_n upon_o believer_n i_o answer_v affirmative_o she_o have_v and_o shall_v prove_v it_o from_o divers_a instance_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o first_o all_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v hold_v doctrinal_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o these_o that_o believe_v they_o matter_n of_o conscience_n we_o know_v the_o papist_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n such_o as_o be_v zealous_a among_o they_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v to_o angel_n saint_n and_o image_n yea_o and_o to_o the_o eucharist_n as_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v real_o christ_n jesus_n &_o so_o do_v other_o place_n conscience_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o wrong_a now_o i_o say_v we_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n without_o any_o constraint_n or_o worldly_a respect_n but_o by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o truth_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o its_o power_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o heart_n these_o priâ—â—â—â—â—es_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o practice_n necssary_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o term_n that_o have_v draw_v we_o together_o inward_a and_o the_o bond_n by_o which_o we_o become_v center_a into_o one_o body_n and_o fellowship_n and_o distinguish_v from_o other_o now_o if_o any_o one_o or_o more_o so_o engage_v with_o we_o shall_v arise_v to_o teach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o these_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o be_v one_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o body_n have_v power_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o declare_v this_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o therefore_o we_o pronounce_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v wrong_n with_o which_o we_o can_v have_v unity_n nor_o yet_o any_o more_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o those_o as_o hold_v they_o and_o so_o such_o cut_n themselves_o off_o from_o be_v member_n by_o dissolve_v the_o very_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v link_v to_o the_o body_n now_o this_o can_v be_v account_v tyranny_n and_o oppression_n no_o more_o then_o in_o a_o civil_a society_n if_o one_o of_o the_o society_n shall_v contradict_v one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n upon_o which_o the_o society_n be_v contract_v it_o can_v be_v reckon_v a_o breach_n or_o iniquity_n in_o the_o whole_a society_n to_o declare_v that_o such_o contradictor_n have_v do_v wrong_n and_o forfeit_v their_o right_n in_o that_o society_n in_o case_n by_o the_o original_a constitution_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o contradiction_n imply_v such_o a_o forfeiture_n as_o usual_o it_o be_v and_o will_v no_o doubt_n hold_v in_o religious_a matter_n as_o if_o a_o body_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o fellowship_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o believe_v otherways_o natural_o scatter_v himself_o for_o that_o the_o cause_n that_o gather_v he_o be_v take_v away_o and_o so_o those_o that_o abide_v constant_a in_o declare_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v and_o in_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o witness_v of_o he_o to_o other_o if_o need_v be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o do_v he_o no_o injury_n i_o shall_v make_v the_o supposition_n in_o the_o general_n and_o let_v every_o people_n make_v the_o application_n to_o themselves_o abstract_v from_o we_o and_o then_o let_v conscience_n and_o reason_n in_o every_o impartial_a reader_n declare_v whether_o or_o not_o it_o do_v
there_o be_v no_o extravagancy_n so_o wild_a which_o they_o will_v not_o cloak_v with_o it_o and_o so_o much_o be_v they_o for_o every_o one_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n as_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o christian-fellowship_n and_o community_n nor_o of_o that_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v without_o this_o give_v a_o open_a door_n to_o all_o libertinism_n and_o bring_v great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian-faith_n and_o on_o this_o hand_n have_v foul_o fall_v the_o german_a anabaptist_n so_o call_v viz._n john_n of_o leiden_fw-mi knipperdoling_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n these_o monstrous_a thing_n commit_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o some_o more_o moderate_a of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v find_v among_o the_o people_n in_o england_n call_v ranter_n as_o it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n call_v quaker_n have_v be_v brand_v with_o both_o of_o these_o extreme_n it_o be_v as_o true_a it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v their_o work_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o even_a and_o good_a path_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n where_o all_o be_v no_o doubt_n lead_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o may_v all_o have_v prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o subjection_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o authority_n some_o have_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n there_o be_v a_o obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o and_o a_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o and_o yet_o a_o know_v of_o the_o inward_a anoint_v by_o which_o each_o individual_a be_v to_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n the_o work_n and_o testimony_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v this_o again_o and_o to_o set_v both_o these_o in_o their_o right_a place_n without_o cause_v they_o to_o destroy_v one_o another_o to_o manifest_v how_o this_o be_v accomplish_v and_o accomplish_v among_o we_o be_v the_o business_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o man_n of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o impartial_a and_o unprejudicate_a spirit_n and_o may_v be_v make_v useful_a in_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v friend_n against_o their_o present_a opposer_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o the_o 17_o of_o the_o 8_o month_n 1674._o by_o robert_n barclay_n the_o content_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n page_n 9_o section_n second_o concern_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n p._n 12._o section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n p._n 18._o section_n four_o of_o the_o order_n and_o government_n we_o plead_v for_o p._n 31._o section_n five_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v p._n 37._o section_n six_o how_o far_o this_o government_n extend_v in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o pure_o conscientious_a p._n 47._o section_n seven_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o decision_n p._n 66._o section_n eight_o how_o this_o government_n altogether_o differ_v from_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n p._n 75._o the_o conclusion_n p._n 84._o page_n 20._o line_n 18._o for_o gatherng_n read_v gather_v p._n 21._o l._n 17._o f._n chucrch_n r._n church_n l._n 19_o f._n persecutiton_n r._n persecution_n p._n 24._o l._n 22._o f._n dding_n r._n add_v p._n 42._o l._n 2._o f._n god_n d_o r._n god_n section_n first_o the_o introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o treatise_n after_o that_o the_o lord_n god_n in_o his_o own_o appoint_a time_n have_v see_v meet_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n through_o and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o mount_n sinai_n divers_a commandment_n ordinance_n appointment_n and_o observation_n according_a as_o they_o be_v testify_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n it_o please_v he_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n who_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v approve_v himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a sign_n and_o miracle_n he_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v hold_v he_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v his_o despise_a witness_n who_o have_v believe_v in_o he_o in_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a comfort_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v and_o order_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o suffer_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o by_o which_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v fill_v be_v embolden_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n without_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o great_a love_n and_o zeal_n prevail_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o lack_v for_o a_o season_n but_o all_o that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o net_n do_v not_o prove_v good_a and_o wholesome_a fish_n some_o be_v again_o to_o be_v cast_v in_o that_o ocean_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v draw_v of_o those_o many_o that_o be_v call_v all_o prove_v not_o choose_v vessel_n fit_a for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o great_a supper_n and_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n there_o be_v that_o be_v find_v without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n some_o make_v a_o show_n for_o a_o season_n and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o there_o be_v that_o draw_v back_o there_o be_v that_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n there_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o do_v backslide_v themselves_o but_o seek_v to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o perdition_n with_o themselves_o seek_v to_o overturn_v their_o faith_n also_o yea_o there_o be_v that_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o also_o of_o those_o member_n that_o become_v not_o whole_o corrupt_v for_o some_o be_v never_o again_o restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v that_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a and_o young_a some_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o strong_a meat_n some_o be_v to_o be_v purge_v when_o the_o old_a leaven_n receive_v any_o place_n and_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o camp_n for_o a_o time_n until_o their_o leprosy_n be_v heal_v and_o then_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o again_o moreover_o as_o to_o outward_o there_o be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o fatherless_a of_o the_o stranger_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o several_a member_n of_o that_o body_n know_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o good_a order_n and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o for_o preserve_v and_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o right_a station_n do_v in_o the_o dispensation_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n minister_v unto_o every_o member_n a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o diverse_a according_a to_o operation_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n some_o apostle_n some_o teacher_n some_o pastor_n some_o elder_n there_o be_v old_a man_n there_o be_v young_a man_n there_o be_v babe_n for_o all_o be_v not_o apostle_n neither_o be_v all_o elder_n neither_o be_v all_o babe_n yet_o be_v all_o member_n and_o as_o such_o all_o have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n which_o from_o the_o head_n flow_v unto_o all_o the_o body_n be_v the_o ointment_n of_o aaron_n '_o s_o beard_n unto_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o every_o member_n have_v its_o place_n and_o station_n in_o the_o body_n so_o long_o as_o it_o keep_v in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n and_o
all_o have_v need_v one_o of_o another_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n to_o assume_v another_o place_n in_o the_o body_n then_o god_n have_v give_v it_o nor_o yet_o to_o grudge_v or_o repine_v its_o fellow-member's_a place_n but_o to_o be_v content_a with_o its_o own_o for_o the_o uncomely_a part_n be_v no_o less_o needful_a than_o the_o comely_a and_o the_o less_o honourable_a than_o the_o more_o honourable_a which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n hold_v forth_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o from_o vers._n 13_o to_o 30._o now_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o schism_n division_n or_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n be_v whenas_o any_o member_n assume_v another_o place_n than_o be_v allot_v it_o or_o be_v go_v from_o the_o life_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o le_fw-fr we_o in_o the_o murmurer_n the_o eye_n that_o watch_v for_o evil_a and_o not_o in_o holy_a care_n over_o its_o fellow-member_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o come_v down_o to_o judgement_n in_o itself_o will_v stand_v up_o and_o judge_v its_o fellow-member_n yea_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v in_o a_o more_o honourable_a and_o eminent_a place_n in_o the_o body_n then_o itself_o such_o suffer_v not_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o term_v the_o reproof_n of_o instruction_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o life_n imposition_n and_o oppression_n and_o be_v not_o aware_a how_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n they_o condemn_v other_o for_o while_o they_o spare_v not_o to_o reprove_v and_o revile_v all_o their_o fellow-member_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v but_o admonish_v themselves_o they_o cry_v out_o as_o if_o their_o great_a charter_n of_o gospel-liberty_n be_v break_v now_o though_o such_o and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v be_v sufficient_o see_v and_o feel_v by_o thousand_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v so_o establish_v as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n of_o be_v entangle_v in_o that_o snare_n and_o who_o have_v power_n and_o strength_n in_o themselves_o to_o judge_v that_o spirit_n even_o in_o its_o most_o subtle_a appearance_n yet_o there_o be_v who_o can_v so_o well_o withstand_v the_o subtlety_n and_o seem_a sincerity_n some_o such_o pretend_v to_o though_o in_o measure_n they_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o and_o other_o that_o can_v so_o right_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o some_o there_o be_v that_o through_o weakness_n and_o want_v of_o true_a discern_v may_v be_v deceive_v and_o the_o simplicity_n in_o they_o betray_v for_o a_o season_n as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o fair_a speech_n and_o smooth_a word_n they_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a therefore_o have_v according_a to_o my_o measure_n receive_v a_o open_v in_o my_o understanding_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n under_o the_o weighty_a sense_n of_o they_o i_o find_v at_o this_o instant_n a_o freedom_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n for_o the_o more_o universal_a benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o for_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o clear_a open_n and_o understand_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o sum_v up_o this_o treatise_n in_o these_o follow_a general_a head_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o first_o from_o whence_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v the_o rice_n and_o root_n of_o it_o second_o whether_o there_o be_v now_o any_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n three_o what_o be_v the_o order_n and_o government_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o what_o case_n and_o how_o far_o it_o may_v extend_v in_o who_o the_o power_n decisive_a be_v and_o how_o it_o differ_v and_o be_v whole_o another_o than_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o antichristian_a assembly_n section_n second_o concern_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n whenas_n the_o lord_n god_n by_o his_o mighty_a power_n begin_v to_o visit_v the_o nation_n with_o the_o dawn_v of_o his_o heavenly_a day_n for_o thus_o i_o write_v unto_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o instrument_n who_o he_o have_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o his_o work_n have_v fashion_v they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o to_o his_o own_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o appearance_n as_o fool_n and_o mad_a to_o those_o that_o judge_v according_a to_o man_n but_o their_o word_n and_o testimony_n pierce_v through_o into_o the_o inner_a man_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o reach_v to_o that_o of_o god_n in_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o as_o many_o as_o be_v simple-hearted_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o soul_n receive_v they_o as_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o their_o word_n be_v unto_o they_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o receive_n and_o embrace_v the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n through_o they_o they_o feel_v their_o soul_n ease_v and_o the_o acceptable_a day_n begin_v to_o dawn_n in_o and_o upon_o they_o now_o what_o evidence_n bring_v these_o man_n to_o make_v their_o testimony_n to_o be_v receive_v do_v they_o entice_v do_v they_o flatter_v do_v they_o daub_v up_o do_v they_o preach_v liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n or_o will_v of_o man_n nay_o very_o they_o use_v no_o such_o method_n their_o word_n be_v as_o thunderbolt_n knock_v down_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n and_o pour_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o transgressor_n every_o where_o do_v they_o spare_v the_o zealous_a professor_n more_o than_o the_o open_a profane_a nay_o very_o they_o condemn_v equal_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o profanity_n of_o the_o other_o yet_o want_v they_o not_o regard_v to_o the_o tender_a seed_n and_o plant_v of_o god_n in_o either_o do_v they_o give_v way_n do_v they_o yield_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n to_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o serpent_n that_o will_v reason_v truth_n from_o themselves_o say_v i_o must_v stay_v until_o i_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o and_o thaâ—_n and_o the_o other_o thing_n i_o see_v not_o yet_o this_o to_o be_v wrong_n or_o the_o other_o thâ—â—g_v to_o be_v my_o duty_n how_o do_v they_o knock_v down_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o wrought_v mighty_o in_o they_o show_v and_o hold_v forth_o that_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v dawn_v that_o all_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v that_o none_o ought_v to_o tarry_v behind_o that_o that_o which_o so_o plead_v be_v the_o same_o spirit_n which_o of_o old_a time_n say_v in_o those_o that_o be_v invite_v i_o can_v come_v yet_o i_o must_v first_o marry_v a_o wife_n i_o must_v go_v prove_v my_o yoke_n of_o ox_n i_o must_v go_v visit_v my_o possession_n let_v i_o first_o bury_v my_o dead_a father_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n through_o they_o testify_v and_o declare_v against_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n who_o feel_v the_o enemy_n thus_o reason_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o form_n fellowship_n false_a worship_n and_o foolish_a fashion_n of_o this_o world_n but_o we_o feel_v as_o we_o be_v obedient_a all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v for_o condemnation_n and_o that_o as_o we_o obey_v the_o pure_a manifestation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o jesus_n in_o our_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o haesitation_n we_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v part_v with_o all_o those_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o and_o what_o occasion_v such_o scruple_n be_v but_o that_o which_o draw_v back_o through_o be_v unwilling_a to_o give_v pure_a obedience_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o many_o as_o give_v obedience_n and_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n find_v no_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v but_o such_o as_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o that_o appear_v now_o the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n and_o efficacy_n of_o these_o messenger_n testimony_n wrought_v such_o astonishment_n fear_v and_o amazement_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o be_v ingenuous_a that_o many_o begin_v to_o be_v inward_o prick_v as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o many_o begin_v to_o be_v shake_v and_o some_o that_o be_v asleep_o be_v awaken_v and_o many_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o formality_n and_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o all_o sort_n
he_o place_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o make_v the_o refuse_v of_o hear_v it_o to_o draw_v so_o deep_a a_o censure_n after_o it_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v to_o follow_v the_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o apart_o though_o the_o matter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o so_o as_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o intrinsic_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o the_o transgressor_n to_o hear_v that_o one_o as_o well_o as_o all_o for_o that_o one_o advise_v he_o to_o that_o whiâ—h_n be_v right_n and_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o whole_a and_o they_o do_v but_o homologate_v or_o confirm_v that_o which_o that_o one_o have_v already_o assert_v yet_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n will_v not_o have_v a_o brother_n cut_v off_o or_o repute_v a_o publican_n for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v one_o or_o two_o but_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o chucrch_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o other_o false_a church_n make_v use_v of_o this_o scripture_n and_o cover_v their_o persecutiton_n and_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n by_o it_o and_o thou_o say_v no_o more_o than_o they_o say_v i_o answer_v i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n abuse_v this_o scripture_n will_v make_v it_o false_a in_o itself_o but_o how_o we_o differ_v in_o we_o application_n of_o this_o scripture_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o hereafter_o i_o be_o not_o now_o claim_v right_o to_o this_o power_n as_o due_a to_o we_o that_o be_v reserve_v for_o another_o place_n but_o this_o i_o say_v be_v that_o which_o i_o now_o aver_v to_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n at_o present_a in_o hand_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o real_o true_a as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v than_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v also_o necessary_o follow_v that_o such_o who_o real_o and_o true_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v right_o to_o exercise_v this_o order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n do_v practice_v order_n and_o government_n we_o need_v but_o to_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v a_o few_o pregnant_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a first_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n from_o verse_n 13_o to_o the_o end_n where_o at_o the_o very_a first_o meet_v the_o apostle_n and_o brother_n hold_v together_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n they_o begin_v orderly_a to_o appoint_v one_o to_o fulfil_v the_o place_n of_o judas_n it_o may_v be_v think_v this_o be_v a_o needless_a ceremony_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n countenance_v it_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v of_o these_o two_o man_n or_o of_o he_o upon_o who_o the_o lot_n do_v not_o fall_v contradict_v their_o inward_a freedom_n or_o impose_v upon_o it_o but_o both_o agree_v very_o well_o together_o the_o one_o in_o the_o will_n and_o move_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o same_o in_o submit_v to_o their_o appointment_n moreover_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o may_v read_v act_n 6._o so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v a_o opport_n unity_n how_o they_o wise_o give_v order_n concern_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o appoint_v some_o man_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o here_o be_v order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v then_o as_o some_o say_v now_o we_o will_v give_v our_o charity_n to_o who_o we_o see_v cause_n and_o we_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o your_o appointment_n and_o order_n whether_o will_v god_n have_v approve_v of_o such_o yea_o or_o nay_o query_n three_o when_o that_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n fall_v in_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a or_o not_o to_o circumcise_v the_o gentile_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n see_v not_o meet_v to_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n they_o do_v not_o judge_v as_o one_o confuse_o suppose_v that_o this_o difference_n in_o a_o â—â—tward_a exercise_n will_v commend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n nay_o they_o take_v another_o method_n it_o be_v say_v express_o act_v 15._o 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o after_o there_o have_v be_v much_o dispute_v about_o it_o no_o doubt_n then_o there_o be_v here_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n tell_v their_o judgement_n and_o come_v also_o to_o a_o positive_a conclusion_n sure_o some_o behove_v to_o submit_v else_o they_o shall_v never_o have_v agree_v so_o those_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n and_o they_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o all_o which_o it_o do_v undeniable_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n practise_v a_o holy_a order_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o and_o i_o hope_v none_o will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v they_o do_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n concur_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o singular_a practice_n but_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o doctrinal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o these_o follow_a testimony_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 15_o for_o though_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o instructer_n in_o christ_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o many_o father_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n 16._o wherefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o 17_o for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o timotheus_n who_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n and_o faithful_a in_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v bring_v you_o into_o remembrance_n of_o my_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o i_o teach_v every_o where_o in_o every_o church_n here_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v very_o absolute_a first_o in_o that_o he_o desire_v they_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o second_o in_o that_o he_o send_v a_o teacher_n yea_o a_o minister_n and_o eminent_a bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v apostate_n and_o dissent_v spirit_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o give_v paul_n occasion_n thus_o to_o write_v as_o he_o testify_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n how_o he_o be_v judge_v by_o some_o of_o they_o he_o show_v how_o they_o be_v grow_v high_a ver_fw-la 8._o now_o you_o be_v full_a now_o you_o be_v rich_a you_o have_v reign_v as_o king_n without_o we_o etc._n etc._n may_v not_o these_o dissenter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v reason_v thus_o against_o paul_n do_v not_o this_o paul_n teach_v we_o at_o first_o to_o mind_v the_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o and_o follow_v that_o for_o no_o doubt_n that_o be_v paul_n doctrine_n but_o now_o he_o begin_v to_o lord_n over_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v be_v follower_n of_o he_o may_v not_o they_o have_v judge_v the_o belove_a timothy_n to_o be_v far_o out_o of_o his_o place_n may_v they_o not_o have_v say_v it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o god_n that_o move_v thou_o and_o send_v thou_o here_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o lordly_a paul_n that_o seek_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n it_o seem_v thou_o come_v not_o here_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o with_o we_o to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o to_o mind_v we_o to_o follow_v paul_n way_n and_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o teach_v in_o every_o church_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v with_o he_o nor_o with_o his_o mâ—ssenger_n nor_o with_o none_o of_o your_o order_n and_o so_o forth_o do_v not_o this_o run_v very_o plausible_a i_o question_v not_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reason_v among_o
cry_v out_o of_o formality_n and_o apostasy_n because_o they_o be_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o unruliness_n according_a to_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n than_o they_o cry_v out_o breach_n of_o liberty_n oppression_n persecution_n we_o will_v have_v none_o of_o your_o order_n and_o government_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o follow_v the_o light_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o not_o the_o order_n of_o man_n well_o of_o this_o hereafter_o but_o this_o give_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o controversy_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o that_o which_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n section_n three_o whether_o there_o be_v now_o to_o be_v any_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o proposition_n i_o meddle_v not_o at_o this_o time_n with_o those_o that_o deny_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v reserve_v their_o plea_n to_o another_o place_n neither_o need_v i_o to_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a to_o wit_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o opposer_n both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n who_o ready_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o have_v heretofore_o blame_v we_o for_o want_v of_o it_o though_o now_o some_o of_o they_o and_o that_o of_o the_o high_a pretender_n be_v become_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o accuse_v we_o for_o the_o use_v of_o it_o improve_n it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n for_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o partial_a envy_n that_o whereas_o the_o suppose_a want_n of_o it_o be_v once_o reckon_v heretical_a now_o the_o present_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v count_v criminal_a these_o then_o to_o who_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v this_o thing_n be_v such_o who_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o themselves_o refuse_v all_o subjection_n or_o government_n deny_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o disagree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o truth_n or_o those_o who_o not_o be_v so_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o mind_n yet_o be_v fearful_a or_o scrupulous_a in_o the_o matter_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o may_v apprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n may_v draw_v after_o it_o for_o the_o clear_n then_o as_o well_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o one_o as_o answer_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o other_o i_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o follow_a assertion_n will_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o matter_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o evidence_n first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v order_n and_o government_n in_o it_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o immediate_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v practice_v and_o commend_v it_o three_o that_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n now_o occur_v which_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o power_n now_o as_o ever_o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o the_o same_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o very_a word_n order_n and_o government_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o now_o this_o i_o suppose_v have_v proceed_v because_o of_o the_o great_a hypocrisy_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n that_o have_v be_v cloak_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o why_o shall_v the_o truth_n be_v neglect_v because_o hypocrite_n have_v pretend_v to_o it_o the_o right_a institution_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n must_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v because_o corrupt_v man_n have_v abuse_v and_o pervert_v they_o i_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v more_o abuse_v and_o pervent_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a shall_v we_o then_o renounce_v that_o honourable_a title_n because_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o wicked_a man_n yea_o antichrist_n have_v false_o assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v in_o his_o temple_n if_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n have_v assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v term_v her_o oppression_n and_o violence_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n thereof_o therefore_o must_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n &_o its_o authority_n be_v exercise_v where_o it_o true_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n this_o i_o prefix_v to_o warn_v all_o to_o beware_v of_o stumble_v at_o thing_n which_o be_v innocent_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v labour_v to_o hold_v the_o steady_a even_a path_n of_o truth_n without_o run_v in_o either_o of_o the_o extreme_n for_o that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v appoint_v order_n &_o government_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v very_o clear_a from_o his_o plain_a word_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o ver._n 15._o moreover_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o of_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n ver_n 16._o but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o work_n may_v be_v establish_v ver._n 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n ver._n 18._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n from_o which_o scripture_n it_o do_v manifest_o and_o evident_o follow_v first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o certain_a order_n and_o method_n in_o his_o church_n in_o the_o procedure_n towards_o such_o as_o transgress_v second_o that_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v two_o be_v become_v more_o guilty_a as_o harden_v then_o in_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o first_o reprove_v alone_o three_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a assembly_n he_o do_v thereby_o exclude_v himself_o and_o shut_v out_o himself_o from_o be_v a_o member_n and_o be_v just_o judge_v by_o his_o brethren_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o last_o that_o the_o church_n gatherng_n or_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v and_o call_v to_o a_o account_v such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o own_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o they_o do_v transgress_v and_o in_o case_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o hear_v or_o repent_v to_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o fellowship_n and_o that_o god_n have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o people_n thus_o orderly_o proceed_v so_o as_o to_o hold_v such_o bind_v in_o heaven_n who_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n and_o such_o loose_v in_o heaven_n who_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n i_o be_o partly_o confident_a that_o no_o rational_a man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o above_o mention_a scripture_n and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o find_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o deny_v it_o i_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o necessary_a and_o inevitable_a consequence_n which_o at_o present_a as_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v i_o forbear_v to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v reckon_v so_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o offend_v one_o of_o the_o little_a one_o that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o so_o do_v that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n without_o question_n to_o offend_v and_o gainsay_v the_o whole_a flock_n must_v be_v more_o criminal_a and_o must_v draw_v after_o it_o a_o far_o deep_a judgement_n now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o order_n nor_o government_n in_o the_o church_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o those_o that_o transgress_v how_o shall_v they_o be_v again_o restore_v will_v not_o this_o make_v all_o reprove_v all_o instruct_v all_o care_v for_o and_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o void_a and_o null_a why_o shall_v christ_n have_v desire_v they_o to_o proceed_v after_o this_o method_n why_o do_v
infallibility_n be_v not_o inseparable_o annex_v to_o he_o he_o be_v find_v unblamable_a in_o a_o certain_a matter_n gal._n 2._o 11._o notwithstanding_o his_o sentence_n be_v positive_o receive_v in_o many_o particular_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n argue_v from_o his_o gather_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o and_o positive_o conclude_v in_o divers_a thing_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n exhort_v the_o church_n both_o he_o and_o peter_n in_o many_o passage_n heretofore_o mention_v which_o i_o will_v not_o to_o avoid_v repetition_n again_o rehearse_v to_o obey_v the_o elder_n that_o watch_v for_o they_o to_o hold_v such_o in_o reputation_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o that_o have_v addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 15_o 16._o also_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n make_v use_v of_o john_n his_o belove_a disciple_n to_o inform_v and_o reprove_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o no_o doubt_n john_n the_o rest_n by_o the_o usual_a computation_n be_v at_o that_o time_n all_o remove_v be_v then_o the_o most_o note_a and_o famous_a elder_a alive_a and_o indeed_o i_o mind_v not_o where_o under_o the_o gospel_n christ_n have_v use_v any_o other_o method_n but_o that_o he_o always_o in_o reveal_v his_o will_n have_v make_v use_n of_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o appoint_v elder_n and_o officer_n in_o his_o church_n though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o we_o to_o limit_v the_o lord_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v any_o from_o this_o privilege_n nor_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n will_v the_o possibility_n hereof_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o allow_v every_o obscure_a member_n to_o stand_v up_o and_o offer_v to_o rule_v judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o whole_a body_n nor_o yet_o be_v it_o without_o cause_n that_o such_o a_o one_o message_n be_v jealouse_v and_o call_v in_o question_n unless_o it_o have_v very_o great_a evidence_n and_o be_v bottom_v upon_o some_o very_a weighty_a and_o solid_a cause_n and_o foundation_n and_o god_n do_v so_o furnish_v those_o who_o he_o raise_v up_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n of_o which_o as_o i_o say_v i_o mind_v no_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o old_a we_o see_v though_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o little_a david_n shall_v oppose_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a goliath_n yet_o he_o have_v before_o that_o kill_v both_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n which_o be_v no_o less_o improbable_a and_o which_o of_o all_o be_v most_o observable_a be_v before_o that_o time_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prophet_n anoint_a king_n of_o israel_n compare_v the_o 16_o and_o 17_o chap._n of_o the_o one_a of_o samuel_n now_o as_o to_o the_o three_o that_o any_o particular_a person_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o effectual_o give_v out_o a_o positive_a judgement_n be_v no_o encroach_a nor_o impose_v upon_o their_o brethren_n conscience_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o what_o be_v say_v before_o upon_o which_o for_o further_a probation_n there_o will_v only_o need_v this_o short_a reflection_n that_o for_o any_o member_n or_o member_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v forth_o a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o office_n they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o so_o for_o they_o to_o exercise_v that_o place_n in_o the_o body_n which_o the_o head_n move_v they_o to_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o their_o fellow_n member_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o submit_v and_o obey_v it_o be_v the_o place_n of_o some_o so_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o renounce_v a_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n see_v the_o spirit_n lead_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o not_o to_o obey_v in_o case_n the_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n lead_v to_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n both_o offensive_a and_o sinful_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n without_o absurdity_n and_o so_o establish_v the_o above_o mention_v proposition_n will_v appear_v by_o a_o short_a review_n of_o the_o former_a passage_n if_o that_o peter_n and_o james_n their_o give_v a_o positive_a judgement_n in_o the_o case_n of_o difference_n in_o divers_a particulars_n do_v not_o infer_v they_o to_o be_v imposer_n so_o neither_o will_v any_o so_o do_v now_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n every_o one_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o application_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o for_o any_o to_o have_v stand_v up_o and_o resist_v their_o judgement_n pretend_v a_o unclearness_n or_o so_o and_o thereby_o hold_v up_o the_o difference_n after_o their_o sentence_n break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thing_n be_v conclude_v with_o a_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o i_o say_v if_o such_o will_v have_v give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o as_o despiser_n of_o dignity_n of_o old_a will_v not_o the_o like_a case_n now_o occur_v the_o same_o conclusion_n hold_v now_o whether_o those_o proposition_n do_v not_o hold_v upon_o the_o principle_n before_o lay_v down_o and_o prove_v i_o leave_v to_o every_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judge_v moreover_o we_o see_v how_o positive_a the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v in_o many_o particular_n throughout_o all_o his_o epistle_n insomuch_o as_o he_o say_v 2_o thes._n ult_n 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o in_o many_o more_o place_n before_o mention_v where_o he_o command_v they_o both_o to_o obey_v he_o and_o several_a other_o who_o be_v appoint_v no_o doubt_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v ruler_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o who_o will_v say_v that_o either_o the_o apostle_n do_v more_o than_o he_o ought_v in_o command_v or_o they_o less_o than_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o in_o submit_v and_o yet_o neither_o be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o more_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o lead_v they_o to_o or_o allow_v they_o in_o and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n bear_v any_o parity_n or_o proportion_n now_o in_o these_o day_n with_o what_o it_o do_v of_o old_a as_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v now_o be_v suppose_v to_o take_v effect_n that_o do_v then_o and_o also_o be_v lawful_o do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o establish_v upon_o the_o same_o basis_n and_o foundation_n and_o thus_o much_o as_o to_o that_o part_n to_o show_v in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o decision_n be_v which_o be_v serious_o and_o impartia_o consider_v be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n either_o of_o popery_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o either_o wilful_o blind_a or_o very_o ignorant_a of_o popish_a principle_n may_v observe_v but_o see_v to_o manifest_v that_o difference_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o say_v something_o of_o it_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n section_n eight_o how_o this_o government_n altogether_o differ_v from_o the_o oppress_v and_o persecute_v principallity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o oâ—her_o antichristian_a assembly_n whatever_o way_n we_o understand_v the_o popish_a principle_n in_o this_o matter_n whether_o of_o those_o that_o be_v most_o devote_v to_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n dominion_n &_o the_o prince_n of_o italy_n the_o jesuit_n and_o generality_n of_o all_o those_o call_v religious_a order_n who_o hold_v that_o papa_n in_o cathedra_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la errare_fw-la licet_fw-la absque_fw-la concilio_n that_o be_v that_o the_o pope_n in_o his_o chair_n can_v err_v though_o without_o a_o council_n or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v less_o devote_v who_o plead_v this_o infallibility_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n lawful_o convene_v who_o yet_o by_o the_o more_o zealous_a be_v reckon_v petty_a schismatic_n i_o say_v whatever_o way_n we_o take_v they_o all_o those_o that_o do_v profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o be_v so_o far_o such_o as_o to_o understand_v their_o own_o principle_n do_v unquestionable_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o no_o general_n council_n can_v be_v lawful_o call_v without_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o christ_n vicar_n and_o peter_n successor_n call_v it_o second_o that_o either_o he_o himself_o or_o some_o from_o he_o as_o his_o legate_n must_v be_v there_o present_a and_o always_o precede_v three_o that_o the_o member_n have_v vote_n be_v
of_o what_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v in_o this_o treatise_n resolve_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o a_o visible_a people_n for_o i_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o apostasy_n that_o consist_v not_o of_o any_o society_n visible_o unite_v gather_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a principle_n and_o unite_v in_o the_o joint_a performance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o meet_v together_o pray_v preach_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v and_o still_o must_v be_v a_o certain_a order_n and_o government_n second_o that_o this_o government_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o consist_v of_o certain_a meeting_n appoint_v principal_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v act_n of_o worship_n if_o the_o spirit_n move_v thereunto_o three_o the_o object_n of_o this_o government_n be_v twofold_a outward_o and_o inward_o the_o outward_o relate_v main_o to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a where_o may_v be_v also_o include_v marriage_n and_o the_o remove_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o thing_n undeniable_o wrong_a the_o inward_o respect_v a_o apostasy_n either_o in_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o have_v a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o either_o in_o deny_v some_o truth_n already_o receive_v and_o believe_v or_o assert_v new_a doctrine_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v which_o again_o to_o subdivide_v may_v either_o be_v in_o thing_n fundamental_a and_o of_o great_a moment_n or_o in_o thing_n of_o less_o weight_n in_o themselves_o yet_o proceed_v from_o a_o wrong_a spirit_n and_o which_o in_o the_o natural_a and_o certain_a consequence_n of_o they_o tend_v to_o make_v schism_n division_n animosity_n and_o in_o sum_n to_o break_v that_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n that_o be_v so_o needful_a to_o be_v uphold_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o here_o come_v also_o under_o this_o consideration_n all_o emulation_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n and_o evil-surmisings_a four_o that_o in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o definition_n above_o give_v of_o it_o there_o will_v in_o such_o case_n of_o difference_n and_o controversy_n still_o be_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n either_o in_o one_o or_o other_o few_o or_o more_o five_o that_o this_o infallible_a judgement_n be_v only_o and_o unalterable_o annex_v and_o seat_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n meet_v or_o assembly_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o settle_a ordination_n office_n place_n or_o station_n that_o such_o may_v have_v or_o have_v have_v in_o the_o church_n no_o man_n man_n nor_o meet_v stand_v or_o be_v invest_v in_o any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o other_o term_n then_o so_o long_o as_o he_o or_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o live_a sense_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o life_n in_o their_o own_o particular_n which_o whosoever_o one_o or_o more_o inward_o depart_v from_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la lose_v all_o authority_n office_n or_o certain_a discern_v he_o or_o they_o former_o have_v have_v though_o retain_v the_o true_a principle_n and_o sound_a form_n and_o may_v be_v not_o fall_v into_o any_o gross_a practice_n as_o may_v declare_v they_o general_o to_o be_v thus_o wither_v and_o decay_a six_o that_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n have_v ordinary_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o such_o case_n through_o the_o elder_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o general_a meeting_n who_o testimony_n be_v neither_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o reject_v without_o good_a cause_n neither_o be_v their_o take_n upon_o they_o real_o to_o decide_v any_o just_a ground_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o imposition_n or_o to_o quarrel_v their_o judgement_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v decay_v and_o have_v lose_v their_o discern_v as_o above_o seven_o that_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v in_o such_o case_n be_v no_o detract_n from_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v inward_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n see_v the_o spirit_n have_v lead_v some_o heretofore_o so_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v and_o that_o every_o pretence_n of_o unclearness_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o disobedience_n see_v that_o may_v proceed_v from_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n yet_o say_v i_o not_o any_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o before_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o who_o be_v every_o right_n will_v not_o want_v clearness_n in_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o last_o that_o these_o principle_n be_v no_o way_n taint_v with_o imposition_n or_o contrary_a to_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o fundamental_o differ_v from_o the_o usurpation_n both_o of_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o nature_n robert_n barclay_n the_o end_n end_n john_n owen_n charge_v we_o with_o so_o much_o ignorance_n that_o though_o he_o write_v against_o we_o in_o latin_a he_o fear_v we_o will_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o thomas_n danson_n about_o the_o sametime_o accuse_v we_o of_o be_v jesuit_n send_v from_o abroad_o under_o this_o vizard_n vizard_n so_o say_v james_n durham_n a_o note_a man_n among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o his_o exposition_n upon_o the_o revelation_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15_o 16_o 17._o w._n m._n in_o his_o query_n query_n yet_o this_o not_o so_o the_o bond_n but_o that_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o inwâ—rd_n and_o invisible_a to_o wit_n the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n where_o by_o we_o also_o have_v unity_n with_o the_o upright_a seed_n in_o all_o even_o in_o those_o who_o understand_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o enlighten_v but_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v this_o be_v as_o a_o outward_a bond_n and_o if_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v darken_v through_o disobedience_n which_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o outward_a bond_n so_o it_o do_v in_o the_o inward_a inward_a for_o some_o pope_n have_v be_v know_v to_o deny_v or_o at_o least_o to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n &_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n resurrection_n west_n conf._n of_o faith_n chap._n