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religion_n scripture_n sense_n true_a 4,624 5 5.7921 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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this_o as_o a_o general_a ground_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n which_o may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o not_o in_o this_o and_o their_o reach_n herein_o be_v to_o make_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o suspend_v themselves_o upon_o their_o church_n as_o that_o be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o to_o receive_v that_o religion_n and_o none_o but_o that_o which_o their_o church_n do_v teach_v for_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o by_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o we_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n you_o must_v find_v it_o out_o by_o our_o church_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v assist_v with_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o gift_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o whereas_o they_o say_v it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o the_o scripture_n have_v another_o way_n and_o a_o better_a joh_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o the_o church_n than_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v well_o assure_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n before_o he_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o her_o judgement_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o whereas_o before_o his_o care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o thereupon_o resolve_v to_o search_v it_o out_o from_o the_o true_a church_n now_o his_o first_o and_o great_a care_n be_v to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o other_o company_n that_o be_v not_o may_v and_o do_v brag_v 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peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o other_o minister_n to_o administer_v it_o which_o we_o bless_v etc._n etc._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v prayer_n act._n 6.4_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.16_o there_o the_o manner_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n accompany_v he_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o say_v amen_n the_o four_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v that_o they_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n of_o holiness_n in_o life_n so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o elder_n to_o who_o he_o write_v 1_o pet._n 5.3_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o tim_n 4.12_o the_o five_o duty_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a so_o it_o be_v intend_v james_n 5.14_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n their_o six_o 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those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n both_o collection_n and_o distribution_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o eight_o and_o last_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v continual_o resident_a and_o attendant_n over_o their_o charge_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n the_o very_a name_n overseer_n intend_v so_o much_o that_o they_o must_v be_v continual_o resident_a over_o the_o flock_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o they_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a in_o visit_v and_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v act._n 15.36_o and_o they_o do_v long_o to_o be_v with_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 1.11_o and_o when_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o it_o they_o bewail_v it_o as_o satan_n work_n therein_o so_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o thes_n 2.8_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o come_v 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we_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o govern_v elder_n elder_n i_o find_v governor_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o also_o ruler_n rom._n 12.8_o and_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o this_o be_v of_o necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o minister_n must_v be_v endue_v with_o it_o they_o must_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n too_o for_o the_o church_n even_o in_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ministry_n as_o in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o that_o this_o must_v be_v mean_v direct_o of_o some_o that_o must_v of_o necessity_n rule_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n beside_o the_o minister_n i_o can_v see_v special_o see_v they_o ascribe_v to_o these_o ruler_n a_o hand_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o therefore_o appropriate_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o limit_v 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christian_a bear_v and_o yet_o join_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o their_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o christian_a but_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o so_o then_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n yoke-fellowe_n all_o church_n receive_v denomination_n from_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v now_o then_o religion_n be_v as_o the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n give_v it_o name_n and_o be_v therefore_o look_v what_o religion_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n profess_v and_o such_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v repute_v there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n as_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n profess_v such_o religion_n be_v false_a church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o worship_n false_a god_n and_o so_o embrace_v false_a religion_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saracen_n that_o erect_v and_o set_v up_o mahomet_n against_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o deny_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v false_a church_n but_o there_o be_v some_o church_n that_o embrace_v party_n religion_n in_o part_n true_a and_o in_o part_n false_a yea_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a that_o be_v not_o taint_v with_o some_o error_n and_o what_o church_n be_v there_o so_o impure_a that_o profess_v not_o some_o notable_a heavenly_a truth_n we_o must_v therefore_o consider_v what_o truth_n and_o what_o error_n they_o hold_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v soon_o decide_v without_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o so_o no_o true_a church_n 1._o joh._n 5.12_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o life_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o whether_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o in_o it_o profess_v the_o truth_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o fundamental_a truth_n profess_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o false_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o profess_v falsehood_n in_o it_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o fundamental_a truth_n overthrow_v in_o it_o i_o answer_v sure_o it_o may_v till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o false_a church_n have_v get_v the_o upperhand_n and_o make_v law_n for_o her_o error_n and_o against_o the_o other_o truth_n with_o sentence_n of_o abandon_v all_o those_o out_o of_o their_o church_n which_o do_v hold_v the_o truth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o sardy_n revel_v 3.1_o 4._o she_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v a_o few_o name_n in_o sardy_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o take_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n whatsoever_o church_n embrace_v christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o taint_v with_o many_o error_n beside_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o church_n believe_v not_o this_o be_v a_o false_a church_n though_o it_o hold_v many_o other_o excellent_a truth_n beside_o so_o much_o of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v of_o god_n church_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o god_n have_v so_o many_o several_a kind_n of_o church_n for_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o remain_v now_o and_o shall_v continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n therefore_o when_o we_o mention_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o it_o be_v several_o divide_v into_o diverse_a and_o several_a kind_n but_o distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a respect_n and_o principal_o for_o these_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n distinguish_v or_o compass_v of_o it_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n belong_v to_o it_o in_o the_o several_a estate_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v unto_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n sometime_o know_v sometime_o unknown_a first_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v either_o universal_a or_o particular_a universal_a that_o be_v universal_a the_o whole_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v both_o in_o heaven_n a_o earth_n but_o this_o have_v no_o limit_n but_o be_v disperse_v far_o and_o wide_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o reach_v to_o heaven_n itself_o but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o both_o in_o the_o adjunct_n catholic_a and_o also_o in_o handle_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o i_o will_v trust_v your_o memory_n for_o that_o point_n and_o not_o speak_v more_o here_o of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v particular_a every_o particular_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v several_a by_o themselves_o of_o several_a time_n and_o place_n be_v but_o particular_a church_n but_o because_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o proper_o of_o this_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o will_v respite_n it_o till_o then_o second_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o define_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o several_a state_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v on_o earth_n or_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fight_v or_o warfare_n and_o the_o second_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v crown_v and_o triumph_v and_o according_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a on_o earth_n that_o do_v continual_o exercise_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n against_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o all_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o do_v thus_o fight_v for_o though_o hypocrite_n and_o sometime_o those_o that_o do_v persecute_v the_o gospel_n do_v fight_v the_o lord_n battle_n and_o so_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n may_v be_v repute_v part_n of_o this_o militant_a church_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o colourable_o and_o outward_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n not_o in_o truth_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n nor_o in_o true_a hatred_n of_o sin_n nor_o in_o a_o true_a desire_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o to_o speak_v proper_o none_o be_v true_a part_n of_o this_o church_n militant_a respect_n but_o the_o faithful_a only_o second_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o though_o sometime_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o faithful_a oppugn_v they_o in_o their_o body_n and_o outward_a state_n yet_o it_o be_v mere_o in_o a_o spiritual_a respect_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o hurt_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n or_o life_n of_o grace_n &_o so_o likewise_o when_o the_o faithful_a defend_v their_o body_n or_o outward_a estate_n against_o their_o adversary_n when_o they_o maintain_v their_o reputation_n or_o their_o life_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n second_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v use_v in_o this_o fight_n for_o they_o be_v chief_o spiritual_a on_o both_o part_n the_o adversary_n weapon_n be_v temptation_n etc._n etc._n the_o faithful_a their_o weapon_n be_v the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v spiritual_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o general_n of_o the_o field_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v spirit_n god_n good_a spirit_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o satan_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n on_o the_o wicked_n side_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o note_n be_v this_o that_o this_o warfare_n must_v be_v exercise_v continual_o for_o the_o envious_a man_n
profession_n second_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a or_o open_a that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v so_o public_a and_o open_a that_o there_o may_v be_v notice_n take_v that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o religion_n else_o they_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o look_v as_o their_o profession_n be_v more_o or_o less_o public_a so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v more_o or_o less_o visible_a three_o as_o they_o must_v public_o profess_v so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o profession_n and_o that_o intend_v first_o their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o none_o or_o of_o a_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a religion_n and_o second_o it_o intend_v their_o associate_a or_o sort_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n grow_v into_o and_o live_v in_o a_o love_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o three_o it_o intend_v that_o they_o must_v do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n some_o join_v for_o fashion_n some_o for_o fear_n some_o for_o hope_n of_o gain_n and_o some_o other_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o all_o these_o do_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o will_n can_v be_v force_v yea_o if_o they_o do_v it_o against_o their_o will_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o they_o though_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n three_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o religion_n which_o this_o company_n make_v profession_n of_o must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o as_o without_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n so_o without_o the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n there_o be_v diverse_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o according_o diverse_a church_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a true_a church_n that_o be_v that_o which_o embrace_v that_o true_a religion_n 249._o so_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n under_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o profess_v that_o one_o true_a religion_n let_v they_o profess_v whatsoever_o religion_n they_o will_v beside_o they_o can_v just_o be_v repute_v true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v draw_v it_o into_o a_o observation_n and_o so_o discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a and_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doctr._n whatsoever_o company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n do_v open_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o same_o congregation_n and_o company_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v general_o in_o all_o congregation_n whatsoever_o of_o that_o quality_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o and_o from_o the_o best_a to_o the_o worst_a for_o first_o whereas_o all_o and_o every_o professor_n of_o god_n religion_n through_o the_o world_n do_v concur_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o common_a save_a faith_n church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o the_o same_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o may_v be_v term_v a_o true_a universal_a visible_a church_n so_o also_o every_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n profess_v the_o same_o save_a truth_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o one_o settle_a congregation_n and_o observe_v the_o same_o law_n and_o order_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n may_v be_v call_v a_o true_a particular_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o province_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n and_o according_o they_o be_v call_v a_o provincial_n a_o parochial_a or_o a_o domestical_a church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n church_n though_o one_o be_v universal_a and_o the_o other_o particular_a for_o instance_n of_o all_o these_o in_o scripture_n first_o for_o a_o provincial_n or_o national_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n or_o nation_n you_o may_v see_v a_o instance_n act._n 9.31_o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_v in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n and_o galilee_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v provincial_a church_n name_v by_o the_o country_n they_o be_v in_o as_o judea_n samaria_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n the_o seven_o church_n there_o mention_v be_v national_n church_n as_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinthus_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n church_n second_o for_o a_o parochial_a or_o parish_n church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o parish_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o they_o in_o act._n 14.23_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o town_n church_n three_o for_o a_o domestical_a church_n which_o be_v a_o company_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 16.19_o of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n and_o colos_n 4.15_o we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nimphas_n though_o these_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v repute_v invisible_a church_n except_o they_o may_v be_v so_o open_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o notorious_o know_v as_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n house_n then_o they_o may_v be_v call_v domestical_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o division_n that_o some_o church_n be_v either_o universal_a visible_a church_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o whole_a land_n or_o in_o a_o town_n or_o in_o a_o private_a house_n visible_a second_o whereas_o some_o church_n be_v more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o yet_o both_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n though_o one_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o the_o other_o less_o visible_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v notorious_o know_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v know_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1.8_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v come_v abroad_o among_o all_o rom._n 16.19_o so_o that_o this_o church_n be_v more_o visible_a other_o church_n be_v less_o know_v as_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n &_o crect_n which_o be_v only_o name_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o epistle_n write_v to_o they_o now_o because_o they_o be_v only_o mention_v therefore_o they_o be_v less_o know_v and_o so_o less_o visible_a &_o yet_o true_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o three_o whereas_o some_o church_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n more_o pure_o and_o sincere_o other_o more_z corrupt_o pure_a yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o pure_a not_o more_o true_a the_o other_o less_o instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n some_o church_n there_o be_v more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o all_o true_a church_n church_n more_o pure_a be_v smyrna_n and_o philadelphia_n all_o commend_v in_o they_o nothing_o disprayse_v church_n less_o pure_a be_v ephesus_n pergamus_n and_o thiatira_n in_o which_o church_n some_o thing_n be_v commend_v some_o thing_n discommend_v church_n yet_o less_o pure_a be_v sardis_n and_o laodicea_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o commend_v but_o all_o thing_n disprayse_v so_o we_o see_v that_o some_o of_o these_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n more_o pure_o some_o less_o pure_o and_o some_o more_o corrupt_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o and_o last_o perfect_a whereas_o some_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o some_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n other_o be_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v not_o such_o a_o form_n establish_v for_o government_n yet_o each_o of_o these_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o one_o be_v more_o the_o other_o less_o perfect_a instance_n of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n first_o for_o they_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a as_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o james_n be_v bishop_n there_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n there_o the_o apostle_n meet_v and_o have_v a_o consultation_n
together_o act._n 15.2_o &_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o be_v also_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 17.28_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o overseer_n second_o some_o be_v less_o perfect_a as_o the_o church_n in_o creta_n which_o have_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o titus_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v lay_v no_o heavy_a burden_n on_o they_o but_o that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o able_a to_o bear_v act._n 15.19_o yet_o these_o be_v true_a church_n so_o that_o though_o some_o visible_a church_n be_v universal_a some_o particular_a some_o more_o notorious_o know_v some_o less_o know_v some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a and_o some_o grow_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o ripeness_n some_o in_o their_o infancy_n less_o perfect_a yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o note_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o first_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v a_o set_a place_n choose_v where_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v his_o name_n that_o be_v where_o religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v and_o he_o dwell_v there_o that_o be_v as_o a_o father_n or_o as_o a_o master_n of_o the_o family_n beget_v child_n and_o rule_v and_o govern_v that_o family_n by_o his_o word_n now_o what_o be_v this_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o that_o where_o god_n save_v truth_n be_v profess_v there_o god_n himself_o be_v present_a as_o in_o his_o true_a visible_a church_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o company_n of_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o joint_o to_o profess_v his_o save_a truth_n and_o what_o be_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o be_v but_o his_o church_n for_o so_o in_o revel_v 2.1_o he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o seven_o visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o and_o this_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n more_o than_o other_o but_o wheresoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v etc._n etc._n be_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v it_o general_o in_o the_o world_n or_o particular_o in_o a_o parish_n or_o house_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v any_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v that_o hear_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o embrace_v but_o outward_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v they_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 1.2_o describe_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n in_o christ_n that_o sanctify_v they_o saint_n by_o call_v that_o be_v such_o as_o make_v profession_n at_o the_o least_o to_o be_v so_o with_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o every_o place_n which_o phrase_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n general_o in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o profession_n of_o god_n religion_n so_o that_o those_o that_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n revel_v 1.20_o the_o church_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n now_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o candlestick_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o not_o only_a experience_n teach_v but_o christ_n himself_o teach_v it_o mat._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o company_n that_o hold_v forth_o the_o light_n of_o the_o save_a truth_n to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o world_n and_o those_o instance_n allege_v of_o those_o church_n that_o be_v some_o more_o visible_a some_o less_o some_o more_o pure_a some_o more_o corrupt_a some_o more_o perfect_a some_o more_o imperfect_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o true_a church_n prove_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o observation_n clear_o and_o direct_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o save_a reas_n 1_o truth_n or_o faith_n itself_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o thereby_o make_v it_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o save_a truth_n and_o that_o embrace_v it_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n second_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o company_n profess_v god_n reas_n 2_o truth_n there_o they_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n matth._n 18.20_o but_o christ_n be_v present_v no_o where_o in_o such_o a_o special_a manner_n but_o in_o his_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o company_n be_v a_o true_a church_n again_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n rom._n 10.13_o but_o none_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n three_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v on_o the_o prophet_n and_o reas_n 3_o apostle_n ephes_n 2.10_o that_o be_v on_o that_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o write_v therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v this_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n four_o there_o christ_n be_v honour_v and_o obey_v public_o as_o their_o head_n ephes_n 1.22_o therefore_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o be_v his_o visible_a body_n five_o there_o among_o such_o a_o company_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n matth._n 16.19_o six_o there_o his_o voice_n be_v open_o hear_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n obey_v therefore_o they_o be_v his_o sheep_n and_o that_o be_v his_o fold_n joh._n 10.27_o seven_o all_o other_o society_n and_o company_n consist_v of_o those_o that_o profess_v such_o a_o call_v or_o mystery_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o therefore_o they_o that_o public_o profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o they_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n eight_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o by_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n for_o other_o company_n of_o man_n either_o profess_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o not_o the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o whatsoever_o company_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n last_o the_o particular_a profession_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8.37_o 38._o he_o believe_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o and_o so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n if_o this_o profession_n in_o particular_a make_v a_o particular_a man_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n much_o more_o in_o general_n do_v it_o make_v a_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o the_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n against_o the_o papist_n who_o lie_v
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o advance_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n that_o his_o apostle_n give_v witness_v to_o he_o answer_v i_o answer_v yes_o for_o they_o make_v the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o underling_n and_o disciple_n they_o reply_v reply_n but_o the_o protestant_n do_v magnify_v every_o one_o himself_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o church_n answer_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o we_o go_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n go_v by_o that_o rule_n we_o will_v follow_v she_o as_o soon_o yea_o soon_o than_o any_o particular_a man_n three_o this_o weaken_v and_o indeed_o overthrow_v religion_n set_v it_o upon_o man_n a_o ground_n weakeand_a insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o instruction_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v both_o ourselves_o towards_o the_o church_n and_o towards_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v with_o a_o even_a hand_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o tribute_n money_n give_v unto_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n scripture_n so_o must_v we_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n first_o esteem_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o god_n own_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o 22._o able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17_o second_o church_n esteem_v of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o pillar_n that_o be_v as_o the_o keeper_n and_o uphoulder_n of_o the_o truth_n 1._o tim._n 3.16_o not_o that_o light_n but_o a_o witness_n of_o that_o light_n john_n 1.8_o she_o be_v to_o inquire_v search_n propound_v expound_v pronounce_v teach_v approve_v &_o judge_v according_a to_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o not_o otherwise_o she_o be_v as_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n that_o propound_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v he_o they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o that_o christ_n john_n 4.42_o so_o the_o church_n propound_v and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o look_v into_o it_o and_o hear_v it_o speak_v than_o we_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v scripture_n how_o then_o do_v we_o know_v which_o be_v scripture_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o content_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o 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yet_o of_o his_o own_o by_o possession_n and_o feeling_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n must_v have_v judgement_n of_o his_o own_o too_o for_o faith_n without_o judgement_n be_v blind_a presumption_n and_o must_v i_o not_o rest_v on_o my_o faith_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o why_o not_o on_o my_o own_o judgement_n too_o that_o be_v on_o god_n judgement_n which_o he_o have_v endue_v my_o mind_n and_o soul_n withal_o object_n 6_o last_o it_o be_v object_v this_o be_v strange_a say_v they_o we_o hear_v they_o confess_v that_o every_o man_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o enlighten_v yet_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o assure_v himself_o have_v one_o answ_n no_o more_o warrant_n than_o another_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v full_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n fundamental_a so_o far_o we_o do_v acquit_v all_o the_o faithful_a from_o be_v subject_a to_o 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two_o sort_n some_o concern_v faith_n teach_v we_o what_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v other_o concern_v obedience_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o practice_v in_o each_o of_o these_o the_o church_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n where_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n go_v before_o and_o where_o she_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o according_o but_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o any_o thing_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o kind_n there_o the_o church_n must_v be_v silent_a too_o and_o not_o desire_v to_o speak_v we_o will_v deliver_v the_o matter_n plain_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o doct._n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o decree_n and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n either_o for_o faith_n or_o for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n the_o place_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n for_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o 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give_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o therein_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o meaning_n therefore_o beside_o those_o in_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n another_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v matth._n 23.8_o 10._o be_v not_o call_v doctor_n and_o be_v not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o doctor_n and_o master_n and_o who_o be_v that_o but_o christ_n himself_o now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v our_o doctor_n and_o to_o be_v our_o master_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a doctor_n and_o master_n he_o alone_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o joh._n 1.18_o the_o office_n of_o reveal_v god_n to_o man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o christ_n he_o only_o declare_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v there_o employ_v because_o he_o only_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o he_o only_o be_v of_o ability_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v it_o so_o that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o reveal_v any_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n he_o must_v show_v that_o he_o come_v out_o of_o god_n bosom_n else_o he_o neither_o must_v nor_o can_v speak_v in_o this_o business_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v already_o reveal_v that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o which_o ever_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n be_v precise_o tie_v and_o and_o confine_v to_o this_o scantling_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n teacher_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o what_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v first_o teach_v the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o minister_n be_v forbid_v to_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o matth._n 20.28_o that_o and_o nothing_o beside_o that_o yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n special_a and_o chief_a deputy_n on_o earth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v that_o to_o the_o people_n john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o the_o text_n say_v in_o the_o 14._o verse_n that_o he_o shall_v glorify_v christ_n in_o this_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v if_o he_o teach_v aught_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n much_o more_o if_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o so_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v tie_v to_o this_o scantling_n too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o deut._n 18.15_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n unto_o thou_o like_v unto_o i_o from_o among_o you_o even_o of_o your_o brethren_n unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v and_o this_o prophet_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n prove_v act_n 3.17_o and_o this_o be_v after_o confirm_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n own_o sheep_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n john_n 10.6.27_o and_o his_o only_a and_o not_o a_o stranger_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o scripture_n script_n the_o second_o sort_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v such_o as_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o
though_o they_o live_v under_o the_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o turk_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v account_v true_a visible_a church_n we_o will_v take_v our_o pattern_n by_o that_o of_o constantinople_n where_o there_o be_v a_o patriarch_n at_o this_o day_n who_o have_v answer_v the_o objection_n both_o of_o the_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o their_o religion_n now_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n first_o because_o they_o affirm_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o second_o their_o error_n do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o for_o the_o first_o they_o hold_v so_o much_o of_o the_o right_a catholic_a faith_n as_o may_v just_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n the_o whole_a creed_n that_o we_o profess_v they_o retain_v also_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o point_n they_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o we_o but_o in_o the_o main_a substance_n they_o agree_v hold_v the_o foundation_n firm_a and_o sure_a christ_n jesus_n god_n and_o man_n the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n they_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o popish_a religion_n they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o they_o will_v fetch_v most_o willing_o from_o their_o predecessor_n the_o greek_a father_n of_o who_o some_o being_n more_o sound_a other_o less_a their_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o sincere_a as_o it_o shall_v therefore_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proof_n be_v whether_o their_o error_n be_v such_o as_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o the_o error_n of_o free_a will_n intercession_n of_o saint_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o other_o popish_a opinion_n which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o maintain_v altogether_o so_o obstinate_o as_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v church_n but_o their_o main_a error_n be_v their_o deny_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o by_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o son_n this_o they_o express_o deny_v now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o person_n be_v a_o most_o profound_a and_o principal_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o very_o wary_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o every_o error_n therein_o be_v dangerous_a and_o fearful_a and_o near_o to_o blasphemy_n and_o this_o very_a error_n haply_o if_o it_o be_v thorough_o sift_v will_v be_v prove_v to_o overthrow_v by_o consequence_n the_o foundation_n yet_o see_v first_o it_o do_v not_o direct_o overthrow_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o see_v second_o we_o hear_v they_o do_v not_o either_o absolute_o oppose_v herein_o to_o the_o know_a truth_n or_o omit_v the_o search_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o profess_v that_o upon_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n they_o will_v yield_v and_o three_o see_v they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o express_a word_n we_o dare_v hardly_o charge_v they_o for_o heretical_a church_n much_o less_o to_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n at_o all_o but_o that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o church_n believe_v otherwise_o aright_o in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o manifold_a error_n and_o ignorances_n may_v be_v all_o save_v undoubted_o use_v 1_o the_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o first_o of_o the_o papist_n and_o that_o in_o two_o point_n first_o in_o that_o they_o presume_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a visible_a church_n affirm_v that_o no_o church_n be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n we_o see_v here_o that_o these_o be_v true_a church_n and_o better_a than_o the_o popish_a church_n popish-church_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o his_o jurisdiction_n yea_o they_o hate_v and_o defy_v it_o so_o that_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v false_a when_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v gather_v under_o the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n whereas_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o we_o see_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o gather_v under_o that_o head_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o former_a time_n a_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n do_v in_o ambition_n seek_v the_o title_n of_o head_n or_o universal_a bishop_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n withstand_v he_o say_v that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o title_n shall_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o antichrist_n and_o it_o prove_v true_a for_o not_o long_o after_o one_o that_o succeed_v that_o pope_n take_v this_o title_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v indeed_o antichrist_n i_o say_v that_o a_o patriarch_n in_o 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honour_v he_o let_v man_n have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n to_o understand_v and_o believe_v particular_o for_o themselves_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o they_o shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v they_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o but_o if_o they_o be_v content_a with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n only_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v they_o shall_v dishonour_v god_n in_o their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o hardly_o shall_v the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o their_o salvation_n god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o so_o must_v all_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n and_o the_o more_o jealous_a we_o be_v of_o that_o and_o zealous_a for_o it_o the_o more_o true_o religious_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o wit_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o be_v it_o to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.3_o so_o we_o see_v in_o these_o seven_o instance_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v full_a weight_n in_o this_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n too_o light_a not_o worthy_a to_o be_v try_v in_o this_o beam_n word_n the_o second_o balance_n wherein_o we_o will_v try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o aim_v at_o god_n glory_n in_o our_o own_o intention_n but_o after_o his_o direction_n for_o he_o can_v be_v true_o glorify_v but_o so_o as_o himself_o teach_v in_o his_o word_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n tha●_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o most_o disagree_v with_o god_n word_n levit._n 18.4.5_o you_o shall_v do_v after_o my_o judgement_n and_o seek_v my_o ordinance_n and_o john_n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 15.9_o in_o vain_a they_o worshipme_v teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n and_o 1_o joh._n 4.5_o he_o that_o know_v god_n hear_v we_o &c_n &c_n where_o be_v god_n religion_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n book_n as_o the_o jew_n religion_n be_v find_v in_o their_o talmud_n &_o the_o turk_n in_o their_o alcoan_n but_o the_o religion_n profess_v in_o our_o church_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o popery_n be_v not_o agreeable_a thereto_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n &_o not_o they_o rule_n see_v it_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n it_o have_v above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o john_n 10.27_o my_o 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to_o the_o word_n except_o the_o word_n shall_v disparage_v itself_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v imagine_v there_o be_v no_o seek_v for_o any_o warrant_n for_o they_o within_o the_o word_n the_o second_o instance_n god_n free_a grace_n rule_n against_o man_n free_a will_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o god_n word_n phil._n 2.13_o that_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n and_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o jer._n 31.18_o convert_v thou_o i_o and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n of_o any_o one_o direct_a place_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v some_o
administration_n of_o the_o world_n he_o do_v it_o respective_o to_o his_o church_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o choose_a there_o be_v then_o such_o a_o near_a conjunction_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n carry_v the_o precedency_n above_o all_o other_o of_o god_n work_n that_o be_v who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n do_v very_o close_o depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v inform_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n it_o follow_v natural_o that_o we_o now_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n christ_n second_o the_o order_n be_v as_o natural_a in_o respect_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o second_o question_n for_o there_o be_v a_o more_o immediate_a and_o far_o near_a communion_n betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a then_o betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o god_n in_o general_a for_o christ_n be_v the_o king_n 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the_o world_n to_o himself_o where_o god_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n christ_n in_o the_o second_o and_o in_o the_o three_o the_o reconcile_a world_n that_o be_v the_o church_n so_o you_o see_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o introduction_n the_o order_n of_o the_o question_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o our_o order_n to_o be_v very_o natural_a the_o second_o branch_n be_v this_o importance_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n for_o first_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o second_o the_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n of_o it_o be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a first_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n first_o for_o direction_n second_o for_o confirmation_n three_o for_o confutation_n and_o four_a for_o 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witness_n that_o the_o faith_n we_o embrace_v be_v the_o true_a save_a faith_n yet_o our_o weakness_n require_v also_o some_o outward_a witness_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o the_o best_a and_o only_o witness_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o this_o true_a church_n be_v and_o then_o find_v that_o it_o do_v embrace_v the_o same_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o we_o the_o same_o with_o it_o we_o be_v thereby_o certain_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_a faith_n adversary_n three_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o confute_v of_o adversary_n for_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o brownist_n on_o the_o other_o do_v lay_v hard_a against_o we_o that_o either_o we_o be_v no_o church_n or_o at_o least_o a_o false_a church_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o the_o true_a church_n be_v that_o so_o we_o may_v discern_v they_o and_o to_o justify_v our_o own_o church_n and_o our_o stand_n in_o it_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n consolation_n four_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o consolation_n and_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o what_o great_a comfort_n to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o rest_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n own_o church_n i_o must_v first_o therefore_o know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v before_o ever_o i_o can_v attain_v to_o any_o sound_a comfort_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o in_o these_o respect_v the_o question_n be_v very_o profitable_a respect_n and_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n second_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a for_o first_o many_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o reckless_a and_o will_v not_o join_v to_o any_o church_n at_o all_o ask_v they_o the_o cause_n they_o will_v answer_v first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o difference_n about_o the_o church_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o second_o other_o will_v fain_o join_v to_o the_o true_a church_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o they_o know_v not_o which_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a church_n three_o other_o mistake_v the_o false_a church_n for_o the_o true_a and_o so_o join_v to_o the_o false_a in_o stead_n of_o the_o true_a and_o so_o run_v headlong_o from_o god_n to_o the_o devil_n from_o truth_n and_o salvation_n to_o error_n and_o condemnation_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n misunderstand_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a snare_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n use_v whereby_o to_o entangle_v man_n in_o popery_n and_o this_o one_o allegation_n have_v make_v more_o to_o become_v papist_n and_o to_o continue_v papist_n than_o any_o ten_o of_o their_o best_a allegation_n and_o pretence_n beside_o last_o those_o that_o do_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o stand_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o not_o and_o not_o know_v the_o true_a church_n be_v easy_o carry_v away_o to_o another_o church_n that_o be_v worse_a or_o to_o a_o false_a church_n so_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n we_o have_v lamentable_a experience_n of_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o in_o these_o day_n some_o turn_v papist_n some_o brownist_n some_o become_v of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o even_o for_o this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v of_o they_o yea_o the_o best_a and_o most_o tender_a conscience_n among_o we_o be_v somewhat_o uncertain_a and_o fearful_a of_o their_o stand_n because_o they_o be_v not_o right_o acquaint_v with_o this_o
on_o earth_n for_o the_o reas_n 4_o world_n sake_n that_o must_v stand_v till_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o dissolution_n but_o it_o can_v stand_v long_o than_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o it_o for_o who_o sake_n only_o it_o be_v uphold_v for_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o show_v isa_n 6.13_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o can_v be_v utter_o destroy_v five_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o nursery_n for_o heaven_n reas_n 5_o now_o in_o heaven_n be_v many_o mansion_n to_o be_v fill_v up_o every_o day_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a supply_n from_o the_o nursery_n on_o earth_n six_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a war_n betwixt_o the_o reas_n 6_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n gen._n 3.15_o 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the_o begin_n before_o that_o ●ie_v else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pervert_v with_o his_o lye_n this_o serve_v first_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o adversary_n of_o god_n church_n that_o charge_v we_o with_o novelty_n to_o be_v a_o new_a sect_n and_o challenge_v antiquity_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o true_a church_n which_o be_v both_o lie_v for_o they_o be_v the_o novellist_n not_o we_o we_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n before_o they_o have_v any_o be_v so_o that_o we_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v novelty_n and_o a_o new_a sect._n second_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a be_v most_o true_a as_o be_v immediate_o and_o original_o from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n the_o pure_a hand_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o 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continual_a succession_n where_o the_o father_n be_v go_v there_o child_n shall_v stand_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o child_n child_n to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o shall_v be_v many_o change_n and_o alteration_n from_o time_n to_o time_n yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o these_o change_n if_o the_o church_n fail_v in_o paradise_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o of_o paradise_n if_o israel_n fall_v away_o yet_o judah_n shall_v stand_v if_o the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o yet_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o though_o popery_n turkism_n and_o judaism_n and_o paganism_n abound_v and_o fill_v the_o world_n and_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o shelter_v his_o church_n in_o wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v both_o from_o their_o persecution_n and_o infection_n the_o three_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o the_o faithful_a use_v 3_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a people_n of_o continuance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o only_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o estate_n and_o none_o else_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o wicked_a may_v flourish_v a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a prosperity_n like_a to_o a_o green_a bay_a tree_n but_o in_o time_n and_o sometime_o very_o quick_o they_o shall_v vanish_v away_o like_a smoke_n and_o consume_v as_o the_o fat_a of_o lamb_n and_o nothing_o shall_v remain_v of_o they_o but_o the_o faithful_a shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o psal_n 102.28_o they_o may_v be_v afflict_v persecute_a and_o distress_a on_o every_o side_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v forsake_v nor_o give_v over_o utter_o as_o a_o prey_n to_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o wicked_a murder_n some_o of_o they_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v some_o of_o they_o remain_v still_o let_v persecutor_n draw_v out_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n child_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v or_o can_v yet_o still_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v some_o that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o bloody_a hand_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n truth_n as_o some_o be_v take_v away_o god_n will_v still_o send_v they_o a_o new_a supply_n so_o than_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v second_o it_o be_v comfort_n to_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o of_o the_o church_n after_o they_o they_o need_v not_o say_v on_o their_o deathbed_n as_o worldling_n do_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o my_o child_n and_o good_n after_o i_o be_o go_v they_o need_v not_o say_v so_o of_o their_o spiritual_a good_n let_v god_n alone_o with_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o he_o the_o faithful_a seed_n shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o fatherly_a providence_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o themselves_o be_v seize_v on_o in_o their_o life_n time_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o they_o to_o the_o right_a heir_n heir_n of_o his_o own_o beget_n add_v raise_v up_o he_o will_v find_v heir_n for_o they_o successive_o from_o age_n to_o age_n to_o the_o last_o end_n then_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o shall_v come_v and_o he_o shall_v stand_v last_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n on_o earth_n begin_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n the_o last_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n finish_v it_o up_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n have_v continue_v and_o maintain_v it_o by_o his_o own_o power_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o end_n then_o no_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n yet_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o as_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o here_o so_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o far_o safe_a and_o happy_a and_o more_o glorious_a estate_n than_o ever_o it_o do_v in_o this_o world_n psal_n 102.28_o use_v 4_o the_o four_o use_n be_v for_o discouragement_n to_o wicked_a man_n and_o persecutor_n in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v against_o god_n church_n what_o can_v they_o do_v against_o it_o root_n it_o out_o as_o many_o time_n they_o say_v they_o will_v no_o do_v they_o what_o they_o can_v by_o themselves_o by_o their_o instrument_n they_o can_v never_o root_v it_o out_o let_v king_n and_o ruler_n and_o gentile_n and_o people_n fret_v and_o rage_n and_o band_n themselves_o together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o
saviour_n answer_v he_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o for_o the_o exception_n make_v out_o of_o 1._o joh._n 3.10_o where_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o joh._n 1._o where_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o lady_n he_o write_v to_o elect_a lady_n and_o in_o the_o 1._o thess_n 1.4_o know_v belove_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o be_v elect_a of_o god_n these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n be_v thus_o answer_v that_o either_o this_o be_v speak_v out_o of_o a_o charitable_a persuasion_n or_o else_o it_o be_v speak_v so_o of_o all_o because_o some_o be_v so_o for_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n 1._o thes_n 1.4_o or_o if_o he_o have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o particular_n it_o be_v by_o divine_a revelation_n we_o can_v say_v therefore_o out_o of_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n only_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o we_o be_v persuade_v upon_o good_a ground_n he_o be_v so_o use_v 2_o second_o the_o papist_n be_v here_o refute_v for_o they_o sin_v horrible_o in_o this_o kind_n in_o that_o they_o pray_v to_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o saint_n whereas_o many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v damn_v spirit_n in_o hell_n for_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit_n matth._n 7.19.20_o again_o this_o refute_v three_o other_o error_n of_o popery_n that_o do_v direct_o contradict_v these_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o observation_n first_o they_o make_v predestination_n to_o be_v contingent_a and_o so_o they_o say_v god_n himself_o do_v not_o precise_o know_v who_o be_v he_o for_o if_o predestination_n do_v depend_v upon_o man_n will_n that_o if_o man_n will_v he_o shall_v be_v save_v than_o god_n know_v nothing_o till_o he_o see_v what_o man_n will_v do_v second_o they_o deny_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o can_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n they_o will_v have_v no_o man_n say_v certain_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o they_o will_v say_v it_o of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v save_v and_o that_o be_v the_o three_o error_n which_o contradict_v the_o three_o branch_n of_o this_o observation_n in_o that_o they_o say_v the_o church_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o so_o general_o other_o may_v know_v who_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o but_o we_o see_v all_o these_o error_n be_v here_o refute_v by_o this_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o have_v teach_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o to_o none_o other_o but_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v i_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o do_v good_a one_o to_o another_o as_o brethren_n if_o we_o know_v not_o who_o be_v brethren_n i_o answer_v we_o must_v persuade_v ourselves_o of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v god_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o good_a hope_n because_o we_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o love_n in_o they_o so_o far_o as_o can_v outward_o be_v discern_v therefore_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o we_o must_v love_v they_o and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o as_o brethren_n the_o three_o use_n teach_v we_o that_o if_o every_o one_o may_v know_v use_n 3_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n than_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o learn_v this_o and_o know_v it_o for_o himself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v this_o i_o answer_v by_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o thyself_o whether_o thou_o have_v god_n spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o make_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v which_o make_v we_o go_v to_o god_n as_o to_o our_o father_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o our_o father_n for_o that_o same_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o 12._o what_o man_n say_v the_o apostle_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o man_n even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n secret_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v god_n therefore_o have_v this_o spirit_n we_o may_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v go_n and_o that_o we_o may_v further_o seal_v this_o unto_o ourselves_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a unto_o ourselves_o by_o walk_v in_o good_a work_n strive_v against_o sin_n and_o work_v the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o assure_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v go_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o this_o last_o adjunct_n and_o also_o of_o the_o article_n name_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o general_a head_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v partly_o of_o the_o name_n and_o partly_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o first_o of_o the_o name_n the_o name_n be_v doubtful_a and_o carry_v many_o signification_n yea_o and_o many_o contrary_a signification_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v according_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o whither_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n or_o not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o original_a word_n both_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n will_v bear_v it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n ezek._n 32.22_o there_o the_o name_n be_v apply_v to_o ashur_n and_o his_o company_n to_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o be_v apply_v deut._n 33.4_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o congregation_n of_o jacob_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o that_o name_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o malicious_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v religion_n psalm_n 26.5_o i_o have_v hate_v the_o assembly_n or_o church_n of_o the_o wicked_a so_o that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n bear_v it_o as_o well_o for_o a_o company_n not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o a_o company_n in_o case_n of_o religion_n so_o likewise_o the_o greek_a word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o the_o new_a testament_n bear_v it_o in_o this_o general_a sense_n as_o act._n 19.32_o where_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o disorder_a assembly_n in_o a_o case_n of_o mutiny_n the_o assembly_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o in_o the_o act._n 2.47_o the_o same_o word_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n so_o we_o see_v how_o this_o word_n have_v be_v apply_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o any_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o people_n whatsoever_o either_o in_o case_n or_o not_o in_o case_n of_o religion_n yea_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v restrain_v in_o ordinary_a use_n of_o speech_n and_o so_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n unto_o a_o company_n of_o people_n as_o profess_v some_o certain_a religion_n whatsoever_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o church_n be_v according_o so_o call_v for_o there_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o every_o church_n that_o embrace_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o again_o there_o be_v false_a religion_n and_o they_o that_o embrace_v any_o of_o they_o be_v false_a church_n so_o every_o church_n receive_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o religion_n she_o embrace_v as_o for_o example_n we_o call_v those_o jew_n which_o be_v bear_v jew_n but_o those_o only_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o that_o if_o a_o jew_n bear_v do_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o he_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n yet_o he_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o likewise_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o
a_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o betwixt_o the_o same_o church_n in_o another_o respect_n we_o consider_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v in_o three_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o so_o we_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o general_a we_o have_v before_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a we_o be_v hereafter_o to_o speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n second_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o several_a portion_n and_o state_n allot_v to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v twofold_a the_o first_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o fight_n or_o warfare_n the_o second_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o crown_n or_o triumph_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n militant_a in_o the_o second_o the_o church_n triumphant_a of_o this_o we_o speak_v the_o last_o time_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o respect_n invisible_a and_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o so_o it_o be_v visible_a and_o sometime_o see_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o invisible_a sometime_o not_o see_v to_o the_o world_n the_o church_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o flourish_a &_o prosperous_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n as_o that_o first_o her_o member_n be_v many_o in_o number_n second_o they_o have_v a_o outward_a form_n of_o settle_a government_n three_o their_o religion_n be_v countenance_v at_o least_o not_o violent_o oppose_v by_o the_o state_n and_o authority_n where_o they_o live_v four_o they_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n five_o they_o have_v public_a and_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o ordinary_a and_o seasonable_a time_n and_o in_o due_a and_o convenient_a place_n where_o the_o minister_n teach_v the_o word_n and_o where_o the_o people_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v and_o discipline_n execute_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o that_o without_o danger_n and_o without_o prohibition_n i_o say_v the_o church_n do_v ofttimes_o attain_v to_o this_o state_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o it_o be_v call_v visible_a on_o the_o other_o side_n sometime_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o low_a and_o distress_a estate_n that_o scarce_o any_o of_o these_o be_v find_v there_o but_o rather_o all_o quite_o contrary_a first_o their_o number_n be_v small_a second_o they_o have_v no_o such_o outward_a form_n of_o government_n settle_v among_o they_o at_o least_o not_o so_o exercise_v as_o that_o thereby_o the_o world_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a society_n three_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n be_v distaste_v disgrace_v deride_v hate_v and_o persecute_v even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n four_o their_o profession_n be_v secret_a five_o their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n for_o religious_a exercise_n be_v seldom_o or_o none_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a private_a at_o such_o uncertain_a time_n and_o in_o such_o privy_a and_o close_a place_n as_o they_o can_v light_v upon_o and_o that_o be_v best_o and_o fit_a for_o their_o own_o safety_n last_o they_o be_v deprive_v and_o debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v call_v a_o invisible_a church_n so_o you_o see_v in_o general_n how_o the_o state_n stand_v between_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o particular_a sense_n first_o of_o the_o church_n invisible_a the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v invisible_a in_o these_o five_o sense_n first_o it_o be_v invisible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o see_v nor_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o whosoever_o see_v it_o and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o better_a light_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n second_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a grace_n it_o be_v endue_v withal_o as_o their_o election_n faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o be_v not_o visible_a at_o all_o and_o so_o it_o be_v invisible_a even_o then_o when_o it_o be_v most_o visible_a three_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v see_v by_o man_n eye_n four_o the_o church_n be_v invisible_a in_o this_o respect_n because_o that_o congregation_n that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o sometime_o no_o better_a than_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o satan_n such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o persecute_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n indeed_o and_o so_o upon_o trial_n prove_v a_o false_a church_n and_o so_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n while_o the_o false_a church_n entertain_v man_n eye_n and_o thought_n dote_v upon_o she_o delude_v they_o and_o blear_a and_o dazel_v their_o sight_n they_o can_v nor_o do_v not_o look_v after_o any_o other_o and_o so_o the_o right_a and_o true_a church_n lie_v hide_v from_o their_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o paint_a harlot_n carry_v away_o man_n eye_n from_o behold_v the_o modest_a spouse_n so_o while_o man_n dote_v upon_o the_o paint_a show_n of_o a_o false_a church_n they_o can_v behold_v the_o true_a last_o the_o church_n be_v invisible_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o though_o there_o be_v some_o true_a professor_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o public_a profession_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o be_v very_o secret_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a outward_a testimony_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n in_o these_o five_o respect_n the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v invisible_a mark_v this_o well_o for_o herein_o stand_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n the_o church_n say_v they_o must_v be_v so_o notorious_o visible_a that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o and_o they_o must_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o must_v carry_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o join_v himself_o opposite_a to_o this_o we_o say_v the_o church_n be_v sometime_o invisible_a in_o these_o respect_n before_o set_v down_o so_o howsoever_o there_o may_v be_v always_o a_o church_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v always_o so_o notorious_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n further_o we_o must_v consider_v potential_o that_o the_o church_n do_v sometime_o signify_v the_o universal_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n sometime_o only_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n on_o earth_n when_o it_o signify_v the_o universal_a company_n of_o god_n choose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v simple_o invisible_a and_o that_o both_o actual_o that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o see_v and_o also_o potential_o that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v see_v as_o in_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o sense_n we_o have_v show_v for_o first_o neither_o can_v the_o natural_a man_n see_v they_o nor_o second_o can_v their_o grace_n be_v see_v neither_o three_o can_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o they_o be_v see_v be_v already_o in_o heaven_n second_o sort_n when_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v invisible_a either_o simple_o or_o after_o a_o sort_n simple_o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o church_n on_o earth_n invisible_a but_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o sense_n only_o or_o else_o after_o a_o sort_n that_o be_v as_o oppose_v to_o famous_a visiblenesse_n general_o pretend_v by_o the_o papist_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a multitude_n always_o open_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o in_o such_o outward_a show_n state_n and_o carriage_n that_o it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v general_o know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o that_o any_o faithful_a man_n may_v point_v with_o his_o finger_n to_o such_o a_o congregation_n and_o say_v bold_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o may_v see_v and_o know_v which_o be_v that_o holy_a society_n among_o man_n where_o he_o may_v safe_o and_o where_o he_o must_v join_v himself_o for_o his_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o
outward_a face_n nor_o appearance_n of_o it_o to_o man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o the_o church_n be_v so_o distress_a and_o god_n glory_n so_o hide_v and_o true_a religion_n so_o decay_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o grieve_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v then_o as_o true_a a_o be_v as_o ever_o they_o have_v though_o not_o in_o that_o evidence_n and_o approbation_n before_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o god_n see_v it_o elias_n poor_a man_n see_v none_o leave_v with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v but_o god_n see_v many_o thousand_o what_o if_o all_o be_v so_o desolate_a as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o time_n that_o thou_o can_v see_v none_o of_o god_n church_n but_o thyself_o that_o thou_o can_v see_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thou_o can_v safe_o join_v withal_o yet_o know_v god_n have_v his_o church_n happy_o many_o thousand_o though_o they_o make_v little_a profession_n for_o the_o time_n that_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o judge_v by_o sight_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v this_o comfort_n and_o satisfy_v we_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a time_n that_o be_v the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o papist_n demand_n use_v 3_o when_o they_o ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n or_o what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o our_o ancestor_n that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o we_o ask_v they_o where_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v in_o antichrists_n time_n that_o be_v when_o they_o think_v antichrist_n shall_v be_v they_o answer_v it_o shall_v be_v much_o obscure_v then_o but_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n then_o or_o not_o yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o there_o shall_v else_o their_o own_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n perpetuity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n why_o then_o may_v not_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o popery_n who_o we_o call_v antichrist_n though_o it_o be_v much_o obscure_v we_o have_v a_o church_n among_o they_o that_o do_v profess_v our_o religion_n though_o much_o obscure_v by_o they_o even_o before_o luther_n time_n to_o the_o second_o demand_n concern_v our_o father_n that_o live_v in_o their_o church_n what_o be_v become_v of_o they_o say_v the_o papist_n be_v they_o damn_v we_o answer_v many_o of_o they_o though_o they_o live_v among_o they_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o the_o rest_n we_o leave_v they_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n yet_o we_o have_v great_a hope_n of_o many_o that_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n that_o live_v before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o before_o the_o order_n of_o the_o poison_a jesuit_n come_v up_o and_o so_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o they_o as_o also_o for_o this_o point_n the_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o general_a point_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o many_o respect_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v this_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o appearance_n to_o the_o world_n in_o this_o state_n we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v sometime_o visible_a to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a hardly_o to_o be_v see_v of_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o the_o last_o lecture_n now_o it_o remain_v that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o point_n chief_o in_o question_n therefore_o leave_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o god_n he_o only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o 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a_o church_n now_o whether_o this_o company_n be_v great_a or_o small_a three_o thousand_o or_o but_o three_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v a_o company_n more_o or_o few_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o definition_n require_v they_o be_v a_o church_n second_o it_o be_v a_o company_n call_v for_o so_o you_o may_v remember_v that_o i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o church_n have_v her_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a from_o call_v now_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a call_n one_o outward_a the_o oath_n inward_a those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o outward_a calling_n be_v visible_a member_n if_o they_o obey_v the_o outward_a call_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v repute_v in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v true_a and_o saving-member_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o they_o must_v be_v call_v not_o outward_o only_a but_o inward_o too_o and_o must_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o both_o three_o a_o company_n of_o people_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v definitive_o as_o discover_v what_o company_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o that_o be_v universal_o understand_v but_o indefinite_o and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o capacity_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o part_n even_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n stranger_n join_v with_o the_o jew_n be_v repute_v of_o that_o church_n exod._n 12._o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v beat_v down_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o any_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n if_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o definition_n may_v make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n and_o a_o company_n call_v and_o a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o wherein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o must_v make_v profession_n second_o that_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a three_o that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o public_a profession_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o profession_n for_o a_o church_n be_v visible_a only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v visible_a but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v not_o visible_a but_o only_o by_o profession_n so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o
if_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o this_o land_n from_o the_o beginning_n before_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o gentile_n and_o so_o without_o christ_n and_o second_o even_o since_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o even_o pagan_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n like_o nimrods_n and_o giant_n most_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o of_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o bring_v to_o grace_n three_o when_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o but_o by_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v more_o pure_a then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o her_o decline_a day_n and_o they_o can_v teach_v no_o better_o than_o they_o have_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o have_v be_v gentile_n and_o pagan_n and_o afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o we_o i_o say_v shall_v profess_v god_n save_v truth_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n four_o england_n have_v be_v as_o true_a a_o slave_n to_o popery_n and_o the_o king_n of_o england_n as_o true_a slave_n to_o the_o pope_n as_o spain_n or_o any_o other_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o this_o day_n five_o consider_v when_o reformation_n begin_v king_n henry_n the_o eight_o and_o luther_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n the_o king_n oppose_v he_o and_o threaten_v that_o if_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n will_v not_o punish_v he_o he_o will_v fetch_v he_o thence_o by_o the_o ear_n six_o consider_v how_o all_o conspire_v together_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n abbey_n and_o monastery_n fill_v the_o land_n that_o be_v build_v of_o purpose_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o romish_a purple_a whore_n seven_o consider_v that_o king_n edward_n that_o first_o restore_v religion_n among_o we_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n god_n ordain_v strength_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o his_o truth_n among_o us._n eight_o his_o life_n be_v but_o short_a what_o follow_v as_o bloody_a a_o persecution_n as_o ever_o be_v all_o be_v bend_v against_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o save_a faith_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v his_o church_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o thanks_o for_o the_o bloodshed_n than_o be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v it_o many_o by_o see_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n than_o be_v convert_v and_o many_o by_o read_v their_o story_n since_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o that_o which_o the_o devil_n intend_v for_o the_o destroy_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o establish_v it_o among_o us._n nine_o come_v to_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n she_o go_v through_o many_o trouble_n and_o be_v very_o hardly_o preserve_v yet_o at_o length_n she_o obtain_v she_o right_n and_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o she_o establish_v god_n truth_n among_o we_o against_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o satan_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a woman_n much_o endanger_v yet_o still_o preserve_v and_o by_o her_o mean_n god_n continue_v his_o truth_n long_o among_o us._n ten_o come_v to_o our_o king_n james_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o in_o peace_n though_o it_o be_v his_o right_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n that_o have_v prevail_v with_o we_o and_o subdue_v our_o affection_n else_o there_o be_v a_o heart-burn_n betwixt_o that_o nation_n and_o we_o we_o have_v be_v enemy_n there_o will_v have_v follow_v a_o bloody_a war_n or_o else_o some_o civil_a dissension_n which_o will_v have_v make_v a_o foul_a wrack_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o destruction_n of_o god_n church_n among_o us._n last_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o favourite_n popery_n have_v have_v and_o that_o of_o man_n of_o state_n and_o authority_n which_o have_v labour_v under_o hand_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n again_o and_o yet_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o withstand_v all_o his_o enemy_n continue_v his_o saving-truth_n among_o we_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o great_a thankfulness_n we_o can_v consider_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o have_v thus_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v his_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o it_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o ten_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n now_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n concern_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o we_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o until_o we_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o can_v have_v no_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n for_o than_o we_o know_v a_o thing_n right_o and_o in_o its_o kind_n when_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o this_o point_n be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v look_v into_o because_o we_o be_v challenge_v and_o indict_v by_o many_o of_o our_o adversary_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o our_o church_n have_v not_o her_o be_v from_o such_o cause_n as_o it_o shall_v and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v a_o false_a church_n now_o upon_o the_o discovery_n and_o view_n of_o these_o cause_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v and_o will_v ingenuous_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o have_v the_o right_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v such_o sort_n as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o purposely_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o some_o other_o cause_n that_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o sometime_o beside_o sometime_o against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o cause_n first_o sort_n first_o god_n overrule_v some_o thing_n to_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o bent_n &_o intendment_n as_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yet_o by_o accident_n it_o further_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o a_o man_n ordinary_a business_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n diverse_a as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4_o 7._o she_o come_v about_o her_o ordinary_a business_n to_o draw_v water_n at_o jacob_n well_o now_o this_o in_o itself_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n for_o she_o hear_v christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o run_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o they_o come_v also_o and_o hear_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v matter_n of_o affliction_n and_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o over_o rule_v by_o god_n that_o it_o cause_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_a child_n luk._n 15.17_o he_o may_v have_v perish_v in_o his_o affliction_n yet_o god_n make_v this_o a_o because_o to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o death_n of_o some_o great_a man_n that_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n act._n 12.23.24_o what_o be_v the_o death_n of_o herod_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n more_o than_o the_o death_n of_o a_o hog_n yet_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o beside_o it_o own_o intendment_n it_o be_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n second_o some_o thing_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o
notwithstanding_o because_o that_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o that_o little_a religion_n they_o have_v they_o be_v whet_v on_o to_o a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o more_o and_o do_v unfeigned_o seek_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v further_a partaker_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n therefore_o they_o be_v in_o respect_n partly_o of_o those_o beginning_n and_o taste_n which_o they_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o partly_o of_o those_o desire_n to_o be_v further_a partaker_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n they_o be_v i_o say_v in_o this_o respect_n true_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o right_n though_o not_o by_o possession_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v those_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v call_v catechumeni_fw-la or_o novice_n that_o begin_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o further_a growth_n and_o fitness_n they_o may_v soon_o after_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o baptism_n and_o so_o become_v member_n by_o possession_n it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o build_n of_o a_o material_a church_n which_o be_v build_v of_o stone_n whereof_o some_o be_v lay_v already_o and_o so_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n by_o possession_n other_o be_v only_o take_v out_o of_o the_o quarry_n and_o be_v under_o the_o workman_n hand_n in_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o building_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o place_v within_o the_o build_n as_o the_o other_o be_v and_o so_o be_v no_o part_n by_o possession_n yet_o these_o stone_n because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o appoint_v but_o also_o be_v in_o the_o workman_n hand_n a_o fit_v for_o the_o building_n therefore_o they_o have_v a_o place_n by_o right_a in_o the_o build_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a build_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o member_n that_o be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n already_o and_o so_o be_v member_n by_o possession_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o due_a place_n 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and_o natural_a mother_n that_o reas_n 5_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o her_o own_o body_n and_o after_o she_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nourish_v it_o with_o her_o own_o milk_n so_o likewise_o the_o church_n that_o do_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o nourish_v we_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o she_o a_o true_a church_n six_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n matth._n 7.16_o reas_n 6_o 17._o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o so_o the_o place_n intend_v if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v they_o by_o then_o true_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mark_n to_o know_v the_o true_a church_n by_o seven_o it_o be_v christ_n presence_n that_o make_v a_o true_a visible_a reas_n 7_o church_n therefore_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n outward_o represent_v christ_n presence_n so_o as_o nothing_o else_o do_v and_o so_o make_v he_o notorious_o present_a make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n last_o from_o the_o sufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a reas_n 8_o visible_a church_n it_o must_v be_v so_o none_o be_v member_n and_o part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n now_o the_o minister_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o dispense_n god_n mystery_n both_o for_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o and_o the_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o obey_v that_o they_o teach_v at_o least_o outward_o they_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.4_o now_o which_o of_o these_o mark_n may_v be_v spare_v or_o what_o other_o be_v use_v 1_o there_o that_o need_n to_o be_v add_v therefore_o where_o these_o be_v exception_n there_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o the_o first_o use_n be_v matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o of_o many_o adversary_n first_o it_o reprove_v such_o as_o except_v and_o say_v first_o that_o other_o congregation_n beside_o except_o 1_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v these_o mark_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o infallible_a mark_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o congregation_n pretend_v to_o have_v these_o mark_n as_o what_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o right_a faith_n with_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a claim_n of_o they_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v we_o and_o for_o we_o but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v but_o their_o say_n not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o truth_n for_o either_o they_o will_v refuse_v some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o else_o they_o will_v mangle_v and_o deprave_v it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v take_v the_o letter_n for_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o transubstantiation_n this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o because_o it_o be_v say_v he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n therefore_o they_o baptize_v with_o fire_n take_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n instead_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o add_v something_o to_o the_o word_n as_o tradition_n and_o such_o like_a and_o so_o though_o they_o do_v approve_v and_o take_v it_o in_o at_o the_o foredoor_n yet_o they_o cast_v it_o out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n so_o that_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v we_o may_v say_v true_o therefore_o that_o they_o challenge_v these_o mark_n but_o we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v they_o but_o they_o still_o remain_v the_o proper_a right_n of_o god_n true_a church_n we_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n policy_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o subtlety_n be_v to_o imitate_v apish_o the_o course_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o more_o cunning_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v counterfeit_v god_n own_o mark_n and_o cognisance_n but_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o and_o the_o proof_n will_v make_v all_o clear_a for_o satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o though_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o 14_o 15._o so_o than_o though_o these_o lay_v claim_v to_o these_o mark_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o their_o vain_a brag_n their_o master_n satan_n himself_o allege_v scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o be_v for_o he_o but_o he_o be_v shameful_o discover_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o leave_v out_o part_n of_o it_o and_o deprave_a it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v math._n 4.6_o 7._o and_o so_o the_o harlot_n pro._n 7.14_o say_v i_o have_v peace-offering_n this_o day_n i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o out_o to_o meet_v thou_o she_o pretend_v to_o pray_v but_o her_o intent_n be_v to_o play_v the_o harlot_n and_o so_o zidkiah_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o brag_v that_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o his_o mouth_n so_o the_o congregation_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o schismatic_n lay_v claim_v to_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o say_v they_o be_v they_o when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o do_v either_o refuse_v some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o deprave_v they_o or_o add_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o invention_n second_o that_o except_o and_o say_v that_o many_o visible_a church_n have_v except_o 2_o not_o these_o mark_n at_o least_o not_o all_o of_o they_o always_o i_o answer_v yes_o they_o have_v they_o all_o answ_n and_o that_o always_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o else_o they_o be_v not_o true_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o different_a estate_n of_o church_n necessary_a sometime_o god_n church_n do_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o than_o it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n without_o doubt_n god_n word_n be_v true_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o be_v profess_v and_o yield_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o sometime_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a estate_n some_o be_v but_o in_o their_o begining_n new_o plant_v and_o so_o can_v have_v all_o at_o once_o but_o have_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n &_o place_n first_o the_o word_n be_v tender_v to_o they_o than_o the_o people_n if_o they_o believe_v and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o profess_v obedience_n to_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n first_o baptism_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o have_v all_o these_o mark_n these_o church_n be_v but_o in_o their_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o these_o note_n and_o mark_n again_o sometime_o a_o church_n be_v in_o a_o die_a and_o decay_a estate_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o apostasy_n or_o persecution_n if_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o decay_a state_n by_o apostasy_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o such_o church_n i_o say_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o these_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o retain_v these_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o church_n than_o they_o have_v the_o remainder_n of_o these_o mark_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a and_o a_o decay_a church_n than_o it_o have_v die_v and_o decay_a mark_n so_o then_o these_o mark_n must_v be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n if_o it_o be_v a_o die_a church_n than_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o obedience_n be_v die_v and_o decay_v too_o but_o when_o it_o be_v quite_o fall_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n nor_o have_v it_o these_o mark_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o the_o church_n be_v so_o persecute_v that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o that_o public_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n so_o long_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o trouble_v and_o bring_v low_o for_o by_o their_o suffering_n they_o profess_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v still_o visible_a
and_o so_o they_o have_v these_o note_n and_o mark_n in_o some_o degree_n second_o consider_v in_o what_o state_n or_o sense_n these_o mark_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a church_n in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a degree_n there_o be_v the_o true_a word_n without_o tradition_n the_o true_a sacrament_n none_o but_o those_o that_o christ_n institute_v true_a obedience_n without_o resistance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o this_o true_a word_n must_v be_v true_o and_o sound_o preecht_v these_o sacrament_n only_o so_o administer_v as_o christ_n have_v command_v without_o any_o addition_n and_o this_o true_a obedience_n true_o profess_v without_o any_o sinister_a respect_n and_o this_o all_o church_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o and_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v general_o otherwise_o in_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o corruption_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a mark_n be_v find_v in_o any_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o right_o and_o sincere_o carry_v as_o they_o shall_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o some_o other_o if_o they_o have_v the_o true_a word_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o error_n so_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o more_o corrupt_a as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n embrace_v the_o true_a word_n but_o not_o true_o preach_v for_o they_o teach_v justification_n by_o work_n gal._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o be_v so_o call_v gal._n 1.2_o so_o second_o for_o the_o sacrament_n look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n they_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o deprave_a and_o not_o so_o sincere_o administer_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n last_o for_o profession_n of_o obedience_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3.3.1_o have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a 123._o they_o be_v general_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o church_n yet_o because_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o sincere_o and_o because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v true_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o 4._o ver_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o the_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v in_o but_o only_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o a_o uncharitable_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o not_o to_o esteem_v it_o for_o a_o true_a church_n because_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o true_o preach_v nor_o the_o sacrament_n so_o right_o administer_v nor_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o sincere_o yield_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o be_v not_o more_o except_o 2_o know_n than_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v disable_v by_o your_o own_o rule_n before_o give_v from_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n i_o answer_v they_o must_v be_v and_o be_v better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n for_o see_v that_o only_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v more_o know_v so_o they_o must_v be_v first_o know_v i_o know_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o by_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o church_n by_o their_o faith_n only_o and_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o i_o know_v a_o musician_n because_o of_o his_o music_n not_o the_o music_n by_o the_o musician_n and_o so_o much_o for_o reproof_n of_o these_o first_o sort_n of_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n exception_n second_o it_o reprove_v other_o that_o object_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o mark_n require_v as_o well_o as_o these_o as_o first_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o obedience_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o say_v they_o there_o except_o 1_o must_v be_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v presuppose_v and_o intend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a mark_n answ_n when_o we_o say_v except_o 2_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v answ_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o special_o discipline_n except_o 3_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a mark_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v a_o good_a mark_n answ_n but_o not_o essential_a the_o church_n have_v a_o be_v and_o a_o well-being_n discipline_n be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o necessary_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a i_o confess_v where_o that_o discipline_n want_v that_o god_n call_v for_o in_o his_o word_n that_o so_o far_o that_o church_n be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n but_o yet_o not_o a_o false_a church_n as_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n his_o sinew_n be_v weak_a his_o hand_n tremble_v his_o joint_n be_v not_o sound_o knit_v together_o this_o be_v a_o craze_a and_o disease_a man_n not_o a_o false_a man_n so_o that_o church_n that_o want_v discipline_n be_v not_o well_o and_o sound_o tie_v together_o in_o the_o joint_n and_o so_o be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n not_o a_o false_a church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o their_o corruption_n for_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v against_o they_o but_o yet_o let_v we_o judge_v charitable_o and_o not_o say_v such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o false_a church_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a church_n they_o three_o and_o last_o there_o be_v other_o adversary_n here_o reprove_v that_o object_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o they_o be_v the_o papist_n they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o mark_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a but_o other_o be_v more_o require_v than_o these_o and_o that_o as_o better_a mark_n they_o allege_v four_o first_o antiquity_n second_o succession_n three_o multitude_n last_o unity_n or_o consent_n these_o be_v strange_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n first_o for_o antiquity_n can_v that_o find_v i_o out_o the_o true_a church_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v ancient_a therefore_o it_o be_v antiquity_n of_o truth_n not_o of_o place_n or_o people_n look_v what_o church_n maintain_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n so_o that_o antiquity_n separate_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n cain_n and_o satan_n be_v ancient_a yet_o no_o true_a church_n but_o join_v this_o note_n with_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a word_n preach_v which_o be_v one_o of_o our_o note_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o true_a mark_n second_o for_o succession_n what_o succession_n of_o bishop_n or_o of_o man_n that_o sit_v in_o one_o chair_n be_v this_o a_o note_n without_o the_o word_n or_o with_o it_o if_o they_o say_v without_o the_o word_n that_o be_v fals●●f_a with_o the_o word_n than_o still_o they_o run_v upon_o our_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o say_v that_o succession_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v a_o special_a note_n of_o the_o church_n succession_n of_o itself_o be_v no_o note_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o horse_n because_o this_o be_v my_o bridle_n as_o if_o his_o bridle_n will_v not_o serve_v any_o other_o horse_n three_o for_o multitude_n they_o make_v that_o a_o note_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o general_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o few_o in_o number_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o great_a number_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o by_o this_o rule_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o jew_n be_v
no_o more_o of_o a_o ancient_a church_n than_o of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v within_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n let_v we_o take_v the_o mean_a betwixt_o both_o these_o embrace_v they_o reverent_o where_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n in_o those_o case_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o better_a and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o warrant_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_a head_n rule_n the_o manner_n whereby_o they_o must_v be_v carry_v that_o must_v be_v good_a too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o warrant_n whereon_o they_o be_v ground_v for_o many_o time_n good_a thing_n be_v mar_v by_o ill_a handle_n therefore_o that_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v not_o be_v mar_v with_o ill_a handle_n observe_v touch_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o they_o these_o rule_n first_o that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o second_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n three_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o trouble_v four_a that_o whosoever_o have_v any_o right_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o business_n be_v not_o contemn_v or_o restrain_v of_o their_o right_n last_o these_o duty_n must_v be_v so_o carry_v so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v as_o best_o fit_v the_o civil_a government_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o be_v that_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o material_a duty_n must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o and_o they_o be_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n these_o must_v be_v first_o look_v to_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v this_o course_n he_o first_o provide_v for_o these_o matth._n 28.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o act._n 2.37_o 38_o etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 15.3_o first_o of_o all_o say_v he_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o which_o i_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n first_o he_o preach_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o for_o these_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o lay_v else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o build_n second_o these_o be_v the_o gatherer_n of_o god_n choose_v if_o they_o have_v not_o these_o none_o can_v be_v convert_v at_o all_o three_o these_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o where_o these_o be_v find_v there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v first_o and_o chief_o provide_v for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o it_o be_v careful_o look_v into_o will_v prevent_v much_o ignorance_n and_o dissension_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n many_o there_o be_v that_o nuzzle_v the_o people_n up_o in_o ceremony_n only_o and_o go_v no_o further_o as_o the_o popish_a church_n this_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o horrible_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n rest_v there_o and_o think_v they_o have_v religion_n enough_o if_o they_o observe_v such_o and_o such_o ceremony_n and_o so_o be_v careless_a of_o true_a growth_n in_o christianity_n by_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n these_o be_v pharisaical_a course_n to_o tithe_v mint_n and_o annise_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23.23_o other_o beat_v first_o and_o chief_o on_o discipline_n and_o will_v have_v that_o and_o nothing_o else_o teach_v a_o preposterous_a zeal_n which_o wrought_v much_o dissension_n as_o by_o lamentable_a experience_n we_o may_v see_v in_o our_o church_n for_o this_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n that_o many_o have_v separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o that_o many_o live_v discontent_n in_o it_o not_o be_v first_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o principal_a first_o faith_n and_o repentance_n must_v be_v teach_v and_o afterward_o church-government_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v rule_n all_o must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n for_o so_o be_v the_o express_a rule_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o first_o then_o decency_n be_v require_v in_o church-government_n this_o be_v require_v in_o civil_a and_o natural_a duty_n and_o therefore_o in_o christian_a and_o religious_a duty_n it_o be_v require_v much_o more_o now_o this_o be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o place_n may_v be_v uncomely_a in_o another_o that_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v decent_a in_o any_o place_n decent_a which_o the_o custom_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o place_n not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n civility_n and_o god_n word_n have_v make_v decent_a as_o for_o example_n prophesy_v with_o the_o hat_n on_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n undecent_a 1_o cor._n 11.4_o but_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n make_v decent_a by_o custom_n they_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n they_o think_v they_o may_v be_v cover_v therefore_o still_o such_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o according_o decency_n to_o be_v esteem_v second_o order_n be_v require_v in_o churchgovernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n special_o it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o god_n church_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n this_o be_v it_o that_o commend_a and_o grace_v salomon_n house_n exceed_o so_o that_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n be_v ravish_v to_o see_v it_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 10.5_o and_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v great_a than_o solomon_n the_o lord_n jesus_n want_v it_o in_o his_o house_n the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o cant._n 4.2_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n church_n show_v how_o comely_a it_o be_v thy_o tooth_n be_v like_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o good_a order_n which_o go_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n etc._n etc._n david_n be_v enamour_v with_o it_o psa_n 68.25_o speak_v as_o under_o a_o veil_n of_o the_o godly_a order_n which_o be_v in_o god_n church_n faith_n the_o singer_n go_v before_o the_o player_n of_o instrument_n come_v after_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o maid_n play_v with_o timbrel_n do_v now_o this_o order_n extend_v itself_o to_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o first_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v there_o must_v be_v order_n as_o in_o prophesy_v that_o one_o speak_v after_o another_o 1_o cor._n 14.31_o and_o so_o in_o order_n the_o word_n must_v be_v preach_v before_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v prayer_n must_v be_v before_o preach_v baptism_n before_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o also_o small_a matter_n must_v be_v lay_v by_o while_o great_a be_v in_o handle_v act._n 6_o 2._o sometime_o extraordinary_a case_n of_o necessity_n may_v overbeare_v this_o rule_n but_o general_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o so_o there_o must_v be_v order_n in_o person_n the_o superior_n must_v be_v first_o respect_v person_n whether_o he_o be_v superior_a in_o year_n or_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n the_o pastor_n must_v rule_v the_o flock_n and_o not_o the_o flock_n the_o pastor_n final_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v with_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n every_o man_n be_v place_v by_o the_o captain_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o rank_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v with_o we_o we_o must_v keep_v our_o rank_n that_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o break_v out_o for_o that_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n i_o will_v this_o be_v well_o look_v into_o in_o our_o church_n that_o man_n will_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o rank_n for_o this_o breed_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n rule_n the_o three_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o trouble_v the_o apostle_n in_o ephes_n 4.3_o will_v have_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v to_o keep_v peace_n and_o he_o use_v a_o special_a phrase_n there_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o you_o keep_v not_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n your_o spiritual_a communion_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v soon_o dissolve_v and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o contentiousnes_n be_v not_o tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o envious_a serpent_n and_o
contrary_a so_o often_o as_o they_o prevail_v against_o we_o so_o many_o victory_n they_o get_v over_o we_o and_o so_o many_o wound_n they_o give_v we_o also_o let_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n encourage_v we_o that_o not_o a_o bone_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v break_v nor_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n ever_o prevail_v against_o us._n the_o two_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o seven_o general_a point_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o visible_a church_n namely_o of_o the_o adversary_n that_o oppose_v &_o set_v themselves_o against_o it_o we_o have_v propound_v these_o several_a head_n to_o speak_v unto_o first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v many_o adversary_n and_o opposite_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o world_n second_o what_o these_o adversary_n be_v three_o their_o deal_n against_o the_o church_n four_o the_o course_n and_o deal_n of_o the_o church_n against_o her_o adversary_n and_o last_o the_o course_n and_o deal_n of_o god_n to_o both_o the_o two_o first_o point_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o now_o god_n willing_a we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o last_o point_n the_o 3._o point_n then_o that_o we_o now_o first_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o us._n be_v how_o the_o adversary_n behave_v themselves_o in_o oppugn_v and_o fight_v against_o the_o church_n for_o as_o in_o all_o other_o conflict_n and_o encounter_n it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v the_o carriage_n of_o his_o adversary_n fight_n so_o in_o this_o spiritual_a conflict_n that_o the_o church_n do_v manage_v against_o her_o adversary_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o hest_n it_o be_v a_o singular_a help_n to_o we_o and_o a_o very_a needful_a thing_n to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o proceed_n of_o our_o enemy_n to_o know_v their_o weapon_n purpose_n stratagem_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o fight_n against_o we_o for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a arm_a and_o fit_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o at_o every_o turn_n &_o to_o ward_v off_o their_o blow_n and_o defeat_v their_o enterprise_n and_o to_o match_v their_o assault_n and_o to_o prevent_v and_o avoid_v their_o danger_n this_o be_v a_o singular_a help_n to_o the_o apostle_n paul_n the_o faithful_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o fight_n 2_o cor._n 2.11_o mark_v the_o reach_n of_o the_o place_n the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o his_o adversary_n enterprise_n he_o know_v they_o well_o enough_o and_o thereby_o he_o prevent_v satan_n from_o circumvent_a he_o and_o this_o help_v our_o saviour_n will_v have_v all_o his_o disciple_n furnish_v withal_o and_o therefore_o he_o foreshow_v matth_n 10_o 16_o 17._o their_o enemy_n deal_n against_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v forewarn_v how_o their_o aduersay_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o they_o may_v also_o be_v fore-armed_n how_o to_o answer_v they_o and_o be_v provide_v against_o all_o their_o attempt_n behold_v say_v he_o i_o send_v you_o as_o sheep_n among_o wolf_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 23._o &c_n &c_n verse_n our_o saviour_n still_o foreshow_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o adversary_n deal_n against_o they_o the_o brother_n shall_v betray_v the_o brother_n to_o death_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n &c_n &c_n and_o in_o matth._n 24._o from_o the_o 9_o to_o the_o 26._o vers_fw-la our_o saviour_n make_v a_o great_a discourse_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o in_o the_o 25._o verse_n he_o purposely_o specify_v this_o prediction_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thereby_o call_v on_o they_o to_o consider_v advise_o of_o it_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v that_o that_o very_a prediction_n and_o foretell_v they_o of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a caveat_n at_o least_o a_o very_a necessary_a help_n in_o their_o fight_n against_o their_o adversary_n and_o so_o in_o luk._n 21._o from_o the_o 8._o to_o the_o 19_o verse_n where_o he_o first_o acquaint_v his_o disciple_n with_o their_o adversary_n course_n and_o then_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o defend_v themselves_o from_o they_o where_o our_o saviour_n show_v plain_o by_o his_o own_o practice_n how_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o know_v our_o adversary_n fight_n that_o so_o we_o may_v wise_o and_o safe_o encounter_v they_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o their_o deal_n and_o attempt_n be_v against_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v of_o sundry_a sort_n yea_o indeed_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o therefore_o take_v the_o matter_n full_o and_o plain_o in_o this_o observation_n the_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n doctr._n as_o they_o be_v great_a and_o many_o so_o they_o do_v assault_v we_o every_o way_n they_o leave_v no_o mean_n unattempted_a whereby_o they_o may_v procure_v the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o overthrow_n at_o least_o the_o hurt_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o faithful_a their_o main_a intent_n be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o faithful_a if_o they_o can_v possible_o but_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o that_o as_o the_o lord_n keep_v they_o from_o that_o yet_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v sit_v still_o and_o do_v nothing_o they_o will_v be_v do_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o harm_n to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o distinguish_v the_o course_n of_o satan_n himself_o from_o his_o instrument_n they_o be_v in_o effect_n all_o one_o for_o what_o himself_o do_v he_o stir_v up_o his_o instrument_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o what_o they_o do_v it_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o his_o appointment_n so_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o one_o be_v also_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o other_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n see_v what_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n like_o a_o roar_a lion_n go_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o cast_v about_o every_o way_n to_o do_v we_o hurt_v one_o search_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o turn_n but_o he_o search_v every_o corner_n and_o spy_v every_o advantage_n still_o go_v about_o and_o seek_v to_o devour_v in_o matth._n 5.11_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a intimation_n of_o their_o malicious_a disposition_n against_o we_o that_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n false_o against_o we_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o speak_v if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n to_o we_o to_o display_v the_o point_n more_o at_o large_a we_o will_v descend_v to_o some_o particular_n first_o at_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o matter_n they_o strike_v at_o or_o the_o mark_n they_o shoot_v at_o second_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n first_o the_o mark_n they_o shoot_v at_o be_v either_o religion_n itself_o or_o the_o person_n that_o profess_v it_o and_o indeed_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v against_o our_o person_n their_o quarrel_n be_v against_o our_o religion_n to_o gore_n that_o through_o our_o side_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v leave_v our_o religion_n our_o enemy_n will_v leave_v to_o hurt_v we_o religion_n be_v their_o quarrel_n so_o say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 10.22_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n that_o be_v true_a indeed_o professor_n but_o it_o be_v for_o my_o name_n first_o the_o person_n that_o profess_v religion_n be_v the_o mark_n they_o shoot_v at_o see_v this_o in_o the_o example_n of_o job_n in_o the_o 1_o and_o 2_o chapter_n see_v how_o satan_n set_v himself_o against_o he_o in_o his_o cattle_n servant_n child_n wife_n body_z and_o if_o he_o may_v have_v have_v his_o will_n against_o his_o life_n and_o soul_n too_o and_o see_v how_o he_o muster_v up_o his_o force_n against_o he_o every_o way_n thief_n fire_n wind_n botch_n wife_n and_o friend_n and_o all_o at_o once_o to_o overwhelm_v he_o with_o a_o heap_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v this_o true_a in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.9_o to_o the_o 13._o i_o think_v say_v he_o that_o god_n have_v set_v out_o we_o the_o last_o apostle_n as_o man_n appoint_v to_o death_n for_o we_o be_v make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n &c_n &c_n we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n be_v naked_a and_o buffet_v &c_n &c_n so_o we_o see_v how_o he_o set_v himself_o against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o faithful_a profession_n see_v also_o how_o he_o set_v himself_o against_o their_o profession_n act_v 4.18_o 21._o peter_n and_o john_n be_v charge_v to_o preach_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o threaten_v if_o they_o do_v and_o act_n 5.18_o the_o apostle_n be_v lay_v hand_n on_o and_o put_v in_o prison_n and_o in_o the_o 33._o vers_fw-la they_o consult_v to_o slay_v they_o and_o in_o
the_o 40._o vers_fw-la they_o beat_v they_o and_o command_v they_o again_o not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n what_o can_v the_o devil_n have_v do_v more_o against_o the_o gospel_n as_o thing_n than_o stand_v all_o these_o place_n both_o the_o former_a and_o these_o latter_a prove_v that_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o their_o person_n and_o their_o profession_n both_o but_o the_o former_a be_v more_o direct_o against_o their_o person_n the_o latter_a more_o direct_o against_o their_o profession_n so_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o our_o person_n and_o against_o our_o profession_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o they_o oppose_v against_o religion_n for_o itself_o but_o they_o oppose_v against_o our_o person_n for_o our_o religion_n second_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n opposition_n they_o do_v it_o sometime_o open_o sometime_o secret_o open_o so_o do_v saul_n act_n 9.1_o 2._o when_o he_o go_v with_o open_a mouth_n to_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o secret_o secret_o that_o be_v when_o either_o they_o can_v do_v it_o open_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o open_o with_o such_o safety_n to_o themselves_o and_o such_o hurt_n and_o danger_n to_o their_o enemy_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o galat._n 2.4_o the_o false_a brethren_n creep_v in_o crafty_o into_o the_o church_n to_o spy_v out_o their_o liberty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n we_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o kind_n of_o opposition_n act._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o where_o certain_a of_o the_o synagogue_n dispute_v with_o stephen_n and_o think_v to_o have_v bear_v he_o down_o open_o but_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v than_o they_o secret_o suborn_v witness_n to_o accuse_v he_o false_o second_o again_o open_v sometime_o they_o oppose_v by_o strong_a hand_n as_o herod_n act_v 12.1.2_o he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o kill_v james_n the_o brother_n of_o john_n with_o the_o sword_n and_o when_o satan_n do_v thus_o oppose_v he_o be_v a_o lion_n sometime_o by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n he_o oppose_v the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o be_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o in_o act_n 7.19_o stephen_n say_v the_o egyptian_n deal_v subtle_o with_o the_o israelite_n therein_o the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o opposition_n be_v the_o mean_n or_o weapon_n whereby_o they_o fight_v against_o god_n church_n and_o they_o be_v infinite_a i_o shall_v touch_v those_o only_a that_o be_v most_o material_a and_o the_o first_o kind_n be_v carnal_a reason_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fit_a weapon_n for_o carnal_a man_n to_o fight_v withal_o and_o ready_a against_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n see_v how_o they_o flourish_v with_o this_o weapon_n first_o with_o multitude_n you_o can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n say_v they_o for_o but_o few_o embrace_v it_o the_o multitude_n be_v against_o you_o and_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o as_o they_o say_v to_o paul_n act_v 28.22_o again_o say_v the_o false_a church_n we_o have_v far_o great_a pomp_n and_o glory_n and_o great_a riches_n revelat._n 17.4_o beside_o say_v they_o you_o have_v no_o great_a man_n to_o applaud_v you_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n believe_v in_o he_o say_v the_o jew_n john_n 7.48_o last_o there_o be_v say_v they_o no_o point_n of_o your_o religion_n either_o please_a to_o nature_n or_o almost_o justifiable_a by_o reason_n and_o therefore_o say_v carnal_a reason_n you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o right_a way_n if_o these_o kind_n of_o weapon_n prevail_v not_o miracle_n than_o they_o take_v other_o kind_n of_o weapon_n and_o close_o in_o near_a with_o we_o force_v we_o with_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o strive_v to_o beat_v we_o with_o our_o own_o weapon_n they_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v the_o scripture_n so_o do_v the_o devil_n matth._n 4.6_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n as_o the_o wicked_a jew_n do_v jerem._n 7_o 4._o so_o for_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v they_o have_v they_o too_o they_o have_v the_o effectual_a work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n 2._o thes_n 2.9_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v abraham_n child_n john_n 8_o 39_o and_o to_o be_v moses_n scholar_n and_o disciple_n john_n 9.28_o yea_o to_o be_v god_n own_o seed_n joh._n 8.41_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v prophet_n revelat._n 2.20_o yea_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v angel_n of_o light_n verse_n 14._o and_o for_o outward_a holiness_n they_o will_v have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v matth._n 23.27_o and_o for_o simplicity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a note_n of_o christ_n sheep_n they_o will_v so_o cunning_o pretend_v it_o that_o you_o will_v take_v they_o for_o sheep_n of_o christ_n own_o fold_n and_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v to_o be_v raven_a wolf_n till_o they_o bewray_v it_o in_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v deal_n matth._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o fail_v this_o way_n than_o they_o will_v fall_v to_o more_o gross_a deal_n flatter_a we_o with_o fair_a promise_n as_o the_o devil_n deal_v with_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 4.9_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v you_o if_o you_o will_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v they_o will_v labour_v to_o seduce_v we_o with_o lie_n and_o error_n as_o the_o serpent_n do_v eve_n gens_n 3.4_o 5._o or_o else_o they_o will_v labour_v to_o corrupt_v our_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v mat._n 15.3_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v none_o of_o these_o way_n than_o they_o will_v raise_v up_o flander_n and_o false_a report_n against_o our_o person_n howsoever_o we_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o they_o do_v against_o christ_n and_o john_n baptist_n mat._n 11.18_o our_o saviour_n ●ame_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o drunkard_n and_o a_o glutton_n john_n baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n so_o they_o raise_v up_o false_a report_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n rom._n 3.8_o some_o say_v that_o he_o teach_v that_o we_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o will_v breathe_v out_o threaten_n against_o we_o as_o saul_n do_v against_o the_o church_n act_v 9.1_o if_o that_o serve_v not_o their_o turn_n they_o will_v procure_v law_n and_o decree_n against_o we_o as_o they_o do_v against_o daniel_n dan._n 6.7_o 8._o and_o letter_n of_o state_n as_o saul_n do_v act_v 2.9_o and_o their_o last_o and_o sore_a and_o common_a weapon_n of_o all_o be_v blow_n persecution_n banishment_n imprisonment_n and_o all_o the_o punishment_n they_o can_v devise_v as_o their_o hatred_n be_v deadly_a against_o we_o so_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o pursue_v we_o to_o the_o very_a death_n cruel_a bloodsucker_n they_o be_v for_o when_o they_o can_v suck_v religion_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n yet_o they_o will_v suck_v our_o life_n and_o our_o blood_n out_o of_o our_o body_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n catch_v at_o it_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o as_o a_o weapon_n in_o their_o fury_n to_o hurt_v and_o strike_v at_o god_n child_n withal_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o the_o silliness_n reas_n 1_o and_o nakedness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o condition_n in_o this_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v every_o way_n expose_v and_o of_o themselves_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o enemy_n something_n they_o can_v do_v to_o defend_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o power_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n as_o god_n know_v they_o be_v very_o simple_a and_o weak_a and_o other_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o do_v for_o want_v of_o warrant_n from_o god_n without_o which_o their_o tender_a conscience_n dare_v do_v nothing_o whereas_o if_o they_o can_v and_o may_v shift_v for_o themselves_o by_o hook_n or_o by_o crook_n as_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a safeguard_n to_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o enemy_n assault_v we_o every_o way_n the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o
to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v be_v a_o persuasion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v of_o god_n else_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n by_o it_o 1_o thessa_n 2.3.2_o peter_n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o still_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o so_o much_o shall_v seve_o to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v hear_v how_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o our_o more_o easy_a proceed_n in_o the_o point_n that_o which_o concern_v person_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n or_o matter_n of_o substance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v either_o in_o matter_n touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o i_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o lecture_n therein_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o long_o in_o handle_v because_o look_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a point_n shall_v be_v here_o supply_v touch_v this_o point_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a first_o as_o material_a for_o after_o we_o be_v make_v acquaint_v which_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o know_v which_o be_v canonical_a book_n write_v by_o the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v still_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o till_o we_o proceed_v further_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o letter_n as_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o bare_a write_a word_n as_o the_o right_a meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o that_o which_o be_v write_v that_o what_o a_o man_n say_v be_v his_o speech_n indeed_o in_o common_a acceptation_n 1._o but_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n he_o mean_v it_o he_o will_v and_o may_v just_o disclaim_v as_o none_o of_o his_o speech_n a_o man_n meaning_n be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n as_o the_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o sign_n because_o word_n be_v the_o signification_n of_o our_o meaning_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o wherein_o it_o proper_o rest_v and_o be_v seat_v be_v the_o breast_n of_o the_o speaker_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sign_n whereby_o god_n signify_v his_o meaning_n but_o the_o subject_n of_o they_o wherein_o proper_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o rest_n be_v in_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n to_o be_v know_v second_o it_o be_v as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a for_o after_o we_o hear_v which_o be_v the_o right_a letter_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o difficult_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a sense_n as_o before_o it_o be_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a letter_n for_o the_o same_o word_n sometime_o have_v diverse_a signification_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n may_v be_v understand_v many_o way_n and_o diverse_a man_n be_v of_o diverse_a mind_n expound_v one_o and_o the_o same_o scripture_n diverse_a way_n every_o man_n abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n the_o true_a believer_n expound_v it_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n the_o heretic_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o heresy_n yea_o among_o and_o true_a believer_n themselves_o one_o interpret_v the_o same_o word_n to_o that_o opinion_n that_o he_o favour_v and_o another_o to_o a_o contrary_n that_o he_o favour_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n be_v here_o thrust_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o only_a or_o chief_a umpyre_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o that_o alone_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o she_o pronounce_v and_o sure_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v as_o probable_o and_o plausible_o challenge_v authority_n to_o deliver_v which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o which_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v give_v the_o church_n her_o due_a touch_v the_o former_a acknowledge_v her_o authority_n in_o and_o about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o over_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o god_n willing_a we_o will_v deal_v as_o ingenurous_o in_o this_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o will_v limit_v and_o bound_v it_o within_o certain_a necessary_a caution_n and_o limitation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o we_o will_v handle_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n yet_o she_o must_v not_o expound_v it_o as_o she_o list_v and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o mind_n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o say_v some_o the_o church_n will_v not_o nor_o can_v expound_v they_o ob._n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o needless_a observation_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o be_v answer_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o bound_v and_o limit_v we_o will_v proceed_v then_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n and_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o rule_n and_o second_o by_o example_n the_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o note_n and_o that_o first_o in_o general_n isaiah_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n &_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o speak_v in_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o special_o in_o expound_v scripture_n it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n that_o god_n intend_v therein_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o peter_n 4.11_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v he_o that_o speak_v speak_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o god_n sense_n as_o in_o general_a all_o must_v thus_o speak_v god_n word_n so_o special_o the_o preacher_n or_o whosoever_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o expound_v god_n word_n he_o must_v speak_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o reverent_o and_o zealous_o as_o become_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o matter_n much_o more_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o as_o he_o be_v then_o in_o god_n stead_n and_o deliver_v his_o message_n else_o he_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n not_o god_n second_o more_o particular_o john_n 5_o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o bide_v they_o take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v they_o and_o give_v what_o sense_n of_o they_o they_o think_v good_a but_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v they_o that_o be_v examine_v they_o and_o consider_v advise_o of_o they_o lay_v they_o right_o together_o &_o weigh_v one_o place_n well_o with_o another_o and_o make_v diligent_a inquiry_n after_o the_o sense_n &_o reach_v that_o god_n intend_v in_o they_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v first_o witness_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o that_o they_o be_v help_n to_o eternal_a life_n see_v it_o yet_o more_o near_o rom._n 12.6_o let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n whereby_o prophecy_n be_v express_o mean_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.3.31_o and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o creed_n or_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o all_o yet_o still_o
perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o have_v the_o church_n to_o do_v in_o such_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o opposition_n in_o this_o point_n for_o that_o sufficiency_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o scripture_n it_o disanull_v all_o such_o power_n challenge_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n disanull_v that_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a as_o we_o will_v prove_v by_o these_o place_n follow_v john_n 20.31_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n all_o thing_n that_o christ_n speak_v and_o do_v be_v not_o write_v yet_o there_o be_v enough_o write_v for_o quantity_n and_o enough_o for_o power_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o so_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o sufficient_a enough_o for_o all_o matter_n of_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o the_o whole_a scripture_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v and_o to_o convince_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a be_v make_v perfect_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n here_o be_v reckon_v up_o such_o special_a work_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o teach_v both_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o these_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n true_a say_v the_o papist_n they_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v profitable_a to_o these_o but_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a yes_o it_o be_v sufficient_a too_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o profitable_a to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o that_o thereby_o the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v make_v perfect_a to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v the_o scripture_n have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o every_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o mean_v so_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o 15._o verse_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o scripture_n of_o a_o child_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o scripture_n scripture_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o absolute_o forbid_v any_o addition_n or_o detraction_n from_o scripture_n as_o in_o deut_n 4.2_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a prohibition_n you_o shall_v put_v nothing_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o i_o commend_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o and_o pro._n 30.6_o put_v nothing_o unto_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n revel_v 22.18_o 19_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n now_o than_o if_o the_o church_n can_v decree_v any_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n and_o not_o add_v to_o scripture_n nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o than_o they_o may_v have_v some_o colour_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o prohibition_n but_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a as_o it_o be_v than_o this_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a the_o apostle_n amplify_v this_o point_n by_o way_n of_o comparison_n galat._n 3.15_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n testament_n no_o man_n will_v add_v to_o it_o much_o less_o to_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n the_o last_o sort_n of_o scripture_n be_v those_o that_o condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v either_o without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n esa_n 29.13_o it_o be_v a_o sore_a complaint_n which_o the_o lord_n take_v up_o against_o the_o people_n there_o because_o the_o religion_n they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o matth._n 15.9_o christ_n utter_o reject_v this_o worship_n as_o vain_a and_o hypocritical_a when_o they_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n man_n precept_n and_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4._o scripture_n if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o know_v nothing_o it_o be_v self-conceit_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n yea_o and_o not_o only_a when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o ordinary_a man_n but_o if_o it_o come_v from_o a_o apostle_n nay_o a_o angel_n if_o they_o shall_v teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n not_o only_o that_o be_v against_o this_o but_o beside_o this_o which_o i_o have_v teach_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n hold_v he_o accurse_v galat._n 1.8_o 9_o so_o that_o if_o any_o either_o apostle_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n deliver_v or_o teach_v any_o other_o gospel_n that_o be_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v but_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v accurse_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o reason_n be_v many_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v draw_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o carry_v always_o a_o just_a correspondency_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v of_o who_o saying_n man_n no_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o god_n speak_v faith_n hear_v it_o and_o most_o willing_o and_o sweet_o believe_v and_o embrace_v it_o but_o what_o any_o else_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v man_n or_o church_n or_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v not_o powerful_a to_o beget_v save_v faith_n so_o also_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o refuse_v it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o suspect_v it_o because_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o word_n and_o god_n speak_v it_o not_o second_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o state_n reas_n 2_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v this_o god_n have_v endue_v our_o conscience_n through_o his_o mercy_n and_o ordinance_n with_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v the_o conscience_n well_o rectify_v yield_v to_o it_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n to_o be_v a_o bind_a law_n which_o necessary_o must_v be_v obey_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n be_v impose_v by_o man_n only_o without_o or_o beside_o the_o prescript_n of_o god_n the_o conscience_n feel_v not_o the_o command_a power_n of_o god_n to_o oversway_v it_o and_o therefore_o may_v and_o must_v and_o do_v take_v the_o benefit_n of_o her_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o corinth_n 3.23_o be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o three_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o property_n of_o the_o reas_n 3_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o they_o be_v matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v such_o a_o sure_a ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o they_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o hazard_v our_o salvation_n upon_o they_o now_o the_o church_n be_v itself_o subject_a to_o error_n where_o i●_n build_v not_o upon_o scripture_n be_v unable_a therefore_o to_o afford_v any_o such_o warrant_n therefore_o without_o and_o beside_o scripture_n the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n in_o such_o thing_n reas_n 4_o four_o that_o which_o the_o church_n do_v herein_o in_o ordane_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n without_o or_o beside_o scripture_n she_o do_v enjoin_v it_o with_o condition_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o let_v they_o be_v accurse_v that_o do_v it_o not_o but_o damnation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v threaten_v by_o any_o 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proportion_n in_o like_a case_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v salvation_n speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o father_n john_n 12.49_o 50._o and_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n john_n 16.13_o if_o christ_n do_v tie_v himself_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n and_o nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n have_v not_o great_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n therefore_o as_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o beside_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n so_o by_o proportion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a the_o church_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o herein_o but_o by_o direction_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v horrible_a presumption_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a so_o the_o papist_n themselves_o sometime_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o testimony_n o●_n the_o truth_n consist_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ●_o and_o the_o prelate_n joint_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n alone_o without_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o do_v the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n any_o new_a doctrine_n or_o revelation_n no_o but_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v before_o if_o you_o compare_v john_n 14.26_o with_o john_n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o christ_n promise_v to_o send_v shall_v teach_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v teach_v which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n teach_v the_o church_n nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o 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papist_n do_v so_o and_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o their_o practice_n make_v they_o guilty_a of_o it_o faith_n pope_n pius_n the_o four_o propound_v a_o creed_n and_o tie_v his_o child_n the_o papist_n to_o it_o wherein_z after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n he_o add_v twelve_o more_o of_o his_o own_o concern_v tradition_n &_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n ob._n but_o say_v they_o why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o you_o that_o have_v your_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n have_v their_o several_a confession_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beside_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n and_o yet_o profess_v and_o believe_v answ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o like_a comparison_n for_o we_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creed_n yet_o we_o believe_v nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_o prove_v by_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n but_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o show_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o be_v matter_n beside_o scripture_n which_o they_o obtrude_v on_o the_o people_n mere_o or_o at_o least_o principal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o church_n than_o no_o authority_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n new_o to_o be_v make_v faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o only_o as_o thus_o if_o any_o article_n have_v be_v neglect_v obscure_a and_o lie_v hide_v in_o former_a time_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v not_o well_o understand_v then_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v it_o 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article_n no_o but_o to_o revive_v and_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v that_o which_o have_v lyen_fw-we hide_v a_o long_a time_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o church_n may_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o second_o position_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v to_o ordain_v and_o decree_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n beside_o scripture_n but_o do_v the_o papist_n do_v this_o yes_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v here_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o it_o as_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n be_v certain_a as_o themselves_o confess_v and_o therefore_o no_o authority_n can_v admit_v more_o second_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o make_v book_n that_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la canonical_a then_o also_o she_o have_v power_n aswell_o to_o reject_v some_o that_o be_v canonical_a for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n to_o build_v have_v also_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o maim_n and_o mangle_v the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o she_o list_v herself_o what_o a_o horrible_a wrong_n be_v this_o to_o god_n three_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n hear_v his_o voice_n they_o do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v it_o last_o as_o a_o gold_n smith_n take_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o try_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o the_o touch_n stone_n and_o before_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a gold_n he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a gold_n for_o if_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v counterfeit_a all_o the_o gold_n smith_n that_o be_v can_v make_v it_o true_a so_o must_v the_o church_n cry_v which_o be_v canonical_a
book_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o make_v any_o so_o of_o herself_o for_o this_o she_o can_v do_v worship_n the_o three_o position_n be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n can_v make_v any_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o of_o itself_o for_o she_o have_v no_o power_n to_o devise_v add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n outward_a passage_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o in_o her_o power_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o but_o that_o she_o may_v ordain_v any_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n beside_o scripture_n or_o affix_v remission_n of_o sin_n or_o other_o supernatural_a effect_n to_o the_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n which_o she_o devise_v all_o this_o be_v but_o will-worship_n hateful_a to_o god_n and_o express_o forbid_v col._n 2.23_o thing_n intolerable_a have_v be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o both_o these_o for_o first_o they_o have_v ordain_v beside_o scripture_n image_n satisfacton_n new_a sacrament_n new_a intercessor_n new_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n second_o even_o to_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v as_o to_o cross_n procession_n ring_v of_o bell_n penance_n and_o such_o like_a they_o have_v ascribe_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n drive_v away_o of_o devil_n and_o such_o like_a gracious_a effect_n wherein_o consist_v no_o small_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n the_o four_o point_n be_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n custom_n custom_n we_o know_v prevail_v much_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o many_o time_n they_o be_v very_o approvable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v vary_a from_o but_o upon_o good_a occasion_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yield_v to_o custom_n have_v breed_v much_o inconvenience_n as_o we_o see_v among_o we_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n by_o play_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o field_n after_o the_o exercise_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o that_o man_n think_v it_o no_o sin_n and_o so_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o speak_v plain_o custom_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a motive_n apt_a to_o over_o sway_v the_o natural_a man_n but_o of_o themselves_o beside_o scripture_n they_o be_v no_o spiritual_a motive_n to_o the_o true_a believer_n custom_n the_o ancient_a father_n tie_v up_o custom_n in_o religion_n thus_o short_a that_o they_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o where_o truth_n and_o custom_n agree_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v else_o to_o be_v reject_v now_o what_o be_v truth_n our_o saviour_n say_v god_n word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17_o 17._o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n they_o must_v be_v abolish_v even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n who_o the_o papist_n will_v seem_v to_o allege_v for_o these_o thing_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o apostle_n paul_n allege_v custom_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o but_o how_o do_v he_o allege_v they_o against_o contention_n because_o contention_n be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o custom_n beside_o scripture_n be_v nothing_o worth_a the_o last_o point_n be_v for_o matter_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n tradition_n be_v one_o my_o pillar_n of_o popery_n and_o if_o they_o leave_v they_o once_o they_o will_v quick_o leave_v their_o religion_n too_o now_o if_o we_o understand_v tradition_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n it_o intend_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o before_o father_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v and_o so_o we_o willing_o embrace_v tradition_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o speech_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n be_v to_o be_v expound_v and_o do_v make_v for_o tradition_n but_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n intend_v they_o that_o be_v 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office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o three_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o four_o be_v concern_v justification_n for_o the_o first_o therein_o which_o be_v her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n they_o teach_v very_o erroneous_o not_o only_o that_o which_o disparage_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o by_o consequence_n utter_o overthrow_n they_o first_o scripture_n in_o that_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o in_o that_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n three_o in_o that_o they_o disanulle_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n first_o they_o deny_v express_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a rule_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o they_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o they_o must_v be_v piece_v and_o perfect_v by_o tradition_n no_o man_n dare_v 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see_v that_o their_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v like_a to_o find_v but_o foul_a water_n in_o their_o channel_n their_o second_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n say_v direct_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &_o that_o be_v christ_n 1._o tim._n 2.5_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o man_n the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n not_o only_o pray_v for_o we_o but_o to_o be_v invocate_v by_o we_o do_v not_o this_o justle_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n at_o least_o to_o sit_v so_o close_o answer_v that_o other_o must_v sit_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o in_o that_o office_n they_o will_v shift_v it_o off_o with_o this_o that_o they_o make_v the_o saint_n mediator_n of_o intercession_n only_o and_o christ_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n he_o mean_v of_o redemption_n not_o of_o intercession_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n mediator_n speak_v of_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n for_o he_o speak_v of_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n and_o as_o in_o reason_n he_o that_o be_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o any_o must_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o enmity_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o party_n who_o he_o intercede_v for_o into_o favour_n else_o it_o will_v be_v a_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a intercession_n and_o he_o that_o intercede_v for_o any_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o person_n intercede_v do_v appoint_v or_o at_o least_o approve_v of_o for_o that_o business_n even_o so_o the_o scripture_n propound_v christ_n alone_o to_o be_v intercessor_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o be_v our_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n and_o our_o propitiation_n or_o reconciliation_n both_o and_o john_n 16.23_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v give_v it_o you_o he_o do_v not_o say_v whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o mother_n name_n or_o in_o the_o saint_n name_n but_o in_o my_o name_n and_o therefore_o both_o redemption_n and_o intercession_n be_v oft_o time_n in_o scripture_n by_o name_n join_v together_o as_o in_o that_o 1_o tim._n 2.5_o 6_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &c_n &c_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o man_n &_o rome_n 8.34_o who_o shall_v condemn_v we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v you_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o answer_v who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o we_o see_v to_o be_v mediator_n of_o intercession_n be_v as_o peculiar_a to_o chrst_n as_o to_o be_v mediator_n of_o redemption_n they_o shift_v again_o &_o say_v we_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n only_o but_o we_o pray_v to_o christ_n as_o intercessor_n and_o helper_n by_o his_o own_o power_n too_o i_o answer_v yet_o still_o they_o make_v they_o intercessor_n then_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o so_o they_o either_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n or_o set_v his_o mother_n and_o the_o saint_n on_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o but_o if_o therebe_n any_o other_o intercessor_n then_o either_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v imperfect_a or_o else_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v superfluous_a but_o say_v they_o we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n than_o you_o do_v to_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o this_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o second_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v they_o intercessor_n for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o he_o no_o but_o he_o entreat_v they_o to_o be_v fellow_n suitor_n and_o joint_a petitioner_n to_o god_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o three_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v alive_a we_o have_v access_n unto_o and_o can_v utter_v our_o mind_n to_o they_o but_o so_o we_o can_v to_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o pray_v to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o fellow_n suitor_n they_o make_v god_n of_o they_o in_o that_o very_a fact_n that_o be_v they_o make_v they_o knower_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o know_v that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n
but_o say_v they_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n can_v know_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o our_o word_n but_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v our_o word_n god_n reveal_v they_o say_v they_o to_o the_o saint_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o that_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o papist_n make_v other_o intercessor_n beside_o christ_n they_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n or_o set_v other_o on_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o and_o so_o much_o of_o their_o error_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n image_n the_o three_o point_n be_v concern_v image_n they_o teach_v that_o image_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v though_o god_n himself_o have_v exprsse_o forbid_v it_o exod._n 20.4_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o if_o that_o commandment_n forbid_v idolatry_n as_o what_o other_o meaning_n can_v it_o have_v than_o they_o teach_v the_o contrary_a do_v teach_v flat_a idolatry_n and_o if_o idolatry_n be_v spiritual_a whoredom_n and_o if_o a_o spouse_n play_v the_o harlot_n be_v to_o be_v divorce_v from_o her_o husband_n both_o which_o be_v large_o set_v forth_o in_o ezech._n chap._n 16._o then_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v the_o lord_n own_o spouse_n yet_o upon_o this_o abominable_a whoredom_n she_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v divorce_v and_o cut_v off_o as_o a_o filthy_a strumpet_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o this_o harlot_n plead_v for_o herself_o to_o save_v her_o credit_n and_o honesty_n first_o say_v they_o we_o worship_v not_o the_o image_n but_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o image_n i_o answer_v do_v not_o the_o heathen_a do_v so_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v abominable_a idolater_n yea_o say_v they_o but_o they_o make_v image_n of_o the_o false_a god_n we_o of_o the_o true_a god_n i_o answer_v yes_o they_o make_v image_n of_o the_o true_a god_n too_o act_v 17.23_o who_o you_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o do_v not_o the_o israelite_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o image_n exo._n 3●_n 9_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v horrible_a idolater_n nay_o the_o very_a resemble_v of_o the_o invisible_a god_n in_o any_o m●de_a image_n be_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o else_o where_o direct_o forbid_v as_o flat_a idolatry_n nay_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o image_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o it_o can_v be_v free_v from_o worship_v the_o image_n itself_o at_o least_o in_o outward_a worship_n which_o worship_n god_n challenge_v as_o entire_o to_o himself_o as_o the_o inward_a the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o themselves_o confess_v that_o they_o worship_v the_o image_n but_o here_o they_o have_v another_o device_n some_o honour_n say_v they_o we_o give_v indeed_o to_o the_o image_n itself_o but_o that_o be_v a_o lesser_a honour_n answer_v but_o the_o great_a we_o give_v to_o god_n alone_o so_o they_o distinguish_v without_o any_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o both_o these_o worship_n be_v condemn_v alike_o in_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 1.25_o there_o the_o great_a worship_n be_v condemn_v galat._n 4.8_o there_o the_o lesser_a worship_n be_v condemn_v when_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v to_o god_n beside_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n a_o little_a further_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o that_o lesser_a honour_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o image_n be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n or_o not_o if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o then_o there_o be_v some_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v not_o due_a unto_o god_n and_o so_o the_o saint_n belike_o have_v that_o which_o be_v not_o befit_v his_o majesty_n whereas_o we_o know_v that_o little_a &_o great_a worship_n be_v all_o too_o little_a for_o his_o greatness_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n for_o god_n will_v not_o give_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o any_o other_o esa_n last_o if_o this_o lesser_a service_n can_v or_o be_v or_o may_v be_v give_v to_o image_n justification_n yet_o not_o the_o great_a worship_n but_o they_o give_v to_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o wooden_a cross_n yea_o to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n this_o great_a worship_n this_o very_a latria_n this_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v due_a and_o according_o they_o give_v it_o they_o which_o be_v as_o gross_a idolatry_n as_o any_o among_o the_o heathen_a we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o point_n concern_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v our_o reconcilement_n to_o god_n and_o acceptance_n into_o his_o favour_n wherein_o consist_v our_o whole_a comfort_n and_o true_a happiness_n therefore_o to_o err_v in_o this_o point_n be_v most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n say_v direct_o gal._n 2.16_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n they_o say_v direct_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v in_o part_n by_o his_o own_o work_n and_o here_o they_o mince_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o the_o world_n and_o say_v that_o their_o work_n do_v not_o justify_v of_o themselves_o but_o because_o of_o the_o divine_a grace_n dwell_v in_o we_o which_o make_v we_o work_v and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n the_o apostle_n say_v it_o and_o you_o grant_v it_o where_o then_o be_v the_o difference_n sure_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o much_o though_o in_o appearance_n there_o be_v little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o so_o for_o by_o grace_n they_o understand_v the_o gift_n of_o grace_n inherent_a in_o we_o as_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o love_n &c_n &c_n and_o so_o they_o direct_o conclude_v that_o our_o justification_n be_v by_o inherent_a righteousness_n but_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o so_o say_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o and_o titus_n 3.3_o and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v our_o justification_n be_v only_o by_o christ_n righteousness_n impute_v which_o we_o apprehend_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v believe_v it_o for_o ourselves_o and_o so_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o own_o state_n by_o the_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v therefore_o justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o alone_o i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o good_a work_n in_o our_o live_n but_o because_o christ_n our_o justifier_n be_v apprehend_v by_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o our_o work_n god_n plain_a truth_n without_o any_o quillet_n be_v this_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o for_o our_o salvation_n he_o choose_v we_o to_o salvation_n before_o the_o world_n be_v he_o call_v we_o take_v we_o out_o of_o our_o filth_n and_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n thereof_o free_o upon_o we_o and_o he_o receive_v we_o into_o glory_n at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v free_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o or_o deserve_v the_o least_o blessing_n at_o his_o hand_n general_a this_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o opposite_a whereof_o be_v a_o most_o fundamental_a error_n and_o they_o that_o disclaim_v it_o not_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v save_v and_o so_o much_o be_v say_v for_o their_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n second_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o be_v their_o corruption_n in_o practice_n in_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o second_o be_v their_o corruption_n in_o their_o ordinary_a manner_n first_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o be_v exceed_o corrupt_a in_o their_o practice_n and_o this_o we_o will_v show_v first_o in_o the_o general_a second_o in_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o general_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o err_v and_o be_v foul_o corrupt_v for_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n ceremony_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n yea_o for_o a_o idol_n then_o for_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n to_o be_v honour_v and_o serve_v by_o for_o first_o it_o be_v a_o carnal_a service_n full_a of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n like_v unto_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n heb._n 6.10_o which_o stand_v only_o in_o meat_n &_o drink_n and_o diverse_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o
eight_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v make_v our_o division_n of_o church_n into_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o our_o discourse_n concern_v the_o eastern_a and_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o discourse_n concern_v the_o western_a and_o these_o we_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o some_o that_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o her_o accomplice_n second_o some_o that_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o she_o at_o least_o in_o her_o abuse_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o former_a we_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o what_o be_v say_v against_o she_o be_v say_v against_o they_o as_o be_v the_o mother_n so_o be_v her_o daughter_n now_o therefore_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o renounce_v the_o head-ship_n of_o the_o pope_n churchche_n and_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n for_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v sometime_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n do_v degenerate_a and_o stain_v herself_o with_o sundry_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o please_v god_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly_a and_o learned_a divine_n among_o they_o that_o they_o see_v and_o discern_v these_o corruption_n and_o withal_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o oppose_v open_o against_o they_o both_o by_o preach_v and_o write_v now_o those_o congregation_n that_o by_o these_o man_n labour_n be_v call_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o embrace_v a_o pure_a profession_n do_v thereby_o gain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o reform_a church_n as_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o deform_a church_n still_o wallow_v in_o her_o own_o corruption_n but_o themselves_o have_v recover_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o ancient_a beauty_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o ancient_a time_n and_o sound_a church_n reformation_n now_o to_o make_v the_o way_n plain_a before_o we_o we_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o reformation_n second_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o first_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o reformation_n they_o be_v weighty_a and_o necessary_a many_o notorious_a error_n and_o gross_a abomination_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n as_o before_o we_o have_v show_v possess_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o church_n yea_o the_o head_n and_o all_o such_o as_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v oft_o complain_v of_o and_o the_o godly_a have_v groan_v sore_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o for_o many_o year_n and_o can_v bear_v they_o no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o have_v weighty_a cause_n for_o this_o reformation_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o it_o thing_n be_v approovable_a and_o good_a they_o do_v nothing_o herein_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o business_n but_o that_o which_o may_v well_o beseem_v god_n people_n and_o whereof_o they_o have_v many_o commendable_a precedent_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n in_o like_a case_n for_o first_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o that_o church_n that_o such_o and_o such_o corruption_n be_v among_o they_o second_o they_o make_v proof_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v corruption_n three_o they_o beseech_v the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o tender_v god_n truth_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o people_n salvation_n for_o some_o speedy_a redress_n of_o these_o thing_n four_a they_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o that_o be_v their_o utter_a ruin_n both_o here_o and_o for_o ever_o if_o they_o do_v not_o hearken_v unto_o they_o five_o after_o all_o these_o mean_n use_v and_o after_o long_a expectation_n of_o some_o good_a event_n and_o yet_o nothing_o d●ne_o find_v no_o amendment_n but_o that_o indeed_o matter_n do_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o that_o old_a burden_n be_v continue_v new_o impose_v that_o be_v worse_o their_o admonition_n reject_v error_n &_o corruption_n stiff_o maintain_v &_o the_o seeker_n of_o reformation_n hate_v reproach_v persecute_v excommunicate_v and_o the_o like_a find_v no_o redress_n they_o leave_v they_o &_o give_v they_o over_o &_o as_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o apostle_n so_o they_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v say_v unto_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n do_v you_o serve_v what_o god_n you_o will_v we_o and_o our_o congregation_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n do_v you_o worship_n god_n as_o you_o list_v yourselves_o we_o will_v worship_v he_o after_o his_o own_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n see_v we_o can_v procure_v a_o general_a redress_n of_o these_o corruption_n among_o you_o we_o must_v and_o will_v redress_v they_o in_o ourselves_o what_o can_v these_o man_n do_v more_o than_o they_o do_v or_o what_o fault_n just_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o these_o proceed_n the_o papist_n deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o this_o reformation_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v any_o reformation_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o say_v they_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n make_v by_o heretic_n but_o till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v heresy_n they_o shall_v be_v never_o able_a to_o convince_v this_o for_o a_o heretical_a innovation_n as_o they_o false_o and_o malicious_o slander_v it_o but_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o malice_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o stand_v good_a for_o a_o godly_a and_o religious_a reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o another_o manner_n of_o reformation_n then_o that_o of_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n wherein_o though_o some_o thing_n be_v well_o and_o commendable_o redress_v yet_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o that_o reformation_n run_v on_o this_o promise_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v no_o way_n impeach_v the_o council_n will_v have_v some_o reformation_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o the_o pope_n authority_n may_v not_o be_v m●ddled_v withal_o whereas_o that_o very_a authority_n be_v partly_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a corruption_n itself_o and_o partly_o th●_n mai●_n occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n at_o least_o it_o be_v th●_n 〈◊〉_d hindrance_n that_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o reform_v 〈◊〉_d ●●at_a except_o that_o be_v reform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sound_n and_o through_o reformation_n at_o all_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o their_o reformation_n and_o we_o for_o we_o square_v all_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n so_o much_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o general_n church_n there_o be_v also_o another_o title_n that_o these_o church_n be_v style_v with_o and_o that_o be_v protestant_a church_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o name_n be_v this_o upon_o the_o first_o sound_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o luther_n in_o germany_n there_o be_v great_a stir_n and_o much_o ado_n among_o the_o people_n and_o not_o only_o there_o but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n some_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o luther_n other_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o popish_a religion_n the_o emperor_n and_o the_o state_n consult_v together_o how_o to_o pacify_v these_o tumult_n many_o meeting_n they_o have_v and_o many_o decree_n they_o make_v against_o it_o one_o decree_n more_o famous_a than_o the_o rest_n be_v make_v at_o spier_n in_o germany_n anno_fw-la 15_o 29._o where_o it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o abolish_v the_o mass_n nor_o make_v any_o further_a change_n in_o religion_n till_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a council_n to_o determine_v these_o difference_n which_o because_o the_o people_n shall_v not_o think_v they_o will_v delude_v they_o they_o promise_v to_o call_v it_o within_o a_o convenient_a time_n within_o a_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o this_o decree_n be_v much_o distasteful_a to_o those_o prince_n and_o state_n that_o have_v engage_v themselves_o with_o luther_n in_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v a_o general_a protestation_n against_o it_o to_o this_o effect_n that_o howsoever_o they_o do_v unfeigned_o affect_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o will_v willing_o satisfy_v the_o emperor_n in_o all_o that_o lawful_o they_o may_v yet_o because_o that_o reformation_n in_o hand_n be_v god_n own_o work_n it_o must_v not_o tarry_v man_n leisure_n for_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v before_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o
conscience_n to_o proceed_v in_o it_o as_o they_o have_v begin_v whatsoever_o decree_v of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o if_o any_o trouble_n do_v ensue_v of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n nor_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o cause_n but_o in_o man_n ill_a disposition_n that_o will_v abuse_v so_o good_a a_o cause_n to_o their_o bad_a purpose_n upon_o this_o very_a protestation_n it_o be_v that_o then_o present_o and_o ever_o since_o not_o only_o there_o but_o general_o in_o all_o place_n these_o prince_n and_o state_n and_o all_o other_o man_n and_o church_n approve_v the_o reformation_n be_v call_v protestant_n the_o name_n we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v neither_o great_o approve_v nor_o much_o dislike_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o occasion_n that_o be_v that_o princely_a and_o christian_a resolution_n to_o hold_v out_o zealous_o for_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n against_o all_o decree_n and_o threaten_n of_o man_n we_o see_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o and_o so_o be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o bear_v and_o wear_v his_o title_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v in_o general_a concern_v the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n now_o we_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a handle_n of_o these_o church_n and_o so_o to_o the_o main_a mark_n reform_v which_o all_o this_o while_n we_o special_o aim_v at_o of_o these_o reform_a church_n some_o be_v more_o some_o be_v less_o reform_v and_o each_o of_o these_o either_o for_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n for_o some_o be_v more_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n than_o other_o but_o less_o in_o discipline_n some_o be_v more_o discipline_v than_o other_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o sound_a as_o they_o reform_v who_o discipline_n be_v faulty_a the_o church_n in_o geneva_n france_n and_o holland_n and_o other_o of_o that_o mould_n both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v think_v by_o some_o the_o best_a reform_v and_o yet_o i_o hear_v that_o the_o brownist_n deny_v even_o geneva_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o first_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v say_v as_o much_o and_o as_o just_o against_o their_o adversary_n as_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o those_o which_o be_v less_o reform_v be_v true_a church_n they_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o to_o bestow_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n those_o that_o be_v account_v less_o reform_v be_v as_o some_o think_v the_o lutheran_n church_n the_o lutheran_n church_n be_v less_o reform_v for_o doctrine_n first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o lutheran_n church_n they_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o maintain_v certain_a private_a opinion_n that_o luther_n hold_v or_o at_o least_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n i_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n from_o we_o second_o of_o the_o tumult_n that_o have_v rise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o three_o i_o will_v show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n opinion_n notwistand_v these_o difference_n and_o first_o of_o their_o difference_n in_o opinion_n they_o be_v first_o more_o easy_a and_o favourable_a in_o matter_n of_o image_n than_o we_o be_v though_o they_o worship_v they_o not_o beside_o they_o teach_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v utter_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o deny_v but_o the_o great_a and_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o first_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n even_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v every_o where_o whereas_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v and_o have_v god_n word_n for_o it_o that_o since_o his_o ascension_n his_o body_n be_v contain_v in_o one_o certain_a place_n namely_o in_o heaven_n act_v 3.21_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n they_o affirm_v that_o his_o body_n be_v real_o present_a in_o under_o and_o with_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n we_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v real_o there_o only_o to_o the_o faithful_a receiver_n and_o only_o sacramental_o and_o spiritual_o and_o not_o bodily_a as_o john_n 6.63_o these_o two_o be_v matter_n of_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n such_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thorough_o press_v they_o will_v give_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o true_a body_n than_o it_o can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o once_o i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o discuss_v these_o point_n but_o only_o as_o fall_v in_o by_o the_o way_n haply_o hereafter_o i_o may_v have_v some_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o more_o full_o only_o let_v it_o suffice_v for_o the_o present_a that_o these_o their_o opinion_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o do_v direct_o deny_v the_o foundation_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o so_o much_o for_o their_o opinion_n they_o second_o the_o tumult_n and_o unnatural_a contention_n raise_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o difference_n they_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n very_o bitter_a and_o uncharitable_a on_o both_o side_n we_o be_v bitter_a enough_o against_o they_o but_o they_o as_o man_n of_o fiery_a spirit_n be_v marvelous_a bitter_a against_o we_o as_o bitter_a as_o against_o the_o papist_n yea_o they_o be_v more_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o they_o be_v against_o the_o papist_n i_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n therefore_o i_o will_v suppress_v they_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v best_a if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v broach_v but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v it_o be_v best_o to_o bury_v they_o in_o silence_n and_o perpetual_a oblivion_n but_o yet_o see_v there_o be_v such_o dissension_n i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o exception_n the_o papist_n take_v against_o we_o for_o they_o second_o what_o use_v we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o for_o the_o first_o the_o papist_n rejoice_v great_o at_o it_o it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n to_o they_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o together_o by_o the_o care_n and_o they_o insult_v over_o both_o party_n allege_v it_o as_o a_o firm_a exception_n that_o therefore_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n no_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v a_o very_a malicious_a but_o yet_o a_o very_a weak_a consequence_n it_o be_v a_o malicious_a practice_n of_o they_o to_o build_v up_o themselves_o on_o other_o man_n ruin_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v other_o ruin_n will_v make_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o sandy_a building_n first_o diverse_o we_o will_v answer_v to_o the_o man_n and_o then_o to_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o the_o papist_n we_o answer_v what_o if_o there_o be_v dissension_n betwixt_o we_o what_o get_v they_o by_o that_o indeed_o if_o they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o oppose_v we_o than_o it_o be_v some_o exception_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o lutheran_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o ubiquity_n and_o consubstantiaton_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o opposite_a to_o they_o as_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v little_a vantage_n by_o that_o beside_o if_o dissension_n betwixt_o we_o make_v we_o to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n than_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n for_o the_o papist_n themselves_o be_v at_o as_o great_a dissension_n and_o as_o bitter_a one_o against_o another_o as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o old_a but_o even_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jesuit_n and_o secular_a priest_n maintain_v a_o mortal_a hatred_n betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a exception_n against_o we_o it_o be_v so_o also_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v they_o with_o chirst_n in_o the_o gospel_n hypocrite_n first_o pull_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 23.2_o first_o let_v they_o purge_v their_o church_n of_o their_o own_o dissension_n and_o difference_n and_o then_o let_v they_o charge_v we_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n itself_o that_o consent_n do_v not_o always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o do_v consent_n nor_o that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v consent_v in_o neither_o do_v dissent_n always_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n that_o do_v dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n nor_o that_o a_o false_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n dissent_v in_o first_o
consent_n prove_v not_o always_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o a_o true_a religion_n for_o then_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o religion_n true_a because_o they_o all_o consent_v to_o crucify_v christ_n and_o with_o one_o voice_n cry_v crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o here_o be_v consent_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o bloody_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a peter_n &_o paul_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o false_a church_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o they_o dissent_v and_o contend_v sharp_o but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n nor_o of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o yea_o we_o see_v oft_o time_n that_o the_o worst_a matter_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o great_a consent_n and_o the_o best_a with_o great_a dissension_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o sound_a body_n that_o strive_v most_o to_o expel_v hurtful_a humour_n so_o that_o be_v the_o sound_a church_n that_o be_v most_o exercise_v with_o bicker_n against_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o true_a church_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v dissension_n and_o heresy_n that_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 19_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v for_o the_o papist_n exception_n which_o they_o take_v against_o we_o for_o this_o dissension_n difference_n now_o second_o we_o be_v to_o show_v what_o use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o these_o dissension_n and_o difference_n sure_o though_o we_o will_v not_o name_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v make_v many_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o first_o this_o shall_v stir_v up_o our_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o mourn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n dishonour_v and_o his_o truth_n blaspheme_v and_o the_o church_n miserable_o distract_v by_o man_n infirmity_n frailty_n and_o dissension_n second_o this_o discover_v the_o devil_n malice_n that_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o go_v on_o prosperous_o forward_a but_o set_v even_o the_o builder_n themselves_o at_o variance_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o building_n and_o from_o join_v together_o with_o one_o hand_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n yea_o he_o carry_v they_o into_o such_o outrage_n of_o passion_n and_o speech_n that_o thereby_o their_o person_n and_o cause_n be_v much_o disgrace_v before_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v censure_v by_o his_o outrage_n they_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n then_o of_o god_n three_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n if_o not_o wilfulness_n of_o man_n that_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v disclaim_v their_o error_n and_o put_v up_o disgraceful_a and_o opprobrious_a speech_n they_o pass_v not_o to_o set_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n on_o fire_n four_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n that_o never_o come_v forth_o but_o encumber_v with_o many_o opposition_n both_o within_o and_o without_o and_o still_o mingle_v with_o some_o error_n and_o contention_n even_o in_o the_o chief_a professor_n themselves_o last_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o that_o do_v restrain_v the_o rage_n of_o man_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n that_o howsoever_o we_o differ_v in_o some_o point_n yet_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o chief_a as_o in_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o and_o howsoever_o we_o differ_v among_o ourselves_o yet_o each_o of_o we_o agree_v against_o antichrist_n and_o popery_n with_o a_o common_a hand_n though_o not_o so_o thorough_o as_o otherwise_o we_o may_v do_v yet_o so_o as_o neither_o of_o we_o yield_v one_o jot_n to_o the_o papist_n though_o they_o expect_v long_o ere_o this_o to_o have_v devour_v both_o they_o and_o we_o as_o a_o prey_n or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v sleep_v in_o a_o whole_a skin_n as_o we_o say_v work_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o our_o former_a dissension_n they_o the_o three_o point_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v of_o these_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o error_n and_o dissension_n surlev_n if_o we_o shall_v condemn_v they_o as_o false_a church_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a and_o wicked_a for_o they_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n under_o god_n of_o our_o call_n therefore_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n beside_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o much_o for_o see_v they_o affirm_v direct_o the_o foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n why_o we_o shall_v give_v such_o hard_a sentence_n against_o they_o therefore_o let_v we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v god_n own_o church_n and_o let_v we_o commiserate_v their_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o let_v we_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o let_v we_o pass_v by_o the_o wrong_n they_o offer_v we_o and_o let_v we_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o let_v we_o entreat_v god_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o pacify_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o reconcile_v these_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o to_o knit_v our_o heart_n together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o judgement_n and_o speak_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o much_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o lutheran_n church_n church_n now_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o our_o own_o church_n which_o have_v be_v the_o special_a reach_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o final_a conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n we_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o most_o protestant_a church_n that_o we_o be_v as_o well_o reform_v in_o doctrine_n as_o any_o church_n it_o be_v god_n great_a mercy_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v so_o reform_v in_o the_o best_a and_o weighty_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n confess_v for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n sound_a in_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v fail_v in_o discipline_n as_o they_o say_v yet_o the_o substance_n be_v sound_n the_o danger_n be_v the_o less_o discipline_n make_v only_o for_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o do●h_n the_o presence_n of_o it_o make_v a_o true_a church_n nor_o the_o absence_n of_o it_o can_v mar_v the_o life_n &_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o reform_v herein_o as_o we_o shall_v for_o some_o reformation_n we_o have_v many_o point_n and_o part_n of_o discipline_n be_v far_o better_o among_o we_o then_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o our_o faith_n be_v sound_a the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o our_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a i_o will_v deliver_v the_o point_n by_o way_n of_o observation_n doctr._n and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o now_o it_o stand_v though_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sayling_n and_o weakness_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n first_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v many_o fayling_n &_o weakness_n in_o our_o church_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o shall_v smooth_v up_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n as_o many_o do_v with_o all_o be_v well_o when_o some_o thing_n be_v amiss_o or_o justify_v every_o particular_a because_o we_o have_v many_o good_a thing_n among_o we_o no_o if_o there_o be_v any_o baal_n among_o we_o let_v he_o plead_v for_o himself_o i_o will_v not_o plead_v for_o he_o second_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o measure_n church_n special_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n as_o we_o show_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o very_o unsound_a but_o we_o be_v true_a &_o sound_a too_o &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o want_n of_o which_o difference_n right_o observe_v reason_n have_v cause_v many_o uncharitable_a censure_n to_o pass_v from_o we_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n &_o from_o the_o separatist_n against_o we_o three_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n indefinite_o which_o seem_v strange_a in_o some_o ear_n that_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o professor_n in_o england_n shall_v be_v call_v one_o church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o national_a church_n which_o say_v they_o be_v mere_o a_o humane_a invention_n not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n but_o to_o justify_v this_o speech_n against_o their_o exception_n take_v these_o
reason_n first_o where_o there_o be_v many_o particular_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n some_o general_a notion_n or_o apprehension_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v together_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o general_a humane_a nature_n in_o which_o they_o must_v all_o meet_v and_o be_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o whereas_o we_o have_v many_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o all_o may_v right_o be_v term_v and_o comprehend_v under_o one_o name_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n live_v in_o a_o city_n or_o about_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o we_o compare_v revel_v 2.1_o with_o act_n 20_o 17._o why_o may_v not_o therefore_o all_o parochial_a church_n of_o any_o one_o land_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o land_n or_o nation_n three_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v national_a the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v direct_o so_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n the_o jew_n be_v cast_v off_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o their_o stead_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v public_o and_o general_o embrace_v the_o save_a ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v right_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o national_n church_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v call_v a_o church_n of_o england_n now_o as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v a_o jewish_a church_n heretofore_o last_o whereas_o i_o speak_v of_o our_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o sound_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o better_a part_n the_o whole_a take_v the_o denomination_n from_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v true_a but_o in_o some_o part_n that_o be_v in_o our_o most_o religious_a and_o best_a order_a congregation_n that_o they_o be_v so_o than_o i_o hope_v charity_n will_v grant_v i_o be_o sure_a reason_n will_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v lawful_o take_v her_o denomination_n from_o the_o better_a part_n else_o no_o part_n 〈◊〉_d congregation_n can_v be_v right_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n for_o it_o be_v so_o call_v proper_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a believe_v and_o live_v member_n that_o be_v therein_o though_o the_o great_a part_n oft_o time_n be_v hypocrite_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o note_n be_v set_v upright_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o reas_n 1_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o or_o four_o shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n church_n the_o reason_n before_o mention_v prove_v the_o greek_a roman_a and_o lutheran_n church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o prove_v we_o sufficient_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o we_o affirm_v the_o whole_a foundation_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o but_o in_o this_o we_o have_v undertake_v more_o that_o be_v that_o our_o church_n be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o point_n here_o to_o be_v hold_v to_o and_o the_o first_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o measure_n be_v from_o the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a church_n wheresoever_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o the_o word_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o according_o profess_v there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v in_o public_a profession_n in_o use_n so_o that_o word_n be_v pure_o teach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v and_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n profess_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o proposition_n i_o have_v handle_v it_o before_o in_o deliver_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o the_o assumption_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v they_o pure_o or_o no_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o a_o church_n be_v esteem_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o pureness_n of_o these_o mark_n where_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o more_o sound_a church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v less_o pure_a there_o be_v a_o less_o sound_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v pure_a without_o tradition_n or_o man_n invention_n answ_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v a_o sound_a visible_a church_n we_o be_v charge_v by_o the_o separatist_n that_o we_o preach_v canon_n and_o man_n constitution_n as_o god_n wor●_n but_o we_o answer_v these_o be_v not_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n but_o only_o serve_v for_o some_o passage_n and_o carriage_n touch_v god_n service_n answ_n special_o in_o church_n government_n second_o they_o say_v we_o suppress_v some_o part_n of_o god_n word_n as_o discipline_n i_o answer_v all_o that_o we_o know_v we_o teach_v express_o and_o impartial_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fayling_n as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v in_o all_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n pure_o teach_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n still_o stand_v good_a that_o the_o word_n teach_v among_o we_o so_o also_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v among_o we_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o circumstance_n as_o we_o know_v none_o neither_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o action_n nor_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o assumption_n likewise_o obedience_n be_v true_o profess_v thereunto_o at_o least_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o a_o great_a many_o too_o through_o god_n mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o note_n stand_v firm_a and_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n even_o as_o it_o now_o stand_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o sound_a visible_a church_n reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o the_o invisible_a take_v it_o thus_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_n make_v they_o the_o true_a church_n invisible_a the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v public_o teach_v and_o learn_v in_o a_o visible_a congregation_n and_o by_o they_o profess_v joint_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v &_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n make_v they_o a_o true_a and_o in_o that_o proportionable_a measure_n a_o sound_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v so_o call_v respective_o to_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o they_o public_o and_o joint_o profess_v the_o same_o save_a faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a in_o the_o mind_n and_o truth_n of_o heart_n believe_v and_o obey_v but_o our_o church_n do_v joint_o and_o public_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o invisible_a church_n do_v true_o embrace_v and_o thereby_o be_v make_v a_o true_a church_n visible_a even_o that_o whole_a truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n as_o by_o our_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n it_o do_v appear_v which_o be_v the_o joint_a confession_n of_o our_o church_n yea_o our_o very_a adversary_n may_v witness_v for_o we_o in_o this_o aynsworthe_n say_v 11._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o doctrine_n have_v save_v many_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a and_o so_o johnson_n acknowledge_v that_o very_a many_o among_o we_o be_v true_a christian_n by_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n which_o here_o they_o have_v attain_a unto_o only_o set_v they_o a_o part_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o if_o any_o man_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n do_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v that_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v who_o can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o true_a invisible_a church_n our_o church_n
esa_n 9.21_o and_o so_o the_o papist_n be_v against_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o both_o against_o our_o church_n of_o england_n each_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o open_a mouth_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o stand_v therein_o and_o the_o papist_n think_v we_o can_v justify_v our_o self_n against_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n boast_v that_o we_o can_v acquit_v ourselves_o of_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o popery_n here_o than_o be_v our_o present_a task_n how_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o adversary_n that_o we_o may_v fall_v foul_a on_o neither_o they_o do_v not_o assault_v we_o both_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o several_a quarrel_n and_o each_o do_v manage_v a_o several_a fight_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v frame_v our_o several_a defence_n according_o against_o they_o the_o papist_n he_o strike_v main_o against_o our_o religion_n the_o very_a life_n of_o our_o church_n the_o separatist_n strike_v special_o at_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n the_o exception_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o yet_o altogether_o unjust_a and_o untrue_a us._n that_o of_o the_o separatist_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o more_o colour_n of_o truth_n in_o some_o point_n but_o be_v much_o less_o dangerous_a first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o papist_n as_o be_v the_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o the_o two_o and_o his_o quarrel_n the_o great_a and_o because_o he_o except_v against_o our_o religion_n we_o will_v balance_v their_o religion_n and_o we_o together_o and_o so_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o trial_n and_o join_v in_o this_o issue_n whether_o their_o religion_n be_v better_a than_o we_o or_o our_o religion_n better_o than_o they_o and_o because_o false_a balance_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v disclaim_v they_o carnal_a reason_n outward_a pomp_n plausible_a show_n and_o probability_n be_v deceitful_a weight_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o use_n let_v we_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o scale_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o equal_a and_o true_a weight_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o be_v by_o such_o spiritual_a and_o sound_a consideration_n as_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o try_v by_o it_o be_v tedious_a if_o not_o infinite_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o i_o will_v therefore_o cull_v out_o six_o or_o seven_o of_o the_o principal_a for_o instance_n and_o thereby_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o will_v weigh_v they_o in_o four_o exceptionlesse_a balance_n and_o make_v it_o plain_a god_n willing_a in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o six_o or_o seven_o instance_n by_o every_o of_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o our_o religion_n will_v hold_v weight_n full_a weight_n down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o that_o they_o be_v too_o light_a not_o worthy_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o beam_n balance_n the_o four_o balance_n that_o we_o will_v weigh_v these_o instance_n in_o be_v first_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n second_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n three_o the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n four_o the_o balance_n of_o peace_n of_o conscience_n the_o instance_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o which_o we_o will_v weigh_v in_o these_o balance_n be_v these_o be_v the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n it_o have_v above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n the_o second_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n against_o man_n freewill_n the_o three_o be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n of_o merit_n the_o four_o be_v of_o christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n the_o five_o be_v of_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n the_o six_o be_v of_o our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n the_o last_o instance_n be_v of_o our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n and_o plain_a deal_n that_o all_o may_v look_v into_o they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n and_o huckurmucker_n of_o these_o in_o order_n and_o first_o let_v we_o weigh_v these_o seven_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o balance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n for_o that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o tend_v most_o direct_o and_o entire_o to_o god_n glory_n all_o that_o we_o do_v must_v be_v frame_v and_o refer_v to_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o special_o our_o religion_n col._n 3.16.17_o and_o if_o man_n shall_v devise_v a_o religion_n for_o any_o god_n true_a or_o false_a they_o will_v resolve_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n whereby_o that_o god_n to_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v may_v be_v most_o glorify_v yea_o our_o very_a religion_n itself_o what_o be_v it_o but_o our_o worship_v of_o believe_v in_o call_v upon_o and_o obey_v god_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o our_o very_a glorify_v of_o god_n but_o the_o religion_n profess_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v most_o direct_o and_o entire_o tend_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o but_o contrary_o it_o tend_v to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o these_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n glory_n and_o the_o absolute_a authority_n thereof_o above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n put_v this_o into_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o admit_v as_o we_o do_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a in_o itself_o and_o have_v absolute_a authority_n above_o the_o church_n and_o tradition_n and_o see_v how_o god_n glory_n be_v thereby_o advance_a for_o thereby_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v provide_v most_o bountiful_o and_o sufficient_o for_o his_o church_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n that_o need_v no_o addition_n and_o thereby_o god_n shall_v rule_v by_o his_o own_o will_n and_o law_n and_o be_v worship_v by_o his_o own_o ordinance_n only_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o god_n great_a honour_n but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o prefer_v or_o equal_v the_o church_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o mingle_v tradition_n with_o god_n word_n and_o all_o this_o glory_n shall_v be_v much_o eclipse_v the_o second_o instance_n be_v of_o god_n freegrace_n balance_n against_o man_n freewill_n admit_v that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v or_o have_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o any_o will_n or_o towardliness_n to_o good_a in_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v thereby_o right_o and_o true_o glorify_v if_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n of_o ourselves_o no_o not_o to_o think_v well_o but_o that_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n be_v both_o from_o god_n grace_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o abilty_a or_o desire_n or_o endeavour_n but_o as_o we_o be_v effectual_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o our_o work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v here_o do_v to_o god_n be_v whole_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n alone_o but_o deny_v this_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o avouch_v that_o there_o be_v some_o freedom_n in_o our_o own_o will_n to_o good_a than_o god_n do_v the_o less_o for_o we_o and_o so_o do_v the_o less_o glorify_v himself_o on_o we_o extol_v man_n in_o this_o corrupt_a estate_n and_o dishonour_n god_n but_o dishonour_n man_n herein_o and_o extol_v god_n the_o three_o instance_n be_v of_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n balance_n if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o we_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n and_o we_o yield_v to_o christ_n jesus_n the_o glory_n and_o prerogative_n of_o our_o alone_a and_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n and_o we_o magnify_v his_o righteousness_n as_o be_v of_o that_o infinite_a worth_n and_o power_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o as_o to_o make_v we_o true_o and_o perfect_o righteous_a that_o believe_v it_o which_o as_o his_o proper_a due_n be_v direct_o assign_v of_o his_o father_n and_o just_o challenge_v by_o himself_o and_o worthy_o obtain_v by_o his_o do_n suffering_n and_o victory_n but_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o we_o do_v merit_v some_o favour_n with_o god_n by_o our_o own_o good_a work_n and_o then_o we_o detract_v from_o christ_n glory_n and_o make_v man_n compartner_n together_o with_o christ_n in_o this_o glorious_a work_n
indirect_a allegation_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o god_n commandment_n bid_v we_o to_o do_v well_o and_o from_o his_o promise_n if_o we_o do_v well_o which_o rather_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o then_o imply_v any_o ability_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o in_o ourselves_o rule_n the_o three_o instance_n justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o against_o man_n merit_n we_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 3.20_o 28_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gal._n 2.16_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n &c_n &c_n and_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a james_n 2.24_o you_o see_v then_o how_o that_o of_o work_n a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o of_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o cross_v the_o former_a except_o they_o will_v blaspheme_v and_o say_v that_o god_n do_v contradict_v himself_o but_o be_v plain_o speak_v of_o another_o say_v that_o be_v dead_a verse_n 90._o whereas_o justify_v faith_n be_v a_o live_a faith_n and_o of_o another_o justification_n that_o be_v before_o man_n as_o verse_n 18._o whereas_o this_o be_v before_o god_n ●ule_n the_o four_o instance_n christ_n our_o only_a advocate_n against_o other_o intercessor_n we_o hold_v and_o teach_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o john_n 2.1.2_o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o just_a and_o he_o be_v the_o reconciliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o revel_v 8.3_o another_o angel_n come_v and_o stand_v before_o the_o altar_n have_v a_o golden_a censor_n and_o much_o odour_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o saint_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n who_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o the_o law_n exod._n 28.38_o do_v appear_v before_o god_n make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o show_n of_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n neither_o for_o any_o one_o no_o nor_o for_o all_o the_o saint_n together_o to_o do_v the_o like_a rule_n the_o five_o instance_n the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o image_n our_o religion_n teach_v according_a to_o the_o word_n john_n 4.23.24_o that_o all_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n require_v even_o such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o exod._n 20.4_o 5._o thou_o shall_v make_v thou_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o &c_n &c_n this_o second_o commandment_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o this_o that_o the_o papist_n leave_v it_o out_o in_o some_o of_o their_o catechism_n and_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o commandment_n by_o divide_v the_o last_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tit●le_a of_o scripture_n for_o image_n neither_o precept_n dispensation_n exception_n or_o example_n approve_v ●rule_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v fearful_o threaten_v and_o strange_o punish_v the_o six_o instance_n our_o communion_n against_o their_o mass_n our_o communion_n be_v warrant_v by_o god_n word_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o c_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25_o &c_n &c_n whereas_o their_o mass_n have_v no_o warrant_n at_o all_o in_o the_o word_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o it_o find_v there_o nor_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n rule_n nor_o any_o intimation_n of_o repeat_v it_o but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o may_v see_v hebr._n 10.10_o 14._o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n once_o make_v with_o one_o offering_n &c_n &c_n the_o seven_o instance_n our_o carriage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o open_a sight_n against_o their_o carriage_n of_o all_o in_o a_o cloud_n our_o prayer_n make_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n be_v warrant_v in_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o 15._o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o understand_v also_o &c_n &c_n and_o so_o for_o the_o word_n to_o be_v free_a and_o common_a to_o all_o as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o have_v his_o warrant_n matth._n 5.15_o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n but_o on_o a_o candlestick_n and_o it_o give_v light_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n and_o prou._n 9.4_o 5._o who_o be_v simple_a let_v he_o come_v hither_o &c_n &c_n and_o esa_n 55.1.3_o loe_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n &c_n &c_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v so_o likewise_o have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n his_o warrant_n joh._n 9.35_o do_v thou_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o our_o saviour_n require_v a_o explicit_a and_o particular_a faith_n in_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o &c_n &c_n that_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 7.6_o give_v you_o not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n &c_n &c_n be_v a_o malicious_a pervert_v of_o christ_n word_n to_o his_o people_n destruction_n and_o their_o own_o ruin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o oar_n full_a weight_n in_o this_o second_o balance_n of_o god_n word_n let_v we_o try_v they_o in_o the_o three_o balance_n bal●_n the_o balance_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o true_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o be_v most_o powerful_a to_o work_v holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o our_o call_n and_o the_o end_n of_o ●●_o what_o cold_a devotion_n will_v there_o be_v in_o we_o and_o what_o hourly_a prayer_n and_o little_a faith_n and_o less_o reverence_n as_o deal_v with_o man_n and_o not_o with_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o five_o instance_n rule_n if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n without_o image_n it_o work_v in_o we_o spiritualnesse_n and_o truth_n for_o we_o present_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o worship_n naked_o without_o any_o image_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o before_o a_o pure_a spirit_n we_o be_v stir_v up_o thereby_o and_o grow_v by_o use_n to_o frame_v ourselves_o to_o his_o own_o image_n to_o be_v spiritual_a man_n and_o spiritual_o mind_v &_o spiritual_o affect_v our_o understanding_n will_n thought_n desire_n meditation_n and_o course_n will_v be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a lift_v up_o to_o a_o high_a strain_n in_o affection_n and_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o to_o be_v true_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n against_o all_o carelessness_n and_o hypocrisy_n rule_n and_o formality_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n six_o our_o spiritual_a and_o true_a communion_n with_o christ_n against_o their_o mass_n by_o this_o communion_n christ_n spiritual_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o mystical_a body_n here_o faith_n do_v her_o right_a office_n in_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n sound_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n whereas_o in_o the_o mass_n there_o be_v but_o the_o flesh_n which_o without_o the_o spirit_n profit_v nothing_o and_o the_o bodily_a eye_n and_o hand_n and_o mouth_n and_o belly_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o &_o faith_n do_v little_a or_o nothing_o seven_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v carry_v open_o rule_n and_o not_o in_o a_o cloud_n then_o all_o be_v do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a will_n desire_n devotion_n affection_n and_o endevoure_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n as_o may_v best_o beseem_v he_o and_o
they_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o graceless_a devotion_n in_o th●t_a mind_n where_o knowledge_n have_v not_o first_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o balance_n conscience_n and_o therein_o try_v our_o religion_n and_o they_o in_o these_o seven_o instance_n and_o that_o be_v the_o balance_n of_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o bring_v sound_a comfort_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_a gospel_n that_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o agree_v direct_o with_o christ_n spiritual_a office_n isaiah_n 61.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o therefore_o have_v the_o lord_n anoint_v i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a &c_n &c_n and_o matth._n 11.28_o but_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o church_n bring_v sound_a comfort_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o popish_a religion_n do_v not_o so_o but_o rather_o purposely_o afflict_v man_n conscience_n then_o comfort_v they_o terrify_v they_o with_o a_o slavish_a fear_n nourish_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o bring_v man_n back_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o law_n again_o therefore_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o be_v the_o false_a rule_n see_v this_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n set_v the_o conscience_n at_o rest_n as_o have_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v set_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o god_n book_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wander_v after_o uncertainty_n and_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o must_v trust_v unto_o and_o the_o absolute_a command_n of_o scripture_n convince_v the_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o both_o together_o assure_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_n true_o to_o frame_v himself_o thereunto_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o certain_a state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n second_o if_o all_o be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n rule_n and_o not_o of_o man_n free_a will_n than_o we_o be_v singular_o comfort_v in_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n desire_n and_o work_n be_v not_o our_o own_o for_o than_o they_o will_v be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a but_o they_o be_v god_n own_o do_n and_o they_o be_v the_o action_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o three_o rule_n if_o justification_n be_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o man_n merit_n than_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n rom._n 5.1_o and_o then_o we_o have_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o on_o the_o sand_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n but_o on_o the_o immovable_a rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o he_o four_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a advocate_n rule_n we_o have_v assurance_n to_o be_v hear_v john_n 16.23_o and_o 1_o john_n 5.14_o 15._o and_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o what_o can_v the_o lord_n deny_v his_o own_o son_n or_o we_o for_o his_o sake_n whereas_o if_o we_o have_v other_o advocat_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v we_o yea_o of_o many_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v saint_n or_o no_o or_o if_o they_o do_v hear_v we_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o can_v help_v we_o yea_o we_o have_v no_o sound_a warrant_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o such_o a_o unwarrantable_a course_n &_o so_o fare_v the_o worse_a for_o sodo_v among_o man_n rule_n five_o if_o we_o worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o image_n than_o we_o have_v assurance_n that_o we_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o after_o the_o true_a and_o right_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o specifical_a difference_n of_o god_n religion_n from_o all_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whereas_o if_o we_o worship_v in_o or_o by_o a_o image_n we_o do_v still_o suspect_v whether_o we_o do_v well_o or_o no_o for_o even_o nature_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v abhor_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v repute_v a_o material_a substance_n and_o therefore_o how_o can_v god_n be_v please_v rule_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o resemble_v six_o if_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n in_o our_o communion_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v effectual_o settle_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o wine_n in_o our_o stomach_n work_v a_o answerable_a correspondency_n by_o the_o thing_n signify_v rule_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o last_o if_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n plain_o deliver_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v see_v into_o they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o dark_o as_o they_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n than_o we_o know_v what_o we_o worship_v john_n 4._o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n whereas_o they_o poor_a soul_n go_v on_o in_o the_o dark_a not_o know_v whither_o they_o go_v so_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o four_o balance_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o light_a and_o we_o be_v down_o weight_n and_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o be_v just_o reprove_v for_o censure_v our_o church_n to_o be_v a_o false_a church_n because_o we_o have_v a_o false_a religion_n whereas_o they_o be_v the_o false_a and_o we_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n second_o it_o be_v for_o reproof_n of_o the_o separatist_n signify_v they_o be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o but_o i_o purpose_v god_n willing_a brief_o to_o answer_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o exception_n and_o to_o let_v all_o their_o bitter_a clamour_n alone_o their_o first_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v it_o have_v a_o false_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o false_a church_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a consequence_n and_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v there_o be_v many_o frog_n and_o mouse_n and_o other_o creature_n generate_v of_o putrefaction_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a frog_n though_o they_o be_v not_o produce_v by_o natural_a generation_n and_o he_o that_o out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n can_v raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n be_v able_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o true_a constitution_n so_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v false_a and_o the_o antecedent_n be_v false_a too_o for_o our_o constitution_n through_o god_n mercy_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a constitution_n signify_v sometime_o the_o state_n which_o a_o thing_n be_v frame_v unto_o as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o state_n condition_n or_o dispensation_n which_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v endue_v with_o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o act_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v as_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o body_n in_o a_o borrow_a sense_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o we_o be_v true_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o have_v the_o word_n sacrament_n ministry_n and_o government_n and_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o obedience_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o what_o need_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o act_n whereby_o we_o be_v so_o constitute_v as_o thereby_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o example_n when_o i_o come_v into_o a_o strange_a place_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o city_n and_o there_o i_o see_v people_n corporation_n civil_a assembly_n law_n and_o order_n and_o a_o general_a profession_n of_o obedience_n thereunto_o shall_v not_o i_o hold_v that_o a_o true_a city_n though_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v found_v and_o gather_v but_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o that_o sense_n also_o man_n be_v true_o call_v and_o gather_v among_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n but_o say_v they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o gather_v at_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v first_o if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o now_o
bellarmine_n tend_v direct_o hereto_o and_o they_o labour_v to_o prove_v it_o with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o it_o stand_v they_o upon_o for_o if_o this_o do_v not_o stand_v the_o whole_a form_n of_o their_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o whereas_o they_o say_v the_o true_a church_n be_v always_o notorious_o visible_a and_o therefore_o their_o church_n be_v so_o be_v the_o true_a church_n we_o say_v and_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o such_o straits_n that_o the_o outward_a face_n thereof_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o do_v hardly_o appear_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o their_o church_n have_v and_o shall_v be_v always_o notorious_o visible_a then_o they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n their_o exception_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n if_o they_o be_v well_o consider_v i_o will_v stand_v but_o upon_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o chief_a answer_v they_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o five_o of_o matthew_n and_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o light_n be_v always_o see_v therefore_o the_o church_n be_v always_o see_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v speak_v personal_o to_o the_o disciple_n you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o walk_v offensive_o to_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o good_a example_n how_o do_v this_o serve_v then_o to_o prove_v the_o continual_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o i_o say_v that_o a_o light_n may_v be_v eclipse_v for_o a_o time_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o light_n still_o the_o moon_n be_v a_o light_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o visible_a for_o sometime_o it_o be_v eclipse_v and_o yet_o then_o it_o 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church_n be_v alwayy_n visible_a i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a they_o must_v profess_v always_o and_o so_o they_o do_v except_o it_o be_v in_o time_n of_o their_o infirmity_n but_o must_v they_o do_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n no_o they_o may_v do_v it_o among_o themselves_o always_o though_o there_o be_v but_o two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o when_o they_o be_v many_o they_o may_v do_v it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n too_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a danger_n in_o it_o yea_o though_o there_o be_v certain_a danger_n in_o it_o yet_o if_o they_o have_v a_o call_n to_o it_o they_o be_v resolute_a even_o to_o die_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o profession_n as_o be_v require_v and_o yet_o because_o their_o number_n be_v but_o few_o and_o that_o they_o live_v in_o certain_a place_n and_o be_v in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o most_o part_n obscure_v and_o simple_a man_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o such_o general_a notice_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o they_o and_o those_o that_o do_v hear_v of_o they_o or_o see_v they_o be_v usual_o little_o move_v by_o their_o example_n at_o least_o they_o be_v seldom_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o join_v with_o they_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o perpetual_a notorious_a visiblenesse_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o will_v return_v upon_o they_o with_o these_o two_o point_n and_o choke_v they_o with_o these_o two_o bone_n first_o we_o ask_v they_o where_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v when_o antichrist_n come_v for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v that_o in_o antichrists_n time_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o desolation_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n it_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v sometime_o invisible_a yea_o but_o say_v they_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n still_o though_o it_o be_v then_o obscure_v and_o we_o say_v then_o that_o antichrist_n be_v come_v and_o our_o 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that_o say_v we_o have_v no_o true_a ordination_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v our_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n therefore_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n use_v 3_o three_o answer_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o that_o question_n which_o the_o papist_n ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n do_v he_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n no_o he_o erect_v no_o new_a church_n but_o by_o his_o ministry_n bring_v many_o faithful_a out_o of_o their_o impure_a and_o unsound_a church_n church_n into_o a_o more_o sound_a and_o pure_a church_n not_o only_o for_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n for_o then_o he_o have_v be_v a_o schismatique_a to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o point_n well_o consider_v prevent_v a_o number_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o if_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o heat_n 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truth_n maybe_o say_v for_o that_o church_n the_o seven_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o last_o point_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o the_o application_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o church_n that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n after_o we_o have_v divide_v they_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o language_n into_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o eastern_a and_o greek_a church_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o western_a and_o latin_a church_n and_o of_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o some_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o have_v he_o to_o be_v their_o head_n other_o have_v shake_v off_o that_o yoke_n and_o headshippe_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o reform_a church_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o she_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o her_o adherent_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n ●o_o be_v the_o daughter_n as_o i_o have_v say_v rome_n now_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o propound_v these_o two_o observation_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o first_o what_o may_v be-spoken_a in_o charity_n for_o she_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n too_o and_o of_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v second_o what_o in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a judgement_n too_o may_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o zeal_n and_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sound_a iugement_n against_o she_o a_o point_n very_o needful_a to_o be_v well_o clear_v and_o right_o understand_v for_o whereas_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o former_a observation_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v right_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n '_o every_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o except_v against_o it_o and_o say_v why_o then_o have_v ye●_n forsake_v it_o why_o do_v you_o not_o still_o hold_v communion_n with_o she_o what_o just_a exception_n can_v you_o allege_v for_o your_o separation_n from_o she_o for_o answer_n to_o which_o exception_n doct._n 2_o i_o will_v propound_v in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o observation_n namely_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v repute_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v marvelous_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o corrupt_a with_o many_o foul_a abuse_n error_n and_o abomination_n yea_o so_o corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o she_o the_o observation_n you_o see_v consist_v of_o two_o branch_n the_o former_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o latter_a avouch_v that_o she_o be_v pollute_v with_o many_o foul_a abomination_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o inference_n from_o the_o former_a that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a nor_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o she_o the_o whole_a observation_n 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